With the rain gods having obliged us this monsoon, it’s a good time to pack your walking shoes and take off on a trek to the unexplored corners of the country. Village Square brings you five such lush trails.
The monsoon is a good time for trekking enthusiasts, for there are several locations in India that turn twice as majestic after a generous downpour. These treks are done to experience the lush, breathtaking views and serenity of the hills, valleys and forests. They also offer urban folks an opportunity to visit villages which often serve as base camps and experience local culture firsthand. We present a list of some marvellous monsoon treks in India that you can undertake this season.
Among one of the more challenging Himalayan treks is Ladakh’s Darcha Lamayuru trek. Beginning at Darcha, located on the banks of the Bhaga river, this trek is a journey from Himachal Pradesh to Lamayuru in Ladakh.
Completed over several days, this trail passes through snow-fed mountain streams and rugged landscapes. Trekkers also pass villages which allow them to experience local culture firsthand.
This high-altitude trek requires travelling through different passes like Parfi La, Singe La, Sirsir La and Shingo La among others. Before reaching Lamayuru, one gets to witness the beauty of rivers like Zanskar, Indus and Doda as well as the vibrant wildlife of the Himalayan region. A good time to do this trek is between June and September.
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At a height of over 3,700 metres, Narasimha Parvatha stands as the highest peak in Agumbe. This trek takes you through the dense forests of the Western Ghats, picturesque valleys and lush grasslands. Since Agumbe receives intense rainfall in India, just as Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, it is often called the ‘Cherrapunji of south India’.
On this trek, one can witness rich flora and fauna along the trail which is also home to several ancient trees. The Barkana Falls, one of India’s largest waterfalls, is also a major attraction on this trek.
Starting from the basecamp Mallandur, which is in Agumbe, the distance to Narasimha Parvatha’s peak is about 13 km. Since the route goes through dense forests, it is advisable to hire a guide to ensure safety and convenience. This trek can be best enjoyed from September onwards.
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Perched at an altitude of over 4,000 feet, Harishchandragad is a hill fort in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. This trek is one of the state’s popular monsoon treks which offers a variety of experiences throughout the journey ranging from beautiful views to ancient caves and temples.
Kedareshwar cave and Harishchandra temple are among some of these marvels. Upon reaching the Konkan Kada (cliff), one gets a bird’s eye view of the Konkan region. Misty valleys and the grand sunset seen from this point are much loved by tourists.
Furthermore, the cultural offerings include temples and caves dating to the sixth century. The Harishchandreshwar Temple is a fine example of stone carving architecture, which is one of the major attractions of this trek. Atop the Chandragad plateau is also the Taramati peak which delivers a majestic view of the Naneghat region. For beginners, it is advisable to begin the journey from Pachnai. This trek can be enjoyed from August onwards.
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The Tarsar Marsar trail, one of India’s most well-known treks, takes you through the breathtaking landscape of Kashmir, comprising vast green meadows and mighty peaks.
Witnessing the alpine lakes Tarsar and Marsar is the highlight of the trek. The 7-day journey is just as rewarding since the picturesque scenery of the Valley is bound to leave you captivated. While Marsar is usually shrouded in clouds, it can also be spied from an overhang located 700 to 800 feet below.
Moreover, trekkers can also interact with local tribes and villagers, which gives an insight into the lives of the native folks. This trek can be best enjoyed in July, August and September.
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The Rajgad-Torna range trek is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich trails in Maharashtra. The Rajgad fort is one of the most significant forts from the reign of Shivaji Maharaj. Those looking for a trekking adventure and a close encounter with historical marvels should certainly consider this destination.
The climb to Rajgad can feel steep and tiring, however upon reaching the top, one can visit the Padmavati Lake and temples like Janani Mata Temple, Padmavati Temple, Maha Darwaza and Pali Darwaza.
Upon reaching the Torna region, trekkers visit and explore the Torna fort and the architectural marvels that lie within it, as well as the Menghai Devi Temple. Trekkers can also halt in small villages and settlements along the way to experience local Marathi traditions and culture.
This trek can be enjoyed in the monsoon season to witness the lush greenery of the Sahyadris.
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The lead image on top shows a view from the Narasimha Parvatha in Agumbe, which offers enthusiasts a challenging trek. (Photo from Wikimedia Commons)
