monsoon treks indiahikes

Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Saheb Trek With INDIAHIKES

The Valley of Flowers National Park- the UNESCO World Heritage site along with Hemkund Saheb – the highest Gurudwara in the world was on my bucket list for last two to three years.

So I decided to explore these two places in this monsoon. Indiahikes is one of the leading trekking company in India and I had a long wish that once I trek with Indiahikes. So I signed up with INDIAHIKES this time.

If you register with Indiahikes, you start getting emails from your trip coordinator, regarding fitness criteria, things to carry, difficulty level, food on the trek and above all Green Trail initiative. Indiahikes are very strict about fitness approval. They ask you to cover 5 km in 40 minutes and upload the screenshots of the run. Although I never run in my life even in childhood, still I could able to manage 5 km in 43 minutes. They also ask you to bring your cutlery and after every meal, you have to wash it yourself.

Initially, our pick up point was Haridwar railway station. But suddenly 20 days before I got a message that due to ongoing Kanwar festival at Rishikesh our pick up point was changed as there were huge crowds and traffic between Haridwar and Rishikesh, causing very long delays. So, there would be two pick up points, one from Dehradun railway station at 6 a.m. and another from Rishikesh (At Zostel on the Rishikesh – Badrinath Highway in Tapovan) at 7 am. I opted for Dehradun railway station. As usual, I reached Dehradun one day before the scheduled pick up day and stayed in a home-stay near the railway station. The day was cloudy and after 1 p.m. it started raining on & off all day.

Day 1 : Dehradun to Gobindghat : 270 Km

Monday 12th August was a holiday on account of Id-uz-Zuha. It had been raining in torrents since 4.30.am. Hence I was a little worried whether I could get an auto in time or not. Although the Railway station was walking distance but due to rain it would be better to take an auto. But it was raining hard and I could not able to get any. The Home stay host was a very amicable person. He left me at the station with his Honda Activa by 6.15 am.

Indiahikes had arranged a Tempo traveler for our pick up. It was parked at the parking lot of Dehradun railway station and set off around 6.30 am. Initially, I shared the journey with 4 other fellow trekkers. We were headed towards Rishikesh through the heavy downpour. Another 3 girls joined us from Rishikesh and we all 8 trekkers continued the journey towards Govindghat.

Around 9 am, we stopped for breakfast in a roadside Dhaba on the bank of river Ganga. The rain had stopped by then. The view of the river was mind-blowing. A layer of fog was floating over river Ganga, giving it a mystic look.

Having done with the breakfast, we hit the road again and soon came across the first landslide zone. We had to stop there as loose earth and small rocks were coming down the slopes on the road continuously. There was a heavy traffic jam at both the end. After 10 to 15 minutes waiting, we continued our journey. We passed two to three more landslide areas and reached Devprayag- the confluence of river Alaknanda and Bhagirathi.

After Debprayag, the road was smooth and the beauty was spectacular. Lush green mountain with dark cloud floating on the slopes. We were travelling along the river Alaknanda on the Badrinath Highway.

We took a stop once more for lunch at a roadside Dhaba around 2 p.m. for an hour and then continued. We passed rest of the four Prayags (confluences) namely Rudraprayag (Alaknanda meets with river Mandakini), Karnaprayag ( meeting point of Alaknanda and Pindari river), Nandaprayag (Alaknanda meets with river Nandakini) one after another and at last Vishnuprayag (meeting of river Alaknanda with Dhauliganga) by 7 p.m. and reached our Base Camp Gobindghat by 9 p.m. The journey was exciting and adventurous. By this time, we came to know more or less everyone in our group except the other 4 people who were travelling on their own and joined us at Govindghat. There was a guy in our group who came from Delhi, but he is a Bengali and lives in Kolkata. We were staying here in a lodge. I had to share the room with those 3 girls. There were two girls from Bangalore and one from Chennai. After freshening up quickly, we assembled in a dining area and attend a small introductory session with our trek leader and trek guide. After verification of ID and other medical papers, we all were issued to a 'Health Card' and asked to keep this 'Health Card' handy. After completion of all these formalities, we were served with a hot dinner.

Gobindghat ( 6,300 ft.) :

Govindghat is a small town in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India, located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga rivers. It lies around 22 kilometers from Joshimath on NH58. It has two parts.

The upper part has few shops and hotels. This part is right on the main road which connects Joshimath with Badrinath and

the lower part is right beside the Alaknanda river. This part has a small Gurudwara that offers free food and shelter to tourists and pilgrims. You can find a few shops cum hotels on the way to Gurudwara. This is the last place where you get the IDEA & BSNL mobile network.

Day 2 : Gobindghat( 6,300 ft.) to Ghangharia (9,600 ft.) via Poolna ( 7,200 ft.) :

[ 4 km drive to poolna and followed by 9 km trek ].

The morning was cloudy. Weather was pleasant. Our accommodation was in the upper part of Gobindghat. Around 6 am our trek leader came to check our BP, pulse and oxygen saturation level and he did these check-up every day before dinner and noted down the reading in the 'Health Card'. It was really impressive. After a small briefing session, we were served with delicious breakfast around 7 a.m. Before starting, our trek leader gave a demo on how to pack bags, tie the shoelaces and Eco-bag concept etc. We all were given Eco - bags to put our trash into and collect the non-bio-degradable trash on the trail. This is a part of the Green Trail initiative taken by Indiahikes. Most of us opted for backpack offloading except one. So, we left our luggage and set out along the bank of river Alaknanda on foot. On the way, I bought a stick from a roadside shop. If you don’t have or rent a trekking pole then a bamboo stick will be helpful, available for only 30 INR. After passing Gurudwara, we reached the parking area.

