TRAVEL SPECIAL..... Top winter treks to try this season

 

TRAVEL SPECIAL

Top winter treks to try this season

Enjoy the nip in the air and make the most of this cool weather by opting for a group or solo trek in India

With a thick snow blanket in Himalaya, winter time draws adventure enthusiasts’ from around the globe. A trek offers a landscape that’s relatively less found on social media. Perks of trekking in winter include witness a unique frozen backdrop with every expedition. Most of the popular trekking routes in the Himalayas are reserved for skilled trekkers but there are some easier routes offering those intermediates a piece of the exotic winter landscape.

CHADAR TREK

Chadar Trek is famed for a reason: the dangerous trek involves walking on a river with a frozen blanket on top, encircled by dramatic mountains on both sides. For most trekkers, it is a defining experience. The path of the expedition is over the frozen Zanskar River (a tributary of the Indus) and one needs to prepare vigorously to face the severe climatic conditions and terrain. A thorough preparation is required before embarking on the excursion that spans nearly 100 km, takes in total of about 8 days one end.

TRIUND TREK

This one isn’t a snow lined route but the Triund Trek still remains the most popular one in Dharamshala. Situated about ten kilometers from the bustling city centre of McLeodganj, the trail runs along the ridge beneath the mighty Dhauladhar Range. This trek is almost a rite of passage for travellers visiting this Tibetan city-in-exile. The route offers excellent panoramic views of the mountains and ends at the grassy meadows with mist rolling by. Heavy snowfall renders Triund literally inaccessible for few weeks in January and February, during peak winter.

GULMARG

The beautiful town of Gulmarg offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature and experience a new face of Indian culture altogether. The meadows of Gulmarg are carpeted by a thick layer of snow, making for an ideal skiing terrain. The snowcovered meadows, mesmerizing peaks and thrilling adventure sports can make you fall in love with this paradise. Trekking along Alpather Lake, which remains frozen until June, makes for a great route. The Khilanmarg Valley, another popular stretch gives you a beautiful view of Kun & Nun Peaks.

OMBATTU GUDDA

Ombattu Gudda (Nine Hills) is amidst the dense forests of the Western Ghats near the borders of Hassan and Chikmagalur in Karnataka. The trek trail lies within the Kabinhole Reserve Forestwhich allows glimpses of beautiful landscapes all along. The numerous streams along the way are another plus.

HARISHCHANDRAGAD

This hill fort in Ahmednagar district (Maalshej region) of Maharashtra, is perhaps one of the most sought after destinations for the trekkers. Although this hill fort is famous for its scenic beauty during monsoons, winter is the perfect time to catch the mist rolling by. If you go sooner, you stand the opportunity to witness many cascading water bodies.

Compiled by
Shireen.Kanchwala@timesgroup.com