Trekking Tours in India: 10 Best Routes

It won’t be an overstatement to say that ‘Trekking Tours in India’ is a heady mix of spine shivering adventure and endurance test. India, a melting pot of diverse cultures, offers a myriad range of opportunities when it comes to adventure sports. Trekking, motorcycling, skiing, scuba diving, mountaineering and Para gliding are the most popular adventure activities among national and international tourists. The mighty Himalayan ranges feature vast and diverse trekking trails that provides ample opportunities to satiate your thrust for adventure. Here is the list of 10 best trekking routes in India for your kind perusal.

Zanskar Frozen River Trek

One of the best methods of accessing snow-bound villages during the winter is walking on the frozen Zanskar River. It is an ultimate experience for adventure enthusiasts who are keen to do trekking in the Indian Himalayas. The trek is also known as Chadar Trek, which means blanket. The Chadar Trek connects villages in the Zanskar Valley with chilling along the ice-covered Zanskar River. The route has been used for centuries for trade and transportation. The trek goes by shuffling along the Chadar that breaks and changes color on the river every few hours. The challenging trek offers an opportunity to relish ancient Buddhist monasteries and secluded villages nestled in the depths of the deep ravines of Trans Zanskar ranges.

• Area: Leh & Ladakh
• Duration: 13 days
• Season: Mid January to February
• Grade: Moderate to Challenging
• Altitude: 3850 meters

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

For tourists who have a penchant for India trekking holidays, Gaumukh-Tapovan trek offers the most rewarding experience during India Trekking Holidays. Gaumukh, the snout of the glacier, and Tapovan are the mighty peaks of the Garhwal. The trek along the holy Bhagirathi River takes the tourist right up to the source of the river that is commonly known as Gaumukh, cow’s face at the base of the Gangotri glacier. On the other hand, this trek can be undertaken by inexperienced trekkers with sound health also. Tapovan is huge meadows where tourists can do camping. The herds of blue mountain goats ‘Bharals’ are a common sight here.

• Area: Garhwal Himalaya
• Duration: 12 days
• Season: May to October
• Grade: Moderate
• Altitude: 4465 meters

Singalila Kanchenjunga Trek

The Singalila Kanchenjunga Trek is a recently opened trek route that encompasses the southwest area of Dzongri which includes several days of hike navigating the Singalila Range. The Singalila is also the divide that separates the western borders of Sikkim and Darjeeling with Nepal. The Singalila Ridge, close to Darjeeling, offers outstanding views of Kanchenjunga-world’s third highest peak. From Singalila Ridge, there is a long but highly interesting approach to Goecha La Pass underneath Mt. Kanchenjunga. With the inviting challenge of climbing the 5000 meters high Goecha-La, you will get an opportunity to enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayan giants in Nepal such as Mount Everest, Mount Makalu and Kumbakarna.

Also read about some of the most beauiful places to visit in North East India.

• Area: Sikkim Himalaya
• Duration: 20 days
• Season: September to October & Mid March to May
• Altitude: 4940 meters
• Grade: Moderate to Challenging

Classic Markha Valley Trek

Classic Markha Valley is one of the most popular names in the list of Ladakh trekking tours. It passes through remote villages and monastic settlements in ‘Markha Valley’. It is a classical trek in ‘Little Tibet’ that combines stunning mountain panoramas and barren hillsides with pretty villages and lush meadows. The trekking route entails passing through Gondola Pass, high pasture land of Nimaling, small villages and several treasures of natural beauty such as mountains with different sizes, shapes and colors. Tourists will get to sleep in the parachute tents at most of the villages on the way, thus making this trek known as ‘tea house trek’. The route takes the trekker inside a beautiful Hemis National Park and involves two passes- Kongmaru La and Ganda La.

• Area: Ladakh Himalaya
• Altitude: 5150 meters
• Season: Mid June to Mid October
• Grade: Moderate
• Duration: 12 days

The Lord Curzon Trail “Kuari Pass Trek”

When it comes to adventure trekking in India, Kuari Pass Trek is one of the most astounding circuits amidst the astounding Himalayan ranges. It is a well-loved adventure spot in Indian Himalaya that invites millions of adventure enthusiasts every year. It provides panoramic views of flower filled meadows, well-preserved forests and picturesque Garhwal Himalayan ranges. At the summit of Kuari Pass, the trekkers will be rewarded with panoramic views of the magnificent peaks such as Chaukhamba, Dronagiri, Kamet and Nanda Devi.

