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Trekking in India offers a rewarding experience for anyone and is one of the best ways to explore the country on foot. Whether a breathtaking mountain trail or a meandering pass over the rolling ridges, the best treks in India, regardless of your experience or fitness level, are begging to be explored. Browse through this article to find the 52 top treks in India to add them to your bucket list and get an experience of a lifetime.
Being in the mountains, spotting distant peaks with mesmerizing views, sniffing crisp fresh air, sounds & smells of nature! Is that all? Well, no! There is more to trekking than just observing the scenery, carrying a backpack with all of your essentials and clicking hundreds of beautiful photos. Trekkers can reap a variety of health benefits from this adventurous activity.
If you ask ten experienced trekkers to name the top treks globally, you'll get ten different replies, but India will undoubtedly be included. A scenic country with dramatically varying landscapes and a significant fusion of cultures, India is a country to be explored.
Unreal scenery, excellent exercise and plenty of fresh air — trekking in India is an activity you simply cannot miss if you have strong legs and a well-functioning set of lungs. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned hiker, here are the 10 most famous places for trekking in India that you should add to your bucket list.
The Chadar Trek, an unmissable name on the list of the top treks in India, is ideal for those looking forward to experiencing the thrill of challenging treks. The trek is popular with adventurers because it tests their endurance at every step, with temperatures as low as 35° Celsius, and allows them to witness the ice age dream of walking on glossy ice sheets called "Barf ki Chadar".
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, perched at 13,800 ft above sea level, is one of the best places for trekking in India as it treats you with the best views of snow-clad mountains, countless meadows and rocky barren plains.
If you are searching for the best trek in India, it is impossible to not hear about the Everest Base Camp Trek. Located at an altitude of 5,550 metres above sea level, the Everest Base Camp Trek will take you through hidden Gompas, breathtaking mountain views, lush green farmlands, dazzling blue fast-flowing rivers and much more.
Situated at an altitude of 15,000 ft, the Buran Ghati Trek has it all - magnificent flora, dense forests, vast green grasslands, glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, dreamy campsites, gleaming waterfalls and exhilarating passes.
Ranged at an altitude of 13,000 feet, the Chopta Chandrashila Trek has two routes - from Delhi and Rishikesh. The trek expedition from Delhi is rewarding for high altitude trek lovers as it takes them through lush green forests, snow-capped mountains and the breathtaking views of Nandadevi, Bandarpunch, Trisul, Kedar Peak and Chaukhamba peaks.
The Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek, also known as the Chota Chandratal Trek, is one of the easiest treks in India, hidden in the lovely scenery of Manali. The view from the summit nestled with alpine flowers, other popular peaks, rivers and waterfalls is sure to leave you spellbound.
Located on the edge of Singalila National Park in West Bengal, the Sandakphu Trek rises to an elevation of 11,930 ft above sea level. It is one of the best places for a trekking trip in Eastern India.
The breathtaking trails of the Roopkund Trek reign atop a staggering 16,499 feet above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas, against a stunning backdrop of lofty mountain peaks and rich carpets of grass & flowers, deep woods, trickling brooks, and innumerable breath-taking campsites.
An astounding peak that reaches up to 4,000 metres above sea level, the Dzongri Trek is one of the best places for trekking in India for people who do not want to go on long and challenging treks. From lush green forests of Oak, Maple and Rhododendron trees to sparkling streams, this beautiful trek unravels the marvels of nature at every step.
The Rajmachi Trek, which you can do from either Lonavala or Karjat, is an exhilarating trek to the two historic forts of Manaranjan Fort and Shriwardhan Fort. Surrounded by immense natural beauty, this is sure to give you ample time to observe the purest form of natural abundance.
Treks are classified as easy, moderate or difficult based on many factors, and your trekking experience plays a huge role in determining the right place for trekking in India.
