A few days ago, I was speaking to Umesh Ji, our Trek Coordinator from Sari, the base camp of the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek. He mentioned something unexpected—rhododendrons had already started blooming along the trail. In fact, they had begun as early as mid-January.

For trekkers, this might seem like a delightful surprise. Rhododendrons, with their bright red and pink blossoms, are a highlight of spring treks in the Himalayas. But as I looked into it further, I realized this was not a good sign. Early blooming is an indicator of climate change, and it has significant ecological consequences.

To understand this phenomenon better, I spoke to Avik Ghosh, a researcher who has been studying rhododendrons for the past five years. What he shared confirmed that this shift is part of a much larger environmental concern

Why Are Rhododendrons Blooming Early?

Rhododendrons follow a seasonal cycle, blooming in response to temperature and daylight changes. Lower-altitude species bloom first, while high-altitude species, like Rhododendron campanulatum, flower much later, sometimes as late as July. However, these cycles are shifting.

“We are seeing a rapid decline in the duration of the spring season,” Avik explained. “The transition from winter to summer is happening much faster. Instead of a gradual warming, temperatures are rising abruptly, pushing plants to flower earlier than usual.”

This is not just a one-time occurrence. Over the past decade, researchers—and even trekkers—have observed rhododendrons blooming weeks ahead of schedule across multiple regions. Flowers that traditionally bloomed in March or April are now appearing as early as January or February.

Ecological Consequences of Early Blooming

At first glance, early blooming may not seem alarming. But its consequences extend far beyond the flowering season. It disrupts plant-pollinator relationships, affects biodiversity, and alters Himalayan ecosystems.

Rhododendrons rely on pollinators like bees and butterflies for reproduction. In return, these insects depend on nectar from the flowers. When blooming occurs earlier than usual, pollinators may not be active yet.

A 2011 study in Scientific Research Publishing found that when flowers bloom out of sync with pollinators, seed production declines. The absence of pollinators leads to lower pollination success, which weakens the regeneration of rhododendron populations.

We have noticed this firsthand on treks. When rhododendrons bloom too early, the usual buzzing of bees and fluttering of butterflies is eerily absent. This is not just a problem for rhododendrons. It disrupts an entire ecological network of plants and pollinators.

Historically, rhododendrons remained in bloom for nearly a month. Now, many flowers last for less than two weeks. Sudden rain spells, driven by unpredictable weather patterns, are damaging petals before they complete their natural cycle. In some cases, heavy rainfall is stripping flowers from trees altogether.

As trekkers, we have seen this change over the years. In places like Uttarakhand and Himachal, rhododendron forests that once stayed in bloom for weeks now fade away in just a few days. This quick blooming and wilting make it harder for the plants to reproduce and survive in the long run.

The Himalayas support a wide range of rhododendron species at different elevations. Erratic flowering patterns are altering the ecological balance in these regions. Birds, insects, and herbivores that depend on rhododendrons for food are affected by these changes.

A 2024 study published in ScienceDirect highlights that climate change is altering plant-pollinator relationships, leading to a decline in species diversity. If rhododendrons continue to bloom unpredictably, species that rely on them will struggle to adapt, creating a cascading effect on other plants and animals in the ecosystem.

We have seen trekkers marvel at these forests, not realizing the delicate balance that sustains them. If we don’t take measures to protect these ecosystems, we risk losing not just rhododendrons but the rich biodiversity that depends on them.

Some rhododendron species have already disappeared from certain regions due to climate-induced habitat shifts. Species like Rhododendron formosum,  once found in Meghalaya India, has not been recorded in the wild in recent years, hence it has been labelled critically endangered. 

If current warming trends continue, more species could be at risk—especially those that grow within specific altitude ranges. The Indian Himalayas are home to 84 species* of rhododendrons, with the highest diversity found in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and North Bengal. Even a slight shift in climate conditions could impact their survival.

Impact on Local Communities

How Changing Rhododendron Seasons Can Affect Local Communities

Rhododendrons are not just an ecological asset. They play a significant role in the livelihoods of Himalayan communities.

In Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh, rhododendron flowers are processed into:

Juices, syrups, jams, and wines – Uttarakhand alone produces over 40,000 bottles of rhododendron juice each year.

