5 Exciting Trekking destinations in India

Trekking is the best holiday activity for many adventurous tourists because it opens avenues for a

multitude of memorable experiences like enjoying the serenity of nature, thrill of exploring new places,

meeting people of different cultures, getting rid of excess fat, and above all, rejuvenating the mind doing

away with the stress of everyday life.

India is rich with hiking destinations, that are most sought after by visitors from all around the world.

The amazing peaks in the Himalayas and the Western Ghats are popular for their culture, weather most

suited for hiking and their breathtaking scenic beauty.

1. The Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh.

Markha Valley Trek

Overview

It is a journey through the river Markha located in ‘Little Tibet’. This beautiful gift of nature is robed

with snow in winter and offers a visual treat with the vibrant colours of its landscape during the other

seasons.

Highlights

The specialty of Markha expedition is the opportunity it provides to visitors to have a glimpse of the

contrasting landscapes with barren uneven land in few places and lush green land in other places. Some

of the important places to visit during the hike are the mountain range at Zanskaar, the National Park at

Hemis the base camp at Kang Yatse 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 the acclimatization to the high

altitudes. One may then proceed to the mid lands of the valley through three passes at Stok la, Gand la

and Kongmaru La.

Reviews

You will have other worldly experiences with the aroma of roses and willows accompanied by the

gentle breeze, flock of yak, the nomad community and the Buddhist monasteries.

2. The Chadar Trek, Ladakh

Chadar Trek

Overview

This is an expedition in the Himalayas through the frozen river Zanskar. Chadar means ice blanket. The

challenge of advancing over icy ranges of the mountain combined with basic food and stay amenities

makes it the toughest trek in the Ladakh region.

Highlights

Chadar is not only the most exciting and thrilling hike, but also the most chilling winter trek in the

Himalayan range, as the temperature drops to even below 30 degree Celsius. Chadar includes two

valleys Stod and Lanak. The Lingshed village at the top is known 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 some of the places to

halt enroute to Lingshed. During winter months, as a result of closure of the common route to the plain

lands, food and accommodation that you will find will 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 told by the Nyarak villages are part of a

wonderful journey that ends in Lingshed. The tranquility prevailing in this place is well protected by the

geographical and cultural isolation of this fabulous destination.

3. Kudremukh Trek, Chikmagalur

Kudremukh Trek

Overview

It is a well-known destination in the Western Ghats ideal for short treks. Located in Karnataka, the

mountain derives its name due to the fact that its shape is similar to the face of a horse. It is also

popularly known for its rich wild life with a variety of species of plants and animals.

Highlights

The hill offers a panorama of grasslands, fields and plantations, villages and dense forests. The national

park preserves many animals like spotted deers, bears, wild dogs and the endangered Lion tailed

Macaque. The streams in this region caused by rivers Tunga 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 of the park, it is

recommended to plan the onward and return journey to the peak on the same day. A trekking permit

from the forest department is required.

Reviews

In addition to the excitement of trekking, the mountain expedition with its scenic beauty and wild life

sighting will give an ultimate experience of being in the lap of nature.

4. Kumara Parvatha Trek, Karnataka

Kumara Parvatha Trek

Overview

It is a peak located in the Pushpagiri hills of the Western Ghats in Karnataka. Being the second highest

peak in the state, Kumara parvatha is a perfect destination for challenging treks.

Highlights

Located at a distance of 280 km from Bangalore, this trek has many fantastic landscapes like Malyalli

waterfalls, Shola forests, bamboo groves and paddy fields alongside the Bisle Ghats. Sesha Parvatha is

another hill present on the way to Kumara 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 Kumara Parvatha, the shorter one

from Somwarpet which spans 7 km. and consists of waterfalls, and the longer one from Kukke

Subramanya, with surrounding greenery stretching to 15 km.Camping is permitted. But a permit for

trekking from the forest department is essential.

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 its flora.

5. Anthargange Night Trek and Cave exploration, Kolar

Anthargange Night Trek

Overview

At a distance of 70 km from Bangalore, it is located in Kolar district and acts as the right choice for

weekend trekking activity. It is situated in the Shathashrunga mountain range. This is suitable for night

trekking and caving adventures.

Highlights

Unlike other trekking endeavours the trek to Anthargange provides outstanding experiences of night

view of the hill, rare sight of nocturnal animals, the thrill of visiting the caves and an awesome view of

sun rise. There is an old temple with springs 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 over thorny shrubs in the

trekking route.

Reviews

The expedition to this peak bestows the opportunity to gaze at the shining stars in the night sky, explore

caves, camp with bon fire and experience the sun’s rays slowly glimpsing through the darkness. With

the rich heritage and scintillating landscapes, Indian trekking destinations stand out from the rest.