Moderate Level Trek

As a trekking community we’ve been asked by many trekkers that which should be their next trek after doing treks like Kedarkantha, Dayara Bugyal, Dodital etc. We would like to share a few good options as the next trek or Moderate graded treks.

1) Hampta pass (Manali to Manali – 5 days)

Moderate Level Trek

Manali is one of the most visited hill stations in India, due to its accessibility. Hampta pass trek starts and ends from Manali. We start the trek from Jobra in Manali and end it in the Spiti valley at Chattroo. We drive to the ChandrataalLake and return via the same route and reach Manali via Rohtang pass and end our trip. We start our trek into the forests. There are river crossings on almost all the days on this trek. We trek through an entire valley filled with small and beautiful flowers – Jwara, which we cross on the second day of our trek. The tallest point of this trek is 14,100 feet – the Hampta Pass. Amazing views at the pass of snow cladded peaks, the crossing of the pass to get to Spiti valley and camping/ stay right next to the Chandra bhani river (Chattroo - Spiti) is a wonderful experience overall.

2) Buran Ghati (Shimla to Shimla – 7 days)

Moderate Level Trek

Buran Ghati is a trek that is trek that runs parallel to Rupin Pass (another trek in the Uttrakhand Himalayas). Buran Ghati is a pass crossing trek touching 15,000 feet in altitude. During May and June seasons, with good/ heavy snow on the pass, climbing to the pass is fun, but the adrenaline rush is while getting down the other side. Due to snowy conditions, we fix ropes (for higher safety) and descend via rappelling. This activity of rappelling can be possible subject to adequate snow present on the pass. If there’s no snow, we descend via a rocky trail over stones and boulders. Compared to the others, Buran Ghati trek is not too commercial. An excursion to the Chandranahan Lake is an additional amazing experience on this trek. Buran ghati trek is a perfect alternative trek to the Roopkund trek (skeleton lake).

3) Sandakphu trek (NJP to NJP – 7 days)

Moderate Level Trek

Trek to the highest point in West Bengal – Sandakphu Trek. With approx. 55kms of trekking in 7 days, we get up close to the world’s tallest peaks – (Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse). The route takes us through the Singalila National park that offers a variety of flora and fauna. We trek through a forest of rhododendrons and wonderful and colorful orchids. Singalila National park is also home to Red pandas.

4) Har ki Dun (Dehradun to Dehradun – 8 days)

Moderate Level Trek

Har ki Dun is a very famous trekking route in the Uttrakhand Himalayas. A total of 57kms to and fro Taluka – this is one trek that is a must for every trekker. This trek has it all – local folklores, mention in Mahabharata, cradled shaped valleys, peaks above 6,000 metres, glacial streams, ancient villages as old as a few centuries old and much more. At a maximum altitude of 11,300 feet, this trek is a must do trek for all trek lovers. There is a temple in the village Osla (cross it on day 2 of the trek) in which some locals say that Duryodhana was worshipped. More interesting folklores & facts can be heard by the local villagers all throughout.

5) Gaumukh Tapovan trek (Dehradun to Dehradun – 8 days)

Moderate Level Trek

A trek to the source of the holiest river of India, Ganges, is an experience of its kind. Gaumukh Tapovan Trek the trek includes mighty peaks, high altitude meadows, a sacred & mighty river, holy temples & exotic campsites. The route to Gangotri is generally a busy route full of pilgrims, sages and sadhus (holy men). From our experience, talking to them is for sure enlightening as well.

6) Rupin Pass (Dehradun to Sangla – 8 days)

Moderate Level Trek

Rupin pass trek lies in the Garhwal Himalayas (Uttarakhand) and Kinner kailash (Sangla, Himachal). Rupin pass is one of those treks that is on “the trek to-do’s” list of many trekkers. Being a moderate graded trek, it is a wonderful trek for trekkers who wish to explore what a moderate graded trek feels like. One major attraction that attracts more trekkers is the fact that it is a “2 states” trek, meaning that starts in Uttarakhand and ends in Himachal. This trek gives us an opportunity to understand the cultural and language differences and similarities between people living in villages on both sides.

7) Kashmir Great Lakes (Srinagar to Srinagar – 8 days)

Moderate Level Trek

One of the most beautiful treks is the Kashmir great lakes. This trek offers views and camping at 7 different lakes. All these are glacial lakes and provide stunning views. Trout fishes can be spotted in some of these lakes. This trek has 3 Pass crossings – Nichnai Pass, Gatsar pass and Zach Pass. The highest point of the trek is Gatsar pass at 13, 800 feet. The route to get to these lakes is via thick Himalayan Birch forests, well laid trails, trekking and climbs over stones and boulders. These trails to the lakes are through valleys, snow patches (depending on the season), stream crossings, stones & boulders. For trekkers who wish to click some amazing desktop pictures of the mountains, lakes, passes, great lakes Kashmir is the perfect trek. One of the campsite – Naranag, is right at the foot of Mount Harmukh. History has it that K2 (world’s second highest mountain at 8,611 meters/ 28,400 feet) was first spotted from the top of Mount Harmukh.

8) Annapurna Base Camp trek (Pokhra to Pokhra – 10 days)

Moderate Level Trek

Annapurna base camp (ABC) situated at 13,600 feet is one of the mostly done treks in the world. Trekkers get to witness the 8000er peak – Annapurna I (8091 metres) up close from the ABC. Annapurna I is the 10th highest mountain in the world. The ABC trek route offers trekking through thick dense Oak forests, Bamboo forests,Rhododendron forests,(Rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal), trekking through an Avalanche prone area (short distance), hot springs (Jhinu Danda), along with best views of peaks as the “Fishtail” – Machhepuchre peak, Annapurna south, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli and many more gigantic mountains is a very scenic and beautiful trek. The Annapurna sanctuary has over 1220 species of flowering plants and nearly 400 birds waiting to be spotted.

9) Markha Valley (Leh to Leh – 10 days)

Moderate Level Trek

Markha valley trek is one of the best and most attempted treks in Ladakh region. Ladakh offers a rare mix of barren landscape and beautiful as well as unique Buddhist culture. Markha valley in summers is quite a busy trek and invites a lot of foreigners as well. Markha valley trek covers high mountain passes (15000ft+) and trails. The multicolored prayer flags welcome you as you enter the small villages of Markha valley and it is about these memories that will remain with you for life.