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Best 10 Trekking Tours in India

By Arun Joshi on Nov 28, 2013 6:32 am Share to Whatsapp Share136 ‘A mixture of adventure pleasure and self realization, trekking in India is an experience of a lifetime!’ Trekking is a popular adventure activity among the tourists. Trips to the mountains in India signify not only the natural beauty, but a source of spiritual guidance as well. The height and beauty of Indian Himalayas provide enthralling opportunities for trekking. Trekking through different regions of the country gives an opportunity to the adventurers to gain a deep insight into the immaculate beauty of the regions and the bewitching flora and fauna as well. The mighty range of Himalayas present in India provides one of the amazing trekking experiences to visitors.

The list of top 10 treks in India:

1. Singalila Kanchenjunga Trek singalila-kanchenjunga-trek Area: Sikkim Himalaya Altitude: 4940 mts Duration: 20 Days Season: Mid March to May, September to October Grade: Moderate to Challenging From the Singalila Ridge, one can see a huge vista of peaks stretching for 700 kilometers. Included in this site are Mt Everest (8850m), Makalu (8481m), Lhotse (8516m) and Kanchenjunga (8585m) that are four of the highest five mountains in the World. This striking trek is also considered one of the excellent treks due to the natural beauty that is on display here. The Singalila Ridge, near Darjeeling, offers outstanding view of Kanchenjunga- world’s third highest peak. From Singalila, there is a long but highly interesting approach to Goecha-La pass below Mt. Kangchenjunga. On this route, the enchantment of Himalayas upland trekking are there for the trekkers to enjoy, with the enticing challenge of the 5000 mts high Goecha-La at the end. An extra advantage is that the elevation gain is more gradual, and there is ample time to familiarize oneself to the climate. A trek is to one of the last remaining immaculate Himalayan wilderness. Click here for detailed itinerary [ Check out the detailed itinerary here ]

2. Zanskar Frozen River Trek Chadar Trek Area: Ladakh Himalaya Altitude: 3850 mts Duration: 13 Days Season: Mid January to February Grade: Moderate to Challenging Walking on the ice-covered river of Zanskar is an ultimate experience for adventure freaks that are keen to do trekking in the Indian Himalayas. This trek is also named as Chadar trek, which means blanket. Spring water prevents this icy blanket from completely smothering the river, which in some places, retains its rapids; all the more awesome in temperature of -25 to –30 degrees. The trek goes by shuffling along the Chadar that breaks and changes color on the river every few hours! A magnificent and at times challenging trek, with opportunities to relish ancient Buddhist monasteries and secluded villages nestled in the depths of the deep gorges valley of Trans Zanskar ranges. At places, the Chadar (ice sheet) does not form over the river. Then, the trekkers have to forge a new trail trekking over snow-covered banks to move down to a spot on the Zanskar river, where the ice is more stable. What sets this trek apart is its matchless experience. Everything about it is exceptional: the panorama, atmosphere, the frozen river, caves, unusual campsites, sledges and the ever changing Chadar. [ Check out the detailed itinerary here ]

3. The Sources of Ganges “Gomukh Tapovan Trek” gomukh-tapovan-trek1 Area: Garhwal Himalaya Altitude: 4465 mts Duration: 12 Days Season: May to October Grade: Moderate The trek along the holy Bhagirathi River takes the tourist right up to the source of the river that is commonly known as Goumukh, Cow’s at the base of the Gangotri glacier. The camp at Tapovan offers some of the rarest sites in Himalayas i.e. the view of eight enthralling peaks- Bhagirathi I, II, III, Mt. Shivling, Chaturangi, Meru Parvat, Bhirgupanth and Sudharsan. Many other peaks providing full view of the Gangotri Glacier are also the alluring part of this trek. Goumukh Tapovan trek can however be undertaken by novices with good health also. Tapovan is huge meadows where tourists can do camping. Many elating peaks of the Garhwal Himalaya confine Tapovan, a green verdant region. Herds of the blue mountain goats ‘Bharals’ are a common scene here. [ Check out the detailed itinerary here ]

