KHALIYA TOP TREK
Duration & Total Trekking :
2.5 hours & 6 km from road head at Balati Farm
Highest Elevation :
3657 M
Difficulty Level :
Easy
Trekking Highlights :
Meadows, Bird watching, Rhododendron Plantations
Best time to travel
All year round, except July – August
Approximate Cost per person
Depends on number of people and time of the year
Khaliya top is a pleasant weekend trek that not many people have heard off or ventured to do. The special views from Khaliya top of the Panchachuli and Nanda Devi range is like heaven on earth for trekkers. Khaliya top provides a grand view and elevation of the Himalayas in a very short time. Khaliya Bugyal is an alpine meadow located in Munsiyari. Hence, it is a day trek. Any further trekking requires starting from 2134 m and walking through typical Himalayan temperate forests to emerge onto high open alpine meadows that are above 3657 m.
Khaliya is a paradise for trekkers. It is a happy hunting ground for photo enthusiasts and a veritable encyclopedia for bird watchers. A 360° view all around and open valleys on either side provide opportunity for paragliding and aero sports. The nearby slopes provide hard snow for skiing in winter and gorgeous flora in spring. Khaliya is a wonderful gift of nature in the lap of the kumaon Himalayas. Not only for matured trekkers, Khaliya is easily accessible for beginners and teenagers too. A keen eye can find hidden treasures of nature in the form birds like Monal, Ghurar, Kakar, Yellow Fronted Marten and Baral (mountain goat).
The woods are a luxuriant mix of Pine, Deodar, Oaks, Spruce and Cypress, but the main vegetation you come across as you climb are, rhododendron trees or Buransh as it is called in the local language. In springtime, the whole jungle turns red with the rhododendron flowers. With the gain in altitude these trees change shape to bush and turn white.
Following the Khuliya trail leads to Rantham top that is at an altitude of over 4000 m and goes via Hiramani Glacier and Namik Village. The prospect of a trekking trail ahead of Khaliya top means a week long trek which takes you to another valley.
Once you get an opportunity to visit this place, you will be amazed to experience the vastness and eco-diversity of the locale.
Why should I trek with eTara Trips?
– eTara strives be a socially responsible company to serve the global community by providing an experiential travel portal and customised trips to them. We believe that we will enrich your holiday experience while you customised options to choose from. Further to this, we will use a part of your spend register self-help groups in local populations and increase economic prosperity and health for the area we operate in.
What does trekking entail?
– Our treks are mainly concentrated in the Kumaon Himalayas. You will be expected to walk for up to 130 km round trip over trekking trails through forests, villages and mountains to reach the glacier or meadow that is advertised.
Do I need some preparation for the Trek? Level of fitness expected from participants?
– Yes, you do need a little preparation, depending on the difficulty level of the trek. We do suggest that you walk 3 to 5 km everyday for 20 days before the trek. A brisk walk will also help.
Should I be extremely fit in order to trek?
-You need to be medically fit to manage altitude and the uphill walk of a few kilometers with a backpack. Consult your doctor before undertaking any trek.
When do we book the trek?
– You should book the Trek 45 days in advance so that there is ample preparation time.
Who will carry my backpack?
– A pony/porter can carry your backpack while trekking, on extra payment. You will need to carry a knapsack with your daily needs.
What should be the weight of the backpack?
– Total weight of the backpack should not exceed 12 kg. You will be expected to carry all the things that will be listed in the itinerary given by eTara Trips at the time of confirming your package.
Where will you meet us?
– The starting point of the trek (as per Trek Details that will be shared on email) will be the meeting point for all the trekkers. Our guide will be there to provide a pre trek orientation on Day One.
Who will run the trek?
– From the beginning to the end, the trek will be led by experienced guides, who are also trained mountaineers.
What will be an optimum batch size?
– 4-12 people is a good batch size and includes all genders
What is the minimum age requirement for a trek?
Moderate trek: 8 years and above
High Intensity trek: 18 years and above
(Note: Medical certificate for being allowed to trek will be needed in some treks)
What will be the minimum temperature during the trek?
– The temperatures may drop to 10° C during the night hours at certain altitudes. In December to March, the temperature goes to below freezing ie 0° C . It is rainy season in July and August.
What will happen if we have to extend the stay during a landslide or other ‘Force Majeure’ reasons?
– If, for any reasons beyond our control, we have to extend the trek, then additional charges may apply for stay and food.
Can I take Diamox for mountain sickness?
– We do not make such recommendations and deem it advisable to consult your doctor for any medicines required by you.
How safe are these treks for a woman traveling solo?
– Safety is a very important factor for us. Our treks are managed by our own guides and personally known and trusted vendors. Thus, we assure that the trek is absolutely safe even for solo female trekkers.
What kind of shoes will be required?
Different shoes are suitable for different types of treks. These are dependent on the weather, trail condition as well as duration of the trek.
Low ankle hiking shoes: For warm and dry terrains
Trek boots:For rugged and cold condition
Trek boots with crampon ready features: For trekking on the glaciers and extensive snow
What kind of food is served during the trek?
– During the trek, nutritious vegetarian food rich in protein and carbohydrates is served. If possible, we may surprise our trekkers with treats from the local villages like pakoras etc.
Is it safe to drink water from the streams we might cross?
– It is completely safe to drink and even for cook with stream water, but, to be on the safer side we always carry filters and chlorine tablets
Is alcohol allowed during the trek?
– No, alcohol is not allowed during the trek
What vehicles do you use for transportation during trek, if any?
– Vehicles like Mahindra Bolero, Tata Sumo, Scorpio, Max, and Tempo Traveller are used by us for a ride on Himalayan roads
Are your Fixed Departure Dates flexible?
– We will go on the trek as long as we get the minimum four people (the cost for less than that is not economical on the person booking). And fixed dates do not change.
How do you deal with emergency situations?
– Trekking is a rewarding experience. But, it is important that safety is kept in mind during a trek. We make all arrangements to ensure that accidents are not a possibilty. But rarely, emergencies like illness, AMS, storms, mis-steps, landslides and even avalanches can occur anytime during the trek, so we need to be prepared. To deal with any minor emergency, your guides, who are trained mountaineers will help you. Your tour guide will always carry a first aid kit to deal with any medical emergencies. In the case of a rescue operation required, extra charges will be borne by the Trekker.
How do I book for a Trek?
– Please register online or contact us for further information.
What do I need to carry for the Trek?
– A list of items and essential documents to carry will be provided via email once you have finalised the Trek you want to go on.
What type of accommodation will be provided on the trek?
– The accommodation will be in the form of guesthouses, village homestays or tents. This depends on the trek route and itinerary.
Can I charge my digital camera, mobile or other batteries on my trip?
– We will be trekking in the interiors of forests and the wilderness. There are little or no chances of electricity in these areas. We suggest you take battery powered, power banks and extra batteries if you want to charge your appliances.
Do I need to tip my guide and porters? What is the customary tip?
– There is no compulsion to tip the guide or porters. But you can do so to show your gratitude and the amount is totally dependent on your discretion.