Top Breathtaking Treks Across India Every Hiker Should Experience

 

If you're the kind of traveler who prefers boots over wheels and silence over city sounds, India might just be your dream trekking ground. From the snowy trails in the Himalayas to forest-covered hills in the south, India has treks for all types of adventurers. In this guide, you'll find a mix of easy strolls and high-altitude hauls—each one with its own personality, views, and local flavor. We've packed in helpful travel tips to make it smooth for international visitors too.

 

Northern India Treks

1. Triund (Himachal Pradesh, North India)

An easy climb with big rewards. This trail starts from the charming town of McLeod Ganj, where Tibetan culture meets backpacker cafes. A half-day hike takes you through forests of oak and rhododendron up to a grassy ridge with sweeping views of the Dhauladhar range.

Quick facts: ~2,850 meters (9,350 ft) | 1–2 days | Best: Mar–Jun, Sep–Dec | Fly into Kangra (DHM)

Local tip: Grab momos and masala chai before the climb. You can rent gear in town if you travel light.

2. Hampta Pass (Himachal Pradesh)

Imagine walking from lush meadows into a stark, moon-like desert. That's Hampta Pass for you. This crossover trek connects the green Kullu Valley with the barren Lahaul landscape.

~4,270 meters (14,000 ft) | 4–5 days | Best: Jun–Sep | Airport: Bhuntar (KUU)

Pro tip: Weather changes fast here—layers are your best friend.

3. Indrahar Pass (Himachal Pradesh)

A rugged route with switchbacks, glaciers, and silence that hums. Great for seasoned hikers who want a real taste of the Himalayas without going deep into remote zones.

~4,300 meters (14,100 ft) | 4 days | May–Oct | Fly into Kangra (DHM)

4. Seven Sisters Trek (Himachal Pradesh)

This one's a softer, greener escape. You'll walk past apple orchards and wooden temples, with fresh mountain air and chirping birds for company.

3 days | Apr–Jun | Fly into Bhuntar (KUU)

5. Karol Tibba (Himachal Pradesh)

A gentle day hike from Solan that rewards you with sweeping valley views and a mysterious cave said to be linked to ancient legends.

11 km | Oct–Mar | Nearest city: Solan (2 hrs from Shimla)

 

Uttarakhand Treks

6. Kedarkantha

A crowd favorite for good reason. Think snowy pine forests, charming campsites, and a sunrise summit that lights up a sea of peaks.

~3,800 meters (12,500 ft) | 5–6 days | Best: Dec–Apr | Airport: Dehradun (DED)

7. Kuari Pass

Also known as the Curzon Trail, this route is great for newbies wanting a glimpse of the mighty Nanda Devi.

~3,800 meters (12,500 ft) | 4–5 days | Nov–Mar | Fly to Dehradun (DED)

8. Roopkund

Famous for its high-altitude lake filled with ancient skeletons, this challenging trail mixes eerie legends with mountain grandeur.

~5,029 meters (16,500 ft) | 7–8 days | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | Airport: Pantnagar (PGH)

9. Deoria Tal

A peaceful hike with mirror-like lake views and accessible altitude—perfect for beginners.

~2,438 meters (8,000 ft) | 1–2 days | Year-round | Fly into Dehradun (DED)

10. Har Ki Dun

An alpine valley steeped in folklore. Enjoy wooden bridges, wildflowers, and tales of the Mahabharata.

~3,566 meters (11,700 ft) | 6–7 days | Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov | Airport: Dehradun (DED)

11. Rupin Pass

One of the wilder treks. Waterfalls, snow bridges, and a dramatic pass crossing await.

~4,650 meters (15,250 ft) | 7–8 days | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | Airport: Dehradun (DED)

 

Ladakh & Eastern Himalayas

12. Chadar Trek (Ladakh)

Trek across a frozen river in the dead of winter. Brutal, raw, and spectacular.

~3,390 meters (11,100 ft) | 9 days | Jan–Feb | Fly into Leh (IXL)

13. Goecha La (Sikkim)

Walk through blooming rhododendron forests and reach a viewpoint facing Kanchenjunga.

