Let’s Explore the Unexplored with the Lesser Known Treks in India

Trekking in India is more than an adventure it is one of the best experiences for a traveller or anyone who wants to escape the cities. India promises a number of exhilarating treks, some very popular and some offbeat ones. If you want to experience the real thrill of trekking, get ready to embark on one of the lesser known treks trails in India. The unexplored trails are blessed with natural beauty, rare indigenous flora and fauna, and some sights never seen before.

If you are one for the offbeat, here is our list of the best lesser known treks in India:

• Milam Trek, Uttarakhand

Milam Trek in Uttarakhand takes adventure enthusiasts to one of the least accessible glaciers in Uttarakhand. One of the lesser known trekking destinations in India, Milam is a miscellany of many other glaciers. The source of River Goriganga, the glacier is surrounded by the unexplored beauty of Himalayas. The trails covers picturesque meadows, lush valleys, waterfalls, pine forests, and isolated hamlets.

Altitude: 3434m above sea level

Trek length: 114 km

Duration: 11-12 days

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult

Route: Munsiyari – Lilam – Bogudiyar – Rilkot – Milam Glacier – Ragash Kund – Munsiyari

Best Season: May to June and September to October

• Mandani Valley Trek, Uttarakhand

Mandani Valley Trek is a major challenging trek in Himalayas, Garhwal range. The trek involves crossing 3 high altitude Cols, the highest being the Bisali Col (4750 m), the Chaukhamba mountain range, the Kedarnath Peak (6940 m) and other mighty peaks. One of the best offbeat treks in India, this trail in Uttarakhand combines beauty, adventure and Hindu mythology.

Altitude: 4750 m above sea level

Trek length: 78 km (approx.)

Duration: 10 Days

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Route: Ransi – Saniyara – Paturi – Manani Bugyal – Yeonbuk Col Base – Mahapanth Col – Kedarnath – Gaurikund

Best Season: May to June and September to October.

• Phuktal Monastery Trek, Ladakh

If you seek to go off the grid, then this trek is just for you! The remote Phuktal Monastery in Ladakh is spectacular. The ancient Buddhist monastery offers one of the most amazing offbeat treks in India. The honeycomb-shaped monastery peeks out of a cave settled over a gorge above the Tsarap River. The journey takes you some of isolated and remarkable places of the Zanskar Valley.

Altitude: 3850 m above sea level

Trek length: 65 km (approx.)

Duration: 7-8 days

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Route: Raru – Chatang – Purne – Phuktal – Purne – Anmu – Raru

Best Season: July to September

[Plan an adventure tour to Ladakh with this package.]

• Kugti Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh

Beautiful yet unknown, Kugti Pass trek is one of most picturesque trails in Himachal Pradesh. The challenging trek navigates through dense pine and deodar forests, peach and apple orchards, verdant meadows, gushing waterfalls, cascading rivers, hanging glaciers and snow covered lofty mountains. Very few have actually been here, so this trek in India is the ultimate challenge for a trekker.

Altitude: 5,050 m

Trek length: 60 km

Duration: 12 Days

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Route: Bharmour – Hadsar – Kugti – Dughi – Alyas Base Camp – Kugti Pass – Alyas Base – Udaipur / Keylong

Best Season: Mid June – Mid October

• Parashar Lake Trek, Himachal Pradesh

Surrounded by the imposing Dhauladhar ranges in Kullu Valley is a pristine blue-water lake called Parashar. The trekking spot offer breath taking views of the Dhauladhar, Pir Pinjal and Kinnaur mountain ranges. After the scenic trek, when you camp at the lake banks, you feel divine bliss. The Milky Way opens up in the dark and the experience is one of the best memories of trekking in India.

Altitude: 2,730 m above sea level

Trek length: 15 km

Duration: 2 Days

Difficulty Level: Easy To Moderate.

Route: Mandi – Baggi – Parashar Lake

Best Season: Throughout the year

• Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek, Kashmir

The perfect match for a nature lover, Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek in Kashmir is one of the most scenic trails in India. This offbeat trek in India will make you fall in love with the ‘Heaven on Earth’, Kashmir. Experience bliss by the lake shores of Tarsar Lake and the Marsar Lake. Passing through passing through orchards, forests, valleys, witness nature at its very best.

Altitude: 3,795 m

Trek length: 42 km (approx.)

Duration: 7-8 Days

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Route: Aru – Lidderwat – Shekwas – Tarsar – Zachmargi – Sonsar – Marsar – Zachmargi – Sonemasti – Sumbal

Best Season: April to October

[Book your adventure tours to India with IndianHoliday.co.uk]

• Bhrigu Lake Trek, Kullu Valley

This one is for the people who want to try a high-altitude trek but are short of time. The Bhrigu Lake trail is a beautiful yet a lesser-known trek in India. Pass through the spectacular beauty of Himalayas and especially the Manali Valley. Camp by the shores of the sacred lake. The night is a celestial display as there are more stars to see than the sky. Experience bliss in its truest form.

Altitude: 4270 m above sea level

Trek length: 22 km

Duration: 4 Days

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Route: Gulaba – Rola Khuli – Bhrigu Lake – Rola Khuli – Gulaba

Best Season: May to October

• Kheer Ganga Trek, Himachal Pradesh

A secret of the mountains, the Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh is an unexplored gem. The name Kheer Ganga comes from the pool of hot spring water which roughly translates to ‘milky water of holy nature’. Walk through the verdant greenery with whispers of nature and take a dip in the blessed waters said to have healing properties. This offbeat trek in India is also one of the easiest trails.