4. Classical Markha Valley Trek markha-valley-trek1 Area: Ladakh Himalaya Altitude: 5150 mts Duration: 12 Days Season: Mid June to Mid October Grade: Moderate One of the most famous in Ladakh, this trek traverse mountain passes to remote villages and monastic settlements in the tremendously lit lunar scenery of the Markha Valley. The trek route passes through monasteries to the pale alpine meadows of Nimaling in the silhouette of Kang Yatze Peak. From this point, trail ascends to the Kongmaru La (the highest point on the trek) with its imposing views of the Karakorum and K2. A tourist can expect accommodation in the parachute tents at most of the villages on the route, thus making this trek know as a ‘tea house trek’. Apart from the outstanding contrast of trekking in a cold desert valley, tourists also get an arresting view of Zanskar and Ladakh ranges, the Kang Yatze (21,000 ft) and Stok Kangri (20,086 ft). The route takes the trekker inside a beautiful Hemis National Park and involves two passes, Ganda La and Kongmaru La. Some exhilarating waist-deep crossing sections of Markha River to trails that go across the fascinating Buddhist villages and rocky gorges are the major features that provide this trek a unique fervor. [ Check out the detailed itinerary here ]

5. Trans Zanskar “Darcha to Lamayuru Trek” darcha-lamayuru-trek Area: Ladakh Himalaya Altitude: 5090 mts Duration: 25 Days Season: Mid June to Mid October Grade: Challenging Amongst a knotted loop of jagged mountains, lies a rocky and mesmerizing land – Zanskar. Sandwiched between the Lahaul Valley and the major peaks of the Indian Himalayas, this secluded and inaccessible setting is well protected by snowy mountain passes. It has kept alive an ancient form of Tibetan Buddhism, which add-ons in the series of far-flung monasteries, the majority of which occupies amazing fortified spots, high on rocky ridges in remote valleys. On the way, the visitors get to visit some ancient monasteries spectacularly built on rough hillsides and also stop and meet the welcoming Zanskari people. Charming villages, high verdant meadows, some crystal clear springs, gleaming snow dressed mountains and the beauty of the isolated landscape make a perfect platform for one of the most exciting tours. [ Check out the detailed itinerary here ]

6. The Lord Curzon Trail “Kuari Pass Trek” kauri-pass-trek1 Area: Garhwal Himalaya Altitude: 4268 mts Duration: 10 Days Season: Mid April to June and September to November Grade: Moderate Well-liked among the trekkers worldwide, Kuari Pass Trek offers startling vistas of the snow capped peaks of the Greater Himalayan Range. Also named as Lord Curzon’s trail, this trek goes through the lush valleys, thick forests and small villages. On reaching Kuari Pass, the trekker is rewarded with panoramic views of the magnificent peaks of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Hathi-Ghodi Parvat and Dronagiri. [ Check out the detailed itinerary here ]

7. Pin Parvati Pass Trek pin-parvati-pass-trek Area: Himachal Pradesh Altitude: 5335 mts Duration: 18 Days Season: Mid June to Mid October Grade: Challenging Pin Parvati Pass trek falls in tough treks as one has to walk over the glaciers in the Parvati Valley in Kullu and Pin Valley in Spiti. Starting from Manikaran, this trek passes through several villages as well as breathtaking mountains, verdant meadows and stunning lakes. As the trekker treks upstream of Parvati river, he comes across the glaciers. Before reaching the Spiti Valley, one has to travel through the Pin Parvati Pass, which is the highest point of this trek. Tourist explores Spiti Valley and its monasteries before going back to Manali through Kaza and Rohtang Pass. [ Check out the detailed itinerary here ]

8. Nanda Devi East BC and Milam Glacier Trek Nanda-Devi-East-BC-and-Mila Area: Kumaon Himalaya Altitude: 4670 mts Duration: 18 Days Season: May to Mid October Grade: Moderate to Challenging This is a wonderful trek in Kumaon Himalayas explores the fascinating Nanda Devi East Base Camp and astounding Milam Glacier. Kumaon Himalaya is an eye-catching area of the Indian Himalayas, bordering to the western end of Nepal and consists of the famous mountain of Nanda Devi (7,816m). This part of the Himalaya fascinated many of the eminent explorers and mountaineers with the majority of them trying to open the clandestine of approaching Nanda Devi. This trek trails the Gori Ganga ravine to the village of Milam and then goes to the East Base Camp of elating Nanda Devi. The trail enters one of the most impressive mountain areas of the Himalayas nearby Nanda Devi and the adjoining peaks, this landscape combined with the mesmerizing historical background of the area make it one of the best treks in India. [ Check out the detailed itinerary here ]

