Come July and August, the arduous summer will be a thing of the past, and the blistering sun will give way to dark clouds and glistening raindrops. What better way to experience this than in the mountains, where monsoon rain will transform the skies and leave the air cleaner and fresher.
While it's true that most trekking routes are washed away during the monsoon, nevertheless, there are some trails that are safe and can make for an exciting adventure. Here are the best treks that you can opt for in the monsoon.
Monsoon treks in the Himalayas for the month of July:
About the trek: 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 snow-caped 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 ft | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Duration: 6 days
Read more about the valley of flowers trek here.
About the trek: 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 mesmerising 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 ft | Difficulty: Moderate | Duration: 7 days
Read more about the Tarsar Marsar lake trek here
About the 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 ft | Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult | Duration: 8 days
Read more about the Great Lakes Trek here.
About the trek: 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 ft.
Things to know before you go:
1. Acclimatisation before climbing to Kanamo is crucial.
2. Prior high altitude trek experience is a must before attempting to climb Kanamo.
Region: Himachal Pradesh | Highest Altitude: 19,600 ft | Difficulty: Difficult | Duration: 8 days
Read more about the Kanamo peak here.
Monsoon treks in the Himalayas for the month of August:
About the trek: 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 ft | Difficulty: Moderate-difficult | Duration: 6 Days
Read more about the Hampta Pass Trek here.
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 ft | Difficulty: Moderate-difficult | Duration: 7 days
Read more about the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek here.
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 ft | Difficulty: Moderate | Duration: 4 days
Read more about the Bhrigu Lake Trek here.
To help you kickstart your trekking journey, Tripoto, in association with Indiahikes, is giving out two all-expenses-paid treks to the majestic Bhrigu Lake.
What you need to do:
• Create a profile on Tripoto, if you don’t have one already.
• Share your travel adventures on Tripoto. It may be in the form of a story, itinerary, guide, pictures, videos, or anything at all.
• Two people with the most number of approved entries will win at the end of the month. The prizes for the month of April are all-expenses-paid treks to Bhrigu Lake in Himachal Pradesh.
In association with Indiahikes
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