“Know the unknown” and “tame the un-tamable”, these are very common tendencies seen in humans, from the beginning of the civilization. However, the eagerness to reveal the secret has resulted in amazing discoveries by the human race. Hiking trails in India are the challenges that are taken up by adventure enthusiasts to conquer their inner fear and experience the thrill.
Trekking is not about spending days but a lifetime experience. This post is an endeavor to list the top 10 hiking trails in India. These hiking or trekking trails are special. They are about the communion with nature, of soaking in the awe inspiring views and surrounding, about being lost in the trails and finding yourself, where even the reality turns out to be abstract.
Withour further ado we bring to you top 10 hiking trails in India in no particular order.
Pindari Glacier Trek, Kumaon
Pindari Glacier is an easy and scenic trek in kumaon himalayas. Photo courtesy Ramesh Kumar Mumukshu
In Kumaon region, Pindari Glacier is the easily accessible glacier and is praiseworthy for its own beauty. Located between the Nanda Kot and sacred Nanda Devi mountains, Pindari is a gigantic glacier of almost 0.25 km in breadth and 3 km in length.
Pindar River also springs from this Glacier and further gushes down and joins the Alaknanda River. This trek is also popular as “Soft Adventure Trek” and the adventure enthusiasts are enthralled with the magnificence of the lofty Himalayas.
Altitude: 3990 m
Duration: 11 to 13 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy
Season: May to October (Avoid during monsoon)
Hemkund & Valley of Flower Trek, Garhwal
Hemkund & Valley of Flower Trek is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers. The varieties of flowers, covering the valley, spellbound the visitors. The Pushpawati River also makes the valley a picturesque destination.
There are over 520 species of flowers and thus, the valley was acknowledged as a National Park in 1982. Himalayan Black Bears, Brown Bears, Musk Deer, and beautiful birds and butterflies find natural shelter here. The trek also includes visits to the sacred lake of Hemkund, which is an important pilgrimage of Sikhs and Hindus.
Altitude: 3858 m
Duration: 9 to 13 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy
Season: May - October
Roopkund Trek, Uttarakhand
Photo courtesy TRAVELLERXPEDITION.COM
Located in the Chamoli district of Garhwal, Roopkund is one of the sought-after treks in India. The adventure enthusiasts could witness deep virgin forests, breathtaking campsites, gurgling rivulets, and surging meadows over the miles that gratify the soul of trekkers climbing 5029m from the sea level.
The lake of Roopkund is also popular as the ‘Mystery Lake’ due to remains of horses and human skeletons, belonging to the Paleolithic age, found here.
Altitude: 5029 m
Duration: 7 to 9 Days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Season: End May - October
Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh
Markha Valley Trek is one of the best experiences as the enthusiasts have to trek along the Markha River, flowing through the ‘Little Tibet’. These highest inhabited plateaus of the world remain secluded by snow, for months.
During the trek, the trekkers have to cross the Markha River and Ganda La. Trail through canyons, picturesque Ladakhi villages and barley and mustard fields imprint a long lasting impression on the hearts of enthusiasts. After reaching the height, one could explore the incredible vista of the Himalaya, the Karakorum, and Tibet.
Altitude: 5150 m
Duration: 12 to 15 Days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Season: June to October
Here's more on Markha Valley Trek and planning your trip to this magical hiking trail in Ladakh.
Pin Parvati Valley Trek, Himachal
The Pin Parvati Valley Trek includes a journey to the monsoon swept slopes and flourishing greenery of the Himalayan foothills from High altitude Deserts was revealed by an English explorer in the 19th century.
The valley is also dubbed as “Valley of Gods” due to its location being cuddled up between the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges.
The cold desert Spiti valley region also surrounds the place. The explorers have to pass through wild flowers, lush pine forests, and dramatic barren scenery. Most of the year, this region is covered under the snow.
Altitude: 5319 m
Duration: 13 to 17 Days
Difficulty Level: Moderate to strenuous
Season: June to October
Dodital Trek, Uttarakhand
Morning in Dodital. Photo courtesy Bricolage
The beautiful lake of Dodital is located at the backdrop of picturesque Darwa Bugyal. The lake has its association with mythological history.
Dodital is also regarded as Lord Ganesha’s birthplace and the place where Lord Shiva beheaded the deity. The circumference of the lake is about 3 km and also serves as the source of River Asi Ganga, which further merges with the Bhagirathi River near Gangotri.
Altitude: 4150m
Duration: 6 to 8 Days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Season: May to October
Kumara Parvatha Trek, Karnataka
‘Pushpagiri’ is the common name for The Kumara Parvata Peak, which is located at the backdrop of Kukke Subramanya, an ancient shrine.
This is the 3rd tallest peak in Karnataka and cuddled within the high clouds, is the magnificent scenario of the Western Ghats. Heavy winds and dense fogs always cover the region. Beware during the trek as leeches and snakes are found in abundance.
Altitude: 1712 m
Duration: 1 or 2 Days
Difficulty Level: High
Season: October to Febuary
Har ki Doon, Uttarakhand
The Hanging Valley of Gods, Har-Ki-Doon is a treat for trekkers. This trek takes you to the least explored regions of Garhwal (Uttarakhand). The valley is adorned with wild Himalayan Flowers. The natural and colorful appearance of the valley during monsoon overwhelms the hearts of the explorers.
The trek makes the adventure seekers explore Sankri, Osla, Taluka, Datmi, and Seema. From November to April, the region remains either wet or very cold. Due to rich wildlife, this trek also wins the hearts of nature lovers.
Altitude: 3500 m
Duration: 12 Days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Season: May - October
Indrahaar Pass Trek, Himachal
Towards Laqa enroute Indrahaar Pass in Himachal. Photo courtesy Nikhil Chandra
The magnificent trekking point, Indrahaar Pass Trek, in Himachal is not an easy trekking. But the stunning views of the Indian plains in the South and snow capped Pir Pankal Range and Mani Mahesh Kailash peak in the North more than compensates for the tough climbing.
The continuous climb over mountains takes one on an ill defined trail of Hindu religious places, finally reaching the beautiful Ravi Valley.
Altitude: 4342 m
Duration: 5 to 10 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Season: May - June (Summer); Sep - Oct (Autumn)\
Churdhar Peak, Himachal
Churdhar Trek offers breathtaking scenery and unparalleled views while traversing the high altitudes of the Himalayas. The highest peak of Himalayas, Churdhar Peak is a sanctuary of alpine regions, hidden among vast temperate forests.
Numerous multicolored and agile Monals in the forests and pleasing trekking points at Sarain, Nohra, and Pulbahal attracts each and everyone.
Altitude: 3,647 m
Duration: 4 to 10 Days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Season: March - June (Summer); September - November (Autumn)
Useful Tips for Indian Hiking Adventure
Get thorough information about the trek. Make sure you know the best time to visit, activities involved, route, etc.
Do not forget to carry a hat, hike backpack, waist packs, jackets, water bottles, hike tour route maps, sunscreen, binoculars, gloves, a pair of shades, and salt.
Do not head onto the unknown trek routes as that may lead to frustration and trouble.
Beautiful flora & fauna and picturesque sites are addenda to a successful hiking voyage in India. Shirk from watching television, sleeping, or simply sitting idle at home. Numerous hiking destinations are expecting you.
Contributed By Neelam Talreja