Trekking

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Trekking in Himachal Pradesh
Trekking has lured adventure freaks all over the world since ages. Exploring nature on foot by the way of walking has been a favorite adventure activity of adventure lovers. Himachal Pradesh, nestled in great Himalayas, offers numerous oppurtunities to the trekking lovers. The green meadows, thick pine forests, fruit orchards, snow clad peaks, gurgling streams, promises of a deep and refreshing communion with Himalayas and its natural belongings. Trekking is Himachal Pradesh is an unforgettable experience. Some treks in Himachal Pradesh are very gentle, while others are rugged and very tough to cross. There are numerous passes which connect the valleys, making good trekkking routes for all types of trekkers. Trekking here requires mental as well as physical toughness, as the weather here is generally cold. The best season to take up trekking is April to October. But many professional trekkers visit Himachal Pradesh during winters, to explore the snow covered mountains and trek routes, which is very difficult for a novice.


Best Time to Trek
Best time to trek in Himachal Pradesh is during summers, ie, March to August. During this period, the weather is pleasant. For the lovers of rock climbing and camping, summers are best suited. During winters, the passes and forests gets covered with snow, and trekking not only becomes impossible, but also dangerous. During winters, Himachal Pradesh becomes a haven for ice climbing and ice-trekking lovers.

Major Trekking Routes
Manali-Chamba-Sach Pass
The Manali- Chamba- Sach Pass trek takes around 10 days for completion. The trek is a difficult one, and involves trekking on an altitude which goes upto 3600 mts. The trek pases through Bidrabani, Kilar, Dunasarai, Alwas, Traila, Sach Pass and Chamba. One can come across river Chenab enroute. Though most of the route is trekkable, people take taxis to cross the more difficult treks.

Dharamshala-Nayargraon
The 100 kms trek starting from Dharamshala continues to Bir, Billing, Palchak, Panihardu, Udeg, Marhu, Barabanghal and Dhardi, before ending in Nayagraon. The trek may stretch upto 12 days, depending upon distance travelled. This comparatively easier trek.


Manali to Chandra Valley
Manali to Chandra valley covers Hampta Pass. The panoramic trek need 5 to 6 days. The trek starts at Manali, from where one moves to Prini vllage. From Prini, another trek of 3 to 4 hours, will lead to Chikha, an ideal place for camping. From Chikha, one can take a small trek of about 3 hours to reach Bhalu ka Tera, the base of Hampta pass. The Hampta pass trek is very steep and require precautions on the trail. The Hampta pass is at an altitude of 4270 mts, and it takes at least 7 hours to cross it. The trek ends at Chatru, 3 hours from Hapta pass. Chatru is a small village in Chandra valley.

Jagatsukh to Deo Tibba Base
The Jagathsukh to Deo Tibba base trek is a difficult one to cross. The trek takes around 2 weeks, for a round trip. Trekkers must know the basic techniques of rock climbing, ice and snow climbing, as the trek passes through mountains, ice covered hills and steep land. Manali, Jagatsukh, Khanol, Chikha, Seri and Tenta are the major stops in the trek. The trekkers are advised to take food and tents for higher altitudes, as there are no accommodations in the glaciers bound areas.

Malana-Kullu Trek
The week long trek passes through the beautiful Malana village in Kullu valley, and ends at Kullu. Rashol, Kasol, Manikaran are other small villages which fall during trek. The trek is moderately tough, but can be climbed through with ease by amateurs.

Other famous trekking routes are the Great Himalayan National Park trek, Pin valley trek, Kinnaur Kailash trek and Shimla to Kullu trek

Equipment
Trekking in Himachal Pradesh requires some basic equipment, which include 4-man/ 2 man tent, Sleeping Bags, Carry mat, Jackets, Windcheaters, Rucksack, Trekking Boots. The equipments can be hired from HPTDC office. Trekkers must also carry eatables, medicines, guide map and a first aid kit. Porters and horsemen are also available on hire to carry luggage. They also act as a guide to the trekking trails.

Basic Guidlines
Before starting a trek, the trekker must acclimatize to the environment. One needs to understand the tough weather of Himachal Pradesh, as the weather conditions are very coarse. Entry permissions are required before entering deep into Himalayas. Also one must comply with the guidelines of HPTDC, so as not to disturb the nature.