4 Most Challenging Treks in India
Are you a travel-junkie frequently looking for adventures around the globe? If yes, then you must visit India in your upcoming holidays. Thanks to the efforts of the Indian government, you don’t even have to wait for the lengthy process of obtaining the traditional long-term visa as you can easily get an Indian e-visa online for trips of less than 60 days to India.
India is an incredible country where a plethora of exciting adventures await you. Given below is a list of the most difficult treks in India, where you can quench your thirst for adventure:
1. Auden’s Col, Uttarakhand: Only meant for extreme adventurers and daredevils, Auden’s Col trek is among the most challenging treks in India, with the highest point of the trek at the height of 5,490m. Beginning from Gangotri, the trek takes you towards the treacherous Khatling Glacier. As you cross the glacial debris, you reach Bhilagana River where you can admire the lush green forests and several scenic villages. Amidst the ultimate adventure, you can take short breaks in the serene environments free of any human disturbance, unlike the cities. From Bhilgana River, the difficulty levels up as you have to traverse different terrains like thick forests, steep cliffs, huge glaciers, green meadows, and gushing streams. The 13-14 days long trek requires a good fitness level and determination to reach the snow-clad mountains which reward you with breathtaking views which you won’t forget for the rest of your life!
Best Time to Visit: June to September
2. Chadar Trek, Ladakh: At an enormous 3,900m height above sea level, this trek has it all. A frozen river, hefty elevation, icy track, bitterly cold water underfoot, and the tremendous slipperiness of the route are some of the challenges you have to face in the Chadar Trek. To add to the challenge, you have to go through sub-zero temperature zones in the more than 100 kilometers long trek. The journey, beginning from Leh, takes around six days to get complete. Even though you may not feel the sub-zero temperature effects during your trek due to exertion, make sure you carry sufficient warm clothes to protect yourself from the bone-chilling winds while you halt and stay at the campsite. Carrying both hiking shoes and gumboots is a must, as your feet can otherwise freeze while crossing areas with knee-deep icy water. Chandra Trek not only challenges your body, but your mind as well, and thus, you must maintain a calm mind and not give up to the chilling temperature.
Best Time to Visit: January to March
3. Pin Parvati Pass, Himachal Pradesh: The thrill and amazement one gets after completing the Pin Parvati Pass remains unmatched. After conquering several obstacles like the freezing winds, rugged terrain, steep slopes, and the massive threat of snowfall, you attain a level of satisfaction only a few people can achieve. Acclimatisation can be a decisive factor in the journey which can help you in succeeding. The difficult trek provides you with another once in a lifetime opportunity as, after the enduring journey, you reach the hot springs of Parvati Kund in Kheerganga. Imagine how you would feel when you take a dip into the hot springs and relax without worrying about the icy winds. For this experience alone, you should definitely do the Pin Parvati Pass Trek, which you can complete in around 12 days.
Best Time to Visit: July to September
4. Stok Kangri, Ladakh: Even professional trekkers find the Stok Kangri Trek difficult to do. At a gigantic height of 6,153m, the trek demands a high fitness level, hard work, and courage from the trekkers. At a certain point, you even have to face oxygen deficiency, which is the most difficult barrier in any possible trek. Depending on acclimatisation, you can complete the Stok Kangri Trek in 3-6 days. Precarious slopes, dry and arid terrain, frozen glaciers, and rivers with turbulent currents stand in between you and the sky-high mountains, where you can enjoy thrilling views of the Indus Valley and Zanskar.
Best Time to Visit: September to November
Before you plan a trip to any of these places, you must also have some information about the seasons when they remain closed. None of the treks mentioned above require any kind of special permission, and once you enter India with your Indian e-visa, you are free to roam anywhere you like.