There is a small registration counter of Uttarakhand Tourist Development Board at one side. A small queue was there in front of the counter.

After making registration, we all twelve trekkers boarded the vehicle that dropped us to Poolna, 4 km ahead of Govindghat.

Trek started :

Poolna was the starting point of the trek. The trail is well-defined with the manageable ascent. The branches of the trees form canopy throughout the trail on and off.

Here and there the sight of waterfalls, lofty lush green mountains add a charm to the trail. The river flowing below at a distance accompany us on the right.

There are a number of roadside shops and dhabas at regular interval. They are selling fruits, Maggie and cold drinks.

So you don’t have to carry food and water in this trail. Benches are there along the trail at many places to seat and take rest. You can find public washrooms as well in this trail. The trail was much crowded. The mules and ponies are seen carrying pilgrims as well as luggage.

They are decorated with colourful tassels. The bell around the neck jingle as they walk. The entire trail is dotted with the horse dung. Although the sweepers are kept cleaning the trail throughout.

We stopped for a delicious lunch with the hot rice and rajma in one of the roadside Dhabas. After a couple of hours into the trek, we came across the bridge over fierce flowing Laxman Ganga river. After crossing the bridge, you enter the Bhuynder valley.

From there, the trail became quite steep and the sight of the river will be lost. We got one or two spells of drizzle on the way,so we had to wear our rain gears.

Otherwise, the rest of the time was dry. We continued to climb up through wide stone steps, green canopy overhead and multi-coloured flowers on either side of the trail until we came to an open valley.

The valley consists of a small helipad and a multi-coloured tent colony. That was the Ghangharia helipad. Indiahikes has its own settlement at Ghangharia, further 500 meter from helipad across the pony stand.

Ghangaria ( 9,600 ft.) :

Ghangharia is a small village located in the northern Himalayan ranges in Uttarakhand. The Valley of Flowers national park is about 5 km and Hemkund Sahib is about 6 km from here. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Bhyundar Ganga and Pushpawati, which forms Lakshman Ganga, that later meets the river Alaknanda at Govindghat. It is the last human habitation in the Bhyundar valley. There is a small Gurudwara here also.

By the time we reached Ghangharia- our Advanced Base Camp, everything was soaking wet with the rain and sweat. The trek was exhausting. My legs were paining. One girl and I were slow walkers. I took too many photo breaks also. But our Trek Leader was always patient and kept motivating us and guiding us throughout the way.

We were greeted with hot tea and chowmin followed by cool-down exercises by the Trek Leader at the camp. No mobile network is available there. We were also advised not to take a bath the next four days.

There is a small establishment, near our lodge, where a documentary is played every evening. It was a half an hour movie on Valley of Flowers.

We all went to watch it. I would suggest that everyone should go and watch this short movie on VOF. We were served with a hot and delicious dinner by 7.30 pm.

Day 3 : Ghangharia ( 9,600 ft.) to Valley of Flowers (11,500 ft.)

The next morning, after breakfast, we took some essential things, water bottle and packed lunch for ourselves and started trekking from Ghangharia through cloud & mist for Valley of Flowers. Luckily it was not raining. We first cross the Pony stand followed by a bridge over Lakshman Ganga and take the left turn.

You will find the Forest Department Check Post within a kilometre. You need to take permits from this counter. This is the official beginning of the Valley. As it was a package, our Permits were booked by our trek guide. In a while, you will cross another small bridge over a gushing stream and

then you will cross the bridge over fierce flowing Pushpavati river. I took some photos and continued the trek within the mist following the steep narrow rocky mountain slopes. You came across numerous small streams on the way. You can refill your bottle from any of them. The variety of beautiful flowers adorned either side of the trail making it a spectacularly beautiful. Few hours of climbing, you reached a point from where the trail is almost flat.

The weather started getting better by then. The fog was cleared. The sun started peeping out of the cloud.

Mighty peaks were playing hide and seek with the cloud. The lush green valley with low hanging pretty clouds left you spellbound. We went ahead traversing a small stream and came across another bridge on river Pushpavati and finally reached the much-awaited Valley of Flowers. Most probably I was the last to reach the valley.

Valley of flowers :

The Valley of Flowers National Park is a high altitude Himalayan valley located in Chamoli Garhwal. It was declared as the national park in the year 1982 and it is now a World Heritage Site. It is part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. At the meeting point of the Himalayan ranges, Zanskar and Western and Eastern Himalayas, the valley of flowers discovered by Mountaineer Frank S Smith in 1931. It opens at 7 a.m. and closes to 5 p.m. daily. The camping is prohibited there. The last entry to the park is at 2 p.m.

The entire valley is covered with full blooms of different colours – yellow, red, blue and pink. Himalayan Fleece flower, Geranium, Epilobium Latiflolium, Himalayan knotweed, Cobra Lili, Spinach dock(Common sorreal), jacob's ladder, bhutkesi, Fernleaf milk Parsley lingularia and many more. The weather was perfect. The cool bridge was blowing. The cloud was floating over the valley gives it a mystic look. There were a few large rocks scattered around the valley.

