Two treks to hop onto this monsoon season — Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek and Markha Valley Trek

 Monsoon season is one of the most fascinating and enticing seasons for trekking in India. Although the season brings with it its set of pros and cons, I like to look at the better side of it and reap as much joy as possible.

To have raindrops drizzle over you as you traverse exotic wild locations somewhere deep in the mountain has by far been my most endearing trekking experience, and here I am, all in, to advocate for it.

If we set aside the minor inconveniences of the monsoon season and focus on the larger picture, then the season does seem to fit the bill for an ideal trekking experience. After all, can there be any competition against cozy temperatures, slightly gloomy weather conditions, and surprising drizzles that can perfectly out-do all other ambiances? Of course not.

Monsoon season is a great time to hop onto trekking expeditions and relish the refreshing wilderness at its green-est. Two of my favorite treks to accomplish during the monsoon season are the Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek in Uttarakhand and the Markha Valley trek in Ladakh.

ALI BEDNI BUGYAL TREK -

The Ali Bedni Bugyal trek is a splendid trek for travelers who go gaga over the grand folds of meadows.

With a trail length of roughly 31 km traversing dense forest covers and stretching over vast, unending meadows, the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek makes you plunge into exceptionally serene, eye-opening, and flattering green sceneries of the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas of the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.

This trek has a relaxed itinerary that spans over six days and conforms to gradual elevations. Even though the trekking is of moderate grade, the slow-paced height gain makes it suitable for families as well as enthusiastic children.

The trek to Ali Bedni Bugyal begins from Lohajung at 7,650 ft. Lohajung serves as the base village for this trek. The easiest way to reach Lohajung is through a pleasant and fascinating drive from Rishikesh/Haridwar. Roughly 6.5 km away from Lohajung lies the Didna Village, the second stop on the itinerary. Perched at an altitude of 8,100 ft, the Didna village, along with the Kulling village, lies a few alpine forests away from the campsite of Lohajung.

Separated by thick oak and Rhododendron forests from Didna is the majestic Ali Bugyal rising to a height of 11,350 ft, the second-highest elevation on the trek. Ali Bugyal is the second most sought-after destination of the entire Ali Bedni Bugyal trek. With herds of sheep grazing in the foreground and mighty Himalayan Peaks in the backdrop, the sight from the top of the Bugyal is electric, highly unmatched, and thoroughly soul-warming.

Distanced few kilometers away from Ali Bugyal is Abin Kharak, a depression in the meadow suitable for overnight camping. Gehroli Patal lies next on the itinerary. To reach Gehroli Patal, you will traverse the Bedni Bugyal distanced 5 km away from the campsite at Abin Kharak. Bedni Bugyal is a vast meadow with giant folds. Resting at an altitude of 11,686 ft, the Bedni Bugyal is a broad, refreshing, lush green ground that opens into cinematic and spine-chilling views of the exotic and unbelievably majestic Mt. Nanda Ghunti and Mt. Trishul. It will take roughly four hours of steady trekking in total for you to reach Gehroli Patal via Bedni Bugyal from Abin Kharak. A fine trek from Gehroli Patal to Wan village lasting roughly 6 km will bring you down to an altitude of 8,061 ft. The Wan village lies 10 km away from Lohajung. A swift 45 mins drive from Wan village will take you back to Lohajung, bringing the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek to a full circle. A final drive from Lohajung back to Rishikesh will bring your journey to its ultimate end.

MARKHA VALLEY TREK -

Also known as the Tea House Trek, the Markha Valley trek is a fascinating journey set in the exotic terrains of Leh and Ladakh.

In a mere span of eight days, this thrilling trek takes you to Kongmaru La to a whopping altitude of 17,100 ft, the highest elevation on the entire trek.

The trek to Markha Valley begins from Leh at an altitude of 11,500 ft. Since Leh remains perched at an extremely high altitude, it becomes crucial for all travelers to spend an additional day for acclimatization at Leh.

Distanced 65 km from Leh is Chilling, the second stop on the trek. The route from Leh to Chilling faces the iconic Magnetic Hill and the surreal Zanskar and Indus river confluence. It takes three hours at most to comfortably reach Chilling from Leh.

Skiu, a tiny hamlet nestled in the famous Hemis National Park, lies 9 km away from Chilling at an altitude of 11,200 ft. The trek from Chilling to Skiu is enthralling and gripping, lasting not more than 5 hours.

Further 10 km away from Skiu is Sara, the next stop on the itinerary. Sara, a quaint and appeasing village situated 10 km away from the Markha Valley, remains perched at 11,490 ft. It takes roughly 2–3 hours of steady trekking to reach Sara from Skiu.

The Markha Valley distanced 10 km away from Sara, lies at an altitude of 12,200 ft. The trail between the two locations is embellished with Mani stones and Stupas after the Chalak village. You will also come across a few river crossings along this stretch.

Approximately 11 km away from Sara lies the Hankar village at 13,100 ft. The trek from Sara to Hankar is fascinating. The trail traverses Umlung village and cuts paths with many gurgling streams. And as you rise higher the Kang Yatse Peak begins to become visible.

Nimaling, the most beautiful camping village of the Markha Valley trek, perched at 15,400 ft, lies approximately 9 km away from Hankar. As you gradually move away from Hankar to gain height towards Nimaling, you will reach the enchanting Tigu Lakes that lie en route. After a couple of easy river crossings, the Kang Yatse Peak will become more and more apparently visible, arresting you with its transfixing beauty.

The last day of the expedition begins with a thrilling trek to Kongmaru La Pass, the heighest pass of the trek. A steady trek along steep trails will lead you to Kongamru La Pass at 17,100 ft in roughly 2 hours. The Pass unfolds into spellbinding panoramic views of the fiercely beautiful Karakoram Ranges and the robust K2 Peak. A final trek from Kongmaru La pass to Chokdo village will bring you down to an altitude of 12,100 ft. It takes approximately 6 hours to descend to Chokdo from the Kongmaru La Pass. A pleasing 2 hour long drive further from Chokdo to Leh will wrap the Markha Valley trek and bring your expedition to a happy ending.