November is a magical time for trekking in India, offering a unique blend of crisp autumn air, clear skies, and early snow in higher altitudes. From the snow-draped landscapes of the Himalayas to the colorful fall foliage of lower altitudes, November treks provide a perfect blend of serenity and adventure. Here’s a detailed look at some of the best trekking destinations in India during this time, featuring iconic treks that showcase the country’s stunning natural beauty.

Here you can check all: Winter Trekking Option in India

Here is the list of all Trekking in November in India

1. Kedarkantha Trek (Uttarakhand)

• Altitude: 12,500 Ft.
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Best for: Snow lovers, first-time trekkers, and breathtaking summit views

The Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most popular winter treks in India. While heavy snowfall begins in December, November is the perfect time to witness the early snow without dealing with harsh winter conditions. The trail is surrounded by thick pine forests, charming meadows, and offers panoramic views of majestic Himalayan peaks. The summit provides a rewarding 360-degree view of snow-capped mountains, including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak.

Check Here: Kedarkantha Trek Package

2. Sandakphu Trek (West Bengal/Sikkim Border)

• Altitude: 11,930 Ft.
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Best for: Stunning views of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga

Known as the “Trekker’s Wonderland,” the Sandakphu Trek is famous for offering unparalleled views of four of the world’s five tallest peaks: Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. November offers the clearest skies of the year, providing trekkers with a stunning visual treat. The trek takes you through enchanting rhododendron forests, serene villages, and offers breathtaking views of the Sleeping Buddha formation of Mount Kanchenjunga.

Check Here: Sandakphu Trek Package 

3. Har Ki Dun Trek (Uttarakhand)

• Altitude: 11,675 Ft.
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Best for: Ancient villages, alpine meadows, and untouched nature

The Har Ki Dun Trek, also known as the “Valley of Gods,” is a scenic trek through the pristine wilderness of the Garhwal Himalayas. November offers cool temperatures, and the valley is a riot of fall colors as the landscape transitions into winter. Trekkers will pass through ancient villages, terraced fields, and dense pine forests, all while enjoying views of the snow-capped Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch peaks.

Check Here: Har ki Dun Trek Package

4. Chadar Trek (Ladakh)

• Altitude: 11,150 Ft.
• Difficulty Level: Difficult
• Best for: Adventure seekers looking to trek on a frozen river

The Chadar Trek is one of the most adventurous and unique treks in the world, where trekkers walk on the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh. While this trek is usually done in peak winter (January to February), early November offers a chance to experience the trek as the river starts freezing over. The cold desert of Ladakh, combined with the surreal icy landscape, creates an unforgettable trekking experience.

Check Here: Chadar Trek Package

5. Nag Tibba Trek (Uttarakhand)

• Altitude: 9,915 Ft.
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Best for: Beginners and weekend trekkers

The Nag Tibba Trek is a perfect option for beginners or those seeking a quick weekend escape. Located near Mussoorie, this trek offers stunning views of Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath, and Gangotri peaks. November provides cool, pleasant weather and the opportunity to experience the region’s scenic beauty without the biting cold of winter. The summit gives a panoramic view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, making it a rewarding experience for trekkers.

Check Here: Nag Tibba Trek Package

6. Dayara Bugyal Trek (Uttarakhand)

• Altitude: 12,100 Ft.
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Best for: Lush meadows and panoramic views of Himalayan peaks

The Dayara Bugyal Trek is a perfect trek for those who love trekking through vast, open meadows with unobstructed views of the Himalayan peaks. In November, the rolling meadows of Dayara Bugyal offer a tranquil escape, with the landscape starting to get covered in a soft blanket of snow. The trek provides beautiful views of Gangotri, Bandarpoonch, and other towering peaks. The stargazing opportunities at the campsites are an added bonus, thanks to the clear November skies.