When treks are called easy, it generally refers to the trails being evenly spread across grasslands and lush green forests - without many rocky boulders. Not to mention, easy treks in India are ideal for beginners. On an easy trek, the altitude is not very high, and the duration of the trek is usually 5 to 6 days long. Moreover, easy treks are pitched with campsites that have sufficient water access.
Moderate treks in India are usually gently laid out but may have steep slopes. Furthermore, the routes may require up to 6 hours of trekking and could have an altitude of up to 14,000 ft. Although moderate treks also offer plenty of water near the campsites, they may have slightly difficult exits at some points. Moderate treks are ideal for trekkers with some experience but with a high level of physical fitness.
As determined by the name, difficult treks have challenging trails and are ideal for seasoned trekkers. These treks could have elevations as high as 16,000 feet above sea level and might be 8 to 9 hours long. Usually filled with uneven pathways, rocky boulders, steep climbs and descents, snow or rain, difficult treks in India are not meant for everyone.
If you are a beginner, you might consider trekking intimidating, but fortunately, there are many treks for beginners in India. Furthermore, easy treks are a great way to discover whether trekking is your passion or something you do just once. Hence, here are five easy best treks in India you need to explore:
A jewel of the Himalayas untouched by many trekkers, the Bhrigu Lake Trek is a short trek with an elevation of around 14,100 feet from the ground. The surprising colour changes of the lake with each passing season are absolutely stunning. The lake appears blue in spring and early summers and turns emerald green in late summers.
Hampta Pass Trek is proudly seated at an elevation of 12,800 ft above sea level. The trek is beautifully positioned in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas and covered with blankets of snowy glaciers, gleaming rivers, blooming flowers and challenging terrains.
If you are fond of exploring wildlife, the Chatakpur Tiger Hill Trek is an ideal trekking destination for you. Surrounded by organic orchards and dense forests, this trek is one of the easiest and most beautiful trails in Darjeeling.
Bask at the magnificent sight of the Swargarohini group of peaks from a height of 12,000 ft. above sea level from the Har Ki Dun Trek. This is one of the most captivating short treks in India and greets you to witness high altitude alpine lakes, verdant grasslands, lush green forests, rivers, streams and everything that your heart has yearned for.
Triund Trek is a high-altitude mountain at the foot of the Dhauladhar ranges, perched at the height of 9,350 ft, thus catering to a perfect place for some mind-blowing adventure and thrills.
If you are a seasoned trekker wanting to scale the giant mountains or simply want to push your limits, here are 5 top treks in India that will take your adventure to the next level.
The challenging Stok Kangri Trek is nestled in the lap of glaciers and steep slopes to let you feel a rush of adrenaline in your blood as you scale right up to a height of 20,180 ft.
The Kedartal Trek is ideal for the seekers of arduous expeditions boasting a height of 15583 ft. above sea level. A glance at the Gangotri Temple from the summit will melt your heart.
A fascinating sight for the eyes to behold, the Kang Yatse II is one of the highest trekkable peaks in India. This throne shaped peak takes you through unparalleled breathtaking views of vast meadows, majestic landscapes and the culturally rich Markha Valley.
Owing to the magnificent view of Yamunotri and Har ki Dun Valleys, the Bali Pass Trek rewards you with the scenic views of the mighty Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, and Swargarohini peaks. Perched at a towering height of 5,000 metres above sea level, this spectacular trek is a perfect combination of natural abundance and taxing terrains.
Basking high at an altitude of 18,370 ft above sea level, the Parang La Trek is one of the most challenging and unpopular treks that connects Spiti, Tibet, and Ladakh. Its steady ups and downs, a vast expanse of meadows, forest trails, pristine lakes and scenic views will soothe your senses and make you content with unbridled natural beauty.
India is home to some of the most breathtakingly gorgeous treks in the world. So, if you want to create a memory of a lifetime by trekking to a magnificient destination, here are the 4 best treks in India where you will witness some of the most stunning waterfalls, walk on lush green grass, breathe fresh air in magnificent abodes and get wonderstruck at the beauty of nature.
