Adventure is quickly overtaking ‘Facebook-ing’ as an hobby and we’re euphoric! If you are the
kind that likes their travels and trips to thrill and give you an adrenalin rush,
here is the ultimate Himalayan Adventure Calendar for 2015. From trekking and mountaineering to rafting, cliff
jumping, bridge slithering, body surfing, abseiling & rope course – all combined
with natural backdrops and conditions, these destinations have just about
anything an adventure traveller could ask for. Keep the list handy for 2015, so
that your months are never dull. See what tempts you the most, and make the
most of this year. Because, adventure as they say, is out there!
- January: Chadar Trek
of Ladakh. Every travel magazine and every adventure seeker is talking about it
this season. The Chadar Trek on the frozen river Zanskar in Ladakh is an adventure
that’s bringing international tourism to India, and rightly so. The landscape is
beyond beautiful, and the Chadar Trek which comes in two varieties, a 9 day
extensive trek or a 5 day Chadar experience, is an adventure seekers paradise. Ladakh
is famed for its high passes, brackish water lakes, a stunning lunar landscape,
a Buddhist culture warped in time, deep blue endless skies, and a landscape
that is larger than life. So in January 2015, go walk on a frozen river bed,
live in caves along the way and fight the twin difficulties of cold and
altitude to conquer all!
- February: Skiing in Auli. Auli
is a favorite snow-destination of the country, because of its easy access from
Delhi, and the pristine white sheet of snow in the winters that comes second to
nothing. The slopes of Auli are perched high at an average altitude of 3000 mts
(10000 ft) and face the high & majestic mountain giants like Nanda Devi,
Kamet, Dronagiri, Trishul & Hathigodi peaks giving it a spectacular feel, making it the best Skiing Destination in India. It
has a 4 kms long cable car (Asia's longest) and along with it has chair lifts
and ski lifts for skiers. Ski here once, and come back every year because that’s
how addictive it is.
- March: Trek to Nagtibba. This is an extremely popular weekend trek that is just 3 day long but offers amazing camping experience along with the terrain. This trek starts and ends at Dehradun, which in turn is very well connected with other parts of the country. So close, yet one can reach an altitude of more than 3000 mts and hike in an absolutely remote region with almost no habitation. So, come here for a weekend and start your adventure.
- April: Har ki Dun Trek. If you are a 'Lord of the Rings' fan, and are in awe of the landscape in it, then Har ki Dun will blow your mind with the smorgasbord it has to offer. There are endless lush meadows, wild alpine flower gardens, scraggy mountains, towering snow-capped peaks, glaciers and gushing streams & waterfalls that seem to spring from nowhere. This 7 day trek is a week of adventure that will bring you closer to the healing and fulfilling nature. What’s not to love?
- May: Trek to Indrahar
Pass. Come experienced trekkers, come newbie, come all! This Himalayan trek has
something unique to offer to everyone. Set in the beautiful and unique Kangra
valley, it is filled to the brim with hiking pleasures. On this trail one gets
fabulous views of the Dhauladhar range. The trek starts from
Dharamsala/McLeodganj, has magical camping locations, and the hike towards the
4420m high Indrahar pass is a thing every adventure lover dreams of. And oh,
there are chances you’ll find snow here even in May and June. Perfect, isn't it?
- June: Trek to Roopkund – the mystery lake of Himalayas. For many years, Roopkund, the beautiful and mysterious lake has held the attention of trekkers not only because of the enchanting landscape surrounding it but also because of the presence of several bones and skeletons that can be seen in its waters. The mystery has now been solved, obviously, but go there to witness it and you’ll see the appeal. The Roopkund trail is a classic case of experiencing both, the beauty and the beast. Only here the beast is equally if not more enchanting.
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July: Spiti. Do
we need to say more? The landscape of this valley is stark and spectacular and
challenges one’s idea of beauty at all stages. Spiti has captured the hearts of
travellers and adventurers alike for years, and the region is flooding with
breathtaking beauty and too-good-to-be-true landscapes. Spiti valley is often
compared to its famous neighbor, Ladakh, in terms of beauty. Only, Spiti is
still untouched by the impact of tourism and is hence more thrilling. This
valley is open only for a few months every year as the high passes leading to
it get blocked by snowfall. Along the trip, as you drive and hike through the
wonderful vistas of this valley you come across small settlements with ancient
monasteries, chortens, mane walls, fluttering flags, prayer wheels &
Buddhist monks, leaving an image which is sure to last a lifetime. Half of 2015
is already over, what are you waiting for?