Check Here: Dayara Bugyal Trek Package

7. Goechala Trek (Sikkim)

• Altitude: 16,200 Ft.
• Difficulty Level: Difficult
• Best for: Close-up views of Mount Kanchenjunga and a high-altitude challenge

The Goechala Trek is one of the most thrilling and rewarding treks in India, offering close views of the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga. November offers the clearest skies and is considered the best time for this trek, allowing trekkers to soak in the stunning vistas without the cloud cover that plagues other seasons. The trail takes you through lush rhododendron forests, remote valleys, and high-altitude campsites with breathtaking mountain views.

Check Here: Goechala Trek Package

8. Kuari Pass Trek (Uttarakhand)

• Altitude: 12,516 Ft.
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Best for: Panoramic views of Nanda Devi and Dronagiri peaks

The Kuari Pass Trek, also known as the “Curzon Trail,” offers one of the most panoramic views of some of India’s highest peaks, including Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and Hathi-Ghodi Parvat. November offers cool, clear weather and a chance to experience the autumn colors before the snow sets in. The trail passes through dense forests of oak and rhododendron, alpine meadows, and offers stunning views of the Garhwal Himalayas at every turn.

Check Here: Kuari Pass Trek Package

9. Bhrigu Lake Trek (Himachal Pradesh)

• Altitude: 14,000 Ft.
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Best for: High-altitude alpine lake and stunning views

Located near Manali, the Bhrigu Lake Trek is a high-altitude trek that takes you to a pristine alpine lake. The trail offers panoramic views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. November brings fewer crowds and offers a peaceful trekking experience with cool weather and the first signs of snow on the peaks. The lake itself is a tranquil spot, surrounded by the serene beauty of the mountains.

Check Here: Bhrigu Lake Trek Package

10. Tarsar Marsar Trek (Kashmir)

• Altitude: 13,500 Ft.
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Best for: Pristine alpine lakes and the unspoiled beauty of Kashmir

The Tarsar Marsar Trek takes you to two beautiful alpine lakes in the heart of Kashmir. November is one of the best times to experience this trek, as the region offers clear skies and cool, crisp weather. The trail passes through picturesque valleys, meadows, and forests, offering a serene and peaceful trekking experience. The pristine beauty of the lakes, surrounded by towering peaks, makes this trek a hidden gem.

Check Here: Tarsar Marsar Trek Package

11. Chopta – Chandrashila Trek (Uttarakhand)

• Altitude: 13,123 Ft.
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Best for: Stunning summit views and spiritual experience at Tungnath Temple

The Chopta – Chandrashila Trek is a beautiful trek that combines spirituality with adventure. The trek starts at the small village of Chopta and leads to the summit of Chandrashila, offering panoramic views of some of India’s most iconic peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. November offers clear skies, cool weather, and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to experience the beauty of the Himalayas. Along the way, you can visit Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world.

Check Here: Chopta Chandrashila Trek Package

12. Kalindi Khal Trek (Uttarakhand)

• Altitude: 19,500 Ft. 
• Difficulty Level: Extremely Difficult
• Best for: Experienced trekkers seeking high-altitude adventure

The Kalindi Khal Trek is one of the most challenging and high-altitude treks in India, ideal for experienced trekkers seeking an adventure. This trek takes you from Gangotri to Badrinath, crossing some of the highest glaciers and passes in the Indian Himalayas. November offers the last window to attempt this trek before the onset of heavy snow, providing clear skies and breathtaking views of peaks like Shivling, Bhagirathi, and Meru.

Check Here: Khalindi Khal Trek Package

13. Sham Valley Trek (Ladakh)

• Altitude: 12,400 ft
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Best for: Cultural exploration and scenic beauty of Ladakh

The Sham Valley Trek, also known as the “Baby Trek,” is perfect for those looking to explore the cultural beauty of Ladakh at a leisurely pace. The trek takes you through small Ladakhi villages, ancient monasteries, and high passes, offering stunning views of the barren, rugged landscapes of Ladakh. November offers cool, pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to experience Ladakh’s tranquil beauty.

Check Here: Sham Valley Trek Package

Conclusion

November is an exceptional time for trekking in India, offering a mix of scenic beauty, adventure, and serenity. Whether you are a beginner looking for a short trek or an experienced trekker seeking high-altitude challenges, the diverse landscapes of India have something for everyone. These top trekking destinations provide the perfect opportunity to embrace the Himalayan charm and create unforgettable memories.

