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Whether you are looking for an easy trail or a gentle introduction to the world of trekking, trekking in India for beginners is a great way to immerse yourself in nature, explore new landscapes, and take a much-needed break from the humdrum of daily life. With a mix of forests, meadows, and mountain trails, India offers a variety of options for beginners who want to experience trekking, while still offering some sense of adventure. This guide highlights ten beginner-friendly treks and provides useful details to help you plan your trip.
Top 10 Destinations Of Trekking In India For Beginners
Here is a list of the top trekking destinations for beginners in India:
1. Triund Trek, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Nikhil Singh / Unspalsh
Triund Trek is one of the well-known short Indian treks that offers panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range and Kangra Valley. The trail is easy to follow, making it a good choice for beginners looking to explore the Himalayas. Along the way, trekkers pass through oak and rhododendron forests and can stop at small mountain cafés. The trek can be completed in a day, but many choose to camp overnight to watch the night sky and catch the sunrise from the top.
Trek Distance: Approximately 9 km one way
Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport, 20 km from McLeod Ganj
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Railway Station, around 90 km from Dharamshala
2. Nag Tibba Trek, Uttarakhand
Photo: Ashish Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Nag Tibba, also known as the Serpent’s Peak, is a great weekend trek with wide views of Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch peaks. The trail takes trekkers through forests, open meadows, and small villages, offering a mix of nature and local culture. It’s an ideal choice for those new to trekking in the Himalayas, with well-marked campsites along the way. From the summit, you can see a vast stretch of the Garhwal Himalayas, making it one of the most popular trekking in India for beginners.
Trek Distance: Approximately 16 km round trip
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (100 km from Pantwari)
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station, 85 km from Pantwari
3. Kedarkantha Trek, Uttarakhand
Kedarkantha Trek is a popular choice for beginners, especially in winter when the trails are covered in snow, and the summit offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. The route passes through remote villages, frozen lakes, and open meadows, making it a great way to experience different landscapes. In spring, rhododendron flowers line parts of the trail, adding colour to the journey. The trek is manageable for those new to hiking and provides a good mix of challenge and reward.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (220 km from Sankri)
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station, 200 km from Sankri
4. Chopta Chandrashila Trek, Uttarakhand
This trek takes you to the Tungnath temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world, and further up to Chandrashila peak, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. It is an easy-to-moderate trek that can be done throughout the year, with winter bringing a layer of snow along the trail. The route winds through dense forests, eventually opening up to views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba peaks. Many trekkers choose to camp in Chopta’s open meadows, where the clear night sky adds to the mesmerising experience.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (226 km from Chopta)
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station, 209 km from Chopta
5. Kheerganga Trek, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Abdullah Ahmad / Unsplash
The Kheerganga Trek in Himachal Pradesh’s Parvati Valley is a well-known route, ideal for beginners with a basic fitness level. The trail winds through mountain landscapes, offering expansive Himalayan views and leading to the famous hot springs at Kheerganga, where trekkers can unwind. The best time to embark on this trek is between May and June or September and October when the conditions are most suitable for trekking
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport, around 50 km from Barshaini.
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot Railway Station, approximately 150 km from Kasol
6. Valley Of Flowers Trek, Uttarakhand
Photo: Alosh Bennett / Wikimedia Commons
The Valley of Flowers Trek, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its seasonal bloom of thousands of wildflowers. During the monsoon, the valley turns into a colourful expanse, making it a great choice for beginners. The trail is easy to follow and passes through meadows, streams, and waterfalls. Trekkers may even spot wildlife, including Himalayan black bears and blue sheep. The journey includes a visit to Hemkund Sahib, a significant Sikh pilgrimage site.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (292 km from Govindghat)
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station, 290 km from Govindghat
7. Beas Kund Trek, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Simon English / Unspalsh / Image For Representation Only
This trek leads to the source of the Beas River, surrounded by high mountain peaks. With a gentle ascent, it’s a good choice for trekking in India for beginners. The route passes through Solang Valley, offering views of glaciers, open meadows, and small streams. It is also known for its historical and mythological significance, as sage Vyas is believed to have meditated here. The best time to visit is from May to October when the trails are accessible.
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport, 63 km from Manali
Nearest Railway Station: Chandigarh Railway Station, 310 km from Manali
8. Rajmachi Trek, Maharashtra
The Rajmachi Trek takes you through forest trails leading to the historic Rajmachi Fort, offering wide views of the Sahyadri range. It’s an easy trek, doable in a day, with two routes—one from Lonavala, which is longer, and another from Karjat, which is shorter but steeper. During monsoon, waterfalls and mist add to the experience. Trekkers can explore the twin forts of Shrivardhan and Manaranjan or camp overnight for a night trek, making it one of the most popular treks in India for beginners.
Nearest Airport: Pune Airport, 70 km from Lonavala
Nearest Railway Station: Lonavala Railway Station, 10 km from the base
9. Sandakphu Trek, West Bengal
Photo: Rajat63ghosh / Wikimedia Commons
The Sandakphu Trek offers wide views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu, making it a favourite among trekkers. As the highest peak in West Bengal, Sandakphu is known for its diverse landscapes, passing through forests, open meadows, and villages reflecting both Indian and Nepali culture. The highlight is the Sleeping Buddha formation of Kanchenjunga. Trekkers can stay in homestays along the route, with the best seasons being spring and autumn.
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport, 90 km from Manebhanjan
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, 100 km from Manebhanjan
10. Har Ki Dun Trek, Uttarakhand
Photo: Chits009 / Wikimedia Commons
Har Ki Dun Trek takes you through some of the oldest villages in the Himalayas, offering views of Swargarohini peak, open meadows, and flowing rivers. What makes this Indian trek quite interesting is that, according to Hindu mythology, this valley is believed to be the path to heaven. The trail winds through pine and deodar forests, with chances to see traditional wooden houses and meet locals with ancestral roots dating back thousands of years.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (220 km from Sankri)
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station, 200 km from Sankri
Trekking allows you to slow down, connect with nature, and explore new terrains at your own pace. The places listed above are ideal for trekking in India for beginners, providing a perfect introduction to mountain trails without requiring advanced skills. Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape or a longer adventure, these trails make for a rewarding journey. Book your trekking adventure with TripXL for expert planning and trusted guides.
Cover Photo: Koushik Herale / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