9. In The Shadow of Blue Sheep “Dzongri – Goecha La Trek” Dzongri Trek Area: Sikkim Himalaya Altitude: 4940 mts Duration: 12 Days Season: Mid March to June and September to Mid November Grade: Moderate Goecha La Trek is done in the alluring land of Sikkim. The Goecha La trek takes the tourist up-close for a fabulous view of the great Kanchenjunga amidst a splendid vista of the other lesser Himalayan giants within its range. This trek is an extension of the Dzongri trek. Trekking beyond the meadows of Dzongri is an awe-inspiring raw adventure, where the tourist is taken into the monarchy of towering mountain peaks straight above and the camp is set amidst the sight of high mountain glaciers. [ Check out the detailed itinerary here ]

10. The Shepherd Trail Trek The-Shepherd-Trail-Trek Area: Himachal Pradesh Altitude: 4450 mts Duration: 18 Days Season: Mid April to June and September to November Grade: Moderate The Shepherds trail is known for the distant and secluded villages, which is open only four to five months in a year. The Shepherd’s trail trek crosses over the Dhauladhar mountain ranges. ‘Hanuman Ka Tibba’ or ‘White Mountain’ (5,639/18,500 ft), located just behind Dharamshala town, is the highest peak in the range. The trail to this un spoilt area begins from the outskirts of Manali and ends at shepherd’s village of Bara Bhangal, situated on the banks of the Ravi, one of the main rivers flowing out of these mountains. The sparkling shrubs of Birch and Rhododendron pave the way to the pass after which a descent directs to an exquisite walk through the verdant forests and over the debris of glaciers. The above-mentioned trekking tours in India guarantee a complete adventure trip in the Himalayan foothills. These destinations are just perfect for the adventure enthusiasts planning for adventure holidays!

Planning Your Tours Visit Best time to visit? The Loire Valley climate is relatively cool all year round. June to August is peak season for a reason, but the small city is an extremely popular tourist destination for its size. If you don't mind wrapping up warm in the evenings, then you might want to visit at either end of summer, when it won't be quite as busy! How many days? Sightseers will love the landmarks in and around Tours, but they do require a fair amount of travelling between the city and its surrounding towns. Book a week (give or take a day or two) and don't try cramming too much into your daily itineraries! Good to Know Language French Currency Euro (€) Time Zone UTC (+01:00) Country Code +33 Best time to visit Fewer tourists but chillier evenings can be found from September through May.

