With the onset of summer, what better time for hoisting backpacks and disappearing into the wilderness? ParentsWorld presents a list of the country’s Top 10 trekking destinations For outdoor enthusiasts and free spirits, trekking/hiking along untrodden ways is the best way to explore nature in its most pristine form. Walking through swathes of green forest, traversing hill and dales, fording streams in hidden valleys provides rushes of adrenalin, which packaged five-star holidays can never match. Hardened trekkers are ever ready to swear that Wordsworthian ambles through lonely woods rejuvenate mind, body and soul beyond compare. But although cross-country treks are fast gaining popularity with young India, it’s useful to bear in mind that they require great reserves of energy, stamina, and the ability to rough it in the great outdoors. Far from the creature comforts of starred hotels, smart eateries and glitzy shopping malls, trekking trails deep in the wilds of untamed nature offer exhilarating, yet arduous, satisfaction. But to make cross-country experiences enjoyable and mishap-free, trekkers need to be well-equipped. A must-have is a sturdy and comfortable backpack which can store clothing, sleeping bags, camping gear, basic cutlery, non-perishable snacks, water, toiletries, etc. Comfortable hiking boots and a first-aid kit are also a sine qua non. For beginners a one-day hike is a good starting point which, with the acquisition of learning-by-doing experience, can be extended to half-week and seven-day trekking expeditions. Moreover it’s important to understand that trekking is usually a group activity to be undertaken only in designated trekking areas. One of the world’s most popular trekking destinations is located in India — the Himalayas. The lofty, mystical mountains sprawl over 2,560 km covering the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Nagaland and attract legions of trekkers from around the world. Down south, away from the mighty Himalayas too, there are the alluring trekking trails of the Sahyadri mountain range. The Aravali hills along the western seaboard of India also offer exciting trekking/hiking options. With the onset of summer, what better time for hoisting backpacks and disappearing into the wilderness? ParentsWorld offers a guide of the country’s Top 10 trekking destinations. 1. Ladakh: Tso Moriri-Kibber trek Sited at breathtaking and often mind-bending altitudes of 11,500 ft-plus, Ladakh’s stark, icy mountain-scapes offer challenging trekking options. The region attracts over 500,000 domestic and foreign tourists annually, drawn by the district’s towering peaks, wind-swept valleys, icy deserts, and ancient Buddhist monasteries. Several travel agencies offer trekking packages and rent equipment such as rucksacks, tents, feather jackets, etc against security deposits. Among Ladakh’s most frequented trekking trails is the Tso Moriri-Kibber trek. The base point for this trek is Korzok village near the Tso Moriri Lake around 240 km from Leh, the admin capital of the district. The Tso Moriri-Kibber trek is usually of ten days duration (including two days of road travel). Trekkers converge at Leh and drive to Tso Moriri lake via Chuma Thang, famous for its bubbling hot springs. Spending…
