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Himachal
offers a virtual bonanza for trekkers. From moderate to strenuous treks
ranging up to 11 days and the best season to trek over here is during the
months of June to October. One of Himachal's classic routes is the Chandra
Bhaga triangle and the Baralacha Pass at a height of 4,833m.
Kullu -Manali
region, together with Lahaul and Spiti areas, offer possibly the best
soft, medium and hard trekking opportunities. Besides, the main
Kullu and
Parbati valleys,
there are many idyllic side valleys, all leading to passes or snow covered
summits of the Pir Panjal and Himalayan ranges. Some popular treks
include: Batal to Chandra
Tal & Baralacha
Pass, Dharamsala to
Chamba over Indradhar Pass and
Kinnaur
Kailash Parikrama, which is also known as Kinner Kailash Circuit.
Explore The Secluded Horizons Of The Himalayan Region
The main trekking areas in Himachal are the
Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, routes over the passes between the
Shimla region and the Kullu valley, the numerous treks out of
Kullu and select tracks in the
trans-Himalayan regions of Kinnaur, Lahaul
and Spiti. Most trekking areas are
between 1,500m and 6,000m.
With well over two hundred and seventy defined trails, the variation in
terrain is also enormous. Low scrubland and paths through paddy fields,
give way to trails strewn with Pine needles. Then come woods of oak and
flowering rhododendron, which merge into forests of Himalayan cedar
-'Deodar' - and Spruce.
Hidden Passes
On most trails, small pastoral hamlets dot the way. Cunningly hidden
between the high mountains, are passes, which were once known only to
migrant shepherds and dare all traders. These lead to the fabulous wastes
and swift rivers of the arid trans Himalayas. A host of combinations and
variations take the trails through changing countryside. The degree of
physical output can also be developed from a week to last longer. Or, the
two ends of a trek can be the same, but the trails can be designed to be
taxing or gentle.
Getting Started And Accommodation
There are several agencies that conduct treks. Guides, equipment,
porters, pack animals and maps are available at major starting points. The
old forest 'Dak Bungalows' that are strategically placed along many trek
routes add a considerable measure of nostalgic charm and convenience for
trekkers.
Practically all of them have an aura of the past and lie nestled in deep
woods. In addition, the State Electricity Board and the PWD also have rest
houses. Most of these are marked out on trekking maps and advance booking
is possible. The forest Rest houses are booked by each area's Divisional
Forest Officer, and the PWD and Electricity board ones are booked by the
concerned executive engineer.
Training
Training facilities, with basic and intermediate courses are available at
Manali's Mountaineering Institute, and at its Regional Centres at
Dharamsala and
Bharmour. Excellent camping facilities
exist at these points. The institute also makes available camping and
trekking equipments.
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