Rajyashree HalderIndia is a hiker’s paradise. Its vast network of India hiking trails winds through the Himalayas. Hikers find stunning views: snow-capped peaks, green meadows, rushing streams, and glaciers. These trails also showcase diverse wildlife.Furthermore, these trails showcase a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna
Regardless of your experience level, whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or a casual walker, India caters to all. To that end, you’ll discover numerous trails, ranging from gentle strolls to demanding, multi-day treks. Discover India hiking trails; each step reveals stunning scenic landscapes.
1. Stok Kangri Summit or Markha Valley, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir
Leh-Ladakh serves as a gateway to numerous India hiking trails, both short and long. Notably, the Stok Kangri trek stands out as Ladakh’s most challenging, yet rewarding, ascent. At 6,153 metres, Stok Kangri offers India’s highest trekking peak, a significant climb. However, thin air poses a major obstacle. Consequently, many hikers turn back from base camp. To successfully complete this trek, acclimatise for at least 3-4 days. Furthermore, prior high-altitude experience and excellent fitness are essential. The route passes through the picturesque Stok Village.
Additionally, trekkers enjoy clear views of the Ladakh and Zanskar Ranges, Indus-Markha Valley, and Leh city. Ideally, plan your trek between July and September. The journey typically lasts 9-10 days, covering approximately 40 kilometres. Ultimately, hikers worldwide seek this experience, drawn to the abundant natural beauty found along the Stok Kangri trail.
2. Roopkund, Uttarakhand
Firstly, the Roopkund Trek, nestled in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas, stands as a premier India hiking trail. Notably, ‘Mystery Lake’ or ‘Skeletal Lake’ are its nicknames, due to scattered human skeletons. This high-altitude lake, often snow-covered, draws numerous adventurers.
Secondly, the moderate trek, spanning 53 kilometres, typically takes 8-9 days. Moreover, it offers diverse landscapes: snow peaks, forests, meadows, and lakes.
Thirdly, reaching 15,696 ft, the best trekking seasons are mid-May to mid-June and September to December. Finally, expect pure air, vibrant greens, clear skies, and views of Trishul, Nandaghungti, and Choukhamba peaks, all enhancing this rejuvenating experience within India’s remarkable hiking trails.
3. Great Lakes, Jammu and Kashmir
Firstly, Kashmir, rightly called ‘Heaven on Earth’, remains a premier destination for India hiking trails. Indeed, the Great Lakes Trek offers unparalleled scenery. Secondly, this seven-day expedition, from Srinagar to Naranag, is moderately challenging.
Thirdly, June to August provides ideal trekking conditions, showcasing lush landscapes. Moreover, reaching 13,750 ft, trekkers witness Sirbal, Kolhoi, Amarnath, and Machoi peaks. Subsequently, Mount Haramukh’s view captivates.
Furthermore, the route includes Vishansar, Krishansar, and Satsar lakes, each offering unique beauty. Finally, Gangabal’s twin lakes and Naranag village conclude this unforgettable journey through India’s breathtaking hiking trails. Expect colourful meadows, waterfalls, and snow-covered peaks.
Also read:10 Easy Hiking Trails in Asia-for Beginners
4. Hemkund and Valley of Flowers, Garhwal
Firstly, the Valley of Flowers Trek, in Uttarakhand, offers a Himalayan fairy-tale experience. Secondly, at 3,600 metres, its peak bloom occurs post-monsoon, July to early September. Notably, winter snow gives way to a vibrant floral carpet.
Thirdly, diverse blooms, like Brahmakamal and Blue Poppy, create a heavenly scene. Moreover, flower lovers, botanists, and trekkers visit annually. Fourthly, this moderate 6-7 day trek features waterfalls and Hemkund Sahib Lake. Finally, these elements make it a standout among India hiking trails.
5. Zanskar Frozen River, Ladakh
The Zanskar frozen river trek is one of the most chalThe Zanskar Frozen River Trek, or ‘Chadar Trek’, is a demanding India hiking trail. During winter, the Zanskar River freezes, becoming the sole valley access.
Trekkers experience a unique frozen river passage, surrounded by snow-covered peaks. However, the trek is challenging. Ice sheets shift, requiring climbs over snowy rocks.
This 105-kilometre trek spans 8-9 days. Night temperatures plummet to -25 to -35 degrees Celsius. Consequently, experienced guides, proper gear, and high-altitude fitness are essential. Finally, this trek reveals a truly unique and challenging aspect of India’s diverse hiking trails.