~4,940 meters (16,200 ft) | 8–9 days | Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov | Airport: Bagdogra (IXB)

14. Singalila Ridge Experiences (West Bengal & Sikkim)

A. Sojourn in Singalila’s Solitude – Hike the ridge forming the India-Nepal border. Starts in Uttarey and ends in Yuksom, mostly between 3,700–4,200 meters. Views of Everest and Kanchenjunga are unbeatable.

B. Top of Bengal – Stay at a tea estate bungalow near Darjeeling, take day hikes, explore gardens, and ride the steam train. A relaxing mix of nature and heritage.

C. The Singalila Sensations – Reach Sandakphu (3,600 meters) for a 360° Himalayan panorama. Stay in local tea houses and trek through rhododendron valleys.

D. The Tragopan Trail – Focused on birding, this 6-day trek includes species like Red Panda and Satyr Tragopan. Hike to Sandakphu and Phalut with jeep support.

E. Hiking High – Starting from Kurseong, explore the rhododendron valleys, hike to mountain viewpoints, and end with a cozy Darjeeling resort stay.

F. Rhodo-Rider – A unique hiking and biking combo from Siliguri to Sandakphu. Mix of rugged trails and luxury tea bungalow stays.

~3,636 meters (11,930 ft) | 5–7 days | Best: Oct–Apr | Fly into Bagdogra (IXB)

15. Green Lake Trek (North Sikkim)

One of the most remote and rewarding treks in India, taking you to the base of Kanchenjunga. Expect glacial lakes, wild pastures, and complete isolation.

~5,500 meters (18,000 ft) | 8–9 days | Best: Apr–May, Oct–Dec | Start from Lachen (2,700 m)

Note: Permit and prior high-altitude experience required. Tents only.

16. Goechala Trek Variants

A. Goechala Round Trek – A longer, less-traveled version of the classic trail. Ends at Tashiding via Kasturi Orar and Lam Pokhri.

B. Under Kanchenjunga’s Shadow – For experienced trekkers only. A classic Goechala route from Yuksom, offering wildlife sightings, river gorges, and views of peaks above 7,000 meters.

17. The Wilder West (Dzongri Trek)

Shorter version of the Goechala trek. Trek through thick forests to reach Dzongri Top (4,000 m) for stunning sunrise over Kanchenjunga.

4–5 days | Best: Oct–Dec, Apr–May | Start/End: Yuksom

18. Feathers of Bengal (Birding + Hiking Tour)

Two-week itinerary from Sundarbans to Sandakphu. Combines birdwatching, mangrove cruising, hill hikes, jungle safaris, and tea garden stays. Spot everything from Kingfishers and Tragopans to Red Pandas and Elephants.

Best: Oct–May | Destinations: Kolkata, Sundarbans, Darjeeling, Kolakham, Jaldapara

 

Southern India Treks

19. Nagalapuram Hills (Andhra Pradesh)

A waterfall-filled forest escape near Chennai, perfect for beginners or a group day out.

Day trek | Nov–Feb | Airport: Chennai (MAA)

20. Chembra Peak (Kerala)

Climb to a heart-shaped lake in Wayanad. A short but scenic trail with panoramic views.

~2,100 meters (6,890 ft) | Day trek | Sep–Feb | Airport: Calicut (CCJ)

 

Bonus Trek

21. Chandratal (Spiti Valley, Himachal)

A shimmering glacial lake in a high-altitude desert. Looks like a mirror dropped from the sky.

~4,300 meters (14,100 ft) | 5–6 days | Jun–Sep | Airport: Bhuntar (KUU)

 

Before You Go Trekking in India is unforgettable, but it’s not always easy. Altitude, weather, and terrain can test you. Always check local requirements (permits, guides, etc.), talk to locals, and respect the mountains. A little humility and planning go a long way.

Need help planning your trek? Drop your questions below or shoot us a message for a custom route suggestion. Happy hiking!