5 Treks That You Should Explore Before the Year Ends

The Himalayas is a wonderland full of majestic mountain ranges, glaciers, pristine lakes, gushing water streams and breath-taking spectacles. All these amazing natural vistas call out many adventure junkies from around the world to witness something that they don’t experience in their day-to-day life.

If you are one of those adventurous souls who are often keen to hit the road and reach out to the mighty Abode of Himalayas, you definitely need to plan an expedition soon. Here are some popular Himalayan treks that you must experience by the end of this year to satisfy the thrill-seeker in you:

#1. Stok Kangri Trek

The nine-day Stok Kangri trek begins at Leh with a trek to the delightful Stok Village. The next spot is Chang Ma to welcome trekkers with enthralling scenery. The entire trek passes through barren yet gorgeous landscapes of Ladakh eventually taking you to the summit of the mighty Stok Kangri, one of the highest trekkable peaks in the world.

Meant only for experienced trekkers looking to push their limits, the Stok Kangri Trek takes you through pristine landscapes of Ladakh, freezing water bodies, multiple steep slopes and glaciers. The final day needs a 12-hour summit push thus demanding very high physical and mental strength. The unparalleled views of Zanskar Range and Karakoram Range from the summit are the best reward any trekker can ask for.

I myself did Stok Kangri trek with Bikat Adventures last year. It was amazing to stand at more than 20000 ft. and see the world.

Facts:

• Region: Ladakh
• Maximum Altitude: 20,100-feet
• Grade: Difficult
• Best Season: June to October

#2. Pin Parvati Pass Trek

The mighty Pin Parvati Pass trek is another amazing trek to plan this year. Taking you to an altitude of 17,400 ft, this trek is meant for only experienced trekkers who are looking for the ultimate challenge. A relatively untouched trail of Pin Parvati Pass Trek takes you through verdant greenery, flowery meadows and soaring high glaciers. Each site on the way will leave you awestruck for sure.

Traversing the vertical boulders, steep ascents and descents, rocky moraines, roaring rivers, and a scintillating pass makes this trek a paradise for adventurists. A bucket-list trek with unmatched beauty and grandeur, the Pin Parvati Pass trek takes you from the luxuriant Parvati Valley to the barren Pin Valley of Spiti.

Facts:

• Region: Himachal Pradesh
• Maximum Altitude: 17,400 ft
• Grade: Difficult
• Best Season: June to August

#3. Digar La Trek (Also called as Leh Nubra Pangong Tso Circuit)

Digar La is a stunning mountain pass located in Ladakh that connects the Indus and Nubra Valleys. But the highlight of this trek is the fact that it is known as the Leh Nubra Pangong Tso Circuit. Why? Because this trek is the perfect way to explore the best of Ladakh.

Starting with two days of acclimatization in Leh, the trek takes you across the mighty Digar La at 17,820 ft through the uniquely dry landscape of Ladakh with a possibility of witnessing distinctive wildlife. The trail eventually descents to the cold deserts of Hunder in Nubra valley while presenting epic views of the Karakoram Range to the north. The trek eventually ends with a visit to the visually brilliant Pangong Tso Lake, a gem of Ladakh.

This trek presents the best of Ladakh to those willing to combine trekking and traveling.

Facts:

• Region: Ladakh and Nubra
• Maximum Altitude: 17,820 ft
• Grade: Moderate
• Best Season: June to August

#4. Markha Valley Trek

Known to be one of the most splendid treks in Ladakh, the Markha Valley trek attracts trekkers from all corners of the world to experience the colourful Buddhist prayer flags over Mane walls, traditional Ladakhi villages, sheer canyons and gorges, exotic wildlife, roaring rivers and stunning mountain passes.

Trekkers get imposing views of the famous Stok Kangri and Kang Yatse peaks during the trek. Taking you through a challenging terrain, series of ascents and descents, and stream crossings, the Markha Valley trek is meant for experienced trekkers who wish to immerse in the cultural heritage of Markha Valley and also confront the unique landscape of Ladakh which is unlike anything else.

Facts:

• Region: Ladakh
• Maximum Altitude: 17,060 ft
• Grade: Difficult
• Best Season: June to September

#5. Buran Ghati Trek

Last but not least is the Buran Ghati Trek; this beautiful trek has won the hearts of many trekkers in recent years. Dubbed as the have-it-all trek, the Buran Ghati Trek has the best of every Himalayan Trek. From picturesque grasslands to verdant meadows, dense forests to characteristic flora and fauna, spellbinding campsites to mystical glacial lakes, rough snow bridges to an exhilarating pass climb of Buran Ghati, this trek gives you everything you ask for and so much more.

But, this is not all. The trek ends with adrenaline-inducing rappel down an 80-degree steep ice wall that will be the best experience of your life.

Facts:

• Region: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
• Maximum Altitude: 15,100 ft
• Grade: Moderate to Difficult
• Best Season: May to October

If you are looking for a once in a lifetime experience, then these treks are nothing short of amazing. So, pack your rucksacks and fasten your trekking shoes and without further ado venture into these mesmerizing trekking destinations.

Guest post by Seema Gurnani, from pandareviewz.com