Travel Guide

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Home to the highest peaks on the planet, the Himalayas begin in Pakistan stretching across India, Bhutan and Nepal until reaching China in the east. This is a majestic landscape of mountains, deep valleys and glaciers, dominated by Mount Everest (otherwise known as Sagarmatha in Nepali) at 8,848m above sea level. The country most closely identified with the Himalayas is Nepal, home to eight of the world’s 10 highest peaks, including Everest. Since the first successful ascent by Sherpa Tenzing and Sir Edmund Hillary more than 60 years ago, there have been thousands of attempts at the world’s highest mountain. But in 2015 — a year overshadowed by the April 25th earthquake — it was the first time in over 40 years that there was no successful summiting of Everest. The earthquake destroyed villages, and triggered landslides and avalanches across the country; the death toll exceeded 8,000 and thousands more were injured. But with the country’s good-value range of accommodation standards and easy access to the mountains from its capital, Kathmandu, tourist arrivals will, in time, recover. Until then it is a good moment to visit because trails will be quieter than normal and visitors will receive a very warm reception by supporting the country in its hour of need. Another good-value Himalayas destination is India, which also boasts mighty mountains, an array of traditional festivals and fervent religious rituals. India has three significant mountainous regions: Ladakh, the largest district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir; the undersung area of Kumaon in Uttarakhand, and the former Buddhist kingdom of Sikkim in the shadow of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak. Paid content Where the World's Billionaires Live Where the World's Billionaires Live Mansion Global by Dow Jones 1 Million People Have Switched To This New Way To Read 1 Million People Have Switched To This New Way To Read Blinkist Magazine Recommended by • Explore more from our Trip of a Lifetime series The Himalayan range is not all mountain climbingThe Himalayas is most closely associated with Nepal Photo: Fotolia/AP The most exclusive destination in the Himalayas is Bhutan. A high tourist tax here – an attempt to retain Bhutan’s strong national identity and traditional values – has kept mass tourism out and closed the door to budget-conscious backpackers; there is a minimum daily spend of more than a hundred pounds per day, as well as various tourist levies. The king has banned mountaineering in Bhutan out of respect for the deities said to live among the country’s peaks, although high-altitude treks, such as the challenging Snowman Trek, are still possible. Finally to the bookends of the Himalayas – Pakistan and Tibet – at the western and eastern ends, respectively. Not many visitors consider either destination, deterred by security risks in Pakistan (see gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/pakistan for the latest Foreign Office advice) and by travel restrictions in China, which have been tightened in recent years. Yet both regions are home to some spectacular high-altitude trekking routes and enriching cultural experiences. When to travel The Himalayas cover a vast area but in general the best months to visit are late October until early May, depending on the exact location and altitude of the trek. An exception is Ladakh, where tourist facilities are only open between May and September. Prayer flags line a trek in the HimalayasPrayer flags line a trekking route in the Himalayas Photo: Fotolia/AP How to book There are several key entry points to the Himalayas, including Kathmandu, Delhi, Islamabad (Pakistan), Paro (Bhutan) and Lhasa (Tibet). No airlines fly directly from Britain to Kathmandu; Qatar Airways operates via Doha; Jet Airways and Air India via Delhi; Etihad via Abu Dhabi and Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, among others. From London to Kathmandu, the average flight is around 12 hours, plus connecting time, with return fares starting from approximately £500. UK passport-holders require visas to visit Nepal, India, China, Pakistan and Bhutan. Packages It makes a lot of sense to use a reputable tour operator to organise a trekking holiday in the Himalayas. It is safer to trek in a group with an experienced guide and support crew. On a budget World Expeditions (0800 0744 135; worldexpeditions.co.uk) has been operating in the Himalayas for more than 40 years; its most popular trip is the 18-day Everest Base Camp & Kala Pattar with 14 days of trekking staying at a combination of comfortable eco-lodges and fixed eco-style campsites, from £1,390, including internal flights, all meals on the trek, all park entrance fees and trekking permits, guide and trekking staff, as well as camping equipment (sleeping bag, sleeping mat, kit bag and down jacket) and a portable altitude chamber. Village Ways (01223 750049; villageways.com) has a 16-night Complete Himalayan trip guiding guests through India’s Uttarakhand state on the border of Tibet. This trip encompasses eight days’ walking with accommodation at community-owned guesthouses (with one night in a tented camp) in the Binsar Sanctuary, Saryu and Pindar valleys. From £1,048 per person in a party of four including transfers to/from Delhi, all meals in the villages, guiding and porterage. The sun sets over the HimalayasThe sun sets over the Himalayas Photo: Fotolia/AP KE Adventure Travel (017687 73966, keadventure.com) have been offering trekking holidays in Nepal for 30 years. Their 13-day Annapurna Panorama Lodge Trek includes trekking to Poon Hill and Ghorepani, from £1,995, including international and internal flights, transfers, 5 nights in hotels and 7 nights in lodges, all meals, guide and support crew, hire of a sleeping bag and down jacket, and sightseeing in Pokhara and Kathmandu. The Great Himalaya Trail (thegreathimalayatrail.org) is an evolving network of trails covering 4,500km across Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan. World Expeditions (see above) offers the entire 1,700km (1,056-mile) Nepal section of this route, which takes 152 days and costs from £17,990 per person. The trail can be broken down into seven shorter sections, which involve trekking in challenging conditions (remote areas, variable weather) to moderate mountaineering. In style Wild Frontiers (020 7736 3968; wildfrontierstravel.com) offers a number of Pakistan departures including Pakistan Summer Mountain Festival Explorer, a 21-day