Trekking in India is comparable to, and often surpasses, the best in the world. Trekking in the Indian Himalayas offers an incredible variety, with shorts walks in low-altitude alpine meadows to 20-day hikes over some of the highest passes in the world...
or those who believe in the French novelist Colette’s dictum that, “The true traveller is he who goes on foot, and even then, he sits down a lot of the time,” India offers a varied and exciting topography for treks— ranging from the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh, the alpine meadows of Garhwal, Sikkim and Kashmir, the deserts of Rajasthan, to the dense rainforests of Kerala.
Trekking in India will take you through a country that has captured the imagination of mountaineers and explorers for centuries. You will meet people in remote mountain villages whose lifestyle has not changed in generations.
Trekking in India is also a bit different from trekking anywhere else, especially in Europe or the Americas. Isolation is traditionally a crucial element of any wilderness experience, but in India, it is impossible to get completely away from people, except for short times or at extremely high elevations. Here, environmental concerns must make allowance for the effects of conservation measures on rural people and the economic effects of tourism on indigenous populations.
Trekking does not always have to mean mountain climbing. While the ascent of a Himalayan peak may be an attraction for some, you need not have such a goal to enjoy a trek. As far as most people are concerned, trekking always refers to walking on trails.
With more than half the Himalayas lying within its borders, India is the place for a trekking enthusiast. The Himalayas, the ‘abode of snows’, extend from Assam in eastern India all the way to Afghanistan. It is a chain of the highest and youngest mountains on earth and encompasses a region of deep religious and cultural traditions and an amazing diversity of people. A trek in the Himalayas can be a special and rewarding mountain holiday.
Trekking tips
Preparation should be made, depending upon the duration, location, altitude and availability of infrastructure during the course of the trek. It is very essential that you check the details of the particular area you have chosen—geographical, historical and cultural. Check the route to be taken up, and most importantly, the season for that particular trek. And find out about the trekking agencies or tour operators who conduct and provide equipment for this activity. A complete physical check-up is also advisable.
What to carry
A first-aid kit with all the essential medicines, like anti-diarrhoea and anti-vomiting, intestinal disinfectants, antibiotics, antiseptic etc, with iodine tablets for sterilising water for drinking, cooking and washing, may be essential. Also, a hat, good running shoes, a rucksack, UV-proof sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, lip balm, water bottle with an energy drink, a sleeping bag, a fleece jacket, and a waterproof jacket (for a high-altitude trek).
Trekking destinations in India
India abounds in trekking options, with every state in the country vying for the trekkers’ attention. Here’s a selective sampling of some of the more popular treks that await a trekking enthusiast.
Himachal Pradesh
Mcleod Ganj to Triunda-Laka and back This is a short trek which covers Mcleod Ganj, Triunda-Laka and then back to Mcleod Ganj. It is a beautiful walk through mixed forests of deodar, oak and rhododendron. Triund is perched on a ridge and offers a stunning view of the whole of Kangra Valley on the one side and the Dhauldhar range on the other. Laka Jot is situated at the snout of a small glacier on the snowline.
Sarahan–Wangtu Trek
This is an easy and pleasant trek, lasting 4-5 days, along the old Hindustan-Tibet road. From Sarahan, the trail leads through the typical villages of Sungra and Nechar, where a few ancient temples are located. There are several rest houses along the route, some dating back to 1890. One of the main attractions of this trail is the local colour and the traditional way of life of the inhabitants.
Jammu & Kashmir
Kargil–Padum–Lamayuru/Kishtwar
Padum is famous as a major trekking base and a popular tourist destination. This trek has the best of everything: the best vistas, the densest forests, the greenest valleys, and even, the largest and oldest gompa in Ladakh.
Trekking in Ladakh
Ladakh, tucked between two of the world’s greatest mountain ranges—the Himalayas and the Karakoram, offers adventure amidst beauty, surpassing any other mountain range. Its snow-clad peaks, translucent lakes, barren terrain and mystic culture attracts hikers and trekkers from all over the world.
Trekking possibilities in Ladakh include short, daylong walks or long mountain treks, involving weeks of walking and camping in the wilderness. As the terrain is inhospitable and the ecology very fragile, it is advisable to take as much provision and fuel as possible from the base camp.
The trek from Lamayuru in the Indus valley to Darcha in Lahual across Zanskar, takes nearly three weeks. The 10-day Markha Valley trek and the 11-day Lamayuru-Padum traverse and the Stok-Khangiri round trek are the most popular treks. And in late autumn, the Hemis–Markha–Padum, a 13-day trek, becomes operational.
Kerala
Wagamon Trek (Kottayam)
Wagamon, 64 km from Kottayam and 34 km from Pala, is situated at an elevation of 100 m above sea level and is surrounded by verdant tea gardens, alluring meadows, valleys and dales. Other attractions include Thangal Para, the Indo-Swiss project and Kurisumala Ashram.
Sikkim
Tolung Monastery Trek
Tolung Monastery was first built in the reign of Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal in the early 18th century. It contains rare and valuable scriptures and artefacts of other monasteries that were brought here for safety during the invasion of Sikkim by the Nepalese during late 17th and early 19th centuries. Every three years, the relics are exposed to the public in the monastery complex.
Tolung, situated at an altitude of 8,000 ft, lies in the sparse Lepcha-populated Dzongu areas of north Sikkim and falls in the restricted area for which an inner line permit is required by Indian nationals. To reach Tolung, one has to travel by road up to Linzey. There is a daily bus service from Gangtok to a place slightly short of Linzey. From Linzey to Tolung is a 20 km walk and takes approximately five hours along the thundering Tolung River, through dense forests and cardamom groves. The track is surrounded by precipitous cliffs, from which plummet waterfalls in white plumes, hundreds of feet into the narrow gorges to the valley floor.
West Bengal
Tiger Hills–Darjeeling
Tiger Hills is the highest point in the area, which provides the most exotic view of the Kanchenjunga peaks. From this place, the other peaks of the eastern Himalayas can be seen. On a clear day, one can even see Mt Everest. The sight of the sun rising from over the Tiger Hills is an unforgettable experience. The first rays of the sun on these peaks of the great barriers gives an impression of molten gold being spread.
The Tiger Hills can be reached by jeep, but you can walk back. It is a pleasant, two-hour walk and the scenery—full of little mountain streams and flowers—is breathtaking, to say the least.
Uttaranchal
Valley of Flowers
High in the Himalayan ranges of the Garhwal hills of Uttaranchal lies an enchanting valley. Here, pastures teeming with flowers—with clear running streams—are set against silver birches and shining snow peaks. Dew lies thick on the flowers, birds sing in the surrounding forest, and the air is pure and charged with floral smells. However, getting there involves an arduous trek.
Rajasthan
Kumbhalgarh in the Aravallis makes for good trekking . Situated just 90 kms from Udaipur off the Udiapur-Pali-Jodhpur Road, it offers a trek up to the historic Kumbhalgarh fort. There is also a wildlife sanctuary. The famous Jain temples of Ranakpur are close by. Trekking routes in Mount Abu, Kumbhalgarh and Rawali Tatgarh are not restricted to any particular area. The entire mountain system offers exciting trails which originate at starting points spread over the entire length and breadth of the Aravallis. One can trek from Abu road to Guru Shikhar (the highest peak of the Aravallis), Thandi Beri to Kumbhalgarh Fort or Ranakpur to Rawali Tatgarh.