Traditional medicine – Some local healing practices use rhododendron extracts.

Woodcraft – Rhododendron wood is used for decorative and household tools.

If rhododendron populations decline or their flowering periods become too unpredictable, local economies may suffer. The short-term impact may be lower yields of rhododendron-based products, but the long-term consequences could be much greater.

What Can Be Done?

At Indiahikes, we have always believed that trekking should go hand-in-hand with conservation. We are seeing firsthand how climate change is altering Himalayan landscapes. As trekkers, we cannot ignore these changes. It is essential to promote sustainable trekking, raise awareness, and support conservation efforts to protect these fragile ecosystems.

Reversing the trend of early blooming is not possible without addressing the root causes of climate change. However, conservation efforts can help protect rhododendron species and their habitats. Here's how we can contribute:

1. Strengthening Conservation Programs

National parks and biosphere reserves play a crucial role in preserving fragile ecosystems. For example, the Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand is home to diverse flora, including various rhododendron species. Similarly, the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary in Sikkim protects around forty species of rhododendron trees, highlighting the importance of designated conservation areas. 

2. Monitoring Climate Patterns

Long-term data collection is essential to understand how species like rhododendrons respond to environmental changes. Consistent monitoring helps identify trends and informs adaptive conservation strategies, ensuring that interventions are timely and effective.

3. Encouraging Sustainable Tourism

Trekkers play a crucial role in conservation, and responsible trekking is the need of the hour. At Indiahikes, we have taken multiple steps to ensure that trekking remains sustainable. Our Green Trails initiative is at the heart of this effort. We actively reduce waste on treks, encourage trekkers to carry eco-bags to collect litter, and run waste segregation and upcycling projects at our base camps. We also use bio toilets, solar energy, and locally sourced food to minimize environmental impact.

But sustainable trekking isn’t just the responsibility of one organization. Every trekking company, big or small, must integrate eco-friendly practices into their operations. This means reducing plastic dependency, educating trekkers about Leave No Trace principles, and ensuring that local communities benefit from trekking activities. The impact of tourism on fragile mountain ecosystems is real, and unless the entire trekking community takes responsibility, the damage will be irreversible.

4. Community-Based Conservation Initiatives

Integrating conservation principles into tourism can balance ecological preservation with economic stability. For instance, rewilding efforts are transforming luxury hotels worldwide, emphasizing eco-friendly and sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local communities. Expanding such efforts to Himalayan regions could enhance conservation while supporting local livelihoods.

By collectively engaging in these strategies, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change on rhododendrons and preserve these vital ecosystems for future generations.

Rhododendrons blooming early may look beautiful, but it’s a warning sign. It signals that our climate is changing at an alarming pace, disrupting natural cycles that have existed for centuries.

What’s happening with rhododendrons is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Understanding these changes is crucial. With continued research and conservation efforts, it may be possible to mitigate some of the impacts. However, if current trends persist, the future of rhododendrons in the Himalayas will remain uncertain.

Rhododendrons blooming early in the Himalayas may seem beautiful, but it’s a warning sign of climate change. Learn why this shift disrupts ecosystems, affects pollinators, and threatens biodiversity.

Why Rhododendrons Blooming Early is Not a Good Sign

Over the years, what trekkers are looking for in a trek has been slowly evolving. If I talk about a decade back, most trekkers chose treks based on views, summit climbs, terrain, and adventure. However, as times change, a growing number of trekkers are also choosing treks for their natural elements. Today’s trekker is also interested in biodiversity, bird watching, flora and fauna.

One of the natural elements that stand out for trekkers is the presence of Rhododendrons on the trek. Their majestic bloom and cultural significance have secured them a special place in trekkers' hearts and local life.

This piece is dedicated to delivering a nuanced understanding of these botanical gems. Read through!

What are Rhododendrons? Where are They Found?

Rhododendrons are fondly referred to as "Rhodos" in the mountains. They are considered as the ‘glory of the Himalayas’. The most notable species, Rhododendron arboreum, thrives as a tree in lower altitudes, while smaller shrubs dominate higher elevations. This species is culturally significant across the Himalayas. It is prominent in areas like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Nepal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and the northern part of West Bengal. 

