Spiritual treks
Have you been looking for a mix of adventure, trekking, nature, and a spiritual retreat? If so, there can be no better region than the mystical Indian Himalayas.
The Himalayan mountain range is a mystery and attracts travelers with its breathtaking views, glaciers, river valleys, and snow-capped mountains. The beauty of the Himalayas not only compels adventure lovers to visit but also those looking for self-discovery or a spiritual retreat amid a peaceful environment. From Hindu temples to Buddhist monasteries, from Gurudwaras to holy lakes, long spiritual Himalayan treks in India will not only allow you to attain blessings but also allow you to witness different cultures.
1. Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash Trek:
One of India’s most challenging pilgrimage treks, the Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash Trek starts from the base point of Jason or Sinhgad village in Kullu in Himachal Pradesh the peak of Shrikhand Mahadev, where there is a Shivling about 75 feet tall made of stone. The Shivling, when viewed from the front, has cracks in it and hence is named Shri ‘KHAND’ Mahadev. The Shivling, when viewed from the front, has gaps in it and therefore is called Shri ‘KHAND’ Mahadev. The trek measures about 32 km one way and takes you through a rocky moraine path, dense forests, and rugged glaciers. Being here is a magical moment as the whole experience brings excitement and divine waves of emotions amidst the heart-stopping views.
Altitude: approx. 5,715 m.
Grade: Difficult
Best Time for Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash Trek: The pilgrimage is between July and August.
2. Ganga Trek Source:
One of the best spiritual trek destinations in the Garhwal Himalayas, the Source of Ganges Trek is sure to make your spiritual journey sublime. Gaumukh (Mouth of the Cow) on the Gangotri glacier is the source of the holy river Ganga. Thus the trek takes travelers to the sacred place by covering the trekking route from Gangotri, which can be reached from Uttarkashi. The tour takes you into a world of holiness, wilderness, and immense natural beauty as you travel.
Grade: Easy-moderate
Best Time for Ganga Source Trek: The months between May and mid-October are the best time to plan a Ganga Source trekking holiday as it is also the season of Char Dham Yatra.
If you love trekking, you can also do the Kedarkantha trek in Uttrakhand.
3. Kinner Kailash Trek:
The trek to Kinner Kailash starts from Tangling, a village on the left bank of the river Sutlej. The tour continues along the iron path to a small stream about 3 km ahead. After two halts, one at Bara Pathar (Big Stone or Rock) and the other at Bara Ped (Big Tree), the trek continues further, and after crossing the bugyals (meadows), your day will end at the Aashiqui park. Ashiqui Park has a fantastic night view, and the lights of Kalpa and Reckong Peo are visible. From there, the Kinner Kailash is nearly 8-10 km away. From there, the Kinner Kailash is almost 8-10 km away.
Altitude: approx. 6500 m.
Grade: Difficult
Best time for Kinner Kailash Trek: The months between May and June and post-monsoon in October are the best time to witness the beauty of Kinner Kailash.
4. Ladakh Monastery Trek:
The 13-day Ladakh Monastery Trek starts from Leh. It includes some of the most beautiful monasteries like Shey and Thiksey Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery, Prinkiti La, Hinju, Konzke La, Sumda Chenmo, Sumda Choon, Lanak and Alchi Monastery. The beauty of monasteries in Ladakh is that most of them are built on lonely rocks or rocky mountain faces that make the region different from any other place.
Altitude: approx. 3,600 m. – 4,950 m.
Grade: Medium
Best Time to Trek Ladakh Monastery: The summer months between April and June are best for spiritual trekking in Ladakh.
5. Amarnath Trek:
Another legendary trek in the Himalayas, the Amarnath Cave Trek in Kashmir, allows devotees to visit Lord Shiva’s favorite cave. The tour covers rugged and challenging mountain terrains to get the most potent look at the ice stalagmite formed inside the Amarnath cave.
Legends say that Lord Shiva chose this particular cave to impart the secret of life and death to Goddess Parvati on his way to the shelter. Although difficult to reach, the mystery was sacred, so at Pahalgam, he had to abandon his Nandi ride. At Chandanwari, he left the moon on top of his head. At Sheshnag Lake, he left a snake around his neck; at Panchtarni, he left the five essential elements of life that he carried and even his son – Lord Ganesha, on top of Mahaguna. And since then, devotees have started following the same tourist route for Amarnath Yatra.
Altitude: approx. 3,888 m.
Grade: Easy-moderate
Best Time for Amarnath Trek: The only time of the year when the Amarnath cave is accessible is between the Shravan (Hindu calendar) months of July and August.
