TRAVEL SPECIAL ....HIGH ALTITUDE - Top treks in Indian winters

HIGH ALTITUDE - Top treks in Indian winters





Rev up your appetite for challenge, enrol for a group trek to scale up the peaks that have always fascinated you!

Can you feel the nip in the air? It's winter time and those of you who have a trekker's dreams set deep in their hearts know that it's the perfect season to explore the peaks. There are many recommended Himalayan treks that are apt to be undertaken in the months of Nov-Dec-January (including children), some of the easy treks are ideal for beginners.

. If you wish to take your family along We suggest you first understand the nuances of being ecologically conscious toward the environment amidst the lush hills. Nature plays a pivotal role each day as you ascend the peaks. With the right pre-trek training, basic acclimatisation norms and a well-trained guide, you can set foot to explore the snowy Himalayan region.Read along for top treks for this season:

TREK TO SAGARMATHA NATIONAL PARK

Region: Sagarmatha via Gokyo Ri

Grade: Difficult

Sagarmatha National Park offers some of the highest treks in the world. Before you feel confused, Sagarmatha is where the Everest Base Camp (South) is in Nepal. (Yes, there is Everest Base Camp in the North too, starting from Tibet). The trekking teams from India reach Kathmandu and then take this trail ahead. Your colleagues and friends may gush about the Everest Base Camp trek being on their bucket list. However, instead of waiting for others, we suggest you take up this `Difficult' trek pretraining and attempt the Gokyo Ri part of the trail. There are grander views of Everest from top of the Gokyo Ri and the trail has many variations for keen trekkers.Highlights: There are five terrific alpine lakes on the way . Then the eightthousander Cho Oyu stands right in front of you at Gokyo (The eight-thousanders are the 14 independent mountains that are more than 8,000 metres high above sea level, located in the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges in Asia). At 17,500 ft on top of Gokyo Ri, look up and see four of the 14 eight thousanders in the world (Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu). Look down and see the Ngozumpa Glacier the biggest glacier in the world. A guided trek from Nepal (South Base Camp) is truly revelatory. Try it!

SANDAKPHU PHALUT TREK

Region: West Bengal

Grade: Moderate

Being the highest peak in West Bengal, Sandakphu offers grand views of the world's tallest peaks. They are Lhotse and Makalu, the fourth and fifth highest peaks in the world are considered special in a way as the Everest stands right between them and towers over everything. It is interesting to note that the Kangchenjunga (the third highest peak), stands with its family at 8,586m.Highlights: The Kangchenjunga cluster is famously called `The Sleeping Buddha' thanks to its appearance. When you go trekking, you will spot Mt.Kumbhakarna, which forms the head and face of The Sleeping Buddha, while Kangchenjunga forms the upper body . The other peaks that make up The Sleeping Buddha are Kokthang, Rathong, Frey, Kabru South, Kabru North, Simvo, Mt.Pandim, Tenzingkhang, Japanu and Narsing. Post November, you may even experience fresh snow at Sandakphu.

BRAHMATAL WINTER TREK

Region: Uttarakhand

Grade: Difficult

Trekking in the snow is an experience worth cherishing, isn't it! Brahmatal Trek is done in peak of winters (Jan-Feb). Revealing gorgeous views of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti, being a part of this trek can make you challenge your ability to beat extreme cold.Highlights: Lohajung is the base camp for the Brahmtal Trek. The best way to reach here is from Kathgodam (a town in the Nainital district) in Uttarakhand. This trail crosses via Nainital and you get to drive along mountain roads and lush forests. You can see the Garhwal mountains too on a clear day. From Brahmatal to the Brahmatal Peak is a fascinating climb. As you reach the summit, an entire panorama of mountains including Chaukhambha, Mandir, Mana, Nilgiri, Neelkanth, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Maitoli and mountains stretching all the way to the Panchachuli range can be seen.

KUARI PASS TREK

Region: Uttarakhand

Grade: Easy to Moderate

Considered the apt way to explore the Himalayan trails as a trekker, the Kuari Pass Trek is perfect for beginners. Known for its spectacular settings, camping is one of the most attractive bets here. As the trek guide describes rich medicinal properties of the tall tress around, the beautiful surroundings at the campsite will also be an added advantage on this trek.

We suggest you opt for the Chitrakantha campsite in the heart of the forest or the Khullara campsite with Mt Dronagiri posing as a serene backdrop. Group activities are great fun and you do end up making a lot of new friends.

For an enthusiastic family who wants to start with trekking as their bonding process, the Kuari Pass trek may just be it.

Compiled by Nimisha Tiwari Nov 09 2017 : The Economic Times (Mumbai)