Top 8 Trekking Destinations in India

India is blessed with diverse landscapes, varied topography, dense forests, and a myriad of natural beauty. From the high range Himalayan peaks in the North to the Sahyadris and the Western Ghats in the South – this country has been bestowed with the perfect outlay for exploring nature and experiencing the adrenaline rush.

India doesn’t fall short of greeting you with adventure! And, for those seeking, the trekking trails across the mountain ranges of the Kashmir to Kanyakumari possess some great altitudes varying from 2000 to 20000 feet to trek through. Surprising you with its natural beauty, mountain ranges, climbs and splendid view from the top – here are the top 8 trekking destinations in India that you must consider when planning your next trek!

A beginner should entail a 1-day or 3-day trek to begin their trekking journey!

1. Chadar Trek, Zanskar

Chadar Trek or the Frozen lake Trek in Zanskar is a paradisiacal venture into the snow-covered land of Zanskar in Ladakh. During the winter months, the Zanskar Lake turns frozen with thin sheets of ice formed over the lake. The trek takes you through the wild forests and valleys on to the Zanskar Lake for an exciting walk over the frozen sheets of ice. At some places, the ice sheets are so thin than trekkers can feel the ice-cold water flowing below their feet. This magnanimous expedition takes begins at Leh and takes you through the Tilat Dho Camp, Tibb Cave, Nyerak Pullu and Lingshed on a 13-day trekking journey. Away from the civilization, technology, and chaos of city life, this trek truly is a walk into nature.

2. Triund Trek, Dharamsala

One of the most thrilling and challenging treks in Himachal Pradesh; Triund Trek in Dharamsala connects you with a splendid view of nature while challenging you on each step. Beginning at the city of Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh, this trek allows you to first visit the Tibetan culture of Dharamsala known to be the residence of the noble laureate Dalai Lama. Begin your journey through the pine forests of the Bhagsu Nag trail, the climb includes a tour around the Gaddi Tribal areas on to the Triund top. After a night of camping or spending, just a few hours trekkers descend Bhagsu Nallaha Stream. The trek is a 3-day expedition for a mid-level trekker.

Markha Valley Trek (Zanskar), Kalindi Khar Trek (Uttarakhand), Pangarchulla Peak Trek (Auli) are some of the unexplored trekking trails of India.

3. Hampta Pass Trek, Manali

At a height of 14100 ft, the Hampta Pass trek is a thrilling adventure across the mighty forests and mountain peaks of Manali offering a clear view of the Dhaula Dhar range. This dream-like expedition begins at Manali and climbs through the Jobra Valley to the Chika where the grandeur of Dhaula Dhar Range await you. Through the Balu Ka Ghera, you take an impressive journey to the mighty Hampta Pass. Soak into the 360-degree view from the pass and take some rest at the Hampta Village to seep into the village and local life. From here the trek descends through the Pir Panjal Range leading you to the Chandra Tal dominating you with the white clouds and surrounding green beauty. The trek is a 35km long walk for the beginners and moderate trekkers covered in 5-6 days.

4. Dayara Bugyal Trek, Uttarkashi

The unadulterated inclines of the Dayara Bugyal is one of the best beginner trekking trails in Taknaur range of Uttarakhand. Walking through the Oak backwoods, maple and pine forests and rhododendron gardens of the Himalayan region, the trekkers climb to an altitude of 11978ft in 6 days. The splendid array of forests, camping sites, thrilling climb, and breathtaking views is a grand adventure into the wild. Greeting the trekkers with the best alpine meadows the Dayara Bugyal trek is a moderate trekking expedition gifting nature-bound experiences and panoramic view of the Himalayan range surround Dayara and Bakaria Top.

Har ki Doon or the Valley of Gods Trek is one of the astounding and most stunning treks in Uttarakhand!

5. Valley of Flowers Trek, Uttarakhand

Perched at an altitude of 14,400ft the Valley of Flowers Trek was a rare discovery made by Frank Smith, a British traveler, in 1931. From June to September, the blooming season is in force in Uttarakhand, turning the valleys into beds of flowers. The trek is a 47kms walk through the vivid beds of flowers in the Blue Primula, Ghangharia region, and the Garhwal district together called as the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand. Beginning from Govindghat on to the Ghangharia region where you take a steep climb and pass through the frozen lake too. The valley greets you with colorful flower valleys with wildflowers like poppy, calendula, daisies, rhododendron, petunia, geranium, saxifrages, etc springing all around you.

6. Roopkund Trek, Uttarakhand

A 6-7 days trek from the Lohajung district of Himachal Pradesh to the Roopkund, the Roopkund Trek is an adventure in the Himalayan region. Meant for the experienced trekkers only, the experiences unravel sparkling streams of the waterfall, lush green forests and snow-covered land to walk on until the trekker reaches the Roopkund top. The journey takes you from Lohajung to vivid places like Didina, Bedni Bugyal, Patar Nachauni and on to the Roopkund with each 10kms of climb changing the surroundings. As you climb the height of 5029m, the trek challenges you to breathe!

Fact: Roopkund Trek was once banned by the Government of Uttarakhand to preserve the Biodiversity of the region. The ban was lifted soon to support the local tourism.

7. Goecha La Trek, Sikkim

The Goecha La Trek in Sikkim is quite different from that of the Himachal, Leh or Uttarakhand expeditions. The icy trail of Goecha La is a rocking mountain covered with snow, waterfalls, greenery, and rhododendron forests. The trail begins at Yuksom and passes through Sachen, Dzongri, and Thansing on to the height of 4940m at Goecha La. Surprising you with its astounding beauty, the valleys and mountainous climb is quite a challenge.

8. Kheerganga Trek, Himachal Pradesh

A 3-day trekking tour around the Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh, the Kheerganga Trek begins at Kasol. The walk takes you alongside the Parvati River guiding you through the mighty forests, majestic waterfalls, high altitude meadows, hot springs and pine jungles greeting you with the astounding scenic beauty of the region. As you dive into the natural sulfur springs and challenge yourself through the forests, you are greeted with the panoramic view of the Lahaul Spiti glacier and Parvati Valley from the Kheerganga Top. At a height of 2960m, the Kheerganga Trek is an ideal trek for the beginners.

Tip: Feel the fringes of the Parvati River at Kasol and spend time exploring the vivid hippie cafes surrounding the region.

Walking amidst the glory of nature is the best nurturing one can give to their mind, body, and soul. Pack your bags and throw yourself to challenge as you embrace the beauty of nature unfold through the trekking trails of India.