Explore the best trekking routes in India, from Himalayan trails to lush Western Ghats. Perfect for thrill-seekers chasing scenic views and adventure. Whether you’re chasing snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, or dense jungles, these trails promise adrenaline, stunning vistas, and a deep connection with nature.
Prabeshsdev, Wikimedia creative commons, CC
Top 12 Trekking Routes in India
1. Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh
credit – flickr.com
Total Length: Approximately 35 km
Duration: 4–5 days
One of the best trekking routes in India. Situated in Himachal Pradesh, the Hampta Pass Trek transitions from the lush green Kullu Valley to the arid landscapes of Lahaul and Spiti at 4,270 m (14,009 ft), featuring glacial streams, pine forests, and views of Deo Tibba and Mount Indrasan.
Start from Manali, accessible by road from Delhi (550 km) or flights to Bhuntar Airport (50 km), and drive 2 hours to Jobra, the base camp.
The route goes from Jobra through Chika, Balu Ka Ghera, and Shea Goru to Chhatru, with an optional drive to Chandra Tal Lake for added adventure. No specific permits are required, but check with local trekking agencies for updates.
During the trek, spot Himalayan marmots, wildflowers, and glacial streams, with panoramic views of the Pir Panjal and Spiti ranges.
The best time to trek is June to September, when weather is stable and trails are accessible.
2. Roopkund Trek ,Uttarakhand
Roopkund_-_The_Mystery_Lake by Shubhamrathod15, CC BY-SA 4.0
Total Length: 53 km
Duration: 8–9 days
Located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, the Roopkund Trek reaches the mysterious Roopkund Lake (5,029 m), known for ancient human skeletons, with alpine meadows, oak forests, and views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks.
Drive from Dehradun (250 km) or Rishikesh to Lohajung, the base camp, with Dehradun well-connected by trains and flights.
The route starts at Lohajung, passing Ali Bugyal, Bedni Bugyal, Bhagwabasa, and Roopkund Lake, returning via Wan. A forest department permit is required, obtainable at Lohajung.
Look for Himalayan monal birds, musk deer, and vibrant meadows, with the lake’s eerie skeletons adding intrigue.
The best time to trek is May–June or September–October for clear skies and manageable snow.
3. Markha Valley Trek ,Ladakh
Markha_Valley by SlartibErtfass der bertige, CC BY-SA 3.0
Total Length: 80 km
Duration: 7–8 days
Set in Ladakh’s Hemis National Park, the Markha Valley Trek crosses rugged canyons, high passes (Kongmaru La at 5,200 m), and remote villages, offering stark desert landscapes and Himalayan vistas.
Fly to Leh, then drive to Chilling (1.5 hours), acclimatizing in Leh for 2–3 days due to high altitude.
The route starts at Chilling, passing Skiu, Sara, Hankar, and Nimaling, ending at Shang Sumdo. An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for Indian nationals, and foreigners need to register at Leh’s Foreigner Registration Office. Makes it one of the best trekking routes in India.
Spot snow leopards, blue sheep, and Himalayan marmots, and visit ancient monasteries like Hemis.
The best time to trek is July–August for green valleys and stable weather.
4. David Scott Trail, Meghalaya
credit – tripxl.com
Total Length: 16 km
Duration: 1 day (4 hours)
In Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills, the David Scott Trail offers waterfalls, horse tracks, and lush greenery at 1,800 m.
Drive from Shillong (30 km) to Mawphlang, the base, with Shillong accessible via Guwahati (100 km, airport). The route goes from Mawphlang to Lad Mawphlang, passing waterfalls and forests. No permits are required.
Spot Khasi pine forests, butterflies, and local tribal culture.
The best time to trek is October–November for clear skies.
5. Valley of Flowers Trek ,Uttarakhand
Valley_of_flowers by Tapuu at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0
Total Length: 37 km
Duration: 6 days
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uttarakhand’s Nanda Devi National Park, the Valley of Flowers Trek showcases vibrant meadows with over 500 flower species, surrounded by snow-clad peaks.
Reach Govindghat via Haridwar (300 km by road), accessible by train from Delhi.
The route goes from Govindghat to Ghangaria, then to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib, returning to Govindghat. An entry permit is required for the national park, available at Govindghat.
Spot rare orchids, marigolds, and Himalayan wildlife like musk deer and monal birds.
The best time to trek is July–September (monsoon) for blooming flowers.
6. Chadar Frozen River Trek, Ladakh
Sumita Roy Dutta, CC BY-SA 4.0
Total Length: 62 km
Duration: 8–9 days
In Ladakh’s Zanskar Valley is , the Chadar Frozen River Trek involves walking on the frozen Zanskar River makes it one of the amazing trekking routes in India, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and ice formations at 3,400 m.
Fly to Leh, then drive to Chilling, with acclimatization in Leh mandatory. The route starts at Chilling, passing Tilad Do and Nerak, returning via the same path. An ILP and environmental clearance from Leh authorities are required.
Marvel at frozen waterfalls and caves, with possible sightings of ibex and snow leopards (rare).
The best time to trek is January–February, when the river is fully frozen.
You may also like about the best places of Uttarakhand – https://www.travelseek.in/uttarakhand-travel-6-places-you-cant-miss/
7. Rupin Pass Trek , Himachal Pradesh
rupin, Nlp2016, CC BY-SA 4.0
Total Length: 52 km
Duration: 8 days
Spanning Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the Rupin Pass Trek climbs to 4,600 m, featuring waterfalls, meadows, and the Rupin River, passing through Garhwal’s hanging villages.
