Trekking in Indian Himalayas

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High altitude Survival kit

Winter Wear : Gore-Tex material, though expensive, is highly recommended. Down jacket, raincoat or windbreakers, thermal underwears, Jackets, warm trousers & woollen shirts (cotton will also do), warm sweaters, woollen gloves, sun hat, comfortable hiking shoes (Indian brands like Action and Woodlands are good), light leather boots in case of snow, woollen balaclava (monkey cap) & scarf/dust mask to protect your eyes & nose from dust.

Food : Chocolates, dry fruit, toffees, electral/ glucose; 'namkeen' etc. Misc: Strong water bottle & water purifying tablets.

Personal medical kit and Diamox tablet (for high altitude). Sunglasses (to protect your eyes from UV, which is especially strong in high altitudes). Sun block or sun screen lotion (Nivea/ Vicco Turmeric is excellent), wet tissues (Fresh-ones are excellent to wipe off the dust), clothes-line/clips, needle & thread, deo-spray (handy for smelly boots/feet and for a round of spray in the toilet tent!), toilet paper, torch & spare batteries, daypack (small shoulder bag), camera & films. Binoculars, a book on flora/fauna of the region.

Drink plenty of water (3-4 litre a day), be calm, do not exercise. Do not drink alcohol or smoke a month prior to and during the trek.

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Popular Trekking Peaks

S. No.	Peaks and Height in meter	Longitude	Altitude
1.	Stok Kangri (6121) Leh, J & K	77 28’	33 59’
2.	Ladakhi (5345) H.P.	77 03’	32 22’
3.	Friendship (5200) H.P.	77 12’	32 23’

Trekking peaks can be climbed even by layman to make a height record with a guide. To climb these peaks one has to register with Indian Mountaineering Federation, New delhi. Climbing fee has to be paid for booking these peaks.

Ladakhi can be climbed from Manali within 8 to 9 days.
Friendship can be climbed from Manali within 7 days.
Stok Kangri can be climbed from Stok, Leh within 4 days.

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Mountaineering in Uttarakhand

No. Name of peak (Height in meter, Longitude Altitude)
1. Panwali Dwar (6663, 79 57’ 30 17’)
2. Nanda Devi East (7437, 79 59’ 30 21’)
3. Nanda Khat (6545, 79 58’ 30 18’)
4. Mrigthuni (6855, 79 49’ 30 17’)
5. Maiktoli (6803, 79 52’ 30 16')
6. Trishul-I (7120, 76 46’ 30 18’)
7. Trishul-II (6690, 79 46’ 30 17’)
8. Trishul-III (6008, 79 48’ 30 17’)
9. Tharkot (6099, 79 49’ 30 13’)
10. Nanda Ghunti (6390, 79 43’ 30 20’)
11. Ronti (6063, 79 43’ 30 22’)
12. Bhanoti (5645, 79 50’ 30 12’)
13. Baljuri (5922, 79 57’ 30 15’)
14. Nanda Kot (6861, 80 04’ 30 16’)
15. Lepsa Dhura (5913, 80 04’ 30 14’)
16. Unnamed Peak (77 16’ 32 32’)
17. Bara Sukha (78 36’ 31 04’)
18. Rudugaira (5819, 78 52’ 30 56’)
19. Swargtrohini-I (6252, 78 30’ 31 06’)
20. Swargtrohini-II (6278, 78 30’ 31 06’)
21. Banderpunchi (6320, 78 33’ 31 00’)
22. Sriknath (6133, 78 48’ 30 57’)
23. Gangotri-I (6672, 78 50’ 30 55’)
24. Gangotri-II (6590, 78 51’ 30 54’)
25. Gangotri-III (6577, 78 52’ 30 48’)
26. Joanali (6632, 78 51’ 30 52’)
27. Jogin-I (6465, 78 55’ 30 52’)
28. Jogin-II (6342, 78 55’ 30 53’)
29. Jogin-III (6166, 78 56’ 30 52’)
30. Thalaysagar (6904, 78 59’ 30 51’)
31. Manda (6568, 79 00’ 29 55’)
32. Meru North (6450, 79 02’ 29 52’)
33. Meru East (6261, 79 02’ 29 52’)
34. Kirti Stambh (6270, 79 01’ 30 49’)
35. Bhatekhunta (6578, 79 02’ 30 48’)
36. Kedarnath (6962, 79 04’ 30 47’)
37. Kedardome (6830, 79 04’ 30 48’ )
38. Karcha Kund (6632, 79 07’ 30 46’)
39. Shivling (6543, 79 04’ 30 52’)
40. Bhagirathi-I (6856, 79 09’ 30 51’)
41. Bhagirathi-II (6512, 79 09 30 51’)
42. Bhagirathi-III (6454, 79 08’ 30 52’)
43. Vasuki Parbat (6792, 79 10’ 30 52’)
44. Satopanth (7075, 79 13’ 30 50’ )
45. Sudarshan Parbat (6507, 79 05’ 30 58’)
46. Changabang (6866, 79 55’ 30 29’)
47. Nilkantha (6597, 79 24’ 30 43’ )
48. Chaukhamba-I (7886, 79 15’ 30 43’ )
49. Chaukhamba-II (7070, 79 15’ 30 43’)
50. Chaukhamba-III(6995, 79 15’ 30 43’ )
51. Chaukhamba-IV (6854, 79 15’ 30 43’)
52. Changuch (6322, 80 02’ 30 17’)

