Himalayas are known as the one of the youngest mountain ranges in the world and is counted among the trekking regions in the world. The Indian Himalayan range is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular and impressive mountain ranges in the world. Within a space of few days the trekking expedition in India you may trek through the numerous Hindu settlements, ancient temples, isolated Buddhist monasteries, camp beside small village establishments that support traditional Islamic culture.
Provisions For Himalayan Trekking
Trekking in the Himalayas is now quite enjoyable and has become comparatively easy with the development of lightweight equipment and clothing with booming tourist network. There are difficult treks as well as easy treks, long and short treks. Vehicles, helicopters and aircrafts are also available to explore the Himalayas according to one's resources, taste and leisure time.
High Altitude Trekking Regions of the Himalayas
Ladakh is one of the driest regions in Northern India. Nevertheless, most passes within Ladakh can be crossed by the end of June, which is the earliest time to undertake an extended trek through Ladakh, Zanskar or out of Panikhar in the Suru valley. In the months of July and August the daytime temperatures rise in the Ladakh region to mid 20 degree Celsius and for trekkers, the heat and the intense UV light require special caution. This is also the time for the occasional storm, which can result in snow falling at higher elevations. When planning a trek in the higher altitude Himalayan regions, you must therefore consider that the temperature may vary by over 20 degree Celsius in a day. While most treks are undertaken in the Ladakh region in July and August, Autumn, from early September to mid-October is also the season ideal for trekking.
The Great Himalayan Range is the main mountain divide between the region of Kashmir and Ladakh. Most trekking possibilities are to the east of the Kashmir Valley, where the Amarnath and Kolahoi ranges merge with the main Himalayan Range. In this region a series of alpine valleys including the Sindh and the Lidder provide the major routes into the main Himalayas.
Trek Roadheads
The major trek road heads in the Indian Himalayan region include Kashmir Valley, Kishtwar, Zanskar, Ladakh, Lahaul & Spiti, Chamba and Manali. Shimla is the gateway to the Hindustan-Tibet Road, Kinnaur and Spiti as well as Eastern Himachal for the Pabbar Valley, Nahan and Renuka Lake. These roadheads are nearer to the Garhwal trekking routes, which originate in the valleys of the Yamuna, Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda, usually approached from Dehradun or Rishikesh.
Moving a little eastward towards the Gangetic region is the renowned Corbett National Park, which reaches the Kumaon lakes of Nanital and Bhimtal. These hill stations with neighbouring Ranikhet, Almora and the Goriganaga villages still retain the flavour of the old trails to the Pindari and Milam glaciers and the Lipulekh Pass, leading to Mansarovar.
The Trekking Season in Himalayas
The trekking season in the Himalayas starts from late spring to summer, covers virtually the whole year including winter at lower altitude regions. Himachal also offers a virtual bonanza for trekkers that range from moderate to strenuous treks, which take about 11 days and the season is June to October. Among the Garhwal and Kumaon hills of Uttaranchal the ideal trekking time is best between the months of May to October. Often trekking can also be done in the winter months at lower altitudes of Kumaon region.
Last but definitely not the least the trekking destinations of Himalayas in India are Darjeeling and Sikkim and the most rewarding season in which one can travel these two hill places is between May and October. For the energetic leisure seeker and adventurer, keen to take up a rare wilderness experience, few destinations in the world would match the dimensions of Arunachal Pradesh where the best trekking season starts from October to February. |
