Difficult Treks in Himalayas

The best time for trekking in the Himalayas is usually from April to June and September to November. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, ideal for exploring the trails comfortably. April to June brings the beauty of spring with blooming flowers and green landscapes. September to November, on the other hand, showcases the clear post-monsoon views of the towering peaks. You can avoid the heavy snow of winter and the unpredictable rains of the monsoon, making it perfect to experience the Himalayas' natural beauty.

For beginners looking to explore the Himalayas, the Triund Trek, Chopta-Chandrashila Trek and Har Ki Dun Trek are some of the best choices to go for. These treks offer gentle paths and breathtaking views without the need for advanced trekking skills. They are also accessible year-round and provide a blend of scenic meadows, forests, and snow-covered paths, perfect for those new to trekking. All of these treks are ideal for first-time trekkers who wish to experience the beauty of the Himalayas.

1. Chanderkhani Pass Trek: The Chanderkhani Pass Trek, one of the more difficult treks in Himalayas, takes you across spectacular landscapes. Over 5 days, trekkers cross dense forests and high-altitude meadows, with panoramic views of the Pir Panjal and Deo Tibba ranges.

Starting Point: Naggar, Himachal Pradesh

Ending Point: Malana, Himachal Pradesh

Difficulty Level: Moderate

2. Kedarkantha Trek: The Kedarkantha Trek is a popular choice for its accessible trail and stunning winter scenery. In 5 days, it offers an unparalleled view of snow-clad peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Black Peak, making it ideal for a winter adventure.

Starting/ Ending Point: Sankri Village, Uttarakhand

Difficulty Level: Moderate

3. Chopta-Tungnath Trek: The Chopta-Tungnath Trek, among the more moderately difficult Himalayan treks, spans 5 days and culminates at Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple. It features diverse landscapes, including vibrant meadows and dense forests.

Starting Point: Chopta, Uttarakhand

Ending Point: Tungnath, Uttarakhand

Difficulty Level: Moderate

4. Bhrigu Lake Trek: The Bhrigu Lake Trek allows adventurers to reach an alpine lake within 5 days, showcasing vast meadows and the lake's serene beauty. This trek is distinguished by its relatively short duration and moderate difficulty, appealing to a wide range of trekkers.

Starting/ Ending Point: Old Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

The Everest Base Camp trek is considered to be one of the most difficult treks in the Himalayas. It takes about 12 to 14 days and reaches altitudes over 5,364 metres (17,598 feet). The trek involves long walking days on steep, rocky paths and requires good physical fitness and acclimatisation to high altitudes.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is considered to be among the moderately difficult Himalayan treks. The trek spans around 7 to 12 days and covers roughly 110 kilometres round-trip. It reaches altitudes of up to 4,130 metres. The trail navigates through varied landscapes, from rice paddies and lush forests to glacial zones. Its accessibility for most fit trekkers and the absence of extremely high passes make it a challenging yet achievable goal, offering extraordinary views of the Annapurna Peak.

The Great Himalayan Trail is the longest among difficult trek tours in the Himalayas. It stretches 4,500 kilometres and crosses five countries. Starting from Pakistan, the trek passes through India, Nepal and Bhutan before reaching Tibet. Completing it can take over 160 days, offering an epic adventure through diverse landscapes and cultures.

Here are the easy treks in Himalayas:

1. Triund Trek: Triund Trek offers an easy hike with breathtaking views of the Kangra Valley and Dhauladhar ranges. It's a short trek, perfect for beginners and families, ending with a stunning sunset view.

Starting Point: McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh

Ending Point: Triund Hill, Himachal Pradesh

2. Nag Tibba Trek: Nag Tibba, near Mussoorie, is ideal for those looking for a quick escape into nature. It provides beautiful views of snow-capped mountains and is accessible throughout the year.

Starting/ ending point: Pantwari Village, Uttarakhand

3. Valley of Flowers Trek: This trek takes you through a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with blooming flowers. It's an easy walk, great for nature lovers wanting to see a wide variety of flora.

Starting/ Ending Point: Govindghat, Uttarakhand

4. Bhrigu Lake Trek: Bhrigu Lake Trek offers an easy route to a high-altitude alpine lake. It's known for its lush meadows and panoramic views, accessible even to those with little trekking experience.

Starting/ Ending Point: Manali, Himachal Pradesh

For difficult treks in the Himalayas, you will likely carry a 50-litre backpack for the basics. For treks lasting more than two weeks, you might need a larger 70 to 90 litres backpack. This could weigh between 15 to 30 kilograms, depending on your gear and the trek's duration.

Yes, trekking in the Himalayas is safe for female travellers. However, for difficult treks tours in Himalayas, it is essential to choose a trusted guide or join a reliable group. The local communities along these treks are often friendly and respectful towards visitors. Following safety guidelines and being well-prepared will enhance your trekking experience.