As travelers, we have constant urges to explore new places and expand the picture gallery of our phones with the bittersweet memories from our trips. Our love for the unseen places just keeps increasing and trust us, it becomes an addiction before you know it. But it sure is a great addiction to have, isn’t it?
In the case of trekkers, this addiction makes them go places one can only dream of. It is said that if you go to the mountains once, your heart stays there forever and who would know this better than a trekker. Being a team of passionate trekkers, here at Bikat Adventures we are constantly drawn to sharing and compiling our trekking experiences for our fellow trekkers.
This time, we have decided to share our 2020 trek bucket list with all our beloved trekkers. The hidden gems, the unique ones and the unimaginable ones we have them all here.
For the ease of all trekkers, we have divided the list into categories based on the difficulty level of the treks.
Without further ado, let us have a look at the Bucket List and find the perfect fit for everyone.
20 Treks for 2020:
Easy Level Treks
These treks are perfect for those who want to start exploring the world of trekking or haven’t had the opportunity to explore many trails. These treks will help you gain experience and discover the hidden wanderer soul of yours so that you can do many more Himalayan treks in the future.
1.) BRAHMATAL TREK
Region |
Uttarakhand |
Max Alt |
3810 M |
Trek Distance |
21 Kms |
Start Point |
Lohajung |
End Point |
Lohajung |
No. of Days |
6 |
Best Seasons |
December To February |
The Brahmatal Trek is one of the most beautiful Himalayan winter treks. It is preferred by beginners as well as the first-timers. The glacial lake Brahmatal is a sight to behold. The trail of this trek is right opposite the famous Roopkund trail. Apart from this the famous peaks visible are from the trail are Trishul, Nandaghunti, Chowkhamba, Nilkanth, Kamet, Hathi, and Ghoda peaks.
Never seen huge amounts of snow? Never been amidst a snowfall? What are you waiting for, Brahmatal Trek is the answer to all your trekking fantasies.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Here's a sneak peek of the snowfall that happened during one of our batches was on the trail in December 2018.
2.) PATALSU PEAK TREK
Region |
Himachal Pradesh |
Max Alt |
4200 m |
Trek Distance |
17 km |
Start Point |
Solang |
End Point |
Solang |
No. of Days |
4 |
Best Season |
December To January and March To June |
If you want to be in a no network zone where your boss can't contact you and want to chill where not many people have been, then Patalsu Peak Trek should be your choice.
The Patalsu peak trek is another trek meant for beginners. This trek takes you through the beautiful forests of conifer, Birch, and Oak. Amazing views of the Beas Kund peaks including Hanuman Tibba are a pleasure for the sore eyes. This trail is relatively unexplored and makes a perfect option for those who are looking for solitude and untouched natural settings.
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Our exploratory team enjoyed exploring this trail. We are sure you'll have fun too. Check it out!
3.) BHRIGU LAKE TREK
Region |
Manali |
Max Alt |
4267 m |
Trek Distance |
29 Kms |
Start Point |
Gulaba |
End Point |
Vashisht |
No. of Days |
4 |
Best Season |
May to October |
While in Manali, don't beat yourself up on the crowded Mall road when you have a 3-day trek waiting just an hour away. Trek the vast green lands and find solace at the beautiful Bhrigu Lake.
Climbing 14,000 ft in three days doesn't sound easy, but the Bhrigu Lake Trek is one trek which allows you to do this. The trail takes you through forests and meadows. Once you reach the top, you find yourself standing above clouds next to a lake which is said to change colour over seasons. This trek is perfect for those who want to experience the high altitude summit in a few days.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
4.) KUMTA GOKARNA TREK
Region |
Karnataka |
Max Alt |
Sea Level |
Trek Distance |
20 Kms |
Start Point |
Kumta Beach |
End Point |
Gokarna Beach |
No. Of Days |
3 |
Best Season |
December |
Pack your bags and get ready to beat the everyday office blues on this first ever beach hopping trek. Sound unreal, doesn't it? But trust us, you are in for a surprise.
This is the most unique that one can come across. A beach trek. You hop from one beach to another, covering at least 15 beaches. The beautiful sunsets, the sand and the waves crashing on the shore are your company for all three days.
Here are 6 reasons to do the trek. You won't be able to resist.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Moderate Level Treks
These treks are for those who have some prior experience of trekking and have developed some skills needed for trekking. These treks also help you gain more experience for the ultimate Himalayan treks. Though these treks are not meant for the newbies they can be done if one is physically active and prepare himself before taking the trail.
