With shorter winters, spring comes early. Gear up, because it will be soon time to stretch your legs and fill your lungs with the much-needed fresh mountain air. What better than the gravelly and grassy trails or even arduous treks in Himachal Pradesh? The gorgeous state has got them all. Whether you like to hike alone or do a fun hike with friends, it doesn't matter. These hiking trails in Himachal Pradesh hold great talents of morphing into whatever you feel is best for you. Be it sitting in calm solitude, overlooking the snow-covered Himalayan ranges or huddled in group, trying to pitch a tent or four, what counts is what makes you, a traveller, happy.
The tourist-friendly village of Tosh is a familiar (read extremely loved) name to many. Gateway to Pin Parvati Pass, Tosh Village lies at the end of the Parvati Valley, a valley known for its natural beauty. Alpine forest, gurgling streams, chill in the air, pretty hiking trails that pass through tiny hamlets and a trickling of Tosh River that feeds the larger Parvati River, all these make for a pretty sight and feel. The trek is easy and you will come across many places to rest. Either pitch a tent in the neighbouring meadows or go for a quaint homestay, accommodation is not going to be a problem.
Kasol. Parvati Valley. If you know these places or have heard of them at least, you did good. Now let's talk about exploring a bit further. These places are beautiful and why would any one want to leave the already beautiful location. But why not? If you are in Kasol, head towards Bharsaini village, the starting point of the trek to Kheer Ganga. When you are doing this trek, you won't have to worry about fooding and lodging. Thanks to the popularity of this destination, you will find a lot of eateries on your way up and there are accommodation options. All you need to do is travel light and enjoy the sights. Enroute you will cross tiny villages and also plenty of hot springs for a soothing dip after a long trek. This is Parvati Kund for you. The trek is moderate, doable even for beginners. The majestic view of the mountains, the green expanse of rolling hills is what that pulls regular trekkers and hikers.
This trek starts from Manali. En route you will come across Chika, your first stop. How about a dip in one of the many hot water springs in this place?The trek forward will take you to Balu ka Ghera from where you can get a spectacular view of the Dhauladhar ranges. The trek is filled with pretty flowering meadows and beautiful ravines. An eight-to-ten-hour trek through rolling hills will bring you to Hampta Pass. Keep an eye out for grazing sheeps. Makes a wonderful mental picture, don't they From here you will get a good view of Pir Panjal range. This is on the way to Chandra Taal, a lake that is shaped like the moon, hence the name. The turquoise lake, the immediate gentle surrounding, the blue skies and the pristine mountain air is a sure way to kill any residual stress that most city dwellers know all too well. This is an easy trek.
This one's difficult and you'll need to give it a week's time. The trek starts from the tiny village of Kafnu in Bhabha valley. A walk through orchards and meadows will bring you to Mulling, your first stop. From Mulling, your trek to Kara will require you to cross a river. The natural beauty that is, Kinnaur and Spiti is just a gaze away from here. To reach Bhabha Pass from Kara, you'll have to go through Phustirang. Way up to Bhabha Pass is a steep one and covered in snow. What's all this for, you ask? For as far as the eyes can see, from this point onwards you will be able to get a spectacular view of many mountain passes, one of which is the popular Pin Parvati Pass. Arduous for sure, but more than the destination, it's the journey that matters after all. A journey that includes breathtaking river views and long walks across meadows filled with wild flowers. And all these at 16000 plus feet. Who's not excited?