Trekking in India: A Comprehensive Guide to Peaks, Passes, and Hotspots

India, with its diverse topography, offers some of the most thrilling trekking experiences in the world. From the towering Himalayas in the north to the rugged Western Ghats in the south, every trek presents a unique blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned trekker, India's varied landscapes have something to offer.

Major Trekking Regions in India
The Indian Himalayas

The Himalayas, the crown jewel of Indian trekking, are home to some of the most iconic and challenging treks. This region spans across Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

  • Everest Base Camp Trek (via Sikkim): 5,364m (Difficult)
  • Chadar Trek (Ladakh): 3,400m (Difficult)
  • Roopkund Trek (Uttarakhand): 5,029m (Moderate to Difficult)
  • Pin Parvati Pass (Himachal Pradesh): 5,319m (Difficult)
  • Goecha La Trek (Sikkim): 4,940m (Difficult)
  • Har Ki Dun Trek (Uttarakhand): 3,566m (Easy to Moderate)
  • Stok Kangri (Ladakh): 6,153m (Difficult)
  • Buran Ghati Trek (Himachal Pradesh): 4,572m (Moderate to Difficult)
  • Dzongri Trek (Sikkim): 4,200m (Moderate)
Western Ghats and Sahyadris

The Western Ghats and Sahyadri ranges, spanning across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, offer some stunning trekking trails with tropical forests, waterfalls, and ancient forts.

  • Kumara Parvatha (Karnataka): 1,712m (Moderate to Difficult)
  • Kalsubai Peak (Maharashtra): 1,646m (Moderate)
  • Rajmachi Trek (Maharashtra): 826m (Easy)
  • Chembra Peak (Kerala): 2,100m (Moderate)
  • Agasthyakoodam (Kerala): 1,868m (Difficult)
Eastern Ghats

The Eastern Ghats offer a unique trekking experience with their distinct flora and fauna, along with spiritual and tribal connections.

  • Araku Valley Trek (Andhra Pradesh): 900m (Easy)
  • Deomali Trek (Odisha): 1,672m (Moderate)
  • Mahendragiri Trek (Odisha): 1,501m (Moderate)
Northeast India

The untouched beauty of Northeast India makes it a paradise for trekkers looking for unexplored trails.

  • Dzukou Valley Trek (Nagaland): 2,452m (Easy to Moderate)
  • Living Root Bridges Trek (Meghalaya): 1,300m (Easy)
  • Sela Pass Trek (Arunachal Pradesh): 4,170m (Moderate)
  • Gorichen Base Camp Trek (Arunachal Pradesh): 6,488m (Difficult)
Grading of Treks

Trekking routes in India can be broadly classified based on difficulty levels:

  • Easy: Short trails with minimal altitude gain, suitable for beginners (e.g., Rajmachi Trek, Living Root Bridges Trek).
  • Moderate: Longer trails with significant altitude gain and some challenging terrains (e.g., Buran Ghati Trek, Goecha La Trek).
  • Difficult: High-altitude treks requiring prior experience and physical endurance (e.g., Chadar Trek, Stok Kangri, Pin Parvati Pass).
Best Time for Trekking in India
  • Himalayas: May-June, September-November (except for winter treks like Chadar Trek).
  • Western Ghats: October-February (post-monsoon).
  • Eastern Ghats & Northeast: October-April.
arrow