Trekking In North India: Top 10 Himalayan Adventures

Image of a hiking path in Hankar on the Markha Valley trek, trekking in North India route.

Trekking in North India offers exciting adventures across different landscapes. From snowy peaks to green valleys, these treks provide something for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The variety of North India treks ensures everyone can find a suitable challenge. Some treks take you through dense forests, while others lead to remote mountain passes. This blog delves into important information, such as trekking distance, price, and the best time for trekking in North India, which will help you plan the trip better.

Top 10 Treks In North India

Here is a list of ten popular treks with all the essential information.

1. Kedarkantha Trek

An image showing Kedarkantha Peak, a popular route for trekking in North India.

Photo: Kanthi Kiran / Wikimedia Commons

Kedarkantha is one of the most popular treks in North India, especially during winter. The trek is known for its well-marked trails, making it beginner-friendly. It takes you through oak and pine forests before opening to wide fields. As you climb higher, the snow-covered peaks become more visible, and the view from the summit at 12,500 feet is worth the effort. This trek is ideal for those looking to experience snow trekking without taking on too much difficulty. Many trekkers also enjoy camping under clear skies, adding to the journey experience.

How To Reach: Reach Dehradun, then take a taxi or bus to Sankri village, the base camp
Trekking Distance: 20 km
Cost: ₹8000 – 10000
Best Time To Trek: December to April

2. Hampta Pass Trek

An image showing Hampta Pass, a well-known trail for trekking in North India.

Photo: Raja Selvaraj / Wikimedia Commons

Hampta Pass is an interesting trek that connects the lush Kullu Valley to the dry and cold Lahaul region. The changing landscape makes it a unique experience. The trek starts from Manali and moves through dense forests, crossing streams and steep ridges. One of the highlights of this trek is the sudden shift in scenery when entering the Spiti region. The trek ends near Chandratal Lake, known for its clear water and high-altitude setting. This trek is suitable for those who want a moderate challenge with a mix of different terrains.

How To Reach: Reach Manali by bus or flight, then travel to Jobra by road
Trekking Distance: 25 km
Cost: ₹10000 – 12000
Best Time To Trek: June to September

3. Valley Of Flowers Trek

An image showing Valley of Flowers, a popular destination for trekking in North India.

Photo: Alosh Bennett / Wikimedia Commons

Valley of Flowers is a well-known trek in Uttarakhand and is famous for its seasonal wildflowers. The valley is only accessible during the monsoon months when the flowers bloom, covering the entire area in bright colours. The trek is easy to moderate, making it perfect for first-time trekkers. You might spot rare animals like the blue sheep and the Himalayan bear along the route. The trek also connects you to Hemkund Sahib, a high-altitude Sikh pilgrimage site. It is an ideal trek for those who enjoy panoramic walks with less difficulty.

How To Reach: Travel to Rishikesh, then take a taxi or bus to Govindghat, the trek’s starting point
Trekking Distance: 38 km
Cost: ₹8000 – 12000
Best Time To Trek: July to September

4. Har Ki Dun Trek

A view of Har Ki Dun Valley in Garhwal Himalayas, a route for trekking in North India.

Photo: Metanish / Wikimedia Commons

Har Ki Dun is one of the most historic North India treks and follows a route used for centuries by local villagers. The trek takes you through remote villages, where you can see traditional wooden houses and meet locals who have lived there for generations. The trail is surrounded by towering peaks, making the views enjoyable throughout the journey. The trek is not very difficult, making it a good choice for those who want to explore without pushing themselves too much. Camping in the valley is also a highlight of this trek, offering a peaceful break from city life.

How To Reach: Travel to Dehradun, then take a taxi or bus to Sankri.
Trekking Distance: 47 km
Cost: ₹9000-12000
Best Time To Trek: April to June and September to December

5. Rupin Pass Trek

An image showing Ratipheri Campsite at Rupin Pass, a high-altitude trekking route.

Photo: Nikitaparwani / Wikimedia Commons

Rupin Pass is a thrilling high-altitude trek that takes you through different landscapes, from dense forests to snow-covered trails. The trek includes several waterfalls, hanging villages, and wooden bridges that add to the adventure. The climb towards the pass is steep and requires some endurance, making this trek more suited for experienced trekkers. The final stretch towards Rupin Pass offers wide views of the mountains, making all the effort worthwhile. This trek is recommended for those seeking a challenge and amazing mountain scenery.

How To Reach: Reach Dehradun or Chandigarh, then travel to Dhaula by road
Trekking Distance: 52 km
Cost: ₹12000 – 15000
Best Time To Trek: May to June and September to October

6. Beas Kund Trek

A scenic view along the Beas Kund Trek, a high-altitude trek in Himachal Pradesh.

Photo: Tojo Basu / Unsplash

Beas Kund is a short but rewarding trek near Manali. The trek path takes you along the Beas River and leads to the source of the river, a small glacial lake. The trek is not difficult, making it great for beginners. Along the way, you will see open fields and views of famous peaks like Hanuman Tibba and Friendship Peak. This trek is often chosen by people with limited time but still want to experience a Himalayan trek. The relatively short distance and gentle slopes make it an easy trek.

