Tops Treks To Undertake During the Month of November

 November, a month that bids goodbye to autumn and brings with it the chilly refreshment of winters, is one of the perfect months to go for a trek. It is indeed the best time to explore the Himalayas! Trekking in November while not having the mentioned treks in the bucket list is just not possible! So, what are you waiting for, pick up your backpacks and get ready to be mesmerized amongst the chilly mountains covered with a blanket of snow!

1. Sandakphu Trek

Considered to be one of the best winter treks in the Himalayas, Sandakphu Trek is a moderate and simple trek to start with. This trek is best suitable for beginners as well as regular trekkers, especially for all mountain lovers!

Sandakphu Trek, as compared to the western Himalayas, lies at a lower latitude. The sun in winters along with the height of the eastern Himalayas makes a great backdrop for glaring dusk and dawn skies. One can discover the old Silk route and enjoy the view of the world’s tallest and majestic mountains while experiencing Nepalese and Sikkim people hospitality. Introduce yourself to the beauty of orchids and magnolia while discovering the Himalayas wilderness at Singalila National Park. Enjoying the early morning tea admiring the Kanchenjunga peaks and witnessing the eye-catching famous and glorious sleeping Buddha structure carved out of the Kanchenjunga peaks brings much needed peace to the lives of everyone.

The highest point in West Bengal within the Darjeeling district that meets Nepal at the border is Sandakphu at an altitude of 11,926 ft. The trek to this peak opens into the famous Singalila Ridge, which lies at the southern end of a long crest running down from the Kanchenjunga massif; a prominent spur of high land. The Singalila ridge currently forms the boundary between India’s Sikkim/Darjeeling and Nepal because of which the Sandakphu trek is also sometimes referred to as the “Singalila Ridge Trek’’.

The heavenly views from the top are one of the inevitable pleasures of trekking in the Himalayas. The trail along the ridge also passes through small remote villages which are some of the most hidden scenic places of the Himalayas. The Sandakphu Trek is also an ideal trek for beginners who seek adventure. However, despite the ease even experienced trekkers continue to choose this trek time and again for the overall pleasure and adventure that is found here. Also, one cannot afford to miss out the stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas of Nepal, the range of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Jannu (Kumbhakarna), Chamlang, Baruntse and some other peaks of Sikkim.

Although the highest altitude on this trek is much lower than the high mountainroads (as you get to witness in Ladakh and some western Himalayan regions), the gradient followed by sharp curves tends to be much steeper. The total distance accounts to 33km which stretches from the Maneybhanjung to the Sandakphu elevating you to an altitude of 5,500ft. The trekking trail consists of terrains and landscapes which give a different experience altogether. Overall, the trekking to Sandakphu is interesting, adventurous and enchanting!

Though most people usually do not face acclimatization problems on this journey, the probability of facing issues nonetheless still exists. Mountain sickness is common in areas of high altitude. Even though you can reach Sandakphu in 7 to 8 hours you might still face some minor symptoms such as severe headaches, breathing difficulties, cold, low blood pressure etc. These occur primarily due to a sudden increase in altitudes. However, they can be avoided using supplements such as diamox.

The Sandakphu Phalut Trek costs around ₹ 12450 and remains accessible for a good duration of 8 months throughout the year, however, it remains closed throughout the monsoon season, from May to August due to unfavorable climatic conditions. Sandakphu trek is recognized for its sunrises and sunsets. One can view a vast variety of flora and fauna from seasons to seasons. The inherent romance in snowfall also adds value to the overall winter trekking experience that everyone dreams to witness once in their lifetime. The Snowfall here is mild and just about the perfect texture.

2. Brahmatal Trek

Brahmatal Trek is known as one of the most captivating treks and is a great trek for all 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 from the month of November till April and specially 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!

3. Kuari Pass Trek

The Kuari Pass Trek is one of the most wondrous treks in Uttarakhand. For a beginner, a trek that would be just the right step to start with is the Kuari Pass Trek. Kuari means “doorway” and this trek can literally be a doorway into one’s inmost heart and soul. Evolved as a hub for trekkers and pilgrims,this trek lies south of the Tibetan border begins from Joshimath, in the Chamoli district of Himalayas. Trekking in Himalayas would be incomplete without visiting the gorgeous Kuari Pass Trek!

Kuari pass trek is a high-altitude Himalayan trek., which demands physical fitness, stamina, and endurance. A beginner friendly trek, the duration is 6 days and it is around 33 kilometres altogether. The trail is covered with beautiful forests. The walkthrough the jungles of oak and deodar will also lead to the closest view of mt. Nanda Devi.

It might get a bit difficult during the winter when the snow starts to play its part because the trail gets submerged in the snow, otherwise, it is considered to be an easy trek all around the year. The view of this trail is majestic, stunning and 360 degrees. Just getting a view of sky-high mountains and the pleasant walks through the forests where the warm scattered light of the sun hugs one through the trees is pleasing for the soul!

4. Kedarkantha Trek

An Easy and simple trek to start with kedarkantha trek is one of the best treks for beginners and the magical views of the peaks covered with snow makes it a perfect trek for all mountain lovers!

The Kedarkantha Trek has some of the prettiest campsites in the Himalayas. The setting includes lush forests with abandoned broken huts. Witnessing the jaw-dropping sunrise and sunset standing on one of the rocks by the campsite is something a trekker here should never miss. The view from the top of the summit will take one to fairyland. The mighty Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges along with Black Peak, Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch ranges can be seen during the trek.

Although Kedarkantha trek is mesmerizing all year round, the best time to do the Kedarkantha trek is in the month of December and January and then again from March and April because during this part of the year there will be plenty of snow which will make the Kedarkantha trek experience even more magical. The weather is considered to be quite cold with the Kedarkantha temperature ranging between 6 to 20 degrees centigrade from April to June while it varies from 8 to -10 from November to March. This six-day trek will take one to a magical journey where the snowy trail and marvellous views of nature there will leave one spellbound!

5. Nag Tibba Trek

Nag Tibba Trek is an easy and simple trek to start with and is beginner friendly. This trek remains snow-clad from the middle of December to the middle of March. At this point in time, the weather remains very cold. Getting a chance to witness amazing landscapes with snow-capped mountains all around, makes the mundane life standstill and freshens up one’s soul. An ambient temperature exists during the rest of the season which brings in a lot of travellers and hikers from all over India.

The sunrise and sunset in this trek are amazing and worth witnessing. The warm sun rays falling on the peaks in the surrounding will leave you in complete amaze.This trek is a perfect mix of easy and difficult trails.

Nag Tibba Trek is one of the best treks to escape the chaotic life of cities and be in nature for a while. Trekking may sound difficult but the two-day Nag Tibba trek is quite easy and just perfect for a person who wants to go trekking for the very first time!