TAKE A SHINE TO THESE MONSOON TREKS

Untamed Nature and unforgettable views-these monsoon trails offer the best of both worlds to trekkers. We give you the low-down

- Sneha Chakraborty

GOECHA LA, SIKKIM

This route is much sought-after for uninterrupted views of the third-highest mountain in the world Mt Kangchenjunga. It passes through the Kanchenjunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for alpine lakes, sacred shrines and exotic wildlife like the snow leopard. During the early weeks of monsoon season, the payoff includes postcard sunrise scenes from View Point 1 and Dzongri, stopover at the Samiti lake and a tour of Tshoka Monastery.

Distance: 90km approx

Difficulty: Challenging

Altitude: 4,000 to 15,000ft

Time: 8-10 days

Best time to visit: June

Documentation: Trekking permit at Yuksom forest check post, valid identification or school/college affiliation for student pricing

VALLEY OF FLOWERS NATIONAL PARK, UTTARAKHAND 

Spanning 87sqkm and at a distance of about 500km from Delhi, Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This high-altitude Himalayan valley boasts around 600 varieties of exotic flowers. Against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains, the park's central valley features a threemile glacial corridor, attracting visitors who embark on the trek from Govindghat.

Distance: 40km approx