Soothing and lush greenery of the mountains paired with the fragrance of damp earth marks as an end of the Monsoon and a beginning of the Autumn. Thanks to the showers of the last season. October turns out as a perfect month to surrender yourself in the landscapes of the Himalayas. Witness autumn’s spectacular colors by zipping through the verdant deciduous forests, water bodies, and lush green mountains complimenting the blue skies. There cannot be a better time for trekking the Himalayas than in the month of October. The beautiful shades of sky at dusk and dawn will be an icing on the cake of your trip.

Exciting Treks in October – Click Here to Explore!

To escape the monotony of everyday life, October hosts certain remarkable treks that will take all your worries at bay. So if you are wondering where to travel this autumn then we have amassed certain Himalayan treks in October that might bring pleasure to your soul.

Best Himalayan Treks in October

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Everest Base Camp – On my Wishlist

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek (also known as EBC) gives you an opportunity to witness some of the highest mountain peaks on the planet including the highest of them all – Mt Everest, which is one of the many reasons it’s on every trekker’s Treks-to-do-list. Located inside the Sagarmatha National Park, the terrain, for the major part of the trek, is essentially a cold desert with very less vegetation of any kind. The commencement point of the trek is a small town called Lukla, which can be reached by taking a short (and adventurous) flight from Kathmandu. Although a rather long expedition, the trek offers plenty of magnificent attractions, apart from the base camp, like monasteries and suspension bridges.

About the ideal season, October happens to be one of the most preferred months to do the EBC trek. During this time the weather remains rather consistent and you will not have to worry too much about the biting cold nights and the travel delays. Now, contrary to what many people think, trekking to the EBC is not an extremely daunting task. In fact, anyone having a good level of fitness along with a couple of months of physical training can embark on this spectacular journey. Surely, hiking at such high altitudes, with less oxygen in the atmosphere, may challenge you to your limits but catching a glimpse of the highest summits in the world certainly makes it all worth the time and the effort.

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Pangarchulla Peak Trek

Relatively less popular than the other treks in the region, Pangarchulla Trek provides you with an out and out Himalayan trekking experience. Located inside the Nanda Devi National Park, the trek offers a challenging expedition to the 15000 ft high ridge summit. Joshimath/Auli serves as the major base camp for the trek and the entire expedition generally takes around five to six days of hiking. One of the several reasons this trek is preferred by a bunch of dedicated trekkers is the fact that they get to see some of the highest mountain peaks in the region such as Mana Peak (23,858 ft), Mt Kamet (25,446 ft) and Abi Gamin (24,130 ft) among others.

Now, April and May are generally considered the best months to do this trek, but plenty of trekkers prefer to hike in October as well. Although the weather in October is pretty cold and there are chances of heavy snowfall, it makes for an ideal Himalayan Winter Trek experience. About the difficulty level, yes it is a strenuous climb to the summit but there’s no reason why anyone carrying a decent trekking experience along with substantial physical training should not attempt to trek the Pangarchulla peak. Anyone who’s reached the summit will tell you that the view from the top is just indescribable. Also, this trek usually doesn’t host a flock of trekkers in October which enhances the overall trekking experience.

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Nag Tibba

One of the most underrated trail, Nag Tibba trek qualifies as one of the best weekend treks near Delhi. The trek offers some of the best camping sites, scenic routes and majestic panoramic views of the Gangotri group of peaks. The trek is perfectly suitable for beginners as it carries no possible threats in terms with AMS. A 2-day itinerary is enough to take in all the ambience this place has to offer. If you have couple of extra days then the “queen of hills” Mussoorie can be covered too.

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The trek embarks from a rocky ascend following with a trail of oaks and rhododendrons trees. Then at the nightfall, the camping scenarios are blessed with a view of towering peak. Also the clear sky embroidered with billions of sparkling diamonds sparks beauty. The Nag Tibba (Serpent’s peak) trek goes up till a temple devoted to the serpent god, and from there a small hike to the climax of the trek reveals the magnificent vista of the Gangotri group of mountain peaks.

