8 Best treks in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh has been featured as one of the most sought after tourist destinations in India. The transcendental beauty of this state has enchanted many trekkers down the ages. This magical destination ranges from trickling brooks to frozen lakes, lush green landscapes to snow-covered summits, from hallowed dwellings to charming enclaves. The most iconic gift that Himachal Pradesh has to offer is its meandering pathways strewn with golden fall foliage. Its densely thicketed woods mark its inherent natural splendor.
Himachal Pradesh beckons all the trekkers as it houses some of the most coveted treks in Western Himalayas including Hampta Pass, Rupin Pass, Beas Kund trek, etc. The neighboring hill stations of Dharamshala and McLeodganj are also endowed with beautiful locations such as Triund Hill, Bhagsu Nag, and Kareri Lake which can be accessed through this state.
Himachal Pradesh is regarded as the “Land of Snow” as “him” literally means snow and “laya” means abodes. Himachal Pradesh is reputed to be the home of Divinity. The whole state is peppered with temples magnificently crafted in stones and woods. The architectural artistry has to be seen to be believed.
This picturesque location is comprised of untouched landscapes, craggy rock formations, stony glaciers, massive coniferous forests, singing creeks, and unspoilt vegetation and wildlife. The state has a proud tradition of spiritual visits and cultural sites. The state is also renowned to be the abode of sadhus like as Vyas, Parashar, Vaishist, Markandey, and Lamas, among others.
It has some of the greatest exciting and exhilarating adventurous activities in store that stimulate both the head and the heart! Add Himachal Pradesh to your trip itinerary if you want to explore paradise on earth with all the feelings of a fantasy vacation! Himachal Pradesh boasts practically year-round agreeable climate, making it a popular destination for thrilling adventure activities. Consider skiing, paragliding, river crossings, trekking, camping, white water rafting, and other activities. Himachal Pradesh has a lot to offer in terms of sights and activities. Besides these adrenaline rushing activities, there is a profusion of other recreational activities, be it winter or summer. Take a break from your grueling life schedule and tour these less-traveled routes that will make all the difference.
Also Check: Trekking in Manali: 10 best treks in Manali
8 BEST TREKS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH
HAMPTA PASS TREK
Perched at an elevation of 4270m, the Hampta Pass is a short gateway which joins the Chandra Valley to Kullu Valley.Hampta Pass trek is a walk that commences in the area of Kullu and culminates in the barren deserts of Spiti. The dramatic contrasted sweeps of scenery, thick verdant peaks pitted against barren desolation will captivate you. This trek is encircled by the majestic Himalayas throughout as it snakes through the dense alpine woodland crisscrossed by vast stretches of wildflowers and a series of falls descending over rocks and boulders.
The steep rock ledges, hanging glaciers and the rhododendron forests embellish this dream trek and present a great spectacle for all nature enthusiasts. Trekkers of all hues may visit and experience the grandeur of this intermediate level trek which will satisfy the wanderlust of each and every trekker.
At 14,000 feet, Hampta Pass is one of the Himalayas' uncommon and stunning pass crossings. On one side of the route to Hampta Pass lies the verdant greenery of Kullu, with woods, meadows, and wildflowers blossoming all over. On its other side lies Lahaul's virtually dry, austere terrain, with bare hills and scarce foliage. The hike is located in the PirPanjal range and is classified as simple to moderate in difficulty. The months of June through September are ideal for its visit.
PIN BHABA TREK
The Bhabha leg of the journey is a voyage to life beyond this life. It is thickly clothed with alpine woods of Pine, Oak, and Silver Birch. The journey begins with a brisk walk through deep forests near the purling BhabhaRiver. From the pristine pastures and flowing meadows of Kinnaur to the calm serenity of Pin Valley in Spiti, the trek is truly spectacular. As you gain altitude, vast meadows teeming with brilliant blooms come into view.
