Indian Himalayas, Trekking in | wandelgids

Guidebook to 8 treks in the Uttarakhand Himalaya, including the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, Shivling and the source of the Ganges. Ranging from 3 to 8 days, these guided trekking routes take in verdant valleys, alpine meadows, peaks, glaciers, holy sites and national parks, with the chance to see protected species such as snow leopard and musk deer.

Seasons

Spring (March/April) for the last of the snow, green meadows and rhododendrons/wildflowers blooming; summer (May/June) opens up settled weather and the higher altitudes; the post-monsoon season (mid-September/mid-October) has clear views of mountains and higher altitudes are again possible; and autumn (mid-October to the end of November) brings clear air. Trekking in the monsoon (July/August) is difficult, and possibilities are limited in winter (December-February) due to snow on the trails and temperatures of -5 to -10 C, or below.

Centres

In the Garwhal Himalaya: Dehra Dun, Joshimath and Sankri; in Kumaon: Munsyari and Loharkhet.

Difficulty

With diverse trails including trade and pilgrimage routes, wide paths, ridges, mountain passes and glaciers, each trek is graded from easy to challenging.

Must See

Highlights include Nanda Devi and the dramatic Rishi Ganga gorge, as well as Gaumukh -- the sacred source of the Ganges -- and the striking peak of Shivling. Walkers can explore the Pindari and Milam glaciers, enjoy summit views from Kedarkantha, Darwa Top and Dayara Bugyal, and take in a landscape of alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, glacial lakes and rushing rivers.