5 Best Himalayan Treks for Beginners

The powerful Himalayas, the gem of the elegant nature and extremely impressive atmosphere offer an eye-catching flood of trails accessible for adventure lovers. In the Himalayas, trekking is the dream comes true of every climber. Trekking is the most charming adventure in months of winter because the snow surrounds the trees and mountains clothed themselves with thick white covers of snow. From all around the world, the beautiful Himalayas allure every climber and trotter.

Whenever you need some break from your schedule and also feel that urban area has become tedious, then experience trekking in the attractive Himalayas. Pure and uncontaminated air, and untouched environment, and of no doubt the grace of the mountains will lift your spirits definitely. There is no other place on the earth like the Himalayas.

So, when you want to want some thrill and adventure in life, then the Himalayas is the best place to experience. When you perceive that what number of prominent trekking trails pervade the Himalayas, your mind will surely wonder while trekking in Nepal Himalayas or in India.

While you are trekking in the Himalayas, your eyes will stare at a great diversity of vegetation. Trekking in the Himalayas will provide your eyes the view of oaks and maples at lower altitudes. Many sorts of animals like deer, bears, cats, and monkeys occupy the Himalayas. Trekking in the Himalayas is just worth an experience.

While going for trekking in the delightful Himalayas, add all the necessary and essential items in your bag like camping tents, ropes, trekking shoes, rain covers and many more.

Best Himalayan Treks for Beginners Some of the popular trekking routes in Indian Himalayas are:

1. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek


The purpose of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is to hike from Sonamarg to Naranag through the Nichnai Pass. The Great Lakes, as the name suggests, runs through long alpine lakes located at the foot of the snowy mountains. It crosses creeks, many colorful meadows and crosses three mountain passes.

The best time to do a walk would be between July and September, since the prairie road is in full bloom and climatic conditions with the average temperature between 18 and 20 degrees during the day and 3 to 4 degrees at night. The most popular trek that covers the lake are Twins lakes of Vishansar and Krishansar and Gadsar.

2. Tarsar Marsar Trek, Kashmir


Aru Valley is base camp for the Tarsar-Marsar trip, which is another 12 kms before Pahalgam. Start the walk with a constant movement of 2 to 3 hours through a magnificent path of pine forests. This is an uphill climb but easy and enjoyable. Walk along the Lidder River, which connects with the village uphill. Begin your walk along the Lidder river that will take you to the pine forest.

There will also be the excitement of crossing the river. Make a brief stop in the huts of Gujjar and enjoy a tea and snacks before continuing the walk. The road will go through lush pastures before reaching Sumbal. From here the path will take to a ridge in a stream that will take later to Tarsar. After a couple of hours, a spectacular conical summit will offer breathtaking views of the almond-shaped Tarsar lake.

Cross the Tarsar pass at an altitude of 13,500 ft. Walk on a seat on a ledge on the far side of the Marsar lake. It is an extremely beautiful location. Go down to Sumbal from Sonmasti and then go to Srinagar, with the aim of reaching before dark.

3. Stok Kangri Trek, Leh


Leh, the capital of Ladakh is the best option for trekking in India, as it is located at approximately 6153 meters above sea level. It is one of the highest trekkable peaks in the world. It is the highest mountain in the Himalayan range stok. The Stok Kangri is very famous among walkers and novice mountaineers due to its technical nature.

From July to August, this peak is considered non-technical. This trek requires a lot of resistance, both physically and mentally, so if you are riding you will definitely love this trek. The biggest challenge of this place is the summit of the day when the temperature drops below zero degrees centigrade.

4. Kolahoi Glacier Trek


Kashmir is like nowhere else in the Himalayas with its good-looking meadows and elevated pine trees. Experience panoramic visions of the all-around snow-laden peaks and meadows flourishing with wildflowers. The Sindh River, where rafting is usually practiced, meanders through the valley, and ponies can be hired for an excursion to the Thajiwas glacier, one of the biggest attractions during the summer months.