1.) DEO TIBBA BASE CAMP TREK
Region |
Manali |
Max Alt |
4480 M |
Trek Distance |
37 Kms |
Start Point |
Khanol |
End Point |
Khanol |
No. of Days |
6 |
Best Season |
May to June and September to October |
This trek is also known as 'Chota Chandratal' because of the small alpine lake present on the trail. The trek requires you have some prior experience. The trail of this trek offers splendid views of peaks like Indrasan and Deo Tibba. The glaciers of Jagatsukh and Deo Tibba are also visible.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
2.) GHEPAN GHAT
Region |
Lahaul |
Max Alt |
4145 m |
Trek Distance |
28km |
Start Point |
Manali |
End Point |
Manali |
No. of Days |
5 |
Best Season |
Mid May to June and August to October |
This trek to the hidden neon blue gem called Ghepan ghat is something every trekker should do. This trek taking you through vibrant meadows and the trail offers splendid panoramic views of snow-capped mountains. This trek is relatively undiscovered and is perfect for nature lovers who wish to be away from the humdrum of life.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
3.) LEH-NUBRA-PANGONG TREK
Region |
Jammu and Kashmir (Ladakh and Nubra) |
Max Alt |
5432 m |
Trek Distance |
30 km |
Start Point |
Leh |
End Point |
Leh |
No. Of Days |
8 |
Best Season |
May to June and Late Spetember to October |
You think that you have seen it all, you might just be mistaken. Being just a tourist in Ladakh is no fun. Explore the mystic land by trekking from Leh to Pangong via Digar La and see this what perfection looks like.
The see it all tour of Leh through the high altitude pass at 18,000 ft called Digar La. This trek is perfect for those who want to explore the region. The trail of this trek takes you through the arid regions of the valley as well as the areas very some vegetation. The views as we know are unbeatable.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
4.) KASHMIR GREAT LAKES
Region |
Kashmir |
Max Alt |
4175 m |
Trek Distance |
69 km |
Start Point |
Sonamarg |
End Point |
Naranag |
No. of Days |
9 |
Best Season |
June to August |
There's always a lot of chatter about Kashmir. Kashmir's beauty, the lakes, the apple orchards and what not? But the real gem lies hidden far away, with emerald lakes and snowcapped peaks.
The Kashmir Great Lakes is rightly called one of the prettiest treks of the country. The trail takes you through many high altitude lakes and the campsites on the trek are to die for. The alpine forests, meadows and the passes are other highlights of the trek.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Picture Courtesy: Patwant Sandhu
Moderate+ Level Treks
This level is from where it gets tough. In order to do treks of this level, you need ample experience and these treks really put you to test. The critical skills like ascending and descending on snow, using gaiters or microspikes etc are needed. These treks are only meant for experienced trekkers.
1.) KEDAR TAL TREK
Region |
Uttarakhand |
Max Alt |
4780 m |
Trek Distance |
38 km |
Start Point |
Gangotri |
End Point |
Gangotri |
No. Of Days |
7 |
Best Season |
May to June and September to October |
The trek to Kedar Tal is unique in many ways. The beautiful trail along with the breathtaking views of the peak surrounding it make it a perfect trail. The lake is fed by the snowfall over Mt Thalay Sagar (6,904m), Meru (6,672m), Mt Bhrigupanth (6,772m) and other surrounding peaks. This trek really pushes your limits and is meant for seasoned trekkers.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
2.) SATOPANTH LAKE TREK
Region |
Uttarakhand |
Max Alt |
4350 m |
Trek Distance |
43 km |
Start Point |
Mana |
End Point |
Mana |
No. Of Days |
8 |
Best Season |
September to October |
The triangular lake sitting at the base of the Nilkantha peak is the beautiful Satopanth Lake. The Swargarohini peak Base Camp, views of Balakun Peak and Narayan Parbat peak are also part of the trek. The trail of this trek is pristine and requires you to push yourself. Though it might be a tough trek, the end result is worth the effort.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
3.) PIN BHABA PASS TREK
Region |
Himachal Pradesh (Shimla/Spiti) |
Max Alt |
4915 m |
Trek Distance |
48 km |
Start Point |
Kafnu |
End Point |
Mudh |
Best Season |
Mid May to September |
The Pin Bhaba Pass trek is a crossover from the lush green forests of Kinnaur to the barren lands of Spiti. This trek requires a great deal of strength and endeavor. The dramatic landscape makes this trek a favourite among the seasoned trekkers. One of the highlights of the treks is the view from the pass, as you leave behind the green mountains and enter the dessert side.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
4.) MIYAR VALLEY TREK
Region |
Lahaul |
Max Alt |
3990 m |
Trek Distance |
60 km |
Start Point |
Udaipur, Lahaul |
End Point |
Udaipur, Lahaul |
No. of Days |
8 |
Best Season |
May to June and August to Spetember |
The trail of this trek is so stunning that it is often called the Yosemite of the Himalayas. The valley hosts medicinal plants and herbs, wildlife like snow leopard and the Himalayan brown bear and countless migratory birds, sapphire and ruby encrusted rocks, and seven crystal green glacial lakes. Need we say more? This trek is meant for seasoned trekkers as it really puts your skill set to test.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
5.) MARKHA VALLEY WINTER TREK
Region |
Hemis National Park, Ladakh (J&K) |
Max Alt |
4050 m |
Trek Distance |
75 km |
Start Point |
Chilling |
End Point |
Chilling |
No. of Days |
9 |
Best Season |
January to February |
The Markha Valley Winter Trek is considered a great alternative to the famous Chadar trek by many trekkers. The trail takes you through high passes and unusual sheer canyons. One comes across exotic wildlife on the trail. The cold here is very extreme and one needs to be fully prepared (mentally and physically) in order to successfully do this trek.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
6.) GOECHA LA TREK
Region |
Sikkim |
Max Alt |
4600 M |
Trek Distance |
61 Kms |
Start Point |
Yuksom |
End Point |
Yuksom |
No of Days |
10 |
Best Season |
April to May and September to Decemeber |
The Goecha La trek is one of the greenest treks in the country. The trail of this trek goes through the Kanchenjunga National Park and one has a chance to witness some of the most beautiful flora and fauna. The famous Kanchenjunga peak, the third highest in the world, is visible from the trail, and trust us it will leave you awestruck.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Difficult Level Treks
Doing treks of this difficulty level is every trekker's dream. In order to do these treks, there is a requirement of certain level of training and experience of many Himalayan treks. Trekkers who opt for such difficult treks are very trained and fit enough as these treks can be very dangerous if pursued without appropriate preparation.