On treks, such as Ranthan Kharak, Deoriatal Chandrashila, Phulara Ridge, and Sandakphu, we see a variety of red, pink, white, or purple dominating the scenery. The colour keeps changing with the altitude, which means, you will not find a single colour rhodos throughout your trek.

Did You Know? Rhodos also have colours such as yellow and orange, though these are rarer and can be found in the eastern Himalayas.

The Ranthan trail passes through dense forests carpeted with rhododendrons, especially during their blooming season. Photo by Akshay Kevin.

How do the Colours of the Rhododendrons Change with Altitude?

While ascending to the summit on the treks in the Himalayas, you will notice a shift in the colours of Rhododendrons. As the altitude increases, the colours change as follows:

6,000 to 9,000 feet: Vibrant red rhododendrons bloom on trees.

8,500 to 10,000 feet: Pink and violet blooms dominate here.

Above 10,000 feet: White rhodos appear, with faint pink or violet tinges.

This palette of colours is a visual feast for trekkers traversing these altitudinal zones. 

But, Why do the Colours of the Rhododendrons Change with Altitude?

An enigma for many, the colour shift from red to pink to white with elevation remains under scientific study. This could stem from environmental adaptations to light, pollinators, and climatic conditions.

As altitude increases, the colour shifts to shades of pink. At above 10,000 feet, we get to see the lavender and white flowers. Photo by Akshay Kevin.

How do Rhododendrons Influence the Culture and Lives of Locals in the Himalayas?

Rhododendrons have a significant impact on the culture in the Himalayas. Red Rhododendrons are edible and are loved for their tangy-sweet taste. Consumed raw or made into juice, squash, chutneys and wine, they are popular in the Indian Himalayan regions.

Rhododendron wine is particularly popular in Nepal and Himachal Pradesh, while juices and squashes are common in Uttarakhand. 

All these products are made from the petals of the flowers, which are edible and are believed to have anti-inflammatory and other health-promoting properties. 

Talking about pink and white varieties: they are toxic and can be hard to digest due to the presence of certain proteins. Hence, they are never advised to be consumed.

Did You Know? Rhododendron campanulatum is the state flower of Himachal Pradesh. Rhododendron arboreum is recognized as the state tree of Uttarakhand and the state flower of Nagaland. Locally, they are referred to as Buransh in Uttarakhand and Gurans in Nepali language.

Ranthan Top in Spring. Photo by Akshay Kevin

How are Rhododendrons Globally Distributed?

Rhododendrons are found across multiple continents, primarily in Asia, Europe, and North America. In Europe, they mostly grow as shrubs. Interestingly, while rhododendrons have a positive cultural impact in the Himalayas, some species are invasive in regions like Scotland and New Zealand. 

For example, Rhododendron ponticum, in Scotland and other parts of Europe, is considered highly invasive. It inhibits the growth of native plants and produces toxic nectar, which creates poisonous honey. The honey produced by bees that feed on the nectar of the Rhododendron ponticum plant is called "mad honey."

Did You Know? Rhododendrons have extraordinary codependency with bumblebees, which are among their most effective pollinators. Their bell-shaped flowers house tightly packed pollen that bumblebees release (from the anthers) through "buzz pollination," a specialized vibrating mechanism. 

Climate Change, Rhododendrons, and Trekking

Rhododendrons are highly prone to temperature and are affected by the global rise in temperature or what is commonly called climate change.

During peak blooming, from mid-March to mid-April, trails of popular treks like Deoria Tal Chandrashila, Sandakphu, and Ranthan Kharak are carpeted with petals. However, the typical blooming season is shifting due to climate change. Early blooms as early as January or February are observed, especially at lower altitudes, disrupting patterns and raising ecological concerns. 

These seasonal anomalies call for deeper attention and mindful trekking practices.

Top 3 Rhododendron Treks in the Himalayas

Below I will list the three most famous treks in the Himalayas that give you an unparalleled taste of trekking through the rhodo-filled trails. 

If you are stepping on a trek to witness Rhododendrons, it is important to time your trek well. In Uttarakhand, the peak flowering season starts at the end of February and lasts until the middle of April. Whereas, in the eastern Himalayas, i.e. in Sikkim, Nepal and North Bengal, rhodos are in full bloom from early April to early May.

