India, being a large country with an abundance of terrain and historical and archaeological sites, is indeed a trekker's delight. The north has the Himalayas, and the south features the Western Ghats; both show incredible ways of trekking for raw beginners as well as professional trekkers. We shall start our tour to find out the top trekking places in India with the most challenging treks that attract thousands of adventurous souls and assure them captivating scenery.
The Best Trekking Places in India
Are you looking for some of the best trekking places in India to explore and feed your wanderlust? Well, let us dive into some of the best trekking places in India, where you can explore and let the wild beast inside you out while trekking along the mountains in India.
So while wondering about the trekking places in India, when you shift your eye towards the map, you come across the country of India, where you will find numerous trekking destinations. Here are some of the best-curated places for you to plan out your next trekking trip on the basis of direction—east, west, north, and south—to make it a little easier for you, dear trekkers.
The North
Moving towards the north of India, there are fascinating valleys and mountains like the ones you can witness in Uttarakhand. Some of the best trekking places in this region are:
1. Roopkund Trek, Uttarakhand
The Roopkund Trek is located in the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas; the mystery of the high-altitude glacial lake at Roopkund is also famous as the ‘Skeleton Lake’ due to human skeletons found around this lake. This trek introduces you to the trek through the thick forest, bubbling streams, and the meadow of flowers. The outer beauty of the surrounding area, including the Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks, gives it a place among the best trekking places in India.
2. Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh
The Markha Valley Trek is one of the treks located in the region known as Leh Ladakh tour , which means the ‘Land of High Passes’. This trek is a fusion of penalties, architectural marvels of monasteries, and lively visuals of Ladakhi villages. The best sight of the trek is the crossing of the Kongmaru La pass, which offers an excellent view of the Kang Yatse peak. The enhanced contrast of isolation and desolation in the foreground of the green valley is a trekker’s delight.
3. Trek: Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
A World Heritage Site, the Valley of Flowers trek is quite a lovely high-altitude Himalayan valley that is particularly noted for its wonderful and rich biodiversity. This valley bursts into a riot of flowers, especially during the monsoon, and the view can be magical and dreamlike. This trek is recommended for anyone with an interest in nature, particularly photography, since the fans will be given a glimpse of the Himalayas.
4. Chadar Trek, Ladakh
The Chadar Trek is among the best trekking places in India. This one consists of crossing parts of the Zanskar River while frozen, allowing the trekkers to literally walk on water—on ice, to be precise. The trek is quite strenuous on the physical side, coming from the freezing temperatures, but the sight of a frozen river and an icy environment is definitely a sight to behold, and the thrill of surviving a trek in minus temperatures makes it one of the top trekking sites in the country.
5. Kuari Pass Trek, Uttarakhand
The Kuari Pass Trek, also known as ‘Curzon’s Trail', provides the beautiful sights of the eastern Garhwal Himalayas, including the peaks of Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Dronagiri. It utilizes them to hike through the dark, tall trees, shrines of colorful rhododendron bushes, and past silent, rugged villages with glimpses of the local people's civilization. The icing on the cake, though, is the Kuari Pass, with all the snowy peaks stretching before one as far as the eye can see.
6. Hampta Pass Trek
Stretched over the Pir Panjal and the Bara Banga group of mountains, the Hampta Pass Trek gives you a view of the contrasting geography of the Kullu Valley and the Spiti Valley. Trekkers have the view of traveling from the green forests and meadows of Kullu to the sheer mountain face at Spiti. The trek is fairly easy and, for this reason, appropriate for first-timers, and it’s a great way to have a tour of the Himalayas.
7. Pin Parvati Pass Trek
The Pin Parvati Pass trek stands as one of the most enthralling treks that one can plan while going on a journey to the Indian Himalayas. This is an elevated trek that starts in the green valley of Parvati and crosses the Pin Parvati Pass to take you to the barren land of Spiti. The landscape differs so sharply between valleys and mountain ranges and is truly breathtaking. This trip is suitable for the regular trekker who wants the next level of challenge and full-on adventure.
8. The living-root bridges hiking tour in Meghalaya
Meghalaya, or ‘The Abode of Clouds, also hosts the famous Living Root Bridges Trek. These are the famous bridges of the Khasi tribe, built from the roots of only rubber trees. Interestingly, these are growing structures that become stronger with time. To get to these bridges, you have to cross forests of high trees, clear rivulets, and beautiful villages. The root bridge in Nongriat is another beautiful attraction and the most famous double-decked bridge that depicts how local people lived in tune with nature.