6. Dzongri & Goecha-La, Sikkim
Goecha – La is the most stunning trek in Sikkim. The route takes you through the Kanchenjunga National Park, covering beautiful tropical coniferous woodlands and an array of colourful flora and fauna. You can also find various lush orchids, Himalayan bears, multi-coloured pheasants and other beautiful birds.
The trek starts from the sleepy town of Yuksum and through Sachen Pass, up the Dzongri- Goechala Trail. The most stunning of all Himalayan peaks, Mt. Kanchenjunga graces the trek route throughout.
This trek is a moderate one, with a total trekking distance of 90 kilometres and the maximum altitude of 16,000 ft. Experience magnificent views of Himalayan peaks like Black Kabru, Pandim, Kabru North, Kabru Dome and many other peaks. The Samiti Lake, which comes en route to Goecha-La, also makes for a stunning sight. This trek is very popular in the months of September, October and April–May, as the forests are covered with orchids and Rhododendron flowers of various shapes and colours.
7. Pin Parvati Pass, Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is blessed with Pin Parvati Pass with an amazing view of natural scenic beauty in the icy mountain ranges of the Western Himalayas. Trekking at an altitude of 5,319 metres and covering a total distance of approximately 110 kilometres, the Pin Parvati Pass is a great trekking experience for seasoned trekkers. This trek is definitely not for beginners as it falls under the most difficult treks in the Himalayan Region.
The name Pin Parvati Pass is derived after the linking of Parvati valley in Kullu and Pin valley in Spiti. The trek takes around 11 days to complete. Hiking through spectacular lakes, thick alpine forest, wild colourful flowers, wide glacier crests, lush greenery and grazing land with unusual natural rocky bridges, is truly an unforgettable experience for trekkers.
Also read: 10 Hiking Tips to Always Keep in Mind
8. Nanda Devi East Base Camp and Milam Glacier, Kumaon Himalayas
This glamorous trek up to the base camp of east Nanda Devi peak begins at the famous hill station, Munsiyari, followed by a trip to Milam Glacier. This trek takes you through Mapang, Martoli, Ghanghar and ultimately to Panchu.
An Alpine meadow laden with blooming pink and white rhododendron bushes, stretches of glacial ice, and the massive Nanda Devi mountain looming in front, make for an amazing scenery. If lucky, you may also catch a glimpse of the blue sheep, which is said to have been sighted in this region. The north faces of Nanda Devi peaks, Trishul and Panchchuli, as seen from the Milam Glacier give awesome images of the Himalayas.
This magnificent trek is of moderate to tough difficulty level, and takes around 11 days to complete. Maximum elevated point is Milam at 4,000 metres above sea level. The months of May, June, September and October are best for this trek.
9. Gomukh Tapovan, Garhwal
The Gomukh Tapovan Trek in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand is a moderate to difficult trek. The trek takes good 12 days in the rugged terrains of Himalayan Region with a maximum altitude is 4,463 metres. The best months for this trek are from May to June, and from August to mid-October.
Gomukh, in the Gangotri Glacier, is basically the source of the most sacred river of the Hindus, the Ganges. The glacier is about 30 kilometres long and surrounded by several peaks of the Gangotri group of Mountains. The highest peak of this group of mountains is the Chaukhamba Mountain, which offers a stunning view during this trek. Other peaks include Shivling, Thalay Sagar, Meru, and Bhagirathi III.
From Gomukh Glacier, a steep ascent crossing takes you to one of the finest high altitude alpine meadows in the area, Tapovan. This trek from Gomukh to Tapovan is difficult, but, nature offers the most stunning view in this route, as you trek to the base camp of Shivling Peak. The other peaks become clearer and appear at a stone’s throw distance. Innumerous streams of water, lush alpine forests, herds of blue mountain goats, clear view of Bhagirathi I, II, III (6,454 metres), and the beauty of the Kriti & Meru Glacier will give your heart a tranquility never to be erased.
10. Hampta Pass, Himachal Pradesh
Hapta Pass trek is considered to be one of the easiest among the treks in the Himalayas. This attracts beginners who wants to explore the high altitude Himalayan trekking experience. This relatively short trek of four days is, however, extremely beautiful and relaxing. The maximum altitude is 14,100 ft and covers a total distance of 26 kilometres.
Scenic landscapes, open green pastures and meadows, glacial valleys, easy access and an exceptional, adventurous and hair raising crossing of the pass make this trekking expedition an exciting one. Another day is often added to this trek to visit the magnificent Chandratal Lake, a high altitude alpine lake few hours from Chatru. The best months to trek are May to June and August through October.
Ready to explore these stunning India hiking trails? Plan your adventure to these 10 must-see scenic destinations! Share your favourite Indian trekking experiences or recommend other breathtaking routes in the comments below.”