We fell in love with this trek because of the rhodos. On this trek, Rhododendrons are such a big highlight that the Ranthan Kharak trek can be synonymous with them. I recommend the peak blooming season, which runs from mid-March to mid-April. Just ahead of the forest section of the Namik village, you will start seeing them. From bushes and shrubs to tall Rhodo trees– you see them all in abundance and diversity. From reds to pinks and whites– they are everywhere.

It has not been long since we opened this trek but the amount of love trekkers have been pouring in in this trek is immense. And a major credit goes to Rhododendrons.

The trekking experience in spring is pleasant with mild temperatures. And what makes it more beautiful are the blooming rhododendron trees and flowers throughout the trail. Photo by our former trek leader Shivank Dwivedi

Soon after you start the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek, you are welcomed by a dense rhododendron forest. The sheer amount of rhodos you find at this section of the trail will blow your mind. You reach Deorital Tal and see that too surrounded by rhodos in red, pink and magenta colours. 

On the following day as well, from Deoriatal to Syalmi, as you trek towards Jhandi top, a forest trail with maple and rhodos is lined up. Rohini Bugyal is another spot which is bestowed with a sheer amount of rhododendrons. It is a small meadow surrounded by a beautiful rhododendron forest and a view of the Kedar Dome and the Kala Parvat peaks.

You might believe you've encountered the most stunning rhodos but wait for the following days. As you trek further on the trail, starting from Baniya Kund campsite, you will see the most beautiful pink blooms. You won’t believe but the charm of these majestic blooms just doesn’t end on this trek. It stays with you throughout.

Trekkers have been loving this trek for so many reasons and we are glad that rhododendrons is one among them.

The grand entrance to the Rohini Bugyal. Photo by Jothiranjan

During the peak blooming season in spring, the trails of Sandakphu Phalut Trek are spread with pink, red, scarlet, and white flowers, creating a truly magical moment. Additionally, The bamboo and rhododendron forests of the Singalila National Park are among the densest in the Himalayas. 

Akshay Upreti, Slope Manager at Indiahikes, who has spent several months in the Sandakphu region, says, "The best rhododendron sections are between Samanden and Molley. The last stretch of this walk is entirely through rhododendron forests. The flowers are completely red and pink here. If you time your trek right, you'll be trekking in a sea of pink,".

As Spring arrives in March, a different kind of magic begins to unfold on this trek. Rhododendrons begin blooming. Photo by Sharat Kolke

This was my time sharing information on rhododendrons, especially, in the context of trekking and the Himalayas. 

Let me know in the comments section if you want me to cover any other information about the rhododendrons you have observed. I would love to hear if you have been on any of these treks and what your highlight is.

Rhododendrons are fondly referred to as "Rhodos" in the mountains. They are considered as the ‘glory of the Himalayas’. The most notable species, Rhododendron arboreum, thrives as a tree in lower altitudes, while smaller shrubs dominate higher elevations.

A Guide to Rhododendrons: Where to Find Them and When

rhododendrons, rhodos, rhododendron treks, when to find rhododendrons

A Guide to Rhododendrons: Where to Find Them and When?

Soon after we opened our groups in Mount Rinjani, our trekkers have been tossing many questions about trekking to an active volcano.

Mount Rinjani has always been very popular because of the thrill of looking into a volcanic crater, and trekkers around the globe have always been very fond of it. Izzat Yaganagi, Head of the Indiahikes School of Learning (InSOUL) Team, shared a similar story with all of us after completing this trek. 

Our trek information team has beautifully documented her account. You can read it here (Head to the experts speak section) 

This post is dedicated to addressing a very frequently asked question: 

Is Mount Rinjani still active? 

Mount Rinjani is known for being an active volcano, and though you may not always witness visible fumes, the potential activity adds an element of excitement to this trek. The visibility of fumes depends on the timing; sometimes trekkers have spotted them, while for other trekkers, they were absent.

The last time Mount Rinjani erupted was in late October 2015. The ashes from this 12,000-foot volcano blanketed the entire town and surrounding farmlands. Soon after, the government shut down air traffic to several airports.

