October is one of the best seasons for trekking in India. The weather is decently warm during the days and chilly at night. We encounter haze-free and clear skies, little to no weather interference, and vibrant colours of the autumn. It is usually less crowded and is perfect for adventurers who favour solitude.
Here is a list of best treks in October especially tailored for adventure enthusiasts:
The Kedartal trek is ideal for adrenaline junkies. It is a challenging trek on steep and rough terrain. Yet it pays off manifolds in return with its serene and secluded beauty. The trek climbs up to the glacial Kedartal lake, which sits amidst a cauldron of several mighty mountains. The pristine lake reflects the scenery of the mountains like a polished mirror.
The trail is void of any human trace at this colossal altitude of 15,580ft. You get to experience the 360° panorama of Mt Thalaysagar, Mt Bhrigupanth, Manda Parvat, Mt Jogin and Mt Gangotri.
During Autumn, you can observe the picture-worthy exhibition of amber, auburn and orange. The Kedar Kharak campsite offers you the enchanting sight of orange-hued shrubs on the sides of the mountains.
The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is deemed to be the most gratifying trekking experience. The trek starts at the holy town of Gangotri and takes you to the source of the river Ganga, the Gaumukh glacier.
The Hindu Mythology believes Gangotri to be the place where Bhagirath worshipped Lord Shiva. It is said to be close to the centre of the universe and the axis of the Earth. This is also believed to be the place where The Holy Ganga descended the earth.
During the trek, Mt Shivling, Mt Meru and the Bhagirathi sisters keep you close company. The holy valley offers you the tranquil atmosphere and inner peace your heart yearns for.
The Har Ki Dun trek is the most sought-after trek during the autumn months, courtesy of its vibrant and splendid visuals.
On the trek, you can experience the culture and life in the cut-off Himalayan villages. Har Ki Dun valley is also blessed with flourishing flora and fauna. You may encounter Langoor families near Puani Garaat, Barasingha, Black bears, and wild boars. The trail ensures soothing sights of deodar trees in their fall coats.
The valley offers stunning visuals of the stairway to heaven, Swargarohini Peak, Garhwal Himalaya and Ruinsara Tal.
India has only a handful of ridge treks. Phulara Ridge Trek in Uttarakhand is the best of them all during the autumn season.
Ridge is a top edge where the two sloping sides of a mountain meet. Trekking on it is eerily similar to walking on the edge of a knife. The thrill you seek on this trek is unparalleled as you’re at an altitude of 12,000 ft for a day’s worth of trek (4-5 hours).
The trail features ever-changing landscapes, as one side of the mountain sweeps down into the valley and the other into expansive meadows. You have a 250° panorama of snow-capped mountains including Kedarkantha and Swargrohini, throughout.
The region is rich in fauna with dense alpine deciduous forests of Maple, chir, pine and oak trees.
The Brahmatal Trek is composed of the Bekaltal Lake and the Brahmatal Lake, at a height of 10,440 ft. It is believed to have served as a meditation ground for Lord Brahma.
The trek to Brahmatal entails walking through the alpine forests of Oak, Rhododendron and Fir. During the trek, you walk on the ridgeline which often feels like an extended summit. During the trek, You will also encounter the magnificent Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nandaghunti.
The campsite at Tilandi offers a stunning view of the sunset and sunrise. Alongside the Himalayan landscape rolling out on both sides.
The autumn ensures a scenic view of a dark canopy of the rhododendron and oak trees. As the trees start shedding their leaves, you can experience a distinct crunch in your step.
Standing at an altitude of 11,950 feet, Sandakphu lies on the Indo-Nepal border. You have the most splendid view of the Everest cluster on your left. And the world’s third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga, on your right accompanied by its family of peaks. This glorious family of peaks is also called The Sleeping Buddha.
October is a popular time for trekkers and tourists to visit this region. As in autumn, it is easier to spot birds on the trail. The haze-free air offers an awe-inspiring view of the faraway peaks. Constantly hovering on the Indo-Nepal border makes this trek an extraordinary cultural experience.
Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal are two of India’s most popular alpine meadows. Mt Trishul and Mt Nandaghunti loom over the meadows with their unwavering grandeur.
It is a moderate trek with steep ascents and descents as you climb to an altitude of 11,686 feet.
The trail is surrounded by dense rhododendron and oak forests clinging to the slopes. The sunlight falls at charming angles on these forests, giving you a magical Disney-esque feel.
In autumn, the alpine meadows turn into beautiful greenish-orange velvety carpets. The monsoon washes away the clouds, leaving the skies squeaky clean, providing a rare and clear view of the mountains.
Deo Tibba base camp trek is an alluring trek in the Manali region with an altitude of about 15000ft. The trail takes you through the amber forests of fir, pine, oak, spruce, and silver birches set against a bewitching landscape.
Trekkers can enjoy lavish visuals of several snow-capped mountains like Deo Tibba, Norbu Peak & Jagatsukh Peak. The jade blue Chotta Chandrataal lake at the base of Deo Tibba peak is the highlight of a trek.
Satopanth Tal is a secluded glacier lake at an altitude of 15100 ft, amidst the Garhwal region. Mount Chaukhamba, Mount Neelkantha, Mount Swargarohini and Mount Balakun neighbours the enchanting lake.
Satopanth Lake is a religious destination for the locals. According to Hindu Mythology Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara meditated on its three corners. Some say that post-Mahabharata, the Pandavas took the route from Mana village to the Swargarohini glacier(stairways to heaven) via the Satopanth Tal.
The trail to Satopanth lake takes you through hundreds of shimmering waterfalls including Vasundhara waterfall and ones in Sahastradhara. Trekking on the banks of Alaknanda, Lakshmi van forest and Chakratirtha meadow is a divine experience.
Pangarchulla is an amphitheatre for the entire Garhwal Range. Situated at a humble altitude of 4,590m, Pangarchulla gives you the real taste of high mountain trekking at a comfortably low altitude.
This is an ideal trek for someone looking to climb and train for 6000m or higher Himalayan peaks in the future.
The summit day of the Pangarchulla Trek is notorious for being very difficult. Yet, the visuals from the summit route are worth the strenuous trek. You get to observe mountains like Mt. Nanda Devi, Mt. Kamet, and Mt. Chaukhamba in their full glory.
In October, the terrain is predominantly rocky with bits of snow sprinkled across the landscape.
If you’re looking to take a trekking trip in India in October, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
1. Pack appropriately
If you are heading out in higher altitudes, you will need to make sure that your clothes and gear pack are adequately warm. The nights can be very cold at this time of year and you’ll also want to stay dry as the rain is a possibility at all times during the monsoon season.
2. Know your limits
Be honest with yourself about your fitness level and abilities. There are a lot of difficult treks in India that are best attempted by experienced trekkers only. If you’re not up for a challenge, stick to easier trails.
3. Choose your destination wisely
Some treks are more popular during the October months than others. The ideal time to visit places like Kashmir, Leh and Ladakh are actually from mid-July to early October, before the winter sets in. But for other places like Sikkim, the best time to visit is actually after the rains have stopped.
4. Start early
It’s always a good idea to start your trekking day as early as possible. This way, you can avoid the heat of the day and also get a head start on any bad weather that might roll in later in the day.
If you’re planning to take a trekking trip in India this October, keep these tips in mind and you’ll be sure to have an amazing time!