group tour visiting Chitral and the Valleys of the Kalash, Hunza and Skardu, from £2,750 (excluding international flights). Audley Travel (01993 838 320; audleytravel.com) have an 11-day Bhutan in Style trip, from £7,635 per person including two nights at Amankora Thimpu and 5 nights at Amankora Paro with walks from Punakha and Paro, the climb to Tiger's Nest Monastery and a day at Cheli La pass. Prayer flags are a common feature across NepalPrayer flags are a common feature across Nepal Photo: Fotolia/AP The Ultimate Travel Company (020 3051 8098; theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk) offer a 15-day trek in the Annapurna foothills using four Ker & Downey lodges, with approximately five hours’ walk between each property, and two nights at Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge, from £2,470 per person, including international flights, an English-speaking guide and ex-Ghurkha porters, all meals, drinks and private transfers. Shakti Himalaya (020 3151 5177; shaktihimalaya.com) operates private journeys for parties of one to six people into the Indian Himalayas. Their Shakti Sikkim tour is a private five-night village-to-village hiking experience (available from October 1-April 20) from £2,200 per person on a fully inclusive basis (excluding international and domestic flights). Side trips All the key gateway cities to the Himalayas are worth spending a few days in. The Kathmandu Valley has one of the world’s densest collections of World Heritage Sites; there was some damage caused by the earthquake but that is not a reason to avoid this region, which is rich in traditions and temples. Chitwan National Park is an excellent safari destination for rhino and tigers. The Ultimate Travel Company (see above) can organise a two-day trip to Chitwan and two days rafting, on the back of five days trekking, from £2,845 per person including international flights. Shey Phoksundo National Park in the northwest of the country is home to the elusive snow leopard, blue sheep and Himalayan black bears. • Where in the world has the most World Heritage sites For travellers flying into Delhi, the Taj Mahal and Rajasthan are popular side-trips. Up in the north, Wild Frontiers (see above) has an 11-day Kashmir: Garden of the Mogul Kings group tour, which includes a four-night side-trip on a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake in Srinagar and a three-day river journey, from £1,895 (excluding international flights). Another option is to tie in the dates with a traditional festival, such as the Hemis Tse Chu festival in Ladakh, a celebration of good over evil. Cox & Kings (020 3642 0861; coxandkings.co.uk) offers a 14-day tailor-made trip, Ladakh: Land of the Lamas combining Delhi, Leh and the Numbra Valley, from £4,495 per person, including international flights, transfers and accommodation on a half-board basis (including 8 nights in luxurious tented campsites). This year’s trip is 10th-23rd July to coincide with the festival on 14th-15th July. The Hawa Mahal Palace in Jaipur, RajasthanThe Hawa Mahal Palace in Jaipur, Rajasthan Photo: Fotolia/AP Tactics When comparing trekking operators, pay attention to what is included. Not all provide meals and some supply camping equipment. Choose a trip that builds in acclimatisation time. Inquire about the experience of the guide(s) and the support crew, as well as their training in mountain medicine. Camping treks are often recommended over “tea house” treks because they provide more employment for local porters and have a better reputation when it comes to hygiene. There is a useful search engine on the Great Himalaya Trail website, which compares different treks and suggests the best times to travel. See greathimalayatrail.com/findTrek.php. Before you go Check for Foreign and Commonwealth Office updates on your destination (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/). There is post-earthquake advice on Nepal, as well as more recent warnings about strikes in the country and fuel shortages. Make sure your insurance covers you for your intended activity, including travel above 3,000m, mountain rescue services and helicopter costs. Lonely Planet (shop.lonelyplanet.com) has a new Nepal guide in print (£17.99) or as an electronic version (£12.49), as well as a new edition of ‘Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya’ in print (£14.99) and electronically (£10.49), which has a comprehensive listing of tea houses, lodges and camp sites. The Rough Guide to Nepal (£17.99) covers all the national parks, and includes an update on safety. Robin Boustead’s Nepal Trekking and the Great Himalaya Trail (£14.99) showcases the newest trekking areas and has extensive planning sections. Other recommended reading includes Peter Matthiessen’s The Snow Leopard about a two-month expedition in the Seventies with naturalist George Schaller. There is also Tibet, Tibet by Patrick French; The Tibetan Book of the Dead with a commentary by the Dalai Lama; and The Psychedelic Experience by Timothy Leary and Ralph Metzner, a reinterpretation of the Tibetan Buddhist text. Trekkers may be daunted and inspired by Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air, his account of a Mount Everest trek that goes catastrophically wrong. Tips Get fit. Choose a trek that suits your ability. Do not trek alone. Stay hydrated and look out for symptoms of altitude sickness. Take note of weather conditions and forecasts, and come prepared. More here: mountain-forecast.com/weather_maps/ The majesty of the HimalayasThe majesty of the Himalayas Photo: Fotolia/AP Stick to trails and use recognised camp sites. Pack in, pack out (never leave any litter) For guidelines on the tipping of trekking guides and support staff, ask your trekking company as amounts vary from country to country. Be generous; a few extra pounds can make a big difference to these employees. Do not encourage begging by giving money or sweets to children. Many tour operators have links to NGOs and offer alternative ways of supporting local communities. What to take/pack Several layers of clothing Numerous pairs of socks Good-quality trekking boots Handwarmers, under-gloves and mittens Trekking poles Gaiters 40 litre daypack (with raincover) Sleeping mat Head torch and spare batteries Sunglasses with good UV protection Sun cream, lip salve and hat Blister care/plasters Wet wipes and tissues Pocket knife/multi-bladed tool Watch with altimeter/GPS Emergency blanket Water bottles Snacks (energy bars, nuts) Dry sacks (e.g. this one from Osprey) and freezer bags Binoculars