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Introduction to Kuari Pass Trek

The Kuari Pass Trek, nestled in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas, is an adventure that offers breathtaking views, serene forests, and an opportunity to experience the majestic beauty of the Indian Himalayas. Often referred to as the “Curzon Trail,” this trek was famously explored by Lord Curzon in 1905. It has since become one of the most popular treks, especially for beginners, thanks to its moderate difficulty level and spectacular vistas of snow-capped peaks like Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Hathi Ghoda, and many others.

Why Choose the Kuari Pass Trek?

The Kuari Pass Trek is a favorite among trekkers, both beginners and experienced, for a variety of compelling reasons:

Stunning Panoramic Views:

The trek offers breathtaking, 360-degree views of some of the most iconic Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Hathi Ghoda, Kamet, and many others. These grand mountain vistas make it one of the most scenic treks in the Garhwal region.

Perfect for Beginners:

As a moderate-level trek, Kuari Pass is ideal for those new to high-altitude trekking. The well-marked trails, reasonable altitude gain, and moderate trekking hours make it a great introduction to the world of trekking in the Himalayas.

Rich Forest Trails:

The trek takes you through enchanting oak, pine, and rhododendron forests, which are especially beautiful in spring when the rhododendrons bloom. This diverse vegetation makes the journey vibrant and colorful.

Camping Experience:

Camping at serene locations like Tali Top and Guling offers a chance to sleep under a starry sky, surrounded by the tranquility of nature. It’s a fantastic way to reconnect with the wilderness.

Cultural Exposure:

The trek passes through charming mountain villages, where you can interact with the locals, learn about their lifestyle, and experience the warmth and hospitality of the Garhwali culture.

Variety of Landscapes:

The Kuari Pass Trek offers a mix of meadows (Bugyals), forests, snow-covered landscapes in winter, and alpine vistas, providing a diverse trekking experience. The contrasting scenery keeps every day of the trek exciting and unique.

Historical Significance:

Known as the “Curzon Trail,” this trek holds historical importance as it was explored by Lord Curzon in 1905. It allows you to follow in the footsteps of past explorers, adding a sense of adventure and history to your journey.

Accessible Base Camp:

The trek’s starting point, Joshimath, is easily accessible by road from major cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun, making travel to the trek base hassle-free.

Adventure in All Seasons:

Whether you want a lush green landscape in summer, snow-covered trails in winter, or clear skies in autumn, Kuari Pass offers unique experiences throughout the year, making it suitable for different trekking preferences.

Best Time to Visit Kuari Pass Trek

Choosing the right season is crucial for an enjoyable trekking experience:

• Summer (April to June): The weather is pleasant, and the landscape is lush green. Perfect for enjoying the clear mountain views.
• Autumn (September to November): Offers crystal-clear skies, providing some of the most stunning views of the peaks.
• Winter (December to March): The trek is covered in snow, adding an extra layer of adventure. Suitable for those who want a winter trekking experience.

Pro Tip: Avoid the monsoon season (July and August) due to heavy rains and the risk of landslides.

How to Reach Kuari Pass Trek Base Camp (Joshimath)

• By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (approx. 270 km from Joshimath).
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Haridwar or Dehradun.
• By Road: Regular buses and taxis are available from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun to Joshimath.

Pro Tip: Start your journey from Rishikesh or Dehradun early to reach Joshimath by evening.

Essential Gear and Packing List for Kuari Pass Trek

Permits and Regulations for Kuari Pass Trek

• Forest Permits: Required for trekking in the Kuari Pass region. These are usually arranged by your trek operator.
• Carry valid ID proof (original and copies)

Conclusion

The Kuari Pass Trek is a journey that offers an unforgettable experience, combining breathtaking views, rich flora and fauna, and the serenity of the mountains. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, this trek promises to be a memorable adventure that should be on every nature lover’s bucket list.