Reports by several experts and a prominent educational channel, GeologyHub, which emphasises volcanoes and their current eruptions, had predicted Rinjani could erupt in 2024. 

Rinjani is known for a pattern of eruptions that have occurred approximately every decade over the past 100 years. However, it showed several signs of unrest in 2023.

Is it safe to trek to Mount Rinjani?

It is completely safe to trek to Mount Rinjani. Trekkers need to follow strict regulations and guidelines before they start their trek. 

Understanding the geography of Mount Rinjani National Park

To get a better idea of the safety, we have to understand the geography of Mount Rinjani.

Mount Rinjani holds significant geological and geographical interest. The area was once a massive volcanic mountain. Over thousands of years, repeated eruptions caused the primary volcanic structure to collapse, leaving behind a vast crater.

Now, this is important to note: The active volcano within this crater, known as Mount Barujari, has emerged as the central feature. Surrounding it are unique geological formations, lakes, and an area called a "caldera." A caldera is a land that was historically flooded with volcanic lava, now forming a landscape of striking contrasts.

Mount Barujari is relatively small and its activity is quite localised. The crater features Segara Anak Lake, with the active volcano appearing as an "island" within the lake.

How safe is trekking on Mount Rinjani crater?

Now coming to safety, the trek to Mount Rinjani does not involve scaling Mount Barujari itself, as approaching the active volcano is geographically challenging. You do not go anywhere close to Mount Barujari.

Trekking is limited to the crater rim (which is 1-2 km away from Mount Barujari) and forested areas of Mount Rinjani National Park.

Secondly, water within the crater lake further serves as a natural barrier, making trekking along the crater rim a safe experience

Unlike other volcanic mountains in Indonesia, Mount Barujari is considered less intense in its eruptions. Even though the volcano is active, the minor activities noticed remain contained within the crater and do not pose a significant risk to those trekking along the crater rim.

Importantly, Mount Rinjani National Park operates under strict regulations to ensure safety. The National Park Authority actively monitors volcanic activity and enforces guidelines accordingly.

Do you require a guide to trek to Mount Rinjani? 

Do you require a guide to trek to Mt Rinjani? 

Yes! It is mandatory to have a guide along with you for the Mount Rinjani Trek. Local guides, who have an in-depth understanding of the terrain and volcanic behaviour, accompany trekkers. 

Additionally, you must also obtain forest permissions and ensure your guide holds proper certification.

What is the main challenge of trekking to Mount Rinjani?

The main challenge of trekking to Mount Rinjani is the altitude gain. On the first day, you will climb from 3,750 feet to 8,650 feet, which is an altitude increase of 5,000 feet (approx). The following day, you will begin your summit push at around 2:00 am, ascending to nearly 12,200 feet, resulting in an additional altitude gain of 4,000 feet (approx). The summit itself presents even greater challenges in terms of acclimatisation and terrain. The terrain mostly consists of gravel, making the ascent more difficult.

What is the best time for the Mount Rinjani trek?

The best time for the Mount Rinjani trek starts in April and stays well till October. April marks the start of clear weather after Indonesia's monsoon season. The answer to why is it preferable to trek during this stretch of the year is that the post-monsoon season offers clean trails (by this time the dust has settled down) and greenery starts to set in the picture.

In some cases, the trails are also accessible till during the start of November as well but the conditions are most favourable from April to September. 

According to Abhishek Tiwari, operations manager at Indihikes, who recently led this trek, “April resembles the green, which is similar to popular treks in regions like Manali, while September ushers in subtle hints of Autumn, giving trekkers a shift in experience, but the trail remains equally thrilling and adventurous.”

If you have any further questions, you can head to our trek information page or place your query in the comment box. I will revert as soon as possible.

Information Credits: Izzat Yaganagi (Head of Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning), Abhishek Tiwari (Operations Manager), and Sharwari Brahme (Former head of the Green Trails initiative at Indiahikes).

Mount Rinjani is known for being an active volcano. It has always been very popular because of the thrill of looking into a volcanic crater, and trekkers around the globe have always been very fond of it.

Is Mount Rinjani still active? Can you hike Mount Rinjani without a guide? 

mount rinjani, Is Mount Rinjani still active?, Can you hike Mount Rinjani without a guide?