Regarded as one of the most captivating treks in Himachal Pradesh, the Kheerganga Trek takes you on a journey through stunning trails, wooden bridges, high passes and beautiful waterfalls.
Nestled in the picturesque Manali, the Pin Parvati Pass Trek is one of the best treks in India that sweeps up an astounding 17,457 ft above sea level.
Relish the adventure deep within your soul by indulging yourself in Nag Tibba Trek in the Garhwal Region of Lower Himalayas at the height of 3050 metres above sea level.
Instigate yourself on the mixture of snow-capped mountains, lush meadows, alpine forests and pristine waterfalls through the Patalsu Peak Trek. Located close to the charming Kullu valley and Hanuman Tibba, Friendship Peak, etc., this mighty peak boasts a gigantic height of 13,845 ft.
Home to the world’s highest mountain, the Himalayas are a haven for those seeking adventure in the lap of mountains and peaks. Their giant snowy peaks, extraordinary views and scenery, captivating trails, carpets of green spreads, and tantalising water bodies exert a magnetic pull on trekkers. If you want to make trekking much more than an adventure, here is a list of some of the best Himalayan treks:
An astounding peak reaching 16,125 feet, the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek boasts of its panoramic splendour and captivating appeal. Located in the picturesque Shimla, this soaring peak makes for an ideal destination for mountain trekking in India. It pushes you through some steep inclines, vast grasslands, river valleys and Buddhist monasteries.
Nestled at the head of the surreal Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, the Rupin Pass Trek climbs up to staggering heights of 15,250 feet to offer unmatched views of the surrounding snow-kissed mountains, waterfalls, forests and glacial meadows.
Located between Pir Panjal and Zanskar Range, the Miyar Valley is the best trek in India for people who want to trek long and less-crowded trails. Known as the Yosemite of India, this trek will give you pictorial and mesmerising views of carpets of green spreads, rocky boulders and hidden lakes.
Let your senses get lulled into a magical trance and get smitten by the beauty of nature through the Goechala Trek that unfolds at an altitude of 16,207 ft above sea level.
Standing high at an elevation of around 11686 feet from the sea level, the Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek hosts a variety of flora and fauna, dense forests, scenic valleys and eye-catching landscapes.
Another best trek in India, the Dayara Bugyal Trek, will make your soul feel right at peace with its mesmerising snow-clad mountains, surrounding valleys and dense forests.
The Churdhar Trek is one of the best treks in the Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh, with spectacular scenery and picturesque views of the peaks of Badrinath and Kedarnath.
With the Himalayan Range stretching across 13 Indian States and Union Territories, North India is home to a plethora of the best treks in India, all of which are exquisite in their very existence. So, if you want to explore the top treks in India in the northern region, here are our top three recommendations:
A bundle of surprises, the adventure of roaming through the dreamlike landscapes of the Digar La Trek is astounding. The best part of this scenic vista is the great panoramic views of the mighty Karakoram range to the north and the lovely Pangong Tso Lake.
Blessed with unmatched views of Gaumukh, the source of river Ganga, and the alpine meadows of Tapovan, the Vasuki Tal Trek will take you on numerous sharp ascents and steep climbs. On the way to the foot of Mt. Shivling, the intimidating glaciers and moraines, beautiful green valleys, and diverse flora and wildlife will leave you awestruck.
If you want to attain some spiritual satisfaction while embarking on an adventure, the Satopanth Lake Trek is ideal. When you make your way through the lush green shades of forest cover, scenic meadows and glaciers, you come across the holy lake of Satopanth – at 7,000 metres above sea level.