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Here is a ‘one size fits all’ solution for you and your family to bond, enjoy and live together – why not take an adventure trip to India? India is one of the most blessed countries in terms of natural flora and fauna, diversity and oh, did you ignore the Himalayas and the Northern India? You cannot!

Adventure travel is not the first thing that comes to people’s mind while planning for an ideal vacation. Most of the people think, “Hey, we work hard throughout the year. Vacations are meant to relax!”. Yes, it is true. We all deserve some relaxation with our families after having worked hard throughout the year. On the other hand, who told you that you cannot relax at the peak of a mountain? Or in a dense forest looking at the snow leopard or a blue deer? Or you cannot relax while checking out the Himalayas on one hand, the Ganges on the other while standing amidst the most beautiful flowers you have ever seen! Yes, these are not your everyday ways of relaxing, but follow this, once you have walked up a mountain for six kilometres in a day, you will have the best possible sleep at night! And who said adventure travel cannot be relaxing? You will understand it once your eyes are freshened up with the beauty of your natural surroundings and once you have had the required digital detox; and all of this will happen, only once you set off fir that adventure trip!

Adventure travel has lately become more of a family thing than what it used to be, a vacation plan for the fans of Lonely Planet! Any ways, there are many reasons you should seriously consider and actually go for an adventure trip in North India. Here are a few:

1. There are so many options. Literally, so many to choose from! When looking for an adventure travel destination in India, you might actually get perplexed by the varied and large number of options available. Here is saving you some time – eventually you will end up somewhere in Northern India, so why not start your search from there! North India has the best to offer when it comes to adventure travel in India. There are the mountain ranges, the dense forests, the ever beautiful waterbodies and the diverse wildlife to gaze. You, your family and everyone following you on Instagram will be more than grateful after the trip!

2. You finally get some family time. Almost every working professional and their family members have a consistent problem that they are unable to spend quality time together. As work load increases and children grow up, getting this family time becomes all the more difficult. Hence, going on an adventure trip can finally bring the entire family together and make a few beautiful memories to cherish forever. 

3. You and your entire family gets to build new experiences with each other. A family that goes on an adventure together, stays together! It actually works. Children can come closer to their parents, when their parents actually help them out in tense situations. Why not have these ‘tense situations’ in the form of a river rafting experience or maybe a mountaineering experience? Finally you can show up to your children, how you truly love and guard them all the time. 

An adventure trip will have something for everyone. Yes, a family is made of different people with different tastes and different choices. Is it even possible to keep everyone happy in one trip? Yes, it is possible, if you choose the right one! You can actually choose to go for skiing in India and have trekking and camping for the adventurous ones. You can sit by the side of the flowing Ganges and tell each other stories, for the peace loving ones. You can also choose to go for bird watching to satiate the quench of the nature lovers in the family!

For more information about adventure trips email us: tours@shikhar.com

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Why Zanskar?
Find yourself experiencing the adrenaline rush in one of the most sought-after treks in the world, brilliantly beautiful yet extremely challenging, one of a kind, once in a lifetime adventure, soon becoming a fad among travellers & adventure lovers from country & the world alike.

The trek is all about persistence & survival – of learning to survive in the harsh terrains at sub-zero temperatures, interacting with the locals & understanding their way of living, especially in one of the most inhabitable regions in the world, while you trek across a dramatic gorge with frozen waterfalls on the frozen trail of Zanskar spanned out like a “Chadar” (hence the name) that acts like a mirror for the sky. After all there aren’t many of such exclusive adventure pursuits where you get to partake in the primal thrill of sleeping in caves, musing over blazing bonfires in freezing temperatures with most definitely the ever-present sense of danger, yet surviving it all – making it the “Do before you die” journey!

Route
The trip starts from Leh, where one departs for Tilat Sumdo, the first milestone in the Chadar Trek. From Titat Sumdo the trek furthers till Shingra Kogma & from there the longest part of the trek from Shingra Koma to Tibb & further on Trek from Tibb to Nerak & camping in Nerak village. Then there is Lingshed to Tsarak Dho to Padum & back. The route is full of ice sheets, frozen waterfalls, nature’s wonders – A rare sighting & once in a lifetime experience.

