In this week’s recap, we have some interesting news for you. We saw the successful execution of our Everest and Annapurna Base Camp Treks – our treks in Nepal. The Everest Base Camp Trek had a case of a helicopter rescue as well – read more on this below.
On the other hand on most of our Indian Himalayan treks, there has been snow the past week. Scroll down to read the latest updates from all our active treks.
Bonus: We’ll tell you about a trek that can give the Swiss Alps a run for its money! This trek in Himachal Pradesh can easily be completed in 4 days. Sounds interesting? Scroll down to know the Trek Pick of the Week.
Everest Base Camp
All except 2 trekkers complete the trek
After 11 days of tireless trekking, our first group for the season reached Everest Base Camp last Wednesday (11th April). Trek Leader Karthik Maddineni and Trek Manager Dhansingh led the team to the base camp. As you read this, they are on their way back to Lukla from Namche Bazaar.
It snowed on the trek, making it no less than an expedition. But they were lucky enough to get clear views too!
Two trekkers evacuated by helicopter
The first trekker was turned around before crossing Gokyo Ri as he wasn’t coping too well.
The second trekker was evacuated because of an advanced state of HAPE after crossing the Chola Pass (17,782 ft). The trekker’s oxygen level had dropped to nearly 69, even after administering medicines.
So Karthik took a call to evacuate him immediately. Because of bad weather conditions, the helicopter took some time to reach the evacuation point. Once the weather cleared out the helicopter was able to make a clean landing and rescue the trekker. We’re happy to announce that the trekker is safe and was immediately off the danger post the evacuation.
Second team to Everest Base Camp on its way
Our second team to EBC has started its trek. They reached Lukla on Thursday. Trek Leader Geet Tryambake and Trek Manager Mukesh Panwar are leading them to EBC.
Note: It is important to understand that any evacuation on this trek requires helicopter support and hence is costly. This cost is nearly $1200 and must be added to your expected expenses when you’re budgeting your EBC trek.
We have an article specifically to help you budget this trek. Make sure you go through it.
Annapurna Base Camp
3 teams complete the ABC trek successfully
The third group for Annapurna Base Camp is already back on their way to Pokhara. All batches had good weather as Himanshu Thapa, our Trek Leader told us. After having done nearly 6-7 treks in the Himalayas, he says this one is closest to his heart.
Nag Tibba
We’ve added dates in July, August and September
Frankly, we’re not surprised to receive such positive reviews for this small 2-day weekend trek. The descent trail is so beautiful and refreshing passing through the forest trail that trekkers often get blues on reaching Panthwari, the end point of this trek.
On popular demand, we have extended this trek for the months of July, August and September. For all those of you planning a short yet rewarding trek in the Himalayas somewhere around Dehradun, this trek is for you. It might rain a bit since these are monsoon months, but if you’re geared with rain wear, you’re good to go.
Basecamp change for Kedartal and Gaumukh Tapovan
Due to the upcoming Chardham yatra, we have decided to change the base camp location for both these treks from Gangotri to Dharali.
Dharali is a sleepy hamlet situated on the banks of the river Ganga and provides a secluded experience to our trekkers, away from the hustle bustle of Gangotri.
The travel time from Dehradun to Dharali is 10-12 hours and is completed on Day 1 of the trek. On Day 2 of the trek, trekkers hike up to Chirbasa via Gangotri for Gaumukh Tapovan and Bhojkharak for Kedartal.
Kheerganga Buni-Buni Pass
Snow as deep as 3 feet at Buni-Buni Pass
Our Trek Manager Vishwanath Bhandari, who is setting up the campsites on the Kheerganga Buni Buni pass trek, says there is 2-3 feet of snow at the pass. Trekkers heading to Kheerganga Buni-Buni Pass in this month can expect a good amount of snow and respite from the surging temperatures down in cities. We don’t have the latest photos from this trek thanks to bad internet connection but we will share one in our next week’s updates.
