India is a trek-lover’s paradise, and it is quite difficult to choose the ten best treks in India. With a geographically diverse terrain, you can find a trekking destination practically anywhere in the country. From dirt trails to rocky roads, dense forests to river crossings, and deep valleys to snow-capped peaks, India has some of the most mesmerizing treks and trails in the world.
Here are the 10 best treks in India.
1. Triund Trek, Himachal Pradesh
Best time: May to June
The Triund Trek is one of the best hikes for beginners and nature lovers. It is a pleasant trek into the beautiful Dhauladhar range, starting from Dharamkot near McLeodGanj. You can take a bus to McLeod Ganj from the town of Dharamshala. The beautiful trail goes through deodar, pine, rhododendron, and oak forests with stunning views of snow-capped peaks and the Kangra valley.
From 9350 feet above, you are gifted with the most amazing sunset.
This trek can be completed in a day, although you can camp at the summit and spend the night stargazing from your tent.
Read more: Trekking in McLeod Ganj
2. Valley of Flowers Trek, Uttarakhand
Best time: July to September
One of the most loved hiking destinations in India, Valley of Flowers is literally just that – a valley filled with wildflowers in full bloom towards the end of monsoon. Located at an altitude of 14000 feet, the trek is fairly moderate in difficulty.
Located in Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Valley of Flowers National Park is a part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, boasting more than 300 kinds of flowers, including marigold, poppies, daisies and primulas. It is also home to many medicinal plants and few animals like Asiatic black bears, brown bears, and even snow leopards.
This trek also follows to Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji by the Hemkund Lake, one of the highest Gurudwaras in India.
3. Great Lakes Trek, Kashmir
Best time: July to September
The gorgeous trail starts from Shitkadi, a small hamlet near Sonmarg and ends in the Naranag village. The trek takes seven days and true to its name, it offers sights of seven stunning glacial lakes, valleys, and three high passes of the Himalayas.
The trek by itself isn’t very difficult, but you will have to spend two days acclimatizing in Sonmarg before the trek to prepare yourself for the 13,800 feet altitude. The trail passes through lush green meadows full of wildflowers and clear streams with views of the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Since this trek is near Srinagar in Kashmir, make sure you check the security situation before traveling. Political unrest in Kashmir has been going on for years and can occur during the summer months.
See more: The best places and tips for hiking in India
4. Nongriat Trek, Meghalaya
Best time: April to June
The plateau of Meghalaya has an abundance of hidden valleys, waterfalls, and folklore. One of the most popular attractions of Meghalaya is the living root bridges, crafted by generations of the indigenous Khasi villagers. These natural bridges are formed by weaving together tree roots and branches, and there is an especially famous double decker living root bridge!
The trek to Nongriat starts from Tyrna village near Cherrapunji, the wettest place on earth.
Living root bridges, hidden valleys, waterfalls, lush rainforests are a part of the trail which requires a descent of over 3500 stone steps passing through rainforests full of butterflies and forest insects.
There are a few provisional shops along the way, but it is recommended that you come with a local guide. Plus, it rains profusely in this region, so pack a rain jacket and waterproof shoes.
5. Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh
Best time: June to September
The Hampta Pass, 14,010 feet above sea level, divides the lush green Kullu Valley and the barren deserts of Lahaul and Spiti. Starting from Jobra near Manali to Chhatru Settlement, you will be greeted with one scenic view after another. Trek through forests of deodar, oak, and birch, with verdant meadows and glacial streams on the way.
You can see the snow-covered peaks of Deo Tibba and Mount Indrasan from the top of Hampta Pass. The trek takes 5 days to complete.
For some more adventure, you can start from the end-point of the Hampta Pass trek and drive for two hours to the mesmerizing Chandra Tal, or Moon Lake, located 13,944 feet above sea level.
Trekkers can camp at designated campsites on the way, such as Chika, Balu Ka Ghera, and Shea Goru.
