When we think of summit climbs in India, very few come close to what Kanamo Peak has to offer. And we are saying this with complete conviction. Because the Kanamo Peak trek is not just about reaching a high point — it’s an experience that changes something in you.

A Summit That Puts You Above Europe. Literally.

Kanamo stands tall at 19,553 feet. That’s not just high by Indian trekking standards. It’s higher than any summit in Europe. Yes — there is no mountain in all of Europe that comes close to what you’ll stand on top of here.

And here’s where it gets exciting. You don’t just walk up to a summit like this casually. The final push begins in the middle of the night. You step out of your tents at Kanamo Base Camp, headlamps on, the air biting cold, and you start the climb.

You’re inching upwards, every 30 feet demanding a gasp for breath. The oxygen is thin, your legs are tired, but your eyes are locked on the goal.

And suddenly you find yourself walking between steep cornices, with patches of ice to your left and right, and a narrow trail that leads to that glorious summit.

It’s one of those summit climbs that gives you goosebumps even when you think about it years later.

The famous hump of Kanamo Peak. Photo by Ravindra Joisa.

Most treks ease you into the adventure. Not this one.

The moment you reach Kanamo Base Camp, you know you’re on sacred ground. It’s remote, it’s barren, and it’s beautiful in that stark Spitian way. From here, the summit day takes you on an intense, exhilarating journey that’s not for the faint-hearted.

And that’s what makes this one of the most special adventures you’ll ever do in the Himalayas. It’s tough, it demands solid fitness, and it rewards you with an unforgettable sense of accomplishment.

There’s another side to this trek that we love — Spiti.

Spiti isn’t like any other place in our country. It’s a cold desert with a character of its own — the earthy colours, the silence, the Buddhist culture, the monasteries perched on cliffs, and the sheer remoteness of the place. You rarely see crowds here. Very few trekkers have actually set foot in this region.

Kanamo gives you the chance to soak in all of this. The landscape, the people, the food, the simplicity. It’s not just a trek. It’s a cultural experience set in a high-altitude desert.

A black yak walks across the open horizon. Photo by Sudhir Hegde.

This is important — don’t take this trek lightly.

You need to be in rock-solid fitness to do Kanamo Peak. This is a high-altitude trek with a tough summit push. If you haven’t trained for it, it’s not for you. But if you have — this is a life-changing summit.

It’s one of those rare treks that combines altitude, adventure, solitude, and culture — all in one.

Trekkers negotiate a steep scree slope through frost and snow. Photo by Mark Rodrigues.

In all honesty, Kanamo Peak is one of the highest trekkable summit you can realistically do in India without technical mountaineering. And it’s not just about the bragging rights.

It’s about how you feel standing at 19,600 ft, above Europe, above the clouds, having earned every step of the way.

Just make sure you train hard before you attempt it. 

Kanamo stands tall at 19,553 feet. That’s not just high by Indian trekking standards. It’s higher than any summit in Europe.

 Why Kanamo Peak Is the Ultimate Himalayan Summit Adventure

Kanamo Peak trek, Highest trekkable summit in India, Spiti trek, High-altitude trek India, Trekking in Spiti Valley, Trek above 19,000 feet, Trek for experienced fit trekkers

Why Kanamo Peak Is the Ultimate Himalayan Summit Adventure

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

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. 

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.

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

With the latest reports of a 5.3 magnitude earthquake in Nepal, our immediate worry was our trekkers in Nepal. Good news is that they're all safe.  

Trek Leader Diptarko Gupta shares from Nepal, "We had a mild earthquake here at Pokhara around 30 mins back. Some trekkers who were in the 4th floor felt mild tremors. Epicenter was around 80kms from here towards Kathmandu." Diptarko is leading our final group to khopra ridge for the season. "We are all set to leave in good, sunny weather," he reports. 

Indiahikes team sets off on the Khopra Ridge trek from Pokhara on Oct 22nd

"We felt mild tremors at Sepi too," shares Areeb, Indiahikes Slope Manager for the Sandakphu trek.

While the effects of the earthquake have been minor, the frequency of the earthquakes jolting the Himalayas is worrying. 

"It's better if there are multiple tiny jolts instead of one big jolt," shares Arjun Majumdar, founder, CEO of Indiahikes, adding that "We are perpetually worried about seismic activities of the two continental plates below the Himalayas. A big earthquake is eminent, we just don't know when," he worries. 

It is purely for this reason that all Indiahikes campuses at Raithal, Sari, Kharchi, Lohajung and Manali are semi-permanent constructions. 

"All our housing quarters are in tented accommodations. We consciously got out of concrete structures like lodges and hotels keeping our trekkers and our own team's safety in mind. In case there's a big earthquake, nothing concrete is going to harm them," shares Arjun. 

All our campuses have tent-style accommodation to protect trekkers and Indiahikes team members during earthquakes

But this tented accommodation isn't an option in Nepal where we have 3-4 treks, which is why our worry doubles when we hear of earthquakes in Nepal. 

Thankfully, this time, there's no damage done. Trekkers are safe and carrying on.

