Mountains have some kind of a magical aura. One can spend hours just staring at a high peak and feel enlightened. For a traveller, they are just a bliss. The challenge, both mental and physical to walk around these giants is an addiction that many like to get used to. When it comes to trekking in India, one can think of no better sight than the Himalayas. The northern hills, especially in Himachal, have plenty of seen and unseen treks that one can undertake to immerse in the beauty of these landscapes.
Himachal Pradesh and its neighbor offers more than 50 gorgeous treks to the mountains. To select a trek that suits your style, strength and budget is quite a tedious task. But most importantly, what one wishes to find at the end of a tiring trek is a stunning sight that takes away all your fatigue. We’ve tried to bring to you a list of the top seven stunning treks (in no order of preference) from Himachal Pradesh that will help you narrow down your list to a finer selection. Unlike many common treks, these are not overcrowded or touristy. So go ahead, take a quick look and jump on to the next bus that takes you to the majestic mountains.
1. Charang Ghati Pass
The trek to this ghati is on the difficult side but it’s spectacular for more than the view it offers. One, it is cocooned near its starting point Kinnaur, which is surrounded by Tibet on the east, Garhwal on the south, Spiti Valley on the north and Kullu on the west. Second, given the diverse cultures around the location, one can meet Kinnauri tribe on the way and immerse in their language and culture, which is an experience in itself.The base camp for the trek is Reckong Po which is accessible by road from Shimla, Delhi and other locations.
- Originates from: Reconkg Po (Kinnaur), Himachal
- Difficulty level: Difficult
- Best time to go: July to September
2. Darati Pass Trek –
One of the most unexplored treks in Himachal, this one takes you to the Pir Panjal range. It starts from Chamba and connects Churha valley with the Pangi Hills of the Himalayas.The way up to the pass is through the Gujjar settlements that can be very helpful to track your trail up the mountains. The trek starts easy and simple but it becomes quite an adventure as you get close to the Darati Pass. This trek is located in the high altitude of 4700 m, which makes it tough but spectacular experience. The snow, strong winds and even snow fall can be experienced and dealt with on the way. The drive to Chamba, no matter which route you take is as difficult as the trek itself. So go prepared!
- Originates from: Chanju (Chamba), Himachal
- Difficulty level: Difficult
- Best time to go: May to October
3. Pin Parvati Trek –
Pin Parvati pass is not the most unheard location in the trekking circles, let alone Himachal-specific treks. This pass was first traveled in 1884 to find an alternate route to Spiti Valley. The beauty of the trek lies in the adventure and challenges it poses while you enjoy the lush green valley in Kullu and the beauty of Spiti. The trek links the Pin valley in Spiti and the Parvati Valley in Kullu, hence giving it the name it has. On the way, you will see thick alpine forests, glacier crests, lakes and ofocurse the heavy snowfall gives it a majestic feeling that will remain etched in your memory forever.
- Originates from: Kullu, Himachal
- Difficulty level: Moderate – Difficult
- Best time to go: July to September
4. Trek through Pabbar Valley –
This is one of the most unexplored treks that is tailor made for first-timers and amateurs in the trekking world. The trek connects Shimla district to the Kinnaur valley, while you pass through the dense forests,high meadows and the snow bound mountains that takes you into the apple orchards of the Sangia valley. It’s a great trek if you like to explore local culture while you climb your way up to the mountains.
- Originates from: Janglik, Himachal
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Best time to go: June to October
5. Indrahar Pass Trek-
This pass located at a height of 4,324,ft above the sea level is a globally famous trek. This enticing trek gets trekkers from all over the world. Given the fame, it is not a secret trek as such but a spectacular one nevertheless. It’s located in the Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas, close to the touristy spot of Dharamshala. On the way, what you find is a gorgeous site of dense Deodar and Rhododendron forests. You can literally walk on historical land of Gaddi shepherds who use to trek to take their flock to gaze.
- Originates from: McLeodganj (Dharamsala) in the Kangra valley of Himachal
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Best time to go: mid May to June and September to mid October.
