For the past 16 years at Indiahikes, we have noticed many mountain terms being tossed around in conversations—sometimes correctly, but more often incorrectly. 

This is why we are creating The Trek Glossary series, where we break down one mountain term at a time. These are quick reads, but they contain accurate information that will help you understand mountain terminology. 

Today, I will dedicate my piece to explaining what a moraine is.

What is moraine? At what altitude do you find moraines in Himalayan treks?

What is a Moraine? At What Altitude Do You Find Moraines in Himalayan Treks?

If you have traversed along the way to the Gaumukh glacier on the Gaumukh Tapovan trek, then you have already experienced a moraine section! We rarely trek on glaciers but often trek on their moraines. 

A moraine is a geological landform created by a mixture of clay, sand, rocks, and mountain debris. It can be formed when a glacier melts and leaves behind a load of this mixture (also known as glacial till). This mixture consists of rock fragments ranging from silt-sized flour to large boulders, with shapes varying from sub-angular to rounded.

We usually see glacial moraines only on very high treks, climbing above 13,000–14,000 ft, where glaciers are seen.

How is a moraine formed?

The main reason behind the formation of moraines is the movement and melting of glaciers. The process is dynamic, evolving with the glacier's movement, size, and surrounding terrain.

Additionally, moraine formations are not static. They keep evolving due to three factors, mainly the seasonal melting of glaciers, climate change, and natural disasters (e.g., landslides and earthquakes). These three factors alter the composition and position of moraines.

I will break down the formation of moraine in three stages.

A three-stage process of Moraine formation

The process starts with glaciers acting as natural bulldozers, moving slowly but powerfully over the landscape. So, what happens as they advance? Glaciers move against mountains and valleys, grinding rocks into fragments of different sizes. The glacier carries these fragments, ranging from massive boulders to fine silt.

When a glacier melts or retreats, the debris it carries is deposited as unsorted material. It ranges from large boulders to smaller rocks and fine particles. Another kind of deposition could be irregular or ridged terrain. The shape of a moraine depends on the glacier’s path.

Typically, the till deposited is loose in composition. Over time, it compacts and takes on a more solid formation as it settles.

What are the types of moraines? 

Moraines are categorised into five types based on their position relative to the glacier. Each type of moraine gives an idea of its interaction with the surrounding environment: 

A lateral moraine is a ridge that is formed along the sides of glaciers. It is formed as glaciers scrape off rock, soil, and debris from the valley walls. These ridges provide a clear picture of how the glacier sculpts the landscape as it advances.

When two glaciers merge, debris from their lateral moraines combines to form a medial moraine. This material, consisting of rock and debris, accumulates in the centre of the glacier formed by this collision. And if this glacier melts, the remains form a long ridge in the middle of a valley.

This moraine gives us valuable insights into the furthest extent of a glacier's historical reach. It marks the maximum point reached before the glacier begins to retreat. As the glacier melts, it leaves behind a ridge of deposited material.

In contrast to more prominent ridges, the ground moraine consists of thin layers of debris. These formations occur directly underneath a glacier by tiny streams. Typically, they create rolling hills or irregular terrain, which contrasts with the more defined ridges of terminal moraines.

According to National Geographic: “Ground moraines are the most common type of moraine and can be found on every continent”.

Supraglacial Moraine occurs on the glacier's surface. Lateral and medial moraines can be supraglacial moraines. It is formed from debris, such as rocks and material from avalanches, that accumulates on top of the ice. 

For those studying glacial formations, Gaumukh Tapovan is an excellent site to observe supraglacial moraines in detail.

Treks where you’ll navigate through moraine

Below I will list the 10 most popular treks in the Indian Himalayas that allow you to navigate through a moraine section. Some of them are really challenging while others are comparatively easier. 

Gaumukh Tapovan: Moraine sections are significant along the way to the Gaumukh Glacier, especially between Tapovan and the glacier itself. Lateral and terminal moraines dominate this route.

Nafran Valley: Created from the Kolahoi glacier, lateral moraines can be seen often lining the trail. These are observed along the trail from Harnag to Harbhagwan Lake.

Pin Bhabha Pass: Noticeable lateral moraine sections are present between the Phutsirang campsite and Bwalder. 

Warwan Valley: The trail from Dinora to Kalapari includes ground moraine and some medial sections. The moraine is created because of the Bracken glacier.

