Himachal Pradesh Trekking
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There are four mountain ranges running almost parallel to one another in Himachal Pradesh and thus creating charming and beautiful valleys and passes suitable for trekking. There are numerous passes on these ranges which connect the valleys, making good trekking routes for all types of trekkers.One can cross one pass and return over the other or proceed further to cross another on the next range.
There are about two dozen passes on the Dhauladhar, a dozen over the Pir Panjal range and 8-10 such passes over the Great Himalayan range to cross over to the Zanskar valley. Himachal offers a virtual bonanza for trekkers. The four great mountain ranges and a fluctuating snow line give Himachal very cold climate. Though there are some regions which have hot summers and cold winters, majority of the trekking routes fall in those areas which are perennially cold. Thus trekking in Himachal requires adequate preparation to brave the cold wintry climate. For moderate to strenuous treks, the best season is from June to October. It is advisable avoid the winters for trekking.
Trekking, as an adventure sport in India is not very old. However, still it has gained wide acceptance and popularity amongst tourists. The reason for this is that the country is blessed by mother nature with beauties that leaves one and all mesmerisied. There are brilliant green meadows, dense pine forests, fruit orchards, snow capped peaks and rushing streams to fascinate the onlookers. While passing through these bounties of nature, your eyes feast on the beauties while your soul gets an opportunity to rejuvenate in the freshness of the surroundings. Moreover, the cultural diversity of the country also adds to the charm of trekking. Walking past various villages or small hamlets, you interact with different people. Their way of living, stories, culture and tradition have much to make you feel that a trip is worth all the effort made. Himachal Pradesh, nestled in the great Himalayas of India, is one such spot where you will love to tread through the designated trek paths. Also, it is not that you need to be an experienced or professional trekkers to enjoy yourself here. The trek routes here vary a lot - from very gentle to rugged and very tough.
Trekking Places in Himachal Pradesh
There are more than two hundred and seventy well defined trekking trails in Himachal Pradesh. The major areas where you can undertake trekking in Himachal are the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, routes over the passes between the Shimla region and the Kullu valley and the various treks out of Kullu. There are also specific tracks in the Trans-Himalayan regions of Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti. Usually, these trekking places are located at an altitude ranging between 1500 m to 6000 m. The scenes that will make your trekking trip really special include paddy field and woods of oaks, rhododendrons, cedar, deodar and spruce. Rivers will flow by gently giving you company while the mountains will stand tall to greet you at every step.Best Time To Trek
The most important thing that you must know is the season in which it is best to undertake such a trip. Summers, from March to August, make for the best time to trek In winters and monsoons, trekking can be a bit risky activity to undertake. Professionals do trek in the winter season but for a novice, it is certainly not advisable.Physical Fitness
Physical fitness is of paramount importance for trekking. Before embarking on a trip, you must give yourself ample time to adjust to local climate of the state. This is because the climate of Himachal is very coarse. Select your trek routes depending upon your physical fitness. Trek plans can be modified to suit your level of energy. The starting and the end destinations can be the same, still the entire plan can be reworked upon.Equipments Required
Certain equipments need to be carried along during your trip. These equipments are available with the HPTDC office and you can hire them on a reasonable price. There are several other agencies as well that conduct trekking in Himachal and provide the necessary equipments. These equipments include 4-man/ 2 man tent, sleeping bags, carry mat, jackets, windcheaters, rucksack and trekking boots. Porters and horsemen are there who will not only carry your luggage but will also provide guidance enroute. You will also require eatables, medicines, guide map and a first aid kit to make your tour completely hasslefree. Moreover, a broad brimmed hat, UV proof glasses with side blinkers, SPF-15 sunscreen, a lip balm are essential too. Carry water to avoid dehydration and iodine tablets to sterlise water.Rest Houses And Dak Bungalows
Along many trek routes, you will find old forest 'dak bungalows', State Electricty Board and PWD guest houses where you can stay during your trip. These guest houses are mentioned in the trek maps. You can pick up the ones you want and make an advance booking.Special Permits & Environment Protection
You should also keep in mind that entry into the interior areas of the Himalayas require special permission. Last but not the least, you should take care of the environment and surroundings. Make sure that you do not spread waste material here and there during your trip.Training
For those looking for a bit of training before starting off, basic and intermediate courses are available at Manali's Mountaineering Institute and at its Regional Centres at Dharamshala and Bharmour.Itinerary
Day 1 - Delhi Meet, assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. PM combined city tour of Old and New Delhi. Overnight at hotel.Day 2 - Delhi-Mandi Early morning transfer to railway station to board express train for Chandigarh. Meet at station and drive to Mandi - 190 kms. Overnight hotel.
