Hiking to the heights

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Hiking to the heights

Sunday, 06 April 2025 | Abhi Singhal

Hiking to the heights

Embrace the ascent of trekking, where every step unveils a deeper journey, writes ABHI SINGHAL

Ialways keep telling myself and others...Apne aap ko itna fit to rakho ki zarurat padne par tum pahad ka bhi ghamand tod do...(Keep yourself so fit that if needed, you can break the pride of even a mountain by climbing up) That's what we say when we love trekking. Also, the views above are worth the hike and the pain you give to your physical body. Trekking is like giving yourself the discomfort to see the beautiful, soothing and peaceful views that await you at the altitude.

Trekking is a major part of your adventurous side while you travel. Visiting travel hotspots, and famous markets, and staying in a hotel is one part of travel. But hiking, camping, cooking in the mountains, and meeting the second part of your soul is a completely different and underrated part of the same travel. Trekking elevates travel beyond mere sightseeing. It's an immersive journey, a physical and mental test yielding profound rewards. The joy lies in conquering personal limits, each step a victory against gravity. Panoramic vistas, earned through exertion, offer a unique, soul-stirring satisfaction. The camaraderie forged on trails, the shared meals under starlit skies, and the raw connection with nature create lasting memories. Trekking strips away the superficial, revealing the authentic beauty of a place and oneself. It's a travel experience that resonates deeply, leaving an indelible mark on the spirit.

It's true that trekking isn't for everyone, and that's precisely where its unique appeal lies. It's an embrace of the path less traveled, a deliberate choice to venture beyond the well-trodden tourist routes. This conscious decision to explore the quieter corners of the earth rewards the trekker with a rare sense of discovery and solitude. The trails, often less crowded, offer a more intimate connection with nature and a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of conventional travel, making the experience all the more profound and personal.

India's diverse terrain offers a abundance of trekking adventures, each a kind of its own. There are a lot many treks that people enjoy doing and moreover there are treks which even take more days than one, because it is always said the more the merrier. The Hampta Pass trek in Himachal Pradesh, a crossover trail, presents varied landscapes from green valleys to glacial terrains, culminating in beautiful views of the Pir Panjal range and the stunning Chandratal Lake. Uttarakhand's Brahmatal trek, a winter wonderland, offers a different charm with snow-covered trails and frozen alpine lakes, providing breathtaking Himalayan vistas. The Chandrakhani Pass trek, also in Himachal, blends cultural immersion and natural beauty, traversing through traditional villages and offering majestic mountain views. These treks, with their varying grades and trail types, cater to different preferences, promising unforgettable experiences and a deeper connection with the majestic Himalayas. 

Hampta Pass Trek

Location: Himachal Pradesh

Distance: 24 Km.

Base Camp: Manali

Season: Monsoon

Month: July | August |

Country: India

Altitude: 14100 Ft.

Grade: Moderate

Stay: Camping

Trail Type: Cross over trail | Start in one valley, traverse the pass, and ends in another valley.

Motivation behind

High Altitude: Reaches 14,100 ft in the Pir Panjal Range.

Diverse Landscapes: Glaciers, streams, meadows, forests, and rocky terrain.

Jobra Start: Begins in Himachal Pradesh, showcasing its natural beauty.

Varied Vegetation: Pine, maple, birch, and rhododendron forests.

Hampta Pass Views: Panoramic Pir Panjal Range views.

Challenging Descent: Steep, rocky downhill to Shea Goru.

Chandratal Lake: Glacial lake with changing colors.

Stream Crossing: Chilling, but safe, stream crossing near Shea Goru.

Chhatru Finish: Pastureland walk to final campsite.

Chandratal Visit: Short drive to the stunning lake.

Manali Return: Drive back to Manali from Chhatru.

Chandrakhani Pass Trek

Location: Uttarakhand

Distance: 26 Km.

Base Camp: Lohajung

Season: Spring | Autumn | Winter

Month: March | April |

Country: India

Altitude: 12300 Ft.

Grade: Easy to Moderate

Stay: Guest house/ Camping

Trail Type: Circle trail | Camping in various locations, starting and ending at the same point.

Motivation

Winter Wonderland: Magical snow-covered landscapes.

Frozen Alpine Lakes: Brahmatal and Bekaltal offer mystical beauty.

Stunning Himalayan Views: Peaks like Trishul and Nanda Ghunti.

Mythological Significance: Linked to Lord Brahma's meditation.

Diverse Natural Beauty: Oak, rhododendron forests, and meadows.

Moderate Difficulty: Ideal

for beginners and experienced trekkers.

Adventure Type: Trekking

Location: Himachal Pradesh

Distance: 20 Km.

Base Camp: Manali

Season: Summer | Monsoon |

Month: May | June | July |

Country: India

Altitude: 12100 Ft.

Grade: Easy to Moderate

Rail Head: Pathankot is the nearest rail head to the base camp

Stay: Camping

Trail Type: Circle trail | Camping in various locations.

Motivation

Rumsu Start: Experience Himachali culture and architecture.

Malana's Mysteries: Discover unique customs and folklore.

Rich Biodiversity: Himalayan flora and fauna for nature lovers.

Thrilling Ridge Walks: Breathtaking valley and mountain views.

Majestic Peaks: Views of Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, and Parvati ranges.

Stunning Sunrises/Sunsets: Memorable scenic moments.

3,700m Pass: Beauty connecting Kullu and Malana.

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