Although India is home to the world's tallest mountain range, the Himalayas, not all of India's trekking opportunities are in the north. The southern Indian states also provide numerous trekking opportunities for novice and experienced trekkers. Hence, here are the three best treks in India in the southern region:
Perched at an elevation of 5,400 feet off the ground, the Kalsubai Peak Trek is inarguably one of the toughest treks in Maharashtra. With an extremely strenuous trail, this behemoth is not for the faint-hearted and needs some prior trekking experience to be accomplished. The trek takes you on endless rocky boulders, steep slopes, moraines, ever-changing landscapes, narrow cliffs, and rocks covered in water streams and mosses.
Standing tall at an altitude of 1,1343 metres, the Kodachadri Trek is the 10th highest peak in Shimoga that takes you through dense forests, waterfalls, rich fauna, and panoramic views of the Nagara fort. Capture some fascinating pictures of the rustic Western Ghats and pitch a camp amidst the wilderness to add more thrill to your trekking trip.
A must-try short and easy trek in Maharashtra boasting an altitude of 2,700 ft, the Devkund Waterfall Trek is ideal for clicking some stunning pictures. The Devkund waterfall, also known as the 'Bathing Pond of Gods,' comprises three waterfalls that feed into the Kundalika River. You may find mossy boulders, narrow ridges and moraines on your way but the backdrop of the engulfing peaks make every minute of exertion worth it!
One of the main reasons why many trekkers prefer exploring the mountain during winters is because the view of snowfields in every corner they look at is pure bliss. The sunsets look magical, the forests are blanketed in fine white snow, and bonfire discussions add to the charm. Here are two top treks in India you must visit in winter.
The breathtaking Panwali Kantha Trek offers panoramic glimpses of high altitude meadows in the Garhwal Himalayas. Positioned at an elevation of 3,368 metres above sea level, the Panwali Kantha Trek will make you skip your heartbeat with the majestic view of exhilarating bugyals, flowering herbs, wildlife, large evergreen leaves, and the captivating views of many verdant mountain peaks.
Basking high at an altitude of 12,516 ft., the Kuari Pass Trek is full of mesmerising views of the Nanda Devi, snow-clad mountain peaks, dense alpine forests, fascinating flora and fauna and perfect campsites. On your way to this gorgeous trail, you will also witness the picturesque views of the Bhagirathi and Alakananda views.
If you want to beat the heat and experience a summer retreat in the mountains, there are many summer treks in India you can go to. The glimpse of melting snow, deep valleys and blooming flowers look picture-perfect. Here are some of the best treks in India to enjoy in the summertime.
Nestled cosily amidst Hanuman Tibba, Friendship Peak, and many other captivating mountain peaks, the Beas Kund Trek is easy for beginners and is decorated with lush greenery. The trek takes you to a scenic verdant valley housing an azure blue pond so that you can capture hundreds of stunning photos and cherish the memories for a lifetime.
Perched high at an altitude of 9,625 feet above sea level, the Kareri Lake Trek takes you through vast spreads of greenery, forests of chirr and chilgoza pines, gushing waterfalls and a wide variety of flora and fauna. You will also find a temple of Lord Shiva on your way to the summit.
Although summer trekking is more popular, and monsoon is often not considered the best time for it due to steep slopes and slushy trails, a seasoned trekker would always state that trekking during the rains is a different experience altogether.
True to its name, the Valley of Flowers Trek is a heaven for nature lovers and is regarded as a floral wonderland by trekkers. Privileged as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the trek to the Valley of Flowers is perched at a majestic height of 3,600 metres above the ground and will take you to carpets of infinite flowers and Hemkund Sahib - a gorgeous Gurudwara.
Located near Pimpri in Maharashtra, the Andharban Trek rises to an elevation of 2,160 ft. above sea level. This trekking trail passes through beguiling meadows, verdant mountains and pristine waterfalls. Treat yourself to the scenic views of the green-capped hills of the western ghats and the Sahyadris by reaching the summit.