Drive from Dehradun to Dhaula (base camp, 200 km), accessible by train or flight. The route goes from Dhaula to Sewa, Jakha, and Rupin Pass, descending to Sangla in Himachal. No permits are required, but check with local operators.
Spot barking deer, Rupin Waterfall, and Himalayan vistas like Swargarohini.
The best time to trek is May–June or September–October for clear trails.
8. Chembra Peak Trek, Kerala
Chembra_Peak_Heart_Lake by Ravi Dwivedi, CC BY-SA 4.0
Total Length: 8 km (round trip)
Duration: 1 day (4–5 hours)
In Kerala’s Wayanad, the Chembra Peak Trek climbs to 2,100 m, passing tea estates and a heart-shaped lake in the Western Ghats. This is less crowded but one of the beautiful trekking routes in India.
Drive from Kozhikode (90 km) to Meppadi, the base, with Kozhikode accessible by airport and railway. The route starts from Meppadi, ascending to Chembra Peak via the heart-shaped lake. A forest department permit is required, available at Meppadi (50 permits/day).
Spot Nilgiri tahr, Malabar hornbills, and endemic wildflowers.
The best time to trek is September–February (post-monsoon).
9. Kuari Pass Trek, Uttarakhand
Vaibhav78545, CC BY-SA 4.0
Total Length: 33 km
Duration: 6 days
In Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region, the Kuari Pass Trek (3,650 m) offers views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and oak forests, ideal for beginners.
Drive from Haridwar to Joshimath (270 km), then to Auli or Tugasi (base camp). The route starts at Tugasi, passing Gulling Top and Kuari Pass, returning via Tali. A forest permit is required, obtainable at Joshimath.
Spot red foxes, Himalayan birds, and snow-covered forests in winter.
The best time to trek is September–April (winter for snow trekking).
10. Buran Ghati Trek, Himachal Pradesh
Buran Ghati by Chandramohan B V, CC BY-SA 2.0
Total Length: 37 km
Duration: 8 days
In Himachal Pradesh, the Buran Ghati Trek (4,600 m) features meadows, forests, and glacial lakes like Chandranahan, connecting Shimla to remote villages.
Drive from Shimla to Janglik (150 km), the base camp. The route goes from Janglik to Dayara, Dunda, and Buran Ghati, ending at Barua. No permits are required.
Spot Himalayan langurs, wildflowers, and snow-capped peaks.
The best time to trek is May–June or September–October.
11. Har Ki Dun Trek, Uttarakhand
Ash1091patil, CC BY-SA 4.0
Total Length: 47 km
Duration: 7 days
In Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region, the Har Ki Dun Trek (3,566 m) explores the “Valley of Gods,” with Swargarohini peaks, pine forests, and ancient villages.
Drive from Dehradun to Sankri (200 km), the base camp. The route goes from Sankri to Taluka, Osla, and Har Ki Dun, returning via the same path. No permits are required.
With sightings of shy barking deer, blooming wild orchids, and enriching encounters in cultural villages like Osla making it one of the most diverse Trekking Routes in India.
The best time to trek is April–June or September–November.
12. Namdapha Trek, Arunachal Pradesh
Namdapha_River by Rohit Naniwadekar, CC BY-SA 3.0
Total Length: 40 km (round trip)
Duration: 5–6 days
In Arunachal Pradesh’s Eastern Himalayas, the Namdapha Trek explores Namdapha National Park’s rainforest, with rivers and diverse biodiversity.
Drive from Dibrugarh (140 km) to Miao, then to Deban, with Dibrugarh accessible by airport. The route goes from Deban to Haldibari, Hornbill, and back. An Inner Line Permit is required for Indian nationals, and foreigners need a Protected Area Permit.
Spot clouded leopards, hornbills, and rare orchids.
The best time to trek is November–March for dry weather.
Important Tips for Trekking in India
1. Physical Preparation: Train with cardio and strength exercises for high-altitude treks like Roopkund or Chadar.
2. Gear Essentials: Pack trekking boots, rain gear, warm layers, and a first-aid kit. Use a rain cover for backpacks during monsoons.
3. Acclimatization: For Ladakh treks (Markha, Chadar), spend 2–3 days acclimatizing to avoid altitude sickness.
4. Permits: Secure permits in advance for protected areas like Valley of Flowers or Namdapha.
5. Guides and Agencies: Hire local guides for challenging treks (e.g., Rupin Pass) via agencies like Indiahikes or Trek The Himalayas.
6. Weather Check: Monitor weather forecasts, especially for monsoon treks like Valley of Flowers.
7. Eco-Friendly Trekking: Avoid littering and respect wildlife habitats, especially in national parks.
8. Travel Insurance: Opt for insurance covering high-altitude trekking and adventure sports.
9. Local Culture: Respect village customs in remote areas like Har Ki Dun or Markha Valley.
10. Hydration and Nutrition: Carry water purifiers and high-energy snacks for multi-day treks.
Conclusion
India’s diverse landscapes offer something for every adventure lover, from snow-capped peaks to lush forest trails. These top trekking routes in India not only promise stunning views and thrilling challenges but also connect you deeply with nature and culture. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a curious beginner, there’s a trail waiting to inspire your next journey. So pack your bags, lace up your boots, and explore the unforgettable trekking routes in India that are calling your name.
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Best trekking routes in India, Source Youtube – https://youtu.be/rirt8ynj1s0?si=AqE6cmJQ26LQQwJ5
