5 Exciting Trekking destinations in India

Trekking is the best holiday activity for many adventurous tourists because it opensavenues for a multitude of memorable experiences like enjoying the serenity ofnature, thrill of exploring new places, meeting people of different cultures, getting ridof excess fat, and above all, rejuvenating the mind doing away with the stress ofeveryday life.

India is rich with hiking destinations, that are most sought after by visitors from allaround the world. The amazing peaks in the Himalayas and the Western Ghats arepopular for their culture, weather most suited for hiking and their breathtaking scenicbeauty.

1. The Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh

Overview

It is a journey through the river Markha located in ‘Little Tibet’. This beautiful gift ofnature is robed with snow in winter and offers a visual treat with the vibrant coloursof its landscape during the other seasons.

Highlights

The specialty of Markha expedition is the opportunity it provides to visitors to have aglimpse of the contrasting landscapes with barren uneven land in few places and lushgreen land in other places. Some of the important places to visit during the hike arethe mountain range at Zanskaar, the National Park at Hemis the base camp at KangYatse and Stok Kangri peaks.

Facts

Region: Ladakh in Himalayas

Suggested Duration: 12 Days

Altitude: 5150 meters / 16895 feet

Difficulty Level: Medium to difficult

Best Season to visit: Mid of June – Mid of October

Guidelines

The journey begins in Zingchen. A stay at Leh is recommended for theacclimatization to the high altitudes. One may then proceed to the mid lands of thevalley through three passes at Stok la, Gand la and Kongmaru La.

Reviews

You will have other worldly experiences with the aroma of roses and willowsaccompanied by the gentle breeze, flock of yak, the nomad community and theBuddhist monasteries.

2. The Chadar Trek, Ladakh

Overview

This is an expedition in the Himalayas through the frozen river Zanskar. Chadarmeans ice blanket. The challenge of advancing over icy ranges of the mountaincombined with basic food and stay amenities makes it the toughest trek in the Ladakhregion.

Highlights

Chadar is not only the most exciting and thrilling hike, but also the most chillingwinter trek in the Himalayan range, as the temperature drops to even below 30 degreeCelsius. Chadar includes two valleys Stod and Lanak. The Lingshed village at the top isknown for its strong religious connection to Buddhism.

Facts

Region: Leh, Ladakh in Jammu & Kashmir

Suggested Duration: 9 Days

Altitude: 11,123 feet

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Distance: 75 km

Best Season to visit: January & February

Guidelines

The trekking begins in Chilling. Tilat Sumdo, Tsomo Paldar, Naerak village are someof the places to halt enroute to Lingshed. During winter months, as a result of closureof the common route to the plain lands, food and accommodation that you will findwill be very basic.

Reviews

Walking on the icy river with an amazing view of frozen water falls and caves,incense tree, an ancient bridge believed to be over 1000 years old and folk stories toldby the Nyarak villages are part of a wonderful journey that ends in Lingshed. Thetranquility prevailing in this place is well protected by the geographical and culturalisolation of this fabulous destination.

3. Kudhremukh Trek, Chikmagalur

Overview

It is a well-known destination in the Western Ghats ideal for short treks. Located inKarnataka, the mountain derives its name due to the fact that its shape is similar to theface of a horse. It is also popularly known for its rich wild life with a variety of speciesof plants and animals.

Highlights

The hill offers a panorama of grasslands, fields and plantations, villages and denseforests. The national park preserves many animals like spotted deers, bears, wild dogsand the endangered Lion tailed Macaque. The streams in this region caused by riversTunga Bhadhra and Nethravathi are favourite spots for swimmers.

Facts

Region: Chikmagalur district, Karnataka

Suggested Duration: 1 – 2 Days

Altitude: 1892 metres

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Distance: 18km

Best Season to visit: November to February

Guidelines

The peak is situated in the national park. As camping is not allowed in the premises ofthe park, it is recommended to plan the onward and return journey to the peak on thesame day. A trekking permit from the forest department is required.

Reviews

In addition to the excitement of trekking, the mountain expedition with its scenicbeauty and wild life sighting will give an ultimate experience of being in the lap ofnature.

4. Kumara Parvatha Trek, Karnataka

Overview

It is a peak located in the Pushpagiri hills of the Western Ghats in Karnataka. Beingthe second highest peak in the state, Kumara parvatha is a perfect destination forchallenging treks.

Highlights

Located at a distance of 280 km from Bangalore, this trek has many fantasticlandscapes like Malyalli waterfalls, Shola forests, bamboo groves and paddy fieldsalongside the Bisle Ghats. Sesha Parvatha is another hill present on the way toKumara Parvatha peak.

Facts

Region: Dhakshina Kannada district, Karnataka

Suggested Duration: 2 Days

Altitude: 1712 metres

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Distance: 18km

Best Season to visit: October to February

Guidelines

Trekkers have the option of choosing from two routes that will lead to KumaraParvatha, the shorter one from Somwarpet which spans 7 km. and consists ofwaterfalls, and the longer one from Kukke Subramanya, with surrounding greenerystretching to 15 km.

Camping is permitted. But a permit for trekking from the forest department isessential.

Reviews

With a religious start at the Subramanya temple and an enchanting view at the cliff,the travel across the beautiful Pushpagiri hills will leave memories ever green like itsflora.

5. Anthargange Night Trek and Cave exploration, Kolar

Overview

At a distance of 70 km from Bangalore, it is located in Kolar district and acts as theright choice for weekend trekking activity. It is situated in the Shathashrungamountain range. This is suitable for night trekking and caving adventures.

Highlights

Unlike other trekking endeavours the trek to Anthargange provides outstandingexperiences of night view of the hill, rare sight of nocturnal animals, the thrill ofvisiting the caves and an awesome view of sun rise. There is an old temple withsprings of holy water believed to remove the sins of people who take a dip in it.

Facts

Region: Shathashrunga range in Kolar, Karnataka

Duration: 1 Day

Altitude: 1712 metres

Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult

Distance: 4 km

Best Season to visit: Throughout the year

Guidelines

This unique trek is suitable for all seasons.Torch is essential to avoid tripping overthorny shrubs in the trekking route.

Reviews

The expedition to this peak bestows the opportunity to gaze at the shining stars in thenight sky, explore caves, camp with bon fire and experience the sun’s rays slowlyglimpsing through the darkness.

With the rich heritage and scintillating landscapes, Indian trekking destinations standout from the rest.