Note: Please don’t underestimate a trek because of its duration. Even though the trek is just 3-day long our trek leaders recommend good quality trek shoes and poles.
Kuari Pass
A trek that refuses to let the snow go
This Uttarakhand trek has transformed itself into a white paradise. Just see this picture below and you will realise why I say so. Many trekkers couldn’t believe their eyes when the first slanted sun rays lit up their paths in the powdery snow below. If you’re headed to Kuari Pass in the coming weeks be prepared with your 5 warm layers and proper trekking shoes and jackets. Read this article for more information on keeping warm in such weather conditions.
Pangarchulla
No water at Gailgad forces trekkers to summit Pangarchulla from Khullara campsite
We started this season’s climb to Pangarchulla last week, with two teams going up. We had heard from our trek leaders (who went on a trial run a few days ago) and locals that there is too much snow at Gailgad, the second campsite. Later we found out that there was absolutely no water present at this campsite. All water sources are frozen. Any attempt to carry water tanks from the previous campsite would be impossible due to the terrain.
It was finally decided that trekkers would continue their trek to Pangarchulla summit without stopping at Gailgad. That would mean an extra 2 km to be covered in the same day for our trekkers. All trekkers responded well to this decision and agreed to climb to the summit right from Khullara. Trek Leaders Samkit Jain and Tanmay Bain were all praise for their teams. Check out this photo below.
Kedarkantha
Snow after a long time at Kedarkantha
It snowed again at Kedarkantha summit yesterday. Although the last few weeks were dry, things changed for better after 11th of April. Snow or no snow, this trek is still an absolute delight in all seasons. We recommend this trek to all first timers looking to have a slice of the grand Himalayas.
Sandakphu
The ever-changing face of Sandakphu Phalut Trek
The weather on this trek is really favourable right now. Our last 2 batches that returned from this trek with glowing reviews. Trek Leader Imroz sent us such a heartfelt feedback of this trek that all of us at office fell in love with it.
From golden evenings to clear nights to frosty mornings – this trek is like a gallery of emotions. Check these photos on our Instagram handle below
Har Ki Dun
Clear weather, manageable snow
This trek has had some relief from endless snowfall during the last few weeks. Last we heard, trekkers informed that the weather has cleared up and the snow on this trek has become manageable. At the moment, it’s the right mix of snow and greenery!
Those are trek updates from the past week. I have a few more updates for you.
Rent a Trekking Backpack @ Rs. 55/day
We proudly announce the arrival of Adventure Worx backpacks for Indiahikes, which trekkers can now rent from our store. Check out this article to know more about its features and order here.
Trek Pick of the week
Bhrigu Lake – A Trek With Unending Meadows
This 4-day trek is one of the most rewarding treks in the country. The high altitude meadows on this trek are to die for. If you think the meadows of Switzerland are amazing come take a look at the unending meadows on this trek. Take my word for this trek if you want an easy-moderate trek that gives you the best of worlds.
Trek Articles of the Week
1. Author’s Pick: How to choose your first Himalayan Trek: Arjun, our founder pens down a beautiful article outlining best treks to do in each month.
2. What gets measured gets managed – 2 model villages in the making: Our Green Trails team has really been working a lot to improve the condition of mountain slopes in 3 different geographies. Read this article to get a sneak peak of their efforts.
What you should do now
1. If you need more help in choosing a trek: Head over to our upcoming treks page. You’ll find help in choosing a Himalayan trek in a specific season.
2. If you want to work with us: Head over to our careers page. We have lots of positions open. We also have lots of applications coming in. So the sooner you apply, the better.
3. If you want to see the 13 best treks of India: Then get our free guide here.
Was the trail for EBC route populated or deserted ?
Hi Harshit,
The trail for EBC was fairly populated.
Isn’t Ama Dablam on the right?
That’s correct.
$1200!!! That’s very expensive. I hope the trekker is recovering well