List of Top 10 Treks in Upper Himachal Region
Bhabha Pass Trek
Bhaba pass Trek is an attention grabbing trek, and one of the famous trek tours among the Himachal Trekking expeditions. The pass gets carpeted by snow round the year. After crossing the Bhaba pass, the landscape changes dramatically, thick forest of Pine, cedar and deodar replaces the barren landscape of Spiti. The trail mounts along the left bank of the Wangar River after crossing a footbridge. Then keeps climbing through crop fields of Mastrang and passes through a mixed forest of conifers and temperate broad-leafed species. Travellers go trekking generally between the months of July to September as it is the most pleasant time. This journey is not only adventure centric but also spiritual because it offers a pilgrim trail to all those who are devoted to perform parikrama of the divine mountain range.
Pin Parvati
Pin Parvati is a spectacular mountain pass nestled in the lap of Himalayas; it belongs to the state which means “Abode of Snow” – Himachal Pradesh. This trek is composed of lush green scenery that Parvati Valley is endowed with to the blatant and desolate land in the Pin valley in Spiti. The best season to visit this region is between July to September because it remains under heavy snow rest of the months. This trek offers a linkage between Parvati Valley in Kullu to the Pin valley in Spiti and hence the name goes Pin Parvati Pass. Manikaran dwelling between the splendid rivers namely Beas and Parvati, northeast of Bhuntar in the Kullu District is a must watch on this trial. Pine trees stands along throughout the trek. This trek being on a Buddhist region, all those traveling can make a visit to the Ki Gompo and Tabo monastery.
Sar Pass
Himachal Pradesh is gifted with natural beauty; it has diverse attractions that include adventure sports spots and scenic magnificence. Sar Pass is situated in the splendid Pin Parvati valley of Kulu District of Himachal Pradesh. In local dialect, Sar means a lake. While moving through the hilly tracks across the path from Tila Lotni to Biskeri Ridge, one has to pass by a small lake dressed in snow (Sar) and hence the name Sar Pass Trek. Over years trekkers have hit various trek routes. The path through Grahan (7,700 ft) being the first camp after Kasol, followed by Padri (8,900 ft), Ratapani (10,700 ft), Nagaru (12,500 ft), Biskeri Thatch (11,000 ft) and Bhandak Thatch (8,000 ft) was the first chosen track. After several experiments made as to which course to adopt, this track has once again become the trekker’s first choice on the way to Sar Pass.
Beas Kund
‘Beas’ is a derivative from the name of the legendary author ‘Vyas’ who scripted the celebrated epic Mahabharata. The river Beas originates from Beas Kund, which is a remarkable destination for trekkers and tourists. The trek to Bias Kund starts from Manali, and passing through the gorgeous Solang Valley, known for its sky slopes. While on this trek, one can gather experiences of viewing lush green meadows, glaciers and snow-capped mountain peaks. Beas Kund acts as the base camp for climbing Ladakhi and friendship peak. A traveler gets an opportunity of sight seeing a lot of places on the way of this tour, namely, Delhi, Chandigarh, Manali, Solang Valley, Solang Nala, Dhundi, Bakkaer Thach, Beas Kund, Dhauladhar Mountain Range.
Chandratal Trek
Chandra Taal meaning the Lake of the Moon, or Chandra Tal, is situated at an altitude of about (14,100 feet the Himalayas. This is an amazing place fitted in the midst of dry arid landscape of Spiti. The lake is bean shaped and has a circumference of about 2.8 kms. The water is crystal clear, and as the day progresses, the water changes its colour taking various shades of blue. Meadow stretched over some region at either side of the lake makes it a perfect camping location to enjoy the beautiful atmospheres of this jewel of Spiti. Since late May to early October the lake becomes reachable on foot from Batal as well as from Kunzum Pass. Most interesting fact about this lake is that there is no visible source of this lake but there is a visible outlet of this lake which means that water to this lake comes from underground.