For climbing the above listed peaks, one has to contact Indian Mountaineering Federation, New Delhi, 6 months in advance. For climbing the peaks, climbing fee has to be paid to IMF office.

These peaks are for professionally trained climbers, so trekkers should refrain from climbing these peaks.

Other main peaks of the state are Mt Nanda Devi (7816 m), Kamet (7756 m) and Mana (7272 m).

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Trekking in Uttarakhand

Be enthralled by unspoilt mountain vistas and explore far flung villages, flower filled valleys and pristine glaciers in the far north of Uttarakhand. Join throngs of pilgrims on the Char Dham route to temples at the source of Hinduism's four most sacred rivers or on the Hemkund pilgrimage to a mountaintop lake that is sacred to Sikhs. All are in a spectacular remote locations and yet attract thousands of pilgrims during the yatra season from April to November.

To escape the crowds and their litter, head to a Himalayan Shangri-la such as the beautiful Valley of flowers, remote Har Ki Doon valley or perhaps the most special of all, Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Trek to Kuari pass in the footsteps of Viceroy Lord Curzon or tackle a challenging trek to the Pindari or Milam glaciers, both in the eastern Kumaon district.

The best (safest) time to trek is either the pre monsoon period (mid May until the end of June), or the post monsoon season (mid Sept to mid Oct). In July and August the major problem is landslides that cut roads to the trail heads and cause long delays. Winter snow brings a smattering of skiers to Auli resort, a short cable car ride from Joshimath.

Government run GMVN (www.gmvnl.com) arranges all inclusive treks on main routes. One can hire trekking equipment at reasonable rates from the Muni-ki-Reiti, Rishikesh GMVN office.

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Har Ki Doon valley : The wonderfully remote Har Ki Doon valley (3510 m) is a botanical paradise crisscrossed by glacial streams and surrounded by pristine forests and snowy peaks. The area is preserved as Gobind wildlife sanctuary & National park (Rs 30 entry fee for 3 days).

The trail begins at Saur (Sankri) and goes via Taluka and Osla (38 km). All these places have GMVN tourist bungalows or one can camp in the valley itself. Share jeeps run to Taluka (Rs 25 per seat) will easen the trek.

Daily bus leaves Gandhi chowk, Mussoorie to Sankri via Lakhmandal and Purola (Rs 100, 9 hour). Or one can depend on share jeeps too.

