Hardcore treks in the Himalayas:
Every year seasoned trekkers and mountaineers from all across the globe reach India to tick off ambitions on their yearly bucket list. For adventure enthusiasts who wish to take it to the next level, the mountains await with open arms. Interestingly, most of the high passes and mountain ranges are in the same Himalayan belt but every trekking route has something different to offer. From walking on the frozen Zanskar River to following the Goecha La trail in the midst of the dense forest, the hardest treks in India are more than just about the altitude.
Check it out.
1. Chadar Trek
In this remote region of the Himalayas, where high altitude and back-breaking terrain are the usual difficulties that trekkers face, the Chadar Trek takes the adventure a notch higher. The trek route, which connects villages of the Zanskar Valley to Chilling, was used in the past as a trade route. The trek, which open up only during winter, requires you to walk on the Zanskar River, which freezes up in January and February.
Location: Leh, Ladakh, J&K
Elevation: 11,123 Ft
Best Season: Mid January to Mid February
Trekking Duration: 8 days
2. Auden’s Col Trek
Auden's Col is a mountain pass that connects Jogin I and Gangotri III peaks. The trail starts from the Gangotri and ascends on the first day to Nala Camp, and the trekkers walk through the pine and birch forests of Garhwal. The majestic views of Rudragaira Peak, Jogin Peak and Auden Col Pass appear from a distance right from the second day. The hike ahead from Rudragaira BC to Khatling Glacier via Auden Col BC is challenging due to the steep ascent and requires technical gears. Trekkers trek upto Kedarkanth following the Khatling Glacier and the entire trek requires 13 trekking days from the Gangotri.
Location: Uttarkashi district, Garhwal division, Uttarakhand
Elevation: 5,490 m (18,012 ft)
Best Season : Mid May - Mid May - Mid October except July and August
Trekking Duration: 13 days
3. Rupin Pass Trek
Rupin Pass Trek is a fusion of different landscapes which unfold at speedy intervals during this 7 day trek. The view of the breathtaking meadows slowly change into snowcapped peaks and the overwhelming sight of Kinner Kailash Range from the trekking route. Unlike other high altitude treks, Rupin Pass also gives you a chance to get a sneak peek into the local culture as you pass through numerous hamlets in Sangla Valley during this trek.
Location: From Rupin Valley, Uttarakhand to Sangla Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Elevation: 15,250 feet
Best Season : June, September and October
Trekking Duration: 7 days
Read More: Rupin Pass Trek by Sumesh Reddiar
4. Lamkhaga Pass Trek
Counted as the most challenging trek in the Garhwal region involving steep ascents over ice and scree. The trek starts from Harsil in Uttarakhand and ends in Chitkul in Sangla Valley, Himachal Pradesh. The biggest challenges in the trek are the steep gradient and the thin air at altitude. However, the trail takes you through several majestic walks and villages in the himalayan region and this trek is also an incredible way to understand the changing patterns of culture and landscape in Himachal and Uttarakhand.
Location: Harsil, Uttarakhand to Sangla Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Elevation: 17320 ft
Best Season : June, September and October
Trekking Duration: 6-8 days
Read More: Lamkhaga Pass Trek By Sonu Negi
5. Stok Kangri Trek
The trek requires only 4 to 5 days of actual trekking and the rest of the days are spent in acclimatizing in the high altitude of the region. The trail starts from Leh and on the first day of trekking, you cross Stok village. After an ascend of 8 to 9 hours, the trekkers reach the top of the ridge which gives a magical view of the Karakoram Range to the north and Zanskar Range to the South.
Location: Leh, Ladakh, J & K
Elevation: 20,800 Ft
Best Season : July to August
Trekking Duration: 8 Days
Read More: Tour De Moonland by Shimoj
6. Pin Parvati Trek
Pin Parvati is a trek that offers the best treat to your eyes that nature can gift. For 11 long days, trekkers cross some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Himalayan region and witness the change in landscape as they hike each day. The trek starts from Bursheni and in the next 11 days the trail takes you through Kheerganga, Mantalai and Pin Parvati Pass. Encircling the entire Parvati Valley and crossing over the high Pin Parvati Pass, the trail ends Kaza, Spiti Valley.
Location: Pin Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Elevation: 17,500 Ft
Best Season : May to June
Trekking Duration: 11 Days
Read More: Pin Parvati Pass Trek by Panki Sood
7. Goecha La Trek
Goecha La is a bucket list ambition for many experienced trekkers owing to an entirely different side of nature it unfolds. The trek starts from Yuksom after which there's a constant ascent on the trail. Goecha La trek can be your chance to witness Mt Kanchenjunga from the closest without climbing it. From dense rhododendron forests, grazing fields of Dzongri to the surreal Samiti Lake, this trek in Sikkim shows you a different and unexplored side of the Himalayas.
Location: Yuksom, Sikkim
Elevation: 16,200 Ft
Best Season : April to June, November
Trekking Duration: 11 Days
8. Kinner Kailash Trek
In the Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh, Kinnaur Kailash (locally known as Kinner Kailash) is a holy site that has been used by pilgrims and trekkers every year. There is an almost 80 ft tall rock at the Kinnaur Kailash Mountain Range that is a destination for trekkers and a sacred site for the pilgrims who reach here. The base camp for the trek is Tangling Village which is close to Shimla. The trail is often a steep rocky path and owing to the altitude, the trek is only meant for trekkers with experience.
Location: Kinnaur Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Elevation: 17200 Ft
Best Season : May – September
Trekking Duration: 9 days
Read More: Kinner Kailash Parikrama Trek by Ritu Saini
Do you wish to add another trek to this list? Go to the comments section below and share your trekking experience of the most challenging trails in India.
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