Temperatures
Temperatures on the trek vary from -10° in the day to -30° in the night depending on sunny & cloudy climate. While the temperature is important to take note of, one needs to keep in mind combating the strong winds.
You need to thoroughly look into the clothing needed, for it is essential to protect yourself from such extreme temperatures. Also one needs to adopt a few fitness routines before taking the trip, for it can be a risky call & you need to be fit & prepared for battling the harsh weather conditions & other issues like altitude sickness etc. so the health issue becomes vital. You must be able to jog 3 to 4 km in 30 minutes or walk continuously in 10º incline for at least 45 minutes In order to prepare for Chadar, while one should take a look into tips & FAQs for getting well versed as to how one should approach the Trek.

Must Haves
You need to make a detailed list of the Must haves for a trip – while you gather up all the carry-ons be it the trek accessories & gear, clothing items, a medical kit, extra cash, and important documents among others.

How to Reach
The only way to reach Ladakh during winters is by air, so you can opt for the regular flights from Delhi to Leh by Jet Airways, Air India and Go Air etc. & keep in mind to book your tickets well in advance. The aerial view is simply the best start one can have before the tour

Dos & Don’ts

• Plan up with a day or two in hand, in case of any unforeseen natural hindrances or casualties.
• Make sure you do not litter & keep the environment clean.
• Stick to the advised clothing & gear suitable for the trip to avoid any unnecessary hindrances. Also keep up only the necessary items for optimum movement & let go of any needless items that might burden the load of carry-ons.
• Do not try any risky adventures, as the region is risky & sensitive. Stick to your travel group, take up expert help & advisory before you take up the trip & follow instructions & guidelines carefully.
• Do not consume alcohol, as it dehydrates the body fast & may turn adverse in such temperatures & regions.

It is with the discovery of this uncanny route that originally came to be the lifeline of the Zanskaris, for it was their only way to travel for a livelihood in the times of extreme winters, which has now host to many an adventure lovers & trekkers from across the world! One can opt for travel groups, or travel companies that offer the trek – either with planned itineraries or customised tours, whichever you choose. Also, one should strictly follow the guidelines for the tour, as advised by the experts.

So gear up for the wildest trip of your life – do your research, get fit & perked up, stock your gear & get going to experience the ultimate trek of the Himalayas!

For more information email us: tours@shikhar.com

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So here are the top 10 summer treks in North India that are bound to send those nerves on an adrenaline rush!

(1) TRIUND TREK
Set in the midst of the picturesque Himachal terrain adorned by the charms of Dharamshala, one embarks upon the trek at the foothills of the Dhauladhar range at Triund trek alongside the Kangra valley making your way through the tricky trails & curvy pathways throughout. One can choose two ways to head on the trek – one from Dharamkot to Triund from McLeodganj and the other being the one from Kareri village via Bhal village to Triund.

(2) BEAS KUND TREK
Routing through the much famed Solang valley known for adventure sports like Para-gliding & Skiing, the Beas Kund Trek is yet another trek in all its glory with Nature at its best – offering break-taking views of the Hanuman Tibba & Friends’ Peaks among others trailing across Dhundi and Bakarthach to enter the Beas Kund glacier one of the most popular trekking destinations with other attractions being the Solang Ropeway Point, Dhundhi an unexplored land & camping site leading to Bakerthach among others.

(3) PINDARI GLACIER TREK
Considered to be one of the easiest treks around the region, Pindari Glacier trek is one follows up on well-defined trails en route the Dhakri Khal surrounded by the southern ends of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, in Chamoli district. It is another one with break-taking views & Mountain Rivers & waterfalls streaming from the midst of sights like Panwali Dhar, Maiktoli, Trishul and Nandakot among others coupled with varied flora and fauna along the landscapes.