How To Reach: Travel to Manali, then drive to Solang Valley to start the trek
Trekking Distance: 16 km
Cost: ₹6000-8000
Best Time To Trek: May to October

7. Chopta Chandrashila Trek

An image showing a view from the Chandrashila Trek, a popular high-altitude trek in Uttarakhand.

Photo: Alok / Wikimedia Commons

The Chopta Chandrashila trek is known for its mesmerising sunrise view from the Chandrashila summit. The trek passes through forests, meadows, and the famous Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world. The trail is moderate, making it suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers. The final climb to Chandrashila Peak at 13,000 feet offers wide views of major Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi and Trishul. This trek is perfect for those looking for a shorter Himalayan trek with great scenery and historical significance.

How To Reach: Travel to Rishikesh, then take a bus or taxi to Chopta
Trekking Distance: 10 km
Cost: ₹6000 – 9000
Best Time To Trek: March to June and September to December

8. Markha Valley Trek

An image showing a lake near Kang Yatze along the Markha Valley Trek in Ladakh, India.

Photo: SlartibErtfass der bertige / Wikimedia Commons

Markha Valley is one of the most popular treks in Ladakh. The trek crosses several high passes, including Kongmaru La, which stands at 17,000 feet. This is a moderate to difficult trek, requiring good endurance. Trekkers can spot wildlife, such as blue sheep and marmots, along the way. One of the highlights of this trek is staying in traditional Ladakhi homes, where you can experience the local way of life and enjoy warm hospitality, which makes this trek unique compared to other North India treks.

How To Reach: Reach Leh, then travel to Chilling to start the trek
Trekking Distance: 65 km
Cost: ₹15000 – 20000
Best Time To Trek: June to September

9. Pin Parvati Pass Trek

A view of Mantalai Lake along the Pin Parvati Trek, surrounded by rugged mountain terrain.

Photo: Bharatkaistha / Wikimedia Commons

Pin Parvati is one of the toughest treks in North India. It connects the Parvati Valley in Kullu to the Spiti Valley. The trek involves walking through dense forests, meadows, glaciers, and high-altitude passes. The final climb to Pin Parvati Pass at 17,500 feet is steep and physically demanding. Due to its difficulty, this trek is recommended for experienced trekkers only. The contrast between the green Kullu and barren Spiti sides makes this trek an unforgettable experience. Proper accommodation is needed as the trek takes over 10 days to complete.

How To Reach: Reach Kullu by flight or bus, then travel to Barshaini by road
Trekking Distance: 110 km
Cost: ₹40000 – 45000
Best Time To Trek: July to September

10. Nag Tibba Trek

View of Nag Tibba is an easy weekend trek near Mussoorie, perfect for beginners.

Photo: Rimjhim Agrawal / Unsplash

Nag Tibba is an easy weekend trek near Mussoorie, perfect for beginners or those with limited time. The trek path takes you through oak and rhododendron forests before opening up to a ridge with a view of the Himalayan peaks. The summit, at 9,915 feet, provides views of Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath, and other peaks. This trek is popular because of its short duration and easy accessibility. It is a great choice for those looking for a simple trek without much preparation. The camping experience near the summit is also a major highlight of the trek.

How To Reach: Travel to Dehradun, then drive to Pantwari village
Trekking Distance: 16 km
Cost: ₹3000 – 5000
Best Time To Trek: October to April

Trekking in North India provides a range of experiences, from easy trekking paths to high-altitude adventures. Whether you want to explore remote villages, cross mountain passes, or trek to a glacier, plenty of options exist. Checking the best time for trekking in North India helps you plan for the right conditions. Plan a trip with TripXL for an organised trekking experience with expert guidance.

Cover Photo: Eric Sanman / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Some treks in North India, especially those in restricted areas like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh, require permits. Treks near the Indo-Tibetan border may need special permission from local authorities or the forest department. Always check with a trekking agency or local officials before starting.
Yes, several beginner-friendly treks like Triund, Nag Tibba, and Kedarkantha do not require prior experience. These treks have well-marked trails and can be completed in a few days. Choosing an easy trek with moderate altitude gain is recommended for first-timers.
Accommodation depends on the trek. Some treks offer guesthouses or homestays in villages, while others require camping. Longer and high-altitude treks usually involve tents, and basic facilities are available at certain campsites.
Food varies depending on the trek. Popular trekking routes may have dhabas or tea stalls offering simple meals like dal, rice, and Maggi. Organised treks provide cooked meals, while trekkers must carry ready-to-eat food on remote treks.
Physical fitness is important for high-altitude treks. Regular cardio, strength training, and short hikes help build endurance. Adaptation techniques are necessary to avoid altitude sickness, so spending a day at a mid-altitude location before the trek is recommended.

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