The West
So, going westward in India, one can see Maharashtra and can find some trekking places to explore, such as:
1. Rajmachi Trek, Maharashtra
Situated in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra, the Rajmachi trek successfully infuses historical importance with the marvelous beauty of nature. It ties up with two centuries-old forts known as Shrivardhan and Manaranjan, which provide the clients with a magnificent view of plains and valleys as well as hills. This increases the beauty of the trek since most of the regions have fresh green vegetation and several waterfalls.
2. Harishchandragad Trek, Maharashtra
The Harishchandragad trek located in Maharashtra, also known as the Grand Slam Trek, is the best-suited trek for those who love the idea of trekking in a historical place surrounded by nature. The Grand Slam Trek lets you explore the wonderful history and structure of the ancient Harishchandragad Fort, which has Kedareshwar Cave. The main attraction of the trek is Konkan Kada, where one can get a breathtaking view over the scenery of the valley and enjoy a beautiful sunset if one arrives on time.
3. Torna Fort Trek, Maharashtra
He set off on a trek to Torna Fort, popularly known as the first fort won by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, when he was just sixteen. Bur's raw history is open for travelers to experience when hiking the rough ground through steep slopes. The fort boasts huge parseks, and the view of the Sahyadri range is totally worth the climb. Lovers of the birds-eye view should not be left out; this is because there are the Budhla Machi and the Zunjar Machi cliffs.
4. Kalsubai Peak, Maharashtra
Tackle nature’s architectural marvel at Maharashtra's Kalsubai Peak and get ready to be a part of an expedition standing at 5,400 feet above sea level. The trek called “The Everest of Maharashtra” requires ascending steep rocks, iron ladders, and typical trails going through the green forests. Once at the top, the majestic view of Bhandardara Lake and the Sahyadri mountain ranges will just take your breath away.
5. Ratangad Fort Trek, Maharashtra
As you visit Ratangad Fort, you will feel like you are in a fairytale world. This fort, also known as the Jewel of the Sahyadris, is a 2000-year-old fort presenting a trek through the thick forest, sprouting streams, and blooming wildflowers. At the top, one can find the famous "Nedhe,” the natural rock hole; the beautiful bird-eye view of Bhandardara dam; and the mighty Sahyadrist range, which give the feeling of being in seventh heaven. These are the histories that are involved in the tales that surround the area, and the old fort ruins that are there give it a mysterious and attractive look on your trek.
6. Vasota Fort Trek, Maharashtra
What if one day a tour that lets you voyage through forests, cross over lakes, and climb up to the ramparts of a 200-year-old fort told a thousand tales? It’s a strong trek that offers all of this and much more, situated in the Koyna wildlife sanctuary—the Vasota Fort Trek. You start with a calm boat ride on the Shivsagar Lake and then go for a trek to dense forests full of wildlife.
The South
Toward the southern part of India, you can find one of the most beautiful spots, Kerala, often referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’ and many trekking places, such as:
1. Tadiandamol Trek, Karnataka
Being the tallest mountain in Coorg, Karnataka, Tadiandamol is one of the easiest treks for those who are willing to explore southern India. It is characterized by steep inclines through thickets, flat terrains of coffee farming zones, huge tracts of meadows, and what you see when you get to the top. Such a climate with a fresh and quiet atmosphere makes it one of the most splendid trekking spots in South India.
2. Meesapulimala Trek, Kerala
Meesapulimala is the second-highest peak in southern India and lies in the Western Ghats. The trek offers you a wonderful opportunity to explore the Munnar beauty of tea gardens, forests, and hills. The highest point of the plateau has an amazing scenic view of the valleys and the far-stretching plateau, making it an important landmark for trekkers.
3. Anamudi Peak Trek, Kerala
Anamudi, towering at 2695 m in the Eravikulam National Park of Kerala, is the highest peak in southern India. Approaching the peak involves lots of steep climbing; however, the beautiful cascading forests, the biodiversity, and the viewpoint from the peak are so rewarding. Permission is needed for this trek as it goes through a protected area; however, the trek through the shola forests is fascinating, and there are high chances of seeing endemic wildlife.
4. Skandagiri Trek, Karnataka
The Skandagiri trek is one of the most famous night treks and is locally known as the Kalavara Durga near Bangalore. This walking tour includes a visit to the hill fort, which has rich history and a nice panorama view over the village, especially in the morning. The trail covers mainly the forest track, steep rocks, and sometimes even gravel and sand, making it a moderate trek that can be done by all categories of trekkers. The most magnificent thing about trekking is that one gets to walk under the stars at night and then, at dawn, watch the sun rise.