Everest Base Camp (EBC): The route to EBC showcases visible medial and terminal moraines starting at Labouche, close to Gokyo Lake and Chola Pass. Views of moraines can also be encountered at Kalapathar.

Kedartal Trek: Expect to see recessional and lateral moraine landscapes from Gangotri onwards. 

Hampta Pass: Ground and lateral moraines emerge near Balu ka Gera to Shea Goru.

Kashmir Great Lakes (KGL):  Lateral moraines & boulders predominantly surround the lakes and passes on this trek.

Miyar Valley: Prominent ground and terminal moraine sections are evident on the final day as you approach the end of the valley.

Ala Kul Lake Trek: The Ala Kul Lake trek features three types of moraines: lateral moraines located along the valley sides, a terminal moraine near Ala-Kul Lake, and some sections of medial moraines as well (which are less prominent as compared to lateral and terminal moraines)

Techniques and essential gear to trek through moraine

Treks with moraine sections pose unique challenges due to the unstable terrain formed by glacial deposits. Moraine requires not only physical preparation but also technical gear. 

Ala kul lake trek descent from the pass. Photo by: arjun-majumdar

Moraines should be navigated with gears and shouldn’t be 

Last and most importantly, opting for full-length trekking pants is a wise decision. Choose a pair that offers resistance to abrasions, ensuring they can withstand rugged terrain (especially moraines)

Gaiters are a must for any trek involving moraine. These protective covers fit over your shoes and lower legs, preventing loose rocks, silt, and debris from getting inside. Without gaiters, the constant entry of these particles leads to discomfort, blisters, or even injuries that might halt your trek.

Our expert trek leaders advise: Trekking poles are not optional; they’re essential. Think of them as your extra set of limbs on moraine. When used correctly, poles offer unmatched stability and reduce the impact on your knees. Always remember to keep them close to your body for control and efficiency. Many trekkers make the mistake of planting poles too far ahead, leading to instability as the loose terrain shifts beneath them.

Ordinary trekking shoes won't cut it on moraine. Invest in a pair of high-traction, durable shoes that can handle sharp rocks and slippery ground. Look for soles with deep lugs for maximum grip and support. 

What shoes are perfect to navigate through moraine?

Many people have been asking this one question for quite some time. I will recommend what you should look for if you are going on a trek that involves covering a moraine section. 

High-ankle trekking shoes are a necessity. These help prevent ankle twists and offer stability on uneven surfaces.

Ensure the soles have deep grooves for a reliable grip, as worn-out soles increase the risk of slipping.

Techniques to Follow While Ascending Moraine

When ascending a moraine section of a trek, always rely on the ball of your foot (toes) rather than placing your full foot flat on the ground. Flat footing reduces your chances of finding traction, causing you to slip. Your toes offer better contact and control on small, uneven rocks.

All the trek leaders I spoke with shared one important piece of advice: make each step deliberate and controlled. Avoid rushing, as the loose terrain tends to act like a rollerblade—you push forward only to slide back. Progress slowly, and avoid standing in one place for extended periods, as this not only tires your legs but also risks destabilization.

Anchor the poles securely in the ground while keeping them close to your body for better stability. Gradually position them outward so they create a stable triangle with your feet positioned beneath you. This technique effectively distributes your weight across the poles and your legs, minimizing strain and enhancing balance as you navigate through the moriane section.

Trekkers often hesitate on steep ascents, fearing a fall. This fear can lead to stagnation, which increases the likelihood of losing balance. Keep a steady rhythm, focus on your next step, and trust your equipment.

Techniques to Follow While Descending Moraine

NEVER descend the moraine directly; this increases your speed uncontrollably, leading to falls. Instead, adopt a diagonal or sideways stance. Turning your body to face sideways minimizes the risk of slipping while giving you more control over your movement. Lead with your stronger leg to maintain stability.

While counterintuitive, a brisk descent is safer. Staying in one spot on the moraine for too long risks sinking into the unstable ground, making it harder to regain momentum. Do not rush, move confidently while maintaining control.

Place the poles slightly ahead of you, near your stronger leg. Ensure they are firmly planted before taking the next step. Poles closer to your body offer better leverage, effectively acting as an anchor in the loose terrain.

This is a technique that every trekker should follow, regardless of their level of experience. What you do is bend your knees slightly to absorb impact and prevent strain on your joints. Lean slightly back for balance, ensuring your weight is distributed evenly. Avoid locking your knees, as this restricts flexibility and increases the risk of falls.

