Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy India’s varied landscapes and natural beauties. India has a wide variety of hiking trails that are suitable for hikers of all skill levels, from the imposing Himalayas in the north to the verdant forests of the Western Ghats in the south. Here are some of India’s top hikes that are worth checking out:
Roopkund Trek
One of the most well-known and beautiful hikes in the Indian Himalayas is the Roopkund Trek. In Uttarakhand, the journey begins in Lohajung and passes through thick woods, bubbling streams, and lush meadows. The Roopkund Lake, popularly known as the Skeleton Lake because to the prevalence of human remains in its depths, is the highlight of this expedition. The trek is rated as moderate in difficulty and takes about 8 to 10 days to complete.
Valley of Flowers Trek
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Valley of Flowers Trek is a must. This hike, which is in Uttarakhand, takes you through the charming Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The valley is well-known for the colourful alpine flowers that cover its bottom. The journey takes about 6-7 days to complete and begins in the town of Joshimath.
Chadar Trek
One of India’s most difficult treks, the Chadar Trek is not for the faint of heart. In Ladakh during the winter when the river freezes over, this trip takes you via the frozen Zanskar River. The hike is difficult because of the bitter cold and the requirement to cross a potentially dangerous frozen river. It takes about 9 to 10 days to finish the trek, which is best suited for seasoned hikers.
Markha Valley Trek
Another well-liked trek in Ladakh that passes through some of the area’s most stunning vistas is the Markha Valley Trek. In the Markha Valley, which is filled with historic monasteries, prayer flags, and dramatic vistas, the trip begins in the village of Chilling and leads you on a journey of around five hours. The trek is rated as moderate to hard and takes about 7-8 days to accomplish.
Kumara Parvatha Trek
The second-highest mountain in the Western Ghats, Kumara Parvatha, is reached at the end of the strenuous Kumara Parvatha Trek. The hike begins in the Karnataka village of Kukke Subramanya and travels through forested areas, hilly terrain, and picturesque meadows. It takes two to three days to finish the walk, which is best suited for seasoned hikers.
Hampta Pass Trek
A well-known journey across some of the most breathtaking vistas in the Himachal Pradesh region is the Hampta Pass Trek. The journey begins in Manali and passes via the picturesque Hampta Pass, which is situated at an elevation of 14,000 feet. The trek is rated as moderate in difficulty and takes about 5–6 days to complete.
Dodital Trek
The Dodital Trek is a wonderful walk that leads to the stunning Dodital Lake, which is situated in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district. Sangamchatti is the starting point for the walk, which passes through picturesque meadows, small towns, and forested areas. The Dodital Lake, which is framed by majestic mountains and offers a beautiful and tranquil atmosphere, is the trek’s high point. The trek is rated as easy to moderately difficult and takes 5–6 days to complete.
Sandakphu Trek
The Sandakphu Trek is a well-known journey that leads to the top of Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal, in the eastern Himalayas. The journey begins in the town of Manebhanjang and passes through forested areas, hilly terrain, and picturesque meadows. The breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, are the trek’s high point. The trek is regarded as being of a moderate difficulty and takes about 6-7 days to complete.
Kedarkantha Trek
In the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, the Kedarkantha Trek is a well-known winter trek that leads to the mountain’s summit. The walk departs from Sankri and passes through small towns, forested hamlets, and picturesque meadows. The breathtaking vistas of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks and the serene atmosphere of the Kedarkantha top are the trek’s high points. The hike is rated as easy to moderately difficult and takes about 4-5 days to complete.
Har Ki Dun Trek
The Har Ki Dun Trek is a beautiful walk that leads to the Har Ki Dun Valley in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal area. The walk begins in the village of Sankri and passes through forested areas, hilly terrain, and picturesque meadows. The breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks and the serene atmosphere of the Har Ki Dun Valley are the trek’s high points. The trek is regarded as being of a moderate difficulty and lasts for about 7-8 days.
In conclusion, India has a wide variety of hiking trails that can accommodate hikers of all skill levels. These hikes provide breathtaking scenery, tranquil locations, and the chance to discover India’s natural splendour. These hikes will leave you with lifelong memories whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner.