While those who travel around to look at old buildings and eat out have their comfort zones, the real magic comes when you step out of it. One way to grab the views that you can’t get from a restaurant seat or airplane is trekking. India has some of the best treks in the world. One of the best adventurous activities in the world is trekking if one likes to go away from the busy streets. In India, you can find them in plenty.
The best treks in India are known to locals and regular trekkers, while many of them are still unexplored tracks. Valleys and mountain ranges are full of astonishing but difficult treks for adventurers in India. While most of the top treks in India are in the northern and northeast, the best place for trekking can also be found in the western state of Maharashtra, India. So, let’s find out the best place to trek and the most difficult treks in India.
Top treks in Himachal Pradesh, India
Himachal is considered the best place to do mountain treks in India. Being right under the roof of the Himalayas, it has some of the most difficult but breathtaking treks in India. Here are the top treks in Himachal Pradesh:
1. Hampta Pass trek
Located at an elevation of 4,270m above sea level, this trek starts from the Kullu Manali valley and ends at the top of the Chandra Valley in Lahaul. The best time to visit is from June to October. This is a moderate trek that takes 4-5 days to complete.
2. Bhrigu Lake trek
This trek destined to end at a serene alpine lake is located at 4,270m and is great for beginners. Known as the Pool of Gods, the Bhrigu Lake trek will give you the most scenic route and is the best trek for beginners in India. It takes roughly three days to complete.
3. Kheerganga Trek
This 24km stretch is a trek that is famous for its natural beauty. It is the best place for trekking in India if you’re a nature lover and likes to see views like paradise. This trek takes only two days and is as low as 2,950m above sea level.
4. Beas Kund trek
Beas Kund is the best place for summer trekking in India. It is situated at 3650m above sea level and is not the most difficult trek. A beginner can easily trek the Solang Valley in a short duration.
5. Pin Parvati Pass trek
This is considered one of the most difficult treks in India and is situated 5,319m above sea level. Having a guide for this 110km trek is a good idea for the 10 days that you’ll spend in the Kullu and Spiti valley. June and August are the best times to visit if you want to avoid the snow storms up there.
Best treks in Ladakh, India
Ladakh is the place for adventurers, off-road motorcyclists and professional trekkers. Here are the best treks in Ladakh:
1. Markha Valley trek
Like most treks in Ladakh, this too is situated at a high point of 5,260m above sea level. The trek takes you parallel to the Indus Valley, crossing the Ganda La and Kongmaru La Pass and ending at Hemis National Park. June to October is the best time to visit for this 6-8-day trek.
2. Nubra Valley Trek
This trek takes you from Phyang to Hunder. This is the best trek in India if you want to see a piece of history because this trek takes you through a part of the old Silk Road. Placed 5,438m from sea level, this trek gives you a beautiful panoramic view of the Karakoram Range during the 4-day walk.
3. Sham Valley Trek
Unlike other treks in Ladakh, this is not the most difficult trek. Sham Valley is limited to 4,000m in height and can be completed in three days. Through the trek, you can also visit a number of ancient monasteries in Rizong, Temisgam, Basgo, etc.
Top treks in Uttarakhand, India
There are a lot of beautiful places and Uttarakhand and the treks are bliss for nature lovers. It is the best place to trek in India for beginners and family trekkers. Here are the best treks in Uttarakhand-
1. Valley of Flowers Trek
Valley of Flowers is pretty popular and is one of the best treks in India that attracts foreign tourists as well. People who love flora can visit this trek in the Bhyundar valley for its 400+ species, located at 3660m above sea level.
2. Kedarkantha Trek
This trek is a paradise for snow lovers. There is no issue with the trekking as the snow is not too deep. Situated at 3,800m above sea level, this trek is moderate in difficulty but has beautiful views of the Himalayan Peaks.
3. Dayara Bugyal
The trek is situated at a location where it goes through different landscapes. It is the best trek for beginners in India and is known as the gateway to trekking. At 3,639m, this trek is easy to complete and has picturesque views of forests and lush green meadows.
