Captivating in their grandeur and incredibly biodiverse, the Eastern Himalayas are a magnet for adventure seekers. Enfolded in their embrace is the world’s third-largest mass of ice and snow after the Polar Ice Caps, making them a vital source of fresh water for millions.
Stretching across Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar, this world of wonders inspires awe and reverence among trekkers and mountaineers from across the globe.
1) Sandakphu-Phalut Trek, India
Starting from Darjeeling, West Bengal, this 6-day trek offers a visual feast of four of the world’s five highest peaks. These include Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kangchenjunga.
Sandakphu, 3,636 m, the highest peak of the Eastern Himalayan range in West Bengal, and her quieter neighbor Phalut, 3,595 m, steal your heart with jaw-dropping views of Mt. Kangchenjunga, aptly called The Sleeping Buddha.
The quirky trail zigzags merrily along the Indo-Nepal international border. It will make you smile as you walk, one foot in India, one in Nepal. Densely wooded, emerald forests of the Sandakphu region joyously sport silver firs alongside blushing rhododendron – the only place in the world to do so.
Every hour of this trek enchants, and every moment delights.
2) Goecha La Trek, India
Starting from picturesque Yuksom in West Sikkim, the 8-11 days Goecha La trek is one for the ages. Hike through the lovely, luxuriant Kangchenjunga National Park. Trudge through humid rainforests and ascend rocky inclines to alpine altitudes and bone-chilling cold. Stare in awe at Mt. Pandim looming over your campsite. You can watch rosy sunbeams first tiptoe, then clamber hastily over the craggy outlines of Mt. Kangchenjunga and surround you with stunning hues.
90 km long, and 4,600 m high, this trek gifts the intrepid trekker, marvelous, constantly changing terrain and astounding summit views.
As you return to civilization, be prepared – you will immediately want to go back!
3) Barsey Rhododendron Trek, India
Come spring, an explosion of color awaits you in West Sikkim. A profusion of rhododendron – 13 distinct species recorded till date – transform the countryside, painting it red, pink, and purple! Gorgeous blossoms form a lavish canopy as you go hiking in March and April in the sprawling 2,200-4,100 m altitude Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. This bountiful cornucopia also attracts songbirds and babblers, woodpeckers, barbets, thrushes, and tragopans.
As you revel in a surfeit of crimson, the snowy white Kangchenjunga panorama gently unfurls to soothe your tired, city-dweller gaze.
4) Dzongri La Trek, India
Much sought after, the Dzongri La trek is a shorter version of the Goecha La trek. But it has a branch off the main track to the wintry, windy Dzongri Pass. From Yuksom, the erstwhile capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim, you climb rapidly. Undulating slopes give way to frost-covered campsites. From there, you can see the celebrated Rathong Glacier, a glittering gem in the annals of trekking.
Get an eyeful of the magnificent, chiseled pinnacles of Mt. Rathong (6,678 m), Mt. Pandim (6,691 m), Mt. Kabru North (7,338 m), and of course, the inimitable Mt. Kangchenjunga (8,586 m).
5) Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC Trek), Nepal
The mesmeric appeal of the Annapurna mountain range puts this trek on every hiker’s wish list. 7-12 days in duration depending on the itinerary chosen, this is a classic teahouse trek. It starts from Pokhara, a serene lake town in central Nepal. Pass through charming villages with banana plantations and bright paddy fields. A steep ascent through dense jungles of fern, bamboo, oak, and the ubiquitous rhododendron will take you to the venerated, fishtail-shaped Mt. Machapuchare.
At an elevation of more than 4,100 m, gawk at Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, and more as they hypnotize you with their stately aura.
6) Chomolhari Base Camp Trek, Bhutan
Bhutan is the only carbon-negative nation in the world with two-thirds of its land under green cover. It has given us the unique development philosophy of Gross National Happiness. You might find the answer to your own quest for happiness on this trek to the base of Chomolhari, also known as the ‘Bride of Kangchenjunga’.
From the scenic town of Paro, you will traipse deep valleys, gasp as you cross glacial streams, and puff uphill to more than 4,500 m altitude.
Icy breezes whip around you as you contemplate the breathtaking majesty of Mt. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake looking skyward.
7) The Bailey Trail, India
Named after British officer Lt. Col. Bailey commissioned to survey the Arunachal-Tibet border over a hundred years back, this trail is historic. It goes from the rustic countryside in Arunachal Pradesh right up to the 4,700 m high Tse La Pass. Pad through remote jungles of oak, cedar, fir, and pine, over mountain passes, and past old army bunkers.
Camp near a vivid, tranquil glacial lake and see pristine Himalayan peaks like Gorichen (6,538 m), Nyegyi Kangsang (7,047 m) and Kangto (7,097 m) in all their spectacular finery.
Discover rugged, unparalleled splendor
The Eastern Himalayas are a swathe of snow-capped crests ever ready to drop a secret or two. Home to India’s highest and the world’s third-highest peak, Mount Kangchenjunga (8,586 m) or The Five Treasures of the High Snow, these lofty massifs are dotted with a plethora of inviting trails.
So put on your trekking shoes, throw on your woolens, grab your cameras and cell phones, and head out!
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