5. Kudremukh Trek, Karnataka
The Kudremukh Trek can be found within the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka; it has received fame due to its extensive green hills and dense forests. The name Kudremukh itself is derived from Kannada, and it means ‘Horse face,’ due to the presence of a mountain that resembles the facet of a horse. The trekkers are rewarded with the natural beauty of greenery, streams flowing, and wildlife of different types of plants and animals. This trek has become one of the proofs of the natural beauty of the Western Ghats and is without a doubt one of the best places for trekking in South India.
6. Chembra Peak Trek, Kerala
Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad, standing at 2,100 meters above sea level. Its major attraction is ‘Hridaya Saras’, a heart-shaped lake where the actual trek to Mt. Kailash starts. Walking up the slopes offers a view of the surrounding hills and dales; the climate up there is chilly, and it is often misty. It is a beautiful place of interest for all lovers of active trekking, surrounded by nature in the south of the country.
The East
Going eastwards in India, you will arrive in Assam, where trekking adventure takes you through such beautiful places as tea gardens. Explore the natural beauty of Arunachal Pradesh, the land of the rising sun, and the colorful tribes that are aboriginal to this region.
1. Sandakphu, West Bengal
Imagine walking above the clouds and witnessing the majestic peaks of four of the world's highest mountains: world-famous peaks such as Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu, among others. This spectacle is available from Sandakphu, which is situated at an elevation of approximately 3636 meters. While hiking here, it is relatively moderate and will lead you through the greens, the white flowers of rhododendrons, and the beautiful living streams of the local indigenous communities. Ideal for those amazing photos, you need to post on Instagram! Some of them have unmatched views of the sleeping Buddha (Kanchenjunga Range)
2. Dzukou Valley, Nagaland-Manipur Border
Located between the states of Nagaland and Manipur, Dzukou Valley is yet another beauty squeezed into this state, characterized by its green slopes fringed by an entire year’s flora in the local language. This valley is generally known as the ‘Valley of Flowers of the East. ‘The trek is easy and mild, and the beautiful sight of these flowers to which the effort is dedicated is reward enough. You will like it because of: the fantastic views; The outstanding geographical location with the gorgeous view of the seasons’ changes The Evian water source and its caves, as well as natural pools for refreshing on the route.
3. Goechala, Sikkim
If one aims at an adrenaline-pumping trek to a high altitude, Goechala is a trek one cannot afford to miss. This stands at an altitude of 16,207 m, and this trek introduces you to Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain. It is quite a strenuous climb, but once you get to the top, the view you are rewarded with is that of the sunrise over snow-clad mountains.
4. Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh
Mechuka, also known as the “Mecca of Arunachal” or “the Land of Hidden Paradise,” is a beautiful valley in Arunachal Pradesh. This trek is easy, and it lasts for several days as you go through snow-clad peaks, blearing rivers, and even villages. The natural setting, untouched beauty, and calmness of Mechuka make it one of the best places to have a quiet vacation. It gives a serene image of the valley, which seems to be untouched.
5. Goecha La Trek, Sikkim
Goecha La Trek is the opening passage to the magnificence of Kanchenjunga, which is the third-tallest mountain in the world. This trek is a voyage not limited to the accomplishment of Goecha La Pass but also the enticing route through the arrays of colorful rhododendrons, verdant pastures, and beautiful Samiti Lake. The trekking trail presents the marvelous outlook of the Dooars and provides a glimpse of the great Kanchenjunga and other Himalayas, making it one of the most sought-after trekking places in India.
6. Trekking in Dzukou Valley, near the border of Nagaland and Manipur
The Dzukou Valley, located at the border of Nagaland and Manipur, is fondly known as the ‘Valley of Flowers of the Northeast’. They walk through thick forests of green trees, crossing several streams, and walking across huge meadows of flowers, especially during spring. The valley is still and tentatively beautiful, and the hills afford the best perspectives from the trekker’s viewpoint.
Things to remember before going on a trip.
Embark on your adventure fully prepared! When going out on an adventure with anything you might need, it's important to ensure you pack your backpack, versatile outfits, and all necessary toiletries, among other things, before leaving home.
- Don't forget about chargers, adapters, and that reliable first-aid kit.
- Take a preferred travel pillow along with some snacks.
- while at it; at the same time, grab your itinerary and keep your emergency contacts close.
- It’s time to get out of here and go exploring without any fear on your path!
Conclusion
In conclusion, trekking in India is very versatile, depending on the kind of terrain one wants to undertake, as the country has a very diverse geographical landscape. The sights in our beloved country vary from the bare heights of Annapurna in the Himalayas to the greeneries of the tropical Western Ghats and the wilds of the Northeast; the trekking exponent of India fulfills the desire, which captivates the heart and soul.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your boots, prepare your backpack, and get ready to find out the best trekking places in India with Capture a Trip, where every trail guarantees a natural adventure plus an insight into the cultural and diverse beauty of this amazing country.
