Famous Treks for Photography in the Indian Himalaya - Every Traveler's Delight

Posted on Tue, 02 Sep 2014 06:36:57 by Arun Joshi

It is quite hard to envisage a region of the world so replete with photography opportunities than ‘Incredible India’. It does not matter at all what kind of photography you want, as the various regions of India like Uttarakhand, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh have vibrant colors and picturesque views in the form of magnificent land, azure sky, beautiful rivers, ancient monasteries, exotic flora & fauna and the list goes on. The best way to fulfill your photography passion and explore the enchanting natural beauty of these places is through trekking.

Here are some trekking routes or locations that are bursting with immense photography opportunities:

Valley of Flowers Trek

Perched at an altitude of around 3500 meters, the vivid ‘Land of Flowers’ blossoms during the summer month and remains drenched with snow in the winter season. There are thousands of different species of flowers and it seems that nature has laid down the carpet of colorful flowers on earth. The Valley of Flowers is spread over an area of 87.50 sq kms and is one of the locations to click amazing pictures and cherish them forever. Its popularity can be gauged from the fact that it has been added to the list of the World Heritage Sites. There is a popular wildlife park known as the ‘Valley of Flowers National Park’ near to the valley that safeguards the exotic flora and fauna. The park can be reached after carrying out a small and easy trek of about 15 kms that will take the photography enthusiasts to pristine waterfalls, verdant landscapes and stunning snow-draped peaks.

Best Time to Visit: Mid July to Mid August

Prominent Highlights of the Valley:

• Lots of Flora
• Alpine variety of flowers
• Many species of medicinal plants
• Endangered wildlife

Dzongri Goecha La Trek

It is another beautiful trek that showcases the enchanting beauty and culture of Sikkim. By starting the trekking from Yuksom, the former capital of Sikkim, visitors can click amazing photographs of the dense forests replete with rhododendron, pine and magnolia trees. Also, the beauty of the snow-capped peaks and the wonderful meadows will captivate the attention of the tourists. When the visitors reach the Goecha La mountain pass, they will be mesmerized by the view of the translucent Samiti Lake. At the Goecha La pass, the tourists can capture some stunning images of Mt. Kanchenjunga, frame it and enhance the beauty of the walls in their homes.

Best Time to Visit: March, April, and September to November

Prominent Highlights of Trek:

• Mt. Kanchenjunga, one of the highest peaks
• Thick forest ridges
• Different kinds of trees
• Best views of snow-clad mountains
• Blue sky
• Unique landscape

Auden Col Trek

This trek is nestled at an altitude of 5450 meters (approx.) and considered a very challenging trek. However, the views, which the photography fanatics get after completing the trek, are very rewarding as they get to see the alluring creations of Mother Nature. The trek joins two ridges (Gangotri III and Jogin I) and two glaciers (Khatling and Jogin I) together. During trekking, the visitors will pass through Pine and Birch forests and meadows. The superb view of the snow-fed Himalayan peaks makes the pain and difficulty involved in trekking worth it.

Best Time to Visit: June to September

Prominent Highlights of Trek:

• Enchanting ambience
• Scintillating Himalayan peaks
• Masar Tal
• Vasuki Tal

Markha Valley Trek

It is one of the popular treks of Ladakh and most importantly an empyrean for the photography enthusiasts. Here, an individual will get a wonderful chance to capture great pictures of the amazing terrain and the magnificently built Buddhist monasteries. He or she can also meet the friendly people, get an insight about their lifestyle and click pictures with them.  To reach the Markha Valley, the journey starts from Spituk in Leh that takes the visitors to the high peaks and pastures. While strolling through the forest, the tourists can also spot animals like Blue sheep or Ibex, and click their pictures and cherish unforgettable memories.

Best Time to Visit: June to October

Prominent Highlights of Trek:

• Markha River
• Stunning Himalayas
• Captivating views of Karakoram
• Hemis National Park

Trans-Zanskar Expedition

Zanskar, nestled in Ladakh is a beautiful high-altitude area where the climate remains salubrious during the summer season. Most parts of the region remain covered with the snow in the winter season.  Trekking through the crystal-clear rivers, crossing the rugged terrains and climbing up the mountains, take the visitors to the magnificent ancient monasteries and remote villages that charm the people with their heavenly beauty. The tranquil atmosphere of the region fills the people with newfound joy and they can remember their visit to the place by the capturing images through their camera.

Best Time to Visit: July to September

Prominent Highlights of Trek:

• Ancient monasteries and Gompa
• Attractive landscapes
• Stongdey Monastery
• Lahaul Valley

Pin Parvati Trek

Pin Parvati trek is essentially an awe-inspiring mountain pass located in Himachal Pradesh. It joins the Parvati Valley in Kullu with the Pin Valley nestled in Spiti. While in search of some eye-catching photographs, an individual will stroll through the lush forests, huge glaciers and spectacular lakes. The change of snow-draped mountains into golden yellow or grey when the first rays of the sun fall on them is a fascinating sight to capture.

Best Time to Visit: May to September

Prominent Highlights of Trek:

• Khir Ganga water springs
• Mantalaie Lake
• Mesmerizing views
• Glacier peaks

Milam Glacier Trek

Milam glacier is one the biggest glaciers of Kumaon from where the pious Gori Ganga river emanates. If the visitors are looking forward to capture breathtaking pictures, they have to reach Munsiyari from where the trekking actually begins. Munsiyari is nestled in Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand. Upon reaching the banks of Gori Ganga, the visitors will stroll through dense forests of bamboo, rhododendron and chestnut. The mesmerizing view of the Nanda Devi and Hardeol peaks works as a perfect ointment to the tired soul.  After reaching the Milam glacier, the tourists get fascinated to the see the amazing beauty of the place. The glacier is encircled by around 52 peaks and proves to be an excellent photography point for the visitors.

Best Time to Visit: May to September

Prominent Highlights of Trek:

• Different forests
• Friendly people and villages
• Wooden bridges
• Marvelous waterfalls

Darma Valley Trek

This alluring trek is situated in Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand. It is one of the best and easiest treks for trekking and clicking wonderful pictures. The valley presents a bewitching location for photography with lush forests, blue streams, cascading waterfalls, meadows and colorful flowers. Visiting this trek between the months of November and April would certainly increase the chances of seeing various species of wildlife such as the white-capped redstarts, Himalayan Snow Cock, Red Panda and so on. The trek provides a picture perfect setting to the photography lovers in the form of seasonal glaciers, lush coniferous forests, verdant fields and tranquil hamlets.

Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October

Prominent Highlights of Trek:

• Undulating picturesque landscape
• Cascading streams
• Picturesque hamlets
• Alpine meadows
• Seasonal glaciers
• Coniferous forests

It is imperative to undertake an in-depth research work about the best time to visit, various gears to carry, weather information, etc. before finalizing a photography trekking tour to India. So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets or packages to your favorite trekking route and take great pictures, which you can be proud of.