Explore These 10 Gorgeous Places To Trek in India

In India, we are blessed with bountiful nature and scenic beauty. Our mountains stand tall, our seas wide and strong, and our forests are thick and green. The charm of Himalayas, Arravalis, Nilgiris, Western Ghats, and many others is like none other. Plus all these offer fantastic trekking routes, some easy while some difficult to climb. But the experience each offers is unique. So we decided to tell you about some of the most amazing places to trek in India.

In this article, we’ve enlisted the top 10 places to trek in India with a detailed overview of their level of difficulty. Trekking routes in India are mostly guided by professionals who train and brief the trekkers well in advance. It is also advisable to go with experienced professionals as the roads can get dangerous at times. The treks vary in terms of difficulty, duration, cultural, religious and, of course, remoteness. Depending upon these factors, make an informed decision and choose the best trek for yourself. 

Here are the top 10 places to trek in India

1. Gangotri-Gaumukh trek

Gangotri-Gaumukh trek is a popular place to trek in Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand. It is located at the base of the Gangotri glacier, at a height of 13,200 ft (4,023 m).

Gaumukh means cow’s mouth, and here it signifies the rise of the Bhagirathi river, one of the main headstreams of the Ganges river. The trek begins at Gangotri, about 18km from Gaumukh, and passes through glaciers and rough terrains. Just before Gaumukh lies the majestic Mt. Shivling.

This trail is rated as moderate, and therefore, both mountaineers and non-mountaineers, with good state-of-health, can participate. One thing to remember is that horses are not allowed on this route. So, one must be ready to cover the trail on foot. The trek to Tapovan and Nandanvan starts from here. 

Enroute Gaumukh, one can also spot the rare blue mountain goats. The glacier is surrounded by beautiful mountains on all sides, making it a truly mesmerizing sight to behold. This definitely tops the list of places to trek in India.

MAXIMUM ALTITUDE	13, 200ft
DURATION	9-12 days
DIFFICULTY LEVEL	Moderate
REMOTENESS	Moderately Remote
BEST SEASON	May-June & August-Mid Oct

2. Nanda Devi Trek

Nanda Devi is perched at an altitude of 7816m and is the highest peak in the Garhwal ranges. It is one of the most popular treks in the region. Our Scouts enjoy this route and can make a fool-proof itinerary for you as well.

The Nanda Devi trek is considered to be the abode of the sacred goddess Nanda Devi. It rises from the gigantic ring of high mountains and passes through the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. The sanctuary is an amphitheater of seventy miles in perimeter, stretching to an altitude of 6,000 m while lying adjacent to the Rishi Ganga valley. The trek commences from Lata, a small village near Joshimath.

The route offers astonishing views of the Himalayas on all sides, with small rivers and streams running in between. It is an epitome of pristine natural beauty and has been attracting tourists, photographers, and trekkers from across the world as one of the most sought-after places to trek in India. 

MAXIMUM ALTITUDE	7816 m
DURATION	10-12 days
DIFFICULTY LEVEL	Moderate to difficult
REMOTENESS	Moderately remote
BEST SEASON	May-June and September-October

3. Goecha La Trek

Travel to Sikkim to enjoy the splendors of Goecha La Trek. Perched at 16,000 ft, Goecha La overlooks the Kanchenjunga along with 16 other beautiful peaks. 

The path to Goecha La is full of steep trails, rough terrains, patchy mountains, meandering rivers, and beautiful meadows. This is a difficult trek to finish and challenging in terms of distance. Also, the changing weather, every few km, makes acclimatization even more difficult. However, the surreal view at the end of the trek makes it worth every trouble.

MAXIMUM ALTITUDE	4940 m
DURATION	10-11 days
DIFFICULTY LEVEL	Difficult
REMOTENESS	Fairly remote
BEST SEASON	Mid-March to June and September to Mid-November

4. Buran Ghati Trek

The Buran Ghati trek lies in the city of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh and is a fairly new trek route found since the closure of the Roopkund trek. Situated at an altitude of 15,059 feet, the trek takes 8 to 9 days to finish.

The Buran Ghati trek is considered to be difficult since the descent from the pass includes sliding down. The slope is so steep that one has to slide through most of the path. It takes adventure to the next level.

The trail leads into a beautiful forest and meadow covered in pine and oak trees. On the way is the frozen Chandraharan lake. There are also numerous little water streams, fruit trees, and flora and fauna of different kinds that add to the beauty of the place. 

MAXIMUM ALTITUDE	5029 m
DURATION	8-9 days
DIFFICULTY LEVEL	Moderate to difficult
REMOTENESS	Fairly remote
BEST SEASON	Mid-May to mid-June and September-October

5. Dodital Trek

The Dodital Trek offers a different experience from all other treks. It is a trek around a freshwater lake called Dodital in Uttarakhand. The lake rises from the river ‘Asi Ganga’, and is one of the very few water bodies where Himalayan Trouts are found.

It is considered as one of the most beautiful lakes in India and holds religious and cultural relevance. It is believed to be holy as on one corner of the lake is a beautiful Ganesha temple. As per Hindu mythology, this is the place where Lord Ganesha was born. 

The area around the lake is covered with dense deodar forests and takes about two days to complete the path. Along with it being sacred, it is also a land of natural beauty. Starting from Sangam Chatti, the trek is 22km long, which gets moderately difficult as one decides to move towards the Darwa Top. 

