6 Essential Indian Treks

No matter what people say, or how many hotties your gym has, fitness routines can get monotonous. Taking multiple classes may seem like the better solution, since it provides variety, but again, with multiple classes come multiple costs. So here’s our advice, and we mean this in the nicest way possible — take a hike, buddy.

No, really. India has been blessed with such a wide range of terrain, you’d be a fool to not get out there, at least once. With wide terrains, comes a wide variety of treks. Unless you’re a major trek enthusiast (and if you are, feel free to contribute to the list), figuring out what trek is worthwhile, and what isn’t, is another task. Which is exactly why we’ve helped out by compiling a list of essential treks for you.

Much like a marathon, a trek requires endurance and stamina, which comes from training. A majority of these treks are challenging, and can go on for upto a week. Even with pit stops, you have to prepare to be pushed to your limits. However, you’ll also reap the rewards because witnessing the sights that each of these treks have to offer...well, no picture can do justice. If you’ve got a bucket list, add these treks to the top. Traverse the lands of India, from the Himalayas to the Western Ghat, in the day or night. Yes, night treks do exist as well.

Although these treks may seem intimidating, know that your travel guide will always let you know how to prepare in advance. So get cracking, trekking season is nearly upon us!

I. Valley of Flowers

Trek Altitude Range: Upto 4000m.

If we’re doing a list, we might as well start with one of the best. Quite like something you would only read about in a book (literally), the Valley of Flowers would have remained a secret, had it not been for a lost explorer who stumbled upon it.

The valley, now a World Heritage Site, is frozen over through winter making late June to mid September the best (and only) time to visit. Said to be every flower enthusiast’s ideal holiday, it makes for a great Instagram picture or two, as well.

How To Get There:

• Located in Uttarakhand.
  
• Nearest airport is in Jolly Grant, Dehradun.
• Govind Ghat is the closest to the valley, via road.
• After which, your trek life begins.

HG Suggests: Maybe stick with a tour operator, that can arrange base camps, guide you and take you through the valley for the best scenic views.

Difficulty Level: On a scale of 1 being Easy-Peasy to 10 being Even-Forrest-Gump-Would-Not-Attempt-This-But-You-Can-Try, it would be a 5.

II. Shepherd Trail Trek

Trek Altitude Range: Upto 5000m.

It’s only when you actually go through with this trail, do you think about how physically fit shepherds in this region have to be. From rocky terrain, to maneuvering along ridges and bridges, and the steep ascents, this trek is indeed, strenuous.

The trek is open for all, for four to five months a year, only, around April to June, and then September to November. The highlight of this trek, is the alpine surroundings and a look at several isolated shepherd villages along the way. This trek is also one of the longest treks, of the Himalayan region.

How To Get There:

• Located in Himachal Pradesh.
• The closest airport is in Kullu.
• From there, it is a road trip to Manali, where the trek begins.

HG Suggests: Ensure you’ve planned and trained ahead for this trip as it is one of the longer, more demanding treks along the Himalayan area.

Difficulty Level: Another 9 on our scale.

III. Anthargange Trek

Trek Altitude Range: Upto 1500m.

The Anthargange Trek is not challenging distance wise, but this trek has made it to several bucket lists, because of the cave exploration that is part of the trek. And of course, it being a night trek adds to the challenge, especially if you have enough difficulty co-ordinating your hands and feet in broad daylight.

The caves that were formed out of small volcanic rocks, have several crevices that only allow a single person to pass through at a time, which the guide helps coach you through. Once you explore the caves, the rest of the night is spent beneath the starry skies beside a warm bonfire. Which is obviously code for ‘Carry Marshmallows.’

How To Get There:

• Located in Karnataka.
• Most tour guides pick you up from Bangalore.
• Road trip to Anthargange Base.

HG Suggests: Although this trek is mainly a night trek, ask your tour guide to consider a trek to the temple located on the same hill.

Difficulty Level: Considering that darkness is your only enemy here, this trek is relatively easy in comparison to the others on our list. We’re going to go with a 3.

IV. Chadar Trek

Trek Altitude Range: Upto 4000m.

If you’ve ever wanted to talk about that one time that you walked on water, you have to sign up for this trek. When the Zanskar River freezes over, it is used as a trail by locals and tourists. January to February is the best time to complete this trek, as that is when the river freezes.

Straight out of a movie, this landscape is truly magical, as the ice sheets apparently even change colour, in different areas. You better brush up on all your Frozen numbers, because if you let this opportunity slide, your conscience will never (wait for it) let it go.

How To Get There:

• Located in Ladakh.
• Nearest airport is in Leh.
• The airport is your best option, unless you want to travel long distances by road. This is highly impossible, considering the heavy snowfall the region faces at this point in time.

HG Suggests: Plan this trip in advance, as both travel and tour guides get booked up very soon due to the short time frame available to do this trek.

Difficulty Level: A definite 9.

V. Singalila Trek

Trek Altitude Range: Upto 5000m.

Indian summers boast of sweltering heat, which is exactly why a long drawn trek in Northern India would make sense. You’ll be breaking a sweat while taking in one of the rarest views India has to offer — the famous Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Lhotse, all right from the Singalila Ridge. Where else would you be able to witness some of the world’s highest peaks, from one place?

For those who truly love a challenge, besides the more gradual trek offered, there are more available below Mt. Kanchenjunga.

An ideal time to tick this trek off your checklist would be between March to May.

With wild (but not dangerous, don’t worry) flora and fauna, what better way to spend a summer, than in the Himalayas?

How To Get There:

• Located in Sikkim.
• Nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport.
• A road trip thereafter, is the only way to get there.

HG Suggests: Spend a day or two in Darjeeling, either before or after your trek. After all, who can resist some of the best chai around town, on a chilly morning?

Difficulty Level: According to the scale specified above, perhaps a 7.

VI. Rajmachi Trek

Trek Altitude Range: 2800m.

One of the coolest things about trekking in India, is the amount of places it allows you to explore in one location itself. For example, the Rajmachi Trek, gives you a splendid view of the Western Ghats, a chance to explore the Rajmachi Fort, and to camp out in two caves.

Grab some local food before you set out to camp, unless you’re prepared to set up a bonfire and cook some food yourself.

How To Get There:

• Located in Pune.
• Closest airport is in Pune itself.
• From Pune onwards, travelling via road is your best bet.

HG Suggests: Start off with this trek, before you attempt the others for it can be completed within a day itself.

Difficulty Level: This trek would be a solid 3.

Though all these treks have official trails, always ensure your tour guide is valid and has procured permits from the respective authorities if needed, so you can avoid getting arrested for trespassing.