5 Treks you need to take this summer!

 With the COVID-19 pandemic came the daunting quarantine that sealed everybody into their homes. The chance to kick back and enjoy perpetual lazy Sundays was fun at first but being confined in the same four walls, following the same monotonous routine became more and more plodding with time.

And though things have started to open up one by one, all those months cooped up inside our rooms 24/7 has definitely made our bones crave something more refreshing, a change of pace, rather, and one that delivers long term satisfaction rather than short-lived gratification.

In that case, what better than taking a week-long excursion amongst alpine meadows and icy snow-capped mountains?

Trekking is the perfect activity for anybody in need of a very literal change of scenery with just a pinch of challenge to get that adrenaline running (or a heaping helping, if that’s your thing).

Other than the fact that Trekking is a great way to disconnect and recuperate, it’s also great for developing your bones, and it’s known to increase your cardiovascular and respiratory capacities, while at the same time greatly improving your immunity and muscle endurance.

And those are proven facts!

Besides, with summer right around the corner, how about a trip through India’s winter wonderlands while nature is at its picturesque best?

With that in mind, here are our recommendations for some of the best treks to undertake this summer! (in no particular order)

1. Hampta Pass

2. Har Ki Dun

3. Dayara Bugyal

4. Deoriatal Chandrashila

5. Sandakphu Phalut

1. Hampta Pass

The Hampta Pass trek is a corridor between the Chandra Valley in Lahaul and the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh and is regarded as one of the more popular trekking routes in Himachal Pradesh.

The trek is best known for its ever-changing sceneries throughout the undertaking, surprising trekkers at every turn with views that are a feast for the eyes and less storage space for your cameras.

Starting from Manali, the average itinerary for this specific route takes you past beautiful Jobra meadows, through rivers enveloped by grand mountains on either side and under lofty canopies of pine blending with rich green maple, all with a buffet of grand peaks in the backdrop.

With heights that brush 14,056 FT, and a combined walking area of 35 KM stretched across 5 days, the Hampta Pass trek is an intimidating undertaking for beginners but with a little elbow grease and perseverance, its worth it because the sight of the glittering waters of Chandratal lake validates all the steep ascents and equally exhausting descents sprinkled throughout the trek.

Overview:

● Difficulty level: Moderate

● Duration: 5 Days

● Location: Himachal Pradesh

● Best time: July-September

● Minimum age: 10

If you want to enjoy the beauty of the Hampta Pass minus the challenging route, consider checking out the Hampta Circle trek!

Interested? Book your trip today:
 [insert link to booking website here]

2. Har Ki Dun

Whether it be scorching summer days or numbingly cool winter nights, Har Ki Dun trek manages to retain its popularity and remains one of the most sought-after trekking routes in Uttarakhand.

It starts at the base camp in the village of Sankri, Uttarakhand and over the week you are exposed to some seriously beautiful sights.

From rich alpine meadows to dense pine forests, as well as crystal clear tributaries running through lush foliage and glorious mountaintops, this route has it all and so much to offer.

You’ll brush heights as high as 11,800 FT, which isn’t as daunting as our previous trek, but still a little intimidating for a beginner. Speaking of, this undertaking isn’t nearly as exhausting but if this is your first trek then some mental and physical preparation is recommended so that you don’t overwhelm your body.

It’s a little challenging, sure, but the end, like every seemingly tormenting trek, is so worth it!

Overview:

● Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate

● Duration: 7 Days

● Location: Uttarakhand

● Best time: March-May, October-December

● Minimum age: 10

Interested? Book your trip today:
 [insert link to booking website here]

3. Dayara Bugyal Trek

The Dayara Bugyal trek is called Uttarakhand’s Winter Wonderland for a reason. Its serene meadows are a sight to behold but winter months take it to the very extreme, opening it to sports like skiing.

During the summer, it’s one of the easier undertakings on this list, making it the perfect sporty vacation spot but come winter and pristine snow blankets every nook and inch of the pass, painting a frosty panorama.

The Dayar Bugyal trek is relatively underrated which is a shame because its shorter duration and comparatively easier trek gradients make it perfect for beginners and families looking for a way to get into trekking.

Its base camp is situated in Uttarakashi and the 6-day undertaking takes you through lush forests saturated with fragrant pine, oak, maple, and rhododendrons, as well as past the rare alpine meadows of Dayara, all with the mountain ranges like the Bhagirathi, Jaonli, Kala Nag, etc. in background.

Overview:

● Difficulty level: Easy

● Duration: 6 Days

● Location: Uttarakhand

● Best time: September-May

● Minimum age: 12

Interested? Book your trip today:
 [insert link to booking website here]

4. Deoriatal Chandrashila

The Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is another Uttarakhand classic and is regarded as one of the most convenient trek routes out there.

It’s equally beautiful and awe-inspiring all year round but it truly hits the spot between March and April when the snow begins to melt away. It makes way for vibrant red rhododendrons and rich green foliage looking as though it jumped out a Bob Ross classic.

Considered one of the best treks for beginners, the Chandrashila trek is crafted in a way that makes it easier for novice trekkers to navigate the Himalayas.

The maximum altitude achieved on this particular route pushes 13,123 FT and with roughly 28 KM of walking area spread generously across 5 days, the undertaking is perfect for when you have that week off from school/college/work and want to try something new.

Another big plus point to the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is the stellar sunrise and sunset. A beautiful gradient of orange and pinks paint the sky and it’s an absolute treat to be able to begin and end your day with it!

Overview:

● Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate

● Duration: 5 Days

● Location: Uttarakhand

● Best time: October-May

● Minimum age: 10

Interested? Book your trip today:
 [insert link to booking website here]

5. Sandakphu Phalut Trek

Unlike most other treks on this list, the Sandakphu Phalut trek does not put up in Himachal or Uttarakhand but a little ways down in West Bengal.

It inches into the Nepal portion of the Himalayas and is a wonderland for trekkers and mountain lovers alike. The trek is situated at the highest point in all of West Bengal and offers a spectacular view of the tallest peaks in the world.

The route, specifically, is a 7-day undertaking with heights touching 11, 950 FT. Which isn’t so bad but the total walking area on this particular route is close to 75 KM which makes it a little strenuous but still bearable due to it being stretched across an entire week.

Overview:

● Difficulty level: Moderate

● Duration: 7 Days

● Location: West Bengal

● Best time: October-May

● Minimum age: 10

Interested? Book your trip today:
 [insert link to booking website here]

Whether you’re someone who’s been wanting to get into trekking for a while but didn’t know where to begin, or a seasoned trekker looking for their next summer undertaking, we hope this list helps out your summer endeavours!