(4) ROOP KUND TREK
Roop Kund trek is loaded with all the perks for a trekking lover this one’s a sure shot to get on to what with the gushing brooks, deep woods, undulating meadows surrounded by snow-capped peaks like Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba among others – camping & trekking to your heart’s content coupled with the mystery of unusual remains of humans found in & around the lake.

(5) MARKHA VALLEY TREK
Also known as the Tree House trek, where one experiences living on parachute tents en route the treks, it is one hell of a trek trailing through the passes of Gandala La & Kongmaru La in Ladakh, remote gorges & streaming rivers, grazing grounds & the lifescapes of the Markha village with stunning views of the barren mountains & peaks. It also includes exploring the Hemis National park & relishing in Tibetan culture.

(6) DODITAL TREK
This emerald beauty being one of the highest altitude freshwater lakes is an ideal trek to get on with – indulging in the local culture & cuisines & trailing through the stunning views of the majestic Himalayan peaks , the Darwa pass and Darwa Top among others, the perfect retreat in the midst of this heavenly abode of mountains & valleys.

(7) HAMTA PASS TREK
The one to leave you in awe of the mesmerising surroundings in this one, though easy it is no less of an adventure & the ideal trek for some soul searching – the lush green valleys & woods, snow-capped peaks, passing through the Hampta Pass & other attractions like Chandrataal, the valleys of Lahual and Spiti among others opening up to a whole new world of adventure & thrill.

(8) YAMNOTRI PASS TREK
Accounting for the land of the sacred, this trek trails along Dodital, Ruinsara Lake to the Yamunotri Pass along the spots of Rishikash, Uttarkashi, Bhewada & Darba Top among others embracing the open vistas of Har ki Dun valley – experiencing the terrain, lifestyle & culture of the region & exploring the religious trails alongside the trek finding your own in the midst of natural serenity & calm.

(9) GAUMUKH / TAPOVAN TREK
Yet another one of the pilgrimage centres, this trek trails along Gaumukh – the source of river Bhagirathi, the meadows of Tapovan & further the Nandanvan & the emerald beauty being the Vasuki Tal, these exquisite lands offering unmatched adventures like rock climbing and glacier traversing, & scenic beauty surrounded by mountains, lakes & lush woods celebrating the sanctity of the Hindu lords.

(10) KARERI LAKE TREK
This one calls for some great expertise & challenge in trekking set in the midst of the Dhauladhar range spanning across tricky terrains, lush alpine woods, narrow ridges & whirly passes while one can also indulge in adventure acicities like Tyrolean Traversing. Kareri Lake trek one acts as a base to deep trekking in the region abundant with a variety of Flora & Fauna – making it on hell of an experience for some high altitude summer trekking.

The post Get on an Adventure with the Top 10 Summer Treks in India! appeared first on Shikhar Blog.

What India can boast of is some of the most stunning trekking routes in the world – many of the mountain passes in the Ladakh and Zanskar Himalayas are above 5000m. But there are plenty of gentler and smaller trails, at different altitudes, both in the mountains and in the forests. If you’re looking for less arduous hikes, you’ll find plenty in the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri Hills of south India (Munnar and Wayanad in Kerala, Coorg in Karnataka, and around Ooty in Tamil Nadu).

Equipment

It is possible to rent/buy trekking equipment all over India from clubs and adventure- gear manufacturers. Do thoroughly check all gear before venturing out into the mountains.
1. Small rucksack/knapsack
2. Sleeping bag
3. Lockable duffel bag
4. Karrimat / Therm-a-Rest
5. Tent
6. Personal toiletries
7. Water bottle (at least 2 litres)
8. First-aid kit
9. Camera with spare batteries and film (carry more film than you think you will need!)
10. Headlamp/torch with spare cells
11. Maps
12. Diary/pen/reading material
13. Sewing kit
14. Swiss Army knife
15. Whistle
16. Sunscreen – with high SPF (at least 30, to better protect you from harmful UV rays)
17. Lip salve/ChapStick
18. Sunglasses with retainers/spare prescription glasses
19. Lighter
20. Emergency rations/goodies
21. Parachute Cord
22. Ski-stick/ice-axe
23. Rope (for high-altitude treks)
24. Plastic bags and Ziplocs for packing gear

