6 POPULAR TREKS

1. 6 POPULAR TREKS

2. Like a lot of life’s best experiences, you don’t realize what you’re missing out on unless you’ve trekked once.  And then, it’s almost like tasting blood (quite literally sometimes, when the going gets tough!), you’ll only want more! The world—with its high mountains, rugged terrains, uncombed forests and gushing water bodies—becomes your playground, and you want to explore every inch of it, scale greater heights!  As we begin the process of initiating you into the world of excursions, here are some of the trails you could consider when planning on an adventure holiday.

3. 1. Dzukou Valley & Japfu Peak Trek, Nagaland

4. This is not just one trek but a destination. Nagaland, one of the eastern most states in India, borders Burma and is home to 16 different major tribes which are further divided into sub tribes. Each tribe is unique in its character, culture, food and customs making this a cradle of color and festivities Head out to Dzukou Valley, a valley covered with bamboo stalks, to camp for the night and catch a stunning sunset nad wake up early to witness ice crystals frozen on bamboo leaves. If you crave even more adventure, then you can attempt to climb Mt. Japfu, the highest peak overlooking Kohima at 3048m. A rugged steep climb through rainforest and a little bit of rock climbing just before the summit will test your endurance and quench your thirst for adventure. • Duration: 5-6 days • Time: Throughout the year (Heavy rainfall during monsoon months can make it slippery)

5. 2. Kashmir Great Lakes, J&K

6. One of the most scenic treks in India, the Great Lakes trek is a fantastic walk in the meadows in Kashmir and also see 5 high altitude lakes. Starting from Sonamarg and ending is Narnag, it is an easy to moderate trek with Gadsar Pass (4200m) the highest altitude that you will be walking.  The twin Gangabal lakes, nestled in the foothills of Mount Harmukh are the highlight of the trek. You will be required to carry your ID with yourself. With high mountains, deep valleys, numerous lakes, snow clad mountain peaks, thick forests and sparkling rivers this trek is a dream come true for every adventurer.Duration: 8-9 days • Time: April to September

7. 3. Phyang to Hunder, Ladakh

8. Ladakh is well known for its cold arid desert landscape. But what if i told you there were sand dunes as well? Nubra Valley nestled on the banks of Shyok river is popular with its silver sand dunes and Bactrian camels.   And instead of taking the road to Nubra, trek from Leh to Nubra. This walk, starting at Phyang, will take you to the high pass of Lasermo La (5400m) and with views of snow capped Karakoram range and then walk through sand dunes of the Nubra. A phenomenal experience! You can also visit monasteries in Phyang, Hundar and Diskit on the trip. Note that it is a tiring trek and you have to be well acclimatized to the thin air of Ladakh. • Duration - 9 days • Time: Mid July to September 

9. Kangchenjunga, at 8586m, is the third highest mountain in the world. Revered by people of Sikkim, climbers are not allowed to reach the summit of the mountain and have to stop at least 10m short of the summit.  Goecha La trek provides the perfect trail for you to pay homage to this mighty mountain and trekking in Sikkim. Walking through rhododendron, pine and magnolia forests in the first days of the treks, the trail is a dream for bird watching with thrushes, cuckoos, blood pheasant, monal pheasant and other feathery friends. If lucky, you might also spot a yellow fronted marten.  This moderate trek starts in Yuksom in North Sikkim and is a great camping experience. There are even small lodges built at the campsites which can be used by travelers. Great views of the Singalila range, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Japuno, Goecha La peak can be seen from the view point at Dzongri . And catching Kangchenjunga bathing in golden sunlight on the early morning sojourn to viewpoint 1 on Goecha La pass is something that will remain with you forever! • Duration - 10-11 days • Time: March-April, October-November  4.Goecha La trek, Sikkim

10. 5. Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal

11. One of the most iconic trails in the world, to the most famous base camp on the planet! On the 14 day Everest Base Camp Trek, we get to experience astounding mountain views,  glimpses of the life of famous mountain climbers and Sherpas, enter Sagarmatha National Park, a world heritage site and tour high altitude Buddhist monasteries. Trekking to the Everest Base Camp of Nepal also provides us an opportunity to embark on an epic journey that Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay set off to in 1953. Guided by Sherpas, you will  be trekking to the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain, Mt. Everest! This adventurous trek package also includes climbing Kala Pathhar (5643m) to admire the panoramic views of Everest and other Himalayas. Nothing beats the thrill and sense of accomplishment that grips hikers on seeing the power and grace of the mighty mountain up close. The 14-day Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary is designed for trekkers who are in good health with average physical fitness. The ample distance covered between daily itineraries, steady gain of altitude and separate rest days ensures that we are properly acclimatized to fully enjoy our trek to the Everest base camp. • Duration – 14+ days • Time: March-April, September to November 

12. 6. Attempt a 6000m+ peak, Ladakh

13. The good thing about the Indian Himalayas is that there is something for everyone. From easy to moderate to technical climbs, you can gradually build your experience in climbing in the Himalayas. Ladakh has the highest concentration of 6000m plus peaks in the world. While most of them are isolated bordering Tibet and are technical climbs, there are a few which are accessible and can be attempted by people with decent camping and trekking experience. StokKangri(6150m) is the most popular of these peaks. One of the highest walking peaks in India, the climb tests your stamina, fitness and mental fortitude. GolepKangri(5900m) is another peak which can be attempted from the same base camp. These climbs do require you to have proper winter gear, crampons, ice axe and sometimes be roped together depending upon the guide and weather conditions. Other semi technical climbs are MentokKangri II (6210m) overlooking the stunning TsoMoriri and Kang Yatse II (6250m) in the Markha Valley. Ensure that you attempt these climbs with experienced guides and proper gear.  Climbing a peak will see you challenging yourself physically and mentally and there is no better feeling when you reach the summit! • Duration - 10-14 days • Time: Mid July to September