It is a small route of just 4 kilometers that reaches a small valley at the foot of the glacier. Once there, there is a path that leads to the Shakhdar hill, from which you can see beautiful views of the north-western glacier. From Sonamarg there are trekking routes that reach the lakes of the Himalayas such as Vishansar (4,084 masl), Krishnasa (3,810 masl) and Gangabal (3,658 masl). Other lakes of the region can be cited as Gadsar, which is fed by glaciers and is surrounded by beautiful alpine flowers.

A nearby excursion is Baltal, about 15 kilometers north of Sonamarg, which is a small valley at the foot of the Zoji La pass. Hikers can reach the splendid roof of the world - Leh, crossing the pass of Zoji La. From here you can also take a day trip and reach the famous sacred cave of Amarnath.

5. Sandakphu Trek, Bengal


Sandakaphu is a widely known trekking destination in West Bengal, located at 3365 m towards northwest Darjeeling. Sandakphu is the highest peak in west bengal. 3 to 4 days are enough to explore this valley. The terrain is not so difficult and remains open in winter as well. Sandakphu Phalut Trek is an exotically divine trek with interesting twists and turns and thrilling terrains.

Its magnetism arises from the spellbinding views of four of the world’s five highest peaks of Mount Everest, Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Lhotse and Mount Makalu. Although the trek starts from Manebhanjan, which is in West Bengal, it finishes at the border in Sepi which is on the border of West Bengal and Sikkim. It is one best trek which can give a magnificient view of the whole Mt Kanchenjunga range (also called sleeping buddha).

During sunrise, the whole mountain range lights up like a golden key. The proximity of the moutains from Phalut will make you feel like you are under the care of strong and powerful arms. Sandakhphu is one of the easiest treks. The best time to do Sandakphu is April when the valley turns red due to blossoming Rhododendrons.

The reason to trek in April is that Red Panda which happens to be the state animal of sikkim wakes up from its hiberation sleep to mate and reproduce. There are maximum chances to view this cute animal in the wild during this season.

Why does the path doesn't get old when everything else does? The bends, the rocky slides, the lands feel outlandish, the flowers don the smiles, the innocuous rocks along with wooden fires - the walk to Sandakphu and Phalut will teach you life in a very detailed yet fleeting way.

Learn the rhythm that best suits every walk of life. You understood that your personal demons can only be vanquished by yourself only. You understood the best way of meditation is walking.

Hit this in Rimbik or Manebhanjyang, about 51 kms from Darjeeling through Silerygaon. The road to Manebhanjang follows the path of Hill Cart Road that connects Darjeeling with the plains. In Ghoom (India's highest train station), exit Hill Cart Road and it will take another hour to get from Ghoom to Maneybhanjang.

Bengal's highest peak, Sandakphu, allows you to explore Lhotse, Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga and Makalu. To get to Sandakphu, you have to walk through the Singalila National Park. It will take you to Tonglu through Meghma (4 hours), which seems attractive enough to take a tea. It is a stop on the road along the trekking route to Sandakphu or Tumling.

Although the Tonglu trails can take you to Nepal, you'd better go to Sandakphu in this race against the rains that come without invitation. An easy trek through bamboo bays will meet you on your way to Gairibas the next morning. Here a small cabin for hikers is built, and you can fall asleep before hitting it again.

Once there, you can make a pit stop and clean the lens of your camera, since a whole forest of rhododendrons extends to Kalapokhri (3186 mts). Pack enough water, since the Sandakphu Phalut trek does not have a source of water. Now, you are only 2 hours from Sandakphu.

While you enjoy the views that have four of the five highest peaks in the world, do not forget to look down at the crystal clear waters of the icy meandering river, Teesta. You need an average of 4 days for this hike. You can also move by vehicle along the picturesque route to Uttarey where your trekking begins. Crossing a beautiful forest of rhododendrons arrive at Chitra where you can set up camp.

The descent can be done to Gorkhey, a charming little town. From there you can connect with Sikkim through a mountain pass of 3400 m (Goeche La), or you can continue down to Rimbick. Descent with a difference in altitude of 1,700 m in three hours to the lowest point (Srikhola at 1900 m altitude when crossing the river).

Trekking in the Himalayas is not just an awesome adventure to thrill. It is an experience of a lifetime.
Kalyan Panja