Treks With Charming Tea House Trails And Snowy Carpet Trails

Brahmatal Trek — A Classic Winter Trek With Snowy Carpet Trails

Brahmatal Trek is known as one of the most captivating treks and is a great and classic winter trek for the nature lovers and adventure seekers. The summit spills a heavenly facet when the snow gently falls on its slopes; most of the Brahmatal trek is on the snow, which makes it exciting.

Apart from the uneven terrain, the trek is filled with beautiful scenery, lush forests, mighty Garhwal mountains stretch across the high skies and everywhere around you will be the white heavenly snowfields. Never-ending ridgelines, sprawling Bugiyals, High altitude lakes, snow on the trail and majestic peak views make it a compelling proposition for a winter trek. Brahmatal is a hidden and secluded lake amidst the ridge, where Lord Brahma meditated according to the mythology. 

The frozen blue lake with the mighty snow-capped Himalayan peaks overlooking it creates a fabulous and an unmatched experience. The most amazing part of the trek is the view of Mt. Trisul and Nanda Ghunti peaks from such proximity. The 360-degree view from the summit is mesmerizing. This winter snow trek is just heavenly.

The best time to scale the Brahmatal Trek is in the winter months of January and February. This is because, during winters, we can envisage heavy snowfall. Getting the privilege of walking on a blanket of snow during this trek is just wholesome. Brahmatal trek, being a winter trek, the weather is mostly sunny during the daytime while it tends to get very cold during the night. This six-day trek is simple and heavenly and one must join in for this trek at least one in their lifetime!

Markha Valley Trek — A Charming Tea House Trail
A Charming Tea House Trail set in the arid cold desert of Ladakh, Markha is a stunning river valley in Hemis National Park. The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most astounding and well-known treks in the Ladakh region of India. Located in the north western part of India, the Ladakh region is famed for its magnificent and uneaten beauty.

The trek follows a remarkable high valley with excellent views across the mountain region and is one of the best ways to experience the unique culture of the High Himalaya region. The Markha Valley trek goes long with the Markha River downstream taking in several high passes including Ganda La (15748 ft) and Kongmaru La (17,060 ft). From both passes, one gets grand views across the landscape with the tall peaks of Kang Yatse and the Stok Kangri (20,086 ft) coming into sight. Not only is the trek one of mountain beauty, but it also takes trekkers through an outlook of ancient farming with many green irrigated fields and local villages being passed along the way.

One will also encounter several monasteries and meet the shiny dressed monks as they go about their daily lives. Several waist-deep river crossings, high rocky canyons, and tour many Buddhists villages en-route, are also open.

Markha Valley is the largest valley of the Ladakh region. Leh is the starting point of this trek, which is an added advantage to explore the Buddhist monuments in Leh. One will be astonished to traverse through the tiny hamlets as they gain altitude. Surprisingly, these villages host cafes or tea houses serving rejuvenating hot drinks when oneis tired from the strenuous hike. One after another, Rumbak, Yurutse, Skiu, Markha, Hankar, Nimaling settlements will revitalize the trekker. Not only that, most of the villages have preserved monasteries, ruined forts, and temples. One of them, the Tacha monastery is a beautiful and heart catcher that lies between the mountains.

Though the trek goes through dry regions, the Indus, Markha and numerous streams will come in the way. Since the trail goes through Hemis National Park, all its treasured fauna, mountain sheep, Argali, rabbits, snow leopards can be spotted at every camping site. Ganda La and Kongmaru La are the two cardinal passes to be crossed en route. These passes are known for the panoramic views of infinite Karakoram and Ladakh ranges. The amazing view of K2 mountain, Stok Kangri and Kang Yatse peaks are fulfilling and the motivation of this trek. On limpid days one can get to see faraway Tibet region. A small trek ahead of Markha Valley and you will get to the base of Kang Yatse peaks. The trail is of easy to moderate grade with 1–2 steep sections, is recommended to all age groups. One gets a wider and non-repetitive insight into Ladakhi Himalayas. Each day reveals mesmerizing views concealed behind the mountains.

The best time to visit Markha Valley trek is between June and mid-October. During this time, the weather is Ladakh is pleasant and the average temperature ranges between 20–30°C in the daytime. July and August are the best months for Markha Valley trek as during these months Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways also open for private vehicles.