Top 3 Valley Treks to Build Memories of a Lifetime

Trekking for a while now? It is most likely that you are getting a monotonous feeling about the barren and rippled landscapes of treks. In such a case it is natural to feel a call for the mountains with more vibrant elements. This is when valleys come to the rescue. These are long flatlands located between the junction of two mountains or a range of mountains. Compared to the ruggedness of peaks, valleys are gentle, mild, and full of the colors of nature. With so many valleys and so many places to go, how do you choose the best of the rest? Kashti Adventures is here to help you out! This article will highlight the top three treks that are perfect for planning your next holidays!

Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek

With beautiful meadows, snow-clad peaks, and expansive grasslands, Chopta is rightfully referred to as the ‘Switzerland of India’. The valley is a part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and acts as the basal point for the Tungnath trek. If you visit Chopta, you’ll get a 3-in-1 package. Tungnath is one of the Panch Kedar which is located at a distance of only 3.5 km from the valley. Once you visit Tungnath you can upgrade your trekking experience with an adventurous visit to Chandrashila. The latter is situated at a ravishing altitude of 13,000ft and the ultimate prize is not just these three beautiful spots. You’ll also get a bejeweled view of Mount Trishul, Meru, Sumeru, Ganesh parvat, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba along with 41 other peaks, all at once!

Chopta gives different vibes when visited at different seasons of the year. In summer, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful diversity of flora and fauna with the bewitching beauty of Rhododendrons, whereas, in winter, you’ll be welcomed with a fairyland of snow. Just try to avoid visiting during the monsoons of July and August, as the views are shrouded with rainy clouds. All-in-all, the Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila trek is the perfect valley trek to choose for a memorable winter or summer getaway.

Saur Valley Trek

At an altitude of 1650 m, the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand cradles on the lap of this valley. If you’re looking for a short yet mind-boggling trek, then this 8 km long and 5-km wide trek is the one for you! With rugged terrains frequented by silent villages and bustling crowds of the city, Saur valley has it all. You will get a panoramic glimpse of Nanda Devi, Panchauli, Trishuli, and Nandakot from the Chandak hills of the region.

With its rustic appearance, the valley also has its resources for tourists. The Pithoragarh fort, built in 1789 by the Gorkhas will leave a sense of awe, thanks to its ancient grandeur! Other recommended tourist spots include Kapileshwar Mahadev and Thal/Sthal Kedar temples. The former is revered as the spot where Kapilmuni completed his penance, resulting in the appearance of a Swayambhu shivling. The Thal Kedar on the other hand has an interesting background story. It has been described as the auspicious pilgrimage, equivalent to the mighty Kedarnath. The Manaskhand of Skanda Purana has a mention of the Thal Kedar in 133rd Adhyaya or chapter. The present temple with a beautiful shivling stands amidst the Kalisindh river, at the confluence of Shakuni and Fadka rivers. Locals celebrate a week-long festival on the temple premises during Kartik Purnima. If you visit Saur valley for a short trek do visit these amazing places along with Dhvaj Shikhar. It’ll fill your mind with a sense of calm and a feeling of eternal peace.

Mana Valley Trek

Located at a distance of 3km from the Badrinath temple, the Mana valley is named after the village it houses. The valley has a legendary significance as the epic of Mahabharata was narrated by Ved Vyas in the Vyas gufa and written by Lord Ganesha in the Ganesh gufa. From a historical perspective, the trek was once used as a trade route between Tibet and India and was frequented by the Rongpa traders. On this venture, one can also visit the beautiful green waters of the Satopanth Tal which is considered as a doorway to heaven. On the trail, a trekker will get a glimpse of Bhim pul, a bridge, that is thought to be built by Bhima for the Pandavas to cross over. For visiting Mana valley you won’t need any legal permission but to visit the Mana La pass written permission from the Sub-divisional magistrate is mandatory. The best time to visit Mana Valley is in April-October. The trek is perfect for beginners to try their skills in a beautiful environment.

Conclusion

Valleys are the perfect amalgamation of beauty with adventure. Kashti Adventures has a plethora of options for you to choose from! So, do not be confused and choose one of these valleys for your next treks. You will come back with loads of memories and happiness to cherish for your life.

Blog by Chandrajita Chakraborty