Our observations of moraine and climate change

Moraines are a significant feature of the landscape and can be used to understand the glacial activity and the impact of climate change in the region. 

Over the last 16 years, we have witnessed dramatic landscape changes across treks like Gaumukh Tapovan. In 2022, the Gangotri Glacier revealed a load of debris. It is a stark reminder of global warming’s impact. 

These shifts underline the need to connect our trekking experiences to broader discussions about climate and geology.

Chorabari Tal (also known as Gandhi Sarovar) above Kedarnath temple is a moraine-dammed lake. In 2013, because of heavy rainfall and melting glaciers, there were glacial lake outburst floods at the lake, resulting in the infamous flash flood in Kedarnath.

FAQs

Q1: What is the difference between scree and moraine?
The primary difference between scree and moraine lies in how they are formed. Scree refers to loose rock fragments and debris that collect at the base of slopes whereas moraine is a formation of landform created by glacial till (clay, sand, rocks, and mountain debris). Unlike moraine, scree isn’t necessarily formed by glaciers but can appear in various mountain terrains. You will find a few scree sections on treks like Pin Bhaba Pass, Ala Kul, Warwan Valley and more. Trekking on scree is very challenging, because, for every two steps you take, you move a step back. 

That is all you need to know about moraine. If you have any questions you would like to ask, drop them in the comments section. I'd like to know if you have covered any moraine sections and which treks they were part of. 

Please let me know in the comments section if you want me to cover specific trek terms. I will write about them in my upcoming posts.

A moraine is a geological landform created by a mixture of clay, sand, rocks, and mountain debris. It can be formed when a glacier melts and leaves behind a load of this mixture (also known as glacial till)

What is a Moraine? Definition and Meaning 

Moraine, what is moraine?, moraine treks, gear for moraine treks, How to climb moraine, how to descend moraine

For the past 16 years at Indiahikes, we have noticed many mountain terms being tossed around in conversations, sometimes correctly, but more times incorrectly. 

We are making The Trek Glossary series, breaking down terms relevant to trekking. These are quick reads with accurate information that will help you understand mountain terminology. 

Today, I will dedicate my piece to explaining what is acclimatisation to high altitude. 

Every year, thousands of trekkers step into the Himalayas touching altitudes as high as 20,000 feet and a concerning percentage of them get affected by altitude sickness. There’s a need for awareness. 

Understanding of this term is not just limited to the trekking world. It is relevant for everyone travelling to high-altitude regions. 

What is Acclimatisation to High Altitude?

In simple terms, acclimatisation to high altitude is the process of adaptation to the lesser atmospheric pressure (barometric pressure).

There’s a science behind acclimatisation. When individuals ascend to high altitudes, the air pressure decreases, resulting in oxygen molecules being spaced farther apart. So you’re getting lesser oxygen with every breath. While the percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere remains constant at 20.8%, the body needs to adapt to the reduced air pressure. 

a. Increased heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) to improve oxygen intake.

b. The body expels excess bicarbonate (urine) as a response to imbalances caused by the decreased oxygen levels.

a. Increased production of red blood cells (RBCs) to carry more oxygen.

b. A rise in 2,3-DPG (2,3-diphospoglycerate), a compound aiding oxygen release to tissues.

a. Growth of additional blood capillaries to enhance oxygen transport.

At What Height Does Acclimatisation Become Necessary? 

Acclimatisation is a critical process for trekkers/travellers travelling to high altitudes. From what we have noticed, for most people, the effects of high altitude start becoming noticeable at elevations above 8,000 feet (approximately 2,400 meters). However, for individuals travelling from sea-level locations, acclimatisation may be necessary at altitudes as low as 5,000–6,000 feet (~1,500–1,800 meters). 

For instance, someone travelling from cities like Chennai or Mumbai to Mussoorie, which is at an elevation of 6,000 feet, could experience mild symptoms if they ascend too quickly, as the body has had insufficient time to adapt to lesser oxygen pressure.

In a conversation about acclimatisation, Diptarka Gupta, medical trainer at Indiahikes, categorically mentioned that the speed of ascent (altitude gain) plays a significant role in the need for acclimatisation. 

I will elaborate it through an example: A person travelling by air from Chennai or Mumbai (sea level locations) to Dehradun and then driving to Mussoorie within a few hours might be at risk of altitude-related issues due to the rapid altitude gain. Similarly, trekkers arriving in Manali directly from a sea-level city and heading to treks the same day are also vulnerable to altitude sickness. The ascent trajectory and origin location very much influence acclimatisation requirements.