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Char Dham - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath

Yamunotri trek (3185 m) : The trek starts from Hanuman Chatti (2400 m), but a road being built to Janki Chatti (2650 m, 3 hour), another 7 km further on. There are hot springs and 1 km away is a pretty village, Kharsali. A 5 km / 2 hour trek leads to Yamunotri temple, which has hot springs and basic accommodation. It is the least developed among the Char Dhams.

Yamuna river emerges from Kalinda Parvat (4421 m), 1 km beyond the temple and it requires mountaineering skills to reach there. Bus from Mussoorie takes 6 hour to Hanuman Chatti (Rs 80). For those heading to Gangotri can travel to Uttarkashi in 6 hour (Rs 50).

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Gangotri temple (3042 m) & Gaumukh glacier trek : Gangotri is connected by road and has good accommodation. As the source of the Ganges (known as the Bhagirathi until it reaches Deo Prayag), Gangotri is one of the holiest places in India.

The 38 km return trek to source of the river at Gaumukh (the Cow's mouth) and back can be done in three days with two night stop at Bhojbasa (3790 m, 14 km, 6 hour). It has basic accommodation - GMVN tourist bungalow. Gaumukh glacier is 5 km from here and takes 5 hour.

Buses are from Yatra bus stand, Rishikesh (12 hour, Rs 185). There is an arduous high altitude trek for the trekking enthusiasts - Kalindi Khal 5950 m trek - to Badrinath.

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Kedarnath (3584 m) : The tough 24 km up hill trek from Gaurikund takes 6 hour. Ponies are available for the return trek at Rs 300. Gaurikund has hot spring bath where pilgrims can have a refreshing bath. It is the source of Mandakini river and the actual spot is 12 km beyond Kedarnath temple.

The temple was originally built in the 8 th century by Guru Shankara, who is buried behind the temple. Twenty four types of puja cost from Rs 80 to 8500. The surrounding scenery is superb and it attracts more than 100,000 pilgrims a year. Accommodation is available at the temple and at Gaumukh, the road head.

Buses from Rishikesh takes 12 hour (Rs 152). For those heading to Badrinath can get down at Rudra Prayag.

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Badrinath temple (3133 m) : Sacred to Lord Vishnu, Badrinath is the most popular of the Char Dham temples and boasts a scenic setting in the shadow of snow topped Nilkantha. The vividly painted temple was founded in the 8 th century by Guru Shankara. It has good accommodation and the hotels - Govind Sewa Sadam and Vijay Laxmi - are very good.

The last Indian village Mana is 3 km by road. One can purchase carpets and woollen blankets and jerseys from the village. The 5000 year old Vyas Gupha (small cave) and Bhimpul, a natural rock bridge over the river are nearby. The 145 m high Vasudhara falls is 4 km hike along the river.

You are just 15 km from the China border (Mana pass) so take care in your wanderings. It is connected by road from Rishikesh via Joshimath (12 hour, Rs 250).

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Kauri pass trek : Also known as the Curzon trail (though Curzon's party abandoned it's attempt on the pass following an attack of wild bees), the trek over the Kauri pass (3640 m) was popular in the Raj era and offers a magnificent views of he snow clad peaks around Nanda Devi.

The trail head is at Auli and the 75 km trek to Ghat past lakes, waterfalls, forests, meadows and small villages takes five days. A tent, guide and your own food supplies are necessary.

Auli, a ski resort in winter, can be reached by bus (Rs 10, 1 hour) or cable car (Rs 200 one way) from Joshimath. From Ghat one can travel to Rishikesh road by share jeep (Rs 30, 1.5 hour).

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Nanda Devi Sanctuary trek : The breathtaking World Heritage scenery is open from May to Oct. Visitors must join a 9 day all inclusive trek by GMVN (Rs 23 000). It is 54 km trek from Lata near Joshimath. As it is a protected sanctuary don't try to trek as your own.

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Pindari glacier trek : The 6 day 94 km trek offers wonderful views of Nanda Kot (6860 m) and Nanda Khat (6611 m) on the southern rim of the sanctuary. The 3 km long, 365 m wide Pindari glacier is at 3353 m.

