India is a vast country in all aspects including cultures, religions, cuisines, and even the terrain. From the mighty Himalayas in the north to the desert region in the west and the ocean surrounding the south, India is blessed with amazing diversity. This has also made India home to an abundance of natural beauty which is unlike any other in the world. Besides being a haven for nature lovers, our country is also revered for the exciting opportunities it offers to adventure enthusiasts, especially in the form of its trekking trails.
From walks through tea plantations to trails that run through the vastness of glaciers, you can find it all in India. Daredevils from across the globe experience these treks to witness some of the remotest and most stunning landscapes of our country that remain untouched to date. If you have been planning to scale the best trekking places in India, then this list will surely be helpful for you.
5 Best Treks In India
1. Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh
Being one of the best treks in India, it starts from the Hampta Valley in Kullu and finishes at Chatru in the Lahaul and Spiti Valley. Covering a distance of about 35km which takes about 4-5 days, the Hampta Pass Trek passes through rich pine forests, stunning glacial valleys, and open meadows. The trek is perfect for beginners who are looking forward to trying high-altitude trails as it provides the perfect balance of adventure and panoramic views. The trek also helps you witness the pristine Chandratal Lake which rests at a height of 4200 meters above sea level and is truly a sight to behold.
- Best Time: June to Mid-November
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Also Read: Best Treks In Maharashtra
2. Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh
One of the toughest treks in India, Markha Valley Trek starts at Leh and crosses through Chilling, Skiu, Sara, Hankar, and Nimaling. The valley is the largest in Leh and the trekking trail itself is 65km long that is usually covered in about 10 days. Besides stunning views of the surrounding Karakoram and Ladakh ranges, you can also explore several monasteries, old forts, and temples along the way with the most famous being the Tacha Monastery. The maximum altitude that can be reached at this trek is about 5200 meters above sea level but the picturesque sights of K2 Mountain and Stok Kangri, and Kang Yatse peaks make it totally worth it.
- Best Time: Moderate to Difficult
- Difficulty: Mid-May to Mid September
3. Valley Of Flowers Trek, Uttarakhand
Providing one of the best experiences of trekking in India, the Valley of Flowers Trek starts at Govindghat and is almost 55km long. The trek takes you through Valley of Flowers which is home to exotic Himalayan flora and fauna and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trek also takes you to the Sikh pilgrimage site of Hemkund Sahib which is located at an altitude of 4300 meters above sea level. The trail runs along the Pushpawati River and features various glaciers, waterfalls, and bridges along the way which takes about 5-6 days to be completed.
- Best Time: July to Mid-September
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
4. Chokramuddi Trek, Munnar
Starting from the Bison Valley, the Chokramuddi Trek is one of the easier treks in India that can be completed in 5-7 hours and provides you with amazing hill views from the top. The trekking trail goes through stunning tea plantations, spice estates, and dense forests with the highest altitude reaching 2100 meters above sea level. The highest point of the trek offers the most picturesque view of Anamudi the highest peak of Western Ghat and also has the Idduki Dam, one of the highest arch dams in Asia as its main attraction.
- Best Time: All Year
- Difficulty: Easy
5. Sandakphu Trek, West Bengal
West Bengal’s highest point Sandakphu is renowned as the ‘Trekkers Wonderland” and lies near the Indo-Nepal border. The trek offers you amazing views of the mighty peaks of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu and is spread across a length of 45km which takes around 8-9 days to cover. The trail features colourful flora including stunning magnolias and orchids. Besides this, the trek also has various different attractions including Kalaphokri, the Black Pond considered holy by the Buddhist community, and Valley of Poison which is home to a poisonous flower Aconite.
- Best Time: April to June and October to January
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The natural beauty of India can be best discovered by trekking through the trails mentioned above. If you are planning to cover either of these treks soon, make sure to visit during an appropriate season to get the best experience that these natural wonders have to offer.