Best treks in Maharashtra, India
Maharashtra is known for its adventurous monsoons. While the state gets a lot of rainfall, the treks are scenic during the beginning of the rainy season. Here are the top treks in the state:
1. Kalsubai Trek
If you visit Mumbai and ask for treks, this one will be on almost everyone’s lips. Situated at 5,400m above sea level, it feels like this is a trek through the clouds. The highest peak in Maharashtra can be accessed through ladders and manmade steps.
2. Rajgad
Rajgad is one of the most famous fort treks of Maharashtra. The best time to visit is during the monsoons to experience the lush greenery of the hills that span till the Rajgad Fort. The 1,377m high fort at the end of the trek has an excellent view of the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra.
3. Devkund Waterfall Trek
The waterfall was discovered a few years ago and is fairly untouched. The trek is not high but the way to the waterfall will bring you across serene views and crossing streams, to reach the 80 ft waterfall near Bhira Village in Pali, Maharashtra.
Top Treks in Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is the gem of the North-East and has the best treks in India for winter lovers. Here are the treks that are most popular:
1. Ziro Valley Trek
The Ziro Valley trek is the entryway to the north east trekking. At 2,743m above sea level, the trek goes through hilly paths and forest ways. In 8 days’ time, you will come to the wildlife park at Talley Valley.
2. Thembang Trek
Thembang trek is a group of villages in the West Kameng region. The villages are located 3,000m above sea level and you can choose your way through the valleys and hills to any village around the area.
3. Bailey Trail
You must have at least a month of vacation if you want to discover the whole trail and its scenic views. The trail is situated at around 5,000m above sea level and has a lake situated at the end as a reward.
Top Treks in West Bengal
The state of West Bengal is fortunately located below the Himalayas and its serene valleys. Here are the treks famous in West Bengal:
1. Sandakphu Trek
Sandakphu is one of the best treks in India for those who love the Himalayas. The trek offers a breathtaking view of the Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse peaks. The trek is situated at 3660m above sea level and has a beautiful flora of orchids, rhododendrons, pines and spruce.
2. Singalila Ridge Trek
It is an easy six-day trek with amazing views of the Khangchendzonga mountain. The highest point of the ridge is at 3,695m, which starts close to Darjeeling and ends at the Singalila peak.
3. Bamonpokhri Jungle Trek
This trek is based in the jungles of Bamonpokhri and is the best place for trekking in India for jungle lovers. The route is full of views from the tea gardens and has a variety of birds that give a refreshing aura to the journey.
Instructions to follow while trekking
India is a land of beauty and a lot of hills and valleys that can be moderate to difficult treks. The best treks in India are the ones located near the western and eastern ghats. Here are the instructions to follow:
● Always trek in groups to avoid getting lost
● Carry lesser weight and wear a good pair of shoes or sandals
● Wear a sun cap to protect yourself from heat strokes
● Always carry trekking poles, preferably a pair of them
● When climbing uphill, take small steps and do not rush
● Use betadine solution to purify stream or river water
● Don’t wear cotton clothes and you’ll have no rashes
● Trek within your capacity and don’t go to high altitudes if you have weak lungs or heart
Adventurers will have their way no matter what. That’s because no one can stop the craving for the adrenaline rush that comes from living life on the edge. The serene views that come with the winds rushing through the hair, the certainty of being smaller than the planet and being able to touch the land and waters that few may reach. All these and more make up the to-do list of an adventurer who wants to travel even the historical places of this country and look into the deepest chasms with a smile and a pounding heart. There might be a billion less traveled corners in the world but few countries possess the beauty like the best treks in India.
FAQs
Which is the best time to trek in the mountains?
Depends on your mood. If you like the snow, you can choose to go between October and December. If you would like to avoid the winter pangs, it’s better to trek between July and October.
What precautions to take while trekking?
Carrying a precautionary first aid kit is important, along with sanitary pads, hot bags, and dry food items like instant noodles and biscuits.