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High-angle shot of Sankri village
High-angle shot of Sankri village, Har Ki Doon

Har ki Doon

 Hidden in the Gharwal Himalayas, Har ki doon trek is also known as the hanging valley as the striking beauty of this trek captivates anyone visiting this colorful gorge. Also, known as the valley of gods as the Pandavas in Mahabharata took the stairway to heaven through this route. Alpine forests adorned with the rich diversity of flora and fauna is the best part about this trek. Since a wide-variety of plants and animals thrive in this region, one might spot animals like Black bears, wild boars, languor family, Barasingha, and etc.

Explore Popular Treks in Garhwal Himalayas

Har ki doon’s simple lifestyle has not been affected by the rising modernism in any way. The unspoiled forests, and the valley offers a blissful experience for nature lovers, bird watchers and shutterbugs. The beauty of this place will entice you but also the simplicity will urge you to build a house and live here forever. Learning about their day to day activities will keep you closer to the valley and its people. While on the trek you will witness various horses and cows grazing on the vast meadow. Camping at Har ki Doon is also a must-do thing! Rest and sleep within a pristine region of vast alpine meadows to fulfill your checklist. If you are looking for best treks in October, Har Ki doon is just phenomenal in terms of divine beauty.

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Kedarkantha

A Trekkers delight and a paradise in autumn for every adventurer who loves to visit sparsely-crowded places. Since Kedarkantha trek is widely famous for a winter trek, October is the best month to take this trek if you want to avoid crowd.

Also, during this month the panoramic view of the mountains is unhampered by the clouds. Loaded with breath-taking vistas of Mt. Swargrohini accompanied with the scenic trail of Kedarkantha, the trekking route seems to come straight from a canvas painting.

On your trek, you will also come across myriad species of flowers blooming throughout the trail giving a feeling of new-life to the trekker. The togetherness of nature offers such a fabulous view that it will keep your amazement constant throughout the trek. The hill is also famous for various Shiva temple, as the word Kedarkantha means Shiva throat. Devotees trek this hill in order to find solace within the tranquility of Shiva’s abode.

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Goechala

 When we converse about the Goechala trek, it beats all of the most winsome treks in Sikkim. You don’t only see one summit — the Kanchenjunga, but also numerous big summits, all standing strong adjacent or opposite to each other. Yet, to see the gigantic mountains you need clear views. It is only in Oct-Nov when the fog is out of the way, you get the best views. The mountains cut-throat sharp peaks whereas the sunrises and sunsets sparks mind-boggling beauty. The rainy season brushes away all the dust and dirt. Then the dramatic and colorful flora of the region adds a kaleidoscopic charisma to the trek.

The dawn are so poetic that when the first shaft of sunlight fall on the silver peaks it turns sublime. The clear-cut shots of snow clad mountains will ensnare you instantly. Mt. Khangchendzonga, Mt. Pandin, Frey’s peak, Mt. Koktang, Mt. Rathong, the Kabru family of peaks, Mt. Tien Chenkhang, and Mt. Jopuno are all spot on in the month September and October.  You might get little patches of snow on the route, however, there are negligible chances of the downpour or snowfall. The weather will be pleasant throughout during this month.

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Beas Kund

As the name indicates, the hike is to the Beas Kund where you can see the origin of the river Beas. But, what makes it more interesting than any other trek? One can see glacier melting away into a tiny brook which then takes the shape of a robust river, the Beas.

It’s not the view of the mountains or river that makes this trek a winner among the other ones. It is the crooked trail and cobblestone pathways that gives you a feeling of absolute bliss. Suitable for beginners and can be easily completed within three days make this trek perfect for people who are longing for a minication.

The best time to traverse this trek is the month of May to October. As during this time the temperatures are ideal enough to hike and also one gets outstanding display of Mother Nature. One of the most popular treks from Manali, the Beas Kund trek offers laid-back mountains, meadows, pristine air and the whispers of whistling river. Such is the gorgeousness of the Beas Kund trek!