If I go further in detail, you can compare two different treks. One instance is the Bhrigu Lake trek, where the altitude climbs rapidly—within just two days, trekkers reach Rola Kholi, which is at an altitude of approximately 12,500 feet. As a result, there more cases of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can be seen on this route. In contrast, the Hampta Pass trek also ascends to 14,000 feet (approx), yet the occurrence of AMS is much lower. This clearly shows that the pace of ascent plays a crucial role in acclimatisation.

Similarly, our previous itinerary for Kuari Pass trek involved trekkers arriving at Joshimath, then driving to Auli the next day, followed by a trek to Padiyar. This route required an ascent from 6,000 to 9,000 feet (approx)—a steep 3,000-feet climb (approx) —which led to a higher number of AMS cases. One of the key reasons we switched to an alternate route was to enhance safety and improve acclimatisation. 

Taking the time and necessary steps to acclimatise to high altitude lowers the risk of altitude sickness, but it does not eliminate the risk completely. 

How Do We Define Altitude?

Below I am sharing a diagram that gives a better understanding of how we define altitude

What are the Natural Methods for Acclimatisation?

Following these five pointers can help your body acclimatise well to high altitude.

Rest Well: Adequate rest upon reaching high altitude is essential. For instance, travellers/trekkers flying directly to Leh (elevation: ~11,000 feet) must rest on arrival before engaging in any activities. Immediate exertion can heighten the risk of altitude-related problems.

Ascend Slowly: Gradual altitude gain is the safest approach. Trekkers/climbers are advised not to increase their sleeping altitude by more than 1,000 feet (~300 meters) per day. This practice significantly helps in acclimatisation and reduces the likelihood of altitude sickness.

Climb High, Sleep Low: It is a natural acclimatisation technique. Our most experienced trek leaders advise this. This strategy involves ascending to a higher elevation during the day and descending to a lower altitude to sleep. For example, mountaineers on expeditions often transport supplies to higher camps and then descend to lower camps for the night. This is again the reason why trek leaders take trekkers through the acclimatisation walk. When you hike (with the purpose of exploring) to a slightly higher altitude and then descend, your body is getting a chance to adjusting to the altitude. It is a simple yet effective way of acclimatisation.

Good Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is crucial. Your body loses more water because of the increased rate of respiration. Water supports the efficiency of red blood cells to collect oxygen in the lungs.

A Carbohydrate-Rich Diet: A carbohydrate-rich diet is beneficial as carbohydrates are quickly metabolised and provide energy efficiently. We would never recommend High-protein and fatty foods, like meat, as the body takes longer to digest and requires more energy to break the high-protein diet.

How to Acclimatise with Diamox?

Over the years, we have noticed trekkers taking diamox (tablets) for better acclimatisation.

Acetazolamide (Diamox) helps speed up acclimatisation. Our experts have shared a note on how Diamox works as a preventive (helping acclimatisation) and curative measure.

What Happens When Your Body is Not Acclimatised? Or What Causes Altitude Sickness?

Essentially, failing to acclimatize means your body is unable to adapt to the altitude, leading to AMS symptoms

Anyone who ascends to high altitude becomes hypoxic. This is a condition which signals insufficient oxygen in the blood. 

Atmospheric pressure (barometric pressure) falls as the elevation increases. Normally, oxygen diffuses from the lung into the blood along a pressure differential. It diffuses from higher gas pressure in the lung to lower gas pressure in the blood. At high altitudes, the reduced barometric pressure lowers the oxygen pressure in the lungs, which in turn decreases the amount of oxygen that can diffuse into the bloodstream. 

To explain the point further, I will take the help of an example. Think about an average healthy individual: at sea level, the blood is about 95% saturated with oxygen. However, at 18,000 feet (5,400 meters), due to the drop in atmospheric pressure, their blood's oxygen saturation falls to just 71%. This means the blood carries 24% less oxygen. 

The reduced amount of oxygen in the blood is the main reason for altitude-related sickness.

The reason why some people are affected with altitude sickness and others don’t is still not fully known.

Indiahikes Trek Leaders and Medical Experts Recommend

Along with the above-mentioned ways of natural acclimatisation, our most experienced trek leaders recommend these two additional pointers.