The people seating over all those rocks were enjoying the beauty of nature. The view was mesmerizing. After spending a few hours and having our packed lunch we started coming down the trail. The return trek was not easy. It developed a pressure upon the knees. However, I managed to climb down as early as possible.

When we reached near the first bridge over Pushpavati river, it started drizzling and we continued the rest of the journey through the drizzle.

We reached the lodge by 4.30 pm. After having snacks and hot tea, we attended a brief pranayam session conducted by our TL. Our trek leader, being a yoga practitioner and yoga trainer, always kept us showing different yoga poses to ease our pain. You can have a foot massage here at a height of 10,000ft. to reduce your pain. We were served dinner with rice, dal, lauki ke sabji along with semui by 7.30 pm. Today after dinner we all played a round of cards to pass the time.

Day 4 : Ghanghari ( 9,600 ft.) to Hemkund Saheb (14,107 ft.)

The next day was Independence Day. A small flag hoisting ceremony was observed in our settlement. We took early breakfast and went to visit the highest Gurudwara – Hemkund Saheb.

That day I was totally exhausted, my legs were paining. I opted for horse riding. The weather was beautiful. the blue sky with white fluffy clouds, lush green mountains, small waterfalls here and there and shining glaciers made the journey mesmerizing. The trail was steep but it was well paved.

After the glacier, there are two paths one is through climbing around 1000 steps and another is a relatively straight path which most of the trekkers, pilgrims and horses follow.

As you climbed, on the way one can witness abundance Brahmakamal and pretty Blue poppy flowers. After reaching the top, I went straight to visit Gurudwara.

Hemkund Saheb :

There is a small lake just behind the gurudwara which is fed by the glaciers. The lake and the gurudwara are surrounded by lofty snow-covered mountains. The water of the lake is crystal clear and you can get the reflection of the mountains surrounding it but it's freezing cold.

There is a shoe stand where you can keep your shoes for free and other belongings except mobile purse and camera, if you want. I kept my shoes there and dip my toes in the chill water of Hemkund Saheb. It was amazing. I took some holy water in a bottle. Then I started roaming the entire place in barefoot. I went to the inside where Sikh devotees listening to the holy chants. It was so calm and peaceful place.

After spending some time there, I went to Langarkhana and have some delicious Dal- Khichri and hot tea. There is a Lakshman temple near the Gurudwara. It is said that the younger brother of Ram was penanced there.

The weather started getting worse by then. The sun disappeared. The cloud covered the entire gurudwara and pond totally by 10.30am.

I was waiting there for my fellow trekkers who reached by 1 pm. Halua distributoin was started by 1.30 pm. We all had the delicious halua. After some time it started pouring. So, we all started our return journey amidst rain and reached the lodge by 4 p.m.

That day, we all went to a local sweets shop just in front of Ghangharia Gurudwara to satiate our test -bud with some sweets -Gulab Jamoon and jalebi.

After having sumptuous dinner, we had played a few rounds of cards before retiring to bed.

Day 5 : Ghangharia to Govindghat

That day after breakfast, we started return journey to Govinghat. The weather was good. There was no rain at all. Trail was almost empty.

We reached Govindhat by 2 pm. The trek was finished but not the trip. We all had decided to visit Badrinath and Mana village – the last Indian village. So post lunch, we started our journey. After a while, the Mana team joined us in the temple.

After spending some time, we all back to Govindghat following the same route. That was the last day of the trip. We had our last sumptuous dinner at Govind ghat. Indiahikes really fed us well. Variety in food was also seen. Hot water was readily available. Kudos to Indiahikes team.

Day 6 : Govindghat to Dehradun railway station

We started as early as 5 a.m. in the morning as some of us including me had to catch train that night. On the way, we came across a number of land slide zones and kept waiting to clear the road. We reached Dehradun railway station by 8.30pm.

Trekking with Indiahikes was a great experience. I back home with lots of happy and unforgettable memories.

Trek Details :

The duration of the trek -5 days

Highest Altitude – 14,100 feet

Level of difficulty : Although difficulty level is Easy to Moderate but I think trek is quite difficult mainly trek to Hemkund Saheb.

Best time to visit :

July and August

Vehicle fare details :

Dehradun to Gobindghat – Rs 6,500 / – one way per vehicle (Sumo type) Rs 9,500 / – one way (Tempo Traveler) .

The Route from Rishikesh

Rishikesh-Devaprayag-Srinagar-Rudraprayag-Karnaprayag-Nandaprayag-Chamoli-Pipalkoti-Joshimath-Govind Ghat

The nearest airport is in Dehradun, 295 kilometers away. The nearest railway station is in Haridwar, 276 kilometers away.

