Best 10 Treks to do in Himalayas

The Himalayas offer some of the most exhilarating trekking experiences of all time because of their diverse landscape, rich cultural heritage and what not. It is a much desired destination by both adventure seekers and nature lovers and trekking in the himalayas is like a dream come true moment for most people. You will come across various remote villages and flora and fauna. Here is a list of top 10 treks to do in the Himalayas.

10. Everest base camp trek

This is a legendary adventure which takes the trekkers to the foot of the world’s highest peak. It starts from the Lukla and you will come across some beautiful sherpa villages, dense forests with rhododendrons and glacier valley, eventually leading to the base of Mount Everest. The trekkers can visit the ancient monasteries and conquer high mountain passes along the way. This trek is a difficult one and needs rigorous training before you start your trip. 

9. Valley of flowers

The valley of flower Trek is nested in the Garhwal Himalayas of uttarakhand. Valley of flowers is truly a paradise down on earth. This floral symphony is a high altitude Himalayan valley located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is in the Garhwal Himalayas but this beautiful valley was unknown to the outside world until 1931. The 13 kilometre trekking trail is adjourned with beautiful flowers and trees which is a site for everyone.It is a botanical wonderland boasting an array of vibrant alpine flowers, rare and endemic plants. During the summer the whole place will be vibrant as the flowers start to bloom, So it is preferred to visit this beautiful and eye-catching valley from June to September.The trek to reach the valley starts at Govindghat which is near the town called Badrinath. From here you will have to trek for 13 kilometres to reach Ghangaria which is the last settlement before the valley.  It is located at an altitude of 14,100 above sea level. 

8. Kanchenjunga base camp trek

This is a challenging trek to the base of the world's third highest peak. The trekkers will cross through Sikkim and Nepal and will traverse through alpine meadows, glacier valleys and Tibetan villages along the way. All the obstacles that you will come across will be worth the final destination - the awe inspiring view of Kanchenjunga and its surrounding peaks. 

7. Hampta pass trek

Hampta pass is a fascinating crossover from Manali to Spiti. It's a small corridor between the Chandra valley of Lahaul and Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Hampta pass trek is known for its grassland and most of the time people camp in these areas.  Trekking through the majestic landscapes of the Himalaya is every adventure lover's dream come true moment. Among the innumerable trails that exist in this region, the Hampta pass trek always stands out as a unique experience because of the blend of serenity, thrill and natural beauty it offers. The Hampta pass trek is like a skydiving experience across the diverse terrains that exist in this region. As you start trekking through the Hampta pass it feels akin to stepping out of an aeroplane and into the open sky. The initial stages are like the free fall with an adrenaline rush as the trekkers navigate through the steep ascents and descents. Each step forward is like a leap of faith, much like the exhilarating sensation of jumping out of a plane and surrendering to gravity.  The Hampta pass is a magical place, the views and the place will leave you astonished. It stands at a height of 14,000 feet and is one of the highest mountain passes in the Himalayas. Starting from Manali, the trek takes you through lush green forests, beautiful valleys and mountains and finally to the famous Hampta pass before descending to the Spiti valley. The trek usually takes 4 to 6 days depending on the pace of the trekkers.the whole route is of 35 to 40 kilometres. 

6. Phulara Ridge trek

This is a moderately difficult trek which takes nearly 6 days to complete. The Phulara ridge trek is mostly recommended to do in the months of September to November and from May to June. This is one of the newer treks in India. At one point during the trek you will come across a dense forest section where you can spot various species of Himalayan birds. 

5. Deoriatal - Chopta Chandrashila trek

The himalayan state of Uttarakhand is home to numerous picturesque locations and one of them is the Deoriatal, Chopta, Chandrashila trek. It is a must try experience for sure. This trek is a getaway to the famous pilgrimage sites like Tungnath and famous peaks like Nanda devi and Chaukhamba.with beautiful temples, majestic peaks and amazing flora and fauna this trek offers many experiences. It usually takes around 6 or 7 days to complete this three destination trek. Before heading out for this trek you need proper planning and training. You need to train your body and mind before a trek like this. Include high intensity workouts in your daily routine so that your body is ready to take up a challenge like this. Apart from physical fitness , your mind should be prepared. You have to be determined if you want to complete a challenging trek.

4. Brahmatal trek

The Brahmatal trek is a moderately difficult trek which takes about 6 to 7 days to complete and it covers a distance of 24-30 kilometres. This trek veins from the town of Lohajung and the trekkers will come across dense forests, meadows and snow capped mountains. It is located at an altitude of 10,974 feet above the sea level. 

3. Buran Ghati trek

The Buran Ghati trek is not just like any other trek in the Himalaya, it is an odyssey through breathtaking forests, valleys, challenging terrains and what not. It is not just a challenge physically but also mentally. The Buran Ghati stands at an altitude of 15,000 feet and it promises an ascent into heaven. The beauty of this place has beckoned adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike for decades, offering a unique alpine odyssey like no other. The journey starts from the town of Shimla and the trail goes through dense forests of oak and pine and gradually gains altitude as it reaches towards the first campsite at Lytham, the whole trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. 

2. Pangarchulla peak trek

 It showcases the scenic beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas. The summit is 15,069 feet above the sea level hence it can be a bit tiring and challenging. This trek in Uttarakhand is open throughout the year but it is breathtaking during the winter season. It can be a bit tricky and overwhelming but it is something the brave hearts and trekkers can't miss in this lifetime because the view is just surreal. Even though Pangarchulla trek is not the most difficult one or the highest peak, it requires a special recognition because of the scenic beauty it offers. The whole trail offers a view of astonishing mountains and rivers. The peaks that you will come across on the trek are of special interest to trekkers. You will get to see the mountains behind Mandakini valley which is to the extreme west and in the north you will get a glimpse of the famous Badrinath.

1. Kedartal trek

This trek is extremely difficult hence only experienced trekkers are recommended for this option. It is a 7 day trek in Uttarakhand. The trek will lead to the glacial Kedartal lake. There are multiple river crossings, spider walls and the altitude makes this trek a challenging one but the view that you will enjoy cannot be explained in words. 

The Himalayas have a lot to offer whether it be the iconic Everst base camp trek or the tranquil beauty of Kuari pass, any trek in the Himalaya is an experience which will leave a lasting impact on your life. So get ready to pack your bags and lace up your boots to embark on an unforgettable journey. 

Author bio

Sunil is an adventurous soul and an avid travel writer with a passion for exploring the world's most captivating landscapes. With a background in geography and a deep love for the outdoors, Sunil has dedicated years to trekking, mountaineering, and immersing themselves in the beauty of our planet.