India is known for offering several opportunities for trekking amidst the majestic Himalayan ranges. Trekking through the Sikkim Himalayas offers panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, while a trek in Ladakh Himalayas brings travelers face to face with the surreal beauty of the region. In the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas, one can witness the traditional lifestyle of the people or explore the lesser-trodden routes. Himachal Pradesh also offers a chance to witness ancient villages, high passes, and the natural beauty of the region. Some of the most popular ones include the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, Chadar Trek, Gomukh Tapovan Trek, and Markha Valley Trek. These treks range from moderate to challenging, and some are only available during certain seasons. Nevertheless, they offer a unique experience and an opportunity to witness the beauty of the Indian Himalayas.
And if you’re planning a hiking and trekking tour in India in 2023, here are some of the best 10 treks in the Indian Himalayas for an unforgettable adventure.
Roopkund Trek
- Region: Garhwal Himalayas
- Altitude: 5029m
- Duration: 8 days
- Season: May – June, September – October
- Grade: Moderate
The Roopkund Trek is a popular trek in the Indian Himalayas, and it’s known for its mysterious lake that’s surrounded by human skeletons. The trek begins in Lohajung and takes you through dense forests, alpine meadows, and snow-covered mountain passes, all while offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
The highlight of the trek is the Roopkund Lake, which is also known as the Skeleton Lake, due to the hundreds of human skeletons that are visible at the bottom of the lake when the snow melts. The skeletons are believed to be the remains of pilgrims who died in a sudden hailstorm.
The trek is a moderate one, but it does require a good level of fitness and acclimatization to the high altitude. Trekkers also get to visit the Bedni Bugyal meadow, Ali Bugyal, and Junargali, which offer panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Valley of Flowers Trek
- Region: Garhwal Himalayas
- Altitude: 3658m
- Duration: 6 days
- Season: July – September
- Grade: Easy to Moderate
The Valley of Flowers Trek is a beautiful trek that takes you through the famous Valley of Flowers, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trek begins in Govindghat and takes you through beautiful meadows, dense forests, and gushing waterfalls.
The highlight of the trek is the Valley of Flowers, which is a stunning alpine meadow that’s home to hundreds of species of flowers. The valley is surrounded by towering peaks, and it’s a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
The trek is an easy-to-moderate one, and it can be done by people of all ages. Trekkers also get to visit the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, which is a popular pilgrimage site for Sikhs.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
- Region: Sikkim Himalayas
- Altitude: 4940m
- Duration: 10 days
- Season: March-May, September – November
- Grade: Moderate to Challenging
Embarking on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the most thrilling experiences in India. Kanchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,586 meters. This trek offers breathtaking panoramic views from Frey Peak to Kabru Peak. Starting from Yuksom, a quiet village in West Sikkim, the trek takes you on a scenic journey with views of the Rathong River, lovely orchids, rare birds, and evergreen fern plantations.
The route will also bring you to a famous waterfall at the Paha Khola Bridge. The highlight of this trek is crossing Dzongri, which takes you past the Tshoka hamlet, followed by the Phedang Pass offering panoramic views of Pandim, Thenchinkhang, and Jhuponu Mountains.
Chadar Trek
- Region: Ladakh Himalayas
- Altitude: 3850m
- Duration: 13 days
- Season: January – February
- Grade: Moderate to Challenging
Walking on the ice-covered river of Zanskar is the ultimate adventure for trekking enthusiasts in Ladakh Himalayas. This trek is called Chadar Trek because the frozen river acts like a blanket. Spring water prevents this icy blanket from completely covering the river, which in some places, retains its rapids.
The trek takes you through ancient Buddhist monasteries and secluded villages situated in the Trans Zanskar ranges. At places, the Chadar does not form a cover over the river, and trekkers have to forge a new trail trekking over snow-covered banks to reach a spot on the Zanskar river where the ice is more stable.
The matchless experience of the Chadar Trek sets it apart from other treks, from the panorama, atmosphere, frozen river, caves, unusual campsites, sleds, and the ever-changing Chadar.
Gomukh Tapovan Trek
- Region: Garhwal Himalayas
- Altitude: 4465m
- Duration: 9 Days
- Season: May – October
- Grade: Moderate
The Gomukh Tapovan Trek is one of the best trekking destinations in India, providing a wonderful sightseeing opportunity with spiritual significance. The trek along the holy Bhagirathi River takes you right up to the source of the river, known as Gomukh, which means the cow’s mouth in the local language.
Tapovan campsite in the Himalayas is a rare gem that offers a breathtaking view of eight majestic peaks, including Bhagirathi I, II, III, Mt. Shivling, Chaturangi, Meru Parvat, Bhirgupanth, and Sudarshan. In addition to these peaks, there are several other stunning peaks that provide a spectacular view of the Gangotri Glacier, making it an irresistible destination for trekkers.
If you have physical fitness, Gomukh Tapovan Trek can be attempted by amateurs as well. The trek includes a vast expanse of lush green meadows, and the region is surrounded by towering peaks of Garhwal Himalayas. Tapovan itself is a picturesque and verdant area where you can spot herds of the elusive blue mountain goats, known as Bharals, which is a thrilling experience for trekkers.
Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek
- Region: Garhwal Himalayas
- Altitude: 4000m
- Duration: 3-5 days
- Season: March – June and September – March
- Grade: Easy
Located in the Garhwal Himalayas, the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek is a moderate five-day trek that takes you to an altitude of 3962m. The best time to embark on this trek is between March and June or September and December.
This trek is renowned for offering spectacular 360° views of several Himalayan peaks such as Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, and Trishul. The region is also famous for its alpine vegetation, adding to the natural beauty of the trek.
There are several routes to begin the Chandrashila Trek, each with its own unique features. The highlight of the trek is the 1000-year-old Tungnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and located at an elevation of almost 3048m. The temple is famous for being the highest Lord Shiva Temple in the world, making it a must-visit site for trekkers.
Pin Parvati Pass Trek
- Region: Himachal Pradesh
- Altitude: 5335 mts
- Duration: 16 days
- Season: June – October
- Grade: Challenging
This trek falls in the tough treks category as one has to walk over the glaciers in the Parvati Valley in Kullu and Pin Valley in Spiti. It passes through several villages, verdant meadows, and stunning lakes. Tourists explore Spiti Valley and its monasteries before going back to Manali through Kaza and Rohtang Pass.
Milam Glacier Trek and Nanda Devi East BC
- Region: Kumaon Himalayas
- Altitude: 5500m
- Duration: 14-16 days
- Season: May – October
- Grade: Moderate to Challenging
This trek explores the fascinating Nanda Devi East Base Camp and the astounding Milam Glacier in Kumaon Himalayas. The trail enters one of the most impressive mountain areas of the Himalayas nearby Nanda Devi and the adjoining peaks.
Markha Valley Trek
- Region: Ladakh Himalayas
- Altitude: 5150m
- Duration: 10 days
- Season: Mid-June – Mid-October
- Grade: Moderate
The Markha Valley trek is one of the most dramatic trek in Ladakh. The route takes you through remote mountain passes, sleepy villages, quaint monastic settlements, and pale alpine meadows of Nimaling in the silhouette of Kang Yatze Peak. The trail ascends to the Kongmaru La, the highest point on the trek, which offers imposing views of the Karakoram and K2.
The route features parachute tents at most of the villages, making this trek known as a “tea house trek.” Apart from the contrast of trekking in a cold desert valley, trekkers can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Zanskar and Ladakh ranges, Kang Yatze (6400m) and Stok Kangri (6122m).
The route takes trekkers through the beautiful Hemis National Park and two passes, Ganda La and Kongmaru La. Among the fascinating things about this trek is the part of the trek that requires you to cross the Markha River, whose waters are waist-deep.
Kuari Pass Trek
- Region: Garhwal Himalayas
- Altitude: 4268m
- Duration: 9 days
- Season: April – June and September – November
- Grade: Moderate
The Kuari Pass Trek, also known as Lord Curzon’s Trail, is quite famous among trekking enthusiasts. The trek goes through lush valleys, ancient forests, and small villages and offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of the Greater Himalayan Range. At Kuari Pass, the trekker is rewarded with panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Hathi-Ghodi Parvat, and Dronagiri.
Dzongri – Goecha La Trek
- Region: Sikkim Himalayas
- Altitude: 4940m
- Duration: 10 days
- Season: March – June and September – Mid-November
- Grade: Moderate
The Dzongri-Goecha La Trek is one of the most exciting treks in India. The trek begins in the town of Yuksom, which is famous for its historical significance. Here, trekkers have an opportunity to explore the traditional culture and lifestyle of the people. The unique style of wooden fencing is also aesthetically pleasing.
The trek follows the route through the Sikkim Himalayas, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Clouds conceal their peaks at times, bringing them out into the open at others as if their beauty were meant to be admired in stages. Vast expanses of lush meadows stretch out in leisure at the foothills.
The trek also offers views of Mt. Pandim and Mt. Kabru. Most importantly, this trek allows trekkers to enjoy the luxury of being alone in the company of nature, even as they pass through oak plantations, fields with dancing wildflowers, and rhododendron forests.
Shepherd Trail Trek
- Region: Himachal Pradesh
- Altitude: 4450 mts
- Duration: 16 days
- Season: June – October
- Grade: Moderate
The Shepherd Trail Trek, located in the beautiful region of Himachal Pradesh, offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those who are up for a challenge. This trek is known for its ability to take hikers to remote and secluded villages that are only accessible for a few months out of the year.
The trek crosses over the Dhauladhar Mountain Ranges, with the highest peak being ‘Hanuman Ka Tibba’ or ‘White Mountain’ at an impressive altitude of 5639m. The trek starts from the outskirts of Manali and takes approximately 16 days to complete. The endpoint is the shepherd’s village of Bara Bhangal, which is situated on the banks of the Ravi river, one of the main rivers that flow out of these mountains.
