Geetika
Latest posts by Geetika (see all)
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What goes in your mind, when you read about someone else’s adventurous trekking expedition, especially in the Himalayas? Do you hear an inner calling? Does your heart and mind tell you that someday, you too should do this? Then, what is stopping you? Every year, thousands of amateur trekkers go on their first expedition into the Himalayas. All that one requires is a basic physical fitness level, necessary trekking equipment, a bit of mental strength and loads of zeal. We have listed down a few trekking trails in the Himalayas that are perfect for beginners like you. Read on to know about them so that you can start planning your impending desire to trek in the Himalayas.
Naggar to Manali Trek – Serenity at its Best
The Naggar to Manali trek is probably among the most scenic trails in the Himalayas. This 4-day trek begins from the village of Naggar, which lies south of the picturesque Rohtang Pass. There was a time when this village used to be the capital of Kullu Valley. On the first day, you will head to the base camp at Rumsu village from Naggar. On the following day, trekking will be carried out to the villages of Pulag and Chichogi. Stunning views of the two peaks, Malana Glen and Deo Tibba can be enjoyed from here. On the penultimate day, your trekking guide will take you to the lush Sterling forest, which is abundant with oak, chestnut, pine and fir trees. On the final day, leave the campsite at Naggar and head to Manali, where you can spend the day exploring local attractions like Hadimba Temple, Mall Road and Old Manali.
Bhrigu Lake Trek – Meandering in the Picturesque Valleys
This 4-day trek, similar to Naggar to Manali trail, is ideal for beginners. On the first day, you are required to reach the base camp at Rumsu village. After settling down, you would be taken to the village of Naggar so as to acclimatise your body with the prevailing weather. This would also be an opportunity to visit some local attractions like Tripura Sundari Temple, Gowrishankar Temple and Naggar Castle. On the subsequent day, you would be driven from the camp till Gulaba. On reaching Gulaba, you will trek for 3-4 hours to reach another campsite at Rola Kholi, from where some spectacular views of the Solang Valley can be enjoyed. On the following day, you will undertake a 3-hour trek to the scenic Bhrigu Lake and spend some quality time there before heading back to the campsite. On the last day, you will trek downwards to Gulaba, following which you will drive back to Manali.
Beas Kund Trek
Another mesmerising trek in the Himalayas is the Beas Kund trek, which starts from Manali. On the first day, you will be driven to Dhundi, and along the way, you will get an opportunity to witness enchanting Solang Valley. As you drive forward, your vehicle would meander along the serene Beas River before finally halting at Rohtang Tunnel. From here, you will walk to the campsite at Dhundi. On the next day, the main part of the Beas Kund trek will begin, and this would require you to take the trail that leads to the Bakar tach campsite. The following day, you will trek for about 5 hours to reach the small alpine Beas Kund Lake. This would be the toughest and longest part of this trekking expedition. After some wonderful time at the lake, trek back to the campsite. On the final day, you would leave the campsite to trek downhill to Dhundi, before taking a ride till Manali.
Dayara Bugyal Trek – Sighting Snow-capped Himalayan Peaks
This 7-day trek will take you to some of the most picturesque sights in the Himalayan region. It, however, starts from the holy town of Haridwar, from where you need to reach the village of Barsu, which serves as the base camp for this trekking expedition. Along the way, you will cross the sacred towns of Rishikesh, Chamba and Uttarkashi. On the following day, the journey would begin with a trek to Barnala for an overnight camp. The sceneries of the deodar, silver oaks and rhododendron forests with the backdrop of the Himalayan Mountains will certainly steal your heart.
On Day 3 of this expedition, trailing past the Barnala meadows, you will trek towards Dayara Bugyal, the high-alpine meadow. As you reach Dayara Bugyal, you will be astonished as well excited to witness peaks like Bandarpunch; Gangotri 1, 2 and 3; Rudregaira and Srikanth. After staying overnight at the camp at Dayara Bugyal, the next morning, you will head to Bakaria Top, which apparently is the highest point of this trek. The most amazing thing about coming here is that you will get to witness a 360-degree view of the Greater Himalayas. On the following day, you will leave the camp Dayara Bugyal and proceed towards the campsite at Pichkiya, a place completely surrounded by alpine forests. Having spent an overnight at Pichkiya, the next morning, you will descend back to the village of Barsu to spend the remaining day here. On the last day, you will bid adieu to your group members and leave for Haridwar.
Har Ki Doon Trek – Beholding the Bounties of Nature
Har Ki Doon trek is again another wonderful opportunity to witness the beauty of the Himalayan region up close. This 8-day trek might seem a long one, but it is a rewarding one for sure. It begins from the Uttarakhand capital, Dehradun. On the first day, you will be driven to the scenic village of Sankri from the Dehradun Railway Station. This small village, located at an elevation of more than 1950 m, serves as the gateway to Har Ki Doon. After spending the night at Sankri, the next morning head to Taluka, from where the main trail of this trek will begin. As you go along, you will come across several uninhabited villages and a variety of flowering plants. After an overnight stay at Taluka, the next morning trek towards Osla, a place where rich vegetation and snow-capped mountains can be seen.
On Day 4 of this expedition, you will proceed towards Har Ki Doon, which lies at the foothills of Fateh Parvat. Along the way, you will come across some fantastic scenery; perfect to be captured in your camera. After exploring the area, spend the night at the camp. The following day, trek to Jaundhar Glacier, which is covered with snow and green grass most part of the year. After this small trek, come back to the campsite. Early next morning, trek downwards towards Osla and stay at the campsite for the night. On the penultimate day, take a descent and proceed to Sankri, and as you head back, make sure to witness the rich flora and fauna of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. On the last day of this expedition, you will leave Sankri and return to Dehradun.
Kedarkantha Trek – Loosing Oneself amidst the Beauty of Serene Mountains
This 6-day trek will take you to some of the most picturesque mountains and lakes of Uttarakhand. The main trek of this expedition starts from Sankri, which can be easily reached from Dehradun by road. This village lies within Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. After staying overnight at the camp at Sankri, the next morning, you will leave for the serene Juda ka Talab and reach the campsite there by afternoon. The sight of picturesque green mountains and lushness will simply take your breath away. Spend the night alongside the lake for a truly blissful experience. The following day, you will start your trek to the Kedarkantha meadow, passing several forests abundant with maple and spruce trees. After a tiring day of trekking, spend the night at the base camp for a much-need rest.
The next morning, you will leave the base camp and trek to the Kedarkantha Peak, which lies at an approximate elevation of 12500 feet above sea level. There is a shrine along the way to this peak that houses idols of Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The cold wind brushing your cheeks and the sight of the lush valleys and snow-clad mountains all will blow your mind for sure. After spending some amazing time at this peak, descent and head back to the campsite. On the next day, trek towards the village of Sankri. Spend the night at the campsite here. And on the final day, you will drive back to Dehradun to complete your Kedarkantha trek.
Similar to these, there are many more trekking expeditions like Hampta Pass, Dodital, Triund, Naggar to Rumsu, Chopta Chandrashila and Binsar that are ideal for beginners like you. All these expeditions are undertaken by several adventure enthusiasts, year after year, and we hope you too become a part of this clan soon.
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