As a country with diverse landscapes, India has so much on offer for trekking enthusiasts. It is no wonder that trekking is a popular adventure sport in India. While the thrill of traversing tough trails entices adventure lovers, the stunning views that the trekking trails in India offer draw nature lovers. If you too are a trekking enthusiast looking for top treks in India, then this article is for you. Read on!
Valley of Flowers Trek, Uttarakhand:
A favorite among nature lovers, the Valley of Flowers trek treats your eyes to the breathtaking views of a gorgeous valley with snow-capped Himalayan ranges in the backdrop. This valley nestled in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand is filled with exotic flowering plants, including daisies, marigolds, poppies, lilies, and primulas that blossom to the fullest during the monsoon season. Valley of Flowers, a part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), is home to around 300 alpine flower species and a variety of rare and endangered animals. The trekking route opens to tourists around June-July every year.
Altitude Range: 3,350-3,650 meters
Trek duration: 7 days
Trekking distance: 40 km (approximately)
Difficulty of the trek: Easy
Starting point: Govind Ghat, Chamoli district
Nearest airport to book your air tickets to: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Best time to do this trek: July to mid-September
Other Highlights of the trek: Hemkund Sahib (a popular Sikh pilgrimage site)
Kedarkantha Trek, Uttarakhand:
This is one of the best treks in India for beginners and experts alike. Although doable in all seasons, most trekkers prefer to go on the Kedarkantha trek during the winter season for the magical views of the snow-covered landscapes. There are several campsites along the way that are known to be the best places to relax and take in the surrounding beauty at your own pace. And finally, the 360-degree views of the majestic Himalayan peaks you get to witness when you reach the Kedarkantha summit are sure to leave you speechless!
Altitude Range: 3810 meters
Trek duration: 6 days
Trekking distance: 22 km (approximately)
Difficulty of the trek: Easy to Moderate
Starting point: Sankri
Nearest airport to book your air tickets to: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Best time to do this trek: December to March
Other highlights of the trek: Camping, Juda ka Talab/ Taal.
Chadar Trek, Jammu & Kashmir:
If you are looking for challenging treks in India, then the Chadar trek is for you. Considered a tough trail to traverse, this adventurous trek requires you to be physically fit as you would be crossing the frozen Zanskar river in bone-chilling temperatures that go down to minus degrees Celsius. The beautiful frozen river looks like a thick sheet of ice, which is why this trek is called Chadar, meaning blanket. Is this trek a part of your bucket-list items? Do it this winter. Book your cheap flights to India from the US now and get ready for a memorable adventure in your life!
Altitude Range: 3,400-3,800 meters
Trek duration: 8-9 days
Trekking distance: km (approximately)
Difficulty of the trek: Extremely difficult
Starting point: Leh
Nearest airport to book your air tickets to:
Best time to do this trek: January to February
Highlights of the trek: Frozen Zanskar River and beautiful Zanskar Village
Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh:
Hampta Pass is a high-altitude pass in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. Hampta Pass trek is famous for its dramatic views that range from dense pine and deodar forests, glacial valleys, lush green pastures, floral meadows, and rushing streams in Kullu to the barren but beautiful terrain of Lahaul-Spiti. The views and the contrast in landscapes are a treat for the eyes! Hence, this trek is a favorite among both nature lovers and adventure seekers. Moreover, the Hampta Pass trek also offers you an opportunity to camp at the drop-dead gorgeous Chandra Taal.
Altitude Range: 4200-4400 meters
Trek duration: 4-5 days
Trekking distance: 100 km (approximately)
Difficulty of the trek: Easy to Moderate
Starting point: Manali
Nearest airport to book your air tickets to: Leh Airport
Best time to do this trek: June to mid-October
Other highlights of the trek: Night camp at Chandra Taal
Great Lakes Trek, Jammu & Kashmir:
A list of the top 5 treks in India is incomplete without mentioning the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. Scenic vistas surprise you at every turn – there are snow-clad peaks, glistening glaciers, high-altitude passes, lush meadows, spectacular valleys, alpine lakes in shades of green, blue, etc. Experience the ‘Heaven of Earth’ by going on this Himalayan trek. Get smitten by the sublime beauty of 7 of Kashmir’s most beautiful alpine lakes. If trekking in the Himalayas is your dream, you cannot simply miss out on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek that rewards your efforts with rejuvenating views.
Altitude Range: 2120-4190 meters
Trek duration: 8–9 days
Trekking distance: 72 km (approximately)
Difficulty of the trek: Moderate to difficult
Starting point: Sonamarg
Nearest airport to book your air tickets to: Srinagar airport
Best time to do the Great Lakes Trek: July to September Other highlights of the trek: Night camp at Chandra Taal