Valley of Flowers Trek with indiahikes

Some wise person has said that some of the best things in life are free. I had this realization during our trek to Valley of Flowers in Ghangaria - a World Heritage Site and Gorson Bugyal in Auli from the 24th to 29th July. Bugyals are alpine meadows in Uttarakhand. I and my father went for this Himalayan trek with indiahikes as a part of a group of 14 trekkers from different parts of India. This is supposed to be a monsoon trek as it is during the months of July and August when the flowers are in full bloom in the Valley of Flowers so there was no avoiding the rain for this trek. However, we were very lucky and only faced drizzle while trekking during a span of six days that we were in this area. We did follow the covid appropriate behavior during this entire journey. We trekked for about 40 mountain kms in 4 days. But it was not just about going from point A to point B for the trek. Trekking was indeed a transformative experience for the mind, body and soul. Be it the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the nature at its best, lessons in minimalism - managing with minimum clothes and accessories/simple food/life without internet and electricity, washing our own dishes, leaving Himalayas better than before by picking up litter on the Himalayas and avoiding packaged food there as a part of green trails initiative of indiahikes, making long lasting friendships with positive and like minded trekkers and the locals, carrying our own backpack for a stretch of the trek, pushing ourselves to pace ourselves with the group, meeting fitness goals and the list goes on. I would like to thank indiahikes for the unforgettable experiences we had because of them, especially, Shefali - our trek coordinator, Siddharth - our trek leader, Yashpal bhai and Jayadeep bhai. For a trekking journey that started from Rishikesh-Govindghat-Ghangaria-Valley of Flowers-Ghangaria-Govindghat-Auli-Rishikesh, each one of us spent about INR 15000 including the fees charged by indiahikes, stay, food and travel for a total of six days. This is quite cheap considering that guided treks in other countries such as United States can get quite expensive.

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12 winter treks in India that promise stunning views

By Shradha Shahani

Summer and monsoon treks get all the love but there’s something undeniably satisfying about feeling the crunch of snow under your boots. It is magical to fall asleep under some of the clearest skies of the year and to wake up to vast expanses of all-white landscapes that stretch as far as you can see. But the absolute best thing about winter treks is that for the most part, you’ll be able to do it without the crowds. Gear up and get moving on these gorgeous mountain trails.

The best winter treks in India

Triund trek, himachal pradesh.

Photo: Yashas Garg/Indiahikes

Duration: 2 days; Level: Easy; Highest point: 2,827m; Starting point: Dharamkot

The Triund Trek is perfect for a short weekend getaway in the Himalayas. Summers usually are the busiest months here, so if you’re trying to escape the crowds and enjoy stargazing, October to December is a good time to visit. It can be done in 4-6 hours but camp the night to really enjoy the views of Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar range. While the trail is short, it’s steep. But every now and then, you will be able to catch your breath during easy, flat trails through rhododendron, pine and coniferous forests. The highlight of the trek is the beautiful sunsets that paint Himachal’s skies and the starry nights.

Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh

Duration: 6-9 days; Level: Difficult; Highest point: 4,150m; Starting point: Leh

The Markha Valley expedition is one of Ladakh’s most famous summer treks due to its close proximity to Leh. But if a quiet getaway and the chance of spotting the elusive snow leopard is what you’re here for, then opt for a winter trek between January and February. It takes you past the Indus river, Buddhist monasteries, mountain villages, the willow-lined Zingchen gorge and the Hemis National Park. During the walk to the highest point of the trek in Markha, you’ll see fascinating geological creations and large boulders before you head down to camp in Thachungtse, where you can watch herds of blue sheep scale steep cliffs with great agility.

Chadar Trek, Ladakh

Duration: 8 days; Level: Difficult; Highest point: 11,123ft; Starting point: Chilling

If you’re willing to brave temperatures that dip to -20 degrees Celsius and occasional avalanches, the Chadar Trek is an adventure you’ll boast about for a lifetime. During winter, the main road to Zanskar Valley remains closed due to safety reasons, and the only way to reach Ladakh’s main town of Leh is by walking across the frozen river. The trek involves trudging through swathes of ice which are basically the frozen waters of the river; Chadar translates to blanket in Hindi. While for trekkers, this is an adventure, for Zanskaris, this route is a way of life. The 105km trek that requires travellers to cover at least 15km a day begins from Chilling, a village about 37 miles west of Leh. The window to trek is narrow, as the ice only starts to strengthen in January through February; come March it begins to thin and can easily break into sheets of water.

Sham Valley Winter Trek, Ladakh

Aishwarya Venkatraman

Amy Abrahams

Arundhati Ail

Duration: 5-6 days; Level: Easy; Highest point: 13,057ft; Starting point: Leh

The Sham Valley trek is ideal for beginners and is best undertaken when Ladakh’s extreme winters start to wane during March-April. The trek not only offers views of snow-covered mountains but also a glimpse into Ladakhi culture, with pitstops at several villages like Sumdo and Hemis Shukpachan. Evenings are spent at local homes savouring Ladakhi cuisine or taking a stroll through local markets. On the way back to Leh, the route also makes a stop at the Alchi monastery, which dates back to the 11th century and sits at the banks of the Indus River. While the trek spans two to three days, a few days are blocked to acclimatise.

Dodital Trek, Uttarakhand

Photo: Aquaterra

Duration: 6 days; Level: Moderate; Highest point: 3,900m; Starting point: Kuflon Basics Village, Uttarkashi

Dodital is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ganesha, and is named after dodi (Himalayan trout) found in the lake here. The trekking site is said to be beautiful all year round, but all the more gorgeous in the winters (October-March) when it’s covered in inches of snow. Dodital lies in the Garhwal Himalayas. On one side is the Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini ranges and on the other is the Darwa. Day four is when you will climb up to Darwa Pass (4,150m) from Dodital to soak in views of these peaks. While going downhill, unwind with a dip in a natural water pool and dinner by a bonfire.