Day 3 - Mandi - Manali Morning excursion to Rewalsar lake. Depart for Manali - 120 kms. Overnight hotel
Day 4 - Manali Morning sightseeing tour of Manali. Afternoon free for independent activities. Overnight hotel
Day 5 - Manali - Losar Depart for Losar - 3800 Mts. over Rothang pass - 3980 Mts. and Kunzum La - 4400 Mts. before we descend down to Spiti valley. Overnight in tents.
Day 6 - Losar - Rangrik Depart for Rangrik - 60 Kms - 3500 Mts. Afternoon visit Kibber & Key monasteries. Overnight in camp.
Day 7 - Rangrik - Tabo Drive to Tabo - - 60 Kms enroute visit Kaza - the head Quarter of Spiti. Overnight in camp.
Day 8 - Tabo - Gulling Depart for Goling - 3400 Mts. - 60 Kms. Afternoon visit Gungri monastery. Here we are in Pin valley. Overnight in camp.
Day 9 - Gulling - Farkha
Descend down on tht right side from the main road and cross Pin river over a wooden bridge, gentle climb of 01 hr to a small pass. From here the trail flattens untill tumling village. Here we cross river in a JULHA ( Wodden box fixed in rope ) and turn right side of the stream till we reach Mud village. Cross stream over a wooden bridge and the steep climb of 20 minutes we arrive Farkha - 3650 Mts. Overnight in camp.
Day 10 - Fharka - Baltipulu
Immediately after leaving camp the valley opens, easy walk untill Balder. Here we turn towards left side gorge and climb for 01 hr. Descend down on your right side to camp at Baltipulu - 4050 Mts. Overnight in camp.
Day 11 - Baltipulu - Bawa pass - Futi
This is a long day. We leave camp and climb 02 hrs till we reach open meadow. After easy walk of 20 minutes the trail climb gently and then becomes steep till we arrive to a small pass. Here we turn right and again climb for 01 hrs we arrive to Bawa pass. Sharp descend of 02 hrs will take us to our camp at Futi - 4000 Mts Day 12 - Futi - Molling
Descend down and follow the stream till we cross this over a big wood log and further we arrive in a small valley. Here we turn right and cross couple of streams. After a short climb we descend down to the bridge. After crossing we enter in a thick forest with pine, birch and rhododendron trees. Another easy one hr we reach our camp at Molling - 3200 Mts. Overnight in camp.
Day 13 - Molling - Kafnoo - Kalpa
This is an easy day. We descend down leaving stream on our right till we reach on the flat path. From here easy walk of 02 hrs we arrive Kafnoo. Here we meet our pre-arranged transport and drive to Kalpa - 03 hrs drive via Rekong Peo - Head quarter of Kinnour. Overnight in camp.
Day 14 - Kalpa
In the morning have an excellent view of holy Mount Kinner Kailash - 6250 Mts. Rest of the morning at leisure. PM visit monastery and and visit Rekong Peo. Overnight in camp. This is our first day's trek doing Parikarima around Kinner Kailash, Holy pilgrimage for Hindus.
Day 15 - Kalpa - Thangi - Trek - Lamber
Drive to Thangi - 02 hrs. Easy walk on the wide path. We continue along the river t side till we arrive Lamber - 3370 Mts. Overnight in camp.
Day16 - Lamber - Charang
After easy ascends & descends the valley opens up. From here we climb gently for one hour and then descend to our camp at Charang - 3700 Mts. Afternoon visit ancient Charang monastery. overnight in camp.
Day 17 -Charanag - Lalanthi
Immediately after leaving camp we climb steeply initially and becomes gentle later till we arrive to a small pass. From here long descend will take us to a valley. Here we cross several streams Continue along the river and another 30 minutes to our camp at Lalanthi - 4500 Mts. overnight in camp.
Day 18 - Lalanthi Charang pass - Chitkul
This is an hard day. Easy walk till we reach to the base. Now the climb starts through the rock boulders and then trail cuts through lose stones which makes ascend difficult. From here another 02 hrs steep ascend will take us to the pass. Long descend of 04 hrs we arrive Chitkul. Over night in camp.
Day 19 - Chitkul - Sarahan
Here we meet our pre-arranged transport and drive to Sarahan - 06 hrs. Overnight in camp.
Day 20- Sarahan - Shimla
Morning visit famous Bhima Kali temple and depart for Shimla. On arrival check in hotel. Overnight at hotel Day 21 - Shimla - Delhi
Morning transfer to railway station to board to train up to Kalka and then change to normal train for Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.