We have a finite number of days on this earth, and we have a duty as adventurers and explorers to make the most of those days. Of course, we’re obsessed with mountains here at Bikat, so we may be a little biased, but we can’t imagine a better way to spend the day than climbing to the most unexplored and beautiful corners of the planet.
This Dussehra, use the long weekend to do something more than just sleep in a few extra hours. Make the long weekend a remarkable one, a story you’ll tell for years to come, a new Facebook profile picture for all your friends to envy, and much more. We’ve carefully hand-picked some of the best treks below to work into your extra days off.
Go ahead, take a look; all have a batch heading out over Dushehra weekend- just pick which one makes your heart beat a little faster, and we’ll see you there. You won’t want to go home afterwards, but don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Roopkund Trek
Base Camp- Lohajung
Number of Days- 8 days
Difficulty level- Moderate-plus
Maximum Altitude- 15,700ft
One of India’s most popular adventures for a reason, the views of Roopkund trek are unfailingly spectacular. From day one’s jungles to the infamous high-altitude wonder of Ali and Bedni Bugyal (meadows), the Trishul-laden temple as you cross into Base Camp among striking mountain peaks, to seeing the mysterious skeletons for yourself as you summit to the lake- this trek never, repeat never, disappoints.
Rupin Pass Trek
Base Camp- Dhaula, which is about 180 km from Dehradun.
Number of days- 8 days
Difficulty level- Moderate-plus
Maximum Altitude: 15,200ft
Ascending along a high altitude waterfall? Check. Smelling a valley of blooming, multicolored rhododendrons? Check. Tasting local cuisine in cozy trailside home stays, staring speechlessly at the view from atop a legendary mountain pass and peaceful picnics under the Himalayan afternoon sun? You guessed it, check.
Hampta Pass Trek
Base Camp- Manali
Number of days- 5 days
Difficulty level- Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 13,800ft
A gateway from the thriving flora of Kullu to the arid Lahaul valley, Hampta Pass is a one-stop shop for sampling all that Himachal Pradesh has to offer. Lose yourself among the thick pine forests, flower-studded meadows and frosty glaciers. Of course, this adventure is not complete without a visit to Chandratal on the final day, a crescent moon shaped lake surrounded in legend and spirituality.
Bhrigu Lake Trek
Base camp- Gulaba
Number of days- 4 days
Difficulty level- Easy
Max Altitude: 14,000ft
Ascend past rice fields into the clouds that float below you as you reach your 14,000ft mark on this excellent introductory trek. Find yourself among the humbling sight of Hanuman Tibba and Seven Sisters peak on this 4-day adventure, perfect for a long weekend getaway. Seldom do you find views as captivating as these on such concise treks.
Beas Kund Trek
Base Camp- Manali
Number of days- 3 days
Difficulty level- Easy
Maximum Altitude: 12,100ft
Perfect for beginners as well, or just a fresh getaway for more experienced trekkers, Beas Kund takes you to the origin lake of this legendary river where the Sage himself is said to have once meditated. Along your journey, stroll amongst wild strawberries and mushrooms, speak with local shepherds herding their sheep and find yourself speechless at the captivating sight of Hanuman Tibba, Friendship Peak, Shitidhar, and Seven Sisters perched all around you.
Bali Pass
Base camp- Sankri
Number of days- 6 days
Difficulty level- Difficult
Max Altitude: 16,240
Largely unexplored and beautiful in its solitude, Bali Pass is a post-monsoon wonderland for those that already have some trekking experience under their belt. Mystical caves, stunning views of Swargarohini 1 & 2, unforgettable sights from the pass itself, dense jungles and a natural sulphur hot spring are just a few of the treasures that await you.
Goecha La
Base camp- Yuksom, Sikkim
Number of days- 9 days
Difficulty level- Moderate
Max Altitude: 15,100ft
Unlike anything you’ve seen trekking elsewhere in the Himalayas, Sikkim brings to you a stunning new high altitude experience. Lushly gifted with exotic flora and fauna, this trek is a gorgeous introduction to the largely unexplored gem that is Northeast India. Along your journey, you will find yourself face-to-face with the unforgettable view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain, along with 14 other major peaks.
Deo Tibba Base Camp
Base camp- Manali
Number of days- 6 days
Difficulty level- Moderate
Max Altitude: 14,700ft
A straight shot out of Manali, this ultra-green adventure will take you through some of Himachal Pradesh’s most lush scenery. Climb from thriving jungles into the legend-filled clouds as you ascend above the tree line to find Tibetan prayer flags swirling amongst the snow-capped peaks at Base Camp.
Pangarchulla
Base camp- Joshimath
Number of days- 6
Difficulty level- moderate
Max Altitude: 14,700ft
Witness the transition from jungles and breezy meadows to pristine, snow-covered scenes among towering mountain peaks, this peak is a beautiful and exciting way for a beginner or intermediate trekker to experience their first peak-summiting experience. Enjoy the view, it’s one you’ll never forget.
Vasuki Tal
Base camp- Gangotri
Number of days- 10
Difficulty level- Difficult
Max Altitude: 16,000ft
Find yourself nestled among the great peaks of Uttarakhand on this challenging, but exhilarating trek. Starting from the holy waters of Gangotri, the journey to Vasuki Tal brings you across glaciers, stunning birch forests and up-close and personal views of Mount Shivling, Thalay Sagar, Meru, and Bhagirathi.
Kedar Tal
Base camp- Gangotri
Number of days- 7
Difficulty level- Moderate
Max Altitude: 15,748ft
If ever there was a trek most-loved for its grand finale, Kedar Tal would be it. Rising out of the temple-filled yatra destination of Gangotri, this adventure takes you up and away through pearly-white birch forests, mountain-studded campsites, raging rivers and finally, the turquoise gem of Kedar Tal itself half-frosted beneath the towering sight of Thalay Sagar.
There you have it- take your pick. The best part? There’s no wrong answer.
Happy Dushehra!