Climb at Your Own Pace: Avoid overexertion. Trekkers and travellers must listen to their bodies and not yield to peer pressure or strict schedules.

DO NOT Ignore Symptoms: Early signs of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. Descend immediately if severe symptoms occur. I would recommend you read these two pieces on AMS. What is Acute Mountain Sickness?  Following to it, read How To Treat Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

A key recommendation from Indiahikes trek leaders and medical experts. Take Diamox if you’re trekking to altitudes above 14,000 feet.

When asked about Sherpas, Diptarka shares: ”Studies indicate that the Sherpas of Nepal and communities in the Andes, have evolved unique genetic adaptations, enabling them to thrive in high-altitude environments. These populations have a higher density of capillaries and more efficient oxygen utilisation, which minimises the effects of low oxygen availability.”

That is all you need to know about acclimatisation to higher altitude. If you have any questions you’d like to ask, drop them in the comments section.

Please let me know in the comments section if you want me to cover any specific trek term. I will cover it in my upcoming posts.

Acclimatisation to high altitude is the process of adaptation to the lesser atmospheric pressure (barometric pressure).

What is Acclimatisation? Definition and Meaning

acclimatisation, what is acclimatisation?, meaning of acclimatisation, how to acclimatise?

Today, I will dedicate my piece to explaining what is a ledge.

What is a ledge?

A narrow path on the side of the mountain is called a ledge. There’s a mountain on one side and a valley (depression) on the other.

Initially, "ledge" was used to refer to something lying flat or a shelf-like projection, such as a narrow shelf on a wall. Over time, its meaning broadened to describe natural or artificial projections.

The term evolved from a general shelf-like projection to a critical feature in climbing.

You may be surprised to know that nearly all the treks involve ledges, as the trails are typically carved into the sides of mountains. Some of these trails may be quite prominent, while others may not be very popular.

Prominent ledge walks in the Indian Himalayan treks

Below, I am listing four treks of our country which offer prominent ledge walks.

1. Gaumukh Tapovan Trek: Gaumukh Tapovan offers a unique trekking experience with the kind of ledges you walk through. You may be surprised after knowing that three-fourths of this trek is covered in a ledge walk. For an approx 41 km trail, you walk 25 km on a ledge.

As you come closer to Chirbasa (starting from Gangotri), you see the snout of Bhagirathi II. What also strikes the trekkers' attention is the Bhagirathi River running along throughout the ledge walk. 

On the following day, as you trek from Chirbasa to Bhojbasa along the ledge, you'll eye-witness views of the entire Bhagirathi massif. If you are on the ledge during the evening, a single view of the massif glow in the setting sun is an experience you will deem ‘out-of-the-world’.

And, finally, from Bhojbasa to Tapovan, you walk on an exhilarating ledge section that gives you a cosmic view of the Bhagirathi massif.

2, Kuari Pass: In one of the most popular treks of our country, Kuari Pass, there’s a classic ledge walk between Tali and Gorson Bugyal. Most of our trek leaders mark this as their favourite ledge walk for the carnival of majestic peaks you see: Nanda Devi, Hathi-Ghoda, Kamet, and Kedar Dome among a few more. 

3. Ranthan Kharak Trek: Ranthan Kharak is not yet famous, but its ledge walk is among the elements of the trek that will make it famous soon. The ledge walk begins just after leaving the Thal meadows and follows a zig-zag leading up to the Thal Tok campsite. During this ledge walk, you can see the Bajimanian campsite and the entire trail you covered, which leaves you in awe. If you are lucky, you can also spot Himalayan Griffons gliding around this ledge. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment for trekkers and bird enthusiasts who witnessed it.

4. Kedartal - Spider Wall: This towering, near-vertical rock face plunges dramatically down to the river below. To reach the opposite side, you must carefully pass a precariously narrow ledge that is carved to the rock's edge. The ledge of Kedartal is just wide enough to accommodate one foot at a time. As you step forward, placing one foot deliberately in front of the other, you can steady yourself by gripping the rough, rugged wall.

Frequently asked questions

No, a ledge is not a cliff. There’s a difference between a ledge and a cliff. A ledge is a narrow alley or a path on the sides of the mountain. On the other hand, a cliff is a vertical or almost vertical rock exposure. Cliffs are usually formed on the sea coast, in mountain areas, or along the rivers. These formations are a result of erosion and weathering.