The trekkers will be overjoyed as most of the campsites are situated amidst the lush green grasslands beside the coursingBhabaRiver. The Pin Bhaba Pass Trek joins Kinnaur's emerald green Bhaba Valley with Spiti's barren, frigid, and parched Pin Valley. The most satisfying aspect of this trek is when you reach the summit and soak in the unparalleled beauty of diverse topography of the region. With your feet on the layers of snow, you will get an unforgettable chance to appreciate the vast greenery on one side and the brown arid regions on the other.
The Pin Bhaba trek originates in the picturesque modest Himalayan town of Kafnu (2,400 M) in Kinnaur Valley rising to 4,915 m. The experience is comparable to experiencing a plethora of diverse realms over the course of eight days. This path, which leads from Kinnaur via lush woods and shepherd's pathways into the wide, dry expanses of Spiti, is a rare experience. The appropriate time to hike Pin Bhaba Pass is from the middle of May until the end of September. This trek is regarded as a difficult trek and it is meant for the seasoned, competent trekkers.
BEAS KUND TREK
Beas Kund has long been a popular hike in the Manali area. Beas Kundlake is in Himachal Pradesh, located in the foothills of the Himalayas. The Kund, at an elevation of 12,772 feet, is the source of the Beas River. The backdrop is one of the reasons thatgoad the hikers to take up this journey. Below the tops of Manali's three largest mountains, lush green pastures thrive. The emerald lake, from which the river Beas originates, is also concealed in these meadows. This green Kund splits into streams with cascading falls till it reaches the heated Beas River.
The charm of this location is enhanced by the juxtaposition of this calm water body tucked between rugged mountain peaks of the PirPanjal range. The Beas Kund trek provides close-up views of Manali's major peaks, including Friendship Peak, Shitidhar, Ladakhi, and Hanuman Tibba. Mt Indrasen, DeoTibba, as well as some other peaks in the PirPanjal range may also be seen on a bright and sunny day.
The Bakarthach and Dhundhi meadows are located just below this steep mountainous terrain. Bakarthach is a shepherd's pasture with sheep and cattle grazing. This grassland is flanked by little streams. It's a beautiful swath of foliage! Dhundhi, on the other side, is the meadow where there are many campsites. From inside the tents, you can hear the Beas River speak its own sweet language and a profusion of blossoming wildflowers on the riverbanks enhance the overwhelming beauty of the river and the setting. The summer months are the ideal time to visit this trek.
CHANDRANAHAN LAKE
The Chandranahan Lake is a tiny stretch of water supplied by snowmelt. It is the original source of the Pabbar River. The lake is nestled in an alpine zone, at roughly 14,000 feet, and looking from such a steep height, a whole other dimension to the experience opens up. The lake is ringed by sun-dazzled snow-capped peaks in the shape of a bowl.
Trekking to the lake blesses you with an extra-terrestrial feeling. To get to the last Chandranahanlaketucked inside the alpine valley, you will have to cross five additional alpine lakes that issue from its mouth. From the starting point, the walk takes around two hours, but each step seems like an adventure. In most seasons, you may observe chunks of snow draping the ground surrounding you.
From the outset, the route to Chandranahan is rich in coniferous trees. Pine and oak trees abound in these woodlands. When trekking between Dayara and Litham, two unique woods appear as if from nowhere amid mountain folds. The first is magical silver birch woodland. The shape and contour of the woods and the graceful stems will hypnotize you to no end. In the other bend, there is a pine forest. The grasses are just on the outskirts. The streaks of sunlight peeping in through these dense dark forests will make you feel as if you are in a dreamland. These sights will create an indelible impact on your soul and will forever remain etched in your memory. The Chandranahan lake trek is best done between May and June and September and October.