Latest news about tremors felt in Nepal with earthquake magnitude 5.3

Trekkers feel mild tremors on Khopra Ridge and Sandakphu treks - Earth quake news from Nepal - Oct 22, 2023

Trekkers feel mild tremors on Khopra Ridge and Sandakphu treks

The number of trekkers wanting to trek DIY-style has significantly increased. This is a heartening shift to witness. It shows that awareness about DIY treks is growing.

“Most trekkers learn about the DIY-style on our treks, where they get a chance to cook on their own, pitch tents, and even navigate during the DIY-day of the trek. Learning these skills on a trek gives them the confidence to venture out on a trek on their own,” Suhas says.

We've also made the process less-daunting for trekkers who are unsure about trekking entirely on their own.

“You needn’t do the DIY trek all on your own. You can now opt for a local guide to come along. I feel this option is giving more trekkers the confidence to trek DIY-style,” Suhas adds.

Most DIY trekkers are choosing popular trails--Kuari Pass, Kedarkantha, Gaumukh-Tapovan, and Phulara Ridge--which have a strong Indiahikes presence on them.

Positive Trend: More trekkers embrace DIY-style of trekking

Phulara Ridge trekkers are witnessing a brilliant blooming phase on the trek right now. The trail is filled with blooming wildflowers and mushrooms.

“I’ve never seen this many mushrooms in my life in a single trek!” exclaims Assistant Trek Leader Panchami, who has been on the trek twice since the beginning of September.

She also distinctly remembers the heady scend of pine while descending down from the Phulara Ridge into the forest section.

“This trek has a great mix of forest and meadows. The meadows on this trek are endless, filled with flowers, with shepherd huts popping up here and there,” she adds.

Till now, Panchami’s favourite experience on the Phulara Ridge trek has been camping at Bhoj Gadi. “We had a brilliant stargazing experience at night at Bhojgadi because the autumn skies were so clear,” she shares.

Phulara Ridge is a beautiful ridge trek of our country which takes you through dense forest, meadows and can boast of a 250 degree mountain view from the ridge walk. But witnessing so many flowers blooming on the trek is a rare experience.

“I have been on the Phulara Ridge trek in April. At that time, I saw quite a few flowers blooming on this trek, especially in the Pushtara meadows. But that wasn’t as many as these. This scale of blooming is expected post-monsoon, for a brief period. This blooming is the reason why we called the trek ‘phulara’,” shares Suhas Saya, who explored and coined the name of this trek in the spring of 2018.

This blooming season will barely last for a week more. After that, the landscape will start flaunting the autumn colours.

Soon, trekkers will witness the sharpest views of Hanuman Top, Sarutal Top, DKD, Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, Swargarohini, Hata Peak, Ranglana, Devkyara valley, Lekha Top, Vijay Top, Kedarkantha from the Phulara Ridge.

The Pir Panjal Lakes trek has turned out to be better than what we expected! Our exploratory team is back. And they’re sharing stunning insights from this brand new trek in the Poonch region of Jammu and Kashmir. The biggest stunner is the presence of 14 huge alpine lakes on the trail.

“Not 1,2 or 7,8…We were lucky to see 14 on this exploratory trek!! We didn't even get the chance to walk around all these lakes. You can imagine the size of these mesmerizing water bodies against the big mountains surrounding us. What was even more special was climbing to the pass and watching these lakes. The colours changed from oceanic blue to turquoise to teal. The shapes changed. Just watching these lakes at every turn was a treat!” gushes Suhas Saya, Head of DIY Treks at Indiahikes, who was a part of this exploration.

On none of our treks have we come across so many high-altitude lakes. Till now, we’ve had most lakes on Kashmir Great Lakes trek. And there too we see only seven. It’s mind-boggling to think that on the Pir Panjal Lakes trek you spot double the number of lakes.

But this is just one highlight of the trek. There’s more. The dense never-seen-before forest section, three endless meadows. This trek justifiably exceeded all our expectations.

We’ll share more updates about these incredible highlights from the Pir Panjal Lakes trek in the coming days.

Indiahikes Exploratory Team spots 14 incredible alpine lakes on the Pir Panjal Lakes trek in Jammu and Kashmir!

Today, our first team to Tulian Lake is climbing to the highest point of the trek—the Tulian Lake (12,087 feet). They started their trek on August 20 from Ganesh Bal which is 2 kilometers away from Pahalgam.

For the first two days, the group trekked in great weather, under clear blue skies with soft, fluffy clouds. They shared a few recent photos from the trek, where the meadows looked lush and green. 

Latest image from the lush Tulian Lake trek

Today the team is trekking from the Tulian Valley to the Tulian Lake and back. They are expected to complete today’s trek by the late afternoon. 

The Tulian Lake trek is known for its stunning forest, meadows, and expansive Tulian Lake. We loved this trek! But this is the first time our trekkers have set foot on this trail. And we are eagerly waiting for their reactions to this trek. 

We have two more groups from Tulian Lake coming up. We will share more updates about this trek as soon as the first group returns to Srinagar.

Our first team starts trekking to the stunning Tulian Lake in Jammu and Kashmir

When we had just explored and opened the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek in 2019, we were all very excited for our trekkers to experience the unexplored jungles of Chhattisgarh.

