Location : Zanskar region, Lahaul, The
Nilgiris, Sangla Valley, Spiti,
Thenmala.
Best Time : Any time of the year, depending on the location you
choose for trekking.
Tips : Hire a qualified guide to lead your trek; it's mandatory
for foreigners while trekking, and highly advisable for Indians.
Trekking
Trekking is best way to pass your idle time. India has a good opportunities
for the trekkers. The varied topography of India has some very special and
unique things to offers you, at every step you put forward. The topography
of India has unique species of biological species for you to explore and
understand.
Be it north or south, east or west, India has a series of breathtaking
trekking trails. Head for the Himalayas-
for arid but gorgeously beautiful Ladakh and Zanskar, if you're looking for
adventure; or make tracks through Himachal Pradesh- Lahaul, Kangra, Spiti,
Kinnaur, and the Sangla Valley- for easier treks which take you through
stunning landscapes and quaint villages where time stands still. Go trekking
through Garhwal and Kumaon, the Satpuras near Pachmarhi, or go to the
Nilgiris. If that is not enough, then there are plenty of other treks to try
and enjoy. The Sahyadris in Maharashtra; the hills around Shillong,
Kalimpong, and Gangtok; the Valley of Flowers and much more.
Some Exciting Trekking Routes
There's actually no end to the paths you can find, the trails you can
follow, But there are some which are exquisitely beautiful :
Ladakh
Try trekking in Ladakh in the month of June to October. Trekking through
Ladakh isn't easy- its' harsh, rugged terrain and inhospitable
climate is enough to overwork the most seasoned of hikers- but once you've
walked these trekking trails, you could easily get hooked for life. Some
trekking routes in Ladakh are in the
Zanskar Region - The Best Treks
Spituk-Rumbak-Yurutse-Ganda La-Skiu-Markha-Nimaling-Kongmaru
La-Chogdo-Hemis-Leh.
Lamayuru-Wanla-Hinju Valley-Konze La-Sumdo Choon-Stapski La-Alchi.
Lamayuru-Prinkiti La-Wanla-Hinju-Konze-Sumdo Choon-Dung Dung La-Chilling.
In all these treks you will come across numerous beautiful sights and
surroundings. You will find some Buddhist Monasteries and Gompas here.
Lahaul - Eco Treks in Himachal
Nestled in the far northern corner of Himachal Pradesh, the valley of
Lahaul lies in what would surely rate as some of the most beautiful alpine
territory in the Indian sub-continent. The valley is divided by the Chandra
River, and lies along the periphery between the states of Himachal Pradesh
and Jammu and Kashmir. To its south are the apple orchards and green
pastures of the Kullu Valley; to the north is the vast alpine desert of
Ladakh. Bounded by these two extremes of terrain and plantation lies the
Lahaul Valley- with its glaciers, its barren mountains and the idyllic
Chandratal Lake. A region of harsh terrain, friendly people and mountains
which make for some memorable treks.
The Nilgiris - Trekking in Western Ghats
The junction of the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats, the Nilgiris - the
`Blue Mountains'- are amongst oldest mountain ranges of India. The
hills, a part of the Nilgiri District of Tamilnadu, stretch across the
borders of the state into the adjoining states of
Kerala and Karnataka. Easier to trek than
the mighty Himalayas, the Nilgiris are often seen as being better suited for
amateur trekkers. The gentle slopes and moderate climate of the region mean
that even those with little or no experience won't end up getting
completely fatigued. The beauty of the Nilgiris, however, is such that even
veteran hikers will enjoy themselves.
The three main towns of the Nilgiris- Ooty,
Kotagiri and Coonoor- are perfect bases for interesting treks into the
Nilgiris. A trek through the Nilgiris is a fantastic way to see the hills -
to explore the forests of rhododendron in full bloom; to visit the
wildlife-rich sanctuaries of Mudumalai and Mukurthi; to walk through rolling
green lowlands and along rippling streams. Trekking here is an absolute
pleasure.
Sangla Valley - Trekking Routes in Himachal
Nestled in the south-eastern corner of Himachal Pradesh is the Sangla
Valley, a part of the region of Kinnaur. Also known as the Baspa Valley,
Sangla Valley has been called the `most beautiful valley in the Himalayas'.
Stretching for 95 km, the Sangla Valley is irrigated by the Baspa river,
which meets the Satluj at Karcham, and by several smaller streams and
springs. The first 18 km of the valley are fairly narrow, with cedar,
chilgoza pine and bhojpatra trees wrapping the slopes on either side. At
Kupa, however, the valley opens up and widens into an unforgettably lovely
valley, dotted with a pretty villages, right up to Chitkul, beyond which
habitation is almost nil.
The Sangla Valley is a gorgeous swathe of green, dwarfed by the surrounding
mountains. The clear waters of the Baspa run between orchards of apple and
apricot, through villages; an area so lovely that the inhabitants actually
say that this is the place where the Gods live.
Spiti
Spiti is a sub-division of the district of Lahaul-Spiti is in fact, much
like Ladakh - treeless, harsh, bitterly cold. Peopled here are remarkably
friendly, warm and hospitable. The little vegetation there is, stretches
along the rivers and in places where, because of irrigation, the people have
been able to plant crops and trees.
Though Spiti is still an undeveloped area - with few facilities outside the
main town, Kaza, not many trekkers complain about it. Walk along the Spiti
river; trekking up to one of the thirty-odd Buddhist monasteries or trek to
one of the villages which cling to the mountainsides. Wherever you go, Spiti
is undeniably beautiful, whether you're looking for panoramic views,
quiet old monasteries, or friendly villages.
NOTE :
Ecology is extremely delicate, so be very careful not to disturb it while
trekking through the areas. Be especially cautious about disposing of waste;
carry out all tins, bottles, altogether don't leave rubbish behind you.
Things to Carry
Carry heavy-duty shoes, a rucksack, Heavy equipment- such as tents and
sleeping bags, basic cooking equipment and food. Heavy woollens, waterproof
jackets and spare clothing must be packed as well, good sunscreen and sun
glasses.