Chanderkhani Pass
Parvati valley that links Malana Valley to Kullu Valley carries Chandrakhani Pass. The pass is known for the beauty it possesses and is a decent base for making a trek journey. Chandrakhani is 3600m above sea level and offers magnificent sights while on the trial. Chanderkhani Pass offers marvelous sights of the Deo Tibba peak, Pir Panjal and Parbati mountain ranges. The trek journey begins from the village of Naggar, located about 21 km from the town of Manali. Chandrakhani pass is best travelled from May to October. The sight of Pir Panjal range to the North and the smaller Shivaliks to the South so mighty from this Pass. The trek can be categorized as mild trekking.
Hampta Pass
Himalayas is bound with breath-taking sight scenes and tourist spots. Towards the south-east of Manali and one can relish the most beautiful and moderated trekking experience ever. The Hampta Pass trek takes one through the mighty fields of Oak, Rhodo, Pine and the Hampta River that stand on either side of the Hampta Mountain. This stands as a bridge for the villagers of Hampta to the Lahaul Spiti valley.
The key months for trekking at Hampta Pass is between June and October. It begins at prini village and goes uphill to. A change of landscapes could be seen on the way between the two valleys namely Lahaul and Kullu. While one is full of sand and rocks the latter is covered with fresh greenery. The natural beauty here takes a new shape every day. So you may find yourself at a new place every day you start.
Triund – Laka Glacier
In the Dhauladhar Himalayas rests Triund a ridge which gives a very close look for Moon peak-Indera Pass. Triund is situated 9 kms from Bhagsu Nag which has become very famous trekking destination among tourists from abroad. From McLeodganj belonging to upper Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh, it takes about four hours to reach Triund. Rested at a height of 2827 m, the place is noted for its scenic splendor of the imposing mountainous terrain. Triund offers a fascinating view of the Dhauladhar ranges and the Kangra Valley. One can trek along alone through this pass without a guide. Because of its proximity to the snowline which is just 13kms away, this region is becoming popular with time. Snow birds and wild animals like musk deer and black bear are well seen from this place.
Kinnaur Kailash Circuit
The Kinnaur Kailash called as Kinner Kailash in the local dialect is a mountain range in the kinnaur district of the praiseworthy Himachal Pradesh. Kinnaur Kailash (6349m) and Jonkarden (6473m) peaks dominates the range that borders the district of Kinnaur in the south. Charang La at an altitude of 5300m is the only pass on this trek route. This pass is considered as sacred by both Hindu and Buddhist Kinnauris. The entire trek path is endowed of lush green valleys, orchards, vineyards snow-clad peaks and cold desert mountains. Kinnaur is gifted with rich in flora & fauna. May to September is the decent time to make a trip to the enchanting Kinnaur kailash.
Mani Mahesh Lake
Manimahesh Lake also known as Dal Lake is situated close to the Mani Mahesh Kailash Peak in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas at an elevation of 4,080 metres. It is located in the Bharmour subdivision of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. This place has a religious significance because lake is next to that of the Lake Manasarovar in Tibet. The lake is a chosen pilgrimage trek during the month of August and September corresponding to the month of Bhadon according to Hindu calendar. A popular legend claims that Lord Shiva created Mani Mahesh after he married Goddess Parvati and also performed penance on the banks of Mani Mahesh Lake. The most popular adopted route is the Bhanrlour-Hadsar-Manimahesh route which involves a 13 kilometers track from Hadsar village to the Manimahesh Lake. Pilgrims also start trekking from Lahaul and Spiti pass through Kugti pass. Those coming from Kangra and Mandi take the Karwarsi pass or Jalsu pass via Tyari village, near Holi in Bharmour. However, the route from Chamba via Bharmour is the easiest one.
Find more tips on how to reach Sar Pass Trek
https://www.altitudeadventureindia.com/sar-pass-trek/
2 years back I went to Dalhousie and many suggested me to travel to Sach Pass for trekking but I didn’t accept their recommendation but now I feel the regret of not visiting it after seeing its pictures.