10 Best Himalayan Treks For Beginners
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If you are an amateur or a beginner in trekking, the Himalayan Range is an ideal call for you! Hidden in this fascinating range are plenitude of trails that introduces a beginner with the alluring charm and appeal of trekking at high altitudes.
Not one, but there are ten Himalayan Treks for Beginners, where a newbie can take a hands-on experience of trekking on the high altitudes. Adding more to this is the enchanting beauty of the snow-clad peaks, pictorial splendours of the lush forests, the shimmering beauty of the glaciers and lot more.
Pick up the best suitable trekking expedition from these 10 best Himalayan treks for beginners:
1. Hampta Pass
Height: 14,100 ft
Duration: 4-5 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Best Season: June to September
Package: Hampta Pass Trek
If you are new to trekking, the Hampta Pass Trek is considered as the best Himalayan Treks for beginners! Connecting the scenic Lahaul and Kullu valleys, the easy gradient, prismatic views of the glaciers, alpine forests and the mighty Himalayan Range are the key elements beginners take this trek.
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2. Kedarkantha Trek
In the celestial like the state of Uttarakhand, lies the snowy delight of Kedarkantha trek which is another beautiful trek. Close to the famous Har ki dun valley, this place is lesser visited.
Steeped in unsurpassed beauty, over here you find charming villages, vast stretches of meadows, snow paths and magnificent views of the great Himalayas.
The people of the region are said to be friendly and follow a unique culture and practice. Uttarakhand, permeating nature’s glory offers a dramatic landscape dotted with lovely lakes, tranquil rivers, mountains and rising Himalayan peaks.
With Kedarkantha trek route, delights in a windy trail through rich forests, snow-laden trail with patches of green, meadow used by shepherds during the summer season and witness several peaks and ranges.
The thrill and excitement do not end here. Learn how to ski and feel the glee as you glide through frosty slopes. Feel the thrill as you walk through some of the beautiful views of the region. Spend some time staring at the mesmerizing beauty of the mountains.
You are likely to come across snow just as you cross the 10,000 ft mark and walk through a snow bed with full of pine trees. Along the trek, you will find some of the most beautiful campsites. Not all treks can boast of the beauty of their campsites like the Kedarkantha trek.
This trek is considered as the most beautiful trek in the world. The Juda-Ka-Talab campground sits in a clearing encompassed by huge pine trees; the Kedarkantha Base campground is on an open glade with snow tops all around. It is practically as though every single one of them contends with the other for the delightful setting.
This is one trek which should not be missed by the adventure seekers who loves to take some challenges.
This trek is an ideal destination for the nature lovers to bask in the prettiness of intact nature and enjoy wonderful and heavenly moments with exhilarating experiences.
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3. Sandakphu Trek
Located at an altitude of 11,941ft in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, Sandakphu trek is popularly known as a ‘Trekkers Wonderland’. It is the highest region of West Bengal.
This 6-day long trek takes you through the journey of Sandakphu through different picturesque locations which are untamed until now.
Not just this during your trek catch the glimpse of the Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu along with a diverse range of flora and fauna, contrasting views of snow-clad peaks and evergreen forests.
This trek is considered as the highest trek in West Bengal. The trek route to Sandakphu goes all along the Singalila range and therefore this is also known as Singalila trek.
During the trek, you will not only see the famous peaks but also Three Sisters and few other peaks of Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet and Bhutan in one single stretch of snow.
Soak in the beauty of the region as you continue your trek and watch the towering peaks touching the sky. The cluster of Kanchenjunga forms the upper body and is popular among the people as The Sleeping Buddha.
Your trek route lies along the border of India and Nepal. There is also the Singalila National Park where one can find a rare species like Red Panda and is a birder’s paradise. You will also find blooming Rhododendrons and Magnolia which will turn the forest with red, pink and white shades during spring and foliage hue during fall. The Sandakphu Trek is definitely the best trek you should try this season.
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4. Valley of Flowers
Valley of Flowers Trek as the name suggests, is dotted with stretches of colourful flowers.
It is located at an altitude of 3,600 m above the sea level and is bounded by snow clad mountains. Recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the valley is located at the transition point of Zanskar and Himalayan Treks and Eastern and Western Himalayas.
Hundreds of beautiful flowers bloom in vivid colours in this captivating valley during summer. There are around 300 species of flora, and the valley also supports a large number of rare and endangered flower species and also some of the threatened medicinal plants. Its said that the floral composition of the valley keeps changing every few days.
The Valley of Flowers remains in blooms for almost three months. Anemones, geraniums, marsh marigolds, primulas, asters, inulas, Brahma kamal, pedicularis, thermopsis, trollius, straw-berry, epilbium, and rhododendrons make this valley an enchantress that is beautifully decked to cast a spell on you.
You may also come across many butterflies. En route, if you are lucky, you may be able to spot the musk deer, blue sheep (bharal), Himalayan bear, Himalayan mouse hare, and snow leopard. The Valley of Flowers trek is also a paradise for avid bird watchers.