The trek begins at Song (1140 m), 36 km north of Bageshwar (Rs 20, 2 hour by bus). All on the route food and accommodation is available. From Bageshwar, one can reach Almora in 5 hour by direct bus. KMVN operates all inclusive treks at Rs 3000.

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Milam glacier trek : It is a challenging 8 day trek (118 km) to the glacier at 3450 m. It passes through magnificent rugged country to the east of Nanda Devi (7816 m) and along the sometimes spectacular gorges of the Gori Ganga river.

The trail head is from Munsyari (2290 m) where a guide, cook and porters can be hired. Accommodation is available in different rest houses on the route. You need your own food supplies for the trek. A daily bus runs to Munsyari (Rs 155, 11 hour) from Almora.

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Trekking in Darjeeling, West Bengal

A number of rewarding treks are available around Darjeeling. The best season is from Oct and Nov, when the sky is clear. Rhododendrons bloom in May and early June. The most popular trek is from Sandakphu to Phalut, which passes through the scenic Saingalila National Park (Admission Rs 20) and offers fantastic view of the Himalaya. Guides (Rs 200 per day) is now mandatory and can be hired from Darjeeling or from Manebhanjang, the starting point of the trek. Morning buses are available from Chow Bazaar bus/jeep station to Manebhanjang (Rs 15, 2 hour, 26 km). The trekking itinerary is

Day 1 : Manebhanjang (2130 m) to Tonglu (3100 m, 14 km) via Megma Gompa.
Day 2 : Tonglu to Sandakphu(3636 m, 17 km) via Kalipokhri & Garibas.
Day 3 : Sandakphu to Phalut(3600 m, 17 km) via Sabarkum.
Day 4 : Phalut to Rammam (2530 m, 16 km) via Gorkey.
Day 5 : Rammam to Rimbik (2290 m, 19 km) via Srikola.

Rimbik has morning buses to Darjeeling.

You can cut short the trek by following shortcuts from Sandakphu and Sabarkum. The daily starting points of the trek has basic trekker's huts for accommodation (dr/d Rs 80, 300).

Rochela trek is another popular 4 day trek to the gorgeous Samthar plateau. DGAHC in Darjeeling (near Chowrasta) has leaflets with maps for these treks. They arrange all inclusive treks at Rs 2000 per day per person. Adventure sports office near the Railway station rents out jackets and sleeping bags at Rs 10 per day.

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Trekking in Sikkim

The popular treks in Sikkim through Khangchendzonga National park are Yuksom-Dzongri-Goecha la-Yuksom (view of Khangchendzonga and Kabru (7338 m) and Singalila ridge at Nepal border trek. Yuksom is 6 hour from Darjeeling via Jorethang.

Yuksom - Goecha la trek : This is the most popular trek in Sikkim, also called Khangchendzonga trek (88 km, 8 days). The best time for the trek is from Oct to Nov. Altitude sickness is common during this route and acclimatisation is strongly recommended for the completion of the trek. Do not trek too high too quickly.

The pretty village of Yuksom has share jeep service (5 to 6 am) to Jorethang. Trekking group of four has to get permit for the trek. Trekker's huts are available on the route for camping at Tsokha, Dzongri, Kokchuran, Thangsing and Samiti lake.

Day 1 : Trek from Yuksom (1780 m) to Tsokha (3050 m, 7 hour) via Bakhim (2740 m).
Day 2 : Acclimatisation day.
Day 3 : Trek to Dzongri (4025 m, 5 hour) via Phedang (3760 m). Food & accommodation is available here.
Day 4 : Acclimatisation is recommended. During the day visit the nearby Dzongri la (4550 m), a 4 hour round trip with great views of Mt Pandim (6691 m).
Day 5 : Trek to Samiti lake (4200 m, 7 hour) via Thangsing (3840 m).
Day 6 : An early morning trek to Goecha la (4940 m) for breathtaking views of Khangchendzonga and trek back to Thangsing (9 hour).
Day 7 : Trek to Tsokha (6 hour).
Day 8 : Trek to Yuksom (6 hour).