- August: Valley
of Flowers. Ah, here comes the MOST famous adventure destination of all times –
and if have already been here, we know you’re now nodding in agreement. Nestled
in the Himalayan Valley, this is a World Heritage Site long acknowledged by
renowned mountaineers, botanists, and in literature. From no-fuss travellers to
adventure seekers Valley of Flowers is visited by people from all over the
world. The valley is open only for a couple of months, generally, so you have
to plan ahead and book in advance. This is also famous for its celebrity
spotting but that’s not the point, the point is – millions of flowers spreading
far and wide till the eye can see. The bloom starts immediately after the
melting of snow. Different flowers bloom in different months but the peak
blooming period is from mid July to mid August. Almost 300 species of wild
flowers bloom here unhindered by mankind. But the valley has much more than just
flowers: waterfalls, glaciers, towering mountains, big rivers and quaint
villages. We clearly can’t shut up about it, so you better better visit it once
and see it for yourself. Go book!
- September:
Hampta Pass. Wake me up when September ends, really? Not anymore because - Hampta is going to take your breath away. This is another Himalayan Trek for
when the humidity is still hurting you in the cities and the winters seem far
away, and you want an adventure to break free of the routine. So take 4 days
off your city life, and head to the Lahaul-Spiti region for some serious fun.
Enjoy the views - On one side is the absolutely lush green valleys of Kullu
& Manali and on the other is the semi-arid region of the Lahaul valley.
Hike, trek or camp, everything is possible here. All this is obviously dependent
on weather conditions, but getting held up in a lodge that overlooks Himalayan
peaks, is exactly the kind of unplanned adventure we crave for, and you? Not
that it’s going to happen very often. September is magical in the Himalayas!
- October:
White Water Rafting. Rafting is a rage these
days because of the adventure-high it gives. White water, rapids, rafts and a
lot of energy : perfect recipe for adventure. In 2015, plan a rafting trip to
not just the well known and often crowded Haridwar-Rishikesh route, but also to
the amazing rapids of Yamuna, Alaknanda, Upper Alaknanda, Tons, Kali, Spiti,
Pin, Zanskar & Bhramaputra river in India. Our favourite is the White Water Fiesta! But if you are new to the world of wicked
rapids, try a short trip of 2 or 3 days, and if you consider yourself the tamer
of white waters, definitely go for the Rafting Expedition. If you are a fun
family, the rafting with deluxe camping should be your pick. Co anything, but
don’t miss the thrill of wading your rafts through the young rivers and feisty rapids.
You’ve got to Raft in October!
- November: Chopta. It has a beautiful Himalayan lake, minimal sights of civilization and a background story that goes back to Mahabharata. Interesting, right? This is a tempting region to explore in November, because Chopta is famous as the Mini-Switzerland of India because of its undulating green meadows – think Yash Chopra movies! The breath taking view of the majestic Himalayan peaks is an added bonus. Camping here is a totally enjoyable experience. One can also trek up to the Tungnath temple, which at an altitude of 3680m is the highest Shiva shrine in the world. Or just stay at a comfortable place in Kund where you can reflect on life, looking over the Mandakini river or the Kedar Peak, and trek high altitudes the next day. Options, option.
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December - What? December 2015 already! It is now time for
the most talked about White Chirstmas and New Year Bonanza. Spend Christmas
amidst the pristine snow, and ring in the New Year surrounded with white Himalayas.
There’s a lot you can do – from skiing to snow trekking, from multi-sport vacations
to just chilling around the campfire, and from some kickass Snow Adventures to
relaxing stays in the quiet mountains. Take your pick.
So you see, the Himalayas have a lot of adventure potential,
along with the famous magic and majestic beauty. Have you made up your mind
yet? So go, take off on the ultimate escapade in 2015. Take an adventure, live
it up!
