Best Long Treks in Himalayas

Perched at an elevation of 17,450 feet from sea level, Pin Parvati Trek is one of the most adventurous treks in the Himalayas. Also regarded as the alternate way to the famous Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, it is also one of the oldest treks in the Himalayas. You will need 8-12 days to complete this trek with the best time being the months between June and October.

Nestled in the Kullu and Manali regions in Himachal Pradesh, Friendship Peak Trek is one of the most famous long treks to do in winters especially among trekkers craving for jaw-dropping views. Standing tall at the height of 5,290 metres from sea level, it is also ideal for budding mountaineers with a moderate difficulty level.

One of the most popular treks towards the base camp of the world's tallest mountain is the Everest Base Camp Trek, also known as the steps to heaven. It is one of the most difficult treks at the height of 18,513 feet from sea level, which offers a close-by view of Mt. Everest.

A dream of every adventure-seeker, the world-famous Chadar Trek is located at a massive height of 11,123 feet and takes 9 days to complete. It is an advanced-level trek that takes place only during the winter between January and February. The trek involves walking over the famous Zanskar River in Ladakh. It remains completely frozen during this time. Additionally, you get a chance to eye-witness the frozen Zanskar waterfall.

Preached at an altitude of 13,550 feet from sea level, Annapurna Base Camp Trek is another one of the long treks in the Himalayas, which starts from Banthanti. Offering exhilarating views of the surroundings, you pass through the rustic village, scenic landscape, and evergreen rhododendrons. Also, get a chance to explore the famous Annapurna conservation area, which houses 474 birds, 102 mammals, 22 amphibians and 1226 species of plants.

Set up at a heavenly spot in Kashmir, Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is yet another hidden gem residing at an altitude of 13,750 feet. It is a moderate-level trek where you will go through snow-clad mountains and mesmerising alpines. On your journey, get a glimpse of the famous Vishansar Lake, also known as the colour-changing lake in India. It is a 7-9 day long trek which includes 72 km of trekking distance.

Tucked neatly amidst the picturesque valleys of Leh and Ladakh, the Stok kangri Trek is a 6-7 hour glacier trek located at the height of 20,180 feet from the sea level. One of its kind in the Himalayas, the summit of this trek is also known to be along the highest Mountain Ridge points. While doing the trek, you will get a mesmerising view of Zanskar and the Indus Valley. Since it is an extremely difficult trek, it is not suggested to new hikers.

A 13-day trekking experience in Sikkim which starts from Yuksom, Goecha la Trek, is perched at the height of 12,000 feet from sea level. It is also believed to be the getaway to several Himalayan peaks, such as Khangchendzonga. The best time to do Goecha la Trek is from March to May.

An 8-9 days adventure trip which starts from Leh. Located at an elevation of 4000 metres from the sea level, Snow Leopard Trek is the most sought-after trek in Ladakh, whose base camp is Zingchen. Since the trek is a protected area, you might spot several rare wild animals adding more to the overall thrill. Amongst all, the most common endangered species spotted here are snow leopard, Tibetan Hare, Antelope, Ibex, Shapo, Marmot and others. The long and wild stretches of trails, rugged mountains and unpredictable turns make this trek a thrilling one.

Set up at the height of 18,200 feet from the sea level, Parang La Trek is an advanced-level trek which starts from Kaza. The place is home to the world's most renowned Ki Monastery, allowing trekkers to delve deep into their culture and traditions. While completing the Parang La Trek, you might also spot snow leopards.

A 10 to 11-night trek marvelled with mesmerising beauty, snow-capped mountains, and long trails, the Kanchenjunga Base camp trek is a popular trek in the Himalayas. From here, you get to admire the mesmerising views of mountains like Frey Peak, Koktang, Kabru Peak, Chandra Peak and Kabru Dome.

Situated at the height of 12370 feet from sea level, Pindari Glacier Trek is a spectacular trek which gives a tour of the Pindari Glacier, which lies in the Kumaon Himalayas. Offering the mesmerising views of Dhakri Khal and the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, in all, it is an enthralling experience. Snow-clad mountain peaks, charming wooden bridges and Crystal-clear waters together add more charm.

Located at an elevation of 5,490 metres, Auden's col trek is one of the most challenging treks meant for experienced hikers only. It is one of the least explored treks, which connects the ridge of Gangotri III to the Jogin I. the treks promise mesmerising views of snow-clad mountains, green valleys, ice sheets and frozen rivers. A minimum of 8-9 days are required to complete this trek.

Perched at the height of 17,320 feet, Lamkhaga Pass Trek is a spectacular route which exhibits the world's most beautiful scenery. On the way to Lamkhaga Pass, you will cross across stops like Dumti and Gundar. The main challenge of the Lamkhaga Pass Trek starts from Chitkul, which is around 100 km from the main summit. It is a seven-day trek which includes 6-7 hours of trekking every day.

Situated around 6,000 metres from the sea level, Kalindi Khal is known to be the world's highest trekkable mountain pass. Located in the lap of nature amidst gushing streams and lush green forests, it is known to offer spectacular views of other mountain peaks.

Panpatia col trek is one the most famous treks in the Himalayas, where you will come across India's two most sacred temples, namely Badrinath temple and Kedarnath temple. The trek has a max. height of 17,257 feet from sea level and is meant for experienced hikers only. In the Garhwal Himalayas, it is also called the largest snowfield, which was discovered by Tilman and Shrimpton in 1934.

Offering a glimpse of numerous Himalayan peaks, Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek is a major trek preached at the height of 14,000 feet from sea level. Since it is not the easiest trek, it requires adequate attention while hiking. On your way, you will come across mesmerising views of green valleys, ice sheets, snow-clad mountains and frozen rivers.

Another famous trek tucked carefully in the lap of snow-clad mountains is the famous Panchachuli Base Camp Trek. This trek is situated at the height of 13,975 feet. It is a nine-day trek which includes walking through several tribal villages such as Bongling, Sela, Nagling, Baaling and Duktu. From the Panchachuli Base Camp, you can enjoy the mesmerising views of Him Khand, Deodar, Bhoj Patra, Yuli River and conifer trees.

Nestling at an elevation of 15,250 feet, Rupin Pass Trek is an unexplored beauty which gives a glimpse of the lofty Kailash Peak. On your way, encounter thousands of rivers, waterfalls and other water bodies gushing down from high mountains. Although you might come to cross some terrible turns and twists, you will be greeted by stunning scenery like cascades, charming hamlets, big rivers, verdant snow bridges, glacial meadows, hanging villages, terrific forests, snow-kissed mountains, and other exhilarating passes.

Featuring challenging terrains and thrilling rocky roads, Shrikhand Mahadev Trek is undoubtedly one of the best long treks to do in winter for all adventure-seekers. Preached at a height of 18,570 feet from sea level with moderate trails, this trek promises mesmerising views of several natural viewpoints along the way. One major attraction here is the Shrikhand Mahadev Peak, where you can eye-witness a 75-feet tall and 46 feet thick Shiv-Ling which is bound to melt your heart.