6. Chembra Peak, Kerala
Best time: November to February
Perched 6890 feet above sea level in the Wayanad region of Kerala is Chembra Peak, the tallest summit in Kerala. The trek starts from the watchtower near Chembra Peak VSS Forest Office near Meppadi and follows a beautiful trail of tea gardens, coffee and spice plantations, and dense forests.
Around halfway up the peak, a heart-shaped lake, Hridaya Saras, awaits, while the top offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats.
See more: 5 popular places to trek in South India
Overnight stays are not allowed on this trail, but that is not an issue, since the trek takes less than a day to finish. Additionally, only 200 hiking permits are granted daily, and you need to register with the forest office to secure the permit. Avoid the monsoon season, since the paths become muddy.
7. Dzongri – Goecha La Trek, Sikkim
Best time: Mid-March to June and September to mid-November
The Goecha La trek is a challenging one, but the views are unmatched!
The route starts in the town of Yukson, a place with historical significance. The trail gets demanding at the Goecha Pass, as it passes through Khangchendzonga National Park, where you might come across Buddhist chorten, oak trees, rhododendrons, and wildlife like red pandas and musk deer.
At the end, you are rewarded with some of the best views you have ever seen, including Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. You can also see the peaks of Mt. Pandim and Mt. Kabru.
You can also hike to Dzongri peak at 4000 meters for a spectacular sunrise. This trek will give you a glimpse of the cultural and natural heritage of Sikkim.
You will need to be acclimatized before you start the trek to reduce the risk of mountain sickness.
8. Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh
Best time: June to September
The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most gorgeous treks in Ladakh. The trek begins in Chilling village near Leh and ends at Shang Sumdo. The terrain changes from barley fields to hanging bridges and rocky canyons, swinging from easy to moderate difficulty.
The trek follows the Markha River in many high passes, including Ganda La and Kongmaru La. You get amazing panoramic views of the landscape with the Kang Yissay and Stok Kangri peaks.
The trail also passes through Hemis National park, home to some exotic wildlife such as blue sheep, Asiatic ibex, Himalayan marmot, and even snow leopards during winters. You will encounter many monasteries and Buddhist villages on the way. You can make an overnight stop in one of the village homestays on the trail.
Hikers need to acclimatize themselves before embarking on this trek, since it crosses a 17,060 feet pass.
9. Rajmachi Trek, Maharashtra
Best time: June to September
Rajmachi Fort in Maharashtra is one of the most magnificent medieval forts in the Sahyadri hills, perfect for trekking. Popular as a monsoon trek, this trail offers views of lush green valleys, waterfalls, stunning views of the Sahyadri mountain range, and fireflies around your campsite at night!
If you love history and architecture, this is the perfect place for you! Explore the twin forts of Rajmachi – Shrivardhan and Manaranjan, or visit the Bhairi Caves nearby. The fort also has Buddhist caves and temples from the 16th century. You might also spot wildlife like wild boars, deer, various birds, and even leopards!
This trek is fairly easy and perfect for beginners, as the highest altitude is 3000 feet above sea level, and it can be completed within a day. Plus, the trail is well-marked, so you don’t need a guide to finish it.
10. Sandakphu Phalut Trek, West Bengal
Best time: Mid-March to May
The highest point in West Bengal, Sandakphu is known as “Trekker’s Wonderland”. The 45 km trek leads to phenomenal views of the Everest cluster and peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu from an altitude of around 11,500 feet. You will also get to see the “Sleeping Buddha” Massif from the top.
The trail, located near Singalila National Park, passes through quaint villages and mystical silver fir and rhododendron forests, with some monasteries, stupas, beautiful lakes, rivers, and stunning sunsets on the way.
You will come across the Kalapokhri, or the Black Pond, considered holy by the Buddhists, and the Valley of Poison, called Bikhey Bhanjyang. You might also spot the red panda, Himalayan black bear, or the clouded leopard on the trek.
So, which trek fascinated you the most? Let us know and we will help you plan the perfect trip around it! At India Someday, we curate personalized itineraries for your trip to India based on your likes and requirements. Contact us and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!