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Sleeping Buddha or Kanchenjunga Massif, as seen from Sandakphu Trek
Sleeping Buddha or Kanchenjunga Massif, as seen from Sandakphu Trek

Sandakphu

Amassed with joy for trekkers, Sandakphu offers encompassing perspectives of the strong Himalayas including four of the most astounding crests on the planet Kanchenzongda, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. Situated in North West of Darjeeling at a height of 11,900 feet, Sandakphu is the most astounding pinnacle of West Bengal State. The trek has everything a trekker wishes for. So if you are fond of Hiking and haven’t done this trek yet, you are missing something.

The sublime feeling of strolling through the forest of rhododendrons, mammoth magnolias, and extensive variety of stunning orchids is something that you will never forget. The trekking course passes through Shilgalila National Park which adds another feather to this trek. The national parks boasts of certain rare species like Red Pandas and Pangolins and birds. The best time to do Sandakphu trek is either in May to June or in mid-August to October.

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So hurry up, book a vacation for yourself to the best Himalayan treks in October and appreciate breathing the crisp air in the lap of nature, reviving your body, brain and soul.

Mountain winters mesmerize each soul for its fairytale-like views that can be found only when one has the courage to head outdoors. Every year, the drizzle of snow beautifies every trail, path, and town of the mountainous region. With videos and pictures circulating year after year, mountain aficionados at some point in their life wish to undertake a snow trek. Many trekkers have already checked-off this from their bucket list, while the others are picky and a research analyst. Breaking the incoherent chain, we are here to suggest you some Best Winter Snow Treks that will cater to the desires of both amateur and an experienced trekker.

Best Winter Treks for Beginners

First of all, the rookie trekkers need to realize that if they won’t step out from the doors, they won’t ever stop the research on trekking whereabouts. Sometimes all you need is to just be brave and step outdoors, in order to appreciate what you might discover.

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Prashar Lake

Nestled near Mandi region of Himachal Pradesh, this trek is easy and strikingly beautiful. Within just 2 days, you get to see one of the mysterious lake of Himachal Pradesh. No scientist as of now is able to measure the depth of this lake. The locals have seen big trunk of trees drowning in the water during storms. Moreover, there is a small island on the lake that floats all year round and also changes its position time to time. Interesting isn’t? During summers the trails are fringed with exceptional variety of flora and fauns, and in the winters the snow-dressed trails looks invariably stunning.

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Nag Tiba

A resident of Uttarakhand Mountains, Nag Tibba attracts hordes of travelers for its splendid view of Lower Himalayas comprising of Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal and Nag Tibbal Range from its summit. Trekkers walk through rhododendrons forests, greenery pathways, cross little streams, picturesque villages overlooking giant mountains, this trek is one of the best weekend getaway for people looking for a break from the hectic lifestyle.

Called as the Serpent’s peak, which locally translate as Nag Devta, abode of snake gods. Locals often come to offer their prayer to Nag Devta God in the temple, nestled on the peak. The trek is fairly easy and can be easily completed in the span of 2-3 days.

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Kheerganga Trek

Far away from the human-made chaos, this trek offers a mind-blowing experience in the lap of nature. Settled in Parvati Valley, Kheerganga Trek introduces you to the hippie culture of Kasol, lets you taste Israeli food, one walks through dense jungles, stay in picturesque villages of Kalga and Phulga, and enjoy hypnotizing views on kheerganga top. Moreover, this place also houses natural hot springs that can be experienced on your way down. The best getaway for a millennial, Kheerganga Trek can be easily completed in a time-frame of 2-3 days.

Best Winter Treks for the Experienced

A trekker is never experienced, no matter how many treks he/she has done. Mountains can be sometimes so unforgiving that you will need to be careful, always prepared for the worse, and still be respectful to the power of nature.

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Kedarkantha Trek

Renown for its magnetizing beauty, Kedarkantha Trek has garnered immense popularity among millennials and adventurers alike. The trek starts from Sankri followed by Juda ka Talab and Kedarkantha Base Camp. Also, did you know Sankri village is settled in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary?

The plethora of flora and fauna on your way will keep you amazed while you walk. You will be thrilled to spectacle mammoth mountains like Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Bandarpoonch during Kedarkantha and come back absolutely rejuvenated. The best time to take this winter trek is from April – June and September – March.