Kuari Pass Trek, Uttarakhand

Duration: 6-9 days; Level: Moderate; Highest point: 3,395m; Starting point: Rishikesh

The Kuari Pass affords some of the most breathtaking views of the Himalayas. They range from Trishul in the east to the peaks of Kedarnath, Chaukhambha, Nilkantha, Kamet, Nanda Devi and Dronagiri as you move southwards. While the pass is accessible for 10 months in the year (except July and August), it’s a great option for a winter trek. It is one of the few passes that’s trekkable this time of the year, with the rest of the Himalayas buried deep in snow. On day seven, after you’ve soaked in panoramic views of snow-clad peaks, the trek takes you to a campsite in India’s little Switzerland—Auli.

Dayara Bugyal Trek, Uttarakhand

Photo: Vismay B/Indiahikes

Duration: 4-8 days; Level: Easy; Highest point: 3,606m; Starting point: Raithal

Look upon snow-covered meadows as far as your eyes reach on this trek. While the trek is accessible for eight months of the year (except during the monsoon months), the Dayara Bugyal is a sight to behold in the winter months due to the sheer vastness of its meadows. Getting to the open stretch is no easy task. It involves an arduous trek through forests and thick snow. While the climb may leave you breathless, so will the views. Standing at 12,000ft, you can see Mt Bandarpoonch and Black Peak towering at 21,000ft, as well as, Mt Srikanth, Draupadi ka Danda, and Mt Jaunli. It’s a sight to behold.

Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek, Uttarakhand

Yash Trivedi/Indiahikes

Duration: 6 days; Level: Moderate; Highest point: 3,562m; Starting point: Lohajung (10-hour drive from Rishikesh)

With camping banned in Uttarakhand’s high-altitude meadows, the famous Roopkund trek is out of bounds. The Bedni Bugyal is a great alternative route. Come to see Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti and stay for the beautiful sunsets on this trek. To reach the highest point at 3,562m, you will pass through dense oak and rhododendron forests. Yet the trail is perfect for beginners, with just a few tricky and challenging sections. The trek is open all year round (besides the monsoon months from June to September), but the winters bring a different kind of beauty to the region.

Brahmatal Trek, Uttarakhand

Sudhir Varni/Indiahikes

Duration: 4-6 days; Level: Moderate; Highest point: 3,733m; Starting point: Lohajung (10-hour drive from Rishikesh)

You can trek here all year round, but come winter (December to March), the Brahmatal trek leads you to a frozen alpine lake—and you won’t just spend a few hours there. If the weather holds up and there isn’t heavy snow, you can also camp by the lake. A cup of tea in hand, admire the beauty of the frozen ice mirroring the majestic Mt Trishul and Mt Nandaghunti. As you descend, there’s also lake Bekaltal which is worth a visit and usually freezes over in winter too. Each campsite on this trek offers unique views of forests and lakes. The best part is you don’t have to work too hard to soak in these views. The trek offers a ridge that you can walk along to reach the summit.

Kedarkantha Trek, Uttarakhand

Gourab Nandi/Indiahikes

Duration: 6 days; Level: easy-moderate; Highest point: 3,810m; Starting point: Gaichawan Gaon (10 hours from Dehradun)

The Kedarkantha is a six-day trek in Uttarakhand’s Govind Pashu Vihar National Park. Since Kedarkantha is a standalone mountain, there are several routes to reach the summit, each unique in its own way. You can choose the popular route or the quieter trail. The trek is accessible year-round, but if you’re up for a challenge go in the winter months of December and January. The climb is arduous and steep in the cold, but equally rewarding. The summit is visible right from the base camp and as you climb higher through snow-covered grasslands and forests, the Himalayas come into sight. Along with some of the most dramatic sunsets, the trek also gives you a taste of the local culture and food, as you will spend your first and last night at homestays in Gaichwangaon.

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek, Uttarakhand

Photo: Avijit Jamloki/Indiahikes

Duration: 3-6 days; Level: easy-moderate; Highest point: 3,675m; Starting point: Sari (7-8 hours from Rishikesh)

The Chandrashila Summit affords some of the most beautiful views of the Himalayas. On the left are the Gangotri range of peaks, Mt Thalaysagar, the Kedarnath and the Kedar dome, Mandani Parbat and Janhukut. On the right are the Gauri Parbat, Hathi Parbat and Dunagiri, and right in front is Nanda Devi. Every season brings a different flavour to this landscape. But the winters here are spell-binding. Even in December, you’ll get to see rhododendron trees blushing with blooms. The trek is also a delight for birdwatchers. If you get lucky, you may spot the beautiful Himalayan monal. At Baniya Kund, you may also get the chance to camp on snow-covered expanses.

Sandakphu Phalut, West Bengal

Photo: Subro Das/Indiahikes

Duration: 6-9 days; Level: Moderate; Highest point: 3,642; Starting point: Shrikhola

This trek takes you to Singali Ridge, the border that separates India from Nepal. It offers views of some of the most famous peaks that tower above 8,000 metres, including Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu. Besides the Kanchenjunga, you can also get a view of peaks famously called The Sleeping Buddha, due to its shape. While the Everest cluster is only visible on day four of the trek, The Sleeping Buddha peaks are visible right from day one. So, you’re promised gorgeous views from start to finish. The trek is open for eight months of the year, barring May to August, but trust us—you’ll want to see the mighty peaks blanketed in snow.

