Trekking in Himalayas lets you have some truly unique experiences. A trek to the popular pilgrimage site of Roopkund lake is one such example. The high-altitude lake situated in Uttarakhand has skeletal remains of human bodies embedded in the ice around the lake. Stories are aplenty about the history of these skeletons. One of the more popular and plausible theories is that a small army had perished at the spot under what can only be believed to be mysterious circumstances. Another story is that a group of pilgrims had died at the spot due to an avalanche as far back as the 14th century. This region also owes its popularity to the dominating Mount Trishul (7120m), a sacred site for devotees of Lord Shiva. A great pilgrimage to Roopkund takes place every 12 years, drawing thousands of devotees to its icy banks.
Explore the source of the Ganga
The Himalayas are different from any other mountain range in the world. They feature prominently in Hindu mythology as a divine abode of the Gods and evoke a sense of spirituality and obeisance. The river Ganga originates from the icy slopes of the range and is a sacred spot for devotees who flock in thousands to pay homage and wash away their sins in the holy river. One of the most popular sites to visit while trekking in Himalayas is Gomukh- the source of the Ganga. Gomukh is 18 km upstream from Gangotri glacier, one of the four main Hindu pilgrimages situated in Uttarakhand. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Ganga came down to earth in the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagirath’s sons following centuries of penance done by the him. The popularity of the spot gave birth to a small town that is centered on a temple of Goddess Ganga, built by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century. Gomukh with its icy Gangotri glacier is also a challenge for every trekker.
Challenge yourself with a 99km trek
Our Himalaya trekking tours range from easy to strenuous level trips to offer something for everybody. An easy four-day trek to Chandrashila is a great first trek for beginners. It offers the best views of the range without being too vigorous. However, for the more experienced trekker, our Kalindi Khar trek is the best choice. This 99-km trek is not for everyone and is the most physically challenging trek in Uttarakhand. After a gradual trek to Gomukh, the trail becomes less defined. It involves steep climbs up icy glaciers while stepping from boulder to boulder and requires precise footwork to avoid slipping. The Kalindi Khar trek also offers one of the most scenic views of the range and the surrounding landscape. This trek is precarious in places where it calls for traversing around the Gangotri and Chaturangi glaciers. It is a high-altitude trek with the highest point being 5975m. The terrain and the altitude both undergo abrupt changes along the trek with decreasing levels of oxygen. Trekkers need time to acclimatise themselves to this change to avoid dizziness.
Step into a new world when you go trekking in Himalayas
The Himalayas present a world of their own replete with diverse landscapes, wild flowers and animals, remote villages and indigenous tribes. It is interesting to see how civilization exists in the highest points of the mountain range, far removed from modern amenities. The village of Ramini situated at an altitude of 2550m is a typical Garhwal village with thick slate roofs and paved alleys. What is remarkable about this tiny village is that it runs almost entirely on solar power. The terrain traversed on such a trek is also fascinating for its amazing diversity. If you trek the trail through oak and rhododendron forest, you will reach the Gyan Ganga valley. Grassy ridges and fir forests dominate much of this picturesque valley. However, a trek up to Tapovan from Gomukh meets you with glacier and moraine. The climb is alternately steep and level in places. The best of our Himalaya trekking packages provide a holistic experience of the majestic mountains, both in terms of human resolve alongside many different life forms that it’s home to.
Listen to the call of the wild, trek the Himalaya
Trekking in Himalayas is a life changing experience. Most trekkers find that they want to go back soon after completing the first trip. The vastness of the range offers something new every time you return. The major Himalayan trekking companies have tours running nearly all year round between mid-March and December. It’s fascinating to see how the mountains change with every season. While the snowy peaks remain a constant at all times, the slopes take on myriad hues of green in the summer months, turning to brown once the colder weather sets in. The mountains with their hidden crevices and secluded trails can be a daunting place to navigate without the right guide. Experienced Himalayan trek organisers can help you enjoy the best that the range has to offer while keeping you safe. So, make a trip to the Himalayas and bow your head in obeisance to the majestic mountains. Revel in the beauty and solitude of nature and give yourself up to the call of the wild.