For almost a decade, many trekkers have asked us: Which trek is better, Deoriatal Chandrashila or Kedarkantha?

Indiahikes’ CEO and founder, Arjun Majumdar, has answered this question previously in the context of winter trekking. You can read his opinion here.

I have listed three parameters based on which we are going to decide which of the two is a better trek for whom and why. These three parameters are: the best time to do the two treks, the day-wise rewards of each trek, and the difficulty level of the treks. 

1. What is the best time to do Deoriatal Chandrashila and Kedarkantha?

There’s a reason we’re starting with this. Both these treks have very distinct seasons during which you should trek.

“This trek is a year-round charmer, but two seasons truly stand out for me: winter and spring,” says Shachi Tripathi, programme designer and trainer at Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning (InSOUL) and a former trek leader. 

The spring (March & April) highlight of the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is the carnival of rhododendrons. The trail of this trek is blanketed with red, pink and violet rhododendrons. Do not miss a mix of white and violet rhododendrons subtly blooming at the Rohini Bugyal. In addition, the forests along the way are home to some pretty rare birds, including the Himalayan monal, Eurasian Jay, and Blue Jay. It attracts a lot of bird enthusiasts during the season.

Winter (December, January, February) is another popular season on Deorital Chandrashila. Over the years, I have seen trekkers choose this trek for the adventure the trail offers, especially during winter. The snow enhances the thrill of steep ascents and descents.

The last and most challenging climb to the summit is a journey, testing willpower and mind strength that will either leave you being awestruck or teary-eyed. Photo by Jothiranjan

Kedarkantha is THE WINTER TREK of our country. It receives the most snowfall and that is exactly why trekkers flock to this place every year.  

Additionally, the winter line phenomenon is a key highlight of Kedarkantha due to its topography. It is also visible due to the trek’s southwestern exposure; sunsets turn the horizon a stunning shade of red.

But why does Kedarkantha receive so much snowfall?

The geography plays a crucial role in determining snowfall patterns across treks. As you move from the middle of India toward the northernmost tip, the intensity and duration of snow increase. Progressing from Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh and further into Jammu & Kashmir, the snow deposits become heavier, and the snow persists for longer periods. In the case of Kedarkantha, it lies at the Northwestern border of Uttarakhand, almost touching Himachal Pradesh. This is why, compared to most other Uttarakhand treks, Kedarkantha receives the highest snowfall. 

Summers at Kedarkantha are an unknown delight: This trek is extremely lush during summer (May & June). And during the spring, the trails of the Kedarkantha trek also bloom with a variety of Rhododendrons. They may not be as numerous as those on Deoriatal Chandrashila, but they are definitely a highlight.

A year-round highlight of the Kedarkantha trek is brown and silver oak, maples, and pines.

2. Deoriatal Chandrashila vs Kedarkantha: Day-wise Comparison 

Bookmark this section as it highlights the day-wise comparison of both treks. 

Day one at the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is an extremely rewarding experience. You cover from Sari to Deoriatal (4 km), trekking through a beautiful variety of dense rhododendron forests. In March, you’re already seeing terrific rhododendrons blooming along the trails. But this is just the beginning. 

Within two hours, you’ll feel your jaws drop as you get a glimpse of the Deoriatal Lake. It’s not just the lake, but the gigantic Chaukhamba massif overlooking the lake. It usually takes multiple days of trekking to get such a view. But on the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek, you are blessed with this view within the first 3 hours of the trek. Several trekkers from across the country come here just for the day’s trek. 

Did you know that the Deoriatal never freezes! Deoriatal never freezes? Locals believe in the mythology. Some say it never freezes because the water keeps moving due to the wind while others believe in the presence of chemical compounds in water which prevents it from freezing. 

The sight of mountain ranges mirrored in Deoriatal often leaves trekkers deeply moved.

Day two is a thrill. Landscapes and altitudes shift every hour. You climb around 2000 ft (from 7810 ft to 9,020 ft) to reach Rohini Bugyal and then descend to Syalmi campsite where you lose 2,000 ft of altitude again. “Trekkers call it a camel hump trail”. It is challenging for some trekkers and thrilling for others. 