Meadows of wild flowers are interspersed with waterfalls, springs, rocky boulders, and more. For trekkers, the base camp is at Ghangaria, from here the trek is 3 km uphill. Its a moderate level trek, and the trail is well-defined.
You ascend through coniferous forest, and then a down-hill trek leads you to a bridge and the check-post, which is the beginning of the Valley of Flowers trek. A rock trails leads you to the exquisite valley covered in colourful flowers.
Must Check: Chadar Trek , Ladakh
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5. Trek to Beas Kund
Height: 16,240ft
Duration: 4 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Best Season: May (mid) to October (mid)
Package: Bhrigu Lake And Beas Kund Trek
One of the most sought-after treks in Manali, the Beas Kund trek is considered holy by most of the Hindus. The fun and excitement of this trek begin with the glimpses of the Mt Hanuman Tibba and it is ideal for trekkers of almost all age groups.
Also, check the best things to do on a Manali trip.
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6. Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek
The excitement and allurement of the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek starts right from the beginning. The occasionally steep climbs will not feel like uphill tasks as you walk through jungle trails surrounded by oak and birch trees, or, through verdant meadows filled with rhododendrons.
The placid beauty of the place is punctuated by the chirping of birds, the soft laughter of a brook as it rolls over stones on the way and the whispering wind.
The view of snow-capped mountain peaks against the backdrop of the beautiful Devariyatal or the breathtaking Chopta valley is an excellent ingredient for a perfect trekking experience. A walk through nature gives you ample opportunities to soak in the different moods of nature as they unravel at every step.
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7. Har Ki Dun Trek
One of the most ravishing valleys in the Western Himalayas, the Har Ki Dun Trek takes you through enchanting forests of alpine with extraordinary views of the surrounding mountain pinnacles. Located at the base of the majestic peak of Fateh Parvat, it surmounts a height of 3556 meters.
This cradle shaped valley offers a variety of enchanting explorations ranging from nature’s compassion to bird viewing. Scattered with Himalayan flowers, the valley is also packed with thrilling wildlife.
Encounter Sankri with its magnificent views of the Garhwal Mountains before you trail towards Taluka, which has the essence of vast meadows and the invigorating aroma of scented flowers.
Plunge ahead through Osla with propitious encounters with deers and bores before you stroll to the euphoric Har Ki Dun Pass. Witness the frozen glaciers of Jaundhar and Swargarohini while charming landscapes of prairie and snowflakes garnish your scrutiny.
Popular Reads: Everest Base Camp in Nepal, 2019
8. Kuari Pass Trek
Height: 12,763 ft
Duration: 6 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Best Season: December to March
A major trek in the Garhwal Himalayas, the Kuari Pass Trek is an epitome of natural beauty and fascination! Discovered during the British Rule in India by Lord Curzon, the trek offers stunning views of some of the peaks like Kamet, Trishul, Chaukhaba and the Nanda Devi.
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9. Brahmatal Trek
Another jewel of the Himalayas which is a favourite among the trekkers around the world is the Brahmatal trek. A blend of challenges and the picturesque beauty this trek is another of the most sought off treks in the world.
Nestled amidst the Himalayas and covered with blankets of snow, the Brahmatal trek proves to be challenging for a few trekkers. Starting at Kathgodam, this trip will take you to some of the most amazing locations and visit famous tourist spots.
Apart from the uneven terrain, the trek is filled with beautiful landscapes and sprawling forests and a mesmerizing view of the Himalayas. Reach 12,100 feet approximately covering around 22 KMs with this trek. Brahmatal is also famous as the winter trek taking you to the land of snow and the snow-covered mountains. As you continue trekking you will come across the frozen lake of Brahmatal.
The full grandeur of the trek hits you when you come across the snow-covered mountains of Garhwal region touching the sky. The frozen lake with the grand Himalayan peaks overlooking it creates a gripping ambience. Make way through some of the majestic beauty of the region as you continue your trek.
Trek through the oaks and fir trees and then cross the steep paths. You also get glimpses of the Garhwal Mountains in the distance on a clear day. As you walk through the upper region of Lohajung and then through the forest trail with a few more houses. It is another of the most beautiful sight you will see during your Brahmatal trek. Spend some time exploring the beauty of the region while you head out for this trek.
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10. Brighu Lake Trek
A blasting blue Brighu Lake sits cozily between two high-elevation edges towards the east of Rohtang Pass. One of the numerous cold lakes in Kullu Valley, this lake makes for an immaculate weekend trek and is appropriate for families.
The noteworthy thing about this trek is that one can achieve an amazing elevation of 14,000 feet and experience snow over the second day of trekking! To add to that, the outdoors grounds at Rola Kholi and Pandu Ropa offer dream-like perspectives to wake up to.