Har ki Doon Trek
Har ki Doon Trek

Har Ki Doon Trek

Called as the Valley of Gods, Har Ki Doon’s natural charm is so mesmerizing that you won’t ever want to leave this place. For the proof, its majestic beauty is associated with mythology. The Pandavas from Mahabharata scaled to the heaven abode from Mount Swaroghini which is found here. Not only this, Har Ki Doon village is famous for its unharmed and unspoiled nature that still intact in its true form. The villagers make sure the outsiders do not harm the environment.

Osla and Sankri are the popular villages of the route followed by the trekkers. The sweet water of the river, the cerulean sky, the hospitable locals and the taste of home-grown vegetables in their delicacies is something every trekker would remember forever if they ever opt for this amazing trek. The best time to experience this unforgettable journey is in April to June or September to October.

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Brahma Tal Trek

Another place connected to mythology is Brahma tal where Lord Brahma meditated according to ancient text. This place offers a perfect adventure destination having a hidden and secluded lake amidst the ridge. The destination is really challenging in terms of terrains. The trekkers need to be prepared before they undertake the trodden paths of the trek. The edgy boulders, the pristine nature, splurging mountains and the wilderness is sure to spark your inner wanderer. While trekking, you will be amazed to spectacle bird-eye-view of Ali Bugiyal, Bedni Bugiyal, Roopkund and Junargali.

At summit point, the massive Himalayan range will be a sight for the sore eyes. From right to left on one side we can see Mrigthuni, Trishul, Bethartoli Himal and Nandaghunti. On the other side we can see the massive Chaukhamba, Nilkanth, Kamet, Hathi and Ghoda peaks. The best time to experience this adventure trek is from December to February.

Whether you are a novice trekker or an experienced, Himalayas has room for everyone. There’re other trekking destinations as well but these six places are definitely a cure for the itchy feet. So wait no further, pack your bags, book that ticket and step into the wilderness. Come discover with us a slice of paradise because you never know where the path may take you.

How many times have we seen birds soar across the sky, and thought to ourselves, “Man, wish I could fly like them.” And, during one such instance of thinking about flying, it struck me…I can actually do it. No, I wasn’t all of a sudden going to sprout wings and fly like a bird. But, what I was going to do was go for paragliding, and that is exactly what I did recently. Now, before I start telling you about my experience, let me just give you an overview of the activity.

Some memories are etched in our minds so deep that they remain with us for the lifetime! And one such wonderful memory of mine is that of my journey along the Hindustan Tibet Road with my favourite group of friends. It was my friend’s idea to take this road trip. Initially, we all were a bit apprehensive, but finally all of us agreed; glad that we did!

Constructed in 1850, the Hindustan-Tibet road or National Highway 22 is probably one of the most impressive feats of human endeavour, and one needs to drive through it to actually understand it. This road starts from Ambala in Haryana and passes through Chandigarh, Shimla and Spiti Valley, before finally winding down at the village of Khab on the border with Tibet. This road, especially as one drives high into the mountains, is probably one of the most treacherous ones in the world.

Am I the only one who wants to go out to some peaceful yet thrilling place and not return for a while? While thinking about making a plan to plan a vacation, I came across a lot of amazing and unexplored places to stay in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Himachal has always been my favorite place to escape from noise, stress, people, and of course the increasing pollution in Delhi. Mountains are my first love and whenever I feel a little low in life, mountains are like solace to my soul. The fresh crisp air, the warmth of the locals and the amazing food always allure me!

I would love to spend some time in an amazing camp in the lap of the Himalayas, curled up with my favorite book, my playlist, some hot tea and the mountains. Here is my pick of some of the best camping experiences in the Himalayas, for that perfect break that we all need! Spend some peaceful days deep in the unexplored Himalayan Valleys of these beautiful mountain states. Remember to gaze at the starry sky when there in the mountains!

Camping in the Himalayas is a treat to the senses!
Camping in the Himalayas is a treat to the senses!

