Adventure treks you can’t miss!

Mountain trekking enthusiasts list up seven trails you could undertake this month for a high-octane experience

Winter is coming, and November is a great time to step out and explore the outdoors. Here, mountaineers pick their favourite treks in the Himalayan and the northeast region of the country, and tell you why each one is a once-in-alifetime experience.

Kuari Pass

For first-timers, this trek promises to be an enthralling experience. “It has it all — from captivating views of the Himalayan ranges to glimpses of green valleys and raging rivers. At a height of 4,265m above sea level, the pass itself is situated in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand. This trail takes trekkers across three lesserknown passes and five rivers, and on offer are the magnificent views of Trishul, Kedarnath, Kamet, Nilkantha and Badrinath, among other peaks,” says Vishnu Singh, a marketing executive and amateur mountaineer.

Great Kashmir Lakes

This trek comes highly recommended for anyone looking for a mix of beauty and serenity. “During a 10-day journey there, I found many things — crazy stamina, amazing friends and above everything — myself. But the experience I cherish the most is the sight from one of the passes, with the Amarnath range behind and the beautiful valley in the front. That sight brought tears to my eyes, and I call that connecting with nature,” says Harshit Bavisi, a trekking enthusiast.

Sandakphu Trek

If there’s one trek that can offer you a grand view of peaks like Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu, it is this one in West Bengal. “At just 3,636m, the trek to the highest peak of the state is perfect for a first-timer looking to experience Himalayan trekking. Since the climb is along our border with Nepal, it traverses through the country at times. During the hike, trekkers are awed by Kalapokhri — a black pond — that never freezes, and is considered holy by the Buddhists,” says Rakesh Pant, partner and founder, Trek The Himalayas.

Dodital trek

This is one of the few pure winter trek sites, as one has to walk through snow on most days. “It offers a great experience to someone looking to explore the Himalayas in the winter months. There are fixed camp sites in this area of Uttarakhand and the trail is not that difficult,” says Anuja Karnik, a lawyer and trekking enthusiast.

Goechala Trek

At around 16,000ft, this trek gives you an opportunity to explore the unhindered nature of Sikkim. “During the 11 days of the trek, you’ll be overwhelmed by the dawn you’ll witness over the Kanchenjunga. As you move towards the Goechala Pass, touch the clouds from the Thansing or Lamuney meadows,” says Rakesh Pant.