Book these winter treks via Aquaterra or Indiahikes ; Frozen Himalayas offers the Markha Valley trek in Ladakh.

7 Monsoon Treks In The Himalayas You Just Can't Afford To Miss This Year 

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. []()credits: indiahikes[]()credits: indiahikes**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 []()credits: indiahikes[]()credits: indiahikes**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. []()credits: indiahikes[]()credits: indiahikes**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. []()credits: indiahikes[]()credits:indiahikes### 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. []()credits: indiahikes[]()credits: indiahikesone 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. []()credits: indiahikes[]()credits: indiahikesnamed 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. []()credits: [indiahikes](#gallery)[]()credits: [indiahikes](#gallery)**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 withindiahikes*.

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.

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

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.

Things to know before you go:

Acclimatisation before climbing to Kanamo is crucial.

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.

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.

Region: Himachal Pradesh | Highest Altitude: 16,105ft ft | Difficulty: Moderate-difficult | Duration: 7 days

Read more about the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek here.

Region: Himachal Pradesh | Highest Altitude: 14,009 ft | Difficulty: Moderate | Duration: 4 days

Read more about the Bhrigu Lake Trek here.

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 withIndiahikes

Mt. Friendship Peak Expedition 2023 (17,352 Ft): Itinerary, Difficulty, Best Time

A thrilling outing that provides spectacular natural beauty and an excellent climbing experience is the Mount Friendship Peak Expedition. This voyage across India is well-known for its strenuous walks, tranquil surroundings, and the chance to explore the uneven landscape. It is imperative to make the trip to Mount Friendship Peak because it provides a strenuous and fascinating trail, breathtaking panoramic views, and the chance to fully immerse oneself in nature’s beauties.  The Friendship Peak trip timeline, difficulty level, ideal travel period, significant safety precautions, and suggestions for a safe trip are all detailed on this page.

Mt. Friendship Peak Expedition Itinerary:

• Day 1 : Arrive in Delhi, then be taken to your hotel to check-in.
• Day 2: Travel by car (570 km; 12 hours) from Delhi to Manali, with free time in Delhi for shopping and other pursuits.
• Day 3: Visit the Hadimba Devi Temple, Vashisht Temple, Old Manali, and Mall Road on Day 3 of your Manali vacation.
• Day 4: Drive to Dhundhi, hike across Solang Nala and Solang Valley to Bakkarthatch (3390 m), and spend the night in a tent.
• Day 5: Basic instruction at Bakkarthatch, including instruction in climbing and trekking methods.
• Day 6: Return to base camp after a three to four-hour trek to the advanced camp for acclimatization.
• Day 7: Travel to the advanced camp (4150 m) and spend the night there.
• Day 8: Trek to the summit of Mount Friendship (5289 m), where you’ll enjoy panoramic views, then head back down to the base camp.
• Day 9 is a reserve day for inclement weather.
• Day 10: Drive to Manali and spend the night before returning by foot to Bakkarthatch.
• Day 11: Drive from Manali to Delhi and settle into your hotel.
• Day 12: After breakfast, go from Delhi.

Cost of Mt. Friendship Peak Expedition:

There are several expenses to think about before joining the Friendship Peak Expedition:

• Permits and fees for hiking: Trekkers must apply for the proper licenses from the local government, which might cost money.
• Cost of transportation: Costs for both the one-way trip from Manali to the trailhead and the return trip should be taken into account.
• A place to stay and food: Tents or simple guest houses must be used for lodging while on the hike. Budgeting should include an account for the cost of food and water.
• Fees for the guide and porter (if applicable): Hiring an experienced guide or porter can improve the hike and make navigating the terrain simpler. The budget should account for their costs.

Mt. Friendship Peak Expedition Route:

Trekkers are taken on an enthralling tour along the Mt. Friendship Peak Expedition route. The trek to Dhundi departs from Solang Valley and offers breathtaking mountain vistas. Trekkers are welcomed with magnificent vistas and verdant pastures as they continue to Bakarthach. The Friendship Peak Base Camp, located at  5289 meters, is the final stop and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Important sites including Solang Valley , Dhundi, Bakarthach, and the Friendship Peak Base Camp are all included in this itinerary. It is a genuinely exceptional hiking expedition with breathtaking views at every turn and an immersed sense of the area’s natural grandeur.

Mt. Friendship Peak Expedition Difficulty Level:

The Mount Friendship Peak Expedition has a moderate to tough level of difficulty, necessitating physical readiness and mental resolve from trekkers. These are the main factors to think about:

• Requirements for physical fitness Trekkers need to be physically fit to handle lengthy hiking days, difficult ascents, and rough terrains. Regular cardiovascular workouts like cycling or jogging assist develop endurance. Stability and endurance are enhanced by lower body-focused strength training workouts.
• Considerations for altitude: The expedition’s altitude of 5,289 meters raises concerns about altitude sickness. The body must be properly acclimated by slow ascents and rest days so that it can acclimatize to lower oxygen levels. It helps to have previous high-altitude trekking experience.
• Pre-Trek Preparations and Training Advice: To increase the likelihood of success, pre-trek planning is essential. Long treks in hilly or mountainous terrain should be part of training to imitate trek conditions. It is easier to climb steep inclines by strengthening your legs with activities like squats and lunges. Both mental readiness and a good outlook are essential.

