Why it’s a great idea to visit Himalayas this autumn

The summer heat is going down and the vivid colors of autumn are coming to life. It’s that time of the year when you can take great pictures for Instagram. Have a great time outdoors spending quality time with your family and friends. There are many places you could visit during the fall but nothing comes close to trekking the magnificent Himalayas. The foothills of the snow-capped mountains turn into different shades of red and golden during the fall. Travelling has to be more than just visiting places and sightseeing. A true fulfilling journey is the one in which you get to explore and experience the unique culture of your destination. That is exactly what you can expect from this list of five destinations. All located along the ranges of Himalayas brought to you by ticketstodo.

 

      “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Why it is great to travel the Himalayas in the Autumn:

No matter what time of the year it is always great to visit the Himalayas. However, during the other seasons of the year, you might be able to get the whole experience of the Himalayas due to many factors. Some of the major factors are weather conditions, tourist rush, and unclear horizons and so on. So, here are five reasons why you should visit the Himalayas during Autumn:

• The Flora: Although you won’t be getting to see fresh blooming rhododendrons during the fall. You will never forget the experience of walking through the Himalayan forests in the fall. The leaves shed their lush green colors in favor of a reddish-orange hue. The rays of the sun from the clear skies above you hit the leaves making them glow in amber. You will be able to smell the essence of the earth below you, which is something that cannot be described with words. The trails are carpeted with rusty leaves which crackle beneath you with every step you take. All in all the entire range transforms into a paradise during the fall.

• The Fauna: The Himalayan forests are home to some of the most endangered species of the world. Keep your senses alert while trekking and you will see a variety of rare birds. The Himalayas attracts ornithologists from all around the world. The untouched parts of the Himalayas are havens for rare species like Wards Trogon or the Himalayan Monal. The rare Red Pandas are also conserved here and are exclusive only to the Forests and Parks of the Himalayas. This alone should be the reason for the animal lovers to visit the Himalayas. You might come across a White Bellied Musk Deer rustling through the leaves of the Fall or even an elusive Snow Leopard basking in the sun.

• The Views: After every storm, there is a golden sky. That’s what the fall is all about, Golden skies. After the summer monsoons and storms, the Autumn brings clear and sunny days. The mountain views of this season are the finest of the year. All the treks in this season offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains and the valleys. The view of Mt Kanchenjunga during sunrise from Drongri is a one to behold. The first rays of the sun will turn the white peaks to golden. The cool mountain breeze will send shivers down your spine. The solitude high up in the mountains will ease your minds and free you of all your troubles. At that precise moment, you will be humbled by the magnificence and grace of the Himalayas. Trekking in the Himalayas during the fall is an experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.

 

• Picture perfect: At Autumn, during the day the blue sky paints herself with gold. At night, there are more stars then there is black in the sky. You can see the whole Milkyway twinkling above you. These are perfect times to turn towards photography and capture nature at her beautiful best. In addition, you can take perfect pictures with your mates and capture the whole experience of the Himalayas. The Autumn attracts lots of professional photographers towards the Himalayas. The Himalayas are as much about colors and they are about snow. There is no better time than the fall to witness the magnificent color canvass.

 

• Experience of the culture: The local people within the Himalayan Range are of diverse backgrounds. In every place you visit, you will experience something new. There are five major linguistic variations within the Himalayas. Don’t worry though, English is widely spoken in most of the regions. The culture is also very diverse. There is one thing that is very common amongst the Himalayan people. They are all very helpful, friendly and welcoming. Your visit will also be welcomed and you will experience unique cultures which may have an impact on your outlook towards life. There is much wisdom and philosophies that have been passed down for many generations and are still practiced to this day.

 

1) INDIA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For trekking enthusiasts, India is a great place to visit in the fall. Clear skies, enhanced landscapes, and pleasant weather make it a pleasure to trek in this country in autumn. India offers a variety of different treks which are all unique in their own right. The Himalayas runs its course throughout the Northern Frontier of the subcontinent. Tourists can explore most of the ranges in the country. The diverse demography of the country gives us different experiences in different places that we choose to trek.

Famous Trekking Routes:

The Markha Valley trek in Ladakh. It runs over a series of different terrains. You will come across small streams, dry mountains and small villages with fields of wheat and barley.  You could also choose to travel to the state of Sikkim. It is the home to the third highest peak in the world, Mt Kanchenjunga. In West Sikkim, you can go for the “Goecha la Trek”. It is very pristine, famous for the majestic view of mount Kanchenjunga and the rhododendron forests along the way.

