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The simplest way to choose your next Himalayan trek

Planning a Himalayan trek soon? Here’s a ready reckoner to help you choose the trek best suited for your fitness, experience and age. Just go through the list and decide what you are ready for.

[box] Easy
Suitable for: Beginners in good health, above 10 years
Duration: up to 5 days
Trek time: 4 hours/day
Max altitude: 14000 feet (4200 meters)[/box]

Valley of Flowers Trek
Nestled in the west Himalayan region, Valley of Flowers National Park is renowned for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and outstanding natural beauty. It is now a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO.

[box]Easy to Moderate

Suitable for: Beginners in good health, above 12 yrs
Duration: 5 to 7 days
Trek time: 4-6 hours/day
Max altitude: 14000 feet (4200 meters)[/box]

Hampta Pass Trek
The Hampta Pass trek is a first timer’s delight. It connects two valleys, Kullu and Lahaul and lets you enjoy a spectrum of landscapes. Kullu is full of vegetation and greenery and in contrast, Lahaul Valley is completely rocky and sandy with brown mountains and snow-clad peaks.
Har Ki Doon Trek
The Har ki Doon trek takes you to one of the least explored regions of Garhwal Himalayas, passing through dense forests consisting of chestnut, walnut, willow and chinar trees. It is a cradle shaped valley surrounded by dense pine forests and offers views of glittering mountain peaks. Owing to its isolation, the area is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers.
Winter Kuari Pass Trek
The trail named after Lord Curzon passes through lush green fields, remote villages and virgin forests. It’s an amazing experience to walk pass pristine Rhododendron, Oak and Deodar forests, spotting some rare species of flora and fauna. At around 14,000 feet, trekkers are awed by a skyline of mighty mountain peaks like Nanda Ghunti, Hathi Ghoda Parbat, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Mukut Parbat, Mana, Rishi Pahad, and Changbang.
Auli Snow Skiing
Auli, in the Garhwal Himalayas, is a favourite skiing destination for many, not just because of its beautiful glittering slopes but for the pleasant, clean environment as well. The slopes are located at an altitude of almost 2,500 to 3,000 meters, offering exciting skiing opportunities to both beginners as well as professional skiers.
[box]Moderate
Suitable for: Trekkers with previous experience, above 13 yrs
Duration: Up to 9 days
Trek time: 6-8 hours/day
Max altitude: 15500 feet (4700 meters)
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The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
As the name indicates, this trek encompasses some of the beautiful lakes situated in the lofty areas of Kashmir region in the Himalayas. Starting from Sonamarg, the trail passes through Kishansar, Gadsar, Vishnasar, Gangabal, Satsar and Nundkol Lakes. Every year numerous trekkers ascend the tricky mountains of this trek for the sheer beauty of the high altitude lakes. Famous for its enchanting views, the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, is really the king of high trekking points.

Bagini Glacier & Changbang Base Camp Trek
Bagini Glacier trek is located in Garhwal Himalayas. It is the most amazing trekking point for the trekkers who love adventure. Located at an altitude of 14,816 feet from sea level, it provides glorious views of lovely snow capped Dunagiri peak, Changbang peak and Kalanka peak.
[box]Moderate to Difficult
Suitable for: Trekkers with at least one Himalayan trek experience, above 13yrs
Duration: Up to 9 days
Trek time: 6-8 hours/day
Max altitude: 16500 feet (5000 meters)
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Goechala Trek
Goechala is situated in the state of Sikkim which is a perfect destination for adventure lovers. Trekking in Sikkim is extravagant with flourishing valleys, burgeoning orchards and dark forests. The trail offers many splendid views of Kanchenjunga peak, which is one of the most superlative and stunning peaks of the Himalayan Range.
Roopkund Trek
It is the quintessential Himalayan trek to Roopkund Lake. It is also called the ‘Mystery Lake’, or the ‘Skeletal Lake’, because of the several hundred human skeletons found scattered in and around the lake. Besides the mystery, Roopkund Trek is the perfect route to showcase the surreal Himalayan beauty; and it the perfect trek to initiate you into high altitude treks.
[box]Difficult
Suitable for: Proficient trekkers with high level of fitness, above 13 yrs.
Duration: up to 20 days
Trek time: 8 – 10 hours/day
Max altitude: 19,600 feet & above (6000 meters and above)
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Pin Parvati Pass Trek
The stunning view of The Pin Parvati Pass is full of adventure and thrills. The challenging trek begins via crossing over the flourishing green Parvati valley and beautiful landscapes in Kullu which fall in the range of Great Himalayas of the Spiti valley. The heavy snow fall gives an alpine feeling and an experience to remember for life time. For a seasoned trekker, it is a must–have on the list.
Stok Kangri Trek
Stok Kangri Trek is the most exciting and challenging trek in Leh-Ladakh region. It is summited by many people and is considered the best trekking experience in this region. The only reason this trek is considered a difficult one is due to the height of the destination, which is almost 70% of the Mt. Everest.
The Chadar Trek
At over 11,000 feet and subzero temperatures, the frozen Zanskar river invites you for a trek that’s fascinating like none other. Situated in the Leh-Ladakh region of J&K, this unique trek offers spectacular views of the ice-peaks, breath-taking valleys and intriguing designs of hanging icicles. For an avid trekker, the Chadar Trek satiates the thirst of a challenging experience.
Make your choice from the above treks and log on to www.trekthehimalayas.com to book your trek.

Written By:- Rakesh Pant