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GHT India Treks

Trekking in the Indian Himalaya is full of surprises!

GHT India Treks

The variety of cultures and sacred landscapes is staggering in the Indian Himalaya! So, it’s no surprise that our GHT India Treks offer an amazing selection of easy to very challenging treks that could keep you busy for years!

 

GHT India Treks ARE AMAZING!

There are three main GHT India Treks regions to explore. In the far northeast, is Arunachal Pradesh, which is the remotest corner of the entire Great Himalaya Range. Between Bhutan and Nepal is the former kingdom of Sikkim where a profusion of wildflowers, butterflies and stunning scenery could inspire you for a lifetime. The northwest states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh form the largest and most accessible area of the Himalaya and accordingly, are very popular with domestic and international tourists.

GHT India Treks

We’ve broken up GHT India Treks into easy to digest chunks:

It’s a lot of information below, but worth reading through – then have fun exploring the various trails listed in the above regions!

Keep on Trekking!!

GHT India Treks – A Word Of Caution

Trekking in the Indian Himalaya is much like traveling in the rest of India; full of contrasts, contradictions, blissful highlights and unnecessary frustrations. With suitable planning and realistic expectations trekking options here are some of the best across the entire Great Himalaya Range. But a word of warning, the adventure industry is the least professional of the Himalayan countries and there is a pervasive culture of ‘over-promise, under-deliver’.

Much of the Indian Himalaya rarely sees trekkers. So, please be sensitive to local issues, keep trails clean and do not encourage begging by indiscriminately giving out sweets, pens or money – for more information see the GHT Code of Conduct.

GHT India Treks - Tsho Moriri, Ladakh

GHT India Treks - Tsho Moriri, Ladakh

Exploring the Indian Himalaya

Trekking in the Indian Himalaya traces its routes back to the mid-nineteenth century when the British Raj encouraged its young officers to explore the unknown ranges along their northern border. Kanchenjunga was the highest of the accessible peak in the Himalaya for over 100 years and received the bulk of attention from climbers and curious walkers. However, it was the challenge of finding a way into the Nanda Devi Sanctuary National Park that really captured the imagination of modern explorers.

When Shipton and Tilman finally conquered the Sanctuary it triggered an unprecedented interest in Himalayan exploration.

From the early days of high endeavour there has been a stagnation in the Indian adventure industry. Trekking here is not like Nepal or Bhutan, where established training programs and a professional approach to the mountains is commonplace. Since India gained independence, little has changed in the local trekking scene. The notorious bureaucracy is ever-present, equipment, field-craft and training are antiquated and the mentality of the outdoor industry is laid back.

Amateurism is highlighted by an annual toll of accidents, which are often fatal. If you are planning GHT India Treks it is essential you either book with a fully qualified operator (the vast majority are not) or you have extensive field-experience as well as a thorough understanding of the Indian ‘system’ to avoid disappointment.

GHT India Treks - Tsho Moriri, Ladakh

GHT India Treks - Katling Glacier, Garwhal

GHT India Treks Are Definitely Worth the Effort!

Having said all that, the intrepid trekker has a wealth of wilderness and unique cultures to explore among the GHT India Treks. You will quickly forget any aggravation once on the trails, which are all well worth the effort. As most of the domestic trekking market rarely goes above 4000m, there are some virtually untouched high passes and fantastic alpine valleys to explore.

Almost any community that doesn’t have a road (there are fewer every year) is bound to give you a very warm welcome. Plus there are an almost limitless number of festivals and cultural events throughout the year that add colour and depth to your trip.

One of the most inconvenient features of the Indian Himalaya is the Inner Line Permit (ILP, see Visas and Permits for more information) system. Since China invaded India in 1962, the local and central authorities have suffered from a level of border-paranoia that is not conducive to mountain exploration.

To increase ‘national security’ there is a 17km (10 mile) buffer zone along all international borders, called the Inner Line Area. To access this area, you will need an Inner Line Permit. As the key decision-maker for ILPs is the local magistrate (who normally has no idea whatsoever about trekking or mountaineering), it is unlikely that getting these permits will ever be simple. For more information about permits, see Visas and Permits.

The bottom line is that if you are determined and prepared, trekking GHT India Treks is great! A lack of adequate preparations or over-ambitious plans will almost certainly end in disappointment.

GHT India Treks - Kuari Pass, Kumaon

GHT India Treks - Kuari Pass, Kumaon

Sample Itinerary for GHT India Trek Across the North West States

 

Days 1 22    Darchula to Josimath

Begin in the Darma valley and if conditions permit cross Ralam Dhura and descend to Munsyari. If trekking outside of October then take the lower but equally strenuous route from Sumdum over the Balsi Khal to Munsyari. It is unlikely that the Unta Dhura pass will be opened for many years yet and direct routes through the Nanda Devi Biosphere are prohibited. This leaves you with a long pahar (mid-hills) trek via Namik, Pindar Valley, Wan and the Kuari Pass to Josimath.

 

Day 23 57    Josimath Manali

The ideal route is to secure a permit to Kalindi Khal to Gangotri but this is very difficult to get. Another option is to drive from Josimath to Kedarnath and then cross Myali Pass and Auden’s Col to Gangotri. Then from near Harsil ascend the Sian Ghad valley, cross Dhumdhar Kanti Pass to Har Ki Dun, and then the Borasu Pass to Chitkul. A short drive brings you to Kafnuu and the Bhaba Pass from which you can easily access Pin-Parvati Pass and descend to Manali.

 

Days 58 82  Manali Srinagar

From Darcha cross the Tarasalamu Pass to Khanjaar and then head up. A quick switchback takes you over the Poat La and the Pangi valley. Another pair of passes are possible from here, Hagshu La or Umasi La and both lead to the Padam – Kargil road. Depending on the security situation in the area you may want to head south from Panniker to Srinagar (via Phalgam) or north to Shergol. If you have time then drive up to Lamayaru and trek via the Markha valley to Leh (an extra 10 days).

GHT India Treks Map

GHT India Treks - Urgin La, Kashmir

GHT India Treks - Urgin La, Kashmir

GHT India Treks – IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Please remember that conditions and trails often change.
  • If you would like to add content and/or recommendations please email us thru the site.
  • Place names in India can be confusing as some are used as regional or district identifiers. Other places may have two or three different names. We have used local names as much as possible but please don’t be surprised if you hear alternatives.
  • Always consider the safety of your crew equally to that of yourself. Protect and look after them and they’ll do the same for you.
  • Weather constantly changes conditions in the field. If the trail is badly affected by landslides, deep snow, washouts, etc you may have to turn back.
  • It is illegal to possess a satellite phone in India. This makes communication extremely difficult and you may want to reduce the level of difficulty of a trek to reduce your overall risk exposure.
  • Herder’s Huts or Dharamsalas are made of stone and have a roof. Herder’s Shelters do not have a roof and normally only one wall, which acts as a windbreak.