Other attractions:

The other perk of visiting India during the fall is that you get to experience “Diwali”. It is also known as the festival of lights. Also, be sure to keep your calories in check as the country offers a variety of excellent cuisines. Some of these cuisines are fusions of different cuisines and cultures. The famed Mughal Cuisine is a fusion of the South Asian cuisines with the recipes and cooking styles of the Central Asian and Iranian Cuisine. Also, do try the street food in India as it has a lot to offer.

Tour Guides:

The local tour guides and agencies organize the regional treks. These agencies easily accessible after you reach the place. All in all trekking in India is a great option. There are many beautiful routes to choose from. Each of these routes is very unique and has its characteristics. Most of all, these routes are at the peak of their beauty during autumn.

Places of interest:

• Places to visit: Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarkhand, Sikkim
• Best Trekking Routes: Goecha La Pass, Murkha Valley, Valley of flowers, The Frozen Zanskar River Trek, Gangotri Gomukh.

2) NEPAL

Nepal is a dream destination for professional mountaineers from all across the world.  Autumn is the perfect time to visit this mountain nation. The scenic beauty of the landscape is at its best during the autumn. The lush green meadows of the Himalayas turn golden. The leaves on the trees at of the mountains the foothills transform into different shades of red and amber. The country is home to some of the highest mountain peaks in the world including the Mt Everest.

Famous trekking routes:

If not interested in scaling the peaks of Everest, there are many breathtaking trekking routes and circuits in the country.  The Annapurna circuit is one of the most famous treks in the world. It goes through a variety of flora such as rhododendron, oak, and tall grass. The route also gives a  breathtaking view of the Annapurna mountain range. There small tea houses and lodges along the way where you can eat and sleep comfortably at night. These small establishments also become hubs of interaction for mountain lovers. Here we can meet people from every corner of the world.

The Mustang Valley:

There are beautiful places like the Upper Mustang which require a special permit for trekking. The government does this to preserve the unique ancient culture that it cradles. The people from this region for hundreds of years have lived in isolation. They have little contact with the outside world. They still carry on with the traditions of the ancient mountain people. You can obtain the permits at the Nepal Tourism Board Office on Pradharshani Marg in Kathmandu.

Places to chill in Nepal:

Apart from trekking, Kathmandu is a cool place to explore. There are many exotic looking medieval temples and Buddhist stupas dotted throughout the city. The people of Nepal are very friendly and helpful.  Kathmandu is a destination for bag packers from all across the world. You can also rent a bike in Kathmandu. Then head to Pokhra a beautiful city on the banks of a beautiful lake. Pokhra is famous for its cafes, restaurants and most of all its picturesque landscape. The indigenous Newari Thakali Cuisine is a pleasant experience for your taste buds. Also, do the world-class buff momos that you only get in Kathmandu.

Tour guides:

There are many travel and tour agencies in Kathmandu. They are easily accessible and provide services for trekking all the places in Nepal. You can also buy a map in Kathmandu and wander off on your own.

Places of Intrest:

• Places to visit: Kathmandu, Pokhra, Mustang
• Best trekking routes: Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Upper Mustang, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Langtang Valley trek

3) BHUTAN

Bhutan is a must-go country when you are in this part of the world. It gives you a unique opportunity to spend some solitary time lost in the bewitching wilderness of the Himalayas. Unlike its neighboring countries, Bhutan has a strict tourism policy. It permits only a limited number of around 40,000 tourists every year. There is an online process of obtaining permits for Bhutan which is operated by a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.

Famous Treks:

This isolation has helped Bhutan preserve its unique culture and traditions in this part of the Himalayas.  The Snowman Trek is one of the most famous treks in Bhutan. It is also one of the most challenging treks. The trek starts from Paro and traverses the mountainous border region between Bhutan and Tibet. The trek also crosses over several mountain passes. This is truly one of the few places you will be on your own while trekking in the Himalayas.

Other attractions:

Apart from trekking, Bhutan is also home to some of the most beautiful Buddhist monasteries in the world. “The Taktsang Palphug Monastery” most commonly known as “The Tigers Nest” is a major attraction. The Bhutanese Cuisine is also very unique and delightful. They serve traditional delicacies such as Ema Datshi, Shakam Datshi, and Red rice.