2. What is the difference between a ledge and an edge?

A ledge and an edge are different from each other. A ledge is a narrow walk/path on the side of the mountain. It has a shelf-like projection. On the other hand, an edge is the outermost boundary (surface) of the cliff. 

That is all you need to know about ledges in the trekking world. If you have any questions you would like to ask, drop them in the comments section. Meanwhile, I’d love to hear if you have covered any specific ledge walks and loved it. 

What is a Ledge? Definition and Meaning

What is a ridge?

For the past 16 years at Indiahikes, we have been noticing lots of mountain terms being tossed around in conversations: sometimes correctly, but more times incorrectly. 

This is why we are making The Trek Glossary series, where we break down one mountain term at a time. These are quick reads but with accurate information that will help you understand mountain terminology. 

Today, I will dedicate my piece to explaining what is a ridge. 

A ridge typically runs along the crest of a mountain or hilltop, with steep slopes descending on either side. 

Walking on a ridge could be a precarious walk due to the steep drops on either side, particularly if the ridge is narrow or covered in snow. 

The word ridge's etymology is derived from the old English term “hrycg,” which also refers to a back or spine. In other contexts, it is also referred to as a top or crest of something.

Over time, the term evolved to describe the raised or elongated top of land, such as the top edge of a mountain or hill. This shape resembles a spine or a prominent rise. This linguistic connection highlights the physical similarity between ridges and the backbone of an animal.

How does a ridge look in a contour map or a GPX file?

A ridge on a contour map is shown by a series of U- or V-shaped contour lines. The open side of the U or V points toward higher elevations. The edges of the ridge have closely packed contour lines, showing the steep drops on either side.

The section from Tilandi to Brahmatal Top is a classic example of a ridge. On the map, you can clearly see the V shapes stretching along the ridge. However, most Himalayan ridges are more complex. For example, the Sandakphu-Phalut ridge has additional features like hills and small summits forming along it.

Finding ridges on a map is both engaging and intriguing. It’s even more enjoyable in real life, as ridges offer stunning, long-lasting panoramic views, unlike the fleeting views from summits.

Be careful—it’s easy to mix up ridges and valleys on a map. They both show up as V-shaped patterns, but here’s the trick: ridges have the V opening toward higher ground, while valleys open toward lower ground. So, always double-check the map before heading out to locate a ridge.

5 best ridge treks in India

Great ridge walks are few and far between in our country. So when we see a ridge with great views, we jump on the opportunity to trek on it. 

There are ridge sections on a few Himalayan treks. However, to have a complete day’s trek on a beautiful ridge is unparalleled. That’s the  Phulara Ridge trek for you, the ridge you see stretching out from the Kedarkantha summit. The ridge stretches from Bhoj Gadi to Pushtara and is one of the best ridge walks we have seen.

It’s the highlight of Sandakphu Phalut trek: Stretching from Phalut to Sandakphu is one of the classic ridge walks of our country, the Singalila Ridge. It is one of the most celebrated ridges because accompanying you is the mighty Kanchenjunga range. What most trekkers don’t know is that this ridge walk is longer than that of Phulara Ridge and Khopra Ridge! 

Brahmatal trek has an incredibly disarming ridge walk from Tilandi to the Brahmatal summit. The view from Tilandi itself is mind-blowing, but as you start ascending on the ridge from Tilandi, the views of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti slowly loom into view. If this is not enough, across the valley on the other side, you see the entire trail of the legendary Roopkund trek etched on the mountainside: right from the meadows of Ali and Bedni Bugyal to the dip in which the Roopkund tarn is located. Over and above this, towards the end of the ridge walk, you stand a chance to see Mt Kamet, India’s third highest peak, as well as a few peaks that pop out of Nepal: Api Himal and Jethi Bahurani

One of the highlights of our  Kuari Pass trek is the incredible ridge walk from Jhandi Top to Tali Forest Camp. From this ridge, you see nearly 13 of the 50 highest mountains in India surrounding you in different directions: Bugyal Koti and Pangarchulla on one side, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and Ronti in another direction, Dronagiri, Hathi Ghoda, and the Kamet group, along with the Gangotri Range featuring Chaukhamba and Kedarnath. Despite all these breathtaking views, the suspense of seeing the queen peak of them all, Mt. Nanda Devi, remains until the following day. 

Not just the above four, the Chandrakhani Pass trek also offers a ridge walk from our last campsite. On our way to the Chandrakhani Pass from Chaklani, there's a short ridge section that begins just before you climb up to the pass. The ridge continues beyond the pass, taking us to a magical viewpoint of the mythological Malana village. 

