TREKKING For those fascinated by the unexplored, the hills of India offer breathtaking adventurous trekking routes. Trekking is the best way of getting to know any land, its people, its culture and traditions. Trekking is very often confused with mountaineering. Whilst mountaineering is more technical in nature and entails a lot of preparation in the way of equipment, provisions, technical data, weather reports etc., trekking does not require anywhere near as much preparation. From time immemorial, hill folk and pilgrims trekked over hills and dales due to lack of roads and means of transportation. Adi Shankaracharya trekking in the Garhwal Himalayas in the 8th century A. D. and he was the pioneer who opened trekking routes in this part of the country. Treks in Garhwal Panch Kedar Trek :- Panch Kedars are the five different forms of the Hindu God Shiva, and are known as kedarnath (3584m); Madmaheshwar (3289 m); Tungnath (3810 m); Rudranath (2286 m); Kalpnath (2134 m). The mountainscape from each temple is fascinating, the valley full of rich fauna & flora and the people hospitable. Kedarnath - Vasuki Tal Trek :- The trek starts from Gaurikund, where one can have a refreshing bath in the hot water sulphur springs. The trek from Gaurikund to Rambara winds along the river Mandakini through forests and across beautiful water falls. The trek from Kedarnath to Vasuki Tal is a continuous ascent along a goat track and it offers a panoramic view of Chaukhamba peaks. The final trek to Vasuki Tal is downhill for 1 Km. At the bottom of this, one can see rectangular slabs of rocks. Best Season - May - Sept. Kalindikhal Trek :- For thr most adventurous trekkers, with fundamental knowledge of the mountains, this trek provides a rare experience. The trek takes one from Nandanvan to Vasuki Tal after due acclimatization. There is a gradual ascent of 10 kms, thereafter, the trek negotiates Kharapathar at a height of 5456 m before camping at Kalindi base, one treks down to Arwa glacier and Arwatal (3980 m) to Badrinath via Ghastoli with two main rivers crossing on the way. GMVN arranges this trek for 12 days, under normal weather conditions. Backpacking in Sahyadris, more on this... Looking for short treks? Try Surkanda Trek while on your next trip to Whispering Pines, Dhanaulti OR Koch Fort Trek close to Mumbai (Maharashtra). For high quality Backpacking Gear click here