Best Time to Visit Mt. Friendship Peak Expedition:

Selecting the ideal time to go is essential when organizing a Mt. Friendship Peak Expedition to ensure a secure and pleasurable hiking trip. Think about the subsequent subtopics:

• Seasons and weather conditions: The trip should be carried out between May and June, in the summer, and between September and October, after the rainy season. The weather is often good at these times, with clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and little to no rain. It makes for more pleasant walking conditions and improved visibility.
• Monsoon Precautions: During the monsoon season, which lasts from July to August, there is a higher chance of landslides and slick pathways. Trekking is best avoided at this time owing to safety issues and poor visibility.
• Recommended Months for Trekking: The best months to hike Friendship Peak are May through June and September through October. Trekking is good during these months due to the favorable weather, which includes warm days and cold evenings.

Safety Measures and Tips:

Following a few safety precautions will ensure a fun and safe Friendship Peak Expedition:

• Prevention of altitude sickness by acclimatization: At higher elevations, acclimatization should be given enough time. It’s important to ascend gently and to drink plenty of water. Under medical supervision, Diamox or other anti-altitude sickness drugs may be taken into consideration.
• Packing necessities and suggested equipment: A first aid kit, sturdy hiking boots, warm clothes, a waterproof jacket, a backpack, sleeping bags, and trekking poles should all be prepared on a journey.
• Important of a knowledgeable guide or trek leader: It is strongly advised to hire a knowledgeable guide or trip leader. They are quite knowledgeable about the geography, the climate, and emergency procedures.
• Protocols for communication and emergencies: It’s critical to have a dependable communication tool on hand, such as a satellite phone or walkie-talkie. Learn the emergency protocols, and let someone know you’re going on a hike.

Must Read: Top 10 Applications for Trekking

Highlights and Attractions:

There are various highlights and attractions available for the Friendship Peak Expedition:

• Panoramic vistas and natural beauty: The walk offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, and unspoiled scenery.
• Region’s flora and fauna: Hikers may see a variety of alpine plants, including vibrant wildflowers. Wildlife inhabiting the area includes Himalayan birds and, sporadically, mountain goats.
• Cultural encounters and interactions with locals: The journey provides chances to meet the local people and get a sense of their distinct customs, hospitality, and culture.
• Other nearby sights and activities: After finishing the walk, hikers may tour sights like Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple, and the Manikaran hot springs.

Conclusion: Starting the Mt. Friendship Peak Expedition is an exhilarating journey that provides a captivating hiking experience amidst the breathtaking Indian mountain scenery. The difficulties of this trip may be overcome by trekkers with the right planning, physical fitness, and commitment to safety procedures. As a result, they will have lifelong memories of an amazing experience.

FAQs on Mt. Friendship Peak Expedition :

Where is Mt. Friendship Peak located?

How difficult is the mt. friendship peak expedition, are permits required for the mt. friendship peak expedition.

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Stary Oskol city, Russia

The city of Belgorod oblast .

Stary Oskol - Overview

Stary Oskol is a city in Russia located in the Belgorod region, standing on the banks of the Oskol River, about 142 km northeast of Belgorod, 632 km south of Moscow.

The population of Stary Oskol is about 222,600 (2022), the area - 134 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 4725, the postal codes - 309500-309518.

Stary Oskol city flag

Stary oskol city coat of arms.

Stary Oskol city map, Russia

History of stary oskol.

In 1300, there was a village called Ugly on the the territory of the present city. Today, it is one of the districts of Stary Oskol. At that time, the village was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and was a border crossing point on the border with the Golden Horde.

The settlement of Oskol was founded by Russian Tsar Fyodor Ioanovich’s order (Ivan’s the Terrible son) to protect the southern borders of the Russian kingdom in 1593. The bulk of the population were peasants and the military.

In 1617, the town was burned by the Poles. In 1625, 1642 and 1677, the Crimean Tatars approached Stary Oskol, but could not capture it. The town was renamed Stary Oskol (meaning Old Oskol) in 1655, when the town of Tsaryov-Alexeyev, located down the river, was renamed Novy Oskol (New Oskol). Fortifications of the town existed until the 18th century.

More Historical Facts…

Gradually, Stary Oskol turned into peaceful, commercial and merchant town - the center of an agricultural district. Industrial production was represented mainly by enterprises on processing agricultural products.

In 1780, the town got its coat of arms. In 1784, Stary Oskol like most Russian towns of that time was rebuilt according to a new plan signed by Empress Catherine II. A large number of brick houses were built, mostly two-story buildings. The historic center of Stary Oskol has been preserved to our time.

In the second half of the 19th century, the town had a wide network of schools, libraries, reading rooms, printing, secondary schools. In 1894, construction of the railway began, trade and industry began to develop rapidly.

Until the 1930s, there were eleven Orthodox churches in Stary Oskol. During the Second World War, Stary Oskol was occupied by the Germans from July 2, 1942 to February 5, 1943. In 1954, the city became part of the newly formed Belgorod region.

In the late 1960s - early 1970s, in connection with the active development of the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly (the most powerful iron ore basin in the world), Stary Oskol became a major center of iron and steel industry.

