In light of the recent evacuation of tourists from Jammu and Kashmir, we called off all our Kashmir treks for the year 2019.

As alternatives, we opened up special batches to treks in Himachal and Uttarakhand for our Kashmir trekkers. We have opened up the Pin Bhaba Pass trek (ends in Spiti), the Hampta Pass trek (ends in Lahaul) and the Brahmatal Trek (Uttarakhand).

Interestingly, we have been receiving several calls about whether Himachal, Uttarakhand or Delhi have been affected by the recent events in J&K.

We’re writing this update to reassure you that the situation in J&K has not affected our treks in Himachal and Uttarakhand whatsoever.

We chose these particular treks so that trekkers face no problems in changing their flight or bus tickets. And most trekkers are finding it fairly easy to replan their travel around these treks.

Some of you are worried that you may not get a refund for your flight ticket. But if your trek is around 2-3 weeks later, we suggest waiting it out for a few more days. Most airlines have been refunding tickets so far, and are likely to continue doing so because of pressure from the government.

Himachal and Uttarakhand treks not affected by rain either 

All our team members are currently in Manali or Uttarakhand. Our treks to Hampta Pass, Bhrigu Lake, Beas Kund and Pin Bhaba Pass are running as scheduled. Even the Valley of Flowers trek has been running well.

Trekkers are also going to Nag Tibba and Pundrik Lake as scheduled.

The weather is a little wet, but nothing you cannot manage with rainwear and a rain cover on your backpack. Here are some tips to help you trek like a pro in rains!

Is Brahmatal a good trek to do in monsoon? 

This is a doubt many trekkers have, as we have been running this trek mostly in winter. But Brahmatal is an all-season trek that we dearly love at Indiahikes.

We believe this trek offers the best views of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Devi — two revered mountains in the Garhwal Himalayas. Take a look at this video that our co-founder, Sandhya, shares from the Brahmatal summit. She also jots down her experience on the trek, about how the trek took her back to Roopkund.

As for seeing this trek in monsoon, this is what our founder, Arjun Majumdar has to say.

“It is true we have never run the Brahmatal trek in monsoon earlier. Traditionally, during the monsoon, we would close all our Uttarakhand treks and move to Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh.

This year we have opened up the Brahmatal trek for trekkers during monsoon. I admit, closure of our Kashmir treks triggered it quicker, but opening the Brahmatal trek during monsoon was always on the cards.

What makes Brahmatal a great trek during monsoon?

Brahmatal comes alive in monsoon! Flowers sprout all along the trail. The forests are green and deep. The meadows on the top are like endless carpets of rolling grass — with their sculpted undulations.

The views of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti are something else to watch out for. In fact, the views can make any photographer go jelly in their knees. This is perhaps the trek with the best views of these majestic mountains.

Later, the experience of camping near Brahmatal and Khorurai is magical. The lakes of Bekaltal and Brahmatal are also sights to see.

I would strongly recommend that trekkers don’t hesitate. but go ahead and experience Brahmatal in monsoon. It is an untouched trail with hardly any trekkers (at least not yet). The beauty of the trail in this season will touch you deeply.

It is like doing the neighbouring Valley of Flowers trek but with a lot more to experience, and without the humongous crowds on the trail.”

So that’s about our Himachal and Uttarakhand treks. Drop in a comment if you have any more questions!