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A trek to the Himalayas is surely one thing on the bucket list of every other trekker. If you're an adrenaline junkie looking to plan the best trek of your life, then you're in for a treat. Not only is trekking an adventurous activity, but getting away from the urban rush and work-from-home schedules is sure to feel refreshing. We’ve jotted down some of the best treks in the Himalayas in April, so you can plan the most anticipated trek of your lifetime!
Also read: Things To Pack For A High Altitude Himalayan Trek
You don’t always have to be atop the peak of a mountain to experience its glory, and there’s no better trek that proves this than the Goechala trek. This trek gives you a stunning view of the grand Mount Khangchendzonga, and 14 other grand summits besides it! The Goechala trek is located in Sikkim, and is one of the most stunning North Eastern Himalayan treks. La actually means “pass”, and though your trek doesn’t take you all the way to the Goecha Pass, it takes you to Dzongri, from where you can see the Khangchendzonga in all its glory.
The Goechala trek covers 65.7 kms in around 10-11 days, making its way through the Kanchenjunga National Park. You will reach Dzongri on Day 5, which is the first viewing point from where you can see Mount Khangchendzonga. View Point One is when you reach maximum altitude at 15,100 feet, which you will reach on around Day 7. You will be able to see a sunrise hitting the Khangchendzonga from both these spots; a sight that will take your breath away.
Your route is full of excitement and the beauty of nature; feel your heart race as you cross three suspension bridges over deep gorges, admire the monastery sitting at 9,500 feet in Tshoka and marvel at the mirror to the sky that is the Samiti lake. Spring means new life is blooming everywhere, and this is best experienced on the stretch from Tshoka (9,701 ft) to Phedang (12,083 ft). This is the Rhododendron belt; lined with these massive trees all in bloom, you walk in a tunnel of color with the red, yellow, white and scarlet flowers overhead and underfoot.
You are likely to find patches of hardened snow above 10,000 feet, though daytime temperatures hover around 15°C. It can drop by 5° if it rains in the day. Nighttime temperatures can drop to as low as 1°C, and sometimes to a few degrees below zero at higher altitudes.
The Goechala Trek is a difficult one; the trails are well-laid and clear-cut, but it involves a steady ascent. Plus, doing it in April means you will have to sleep through the cold at night. The Lamuney campsite is the coldest, and is constantly buffeted by winds. Layering up is of the utmost importance. There’s an altitude gain of nearly 10,000 feet, and some days you will ascend as much as 4,000 feet within a single day. This can lead to Acute Mountain Sickness, which is something you must know about so you can spot symptoms at the earliest.
Additionally, the trek only has one exit point, which is also your starting point at Yuksom. Wanting to exit means having to turn back and retrace your way down; the farther you’ve climbed, the harder it is to exit. Tsoka and Dongri are ideal campsites to turn back; if you feel uneasy and exhibit signs of AMS, do not proceed with the trek. Overall, you definitely need a high level of endurance and trekking experience to attempt this trek. Prior experience of trekking in the Himalayas is recommended.
Your trek starts at Yuksom in Sikkim, which is accessible from three locations in West Bengal. Trains ply to New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri, while the Bagdogra Airport is your best choice when flying. From Siliguri, head to Jorethang, from where you can catch a bus or book a taxi to Yuksom.
A summit trek that you can cover within a weekend: sounds unrealistic? The Nag Tibba trek is perfect for several reasons; it is near Mussoorie and easily accessible, there’s great views, beginners can attempt it and it’s all doable within 2 days. You get to witness amazing sunsets and the Kedarnath peak as you climb up one side of the mountain and down the other.
You will cover a distance of 16 kms over 2 days, and you will reach a maximum altitude of 9,914 feet. The Nag Tibba trek has multiple routes, and the one you take depends on the trek organizer you go with. The trek almost always starts from Panthwari, a 6-hour drive away from Dehradun. While on the route, you can see the Bandarpoonch Peak, the Gangotri Peaks, the Changabang Peaks and the Doon Valley. Your trek starts with a rocky ascent that soon gives way to a shady, green grove. Look out for the gorgeous rhododendrons!
Daytime temperatures are around 20-25°C, which drops to around 10°C at night. Your route is circular, which means you are constantly trekking through new terrain and don’t have to retrace your steps when completing the second-half of the trek. However, this final call is made by the group leader after assessing weather conditions and the health of the group.
The Nag Tibba trek is considered to be relatively unknown, but due to its easy access and low difficulty level, it is definitely opted for by beginners a lot. However, since the trek can be attempted at practically any time of the year, you don’t have to worry about a peak season and too many tourists at one time.
Nag Tibba brings the joy of trekking to everyone, irrespective of how small or how inexperienced you are. With no worries about Acute Mountain Sickness, Nag Tibba can be attempted by practically anyone, including kids above 10 years of age. However, getting in a little exercise and fitness training beforehand would definitely be beneficial. Don’t underestimate the frigidity that comes with low temperatures, and layer up well before the trek. Ask your trek organizer if there’s any trekking gear that you’ll need or would be beneficial, since this will make it easy on you.
The Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport, and the Shatabdi and Nanda Devi Express trains connect Delhi to Dehradun by rail. Your trek organizers may or may not arrange for transportation from Dehradun to Panthwari. If you happen to be making the journey independently, take a bus or cab to Nainbagh from Dehradun, a 3.5-hour drive away, from where you can get a cab to Panthwari.
