Harrowing yet exceptionally blissful & Off-beat Himalayan Treks In India!

The thrill, excitement, and fear make you a cautious trekker. Beginner to moderate hike can be pleasing to the soul, but an advanced level trek can be dangerous and life-altering. Trekking in inhabitable conditions with limited supplies and unpredictable weather can teach you about life. 

The joy of summiting a Himalayan peak in Himalayan treks is more significant than any reward. One overcomes physical, emotional, and mental barriers to scale the summit. Scaling some of the most challenging Himalayan peaks in Himalayan Treks has been an achievement for generations.

Conquering the Himalayas is always a thrill more than an achievement. Nevertheless, we must not forget these mighty mountains’ magnitude and power in searching for adventure, adrenaline, and fame. We must be mindful to disrupt or pollute this virgin land and consider it a blessing to come back alive from what seemed the end of the world. On the one hand, the number of adventure lovers and trekkers is increasing substantially. On the other hand, the number of travel bloggers in India has also shown a steep incline. 

Some of the finest yet most challenging Himalayan Treks

High altitudes, low oxygen levels, and terrible rough terrains make a trek harsh and life-altering. The more demanding the hike, the more complex the experience makes you confident yet humble. Every experienced trekker was once a beginner and got addicted to mountaineering adventure.

This accomplishment is the most impressive to reach the top of a summit. Before embarking on a challenging himalayan treks, every trekker goes through months of rigorous life changes and preparations. Unpredicted weather, avalanches, and other unforeseen circumstances can crush the spirit of the most will-powered trekker. To get through unwanted surprises on an arduous trek, one needs to be physically compatible and possess a presence of mind and leadership skills. 

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek:

The 75 km trek is a once-in-a-lifetime trip to heaven. Kashmir is known for its uncorrupted beauty and trekking through the seven lakes. Beginners must not attempt this trek. While experienced trekkers consider it moderately complex, unpredictable weather conditions can make it challenging to complete the tour. 

The trek takes nearly eight days to complete, and July-September is considered the only time of the year to attempt the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. While other Himalayan regions face the wrath of monsoons during these months, the 288 km Pir Panjal range blocks the monsoon clouds. The trek also consists of extreme ascends and descends with the sun shining overhead. Severe sunburns and dehydration can cause serious damage that can affect the rest of the expedition. Lack of oxygen can cause impaired judgment and hallucinations, and therefore it is essential to be hydrated at all times during the trek. 

Experienced trekkers also need to prepare for months to build muscular and leg strength. Cardiovascular health, core strength, and stamina are thoroughly tested on this trek, as you will need to cover a minimum of 12 km every day. The rewarding views of the crystal clear lakes surrounded by snow-covered mountains are worth every effort to complete the trek. Proper acclimation is essential before starting the tour, and if at any moment you do not feel well, it is best to head back to base. The highest pass on this trek is the Gadsar pass standing tall at 13700 feet, surrounded by lush green meadows, wildflowers, and clear blue skies. 

Green Lake Trek:

The Green Lake Trek is not only strenuous but also heavy on the pocket. To gain permission for the trek, one has to provide a six-month notice for requesting private expeditions for a min of 2 persons. The Green Lake Trek costs nearly 2350$ US per person, and only experienced trekkers must attempt this trek. The Green Lake Trek is not a piece of cake and must genuinely deserve to embark on this journey. The 14-day tour, approximately 92 km long, requires a special restricted area permit. 

Furthermore, the main highlight of The Green Lake Trek is the stunning view of the third highest mountain in the world – Kangchenjunga. Kangchenjunga stands tall at 28,169ft at the Nepal and Sikkim border. Moreover, the edge of the Zemu Glacier is the spot from where The Tent Peak, Pyramid Peak, Sinoulchu, and other unnamed peaks of the Kanchenjunga range are visible. On The Green Lake Trek, you will witness lush green meadows, alpine trees, and freshly bloomed rare species of flowers. On the challenging Himalayan treks, you will also come across gushing streams and stunning vistas of rolling vistas. 

Moreover, the best time to visit the Green Lake Trek is between April-May and September-November. April-May is when the rhododendron trees are in full bloom, and the weather is warmer. September-November is the post-monsoon month when the weather is clear. During these months, the Himalayan ranges are visible day and night. You will need sturdy tents, sleeping bags, toilet tents, porters to carry food items, baggage, and tents. The trek is strenuous and is not recommended for beginners as a first-time trek. Experienced trekkers also require a certain level of preparation before beginning the hike. 

Auden’s Col Trek:

The Auden’s Col Trek is one of the most strenuous and most dangerous treks in the Garhwal Himalayas. Passing through the Auden’s Col and Mayali Pass, trekkers can attempt to trek from Gangotri to Kedarnath – which are among the holiest Hindu Temples. These prominent pilgrim destinations are also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas present in India. Even though the trek is strenuous and dangerous, the magnificent views of Kedar Dome, Rudragaira, Jogin group, Gangotri group, and the Bhagirathi group are inspiring and rewarding. 

John Bicknell Auden was a British Geographical Survey officer in 1935. He discovered that Auden’s Col Trekkers must go through narrow cliffs, glaciers, stubborn ridges, boulders, and unpredictable weather conditions. This Himalayan treks is not for the faint-hearted, but mental and physical health is required. Auden’s Col is a high mountain pass at 18,010, connecting the Khatling glacier and Jogin I glacier. Furthermore, the months of May-June are perfect for Auden’s Col as the weather is clear and the path is dry. However, as the sun sets, one might witness unpredictable weather conditions and sudden strong winds. 

Bottom Line,

Global warming is a serious issue, and trekking as a sport has increased tourism in remote villages. We can all keep the Himalayas clean and safe by being conscious of the Himalayas.