At the same time, we were curious to know how trekkers would take to a non-Himalayan trek. 

I remember having conversations with trekkers who were about to go on this trek. 

“What kind of wildlife will be there in the jungle?”

“Will it be at par with a Himalayan trek in terms of an experience?”

With so many questions from trekkers, we waited with bated breath to see how they would react after the trek. 

Once the trek was over, though, we saw that trekkers were bowled over by what they saw. Almost everyone came back with the same one liner — “It was as if ‘The Jungle Book’ had come alive!”

Ever since, trekkers have come back telling us they love the trek. We have always been curious about exactly what they loved about the trek. Which is why we caught up with them to ask about their experience. 

Here are five things that trekkers absolutely love about the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek.

“You get to trek in the wilderness in many places in India, be it the Sahyadris or the Himalayas. But camping inside a jungle for the whole duration of the trek at different locations, being at such close proximity to wildlife, is something I was amazed to experience,” says Abhay Pingle, who has done quite a few treks like Roopkund and Rupin Pass.

Just like Abhay, most of the trekkers choose to do this trek because of the real-life camping experience inside the dense forests of Guru Ghasidas National Park.

“I have been to Jim Corbett and Ranthambore in search of the thrill of jungle life. However staying in the lodges, far away (even beyond the safe distance) brings some sort of disconnect to the whole experience. I think my quench for the jungle thrill got fulfilled after doing this trek in Chhattisgarh. It gave me a complete insight as to how it feels living in the jungle for 4 days,” says Souvik Sinha, who went on the trek late in mid-October.

“I’m from Raipur in Chhattisgarh itself. But this was my first time trekking, and it was wonderful and rejuvenating to see this part of the jungle. Also, seeing people from other states appreciating Chhattisgarh was amazing,” says Yash, who was part of the team in January 2022.

There’s one thing that stood out the most for the trekkers. Spending time searching for animal footprints.

“They were always on their toes (quite literally) to look for signs of wildlife. I was amazed to know that they had so many stories about their experience with wildlife!” shares our Trek Leader, Kiranjit Pathak, who led most of the teams in Chhattisgarh.

“Apart from exploring the wilderness and camping in the wild, the trek has much more to look for. Trekkers get the opportunity to build campfires using ancient methods, climb trees, swim in lakes and rivers and even track wild animals by following paw prints.

There are plenty of leopard, monkey, bear and langoor tracks. I remember exploring the caves to find a bear family’s home. That was just an icing on the cake,” says Lakshay Bansal, a first-time trekker with Indiahikes.

“Many people think that trekking in a jungle means you will see animals casually passing by the trails or that you will get to spot wildlife at an eye distance. However, that is not the case and one should not be so naive to expect that. Finding footprints or signs of animals at the places where we were walking, then trying to figure out from where they might have come from and where they would have gone to was so much more exciting yet safe at the same time. One doesn’t want to have fun at the cost of the wildlife or their own life,” says Souvik Sinha, Indiahikes Trekker.

The overall experience becomes much more exciting after finding such fresh animal footprints! Picture by Kiranjit Pathak.

Pawprints on the trail spotted by trekkers in October. Picture by Kiranjit Pathak.

3. A unique river-walk and riverside camping experience

You have river crossings on most treks, especially in the Himalayas. However, most of the Himalayan rivers are bone-chillingly cold. You would want to get out of the water as soon as you step in. But here, on the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek, you have one of the most pleasurable river walks, and you have it for a whole day! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone. 

“Day 4 is the riverwalk on the Gopat river. When I first saw the river. I thought ‘this is like a beach!’ There’s not a single pebble on the river bed. It’s smooth and sandy. The river is shallow, with water flowing just above your ankles. You don’t cross this river, or walk beside it. You walk inside it throughout the day,” says Nitesh Kumar, Senior Trek Leader who explored the latest route we take to Chhattisgarh.

“The blazing sun is above you, but your feet are in cool waters. You’re in the middle of a jungle, with no one around. It’s an unmatched experience,” exclaims Nitesh. 

If this was not enough, you actually camp next to the Gopat river. “Your tent flap opens up to the gentle lull of the river. It’s a dreamy setting sleeping to the tinkling sound of the river and waking up to it in the soft morning light,” shares Nitesh. 3. The trek has the right amount of challenge.  

The unique riverside campsite on the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

4. A sneak peek into the tribal life of Chhattisgarh locals

If there’s one thing trekkers can’t stop talking about, it’s this. Gurughasidas National Park, being a restricted area to the normal public, gives you an opportunity to meet these adivasi families living inside the national park.

“We got to stay in an adivasi village mud house and interact with the locals. The calm and serenity offered by the village really puts the important things in one’s life into perspective and takes them away from the daily rat race.

“The village also has an abundance of agricultural crops and trees, which makes evening walks while identifying the various trees like mango, jackfruit, guava and many more a truly informative and enjoyable session,” says Lakshay, who was really happy from the interactions he had with the adivasi families.

The Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek is a 4 day trek that is inside the lush-green Guru Ghasidas National Park. If you want to trek in the wilderness this is your trek.

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