India is quite famous for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. Different parts of the country have their own distinct geographical features, and are equally famous for the amazing trips that they offer. This article gives an overview of some bucket list trips in the country.
Leh Ladakh Bike trip:
One of the most sought after bike trips in the country, the Leh Ladakh bike trip is every biker’s dream. An adventurous and thrilling bike trip through the swirling roads along the rugged terrains and cold deserts of Ladakh is something that every nature lover looks up to. The route typically covers the Sham Valley, Khardung la, Nubra valley, Pangong and Chang la. Besides the beautiful landscapes all along the way, one also gets a chance to familiarise with the rich tradition and cultural heritage of the region. This route is mainly known for places like the Pangong lake (world’s highest saltwater lake), the Khardung la Pass (world’s highest all season motor-able road), the Cyclop’s hill (famously known as the Magnetic Hill) along with the spectacular beauty of the snow laden mountains, valleys, rivers and streams. Another special feature of this trip is that one gets to witness the dynamic geography of the region- from mountains to forests to deserts, along with streams and waterfalls.
Sandakphu trek, West Bengal:
Lying at the edge of the Singalila National Park with an altitude of about 3,636 metres, the Sandakphu mountain peak is best known for its panoramic views to some of the tallest mountain peaks in the world, including Mount Everest. One of the most famous treks in the country, the Sandakphu trek offers stunning views to the Kanchenjunga peak (third highest peak in the world) along with its family of peaks (which include the Kumbhakarna and Kumbhakarna East, the Rathong peak, the Goecha peak and Mount Pandim to name a few), Mount Lhotse and Mount Makalu. A moderately difficult trek, the Sandakphu trek with its exceptional views of the mountains and valleys ought to be in the bucket list of every nature lover. The challenges that it poses also makes it one of the most desirable treks among trekkers and mountaineers.
Chadar trek, Ladakh:
A winter trail over the frozen Zanskar river, the Chadar trek in Ladakh is undoubtedly one of the most difficult and challenging treks in the country. The adventure and thrill that this trek offers is enough of a reason to make it a bucket list trip for every trekker and mountaineer. Being a long and strenuous one, this trek definitely requires some level of physical endurance and relevant skills. The harsh climatic conditions at such a high altitude make the trek an even more difficult one. Overall, the Chadar trek is not at all favourable for the faint hearted. Another special feature of this trek is that one gets to witness the unique and distinctive geography of Ladakh.
Manali to Leh bike trip:
An adventurous bike trip starting from the beautiful lush green valleys of Himachal Pradesh and covering the rugged terrains and cold deserts of Ladakh, the Manali to Leh bike trip is another very popular bike trip in the country. This trip has its own charm and appeal, and is definitely a nature lover’s delight. The ride starts from the valleys of Manali, and proceeds through the Solang Valley, Gata loops, the Pangong lake (world’s highest saltwater lake), the Cyclop’s hill (popularly known as the Magnetic Hill), confluence of the Indus and Zanskar river, and several high altitude mountain passes like the Khardung la and Lachung la, Rohtang la and Baralacha la. The entire route is filled with changing landscapes, and is undoubtedly a bucket list trip for every biker.
Kedarkantha trek, Uttarakhand:
Forming the core of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve with an altitude of about 4,100 metres in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand is the magnificent Kedarkantha peak of the Garhwal Himalayas. Another popular trek in the Himalayas, the Kedarkantha trek is best known for its stunning views to a total of 13 Himalayan peaks. A classic winter trek, the Kedarkantha trek lets one witness the breathtaking beauty of the snow laden mountains and grasslands especially during the winters, when most of the other Himalayan treks become inaccessible due to heavy snow and adverse weather conditions. It is one of the few treks in the Himalayas which can be visited almost throughout the entire year, except the monsoons. One of the most beautiful treks in the Himalayas, the Kedarkantha trek is definitely a bucket list trip for every nature lover.