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With mountains, rugged terrains, dense forests, and historical elements, trekking in India takes you through a kaleidoscope of experiences. From beginner-level trekking trails to the ones that leave you shaking in your boots, there’s something to appease every adventurer. Given the diverse Indian landscape, almost every state in this country offers a unique trekking experience. So, as you gear up to tick things off your bucket list, include these trekking expeditions across India.
Best 10 Trails for Trekking in India
With trails ranging from beginner-friendly to extreme high-altitude adventures, there’s something for everyone when trekking in India.
1. Roopkund Trek
Photo: Shubhamrathod15 / Wikimedia Commons
Often termed the “best trek” in India, the Roopkund Trek in Uttarakhand takes you to the alluring Mystery Lake, aka Roopkund. It is a glacial lake in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand and offers the trekkers views of the alpine meadows and snow-capped mountains along the way. One of the most eerie elements of this trek is witnessing the skeletons that line the banks of the lake and are believed to be centuries old. The trek also offers a glimpse of the Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks, which is a rewarding experience. It is an intermediate-level trek.
Location: Uttarakhand, India
Best Time: May to June and September to October
Suggested Read: Famous Forts In India To Explore For An Amazing Experience
2. Chadar Trek
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons
If you are an experienced trekking enthusiast and want to embark on challenging trekking trips in India, the Chadar Trek is the best option. Walking on the semi-frozen Zanskar River as you soak in the views of the white, snow-covered peaks all around is truly an experience for the books. The trek’s starting point is from Chilling. The route then takes you through frozen rivers, deep gorges and canyons. Despite its challenging nature, one of the benefits of trekking through this route is that it provides a rare glimpse into the lives of the Zanskari people who inhabit this remote region.
Location: Ladakh
Best Time: January to February
3. Markha Valley Trek
Photo: Chris Hunkeler / Wikimedia Commons
While we are already discussing India treks in Ladakh, another one worth adding is the Markha Valley Trek. This trek provides a closer look into the unfiltered natural beauty and at the same time allows us to explore the monasteries and the vibrant local culture. The trek’s starting point is from Spituk and takes you through Markha Valley. You also pass through the Hemis National Park that’s known for its population of snow leopards. The highlight of the trek is the panoramic views of Ladakh and the Zanskar ranges from high up in the trek.
Location: Ladakh
Best Time: June to September
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Winter In India
4. Valley of Flowers Trek
Photo: Tapuu / Wikimedia Commons
The Valley of Flowers Trek is another one of the popular treks in India. Located in Uttarakhand, the trek takes you to the Chamoli district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trek starts from Govindghat and goes until Ghangaria, which serves as the base camp for this trek. This trek is undertaken during monsoon season because flowers like blue poppies, cobra lilies, and Himalayan bellflowers bloom all around, which amplifies the beauty of the surroundings. There are chances of wildlife spotting along the way too. Some of the wildlife on the route include snow leopards and the Asiatic black bear.
Location: Uttarakhand
Best Time: July to September
5. Har Ki Dun Trek
Photo: Metanish / Wikimedia Commons
Often known as the “Valley of Gods” trek, the Har Ki Dun Trek is one of the most challenging trails in the Garhwal Himalayas. You start your trekking expedition from the small village of Sankri and trek through dense forests and vegetation, including alpine meadows, oak, and pine as well. The majority of this trek passes through the native villages of Taluka and Osla where you can stop to interact with the locals. Beyond that cultural immersion, it also offers stunning views of the Swargarohini peaks. It is a moderately difficult trek, so plan accordingly.
Location: Uttarakhand
Best Time: April to June and September to December
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Monsoon In India
6. Goechala Trek
Photo: Carsten.nebel / Wikimedia Commons
Want to get an up-close view of the Kanchenjunga while trekking in India? Well, the Goechala Trek is the perfect option. The trek starts from Yuksom, which is a historic town laden with dense rhododendron forests, high-altitude lakes, and pristine meadows. Besides getting a look at the third-highest peak in the world, the Goechala trek also takes you to the stunning and scenic Dzongri viewpoint. You also get to witness the Thangsing meadows, and Samiti Lake before reaching the final stretch of the trek where you get an up-close view of the Kanchenjunga. It is a challenging trek due to the high altitude.
Location: Sikkim, India
Best Time: April to June and September to November
7. Kedarkantha Trek
Photo: Kanthi Kiran / Wikimedia Commons
A popular winter and pilgrimage trek in India is the Kedarkantha Trek in Uttarakhand. The trek isn’t the most challenging but the rugged terrains and the steep climb can test your physical well-being. The trek starts from the quaint village of Sankri where you trek through dense pine forests, snow-clad mountains, and meadows along the way. As you reach the end of your trek at the Kedarnath Temple, the views of the surrounding peaks of Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, and Black Peak make this a rewarding experience. It has fairly accessible roads for the trek, which explains why it’s considered suitable for families and children.
Location: Uttarakhand, India
Best Time: December to April
Suggested Read: Famous Beaches In India To Help You Take A Dive In Natural Beauty
8. Sandakphu Trek
Photo: Nibeditajha / Wikimedia Commons
It’s not every day that you get rewarded with views of four of the world’s highest peaks: Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. However, if that’s on your bucket list, get aboard the Sandakphu trek in West Bengal. The trek takes place in Darjeeling, starting from Manebhanjan and following the Singalila Ridge route. Overall, it is an averagely difficult trek, suitable for beginner and advanced trekking enthusiasts. What makes the experience stand out is when you finally reach the summit of Sandakphu, the highest point in West Bengal, offering a glimpse into the breathtaking views of the Sleeping Buddha formation.
Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal
Best Time: October to December and March to May
9. Benog Tibba Trek
Photo: Kushagra Dhall / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Perfect for beginners, Benog Tibba Trek is a 2-day trek in Uttarakhand. It is based in Mussoorie, where you traverse the popular Mussoorie Wildlife Sanctuary—one of the only places in India that is home to the nearly extinct Mountain Quail. This particular hike starts at Cloud End Forest Resort where you start with all your hiking gear and walk through lush green trails and dense wilderness. The major part of this trek is through dense forest, which adds to the thrill and adventure of the whole experience. Also, the trails are rugged but plain without any steep climbs, so that’s a bonus too.
Location: Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Best Time: April to June or September to November
Suggested Read: Take A Journey Through Time By Visiting These Caves In India
10. Beas Kund Trek
Photo: Gxyd / Wikimedia Commons
Moderate hikers with minimal experience in prior hiking can consider the Beas Kund Trek. It is a mountain hike through the hills of Manali that involves steep climbs. It is the trek for you, especially if you love nature and being close to trees, plants and dense nature trails. While trekking through Manali, you’ll follow a path that winds alongside the river flowing through the entire town, enhancing the trek’s overall charm. The total duration of the trek is 6 days after which you finally end the trek at the Emerald Lake, from which the Beas river originates.
Location: Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Best Time: July to August
Trekking in India familiarises you with some of the remote hidden gems in the country with stunning views of the beautiful nature that surrounds it. Each trekking expedition offers a unique experience and is suited to different levels of trekking expertise. As you plan your next adventure, sort out all of your bookings with TripXL for the best deals and luxury experience.
Cover Photo: McKay Savage / Wikimedia Commons
