Every hiker finds a promise of escape and miracle in India. With its mesmerizing natural beauty and expanse of the mighty Himalayas spanning 13 Indian states and union territories like Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam, and West Bengal, this region is the most sought-after destination for hikers. This is where they come to chase their dreams of adventure, exploration, and solace. In this blog, we will take you through five fantastic hiking trails in India.
With snow-capped mountain peaks, lush meadows, gushing streams and waterfalls, high-altitude glaciers, and an awe-inspiring variety of flora and fauna, India stands out in offering both thrill and beauty simultaneously.
Table of Content:
- Roopkund Trek, Uttarakhand
- Great Lakes Trek, Jammu & Kashmir
- Pin Parvati Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh
- Chadar Frozen River Trek, Ladakh
- Skyview Adventure Valley Leisure Trail
Roopkund Trek, Uttarakhand
Roopkund is a picturesque high-altitude glacial lake in Uttarakhand, also called ‘The Land of Gods’. Owing to its inexplicable charm, the lake is popularly referred to as ‘The Mystery Lake’. As the lake remains covered with snow throughout the year, the trek reveals its beauty in its lush meadows, verdant forests, gurgling streams, and pristine campsites.
The lake is located at an altitude of 15,696 ft above sea level and the trek is of a moderate-difficult level. It takes almost 9 days to complete the entire route of approximately 55 km. The best time for trekking is mid-May to mid-June and September to December. Cupped between mountains on all sides, this lake’s beauty is enhanced by two majestic Himalayan peaks, Trishul and Nandghungti, which find a mention in several local legends and folk tales associated with the region.
Among the many hiking trails in India, this track promises the right mix of adrenaline rush with its steep climbs and brisk descents as well as its soothing landscape replete with the wonders of nature.
Great Lakes Trek, Jammu & Kashmir
Kashmir has long been fabled for its unparalleled beauty and elegance, and this trek only extends this idea further. Situated 75 km northeast of Srinagar, it is an invitation to a bewitching landscape that promises a treat to the senses. Sturdy mountains give in to turquoise lakes where large chunks of ice float alongside exotic varieties of birds.
The Kashmir Great Lakes journey is a seven-day trek that is moderate-difficult and remains open from July to September. At the altitude of 13,750 ft above sea level, the trip starts at Sonmarg and ends at Naranag, a tourist village and an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The route passes through the breathtakingly beautiful meadows and thickets which also doubles up as a delight for avid birdwatchers. The trail, stretching through the forests of maple and pine trees, is almost like a beginning to an adventure of a lifetime. On the way to Naranag, an assortment of lakes such as Krishansar Lake, Vishansar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Satsar Lake, and Gangabal Twin Lakes await with their captivating serenity.
Distinct grasslands and meadows provide respite on a hectic day, and the sight of overgrown wildflowers juxtaposed with horses and sheep grazing on the field is truly a remarkable experience. From the Shekdur meadows decorated with maple and birch trees to the Nichnai grasslands of a jagged charm and from Vishnusar grasslands of a gliding river to the Gadsar meadows of multiple smaller lakes, there are plenty of wonders waiting to unfold in this journey.
Pin Parvati Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh
This 17,457 ft above sea level pass is not only a challenge to a trekker but also to imagination because its beauty defies all description. It was first discovered in August 1884 by Sir Louis Dane while he was immersed in the search of an alternate route to the Spiti valley, and since then it has pulled millions of travelers, trekkers, seekers, and explorers to its splendor.
With a total distance of approximately 110 km, it takes 11 days to complete this trek and each day brings a promise to offer unique experiences. With its heady mix of thrill, adventure, and glory, this is a treat for any seasoned trekker, however, beginners are advised to avoid this expedition.
While Mantalai has exuberant marshlands surrounded by dense deodar forests, Kheerganga is no less gorgeous with its soothing hot springs. What sets this trek apart is the diversity of experiences and sensations it has to offer– a beginning in the cold deserts of Spiti to an end in the moist green abundance of Parvati valley. Wind-carved rock formations, with their mind-boggling shape and texture, create a lasting impression, and generate curiosity for the wonders of the natural world.
The most exciting feature of the Pin Parvati Pass trek is that it offers unexpected contrasts in landscapes, flora, and fauna, thereby turning every day into an unforgettable collage of memories making it one of the best hiking trails in India.
Chadar Frozen River Trek, Ladakh
Located in the freezing Zanskar, this is among the coldest and most challenging treks in India where adventure-seekers navigate through high altitudes, frozen streams, and chilling temperatures. As the mercury dips down to -25°C — even -35°C — a thick blanket of ice covers the lake and trekkers walk across its frozen waters. Starting from January and ending in February, this trek is not for the faint-hearted.
On this trek, trekkers gain altitude in gradual successions, for example, Tsomo Paldar at 11,400 ft above sea level, to Tibb Cave at 11,800 ft above sea level is covered over a course of few hours and is replete with sights and sounds of nature’s best-kept secret. A kaleidoscope of colors greets the visitors with the sky, land, and frozen water adorned with fascinating shades of blue, green, white, and yellow — in fact, there are also some colors for which no name exists yet.
Shingra Koma, located at the U bend of Zanskar, enjoys a distinct place in the trek because it is saturated with scenic wonders and postcard-perfect views. Nerak is a 13 km long trail that opens into the magnificent frozen waterfall where local myths and legends enhance its appeal.
The exhilaration of a bone-chilling adventure where every moment slips quickly into the thrill of another stands in contrast to the rugged rock formations where time has been still for millions of years.
Skyview Adventure Valley Leisure Trail
For those enthusiasts who want to experience a much milder form of hiking backed with world-class hospitality and other amenities, they can always opt for the hiking trail offered by Skyview Patnitop by Empyrean also termed as Skyview Adventure Valley Leisure Trail.
You will be taken for our unique Leisure Trail Hike at Skyview Patnitop by our trained guides. This place is a complete package of leisure, thrill, and complete holiday destination for you and your dear ones making it one of the best hiking trails in India.
It is an exceptional hiking experience, measuring 2.5 km strewn with mesmerizing natural beauty. The track passes through the beautiful landscape and the place is home to trees like Deodar, Pine, Juniper, Taxus, Acer Villosum, Juglans Regia, and many more. The ambiance is that your mind, body, and soul.
