Toughest Treks in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is home to many trekking trails suitable for everybody’s need. If you have prior experience of trekking and want to take up a challenging ride, then Himachal has some treasure trails waiting for you. Here is the list of some of the Toughest Treks in Himachal.
Pin Parvati Trek
Pin Parvati is no doubt one of a kind trek located in the Himachal Pradesh, it is also one of the toughest treks in the State. The contrasting scenery of grasslands and arid Spiti Valley looks alluring but the changing terrain is no first timers cup of tea. The Lake of Mantalai is sure to offer you solitude from the city crowd.
Few of the challenges Pin Parvati poses are high gradient, steep ascent, altitude gain and crossing passes. All of which requires prior experience and trekking knowledge. Moreover, an individual needs to cover a distance of 108 km in approximately 16 days. Still trekking in Pin Parvati valleys remains an unmatched experience with all the range of landscape it provides.
Trek Distance: 108 km
Trek Altitude: 17,500 ft
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Best Season: July to August
Friendship Peak Trek
Friendship peak is a part of Pir Panjal range in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This peak is famous among the mountain conquering enthusiasts and seasonal trekkers. The trail takes you through narrow ridges, glacial route, massive snow rocks and continuous steep ascent from the base itself.
On this trek you can hope to learn using an ice-axe, roping up through the mountains and how to build your tent in snow. This is great for any seasonal trekker looking for a chance to brush up their skill. What’s more, the view from the top gives a look into the entire town of Manali.
Trek Distance: 24 km
Trek Altitude: 17,345 ft
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Best Season: July to October
Triund Trek
Triund Trek is known as one of the shortest and toughest treks in the Himalayas. There are two aspects that make this particular trek challenging. First, the quick altitude gain of 7700 ft in a short period of 2 or 3 days makes it hard on the trekker to acclimatize. Second, the terrain includes huge boulders that can be slippery sometimes and crossing through water streams.
The BhagsuNag Waterfall on Triund Trail is one of the highest waterfalls in Himachal and trekkers are required to cross its steep and slippery trail. Triund trek tests your endurance with its fast-paced trek. If you have the stamina to overcome all the challenges then Triund Trek is the perfect destination for your thrilling enthusiasm.
Trek Distance: 10 km
Trek Altitude: 9,278 ft
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Best Season: March-June and September-December
Auden’s Col Trek
Another challenging trek in the region of Garhwal is Auden’s Col Trek.
Auden’s col is a mountain pass which is deemed to be the least explored Himalayan region in Uttarakhand alongside of being a good challenging trek.
It connects the Gangotri and Jogin massifs in the Garhwal Himalayas. It also connects two of the sacred pilgrimage places of Kedarnath and Gangotri. You will pass through several glaciers on this trail, to name some there are Rudugaira glacier, Khatling Glacier and Jogin 1 glacier.
One should be well prepared before setting out for this particular expedition.
Trek Distance: 70 km
Trek Altitude: 18,010 ft
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Best Season: June
Stok Kangri Trek
With an altitude of 20,187 ft, it is the highest mountain in the Stok range of Zanskar mountains. The snow and height itself pose a challenge but what makes it more difficult is the patience and motivation of an individual. The need to acclimatise before and during the ascent is crucial.
Stok Kangri peak lets the trekker explore the Himalayan range from a wider perspective. It is perfect for walking through exquisiteness and cultural beauty.
Trek Distance: 40 km
Trek Altitude: 20,187 ft
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Best Season: July to September
Charang Valley Trek
Charang Valley Trek is in no way a child’s play and it is advisable to only do it under expert trekking guides. This 5-day trek will take you through a roller coaster of moraine, snow bridges, extremely narrow route, crossing water streams several times, Steep ascent over loose boulders and much more.
The views are extraordinary and a one-day hike requires you to climb a height of 17198 ft and then descend back to an altitude of 11352 ft. You need to be fit both physically and mentally to embark upon this journey.
Trek Distance: 60 km
Trek Altitude: 17,198 ft
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Best Season: September-October
