EMBARK ON THE TREKKING ADVENTURES IN LADAKH AND HIMACHAL

 The Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh are exciting when it comes to exploring unknown places. Leave aside the booming tourist spots and move on a journey in these great mountains chartering the trek routes. Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh boast some amazing trek routes that expose you to the panoramic beauty of the great Himalayas. 

All these expeditions are not for everyone. Climbing up steep rocks, it is most important to keep a watch on each step you take. Stop and go is the trick but keep moving to reach your destination. That’s what trekking adventures are all about. 

Read on further to know about some of the wonderful trek routes of these two Himalayan states of Ladakh and Himachal.

Explore the luring landscape of Ladakh through treks

Ladakh is completely different in terms of terrain at 9800 ft above sea level. All you may see around are barren mountains standing tall with no vegetation around. Occasionally, you may find villages in the vicinity. It is thinly populated. Amidst this wilderness are several of the treks that adventurous souls take up. The experience is life-changing. 

Chadar Trek- Ladakh is home to harsh and extremely severe winters. There is snow all around and not a single water body is in liquid form. Thus to make things going, the Ladakis started trudging on the frozen lakes and rivers. The Chadar Trek is one such exciting trek that gets its name from this cover of snow on the river. Zaskar is a prominent river in the Ladakh region. During winters this river is completely frozen. The Chadar Trekis a well-known tough trek that can bring a lifetime experience of walking on the frozen river. 

Sham Valley trek– Also known as a ‘baby trek’, this scenic trek winds over lower Ladakh and passes through the 11th-century Buddhist monastery locally known as gompa. It has a tall golden statue of the Lord Buddha. The path takes you through villages and is popular with beginners. There are some in-between steep heights to climb. This is just the practice for stiffer climbs. This in particular is a 3 to 5-day trek. 

Nubra Valley trek– The Nubra Valley trek is known as the most-picturesque trek in Ladakh. It traverses through the former Silk Road of ancient fame. As one moves along, there are meadows and places of worship that you may spot. What is interesting in this trek is the vast open view of the Karakoram range in its full glory. Take a few stops in between to soak in the breathtaking views from 17, 716 ft above sea level. 

Markha valley trek– This is an adventurous trek which takes 8 to 10 days to complete. At 16,830 ft, this trek moves through high passes and has a varied climb at several places. It moves through the Hemis National Parks where the largest population of snow leopards is found. On the way, you get to see the snow-capped mountain tops and the spread-out valley beneath. 

Stok Kangri trek– This is a tough trek with a steep climb at places. The Stok Kangri trek at the summit at 20,187 ft has snowy and slippery slopes. The mountains here are very rugged and sharp as a razor. As you climb, you will be faced with cold icy winds on the face. Be acclimatized before you begin your journey to this trek. 

Venture into the unchartered paths of Himachal Pradesh

The state of Himachal Pradesh is mesmerizing with the backdrop of the Himalayas. It is home to several well-known hill stations such as Dharamshala. It is sandwiched between the Zaskar range in the northeast and the Shiwaliks in the southern region. In middle, the Dhauladhar and the Pir Panjal ranges are across. Himachal is also a trekker’s destination with many interesting trek paths. 

Triund Trek- This is considered the beginner’s trek route. An easy-going trek, the Tirund Trek moves through valleys and the picture-perfect background of the Dhauladhar range. This trek is taken up by weekend travellers and lasts for 2 days duration. The Kangra valley is also visible through the Tirund Trek. It is an easy to moderate trek with an elevation of 9350 feet above sea level. The entire distance is about 6 km and has a few points of sharp ascent. Once you reach Tirund you will discover a cosy settlement here with amazing scenic beauty. 

Sar Pass Trek– The Sar Pass Trek is another popular trekking route in Himachal. The place is located at 14000 ft above sea level. As one moves along, a frozen lake lies beside and thus the name of the trek. It begins at Kasol and ends at Barshini in the Kullu Valley. However, it is a long trek of 48 km and 4 days duration. It moves through the Parvati valley and trekkers may have to walk some distance over snow. But in the end, it is all worth it with the scenic view surroundings. 

Pin Parvati Pass Trek– This is considered one of the trickiest treks in Himachal. It starts at Kullu in Parvati valley and ends in Pin in the Spiti valley. At an altitude of 17,500 ft, the Pin Parvati Pass passes through the high-altitude landscape with lush greenery, forests, wildflowers and snow-top mountains around. The 11-day trip is tedious yet worth the beauty you witness all along. 

Parashar Lake Trek– With the background of the Dhauladhar range, the Parashar Lake trek is most enchanting to weekend travellers. The forest that covers this trek is dense with a view of the snow-covered mountains gives it a perfect setting. 

Kheerganga Trek– The Kheerganga trek is a beginner-level trek that is enjoyed by weekend travellers. They visit a hot water spring nearby and take in the amazing natural beauty that moves all along. 

The Himalayan states of Uttarakhand and Himachal are dotted with many more exciting paths for trekkers who always find an excuse to come back for more such expeditions here.