Adventure India : Trekking - 11

Virgin, unexpected treks await the trekker through fruit laden orchards, forests of pine and cedar, gurgling streams, sacred temples, rocky gorges, imposing passes and soft music from flutes of village shepherds.

Kullu-Manali region, along with Lahaul and Spiti areas, offer the best soft, medium and hard trekking opportunities. Some popular treks in the Kullu-Manali valley include Raison-Malana-Chandra Khani-Raison, Manali-Bhrigu-Rohtang Pass-Manal, Manali-Chikka-Hamta Pass-Manali, Raison-Padri-Khauli, Pass-Garasa-Raison, Manali-Chandratal-Manali.

The Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand too, are nature's finest expressions of land blessed with natural beauty and trekker's paradise.

Trekkers in Sikkim are spell-bound by the profusion of plants and flowers. A variety of over 4,000 species of plants including mangolias, rhododendrons, junipers, blue poppies, gentians and primulas make a pretty posy of memories of trekking holiday. One of the unique features of the Sikkim Himalayas is the splendor of numerous mountain lake flowers in a riot of colours beyond 10000 feet., a feast to the eye of the trekker. One may chance upon the shy musk deer or wave to the exotic Red Panda perched among the tree-tops. By the time you have covered the last lap of your trek, you will be familiar with the hospitality of the Sikkimese and the deep rootedness of their religion and culture.

A detailed trek itinerary can be made with the help of Sikkim Tourism. Adventure Division, Gangtok or any recognised travel agent in Sikkim. Trekker huts along trek routes are available at Pemayangtse, Khechopalri, Yuksam, Tsokha, Dzongri, Thangshing, Zemathang, Chaurigang and Tashiding. A eleven-day, relatively leisurely trek that is spiritually elevating is Pemayangtse - Sangacholing - Khecheopalri - Bubdi - Sinon - Tashiding - Ralang.

Plenty of trekking routes have been opened in the Garjeeling area to savour the breathtaking beauty of the eastern Himalayas. This was the home of late Tenzing Norgay and has since 1954 boused the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute where he trained a generation of mountaineers. The earliest Everest expeditions started journey from the Darjeeling area. The trekking adventure culminates at Sankakphu - a summit at an altitude of 3,658 meters (12,000 feet) on the famous Singalila ridge.

Various forts in the Sahadris also provide a good base for trekking activities. Forts around Pune include Sinhgad, Lohagad, Visapur, Shivneri, Purandar and Rajgad. Pratapgarh near Mahabaleshwar, Panhala near Kolhapur, Torna near Bhor, Rajmachi near Lonavala, Harishchandragad, Maholi in the Kasara hill range and Mathera via Garbet Point are other exciting options. There are various clubs and private institutions which organize trekking expeditions on a regular basis to the above mentioned forts.

Best Time : Mid May to Mid October.

Related Links :

01. Adventure Sports : Active India - The Real Adventure - 1
02. Adventure India : Land of Snow - 2
03. Adventure India : Rock Climbing - 3
04. Adventure India : Mountaineering - 4
05. Adventure India : Climbing Precautions in India - 5
06. Adventure India : Hang Gliding - 6
07. Adventure India : Mountain Biking - 7
08. Adventure India : Reppelling and Paragliding - 8
09. Adventure India : River Running - 9
10. Adventure India : Zanskar Trek, Skiing and Heli-Skiing - 10