Best Post-Monsoon Treks To Take Up This Year

 Monsoon for a lot of people means a lot of different things. For some, it means piping hot masala chai and pakodas with old Bollywood classics strumming in the background, while for others it may mean icky puddles and thunders that shake you down to your core.

Monsoon makes some people happy, stringing around memories linked to the grounding smell of wet soil after an April shower while some it means a low depressing weather as clouds weep, reminiscing past summer days.

Regardless, the time after monsoon seems to pass always seems rather cheery, almost as if a dark cloud has passed, literally, and that itch to get back into the flow of how things used to be before harsh rains is almost as strong as the itch to finally leave our homes and venture out into woods to see what else nature seems to hold in store for us.

This is where cultivating hobbies like trekking or camping work wonders for your cabin fever.

Treks like Har ki Dun are available for most of the year, offering lush alpine evergreens and canopies of fragrant trees for whenever your body just aches to go.

But Har ki Dun is a name that we’ve seen come up time and time again, popping up every time someone utters the word “trek”, which is understandable seeing how it’s one of the most popular and sought after trek undertakings in India.

However, the Har ki Dun trek is not the only one out there and today, we’re here to broaden your trekking atlas so here are our recommendations for some treks to gear up for after the monsoon blues fades! (in no particular order)

1. Markha Valley

2. Buran Ghati

3. Bali Pass

4. Kedarkantha

5. Pin Bhabha Pass

1. Markha Valley

The Markha Valley trek is a charming tea house trail located in the cold deserts of Ladakh, and, as the name suggests, is centred around the Markha Valley tucked in Hemis National Park.

The trail is best known for offering a striking contrast of trekking in a dry cold desert valley while providing beautiful views of the Ladakh & Zanskar ranges. It ventures into the beautiful Hemis National Park and further along, takes you through some waist-deep crossings and picturesque Buddhist villages sprinkled along the way.

The highest altitude on this undertaking brushes 17,060 FT and in combination with a walking area of a good 65 KM, the Markha Valley trek is definitely a little daunting, both in theory and in action. Though the itinerary is stretched across 9 days which makes it seem atleast a little doable.

Overview:

● Difficulty level: Moderate

● Duration: 9 Days

● Location: Ladakh

● Best time: May-October

● Minimum age: 12

Interested? Book your trip today:

2. Buran Ghati

The Buran Ghati trek offers everything a trekker can ask for: large stretches of meadows nestled between snow-clad mountains, all tying in with a visit to the mesmerizing Chandranahan Lake.

It’s another one of those treks that remain just as stunning in the post-monsoon weather as they do in the climate preceding the pouring and thundering.

Buran Ghati is best known for being chock-full of culture, dreamy picturesque landscapes, and patches of vibrant flora and fauna scattered all across the trail.

The maximum altitude achieved on this particular route pushes 15,055 FT and with roughly 27 KM of walking area spread generously across 7 days, the undertaking is perfect for when you have that week off from school/college/work and want to try something new. However, it’s not exactly the most beginner-friendly and is known to be challenging and especially strenuous for anybody who isn’t in the best physical condition.

Overview:

● Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult

● Duration: 7 Days

● Location: Himachal Pradesh

● Best time: May-June, September-October

● Minimum age: 15

Interested? Book your trip today:

3. Bali Pass

Another trek pass notorious for being difficult to accomplish, the Bali Pass offers unmatched panoramic views of neighbouring behemoths like the Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, and Swargarohini peaks

The highest elevation on the Bali Pass trek is 16,241 FT and even though covering 56 KM over a span of 8 days seems exhausting, it will definitely give you that thundering surge of adrenaline that keeps you on your toes and brimming with excitement throughout its duration.

The trek offers a stellar view of the glacial lake of Ruinsara, radiating a sense of peacefulness and tranquillity which is only elevated against the backdrop of lush meadows and carved mountains.

Overview:

● Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult

● Duration: 8 Days

● Location: Uttarakhand

● Best time: May-June, September-October

● Minimum age: 15

Interested? Book your trip today:

4. Kedarkantha

The Kedarkantha trek is India’s most popular snow trek situated in Uttarakhand and consists of some of the prettiest campsites in the Himalayas.

The route is hardly a 6-day undertaking with heights grazing 12,500 FT. Which isn’t so bad, especially with a total walking span of 21 KM. It’s an extremely easy route to start with which makes it just perfect for beginners!

The Kedarkantha trek boasts some of the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises in India, the view from its resident summits putting an alluring panorama into focus as it condenses the world into what looks like a Bob Ross painting come to life.

Overview:

● Difficulty level: Easy

● Duration: 6 Days

● Location: Uttarakhand

● Best time: October-April

● Minimum age: 10

Interested? Book your trip today:

5. Pin Bhabha Pass

And last, but not least, is the Pin Bhabha Pass trek, known best as the more beautiful alternative to its daunting sister trek, the Pin Parvati Pass.

This special trek route is a medley of some of the most jaw-dropping dreamscapes as you bask in the serenity of the river delta of Phutsirang, a rare sight in Himalayan treks.

At the Pin Bhabha trek, you’ll brush heights as high as 16,125 FT, an intimidating feat for beginners. This is the very reason this particular trek route classifies as ‘moderate-to-difficult’ and is highly recommended for any experienced trekkers!

The Pin Bhabha Pass offers you sights and experiences unlike any other route in Himachal Pradesh, making this undertaking special in its own sense as it gives trekkers the opportunity the chance to explore lesser-known nooks of Spiti and its neighbouring areas.

Overview:

● Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult

● Duration: 8 Days

● Location: Himachal Pradesh

● Best time: June-September

● Minimum age: 12

Interested? Book your trip today:

Whether you’re a pro trekker or just somebody looking for a desperate change of pace and scenery, we’ve got you covered with some quick recommendations spanning across a variety of skill levels and durations. Though these aren’t the only post-monsoon treks to take, these are just some that deviate from the usual 3–4 suggestions that pop up in your head first things.

Now go ahead and plan that September sabbatical and let yourself explore some of the Indian North’s finest trek routes!

Happy travels!