Pangarchulla is not for the weak-willed. A difficult trek with a maximum altitude of 15,069 feet, the Pangarchulla Peak trek is sure to flood your veins with an adrenaline rush. The trek also has a small window when people can attempt it, and that is the month of April. Challenging, the Pangarchulla Trek rewards you with unbeatable views of snow-capped mountains and multiple grand peaks.
The Pangarchulla Peak Trek is a 5-7 day trek and is best done in April; due to it being spring, the meadows and most of your trek path is filled with fresh blooms, but the hardened snow closer to the summit is just enough for you to successfully scale past the boulders. It weaves through the Nanda Devi National Park in Uttarakhand. The day time temperatures will be around 15 °C, and at night the temperatures can drop to as low as -5 °C.
Your trek starts from a small village called Dhak, in the Garhwal region. While the trek takes you through some gorgeous landscapes dotted with rhododendron trees, the summit day is a challenge to be conquered. Summiting the peak requires strength and patience, as you have to make your way up between jagged boulders on snow. The snow icing over can make it extremely slippery, while your feet can easily sink into light powder snow. Traversing this stretch safely is of the utmost importance as a slip or a misstep can lead to grievous injury.
This trek is difficult, challenging you physically and mentally, and is not to be attempted by beginners or intermediate level trekkers. Prior trekking in the Himalayas is necessary, and it is even better if you’ve previously trekked in snow. You climb nearly 3,000 feet on the very first day itself, immediately introducing yourself to the risk of catching AMS. Closely monitor your symptoms, and inform the trek organizers as soon as you begin to feel uneasy. Luckily, there are a lot of exit points on the Pangarchulla Trek, since there are a lot of trails around.
Make your way to the city of Delhi, from where you can take a flight, train or bus/taxi to Dehradun. We would recommend a flight, since it is the quickest option. From Dehradun, take a cab to Joshimath, which is a 9.5-hour drive away.
A trek that summits a mountain is thrilling, with breathtaking views, but a trek that leads to a lush valley can also offer the same experience! The Har Ki Dun Trek in Uttarakhand has an end that is just as rewarding as the journey; you’ll see lush green meadows, beautiful wildflowers all in bloom, snow patches, and warm days that turn into cold, snug nights. All of these lead to the amazing Har Ki Dun Valley, where you can pitch your tent next to a river and sleep under a blanket of stars.
The Har Ki Dun trek takes 8 days, and you will reach a maximum altitude of 11,811 feet. You will cover a distance of 54 kms in total on this trek. March to June and September to January are the two seasons when you can do this trek. The March to June months are certainly more popular, but since there are the other months as well, you needn’t jostle with the full brunt of tourists wanting to go on this trek.
Your trail is well-marked out and clearly visible since it is traversed so often. The trail is easy, and this trek can even be attempted alone without a trek guide. However, never stray off the path, and opt for a guide if this is your first attempt at a big, multi-day trek. While the path and terrain is easy, you start off at 6,900 feet and ascend 3,000 feet within the first 2 days itself. Be on the lookout for AMS symptoms.
This trek can be attempted by beginners, but only with prior exercise and strength-building exercises. As mentioned, your path is easy and the terrain is not challenging, least of all in the month of April. But you can easily get winded with the amount of ground you’ll be covering each day, making it easier for AMS to set in. This trek only has one exit point: Taluka, the point from where you start. It goes in a loop which means the longer you’ve been on the route, the more you have to retrace your steps.
Make your way via flight, train or road to Dehradun, from where you can take a taxi or a bus to Sankri. It will take you 9 hours to reach Sankri, from where you can take a taxi to Taluka.
What Is The Best Time To Visit The Himalayas?
The climate in the Himalayas varies according to the elevation. The foothills are generally at their best from March to May and September to November, when neither snow nor rain are buffeting it.
Which Is The Highest Level Of Trekking According To Difficulty?
High altitude trekking that goes above 15,000 feet, coupled with difficult terrain and weather conditions is one of the most difficult treks. These treks may also include up to 10 or more hours a day of trekking.
Which Is The Toughest Trek In India?
India has not one, but multiple treks that are considered to be its toughest. Some of these are the Auden’s Col (Uttarakhand), Chadar Trek (Ladakh), the Pin Parvati Pass (Himachal Pradesh and the Stok Kangri trek (Ladakh).
Is Trekking Difficult?
Any trek difficulty depends on the terrain and altitude, as well as the season in which you undertake the trek. Plus, anyone who has been training or is experienced will find the route easier than someone who is an amateur.
How Do You Train For Himalayas Trekking?
Certain essentials for Himalayan trek training include cardio training, stamina and strength building, leg strength and flexibility.
What Are The Dangers Of The Himalayas?
High altitude regions are known for erratic weather, which means some trek routes can be in danger of sudden hail or snowfall. The snow can make for challenging terrain, as hard snow is slippery and soft snow is easy to sink through.
What Should I wear For Trekking?
Comfortable and sturdy clothes are a must, and layering is very important if you’re trekking in low temperatures. While easier treks can be done with a comfy pair of shoes and socks, more challenging treks may require specific shoes to be worn alongside some gear to be carried.
Is There Snow In Kedarkantha In April?
The month of April is when the snow starts to shed in Kedarnath. This makes it the perfect time to plan a trek to Kedarnath.