The entire landscape around you will be green undulating hills of the Kullu region. You see Deo Tibba in front of you and behind Deo Tibba you see Indrasan Peak. Both are famous peaks of the pir panjal range. Among other peaks, you also see Shigrila which is home to the Bada Shigri glacier of the Lahaul Spiti region. On your left, you see Gepang Goh Peak of the Chandra Valley. Further on your left is the famous Hanuman Tibba peak of the Dhauladar range. That’s just not it, the Friendship Peak, one of the most famous trekkable summits of India, is also visible.

Among these peaks, the famous Rohtang Pass is also situated. 

Special mention: The ridge section of the Khopra Ridge trek definitely deserves special mention. Though it is not a part of the Indian Himalayas, Khopra Ridge offers majestic views of multiple peaks of the Dhaulagiri range. You also get a view of Annapurna South and Mount Gujra.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a ridge and a valley?

The difference between a ridge and a valley is that a ridge is a pathway along the hilltop with depressions on both sides, and a valley is a depression (or a lower area) between two mountains.

2. What is the difference between a ridge and a ledge?

There’s a difference between a ridge and a ledge. A ridge runs on the crest of a mountain or a hilltop with depressions on both sides. In contrast, a ledge is a narrow path on the sides of the mountain. A ledge has a mountain on one side and a depression on the other.

That is all you need to know about ridges in the trekking world. If you have any questions you’d like to ask, drop them in the comments section. Meanwhile, I’d love to hear if you have covered any specific ridge walks and loved it. 

A ridge typically runs along the crest of a mountain or hilltop, with steep slopes descending on either side. Here's a list of the five best ridge treks in India.

What is a Ridge? Definition and Meaning

Today, I will dedicate my piece to explaining massif. 

A massif is a set of peaks that share a single base. They usually stand out from other peaks around them, often appearing as a single mass of a mountain. 

Etymology: The word massif comes from the French word for “massive.” A mountain massif is a group of mountains that form an entity in its own right. The term was typically used in the Alps and other mountain ranges of Europe but is now equally relevant in the Indian trekking context too. 

Massif vs peak: A common mistake trekkers make is using the words massif and mountain peaks interchangeably. For example: They often call the Chaukhamba Massif the Chaukhamba Peak. But they are very different from each other. A peak is usually a standalone mountain with just one high point. A massif has multiple high points. 

Here are some examples with images that will give you a clear picture of a massif.

The Chaukhamba massif, best seen from the Deoriatal lake, is one of the most famous massifs in the Himalayas! “Chaukhamba” translates to “four pillars” indicating the 4 peaks of the Chaukhamba massif. You see this peak from the Ali Bedni Bugyal, Kuari Pass and Madhmaheshwar trails as well. 

The Bhagirathi sisters is another famous massif in the Gangotri region. Famously called Bhagirathi sisters, it has four high peaks, classified as Bhagirathi I, II, III, and IV. Located within Gangotri National Park, this massif is the source of several rivers, including the River Ganga, which originates from the Gangotri glacier.

I'd also like to talk about the majestic Mount Trishul, which has three distinct peaks: Trishul I, II, III. It gets its name Trishul, translating to “trident” from its three prominent peaks. You see the best views of the Trishul massif from Bedni top from the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek and Brahmatal trek. 

Bandarpoonch is another distinct massif, which has three peaks, Bandarpoonch I & II and the third peak is called Kalanag or Black Peak, the highest peak among the three. It is visible from Dayara top.

Several other massifs are often mistaken for mountain peaks but are a group of peaks. The famous Nanda Devi is a perfect example. Often mistaken for a peak, it is a two-peak massif, with its second peak called Nanda Devi East. It is visible from Ranthan top on the Ranthan Kharak trek.

Do you have any questions about massifs? 

This was everything you need to know about a massif. Next time you’re trekking, I hope you’re able to identify a massif. 

If you like me to cover any specific terminologies, please drop that too in the comments box. This is the bank of trekking terminologies we are creating to spread awareness about the trekking world. I will be posting about a few terms in the coming weeks. Please read, remember, and share.

A massif is a set of peaks that share a single base. They usually stand out from other peaks around them, often appearing as a single mass of a mountain. This is Indiahikes trek glossary where we break down one mountain term at a time.

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