'India’s lost trails': Secret Himalayan treks every adventurer must do once

Produced by: Manoj Kumar

Waterfall wonder

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Floral heaven

[{"selector":"#anim-cb3cf483-acc1-418d-aff1-e7b640d95870 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.180297283572294%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Valley of Flowers blooms into a psychedelic carpet of alpine flora, crowned by the glacial Hemkund Lake. Recognized by UNESCO, it’s a monsoon marvel between July and September.

Rappel rush

[{"selector":"#anim-334026a5-9b28-4c6c-a610-91d4040da75f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.84215305919916%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Buran Ghati blends serene meadows and adrenaline, ending in a snow wall rappel at 15,000 ft. The route echoes with village life and icy adventure.

Winter magic

[{"selector":"#anim-9a2ad8b5-293c-46b9-a0dd-af0a664cdccc [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(22.085673987920327%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Kedarkantha is a snowy dreamscape with glowing campsites and a sunrise summit view that makes its short trek one of India’s most popular winter escapes.

Double world

[{"selector":"#anim-2b11f591-943b-4fcd-80fc-21186251976f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(23.63578664205344%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Hampta Pass surprises trekkers with a shift from green Kullu to stark Spiti. Think river crossings, high-altitude deserts, and high drama in five days.

Cultural climb

[{"selector":"#anim-6b9250b7-f8fe-42d2-a14a-3d78c729281d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-13.12248478686896%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Chandrakhani Pass takes you through open meadows and into Himachali heritage. Visit mystical Malana and Rumsu for a soul-trekking experience.

Myth lake

[{"selector":"#anim-60f226b9-3d8c-4270-bcbb-f80de1e12d4c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(30.62744128869807%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Bhrigu Lake lies at 14,000 ft, shimmering with legends. Trek past wildflower meadows and into clouds that part for grand Himalayan views near Manali.

Peak parade

[{"selector":"#anim-ff919dd7-7839-4c46-a6bb-7d40a4d5ec88 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-36.132812415854445%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Kuari Pass offers a horizon dotted with India’s highest peaks—Nanda Devi, Kamet, and more—plus dense oak forests and golden ridgelines underfoot.

Kashmir’s crown

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