Two Enthralling Treks To Do In The North East Of India

 When it comes to trekking most Indians look up to the North of India for the available options, variety and the potential treks that can meet their specific interests. Rightly so, the North Indian states being wealthy in mountainous terrains do have a lot of amazing trekking expeditions and deals to offer but what is slightly disappointing about the treks in North is the commercialization and overcrowding of trekkers and travelers; most of these spaces are overcrowded with travelers and tourists from around the world and so these regions are tailored to make their stay pleasant and hassle-free.

The Indian cinema being obsessed with the Northern Himalayas can be held accountable to an extent for our subconscious choice of running north for our traveling and especially trekking requirements.

But let me pop the bubble for you, there is much more to the trekking world beyond the 4 northern states that exist on the tip of your tongue. The North-Eastern region of India is one of my favorite spaces to delve in activities such as trekking. The region has it’s unique aura and brings a fresh sense of nature and wilderness to the table. It is less known, less crowded and relatively less exploited which must be fair reasons for you to run to these states for your upcoming trekking expeditions.

Of all the wonderful trekking expeditions that the North East of India homes in its ambit, the Sandakphu Trek and the Goechala Trek remain my personal favorite.

The Sandakphu expedition is a 6 days long journey with an itinerary that begins from the state of West Bengal, leads to Sikkim to finally return back to West Bengal covering an approximate distance of 46kms. It is a moderate grade expedition which can also be done solo and the highest region that is accessed during this expedition lies at an altitude of 12,000 ft.

The trek has an excellent opening which begins with a trek alongside the Singalila Ridge that lies at the border of India and Nepal, leading you to move in and out of the two states as you make your way towards the summit, this is followed by the route that cuts path with the Singalila National Park that has fascinating and exotic species of flora and fauna in its vicinity; the sub-alpine and coniferous forests along this route make it all the more dramatic and thrilling. There is a great probability of spotting Red Pandas in this area that is usually painted with hues of pink and red Rhododendrons. Onward and upwards from here are the grand panoramic views of four of word’s highest peaks and the Godly Kanchenjunga Range, the glory and beauty of which is relentless. And the last highlight of this expedition is the Kalapokhri or the Black Lake which is a quiet and aesthetic waterhole that rests calmly with the Kanchenjunga Range in the backdrop giving it an elite cinematic appearance. All in all, the Sandakphu-Phalut Trek is an overwhelmingly wholesome, visually appeasing, less strenuous as well as thoroughly adventurous trekking expedition that must be visited at all costs.

The second expedition that must top your to-do list is the Goechala Trek which also begins from West Bengal. It is an eleven days long trekking expedition that dives into Sikkim covering approximately 87 kms of distance. The Goechala expedition is a moderate to difficult grade expedition which offers exquisite, panoramic, almost unbelievable views!

From a sneak-peek of the ancient cultures and traditional backgrounds of Sikkim at Yuksom, to the breathtakingly fresh meadows at the foothills of the Kanchenjunga Range, to the wide-screen, clear and apparent views of the Sleeping Buddha along with many other interesting mountain peaks, everything about this expedition is an independent, potential reason for a trekking enthusiast to explore and witness the beauty of this region. The trail along this expedition passes through heart-warming and moving ambiances that can make any and every nature fanatic go gaga. The highest region accessed during the Sandakphu-Phalut trekking expedition is when you reach the top of the summit and stand at an altitude of 15,100 ft with the surreal, magical and maddening beauty of nature unfolding before you.

If you have a keen interest in exploring wild, uncultured nature and have a love for mountain peaks both the Sandakphu Trek and The Goechala Trek should make it to the top of your options — there is no way you would want to miss out feasting and relishing the spellbinding charisma of the regions explored during both the treks.