Best season in India

May/June and September/October for Garhwal, Kumaon (Uttarakhand), Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh
June/July and August/September for Ladakh and Zanskar (Jammu and Kashmir)
One can trek in the foothills of the Himalayas from October through till March

Trekking destinations in India
1. Jammu and Kashmir (Ladakh, Zanskar)
2. Himachal Pradesh
3. Uttarakhand (Garhwal, Kumaon)
4. Sikkim and Darjeeling
5. Northeast states (Arunachal Pradesh)
6. Western Ghats
7. South India (Nilgiris, Coorg)

Tips

1. Hydration
2. Clothing / staying warm (‘Cover your head if your feet are cold gentlemen’ is an old English saying)
3. Packing a rucksack
4. Pacing yourself on a trek
5. Timing – ‘Start early and arrive early’ is the cardinal rule of trekking
6. Porters and guides – A guide, or guide-cum-cook, is important on routes that are remote, tougher and relatively less trodden. Porters, with the option of ponies, will come in extremely handy on longer trips, especially if you’re carrying lots of provisions.
7. Mules and horses on the trail

Source: www.indmount.org

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The National Tourism Policy, 2002 and the Report of the Working Group on Tourism for the 12th Five Year Plan lay thrust on development and promotion of Adventure Tourism. The steps taken by the Ministry of Tourism to promote Adventure Tourism, inter alia, include issuance of guidelines for Approval of Adventure Tour Operators, formulation of basic minimum standards for Adventure Tourism activities, etc. The Ministry of Tourism has been promoting Adventure Tourism through its domestic and international campaigns.

The Ministry of Tourism had launched a campaign 777 days of Incredible Indian Himalayas on 27th September 2013 to promote the tourism potential of the Indian Himalayas. The campaign, inter alia, aimed at promoting Indian Himalayas as an incredible tourism product and to make it as round the year destination. This campaign was conceived after holding a detailed discussion with the representatives of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI). The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India has appreciated this initiative of the Ministry of Tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism also extends financial support for capacity building/training programmes in the adventure tourism sector.

In addition, the Ministry of Tourism in its guidelines for Basic Minimum Standards for Adventure Tourism related activities has identified the following categories of adventure tourism viz. land, water and air based activities which include mountaineering, trekking, river running, hang gliding, para gliding and bungee jumping.

Safety-precautionary measures to prevent any untoward incidents are under the purview of concerned State Governments/Union Territory Administrations.

This information was given by Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Dr. Mahesh Sharma in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

Source: www.business-standard.com

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There are several places in India which are excellent for trekking in India. Needless to say, most of them are based out of the high altitude areas like the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges. The most popular and most frequented trekking destinations in India are Ladakh, Garhwal, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal. All reliable companies divide their tours by abilities and cater to beginners, novices and experts alike.

In addition to the adventure factor treks in India also offer a solid cultural element. This means that while you’re getting your adrenalin fix, you’ll also be experiencing local life firsthand in the remote corners of India. You’ll find yourself enthralled by the friendly locals you’ll speak with, the tiny hamlets you’ll pass and the elusive monasteries that’ll make you want to stick around a little while longer. India offers a lot of high altitude treks and some of these treks require a certain amount of fitness level.

Make sure you inform your tour operator of any health restrictions and that you are comfortable with the altitude levels of your trek. It is important to remember that treks in the northern slopes go through snow capped terrain which can be quite difficult to navigate. While the winters are extremely bitter and the cold is unrelenting, the warmer months make the conditions more conducive and the climate more charitable.

Across most locations, the ideal time to undertake this expedition would be between June and October. There are several safety considerations that must be taken into account when discussing trekking in India. Apart from knowing your health conditions well and ensuring acclimatization during the trek, it is important to carry all necessary medication throughout. Lots of treks go through remote stretches so carrying adequate food is also vital.

Although there is no strict regulation around trekking in India, it is important to ensure that they are led by registered and recognised tour guides and leaders.

Source: www.atoai.org

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