Tour guides:

You will be accompanied by a team of staff members in every trekking expedition inside Bhutan. This team consists of a tour guide, a cook, a camping assistant, and a few horses to carry your gear. You will be covering all these expenses when you are working on your entry permit.

Places of Intrest:

• Places to visit: Thimpu, Paro, Phunsuling
• Best trekking routes: The Jhomolhari Trek, The Snowman Trek. Druk Path Trek, Duer Hot Spring Trek, Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

4) CHINA

China lies on the northern side of the Himalayas. The country also has some spectacular landscapes which our trekkers can explore. Autumn is the best time to visit China. The landscape turns golden during this time of the year. The Chinese also consider the month of October to be the golden month. There is an influx of tourists during this period. The cities are crowded and everyone is in a festive mood.

Famous treks:

Apart from the Himalayan region, the country boasts of many diverse geographical settings. This country holds many rivers, canyons, deserts, beaches, and mountains. It would be no fun trekking near beaches and deserts due to the humid weather conditions. However, when it comes to mountains during the fall it’s a whole different story. The trek from Daocheng to Yading is one of the most picturesque trekking routes on Earth. On this journey, you will come across many different landscapes. You will trek through golden pastures, forests, crystal clear lakes, snow-capped mountains, mysterious monasteries, and ancient Tibetan villages. Daocheng is also known as, “The Last Shangrila”.

Apart from Trekking in the Himalayas, the Sigunian trek is also a very good option for trekking expeditions in China. You can see the mountain range surrounded by an enchanting flora and fauna. During the fall the leaves turn into shades of gold, red and amber. This only adds to the beauty of the landscape.

Other attractions:

You can also spend some time in Beijing. Go around famous sites such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace. Traveling to China will always be a unique experience. You will get first-hand experience of the cultures and traditions of one of the oldest civilizations of Earth. The Chinese cuisine is also one of the best in the world.

Rush on the golden week:

October 1st week also known as the Golden Week. It is a national holiday in China so there is going to be a rush during that period. During the Golden Week, the price for accommodation and traveling usually skyrockets. It’s better to do all the reservations and tickets in advance.

Tour guides:

The tourism department of China has a headquarter in each of the provinces that provide such facilities. There are also many local guides you can access. The knowledge of the Chinese language is very helpful. If not you can hire a professional translator which will be of great help on your journey.

Places of interest:

• Places to visit: Sichuan province, Beijing, Yunnan province, Xinjiang Yugur Autonomous province
• Best Trekking routes: Daocheng to Yading, Siguniang trek, Kanas lake trek, Tiger leaping gorge trek.

5) TIBET

Tibet is technically an autonomous part of China. However, we chose to give Tibet a spot of its own due to all the unique dimensions it offers. It is very difficult to explore Tibet at another time of the year due to harsh weather conditions. Autumn is the only time one can full-heartedly explore the whole of Tibet. The average elevation of Tibet is 4600 meters above sea level. It shares the Mt Everest with Nepal on its south-eastern border. Tibet is the land of numerous lakes, glaciers, rivers and ancient monasteries. It has had little contact with the outside world.

Famous Treks:

Trekking in Tibet has a different feel than trekking in India or Nepal. It has a dry terrain, and you will get to approach the Himalayas via its northern face. The advanced Everest base camp trek is one of the main attractions of Tibet. It is also the highest elevation trek of the world at 6340 m. The trek starts from a small monastery of Rongbuk. It goes through the valley of Rongbuk up till the Everest base camp. The Gyama Valley trek could be another excellent option. It has a reputation of being one of the most beautiful mountain valleys on Earth. Orchids, azaleas, wildflowers as well as forested slopes at lower elevations light up the golden landscape of the valley. Trekking in these parts of Tibet will feel like taking a step back in time. The people still follow their ancient traditions and way of life.

Other Attractions:

The Potala Palace in the capital city of Lhasa is also a major tourist attraction. While in Tibet you could also have interactions with monks who live in ancient monasteries. They show us the value of simple things in life. Tibet is also home to an excellent mountain cuisine. The traditional Tibetan butter tea is also worth giving a try.

Tour Guides:

Foreigners require a Tibet Entry Permit to enter the province. This permit can be obtained here. A licensed tour guide will accompany the tour group at all times.

Places of interest:

• Places to Visit: Lhasa, Namtso
• Best Trekking Routes: Everest Base Camp, Gyama Valley, Ganden to Samye Trek, Sishapangma Base camp trek