Bhrigu Lake trek is only 14 km far from the street head of Gulaba. On a splendid sunny day, the lake is a soaked shade of overlook me-not blue. Bhrigu Lake Trek is especially popular for trekking in Manali. Amid winter, the lake, secured in the snow, will leave exceptional pictures in your psyche.
Trekking to the lake is as pacifying as being at the lake itself. On Day 1, backwoods trails from Gulaba to Rola Kholi outdoors grounds take you through valuable old towns, welcoming apple plantations, clear rivulets, and greenfield lands. The trail ensures stunning perspectives of Kullu Valley, which gets to be prettier and prettier as you rise.
Which are the best Himalayan treks for beginners?
Valley of Flowers Trek: Located at an altitude of 3600 metres above sea level, the Valley of Flowers is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site for its diverse and rare flora, including endemic plants. The valley remains open only for a few months in a year and is as the garden of Eden. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, this place is nothing short of a dream. The trek to the park is short and takes a few days, overall, starting from the base camp in Govindghat.
Kuari Pass Trek: It takes 6 days to complete the Kuari Pass Trek, also deemed one of the best Himalayan Treks For Beginners in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The now-famous trail was discovered by Lord Curzon, during the British Rule in India. The trek is easy, taking you to an elevation of 12,763 feet, and offering views of mountain peaks like -Kamet, Trishul, Chaukhamba and the Nanda Devi.
Sandakphu Trek: This trek lets you explore the Eastern Himalayas as the trail to the Sandakphu Mountain passes through the landscapes of the Darjeeling District of West Bengal. The peak stands in the Singalila Ridge at an altitude of 11,941feet, on the border between India and Nepal. Besides, you can also get sight of Himalayan peaks and Mount Kanchenjunga.
Which are the best Himalayan Treks in Uttarakhand for beginners?
Kedarkantha Trek: To enjoy the snow and unsurpassed beauty of nature, you must pick the Kedarkantha Trek in Uttarakhand. This trail runs close to the more popular Har Ki Dun and is just as thrilling and mesmerizing. Kedarkantha is a mountain peak which is also the endpoint of the adventurous trek, and it is graded easy to moderate on its difficulty levels.
Chopta-Chandrashila Trek: Starting in Chopta Valley, the trek is relatively short and ends at the Chandrashila mountain peak, whose name means ‘Moon Rock’. The entire activity happens in two laps with the first-half between Chopta to Tunganath and, from there to the summit. Filed with alluring forests, meadows and valleys, this is one of the best Himalayan Treks For Beginners.
Har Ki Dun Trek: Har Ki Dun is a mountain Pass in the Uttarakhand Himalayas, located at the base of the Fateh Parvat. This is also one of the best Himalayan Treks For Beginners, starting in Sankri and ending at the same spot, over 7 days. The trek itself is of 47 breathtakingly beautiful kilometres, with the maximum elevation of around 11,768 feet.
Which are the best Himalayan Treks in Himachal Pradesh for beginners?
Beas Kund Trek: This is a longer trek, taking 4 days to complete. Along with traversing through the gorgeous landscape of Manali and getting to warrant the Beas Kund Lake, you also get the glimpse of Mount Hanuman Tibba and enjoy a camping adventure. The ease of the entire circuit makes it a hit among travellers of all age groups.
Bhrigu Lake Trek: The Bhrigu lake is an alpine waterbody perched between two cliffs on the east side of Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh. And a trek to this alluring lake is one of the best Himalayan Treks For Beginners. One can participate in this adventure over a weekend and get to reach at an elevation of 144,000 feet and views of the snow-clad mountains.
Hampta Pass Trek: Experience the beauty of Himachal Pradesh with one of the best Himalayan Treks For Beginners. The trek to Hampta Pass goes on for 4 to 5 days, connecting Lahaul and Kullu valleys, where you can enjoy the scenic landscapes of alpine forests, valleys and more. The total elevation one reaches by the end is 14,100 feet, through a comfortable trail.
What are the essential things to carry for Himalayan treks?
Here is a list of things to carry with you on the Himalayan Treks For Beginners:
- Regular Clothes – cotton material t-shirts and tops, track pants, leggings, sweatshirts, underwears
- Warm Layers (a few in summers, but especially in winters) – thermal innerwear, pullover, jacket and fleece, gloves, socks etc.
- Footwear – sneakers, slippers and insulated shoes
- Medication – painkillers, prescription, repellents, band-aids, disinfectant, glucose and electrolyte
- Toiletries – towel, comb, shampoo, soap, conditioner, sanitary pads (for women), toothbrush and paste, toilet paper etc.
- Moisturizer, body lotion, lip balm, SPF
- Cash
- Eatables
- Water Bottle
- Essential documents and Permits
- Backpack/luggage
- A smaller day pack
- Gadgets and Electronics – power bank, charger, cables etc.
- Sunglasses, cap, scarf etc.
- Miscellaneous – a swiss-knife, safety-pins, torch, zip-lock bags, garbage bags, a pen and diary, a book etc.