Situated in the northern part of India, Himachal Pradesh is a mountainous state in the western Himalayas. Scenic mountain towns like Dalhousie are home to Himachal. The region is also well known for its areas of trekking, hiking, and skiing. Himachal trekking is not only intended for seasoned trekkers but if you're a novice in trekking, Himachal Pradesh's Himalayan range is a perfect call for you. Some of the Himalayan beginners' simple treks at Himachal Pradesh are:
1. Triund Hill Trek, McLeodganj
Triund is a peaceful and alluring destination for trekking. Triund has a clear path through a magnificent mixed forest of oak, deodar and rhododendron offering a spectacular view of the entire Kangra valley. Beginning from McLeodganj, this short day-trek covers 9 km on well defined trails to reach the top of Triund Hill. The region has a rich birdlife, where animals like monals, black bears, leopards, pigs and wild goats can also be seen.
2. Parashar Lake, Mandi
Situated at an elevation of 2730 m, Parashar is a very well-kept secret in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district, renowned for Parashar Lake, muddy meadows, thick forest and the panoramic view of Dhauladhar 's snow-clad ranges. The trek takes you along a scenic path through a forest and many rivulets. During the meantime, as the trail often goes through villages, one can appreciate the local culture. The trek provides a 360-degree view over the mountain ranges Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal and Kinnaur.
3. Kheer Ganga Trek, Manikaran (Kullu)
Kheer Ganga is arguably the most popular trek of Himachal. It is a picturesque trek that lies at the extreme end of the Parvati range, a lush green range surrounded by the tall Himalayas offering some of Himachal Pradesh's best trekking opportunities. This is the best trek as you can experience the scenic beauty of waterfalls, apple gardens, a wooden bridge, thick forest, hot springs and much more while walking around.
4. Bijli Mahadev Trek, Kullu
Bijli Mahadev Trek is named after the Temple of Bijli Mahadev, a temple in 'Kash' style with a "Shiva-Lingam." The trekking path overlooks the stunning Parvati, Bhunter and Kullu Valley. The Bijli Mahadev Trek is suitable for beginners as it does not require steep climbing or higher altitude. You can do this trek if you want to shoot some panaromic scenes and you can even see snow on the trail in winters.
5. Bhrigu Lake Trek, Kullu
Bhrigu Lake is the glacial high altitude lake at 14,100 ft high in Himachal Pradesh district of Kullu. The lake derives its name from the renowned Maharishi Bhrigu, one of the Saptarishis, who, as he wrote the Bhrigu Samhita, is said to have meditated on it. Each time it keeps changing its color & sometimes it's found frozen. To photographers and nature lovers it is the holiest place. Although the Bhrigu Lake Trek is rated as a trek of moderate difficulty, it is also very tempting among beginners because it offers the best views of the meadows and the Himalayan range and even the trekkers can reach Gulaba, the Bhrigu Lake basecamp, within an hour drive from Manali.