Stary Oskol was declared a city of three top-priority Komsomol construction projects. The largest enterprises: Lebedinsky Mining and Processing Plant, Stoilensky Mining and Processing Plant, Oskolsky Electrometallurgical Plant became not only the city-forming enterprises, but also the largest industrial enterprises of the country. Stary Oskol experienced a new birth.

Today, Stary Oskol is a rapidly developing city, one of the leading mining and metallurgical centers of Russia.

Stary Oskol views

Stary Oskol cityscape

Author: Nikolai Ivanov

The fountain on Friendship Boulevard in Stary Oskol

October movie theater in Stary Oskol

Author: Roman Riapolov

Stary Oskol - Features

The coat of arms of Stary Oskol is a shield divided in half diagonally, in the red field there is a rifle, in the green field - a golden plow. It reflects both military and agricultural importance of the town.

Stary Oskol is among Russian cities with the youngest population. The average age of its citizens is about 35 years. The main reason lies in the history of the city. In the second half of the 20th century, a large number of members of the Young Communist League came to Stary Oskol to participate in the construction of large industrial enterprises.

Unique reserves of iron ore, developed industry and infrastructure, high scientific, technical and industrial potential, fertile land form the basis of Stary Oskol economy.

The main branches of local industry are mining, ferrous metallurgy, machine building and metalworking, building materials, food industry. There are more than 140 large and medium industrial enterprises, which employ more than 80 thousand people.

Attractions of Stary Oskol

The city has more than a dozen Orthodox churches and chapels. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Tokareva Street, 4/1) is the main church of Stary Oskol. St. Trinity Church (Bolshevistskaya Street, 17/15), built in 1730, is the oldest church in the city.

The Zoo was opened in Stary Oskol in 2008. Bears, lions, tigers, monkeys, wolves, camels, ostriches, and other species of birds and animals live there.

Museum of Local Lore (Lenina Street, 50). The museums, founded in 1923, has exhibitions about the history of Stary Oskol. It is located in a building which is a monument of history and culture of the 19th century once owned by the merchants and brothers Likhutins.

The museum organizes tours of the city and the area including visits to an ancient Russian settlement of Kholki, an underground monastery in Melovy mountains, and a biosphere reserve “Yamskaya steppe”.

Art Museum (Lenina Street, 57). The collection of local masters of folk clay toys (O.M.Goncharova and N.M.Goncharova) is a real pearl of the museum. Stary Oskol folk clay toys production was known from the end of the 18th century.

House Museum of Vasily Yeroshenko (Yeroshenko Street, 15). Yeroshenko’s life is a living legend for blind people not only in Russia but also abroad. He encourages disabled people, supports them with his talent, helps them on their ways to improve techniques. Yeroshenko spoke 12 foreign languages and was the professor of universities in Tokyo and Beijing, he became a classic of Japan literature for children.

Stary Oskol city of Russia photos

Pictures of stary oskol.

Byl movie theater in Stary Oskol

Friendship Boulevard in Stary Oskol

The Monument to Soviet-Bulgarian friendship in Stary Oskol

Sights of Stary Oskol

The memorial complex Ataman Forest in Stary Oskol

Cannon monument in Stary Oskol

Church of the Nativity in Stary Oskol

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• The Inventory

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In conversation with Doctor Who Magazine (via Den of Geek ), Russell T. Davies described Jinkx Monsoon’s character, Maestro, as both “a maleficent god” and “a deity with daddy issues,” adding her introduction is part of his “ new tradition” of “having gods at war on screen.”

In the same issue (also via Den of Geek ), writer Paul Kirkley states Steven Moffat’s upcoming episode “has its genesis in a Doctor Who tale from many decades ago (you’ll know it when you see it), along with the odd kiss to Steven’s own Who legacy.”

Studio La Cachette has confirmed its moving forward with a third season of Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal on Twitter.

Star Wars: Ahsoka

Rosario Dawson stated she hasn’t read anything about the second season of Ahsoka during her recent appearance on the Table Read podcast (via Comic Book ).

Nope. Hugely so. I mean, it’s a big deal. It’s huge. I love everyone. It’s an incredible cast. It’s a great group of people and we get more Ahsoka, we get more Sabine. We get more of these characters in a way that – and as much as we’ve watched all of the previous shows and everything – it’s new storytelling, which is just insane to me. So I hope there’s new costumes and I want to know what’s going on.

Finally, Chucky enters the spirit realm in the trailer for next week’s season finale.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel , Star Wars , and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV , and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who .

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• Belgorod Region

Stary Oskol is the Belgorod Region’s second city by population and today consists of two main parts: the historical centre on the hill and the new centre made up of blocks of housing estates (mikroraiony). It is named after the river on which it stands on; the word stary (old) was added to distinguish it from the new settlement of Novy Oskol (New Oskol). Just outside the city is an impressive cave-monastery complex.

Top recommendations in Stary Oskol

Kholkovsky Monastery

Travel outside the city to the nearby settlement of Kholki to visit the Kholkovsky Monastery - an impressive cave monastery.

Historical Centre

Walk around the historical part of the city, located where once a wooden fortress stood to protect Russia’s southern borders, and visit the museum here.

War Memorials

Have a look at all the war memorial in the city - in recognition of Stary Oskol’s status as a City of Military Glory.

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