With its diverse landscapes, India makes for a riveting trekking experience. From scaling snow-capped peaks to meandering in rolling meadows to crossing frozen rivers, the country has it all. We handpicked the best and here’s where you need to head if you’re a trekking enthusiast.
1. Roopkund Trek, Uttarakhand
Situated at a daunting 4800 mts, this trek is not for the faint-hearted. But it is worth it and how. An approximately week-long trek leads to the mysterious glacial lake of Roopkund known as the Skeleton Lake due to the skeletons at the bottom. May to October is the best time for this trek.
2. Rajmachi Trek, Maharashtra
This trek in the rolling lush green hills of Maharashtra is a two-day long, easy trek that leads to the beautiful Rajmachi fort. It is also home to the Kondana caves. This trek is best enjoyed in the monsoons between June to September. Off late, groups of trekkers also organise overnight treks in Rajmachi as it is home to thousands of fireflies that are an absolute sight to behold.
3. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
A moderately difficult trek at about 3700 mts, this is possibly one of the most beautiful treks in India. The Valley of Flowers is a burst of colour with a plethora of flowers and is a visual treat unparalleled in its experience
4. Chadar Lake, Ladakh
The river Zanskar, situated in the Zanskar Valley in Ladakh, freezes during the months of January and February due to temperatures that fall below -25 degree Celsius at night. To the ardent trekker, it provides an opportunity of walking over 100 kms on ice sheets in order to cross it. It is undoubtedly challenging but the experience is incomparable.
5. Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh
This five-day long trek offers the most scenic views of the Himalayas imaginable at every nook and turn. A moderately difficult trek at an altitude of about 3500 mts, it is best undertaken between May and October.
6. Great Lakes Trek, Jammu and Kashmir
The state of Jammu and Kashmir is known for its beautiful lakes and this eight-day trek encompasses several ones to make for an unforgettable experience. Starting from Sonmarg, this trek explores Vishansar Lake, Gadsar, Satsar and more.
7. Kheerganga Trek, Himachal Pradesh
While Kasol is on every traveller’s bucket list, not many know that not very far away is the beautiful Kheerganga trail in the Parvati Valley. It is an easy level trek which lasts for 4-5 hours but it is by no means less beautiful. The 14-km stretch offers picturesque views and is home to several hot springs that are perfect to heal those sore muscles after trekking.
8. Gokarna Trek, Karnataka
If you thought trekking happened only in the mountains, think again. Gokarna, Goa’s less commercial cousin, is an excellent location for a trek along the beach. It is not very physically demanding and offers the most amazing sunrises and sunsets along the horizon.
9. Kudremukh Trek, Karnataka
Kudremukh is one of the most popular destinations for trekking in India. The words ‘Kudre’ and ‘Mukh’, which mean horse face, give this hill its name as it has a peculiar shape which resembles the face of a horse. Gentle at first, this trek becomes more challenging as one proceeds towards the summit.
10. Goecha Le Trek, Sikkim
Sikkim is unlike any other part of the Indian Himalayas. The landscape, people and the surroundings are quite different from any part of the country, which makes the Goecha Le trek a unique experience. One comes across forests, beautiful meadows and lovely streams of water during this trek.
11. Sandakphu Trek, West Bengal
The charming environs of Darjeeling offer one of the most exciting trails for trekking in India. The natural beauty of the place is a good enough compensation for the physical endurance and climbing skills it requires.
So what are you waiting for? Pull out a pair of sturdy shoes and grab a backpack and head out now!
