Trekking in India gives you innumerable opportunities to stay close to nature and view amazing landscapes of the country such as dense jungles, glaciers, and mountain peaks.
Before you go trekking, deciding on which trek you want that suits your fitness level is the most important step in your planning process.
The different trekking locations will have ranging difficulties. You will be facing long distance walks on inclining paths that can reach high altitudes above 10,000 feet for a couple of days.
On ascending higher, the paths will become tougher and more challenging. That is why carefully choosing the terrain you want to face that suits your physical and mental state well is very important.
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Highlights
- Planning your trip in accordance with your physical capabilities is very important.
- Ladakh offers views of beautiful lakes, mountains, valleys, passes, and monasteries.
- The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world.
- A guide is necessary to guide trekkers to the best scenic spots and the dangers to avoid.
- Pack some snacks and water to ensure you stay energized and hydrated.
India is a great trekking destination
India is home to some incredible mountain beauty and myriad landscapes, and terrains that are sought after by adventure enthusiasts from all around the globe. With the many trekking options available ranging from easy and moderate to challenging grades, there is always a suitable trekking option for everyone wanting to try it.
What makes India a special trekking destination is that the trekking places offer tantalizing natural scenic splendors, plenty of challenges ready for you to tackle, and experience enriching and diversified culture in regions like Ladakh and Sikkim where rich Buddhist art and heritage are heavily immersed.
Some amazing scenes include the breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, hanging glaciers, and stunning waterfalls. When trekking in India, you will come across challenges such as crossing the chilly waters of streams and rivers and passing through narrow gorges.
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Best time to trek in India
Due to the different temperatures in different regions and the unpredictable climate, the best time to go trekking in India can be quite varied and diverse.
In India, most trekking experts say that the months between May to June are the best time to embark on a trekking adventure.
For jungle hikes in central and southern India, avoid going during monsoon seasons. If you are going to the Uttaranchal Darjeeling, Himachal and Sikkim regions, you should avoid going from July to August as this is the heavy monsoon season.
The high trekking season starts in March and lasts until October. This is also the best time for you to trek in Ladakh and the Himalayas. During the spring months, the countryside is verdant and colorful. Rivers are the most powerful as snow melts.
If you are searching for some scenic mountain views, October or November is the best time to visit. In these autumn months, views of the mountain tops are the clearest.
Is a trekking trip right for me
A trekking trip can be right for almost anyone if it is properly planned. You should take into consideration your fitness level before you plan for the trip.
Check out the places before booking the trip to know if terrain and the walking distance of the trip are to your stamina.
| Trek | Light jungle trek | Moderate valley trek | Highly demanding trek |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrain | Easy | Medium | Difficult |
| Distance covered in a day | 4 to 5 km | 8 to 10 km | 10 to 15 km |
| Altitude | Below 13,000 feet | 14,000-19,000 feet | Above 20,000 feet |
| Duration | 2 to 3 days | 4 to 7 days | 8 to 14 days |
| Physical requirements | Average | Fit | Extremely fit |
As a beginner, it is recommended to take an easy trek first where you will not have to walk long hours. A trek which takes you to a maximum altitude of 13,500 to 14,000 feet should be suitable enough. The trek you choose should also not involve walking more than 7 to 8 km a day.
A light jungle trek
One popular option for a light jungle trek is the Chembra Trek. It is located in the scenic Wayanad Hills in Kerala. The Chembra peak is one of the tallest peaks in the Western Ghats, resting at a height of 2,100 meters or about 6,900 feet above sea level, and is known for its greenery and natural beauty.
The Wayanad region is famous for its thick jungles and the Chembra trek is the perfect way to experience the natural beauty of this hill station.
The total length of the trek is 4.5 km and will take about four hours to complete. One of the most famous features of the trail is the heart-shaped lake near the top called the Love Lake.
This trek is fairly easy and very suitable for beginners. Anybody with moderate physical fitness can apply for this trekking.
A moderate valley trek
The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most popular valley treks in Ladakh. In this trek, you can see many incredible sights and surreal rock formations, timeless villages, and snowy mountains.
The beautiful Markha Valley runs parallel with the Indus on the far south side of the snowy Stok Kangri massif. The trek passes through cultivated valley floors, high-altitude grasslands, and snow-prone pass.
As you gain altitude, you will pass through some tiny villages. These villages host cafes or tea houses serving rejuvenating hot drinks from the vigorous hike. The villages also have preserved monasteries, ruined forts, and temples.
The Markha Valley trek goes up to an altitude of over 17,060 feet, however, you can view most of the scenes at altitudes of less than 13,000 feet. The trek will take 8 days and cover over 65 km.
This trek requires a great level of physical fitness and stamina, as well as good health. Trekkers should make a few preparations before going on this trek. Going for a light 2-hour jog a day and doing yoga for a month is recommended.
A highly demanding trek
Settling amidst the peak of the highest mountain in the world, the Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world. You get to see the highest mountain in the world up close. Aside from that, you also get to see the entire Himalayan mountain range.