Amateur trekkers who wish to explore an easy path should consider going to Dodital. It is easy to reach and trek. Our Scouts can help you finalize the plan.

MAXIMUM ALTITUDE	3307 m
DURATION	2 to 3 days
DIFFICULTY LEVEL	Easy
REMOTENESS	Not remote
BEST SEASON	April to November

6. Beas Kund Trek

Looking for weekend trekking options around Delhi? Then head to Beas Kund trek in Manali. 

The Beas Kund trek is nestled amidst the mountains of Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of 3,700m. It springs out of the Beas River and is considered a holy place in Hindu mythology. It is believed that Sage Vyas used to take a bath here while he meditated.

The journey to the trek starts from Solang Nallah, a popular destination in Manali for skiing and paragliding, and crosses through the meadows of Dhundi and Bakarthach. Enroute one can see the majestic peaks like Hanuman Tibba, Friendship Peak, Shitidhar, and Seven Sisters.

This trek is for everyone – whether a beginner or a pro trekker. It is moderately easy with picturesque sceneries all around.

MAXIMUM ALTITUDE	3700 m
DURATION	2 to 3 days
DIFFICULTY LEVEL	Easy
REMOTENESS	Not remote
BEST SEASON	May to June and September to November

7. Sandakphu Trek

Planning to explore Darjeeling? Then trek the Sandakphu path to see the beauty of the region and nature’s charisma.

The Sandakphu trek is one of the most exciting trek trails in India. It is the highest peak in West Bengal and is popularly known as the Trekkers Wonderland. 

Perched at 11,940ft, the trek leads to a surreal view of the Everest on one side, Kanchenjunga on the other, and Lhotse and Makalu on the third. It also offers a view of the pristine peaks of Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet, and Bhutan. The route to Sandakphu goes along the Singalila range, and, therefore, is also known as Singalila trek. 

One can easily get lost in the enchanting beauty of this place. The Sandakphu trek is about 47kms long and takes about 6 days to complete. It ranges between easy to moderately difficult levels. 

MAXIMUM ALTITUDE	3636m
DURATION	6 to8 days
DIFFICULTY LEVEL	Easy to moderate
REMOTENESS	Not remote
BEST SEASON	March to May, October to December

8. Siang Valley Trek

Why go all the way to Arunachal Pradesh for trekking? If you thought this, then let me give you all the reasons why you must visit the state and go for the Siang Valley trek. 

The Siang Valley trek is one of the most famous trekking routes in Arunachal Pradesh. It goes alongside the Tsangpo river in Tibet, also known as Siang in the state. The river later joins the Brahmaputra in Assam. 

The Siang Valley trek covers some exciting, unexplored locations which have been attracting trekkers from across the world. The journey takes about 11 to 12 days and is moderately difficult to cover. Enroute, the trek passes through Yembung, Sessen, Ponging, Marying, Milang, and Peaka Modi before reaching the Siang Valley.

While you are in the valley, you must enjoy the pristine beauty of Arunachal Pradesh as well. Meet our Scout for a detailed itinerary and other information about places to trek in India.

MAXIMUM ALTITUDE	4157m
DURATION	11 to 12 days
DIFFICULTY LEVEL	Easy to moderate
REMOTENESS	Not remote
BEST SEASON	October to February

9. Lohagad Fort Night Trek

If you live in and around Mumbai or Pune and are looking for a weekend trekking trip, then Lohagad Fort is the place. The fort is situated at an altitude of 1,033 meters, close to Lonavala and Khandala hill stations.

It is considered to be the best trekking route near Mumbai and Pune, especially for beginners. It is an easy trek filled with fun and beauty. The Lohagad Fort trek is specifically famous for the night expeditions. 

One can feel the historical essence in this fort. It dates back to the Satvahan Era and was mainly used to keep a watch on the trade route passing through the Sahayadris. The top can be reached by climbing stairs. As one begins ascending, four massive doors come in the way. The Ganesh Darwaza, the Narayan Darwaza, the Hanuman Darwaza, and the Maha Darwaza. Of the four, the Hanuman Darwaza is the most ancient one and reminds you of the great Indian history.

The Lohagad trek is an easy route and highly recommended for beginners. It is also a great location to spend and enjoy some quality time with friends and family. For more details, connect with our Scout.

MAXIMUM ALTITUDE	3500 ft
DURATION	Day/night trek
DIFFICULTY LEVEL	Easy
REMOTENESS	Not remote
BEST SEASON	Throughout the year

10. Kudremukh Hill Trek

Some of the most magnificent trekking routes in south India are in Karnataka. Kudremukh trek is one of them. It is one of the most popular destinations in Chikmagalur. The most interesting fact about the hill is its shape. The hill has a peculiar shape resembling the face of a horse and it derives its name from Kannada words ‘Kudre’ and ‘Mukh’ which means horse’s face. Therefore, it is called Kudremukh.
The trek to the summit is full of adventures and unique experiences. The landscape is full of gentle gradients that are easy to trek initially but as one walks upwards, the difficulty level increases.
This trip can be undertaken in one day and can be enjoyed by novices as well as professionals.

MAXIMUM ALTITUDE	1891 m
DURATION	1 to 2 days
DIFFICULTY LEVEL	Easy to moderate
REMOTENESS	Not remote
BEST SEASON	November to February

In the year 2020, there are many long weekends. So, please plan your trekking expeditions and explore places to trek in India. Better yet, hire a scout and have it all figured out!