On this day, you trek through a quiet section of the forest which is home to many birds. You might spot the Himalayan woodpecker and Verditer flycatcher in this area. Occasionally, the Kedar Dome and Chaukhamba peaks come into view through the trees on your left. Throughout your day, you'll notice a few shrines on and around the trail. These are built by tourists and locals and can be used to mark the way. Additionally, there’s a ridge section which is an adventurous highlight of the day.

Day three of this trek leaves a lasting imprint on most of the trekkers. You cross the Akash Kamini River and venture through the untouched maple and oak forests. This is the day when the deeper layers of this trek are unfolded.  

Next to the river, trekkers prefer to meditate. And by the end of day three, you reach Baniyakund. 

The forest sections near the Akashkamini river are among the densest in India making it one of the most interesting trek experiences. Picture by Jothi Ranjan.

On day four (during spring and summer), you start from Baniyakund in the middle of the night to climb the summit and come back. It is a six-hour-long ascent and a five-hour descent, and for many of the trekkers, It’s the day that makes this trek challenging, adventurous, and worthwhile. There is a steep climb up to the Chandrashila summit, and you also traverse a narrow ledge, which adds to the excitement.

You cross through meadows and reach a point called Chopta. From Chopta it is a four-hour-long ascent and you reach the Tugnath temple: Another mythological highlight of this trek. It is the highest Shiva temple in the world and one of the Panch Kedar temples. Every year Tugnath attracts a lot of tourists and trekkers.

Shachi Tripathi categorically admires the summit push day of the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek and talks about climbing the summit on a full moon night. She says and I quote, “On a full moon night, our trail and the moon are positioned in a way that you feel you are climbing for the moon. It’s surreal!”.

From Chandrashila summit, the majestic view of Nanda Devi, Nanda Devi East, Mount Trishul, and Chaukhamba Massif makes the entire summit challenge worthwhile.

Chandrashila summit is known for its sunrise. Witnessing the first rays of the sun hitting the greatest summits of our country is an experience you must not miss. Picture by Vivek Saini.

Kedarkantha is the only trek on which you get to see a winter line on both day one and day two. For many trekkers, witnessing a winter line is the major highlight of this trek.

You will get a sweet taste of trekking on day one itself, covering a 6 km distance from Kotgaon to Khujaai. There is a beautiful section predominantly of oak trees. Further, as you walk, There is a small Matrishakti Mandir. 

From day one itself, you get to witness the majestic views of Swargarohini, and the views only get better as you come closer to the summit.

This stunning view of Mt Swargarohini is captured just about 300 metres from our basecamp. Photo by Anish Pillai

Day two is usually loved by the trekkers. You start from Khujaai and pass through small meadows, grasslands, and forest sections to reach Dhoka. In the Garhwali language, Dhoka means a big boulder or “bada patthar”. The huge boulder is a scenic vantage point to see sunrise and sunset in addition to the surreal winter line. Trekkers are also introduced to bouldering which only adds to the thrill of day two. By the end of day two, you trek a little ahead of Dhoka to reach Bhoja Dhadi. It is our second campsite, and from here, you can see Kedarkkantha Peak. 

Day three is the big summit day! You start in the night from Bhoja Dhadi and go for the Kedarkantha summit. The trek has the finest summit climb in our country. It is an extremely rewarding experience as you witness jaw-dropping views from the top. At the summit, Swargarohini is just very close and the Gangotri range and Bandarpunch will definitely capture your gaze.

(On day three, the height of the Rhodos changes as you climb up, and they turn into shrubs. The tree line ends, and you might feel you are closer to the summit, but you are not.)

The summit climb of Kedarkantha is challenging but equally rewarding. This photo beautifully captures the steep climb and the amazing views right below you. Photo by Abdul Raoof.

3. Difficulty: Deoriatal Chandrashil vs. Kedarkantha

Both treks are beginner-friendly, but then each comes with its twists. I will talk about the difficult sections on both the treks. 

It will require long hours of trekking on day two and day three, majorly. Additionally, on the summit day, there’s an approximate altitude gain of 4000 feet which mandates physical fitness and endurance.