BHRIGU LAKE TREK
The Bhrigu Lake walk is popular among hikers because of the lake's mythological significance. This stretch is located in Himachal Pradesh, approximately 20 kilometres north of Manali, and may be reached through Gulaba. The meadows around Bhrigu Lake are a must-see. The PirPanjal and Dhauladhar mountains, which dominate the horizon, may be seen from these verdant zones. The meadows are at their most lush green throughout the months of July to September. Wildflowers run riot here.
Bhrigu Lake, snuggled in the heart of wilderness and bordered on all flanks by ridges of snow-capped mountain peaks, welcomes a good number of people each year. Green and blue frost-wreaths grow all around the periphery of the lake in the early summer months. During summer months, the lake turns blue. This trek is not too difficult and beginners may absolutely participate in this journey with proper preparation taken beforehand.
BURAN GHATI TREK
Buran Ghati is a well-known trip in the hiking world, offering a plethora of magnificent sights along the way. The Buran Ghati hike takes you to a height of 15,000 feet. It is located in the Pabbar Valley. With so much beautiful scenery to feast your eyes on, this walk will undoubtedly revitalize you. The smell and the build of the deep Oak and pine trees will definitely invite you to stay there forever. Vast lush green Dayara meadows, craggy snow-capped peaks all around, whispering streams and brooks, charming villages are some of the stunning sites you will see along the way.
Excluding the monsoon season, the months of May and mid-June are ideal for this trek. The Chandranahan Lake, which is perched at a high height, is one of the trek's attractions. Many people in the neighborhood regard this lake as divine. On both ends of the Buran Pass, the panorama will just dazzle you. The summit view is great enhanced with the array of Kinnar Kailash peaks around.
RUPIN PASS TREK
The Rupin Pass is also considered a renowned trek to reckon with. The route leads you through Jhaka, a hanging village in the Himalayas before abruptly plunging into a dense pine forest. The path takes you through glacier meadows, snowy bridges, frozen valleys, snowfields, and hundreds of waterfalls! The campground amid the falls is undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous locations in the Himalayas. It rests on the bed of a lovely green meadow, nestled at the base of a magnificent "U" shaped glacier valley. Snow-covered cliffs loom on all three sides of the valley.
The Rupin falls over two thousand feet from the snow-capped Dhauladharmountain, forming the spectacular Rupin waterfall. The path drops abruptly from the snowline following the pass, through boundless meadows that reach all the way to Sangla Kanda. In the midst of these meadows sits the Ronti Gad campground. A thriving creek rushes alongside the campground, which is surrounded by majestic, snow-clad mountains. As you near the finish of the Rupin Pass hike, the sweeping vistas of the soaring Kailash Peak will enchant you. The Rupin Pass trek is best suited for the months of May to June and September to October.
KASOL KHEERGANGA
Kasol, a lovely Himachal Pradesh village, is located in the Parvati valley, between Bhuntar and Manikaran, on the banks of the revered Parvatiriver. The travellers are awestruck by the pleasant weather and the clean atmosphere. Few people are aware of Kasol, a magnificent hamlet whose beauty stems from its isolation and lack of human presence. The woodlands, lush, green, and deep forests, picturesque valleys, and a natural hot water spring are all part of the KasolKheer ganga experience.
KasolKheer ganga is a wonderful delight for adventurous hikers and nature enthusiasts. Kheerganga is a little lovely town surrounded by mountains of different shapes and sizes. There are other hiking options available; however the Kheerganga trip stands out due to its distinctiveness. The Kheerganga hike also provides a chance to learn about the rural people's fascinating customs. It is regarded as the ideal location for photography. The mysterious hot comes as a blessed bonus towards the end of the walk, at a height of 13000 feet. Free from the hustle and bustle and the sedentary, monotonous city life, one may take a dip in the seductive beauty of the hot spring and feel the warmth generating all over the body.
While descending from Kheerganga, one must without fail stop at the settlements of Kalga and Pulga and engage in conversation with the locals, learning about their way of life, jobs, traditions, and festivals. The trek to Kheerganga and camping at Kasol are best done between May to June and September to October.
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