Penning An Ode To The Mountains: Exploring The Best Trekking Places In India
Did you say “The Stairway to Heaven?” I heard, “The best trekking places in India.” I am not much of a trekker, but my childhood days and teens have been full of breathtaking stories of mountains, glaciers, and more!
My father has been a trekker; autumn was his favorite season for trekking. Trekking for him was like worship, in October, we knew that he would hit the mountains for at least 15 days. I felt bad as he used to miss my birthday every year until he had a near-death experience at the Annapurna Base Camp trek and developed many health issues with age.
However, the stories and the photographs he took used to more than makeup for his absence on my birthday. He still tells me how trekking in the mountains has helped him in self-actualization, developing patience, and cherishing life as it comes.
Nonetheless, I can go on when it comes to my father and his trekking experiences. Also, someday, I would love to narrate his experience of trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp.
But for now, it’s not just the Annapurna or the Sandakphu Base Camp. Here, I will give you a brief overview of the best trekking routes in India to “touch the Sun” and be one with nature.
Best Trekking Places In India You Must Visit For A Fulfilling Experience
Exploring the best trekking places in India is more than an enduring physical and mental activity. The tangible things you see on a trekking route can make you feel the most surreal things.
India is the land where Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana, had a metamorphosis, seeing a crane couple mating. So, you never know how and when the beauty of nature and the things you experience can change you as a person or make you feel a spiritual connection.
Come, let’s visit the most wonderful trekking routes in India.
Sandakphu Trek
⁍ Highest Altitude: 3,636 m
⁍Trip Grade: Moderate
⁍ Best Season: Spring/Summer
⁍ Duration: 5-7 Days (Lesser for Seasoned Trekkers)
Sandakphu trekking is about indulging in the beauty of tranquility. It is the only trek route from where you see four of the tallest peaks in the world. You will catch a glimpse of Mount Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Lhotse.
The “Sleeping Buddha” formation of the mountains here is also a big attraction for religious and spiritual trekkers.
And you see Kanchenjunga smiling with the first ray of the Sun; you will know that you have lived your life to the fullest.
Hampta Pass Trek
⁍ Highest Altitude: 4270 Meters
⁍ Trip Grade: Easy to Moderate
⁍ Best Season: Spring/Summer
⁍ Duration: 5-7 Days
The Hampta Pass Trek starts from the beautiful town of Manali. The vastness of the mountains will make you humble, and you will discover how being present at the moment is beautiful.
The Hampta Pass Trek also takes you to Chandratal Lake, which is the ultimate place for the most immersive and contemplative experience. Also, the snow-capped Dhauladhar Peaks, with its changing colors in the Sun, is the biggest highlight of the trek.
Don’t forget to behold the beauty of Lahaul and Spiti Valleys.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek (Nepal)
⁍ Highest Altitude: 4130 Meters
⁍ Trip Grade: Moderate
⁍ Best Season: Spring and Autumn
⁍ Duration: 6-8 Days
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the best trekking places in India, and it has endless wonders. As you take turns through the rugged mountains, the Alpine meadows and waterfalls make you feel what the manifestation of the universal consciousness means.
You will meet the following towering peaks through your trek in Annapurna Base Camp.
- Annapurna South
- Machhapuchare
- Annapurna Fang
- Hiunchuli
- Gangapurna
- Annapurna III
- Tent Peak
- Khangsar Kang
Annapurna Base Camp trekking is not for beginners. When my father visited Annapurna Base Camp, he was already seasoned, having completed his treks to Sandakphu and some other routes.
Also, he had the severest frostbite at the end of the trip. So, any compromise on your gear, clothes, and essentials is a big NO.
Everest Base Camp Trek (South Base Camp, Nepal)
⁍ Highest Altitude: 5,364m
⁍ Trip Grade: Difficult
⁍ Best Season: Spring
⁍ Duration: 13+ Days
Everest Base Camp Trek is the highest honor you can earn for yourself when it comes to trekking in the Himalayas. The journey itself is an experience and the rewards are endless when you are trekking to the Everest Base Camp.
Once you know the highlights of your trekking journey, you will understand why it’s a lifetime experience.