From endless gossips to crazy bonding, we have all had those days with our best buddies, but wouldn’t those moments get all the more precious, if we spent them in a special place and only with our girl gang. Well, you don’t need your guy friends around you for safety purposes. Sometimes you just need that girl time! Rediscover yourselves, make that bond stronger and just leave for the trip that you will remember forever!

Shopping together or watching a movie together till now was blissful, but gazing at the stars together and trekking together will be unforgettable. .

The fun part of the trip will be no stress and no boys!

Dudhsagar Falls
The perfect blend of adventure and scenic beauty! Selfies here will be something to boast about; after all you will be at India’s fifth highest waterfalls. It is located in the middle of the forest on Goa – Karnataka border and it is called the sea of sea for its milky white colour. Dudhsagar Trekking is the most amazing way to explore the place. Go trekking, rock climbing, swim in the pool of the waterfall or just sit and take in the beauty of the place. You can take a jeep safari from Castle rock of nearby village, which can guide you through the forest, you can train and start your trek from Bhagwan Mahavir National Park or you can travel here from Panjim, Goa which is approximately 60 km away. The girls will love the tranquility of the place! Don’t miss the Castle Rock Adventure Camp!

Dudhsagar Falls on the Goa Karnataka Border
Dudhsagar Falls on the Goa Karnataka Border

Himachal Pradesh is beyond doubt one of the most verdant and naturally beautiful states in India. With 3 mountain ranges, namely Pir Panjal, Shivalik, and Dhauladhar, in its vicinity, this state literally is the home of snow. It has so much to offer that no matter how many times you travel here; there will always be something new to witness and experience.

In addition to being home to some of the most popular hill towns, like Shimla, Dharamsala, Dalhousie and Manali, it is also a favorite among adventure seekers, particularly trekkers. There are many treks in the state that originate from Manali and Dharamsala. In addition to trekking, you could also enjoy paragliding in Manali as well as Bir Billing.

Here is a lowdown on some of the best treks in Himachal Pradesh

Hampta Pass Trek

Hampta Pass Trek

This trek begins from Manali and is ideal for beginners. With maximum altitude of 14100 feet, this trek takes 5 days to complete, covering a total distance of 26 kms.  Bookings now open

So you know how when normal fathers feel that they want some bonding time with their daughters they take them for a movie or something? My father takes me to climb a mountain.

With my dad at the start of the trek 

We were going to climb a mountain called Choor peak which is located in Barog, Himachal Pradesh. Its highest peak is located at a height of 12,000 feet. The entire trek took close to 2 days. We started at 7 in the morning on day 1. It was a bit chilly. We walked for 3 hours before reaching the first tea shop and when we reached it started raining.  The walk till there was slightly steep at places. The first tea shop was located on flat land, with lots of green meadows.  While we waited for the rain to stop, we ate some yummy daal-chawal. Then after about 45 minutes we were ready to go.

Outdoors are the best way to form strong bonds 🙂

Skiing in India takes place mostly in the Himalayas. Owing to their great height, Himalayas make for a great Skiing destination as they offer long descents. There are 3 popular destinations for Skiing in India – Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, Auli in Uttrakhand and Solang in Himachal Pradesh. Here is some information about these places and the infrastructure they offer for a great Skiing experience –

Book you Skiing package here

  1. Gulmarg 

Situated on a high plateau, pastoral Gulmarg, which literally means ‘Meadow of Flowers’, is home to a hill station that has few parallels in India. It boasts a picture-perfect Alpine landscape, with gardens, lakes, snow-covered mountains and (when not snowed in) lush-green vistas as far as the eye can see. Gulmarg also has one of the highest cable cars in Asia – a ride here can take your breath away, literally!

Gulmarg Image Credits: kashmirskiing.com
Skiing in beautiful Gulmarg
Image Credits: kashmirskiing.com

Gulmarg is India’s top skiing destination (8955 ft), and consistently ranked as among the world’s best. It also hosts the country’s annual Winter Games. It is surrounded by dense forests of tall conifers and snow capped mountains of the Himalayas. Today Gulmarg is acknowledged not only for its scenic surroundings, but also as the world’s highest golf course and a premier ski resort in the country.