From the snow capped mountain ranges of Himalayas to rough glaciers to frozen rivers to delightfully colourful valleys of flowers. Indian landscape has some of the most amazing treks which could accommodate varied degrees of difficulty. Trekking in India is not only a physical journey but also a spiritual one too. Here are some of the best treks from across the length and breadth of India
1. Chadar Trek
Region: Leh, Ladakh, J & K
Duration: 09 days
Grade: Difficult
Max Altitude: 11,123 Ft.
Ideal Time: Mid January to End February
Chadar trek or Zanskar, the most glamorous treks of Ladakh, with cold water flowing just few inches below the frozen Chadar river under you feet, is also one of the toughest treks in the world. It is a winter trek where the harsh terrain and bone chilling cold will pump up the adrenaline to another.
2. Stok Kangri Trek
Region: Leh, Ladakh, J & K
Duration: 06-08 days
Grade: Difficult
Max Altitude: 20,182 Ft.
Ideal Time: Mid July To End September
Stok Kangri is comparatively easier of the six thousand-er peaks but is still no cake walk and requires proper acclimatization. Stok Kangri in Ladakh is the highest trekable summit in India (20,182 feet/6,153 mts). Snowy areas, narrow rivers and scenic valleys, Stok Kangri has it all to offer to the adventurers.
3. Markha Valley Trek
Region: Leh, Ladakh, J & K
Duration: 08 days
Grade: Moderate to Difficult
Max Altitude: 16,895 Ft.
Ideal Time: Mid June To Mid October
Situated in Ladakh, passing through beautiful Buddhist monasteries, villages and high altitude pastures, Markha Valley trek is one of the most famous treks of this region. The valley runs parallel to the Himalayan mountain range and has some of the most scenic barren landscapes making it the most sought after trek in the region. Accommodation is available in most villages in tents and huts giving it the ‘tea house’ trek name.
4. Roopkund Trek
Region: Uttarakhand
Duration: 08 days
Grade: Moderate to Difficult
Max Altitude: 15,696 Ft.
Ideal Time: Mid May to End February
Roopkund, or Mystery Lake is a high altitude glacial lake situated in Uttarakhand which is famous because of the hundreds of human skeletons, dating back to 9th century B.C. found at the edge of the lake which are visible when the snow melts. Surrounded by snow capped mountain ranges on all the sides, with rivers flowing by the side and miles of meadows, Roopkund trek is an enjoyable experience.
5. Kuari Pass Trek
Region: Uttarakhand
Duration: 06 days
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Max Altitude: 12,763 Ft.
Ideal Time: April to June, September to October
The alpine meadow of Kuari Pass trek are one of the few treks in the Himalayas which are accessible even in winters. A moderately difficult trek, Kuari Pass trek offers the breathtaking view of the enchanting Himalayan mountain range including mountains like Nanda Devi, Dunagiri, Kamet and many more.
6. Gangotri -Gaumukh -Tapoban Trek
Region: Uttarakhand
Duration: 5-7 days
Grade: Moderate
Max Altitude: 14,638 Ft.
Ideal Time: April to June, Mid August to September
Along the holy river Bhagirathi, the trek takes you all the way up to the mouth of the river, popularly known as Gaumukh which is situated at the base of the Gangotri glacier. This trek is best recommended for nature lovers who like a bit of adventure like rock-climbing, boulder-hopping and glacier-traversing.
7. Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Trek
Region: Uttarakhand
Duration: 05-06 days
Grade: Easy
Max Altitude: 12,655 Ft.
Ideal Time: July to September
Situated in the Nanda Devi Bio Reserve, one of the national parks of India, Valley of Flowers leaves you intoxicated by the heavy scent of the flowers on the valley floor. July and August are the best times to undertake this trek as flowers are in their full bloom during that time. The holy lake of Hemkund is an important pilgrimage of Sikhs and Hindus and lies near the Valley of Flowers.
8. Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek
Region: Uttarakhand
Duration: 15 days
Grade: Moderate
Max Altitude: 13,615 Ft.
Ideal Time: Mid June to End September
The second highest mountain peak in India, Nanda Devi is one of the highest peaks of the Himalayan mountain range. Considered one of the hardest peak to conquer, June to September is the ideal time to visit it. Ever since the closure of Nanda Devi Inner sanctuary region, Nanda Devi East Base Camp is the closest one can get to witnessing the beauty of the Nanda Devi. Nanda Devi Bio Reserve is the most spectacular wilderness areas in the Himalayas.
9. Har ki Doon Trek
Region: Uttarakhand
Duration: 08 days
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Max Altitude: 11,675 Ft.
Ideal Time: Mid May to June, September to October
Also known as Valley of God, Har ki Doon valley situated below Fateh Parvat, is one of the most beautiful valleys in Western Himalayas. At a height of 3566 mts, Har ki Doon offers rich variety of flora and fauna with breathtaking meadows and beautiful glacier basins in middle of mountain peaks.
10. Pindari Glacier Trek
Region: Uttarakhand
Duration: 08 to 10 days
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Max Altitude: 12,300 Ft.
Ideal Time: April to November
Situated in the upper reaches of Kumaon Himalayas and surrounded by snowcapped peaks, Pindari Glacier is a 90 km round trip trek which could be comfortably completed in 6 days. Lying at the southern end of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary nestled between the Nanda Devi and Nandakot mountains, Pindari Glacier offers breathtaking scenic beauty which is beyond words and also one of the most easily accessible glaciers.
11. Chandrashila Trek
Region: Uttarakhand
Duration: 08 days
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Max Altitude: 13,415 Ft.
Ideal Time: Round the year
To be spellbound by the natural splendour of the Garhwal Himalayas, take a snow trek to Chopta, Deoria Tal and Chandrashila Peak, that offers you the best of trekking in Uttarakhand. Not only will you get a chance to surpass breathtaking pastures laden with snow, anyone can take this trek due to the easy terrains and comfortable trails.
12. Triund Trek
Region: Himachal Pradesh
Duration: 03 days
Grade: Easy
Max Altitude: 9,350 Ft.
Ideal Time: Round the year
Embraced by the fascinating charm of the Dhauladhar Range and adorned with the enchanting beauty of Dharamshala, Triund proves to be a soothing destinations in the country. A popular trekking destination in Himachal Pradesh, this salubrious hill entices its visitors with all its natural grandeur and appeal.
13. Pin Parvati Pass Trek
Region: Himachal Pradesh
Duration: 11 days
Grade: Difficult
Max Altitude: 17,500 Ft.
Ideal Time: May to September
A 100 km trans Himalayan trail with the highest point at an altitude of 5319 mts, is a great adrenaline booster for seasoned trekkers. The amazing trek has some of the most spectacular sceneries and mind-blowing landscapes which change as you move from Kullu to Spiti.
14. Kinnaur Kailash Circuit Trek
Region: Himachal Pradesh
Duration: 9-12 days
Grade: Difficult
Max Altitude: 15,004 Ft.
Ideal Time: End June to October
The 79 feet vertical rock in the Kinner Kailash mountain range, one of the mythical abodes of Lord Shiva is one of the finest adventures in Himachal Pradesh. Considered sacred by both the Hindus and the Buddhists, this trek is considered one of the toughest in Himachal Pradesh.
15. Hampta Pass Trek
Region: Himachal Pradesh
Duration: 05 days
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Max Altitude: 14,100 Ft.
Ideal Time: May to October
The Hampta Pass trek is another stimulating high altitude one in the Kullu valley. The maximum height achieved during this trek is around 3960 metres. Itbegins at Jobra and goes through places such as Chika, Balu ka Ghera, Shea Goru crossing, Chatru, Chandratal and then reaches Hampta.