1.) KANG YATSE II TREK
Region |
Jammu & Kashmir (Ladakh) |
Max Alt |
6250 m |
Trek Distance |
72 km |
Start Point |
Chilling |
End Point |
Chokdo |
Best Season |
July to October |
This trek starts from the head of the Markha Valley. This high altitude trek takes you through the quaint villages of Ladakh. The trail of the trek is beautiful and displays the culture of Ladakh at its best. Summiting the peak is a great deal and is the shining star for many trekkers. One needs to have enough technical knowledge in order to do this trek.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
2.) PARANG LA TREK
Region |
Spiti |
Max Alt |
5580 m |
Trek Distance |
127.5 km |
Start Point |
Kaza |
End Point |
Karzok |
No. of Days |
12 |
Best Season |
End July to Mid September |
The trek is an ancient trade route between the Spiti in Himachal, Tibet & Changthang in Ladakh region. The trail of the trek is quite unique and houses some of the oldest fossils. The walk along the Tso Moriri lake is the highlight of the trek. This trek is long and arduous and requires a great deal of physical and mental strength.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
3.) PIN PARVATI PASS TREK
Region |
Himachal Pradesh & Spiti |
Max Alt |
5298 M |
Trek Distance |
78 km |
Start Point |
Bhuntar |
End Point |
Kaza |
No. of Days |
12 |
Best Season |
August to September |
The Pin Parvati Pass Trek is regarded as one of the most beautiful treks of the country. The trail of this trek has everything a trekker can ask for. From numerous waterfalls, meadows to the highlight of the trek i.e. the Parvati glacier this trek has it all. Unlike any other trek, you get a chance to walk on the glacier. The crossover to the stark Spiti valley another highlight of the trek. It is a challenging trek that requires a great deal of stamina and excellent trekking skills and therefore is not recommended for beginners.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
4.) EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK
Region |
Nepal (Khumbu) |
Max Alt |
5,645 m |
Trek Distance |
140 km |
Start Point |
Lukla |
End Point |
Lukla |
No. of Days |
16 |
Best Season |
March to June and September to December |
Talking about Everest gets the blood of every trekker pumping. For a trained and experienced trekker, what could be better than getting a view of the Everest? The Everest Base Camp trek takes you to the south base of the mountain. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Pumori and Ama Dablam during all the seasons. High endurance and training are needed to do this trek. Given the beauty of the trail, one does not need many reasons to do the EBC trek. There is an alternate route with Gokyo Ri and Gokyo lakes.
Find Information about it here.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Picture Courtesy: Abhishek Soni
5.) AUDEN'S COL EXPEDITION
Region |
Uttrakhand |
Max Alt |
5490 M |
Start Point |
Gangotri |
End Point |
Gaurikund |
Trek Distance |
75 km |
No. of Days |
16 |
Best Season |
June or September |
One of the most challenging treks in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Auden's Col is a high mountain pass that connects Jogin I and Gangotri III peaks. The pass also links two glaciers on the opposite sides, Khatling glacier and Jogin I glacier respectively. Trekkers face many hardships during this tremendously difficult trek. A great deal of preparation goes into doing this trek.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
This sums up our list of favorite treks for all our trekkers. All these treks are worth trying and we assure you that none of you would be disappointed.
So which trail are you going to explore in 2020? Or do you have any other trek on your mind? Let us know in the comments.
I am surprised to not see Stok Kangri in the list.. any reason?
Hey Dhiraj!Stok Kangri trek is a great trek, loved by many trekkers. Of late, the trail has become overcrowded as a result of which the campsites have also become very congested. At Bikat Adventures we believe in exploring the path less taken and enjoying the Himalayan trails at their scenic best. These Bucket list treks are great options. So, lets hit these trails together!PS: If you are looking to unwind and relax, check out the Kumta Gokarna Trek. It is the most unusual trek you will ever come across.
Can you suggest me a moderate level trek for May month where I can get snow.