• Area: Garhwal Himalaya
• Altitude: 4268 meters
• Season: Mid April to June and September to November
• Grade: Moderate
• Duration: 10 days

Pin Parvati Pass Trek

Considered to be the most beautiful Indian Himalayan Trekking tour, Pin Parvati Pass Trek falls in the category of challenging treks as one has to walk over the glaciers in the Parvati Valley in Kullu and Pin Valley in Spiti. The view from the pass is complemented with the snow clad peaks of Kullu Valley and the barrenness of the Spiti Mountains. The trek starts from Manikaran and passes through several villages, breathtaking mountains, verdant meadows and stunning lakes. Before getting into the Spiti Valley, one has to travel through Pin Parvati Pass, which is the highest point of this trek.

• Area: Himachal Pradesh
• Altitude: 5335 mts
• Duration: 18 Days
• Season: Mid June to Mid October
• Grade: Challenging

Trans Zanskar “Darcha to Lamayuru Trek”

Sandwiched between the Lahaul Valley and the major peaks of the Indian Himalayan peaks, “Darcha to Lamayuru Trek” forms a part of most Himalayan Adventure tour packages. In order to reach the starting point of trek, you will pass from the verdant valley of Kullu to the tribal region of Lahoul. The trek starts from Darcha and crosses 8 passes, out of which the highest is 5090 meters that brings you into the Zanskar Valley. The Zanskar Valley remains cut off from the rest of the world for around 7 to 8 months. Charming villages, high verdant meadows, crystal clear springs, snow-clad mountains and the beauty of the isolated mountains is what you’ll get to see during “Darcha to Lamayuru Trek”.

• Area: Ladakh Himalaya
• Altitude: 5090 meters
• Season: Mid June to Mid October
• Grade: Challenging
• Duration: 25 days

Dzongri-Goecha La Trek

One of the most challenging trails for Adventure Tours in India, the Dzongri-Goecha La Trek in Sikkim offers an enchanting view of the great Kanchenjunga peak. This trek is an extension of the Dzongri-Goecha La Trek. The enchanting walk through the Tshoka Rhododendron forests, the massive Thansing and Dzongri meadows, the startling waters of the blue lake and the icy trek to Goechala leaves trekkers in awe of the beauty of nature.

• Area: Sikkim Himalaya
• Altitude: 4940 mts
• Duration: 12 Days
• Season: Mid March to June and September to Mid November
• Grade: Moderate

The Shepherd Trail Trek

Known for the remote and isolated village, which is open only for four to five months for a year, The Shepherd Trail Trek crosses over the Dhauladhar mountain ranges. The inhabitants of the Himachal Pradesh lead a nomadic life, leading their vast flocks of sheep and goats in high mountain summer pastures. ‘Hanuman ka Tibba’ and ‘White Mountain’, located behind the Dharamshala town, is the highest peak in the range. The gleaming shrubs of Birch and Rhododendron serves as a pavement to the pass following which a descent takes you to an exquisite walk through the verdant forests and over the heap of glaciers.

• Area: Himachal Pradesh
• Altitude: 4450 mts
• Duration: 18 Days
• Season: Mid April to June and September to November
• Grade: Moderate

Nanda Devi East BC and Milam Glacier Trek

One of the most spectacular and enthralling parts of the Himalayas, the Nanda Devi East BC and Milam Glacier Trek is located in the northern part of India. It is a wonderful trek in Kumaon Hills and known for cosseting some of the high altitudes and majestic glaciers such as the Milam Glacier. The magnificent sight of the Nanda Devi Peak is the highlight of this trek. The trek is 54 kilometers long and its highest altitude is 4670 meters. It is a moderate to challenging trek that trails through the Gori Ganga ravine to the village of Milam. It makes you wander through both forested and bare alpine terrain.

• Area: Kumaon Himalaya
• Altitude: 4670 mts
• Duration: 18 Days
• Season: May to Mid October
• Grade: Moderate to Challenging

Treks in India are the most exciting options for adventure tours in India. The India trekking tour is the best way to know a land, its people and its culture and traditions. Besides offering spectacular views, a number of hilly terrains and foothills are the main destinations for India trekking holidays.