If you're a trekking enthusiast who is ready to hibernate on account of the fact that it's winter, We'd urge you to reconsider. A new trekking trail, Mukta Top has opened up in Uttarakhand which is the perfect snow trek you must take this season.
Image Courtesy: IndiaHikes
Where Is It: Uttarakhand
Located at a height of 11,838ft. the base camp of Mukta Top is a small village called Kuflon that is only 155km away from Dehradun. This is a five hour journey after which you will stay in tents. It is ideal to reach Dehradun by train early morning so that you can reach Kuflon at a comfortable time.
Difficulty Level:
This is an easy-moderate snow trek which makes it ideal for even beginners to experience. While popular snow treks like Kedarkantha and Chandrashila are over-crowded at this time, the only noise that you will hear at Mukta Top are beautiful sounds of chirping birds and a ringing silence that is typical of forests. The trail is a mild one which will give you the experience of being in a forest not just for a few hours but for two whole days. In fact, you will even get the chance to camp in the forest, an experience that treks rarely offer. However, as you approach the top, you will come to steep ascents, which are fairly difficult but doable. Another difficult aspect of the trek are the sub-zero temperatures that plunge as low as -5°C.
DIY or Not?
The trail has recently been discovered by India Hikes, it is absolutely virgin and doesn't receive any other footfall at all. Since the trail is new and unmarked, it is best to register with India Hikes than attempt this unmarked trail yourself.
Image Courtesy: IndiaHikes
Cost:
India Hikes is offering the trek for 6 days at the cost of Rs. 8950. You can find out more details here.
When To Do It:
For those of you who want to experience trekking in snow, the ideal time to do this trek is December-February. This is the time when Uttarakhand receives snowfall, so it only make sense for you to start booking your trek now. You can also do this trek from April-May and October-November when the temperature is rather comfortable and the mountains are in full bloom.
The Route:
This six-day trek begins at Kuflon, a small village located on the banks of Asi Ganga river, a tributary of Bhagirathi. The trek begins early morning the next day, the trail on this day has mild ascents, goes through a village and then passes through pine forests. After a four-hour trek, you will reach a clearing forest, Shiladuni, where you camp for the night. The next day's trek onto Chaithathari gets comparatively challenging and passes through bamboo and oak forests. From hereon, you will head towards Kuari till you reach the campsite that is located beside a flowing stream.
Next day, you head towards Mukta Tal where you will encounter snow for the first time. From here, you will witness breathtaking views of Mt. Bandarpoonch, Kalanag and Nag Tibba. A 15-minute walk from here will get you to Mukta Tal. You camp beside the lake for the night. The next day you climb to Mukta Top by following a trail from the lake. Meandering across pine forests, you will be blessed with snow-capped views of Mt. Bandarpunch and Kalanag. From the summit, you will head down to Kuari campsite, and then to Kuflon.
Image Courtesy: IndiaHikes
This is the route for Mukta Top: Kaflon–Shiladuni–Chaithathari– Kuari–Mukta Tal–Mukta Top–Kuari–Kuflon
What to pack:
The average minimum temperature on this trail is -3 °C-6 °C, with temperatures often plunging even lower when it snows. It is essential that you carry . trekking tracksuits, fleece jackets, weather-proof down-jackets with hood, ankle-length hiking boots and snow boots if you're visiting during January-February. The sun is very strong at such high altitudes, so it is important that you carry sunglasses for your trek. Gloves, scarves, woollen caps, towels, and essentials like walking sticks, torches, energy bars, vitamin capsules and swiss-knives.