Passing through snow-clad mountain trails and frozen rivers is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for adventure enthusiasts. A snow trek will provide you with an extraordinary thrill if you want to put your trekking skills to the test. Here are the top two snow hikes in India that you should not miss.
Discover the eternal beauty of the glaciers of the Pir Panjal Ranges and unwind in the tranquil environment of the Himalayan mountain range via the Hampta Valley Snow Trek. The snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, alpine forests and many frozen rivers make this place a paradise for snow lovers.
Experience the extraordinary beauty of the Kedarkantha Summit perched high at a lofty altitude of 12,500 ft off sea level. The Kedarkantha Trek is a perfect amalgam of majestic grace and spiritual comfort as it was once a place of meditation for Lord Shiva. This trek is an ideal destination for the people who crave the eternal beauty of nature by taking them to the Govind National Park amidst countless snowy paths and tranquil rivers.
If you are planning a trekking trip in the days to come, here are some upcoming treks you can consider.
The Adi Kailash trek is nestled at the height of 6,310 metres, with a closer look at the tranquil Kumaon Himalayas. The trek is a dream and desire for hundreds of adventure lovers and pilgrims. Bounded by mesmerising wildflowers, cascading waterfalls and dense grasslands, the Adi Kailash will take you to the emerald Parvati Lake, Gauri Kund and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati.
Situated at a fairly impressive altitude of 3180 metres, the Brahmatal Trek is devoted to Lord Brahma. The trail is gorgeously covered with blankets of snow, verdant valleys, dense forests & streams and takes you to the mesmerising views of the Nanda Ghunti and Skeleton Lake.
Ranged at approximately 10 km, the Gokarna Beach Trek is a trekker's and hiker's wonderland in Karnataka. The trek welcomes you with gentle waves and the scenic nature of five major beaches and is perfect for pitching a camp and playing plenty of beach games. The tranquil waters along the coastline are sure to calm your mind and leave you amazed by the beauty of nature.
If you are looking for the best trekking places in India, here are the four most popular destinations.
If trekking is your first love, Uttarakhand's stunning flora and fauna, waterfalls, lakes, and gardens are calling out to you to explore the best trek in India.
Situated in the Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim offers plenty of trekking opportunities which are full of quintessential hills, pristine water bodies and lush green landscapes.
The incandescent mountains, turquoise lakes, snow-dusted peaks and jaw-dropping landscapes make trekking in Himachal Pradesh one of the most thrilling experiences for any kind of traveller.
Guarded breathtakingly by frozen water bodies, ancient monasteries, desert mountains and exquisite landscapes, Ladakh is bestowed with a plethora of enthralling treks.
Since there are plenty of treks in India, the best time for trekking depends on the type of experience you want to have. Some treks are ideal for the summer season, while others are perfect to be explored in mystical monsoons or chilly winters. Moreover, some find summer treks more enjoyable, and many other trekking enthusiasts are fond of the challenging winter trails.
Before you head out to explore the best trek in India, here are some essentials you will need on your trekking trip.
While there is a long list of helpful trekking trips, here are the essential ones you must remember:
Treks are a terrific way to take a break from the monotonous city life and observe some scenic beauty. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned trekker, the best part about mountain trekking in India is that there is a trek for everyone. From the picturesque Uttarakhand to the exquisite Himachal Pradesh, scenic Sikkim, surreal Ladakh, and hypnotic Jammu and Kashmir, India is full of beautiful trekking trails.
Furthermore, a trekking trip is a unique experience for everyone - some are more interested in the beauty of the destination, while for many others, it's all about the camaraderie across the way. Whether you're conquering a summit, passing through remote villages, or venturing further into the jungle, the best trek in India is sure to make you feel like a true explorer.
So, which of these places would you want to visit on your next trekking trip? Also, do you consider yourself a novice or a trekking expert? Whenever you plan your next trekking journey, make sure to follow the ultimate trekking checklist shared by us and don’t forget to keep in mind the valuable tips highlighted above.
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