Are you tired of all the commercialised, tourist-infested, and overcrowded trek destinations? Trekkers are always on the hunt for new and less commercialised trek spots where they may explore uncharted territory. The Himalayas, with its huge territory, include a number of lesser-known treks that have yet to be found and explored to their full potential.
So, if you’re itching to do some lesser-known but equally great treks, here’s a list of the top lesser-known hikes in the Himalayas.
Auden’s Col Trek, Uttrakhand
Auden’s Col Adventure is another underappreciated Himalayan trek. It is considered the most difficult and unknown trek in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas. The walk begins in Gangotri (270 km from Dehradun), on the banks of the Bhagirathi river, and lasts around 13-16 days. Auden’s Col is a high mountain pass that links Jogin 1 and Gangotri summit at an elevation of 5490 metres.
This trip is for experienced trekkers only and should never be underestimated due to the numerous perilous ridges and boulder sections on the lengthy and tough trail that takes the trekker through inspiring vistas of the Jogin group, Rudragaira group, Kedar dome, and other peaks.
The best method to get to Gangotri’s campsite is to drive from Dehradun (270 miles), and the ideal month for this trip is June.
Dayara Bugyal Trek, Uttrakhand
Dayara Bugyal, located at an elevation of 12000 feet in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal area, is India’s second most beautiful meadow (after Bedni Bugyaul). The walk is rated as easy and lasts roughly 6 days, covering a distance of 7 kilometres. The walk leads you past flower-strewn meadows, grasslands, and a magnificent forest canopy with a diverse range of wildlife.
With snow all around and breathtaking views of Mt Bandarpoonch, Mt Kalanag, and Gangotri extension, the Dayara Bugyal climb is one of the top winter hikes in the Himalayas.
Despite being a simple trip, this one is not as well-known among Himalayan treks, but it is a must-try if you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Kedarkantha Trek, Uttrakhand
The Kedarkantha journey is one of the most beautiful and interesting treks in the Himalayan area that is sometimes overlooked by trekkers, but trust me when I say that you will be surprised at the conclusion of this walk.
Kedarkantha, at an elevation of 12,500 feet, is a Himalayan high peak in the state of Uttarakhand that is part of the Govind wildlife sanctuary. The walk is one of the most well-known winter hikes in India’s Himalayas. The Kedarkantha trip begins in Sankri, Uttarakhand, and takes you past gorgeous campsites, 360-degree mountain views, and a snow-covered pine forest. This 23-kilometer hike takes 5 days and lasts 5 days. Kedarkantha is gorgeous all year, but the winter months are the finest for this walk. The hike offers breath-taking views of Swargarohini Peak, Black Peak, and Bandarpunch Peak, as well as snowfall (from December to February). Kedarkantha is also mythologically significant, making it appropriate for both worshippers and adventure seekers.
Nag Tibba Trek, Dehradun
The Nag Tibba Trek is another excellent winter trek in the Himalayas. Nag Tibba, commonly known as ‘Serpent’s Peak,’ is a mountain in Dehradun that stands at an elevation of 9,915 feet.
This is a short hike that lasts around three days and covers a distance of 19 kilometres. The walk leads you through a diverse ecosystem and provides breathtaking views of Bandarpoonch mountain, the Gangotri group of peaks, Kedarnath, and Srikanth peak.
The tallest summit in the lower Himalayan area, Nag Tibba, enables exploration of the enticing forest of Oak, cider, Alpine, and Rhododendron. This walk may be done at any time of year, although the optimum time is during the winter (December -March).
Prashar Lake Trek, Himachal Pradesh
The Prashar Lake Trip is a lesser-known hike in the Himalayan area that takes you to a height of 8956 feet following a 16-kilometer trek over two days. The beautiful Dhauladhar range and the local inhabitants around the trail will make your trekking experience even more enjoyable. The lake gets its name from the sage Parashara who mediated at the lake, and the beautiful ranges of the Dhauladhar range and the local inhabitants around the trail will make your trekking experience even more enjoyable.
Except for the monsoon season, you may do this course at any time of year; however, the winter season is the best time to do it. This hike begins from Baggi’s base camp and leads to the holy Temple dedicated to sage Prashar over a snow-covered route. The shifting colours of the exquisite lake, as well as the pleasant weather, contribute to the allure of your walk.