To explain the first statement further, the second day and third day are 10 kms and 5 kms long respectively. The second day also brings a major challenge in the form of a steep descent to the Syalmi campsite.

As mentioned previously, the summit push (Baniyakund-Chandrashila-Baniyakund) itself is approximately 11 hours long. We start from Baniyakund (8,520 ft.) to the chandrashila summit (12,083 ft) which is a pretty steep ascend and then we climb down to the same altitude.

Kedarkantha on the other hand: Days are fairly short on this trek. The climb towards the summit is also not very steep. But on the contrary, there are certain boulder sections from Khujaai to Bhojadhadi which adds to the challenge

Trekkers planning for either of these treks should be physically fit and prepared as these treks ask for fitness and endurance.

Which One Should You Choose?

The summit views of both treks are unmatchable. 

If the adventure of steep climbs and narrow ledges, spiritual energy, and a bit of a challenge are what you want to drive out of your trek, then I would recommend Deoriatal Chandrashila. If you are a Bird enthusiast or want to experience a rich variety of Rhododendrons, step on the trail during spring. 

During winter, you experience a lesser influx compared to Kekarkantha, making it slightly more serene

On the other hand, go for Kedarkantha if you want a snow-filled trek with no shortage of picture-perfect moments and majestic views of swargarohini. Kedarkantha is a relatively easier trek and is a very popular choice for beginners. 

Both of these treks are extremely popular in the Himalayan trekking world. This was my time sharing all the information.

Write in the comment section If you think I missed any pointers that should be highlighted. Also, share your queries and doubts in the comment box. I will revert as soon as possible.

Which trek is better, Deoriatal Chandrashila or Kedarkantha (Kotgaon Route)?

I recently talked about the best clothing material for trekking and hiking. We surveyed the members of our trekking club and our trek leaders and almost all of them voted for dri-fit as their prime choice. 

During that survey, we also heard people discussing and sharing information on merino wool. While talking to the trek leaders further, I discovered that awareness about merino wool in the outdoor world is slowly growing. 

This led me to research more about merino wool.

This post continues the article I linked above. Below, I will analyse this material in detail. By the end of this article, I will zero in on whether merino wool is worth buying.

What is merino wool? Where is it derived from? 

Merino wool is a material derived from the fleece of Merino sheep, which is known for its softness and fineness. It is a breed that is believed to have its origin in Spain, but is now spread across the world, to New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, USA and elsewhere. 

The wool from the sheep is further processed and spun into a fabric, which is what we call merino wool. 

Over the past few years, merino wool has gained popularity in the sporting and travel world because of its adaptability to all kinds of weather and its quick-dry feature. The biggest plus point of them all is that it doesn’t smell even after a long, sweaty trek. 

Watch this video to get a quick summary of what is written in the article:

Benefits of trekking in merino wool

What makes it a special choice among trekkers?

In a gist, our most seasoned trek leaders say, “We like merino wool for its ability to regulate temperature. It works across seasons, keeping you warm in the cold winters and keeping you cool in the hottest summers.”  

But there are several other benefits to merino wool. Read through them:

Odour Resistance: This is one of the highlight points of using merino wool on treks. It resists odour exceptionally well, and even after wearing it for 10 to 12 days straight during a trek, you won’t find your merino wool sweater having unpleasant smells (which is the opposite of dri-fit clothing.)

Lightweight and Wrinkle-Free: A Merino wool sweater alone will keep you lightweight on treks. It is warm and replaces layers on winter treks. An additional benefit, it is completely wrinkle-free so you look fresh. 

Breathability and Temperature Control: Merino wool is extremely breathable. It comes with temperature control. Our in-house trainer, Diptarka Gupta, has used it at -10°C as well as 35°C. It has felt comfortable in both extremes. 

Moisture and Heat Retention: Merino wool retains warmth even when damp. It can hold up to 20-30% of its weight until it feels uncomfortable. So despite profusely sweating or exposure to wet conditions, it does not get uncomfortable. 

Sustainability: Pure merino wool is 100% biodegradable. (However, there’s a catch here. Most products in the market are a blend of merino + other materials. So this benefit is divided).

merino wool has gained popularity in the sporting and travel world because of its adaptability to all kinds of weather and its quick-dry feature.

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