The region is rich in different species of flora and fauna. The trek will take you through the green hills, rhododendron forest, elegant waterfalls, graceful rivers, glacier lakes, and Kala Patthar is a phenomenal experience altogether.
The Everest Base Camp trek goes up to an altitude of over 18,200 feet. The trek will take 13 days and covers 130 km.
This trek will require a prime physical fitness from the trekkers. Cardio and breathing exercises such as running, cycling, and swimming are recommended. You should also do some weight training on your shoulder and legs as a lot of walking will be involved.
Best trekking places in India
When it comes to getting close to nature, there is no better way to do so than by going for a trekking experience in India. There are many different landscapes you get to tackle, ranging from forests, hills, and mountains.
From the mighty snow peaks of the Himalayas in the north to the dense jungles of the Western Ghats in the south, there is a spectacular range of treks in India for adventure lovers. Some of the best places to go trekking in India include Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Kashmir.
Ladakh
There are many ways of experiencing the beauty of Ladakh, but when it comes to nature, none can beat trekking.
Ladakh is blessed with beautiful lakes, mountains, valleys, passes, monasteries, and culture. It is home to some of the high mountain passes in the world, enchanting alpine glacial lakes, and the land of exquisite valleys.
The Chadar Trek in the Zanskar valley is one of the most popular treks in Ladakh. This trek will take you to a world of icy wonders and also give you the feeling of sliding over icy ground.
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is one of the favorite trekking destinations for beginners and expert trekkers. It is a land of snow-laden landscapes, hill stations, and temples.
It is a sought after destination for tourists who flock to the region to watch the snow-capped mountains and the fussy streams that flow down the hills.
Hampta Pass trek is one of the more popular treks in this region. It begins from the Kullu Manali valley to the top of Chandra valley of Lahaul.
Through the journey, you can see the view of the oak and walnut trees entwined in the thick canopy of the forest.
Uttarakhand
Often called the "Land of the Gods" the Indian state of Uttarakhand lies just west of Nepal and is the geographic center of the greater Himalayas. Home to some of the toughest mountain treks, a trekking adventure in Uttarakhand is sure to leave you with the most rewarding and fulfilling trekking experience of your lifetime.
Roopkund Trek, also known as 'Skeleton Lake', is one of the popular treks in this region. The trek takes around 7-days covering a smorgasbord of scenery and some religious sites. However, last year the local High Court has issued a ban on trekking in this area, that left trekkers across the world disappointed. We will keep you posted on the situation when the ban will be lifted.
An alternate route located in Sankri is the Har Ki Dun Trek. The "Stairway to Heaven" is a moderately difficult trek, with paths taking you to the most charismatic alpine meadows and pine forest, rich in flora and fauna, and ancient villages that are over 2,000 years old.
It is accessible both in summer and winter. The trek is heaven for nature lovers, the adventurous and the shutterbugs.
Sikkim
Sikkim is one of the far eastern states of India and one of the best-kept secrets in the Indian Himalayas. Trekking in Sikkim has its own charm providing visitors to experience crossing over from sub-tropical to temperate zones, followed by alpine and high- altitude areas in a short span of time.
There is no better way to experience Sikkim than to tower the spectacular Goecha La Trek. This trek takes you to some spectacular landscape from the lowland rainforests near Yuksom to the world's third tallest peak – near the base of Kangchenjunga.
Kashmir
Trekking in Kashmir is an experience unlike the rest of the Himalayas. The region experiences a real winter and is largely bypassed by the Indian Monsoon. Kashmir offers the best trekking in the Himalayas during the monsoon when the rest of the range is blanketed in rain.
Kolahoi glacier trek is among the most popular treks in this region. The historic valley glacier captures the essence of Kashmir as the trail takes you to the most fascinating streams, lakes, forests, and riverbanks of Lidder.
A professional guide is needed
The importance of trekking with a guide is known to be profound. This is because the local guides are experienced and familiar with the trekking trails, giving guidance along the way of areas to avoid and helping you to interact with locals.
Tips for trekking in India
Trekking involves you as much mentally as it does physically. A trek is not just about taking a backpack and walking, it is also about what goes in that backpack and how efficiently you walk.
Preparing well for your first trek becomes the foundation for preparing you mentally for future treks and expeditions. Here are some other trips before you go trekking in India.
- Invest in a pair of good trekking shoes that provide you ankle protection. If you have a new pair, break into them before you go.
- Condition and train your body by going on morning walks or jog to work on your stamina.
- Choose an easy trek, to begin with. Do not overestimate or overexert your body by aiming too high.
- Pack everything you might need. Bring some warm clothes, rain gear, medicines, a flashlight, and an extra pair of trousers, sweaters or shoes.
- Stay hydrated and eat right. Pack dried fruits, bars, trail mixes, and chocolates to get that energy boost. Drink water to avoid cramps on the strenuous paths.
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Trek with Asia Highlights
If you are interested in the beauty of this land and want a vacation that is away from the traditional – check out Asia Highlights trekking expeditions. We can help you get connected to start the trek that best suits you.
At Asia Highlights, we can make sure your trip to India will be a fun and memorable one.
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