India is a hub for mountain trekking and welcomes trekkers from around the world, year-round. It has abundant scope for trekking courtesy of its diverse geographical regions.
The Indian Himalayan belt stretches across Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and West Bengal. The diverse landscapes and unparalleled beauty in these regions ensure a unique experience every time.
Here are a few of the most famous treks in India that you might be missing out on —
The Kedarkantha trek in Uttarakhand is sought-after by beginners and experienced trekkers alike. It is an ideal trek to break through into the trekking world.
The trek starts from Sankri, makes its way past Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, and goes up to 12,500 feet. Along the trek, you have a picturesque view of the majestic Himalayas including, Mt. Bandarpoonch, Mt. Swargarohini, and Mt. Black Peak (Kalanag). You walk past several fresh and gushing streams en route.
The climb is tricky with steep ascend yet gratifying and fulfilling. The summit climb is the most rewarding of it all with a heavenly panorama. The Kedarkantha trek is accessible year-round saving the peak rainy months of July and August. Every season has its own unique charm. You have a choice between fresh snow, residual snow with lush green meadows, and no snow with vibrant flowers or golden-hued landscapes.
Hampta Pass Trek in Himachal Pradesh is well-known for its rugged mountains and picturesque visuals. This trek has a bewildering contrast of landscapes. With vibrant valleys, pine forests, and waterfalls of Kullu on one side to the arid and barren landscapes of Lahaul on the other.
The trek takes you through the emerald Chandratal Lake, ledges, cascading waterfalls, and shimmering streams leading to the trilogy of Hampta pass, Rohtang pass, and Spiti.
The Chopta-Chandrashila Trek brings you to an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level. The summit of Tugnath is renowned for its aesthetics and is a famous tourist attraction.
The trails entail snowy paths, flourishing forests, rich biodiversity, and snow-capped peaks. You have enthralling visuals of Nandadevi, Trisul, Kedar Peak, Bandarpunch, and Chaukhamba peaks.
You first arrive at Chopta, a quaint and untraversed destination dubbed as ‘Mini Switzerland’. Then you proceed to Chandrashila dubbed the ‘Moon Rock’ summit of Tungnath.
The Har Ki Dun trek is a favored trek among trekkers and tourists owing to its vivacious and lofty scenery. It is a part of the Govind Pashu Vihar Sanctuary.
On the trek, you experience the local culture and life in the cut-off Himalayan villages. Har Ki Dun valley is also blessed with diverse flora and fauna. You may stumble upon Langoor families near Puani Garaat, Barasingha, wild boars, and Black bears.
The trail ensures appealing visuals of deodar trees in their get-up of the season. From snowy tips in winter to lush green in summer and spring and golden-hued in autumn. The trek discontinues only during the monsoon when Govind Pashu Vihar Sanctuary closes up for 3 months.
The valley offers spectacular views of Ruinsara Tal, Garhwal Himalaya, and Swargarohini Peak (the stairway to heaven).
The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is counted as one of the most satiating trekking experiences. The trek kicks off at the holy town of Gangotri and brings you to the source of the river Ganga, the Gaumukh glacier.
According to Hindu Mythology, Gangotri is the place where Bhagirath worshipped Lord Shiva. The place is believed to be the axis of the Earth and close to the center of the universe. This is also said to be the place where The Holy Ganga descended from the earth.
Mt Shivling, Mt Meru, and the Bhagirathi sisters accompany you throughout the excursion. The holy valley is serene and tranquil, rewarding you with the immense calm and elegance of nature.
Valley of Flowers or “Foolon ki Ghati” is a dreamy trek well-known for its vibrant carpets of flowers. Nestled in the West Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, this valley is perched at a height of 3600 m above sea level.
It is bestowed upon with the diverse and exotic Himalayan flora and fauna in the verdant meadows. The trail takes you through dense forests, and banks of the Pushpawati river with picturesque bridges, waterfalls, and glaciers.
Roopkund is an immensely popular and moderate-difficult trek in India. It is acclaimed for its panoramic views and mysterious Himalayan Lake.
The Roopkund trail ensues walking past dense forests emerging into Ali and Bedni Bugyal. Which is perhaps India’s most beautiful high-altitude meadows. The magnificent Mt Trishul looms over the backdrop, getting closer as you inch higher.
Out of the meadows, the trail transfigures into expansive alpine grasslands. Trekking on snow that leads to the Roopkund lake is thrilling and adrenaline-inducing.
Elevated to an altitude of 11,950 feet, Sandakphu resides on the Indo-Nepal border. You have a sensational view of the Everest cluster on your left. With Kanchenjunga( the third-highest peak in the world), on your right alongside its family of peaks. This family of peaks is dubbed The Sleeping Buddha, due to its resembling silhouette.
The trek is accessible for 8 months of the year omitting the monsoon months of May to August. You can spot various species of birds on the trail. You have an awe-inspiring view of the faraway peaks. It is the only trek that offers you astonishing views of the world’s tallest mountains namely Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Makalu, at once.
Constantly hovering on the Indo-Nepal border makes this trek an extraordinary cultural experience.
Kashmir great lakes is a muster of seven glacial alpine lakes each with unique charms. These pristine lakes harmoniously complement each other.
This supremely famous trek is only accessible from July to mid-September. As the Kashmir trails are buried under snow for the rest of the year. The rugged mountains and verdurous grasslands are spotted with vibrant flowers in the monsoon. At the start of autumn, the verdant grasslands go from lush greens to orange hues of landscapes and Maple trees.
It is a moderate trek and can be enjoyed by both beginners and experienced hikers.
