Summer is in and so are long vacations. And so is the time to start planning for a trek across the country. From the mighty peaks of Sandakphu to the picturesque landscape of Ladakh, we have rounded up some cool summer treks and trails. Because being Kolkatans, we know trekking is a way of life. So, if you’re above 10, or want to prove age is just a number, pack your bags (please, not a fanny pack), and get going now!
Sandakphu To Ladakh: Kolkatans, Get Ready To Tough It Out At These Summer Treks
Roopkund
India is home to a whopping number of treks, out of which this one is a must-do. The dense forests, never-ending meadows, and gurgling brooks along the Roopkund Trek will probably inspire a few more Tennysons. Venture on this trail to spot the Roopkund Lake and Mt. Trishul, and camp at some of the most beautiful sites in the country. The highest altitude you will reach is 15,750 ft. The trek is only moderately difficult, so even if Physical Education was never your favourite subject, don’t hesitate to go for this!
The trek covers Loharganj, Ghairoli Patal, Bedini Bugyal, Bhagwabasa, Roopkund Lake, and Junargali, which you should be able to cover in about eight to nine days. The best time to do this trek is May and June, or September and October. And all of this can be done with INR 16,450.
Sar Pass
Another awesome trek in the Himalayas is this trail to Sar Pass, located at a height of 14,000 ft (okay, 13,799 ft to be exact, but I’m only exaggerating so you decide to have the best time of your life!). And speaking of exaggerations, this ‘pass’ is more of a ridge crossing than a mountain pass. But don’t you let that stop you! You might even be lucky enough to experience a snowfall if you go in the month of May! You can cover this trek in a total of eight days. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner. The Sar Pass Trek is apt for those just stepping into the trekking world.
Kasol, the beginning location of this trek, is in itself a most ideal location for just chilling with your bros for a few days, especially owing to its cheap food and budget stays.
Sandakhpu
You know what’s cool? Spotting a mountain peak. You know what’s 10 times (or maybe a 100 times) cooler? Spotting more than 10 peaks—the Kanchenjunga included–during the course of the same trek! And the best part? You can begin this trek from Bengal’s own Queen of Hills, Darjeeling. The Sandakphu Trek is approximately 53 km long, covering Tumling, Kalipokhri, Sandakphu, Gurdum, and Rimbik. Pack up for seven nights and eight days and enjoy this awesomeness for INR 12,450. The month of May is the best time to do this green and gorgeous trek. So relieve yourself of the heat in the city and head over to the mountains already.
Sham Region
No trekking bucket list is complete without a trip to Ladakh and we’ve picked one that is safe for your girl gang too! Get a whiff of Ladakhi culture and unwind at the Likir monastery. A short trek of four to five days, the Sham Trek is open all-year round, but is especially awesome during the summer-monsoon season. This moderately easy trek covers Likir, Ang, and Temisgang, and gives you a peek of the local village life of Ladakh. Sounds cool, right?
Chimmini, Thrissur
If waterfalls and mountains are not rewarding enough for you (understandable, trekking is tough, man!), then maybe wildlife and birds will be! A two-hour drive from Kochi, the Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is legit bustling with animals like elephants, sambars, gaurs, sloths, lions and tigers. Spot over 160 species of birds here. Summer and monsoon are the best seasons to visit this place. So, don’t forget to pack an umbrella. Complete this trek in a day and also head out to see the rest of God’s Own Country— Munnar, Aleppey, and Kovalam are just a few of the many options.
Kashmir Great Lakes
‘Heaven on Earth’ is a phrase we usually associate with Kashmir and this trek just proves it right. It stands as a testimony to the place’s beauty and charm. Explore different valleys while enjoying panoramic postcard views of rugged mountains, turquoise alpine lakes, patches of snow, and rolling meadows. One of the most popular treks in Kashmir, the Great Lakes Trek is a moderate to difficult trek that can be covered in about six days and costs around INR 16,750. The trek covers Nichnai, Vishnusar, Gadsar, Satsar, Zaj Pass, Gangabal, and Naranag. This is one scenic trek that you just shouldn’t miss!
Kalsubai
Trek to the highest peak in Maharashtra this summer season. Located at a height of 5400 feet, Kalsubai Peak offers breathtaking views of waterfalls, forests, grasslands, and historic forts. Enjoy a scenic and pleasant walk amidst farmlands, grasslands, and extensive fields. Visit the temple and admire the jaw-dropping views of some of the famous peaks of the Sahyadris like Alang, Madan, Kulang, Ratangad, and Ajoba from the Kalsubai Peak summit. Feel the adrenaline rush while climbing narrow iron ladders built on vertical rock faces.
The trek starts from Bari village and goes through some fields till you reach the iron ladders and eventually the summit. Mind you, this trek is not for the faint-hearted. Beginners, do not try this!
Goecha La
Goecha La is one trek you must go on because it offers spectacular views of 14 mountain peaks including Kanchenjunga. The Goecha La Trek is the closest you can get to seeing 14 summits. The breathtaking close-up view of the mountain peaks is the reason why it is so popular among trekkers. Walk through rhododendron forests that are in full bloom during April–May and witness the beautiful sunrise on the Kanchenjunga peak. Catch the reflection of Mount Panjim in Samiti Lake during the early hours.
The trek starts from Yuksom and passes through Sachen, Bakhim, Tshoka, Phedang, Dzongri, Kokchurang, Thansing, and Samiti Lake.