Altitude: 3050 m above sea level

Trek length: 21 km

Duration: 2 Days

Difficulty Level: Easy

Route: Barshaini – Rudra Nag – Kheerganga – Barshaini

Best Season: May to November.

• Dodital Trek, Uttarakhand

Dodital Trek is a beautiful introduction to Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The lesser known trekking destination in India includes camping at the beautiful Dodital (Dodi Lake) before reaching Darwa Pass. Passing through forests of pine, oak and rhodendron, mountain streams and picture-perfect view of Banderpoonch range. Surrounded by forests.  Enjoy the blessed environs on your journey and do fish for the famous Himalayan Golden Mahseer.

Altitude: 4150 m above sea level

Trek length: 54 km

Duration: 5-6 Days

Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate.

Route: Uttarkashi – Sangam Chatti – Agoda – Dodital Lake – Darwa Pass – Dodital Lake

Best Season: May to October.

• Japfu Peak Trek, Kohima

Next, we come to our next offbeat treks in India, a beautiful trail in North East Himalayas, the Japfu Peak in Kohima. The trek to the peak is a treat for your senses. It’s blessed with views of the Dzukou Valley, lush hillocks, and meadows of rhododendrons, colourful blossoms, beautiful topography and also the tallest rhododendron tree in the world, at 130 ft.

Altitude: 3048 m above sea level

Trek length: 17 km

Duration: 4-5 Days

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Route: Kohima – Zakhama – Dzukou Valley – Viswema Village – Japfu Base Camp – Japfu Peak

Best Season: October to May

[Also read about most beautiful places to visit in North East India.]

• Saddle Peak Trek, Andaman Islands

Hidden in Andaman Islands, the Saddle Peak is one of lesser known treks in India. The easy hike to the highest point of the archipelago is a thrilling experience. Walk amid dense forests in company of chirping birds and wildlife. Get amazed by the beautiful view of the vast blue sea and emerald forest cover. The trail is incredible, it transports you to olden days.

Altitude: 732 m above sea level

Trek length:  16 km

Duration: 6-7 hours

Difficulty Level: Easy

Route: Diglipur – Lahmia Bay – Base of Saddle Peak – Saddle Peak

Best Season: November to February

[Browse through our Andaman tour packages.]

• Chandratal Trek, Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Hidden in the challenging terrain of Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, Chandratal trek is a beautiful voyage. This beautiful yet offbeat trek in India offers view of Chandra Bhaga range. The ‘Lake of the Moon’, as the name means is associated with ancient legends of Mahabharata. Do enjoy the reflection of the full moon shimmering on the lake surface.

Altitude: 4300 m above sea level

Trek length: 44 km

Duration: 5-6 Days

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Route: Manali – Batal – Kunzum La – Chandratal – Batal

Best Season: June to October

• Goecha La Trek, Sikkim

A dream come true for nature lovers, Goecha La trek is one of the most challenging adventures in India. The unexplored trek in India is a bit difficult but guarantees unrivalled views of Kanchendzonga and 14 other summits of the Himalayas. Trekking to Goecha La needs a lot of preparation. The trail though quite difficult is blessed with views of scaling peaks, rhododendron, alpine berries and pristine snow.

Altitude: 4940 m above sea level

Trek length: 90 km

Duration: 11 Days

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult

Route: Yuksom – Tsokha – Dzongri – Thansing – Lamuney – Goecha La

Best Season: April to June & August to September

• Sandakphu Trek, Darjeeling

A wonderland for trekkers, Sandakphu is listed among the lesser known treks in India. It is the highest point in West Bengal and the trek offers grand views of the world’s tallest peaks including Mt. Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, etc. the view of mountain peaks in Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet and Bhutan are also clearly seen. The trail is picturesque passing through verdant forests and thriving wildlife.

Altitude: 3600 m above sea level

Trek length: 32 km

Duration: 5-6 Days

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Route: Darjeeling – Manebhanjan – Jaubari – Sandakphu – Phalut

Best Season: March to April and October to December

• Chembra Peak Trek, Wayanad, Kerala

The few hours trek to Chembra peak in Wayanad is one of the offbeat things to do in India. The lush peak is inhabited by a lot of wildlife and natural bliss. The trek is more of a nature walk with spectacular views. A heart shaped lake on the way to the peak is the highlight of this trek. A nature lover will absolutely love it.

Altitude: 2050 m above sea level

Trek length: 8 km

Duration: 3-4 hours

Difficulty Level: Easy

Route: Kalpetta – Meppadi – Chembra Peak foothill – Chembra Peak

Best Season: Throughout the year

[Have a look at most beautiful tourist places to visit in Kerala.]

• Auden’s Col Trek, Uttarakhand

One of the most challenging treks in the world, Auden’s Col trek is truly offbeat. Blessed with outstanding views of the Himalayas, the trek is only for a true mountain lover. The ultimate adventure navigates through the origin of the Holy Ganga River, the most inaccessible Khatling glacier, dense alpine forests, meadows, streams, villages, and temples. This is one of the lesser known yet the most adventurous treks in India.

Altitude: 5400 m above sea level

Trek length: 99 km

Duration: 15-18 days

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Route: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Nalla Camp – Rudugaira Base Camp – Gangotri Base Camp – Auden’s Col Base Camp – Auden’s Col – Khatling Glacier Camp – Kharsoli – Gangi – Ghuttu

Best Season: May and June