Prasenjit Sarkar

Fascinating Trails – Wild, Inviting and Spectacular Extraordinary, mind-boggling and experiences of a lifetime – these are the precise phrases that cross my mind whenever I recollect my trips. The trails are fascinating, the slog demanding, and the routes challenging but one is rewarded with sublime views, refreshing torrents and fun. Enough reasons for them to make it to my bucket list every year. Treks in the Himalayan foothills are legendary, drawing enthusiasts from across the country. The diverse landscapes of forests, glacial lakes, and snow-capped peaks are traversed by thousands each year. Breathe in the pure mountain air and catch the first glimpse of the sun-rays as they bounce off spectacular cliffs. Each moment on the treks is transformative. As you walk along the trail, you have a unique opportunity to absorb the region’s local culture. Wind around the mountains, walk across Sherpa villages, trek through lush green jungles, hop across streams, or take a nap on a makeshift hammock these trails offer a rare chance to explore nature. The uncrowded expanse is a chance to marvel at the amazing flora, fauna and feel excited at sightings of unique bird species. Lucky trekkers have reported coming across rare species like the Golden Eagle, the Griffon vulture, Tibetan Snowfinch and many others. Their colors, the elegance in their flight, their habitats transport you to a world where it is difficult to take your eyes off them. Treks can last anywhere between two days to a couple of weeks and range from ones that are easy, to moderate difficulty treks to those that require adequate preparation, mental as well as physical strength and are no doubt arduous even for the most adventurous amongst us. Treks to dizzying heights of 10,000 feet and above can be the most humbling of experiences you will ever live through. The trekking scene has changed massively from the days when it was only the hardy explorer types who used to venture out. With professional agencies now conducting well-planned itineraries, the appeal of trekking has broadened. The foothills of the Himalayas have seen a welcome change with many more taking a wide range of holidays offering treks combined with other activities. You still get to soak in stunning views and experience the pretty villages around the foothills. Leisurely village walks, visits to monasteries and river rafting facilities are seeing even families taking the smaller treks together. You would be hard-pressed to find another locale that is as breathtaking as the Himalayas. The high mountains, the deep gorges, the wild forests and the high plateaus are spectacular for their biodiversity. Whether you are a hardy trekker hiking the remote ranges such as the Markha valley, the Zanskar region or doing the moderate ones like Chopta Tunganath, Parashar Lake, Kedar Kantha treks, the shimmering beauty of the Himalayas is a photographer’s dream come true.