How can you select five as the top amongst the hundreds of trails in the Himalayas? Eachone is different and unique.However I have no doubt that the top trails are nowhere but in the himalayan region.I am not willing to compare the majestic mountains of Himalayas with the hills in the southern states.I am with the great poet Kalidasa on this.
I find the only way to select five trails is to go by the popularity.Trails become popular mainly because of two reasons.One the simplicity and two accessibility. From this point of view I am listing out five trails which are suitable for beginners.
1.HAR KI DUN
Perhaps the most simple trail in the Himalayas and for that reason the most crowded too.You may often find those familiar faces from whom you were trying to escape for a while , trekking along with you! (personal experince!) . You can do this trek in around ten days , presuming that you start from Delhi .
Board the shatabdi to Dehradun and take a bus or taxi to Sankri, (160km) the roadhead.Your trek starts from Sankri and within minuts you are in the lap of nature walking along the river Tons.By evening you reach Taluka (12Km)a small village where you can camp overnight.Next day you reach Osla village (11km)where there is a Duryodhana temple.After offering prayers to duryyodhana the next morning you walk to Har ki dun.(11km) This is a beautiful trail passinng through dense forests, waterfalls and mountain streams.
Har ki dun is a cradle shaped valley surrounded by dense pineforests and glittering peaks. You can have a glimpse of swargarohini from where the Pandavas have reached heaven.And if you are not watchful about your steps you can very well follow them!
2.DODITAL
This is the most easily accessible’ tal’ in the himalayan region.A short trek of 30 kms from Uttarkashi takes you to Dodital which is surrounded by pines deodars and rhododendrons.The first days trek takes you to Kalyani (12km).Kalyani to Agoda(7km) and on the third day’s trek the 16 km distance to Dodital.The lake which is the source of Asiganga river is full of trout fish.The water in the lake has medicinal qualities.(Finally they have succeeded in making a road to Dodital!Now the plastic bags and tetrapacks can find an easy way to the higher reaches of Himalayas)
3.PINDARI GLACIER
One of the most popular and simple treks in the Kumaon region which takes you to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the region.
An overnight train takes you to Kathgodam, the railhead.Take a taxi or bus to Bageshwar (via almora) and then to ’song ’ the roadhead where the trek starts.Song to Loharket(4km)Loharket to Khati(19km)Khati to Phurkia(16Km)Phurkia to Pindari, Zero point(6km).One can do this trek in 8 days from Kathgodam to KATHGODAM.The glacier is 3km in length, situated in the nandadevi and nandakot peaks.
This trail is a photographer’s delight. full of himalayan flora and fauna, majestic peaks covered with snow.
4 .VALLEY OF FLOWERS
A trek to the Valley of flowers and the holy lake of Hemkund can be the first introduction of the himalayas to the beginner.I have written a review on this trek which may be seen for finer details.
5.MANALI can be a base for a number of easy treks for the beginners.
The manali -Beaskund trek which can be done in five days can be clubbed with your normal summer holidays.The route is from Manali to solang valley, Solang to Dhundi and Dhundi to Beaskund.
The Naggar -Malana- kasol trek is also a moderate trail in the Kullu region.Taxis and buses are easily available to Naggar from Kullu or Manali.You can get the basic provisions and porters from Naggar.Also see the detailed writeup on Malana under the heading’ Kullu’ in MS.
In all the trails listed above one should carry the complete back pack, tents stove and provisions.In the Har ki Dun trek , you can find pucca accommodation throughout the route, subject to availability.So the most confirmed accommodation is always the one which you carry on your back!
You dont need any permit to trek in any part of India except the border areas inner line areas and the protected national parks.All you need is a spirit of adventure, a map, and your backpack.Porters and guides are available at all roadhead villages.So take your walk!