Mountains are one of nature’s most magnificent creations of all time. Carrying a range of glacial rivers, meadows, and valleys within its embrace, mountains make for the ultimate adventures. And to experience just that, one only has to look no further than the Himalayas. Trekking in the Himalayas is an unmatched experience. Here is a list of 6 most challenging treks in the Himalayas-
Chadar Trek
One of the most sought-after treks in India, Chadar trek is a 6-7 days' excursion over the frozen Zanskar river in Ladakh, perched at an astounding altitude of 11,123 ft!. It is amongst the most popular winter treks owing to the extremely inhospitable climatic conditions with temperatures that range from minus 10 in the day to minus 30 in the night! The ice forms and breaks constantly, and changes the colour of the river frequently, making it as fascinating as it is dangerous.
Stok Kangri Trek
Elevated at a mind-boggling altitude of 20,187 ft, the Stok Kangri trek is the highest trekkable summit, and makes for a daunting journey. Located amidst the beautiful Stok ranges in Ladakh, the trek packs steep inclines, extremely cold and dry weather, glacial terrains, and frozen rivers all in an excruciatingly lovely trail, unequalled by any other trek. It is not for the faint of heart, and demands a tremendous level of fitness and stamina from the trekkers. Out of all the treks to do in Ladakh, the Stok Kangri Trek shares the top spot.
Pin Parvati Pass Trek
Nestled gracefully amidst astonishing mountain ranges and beautiful dense forests, the Pin Parvati Pass is seated at a baffling elevation of 17,457 ft! The trek cuts through rough, rugged terrains and steep inclines, topped by the extremities of weather, making it an arduous climb for trekkers. The trek is extremely risky due to the steepness of the slopes, and the uncertainty of rainfall. It is a stunning 11 days’ crossover trek which begins from the Parvati Valley in Kullu and ends at the Pin Valley in Spiti!
Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp trek, as the name suggests, is a challenging journey that leads to Kala Patthar at a striking - 5500 m, which affords breathtaking views of the mighty Mount Everest that is enough to overwhelm you- body, mind, and soul. The trail cuts through Khumbhu Valley, granting breathtaking vistas of the stunning Sagarmatha National Park, and some of the highest peaks of the world- Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makaku, and Cho Oyu. Given the high altitude, raggedy terrain, and the bone-chilling cold weather, the trek is challenging, and requires excellent acclimatizing.
Goecha La Trek
With lovely trails running through verdant meadows, vibrant rhododendron forests, and the glistening Samiti lake, Goecha La is one of the most demanding, and glamorous treks in India. The trek leads up to the base camp of the stunning Mt. Kanchendzonga, overlooked by the magical starlit sky to enhance its beauty. The trail starts from Yuksom, settled at an elevation of 18,513 ft, and passes through Bhakim, Dzongri, Lamuney and Goecha La, taking nearly 10 days to scale. Take trekking in Sikkim up a notch with Goecha La!
Snowman Trek
Arguably the most challenging of all Bhutan treks, the Snowman trek starts in Paro, traversing through Lingshi and Laya to the rustic Lunana in Northern Bhutan. From Paro, the trek demands a 24 days’ strenuous journey on foot. The highest altitude is a dizzying 5060 m at Jichhu Dramo. Starting from Drukgyel Dzong in Paro and setting out towards Jhomolhari (7314m), the third highest peak in Bhutan is no walk in the park. If you’re stuck in the middle of the trek (seeing that it takes 24 days!), it is a long way out! Though the trek is essentially daunting, it rewards trekkers with mind-numbing vistas of the beautiful landscape of Bhutan which remains nonpareil due to it’s terrain, climate, and warm hearts of the Buddhist natives.
