This July and August, the strenuous summer heat will be a thing of the past (HOPEFULLY), and the intense sun rays will give way to the dark clouds and glistening raindrops. Isn’t it an awesome way to experience the monsoon in the mountains, where rain will transform the skies and leave the air cleaner and fresher? Of course, we all know that most of the trekking routes aren’t safe or washed away during the monsoon, but there are some trails that can be still walked down and are sure to make for an exciting adventure. Here are the 5 best treks that you can trail this monsoon.
MONSOON TREKS IN THE HIMALAYAS FOR THE MONTH OF JULY
Tarsar Lake
If Kashmir is the most beautiful place in India, then Tarsar Marsar Trek is undoubtedly the most alluring trek in the Himalayas. The trek involves a journey to the mesmerizing twin lakes Tarsar and Marsar, surrounded by the peaks of Kolahi Mountain. The best part about the Tarsar Marsar Trek is its contrasting landscape. One day you’ll witness water cascading over ledges, and the next day, you’ll encounter lovely grasslands that stretch as far as the eye can see.
- Region: Jammu & Kashmir
- Highest Altitude: 13,201 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 7 days
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Spotting one or perhaps two alpine lakes on a high altitude trek is normal. But imagine how you would feel witnessing seven grand alpine lakes in various hues of blue day after day, sweeping you off your feet with their unprecedented beauty? If you wish to walk through the never-ending green meadows to lakes in pristine shades of blue, the Great Lakes Trek is for you! (P.S. Don’t rub your eyes in disbelief if you’ve never heard of this trek before, as this is a relatively new trail that reopened only some 10 years ago. Before that the area had been cordoned off due to the increasing unrest in the valley).
- Region: Kashmir
- Highest Altitude: 13,800 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- Duration: 8 days
Valley of Flowers National Park
The Valley of Flowers trek is one of the most sought-after monsoon treks in India. The core zone of this trek, located within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, offers wondrous vistas of snowcapped mountains and unparalleled natural beauty. There are about 300 different species of endemic alpine flowers, including few rare ones such as geranium, potentilla, anemone, and the blue Himalayan poppy. It is believed that one week the flowers are red, and in the next week, they’re pink and later, yellow and so on.
- Region: Uttarakhand
- Highest Altitude: 14,400 feet
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- Duration: 6 days
Kanamo
If Stok Kangri is too ambitious for you, then Kanamo Peak that rises almost to the same altitude as Stok Kangri is the perfect alternative. Overlooking almost over 35 other summits, the Kanamo Peak stands tall and above all else in its region at 19,600 feet.
- Region: Himachal Pradesh
- Highest Altitude: 19,600 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Duration: 8 days
Things to Know Before You Go:
- Prior high altitude trek experience is a must before attempting to climb Kanamo.
- Acclimatization before climbing to Kanamo is crucial.
MONSOON TREKS IN THE HIMALAYAS FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST
Pin Valley National Park
One of the best crossover treks in Himachal Pradesh, Pin Bhaba Pass Trek begins from the meadows of Kinnaur and ends in the desolate valley of Spiti. The trail leads you to ethereal and charming peaks and stunning river valleys of the region, perfect for adventure lovers.
- Region: Himachal Pradesh
- Highest Altitude: 16,105ft feet
- Difficulty: Moderate-difficult
- Duration: 7 days
Bhrigu Lake
Named after maharishi Bhrigu, most trekkers attempt this trek to get to the famous Bhrigu Lake. There’s no denying that the Bhrigu Lake is definitely worth witnessing but the beautiful meadows on the Bhrigu Lake trek are the real deal. They stretch far and wide with the spellbinding sight of horses galloping and sheep grazing.
- Region: Himachal Pradesh
- Highest Altitude: 14,009 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 4 days
Hampta
A diverse canvas with splendid flora and fauna, Hampta Pass is a special pass from where you can you see the Lahaul Valley in one wide panoramic sweep! The trail encompasses lush green forests, meadows, and also throws glimpses of barren lands. None of the moderate level treks offers such dramatic changes in scenery as the Hampta Pass trek does.
- Region: Himachal Pradesh
- Highest Altitude: 14,035 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate-difficult
- Duration: 6 Days