• The Kalapathar or Black Rock creates a sheer visual contrast with Mount Everest, and it’s the most picturesque scene to behold.
• At the base of Kalapathar is a humble hamlet of Sherpas. It’s known as Gorak Shep.
• Tengboche Monastery, the largest Gompa in the Everest Valley
Everest Base Camp Trek also allows you to meet new people and their cultures. At the end of it, you will emerge as a leader, and surviving in the harshest conditions will improve your decision-making skills.
Valley of Flowers Trek
⁍ Highest Altitude: 4389m
⁍ Trip Grade: Moderate
⁍ Best Season: Mid-July to August
⁍ Duration: 7 Days
Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Zanskar ranges bless the valley, and it is home to more than three hundred Alpine flowers. The daisies and primulas smiling here are the most rejuvenating scenes to behold.
A part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Valley of Flowers is also known for its biodiversity and pristineness.
Brahmatal Trek
⁍ Highest Altitude: 3,733 m
⁍ Trip Grade: Easy to Moderate
⁍ Best Season: Winter/Spring
⁍ Duration: 5-6 Days
Mount Trishul, Mount Nandaghunti, and the pristine water of the Brahmatal Lake are the biggest highlights of the Brahmatal trek.
You will also find Rhododendron and Oak trees throughout the route. If you trek in the winter, the drizzling ice flakes on these trees will be a romantic experience. If you have your partner in the trekking group, it will definitely be the best time ever spent.
Goechala Trek
⁍ Highest Altitude: 4,600M
⁍ Trip Grade: Moderate to Difficult
⁍ Best Season: Spring, Summer and Autumn
⁍ Duration: 11 Days
Are you a seasoned trekker ready to take on the toughest trekking routes in India? Along with exploring the snowy meadows, the Goechala trek also offers you the closest encounter with the Sikkimese culture.
This trekking route is made of wonders and awe, with a view of 14 Himalayan peaks. Further, Lake Samiti and the reflection of Mount Pandim in the lake’s water are the biggest rewards of this trip.
Final Words
The best trekking places in India are as vivid as the history and culture of the country. The trails in the Himalayas in the north and the southern trails in the Western Ghats are different in their altitude, weather conditions, challenges, and beauty.
The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India stated, “With 73 percent of the Himalayan range in India, trekking has become the most popular adventure activity in the country.” (Source)
The Statista Market trend on outdoor equipment sales also shows that people in India have become more interested in adventure activities, and we can say that trekking is a major part of them.
Further, due to the magnificence and uniqueness of Indian mountains, many foreign travelers love to trek in this country.
How has your experience trekking in India been? What do you think is the most thrilling route of all? Don’t forget to share your ideas with us!
Best Trekking Places In India FAQs
The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is one of the greenest treks in India, and you must visit it in spring. You will meet the Himalayan bellflower, blue poppy, and other Himalayan plants in full bloom this season.
Further, the lush green meadows and the waterfalls make you feel out of the world. To reconnect to nature, you can take many other trekking routes ruled by greenery in India. Hampta Pass Trek and Sandakphu Trek demand a special mention in this regard.
India has many scary trekking routes. The seasoned trekkers I have known all my life have unanimously agreed that the Chadar Trek in the Himalayas is the toughest one.
At a 3400-meter altitude, Chadar Trek includes crossing Zanskar, the frozen river. The ice in the river can break anytime. Then, you have to trek through the slippery rocks around the frozen river. It is a deadly thing to accomplish, for sure!
Further, the weather here is always below freezing level. At night, the temperature drops further, and the colder nights record around minus 29-30 degrees F temperature.
Spending the freezing cold nights in caves and tents is not meant for everyone, and you need physical and mental endurance of the highest level to complete this trek.
So, Chadar Trek is not for beginners and the faintest of hearts.
April to June is the best time for trekking in India. You can trek the Himalayas during these months for moderate weather conditions. Hampta Pass is one of the best destinations in India for trekking summer.
However, trekking in autumn also has a different kick, and experienced trekkers often prefer this season for trekking in search of more adventures. Are you trekking this autumn? Let’s visit Brahmatal.
Further, to reconnect to nature on the greenest trekking routes in India, spring is the ideal season. You can attempt Valley of Flowers Trek or Goechala Trek in this season.
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