Trekking and hiking in India

It’s easy to understand India’s appeal as a hiking destination – this huge nation holds an immense variety of landscapes. From the towering mountains in the north, offering challenging multi-day treks at serious altitudes; to the tropics of the south for enticing day-hike options.

There are three major areas which are particularly attractive and well set up for trekking: the Himalayan region in the north; the Western Ghats in the south; and northeastern regions such as Sikkim and Meghalaya. However, most regions of India have something to offer the hiker, with plenty of milder trekking routes for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. 

Read on as we explain some of our favorite places to go trekking in India, which we’ve compiled with the help of our local India experts.

Is India a good hiking destination?

Absolutely, India is an excellent hiking destination. One of the most enticing reasons to plan a hiking trip to India is the chance to get a close up view of daily life wherever you are walking. Explore remote villages where the welcome is often warm and generous; discover how rural life unfolds in some of India’s most impressive areas, and marvel at the ever changing scenery. Taking part in homestays and village tours with the help of your personal guide gives you unrivalled opportunities to get to know local people in these regions of India, and understand more about their community.

When it comes to hiking in India, some of the most renowned treks are long and challenging, and require some prior altitude experience, but there are less taxing options available too. No matter your abilities, so long as you bring enthusiasm and the right walking boots, India has plentiful routes to capture your imagination. 

Trekking and hiking in Ladakh

With its otherworldly landscapes, high-altitude passes and serene Buddhist monasteries, Ladakh (in the north of India) is a trekker’s paradise, with some of the most breathtaking and remote trails in the Indian Himalayas. This area of high altitude desert is fairly inhospitable terrain, but the sense of wilderness and remoteness is truly energizing. The scenery has a barren beauty, cut through with river valleys and divided by high passes. The trekking infrastructure here is comprehensive and there are lots of options to choose from – just make sure you allow time in your itinerary to acclimatize to the altitude before setting off into the high peaks. Here are some specific Ladakh treks for you to consider:

Markha Valley Trek

One of India’s most celebrated routes requires around a week to complete, and like many Ladakh treks, Leh is the start and end point. On this stunning but challenging hike, you will encounter emerald green irrigated fields on the valley floors, supplying local communities with crops – as well as isolated monasteries where you can see the monks in their colorful clothing. Enjoy the fabulous views over the highest peaks of the mountain range as you make your way through the peaceful Markha Valley.

Chadar Trek

An epic wintertime hike of around nine days, this trail follows the frozen Zanskar river through its gorge, echoing the journeys monks have made for many centuries along the frozen edges of the river, one of the only routes available during the winter in this remote region. It’s not a trek to be undertaken lightly as it poses fairly extreme physical challenges. Days spent walking on ice alongside an ice cold river can be arduous and risky, though the element of risk it what makes it such an adventure. Camping on the riverside each night is another challenge, as nighttime temperatures can drop to minus twenty (Celsius) at times. Day times are also cold, normally around minus ten.

Trekking and hiking in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand’s hiking is spectacular, often called the ‘Land of the Gods’ blends Himalayan beauty with spiritual heritage. With lush valleys, glacial lakes, and ancient pilgrimage routes, there are walking routes for all abilities. 

Valley of Flowers Trek

One of India’s most famous easy-to-moderate treks, the Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO-listed site known for its blooming alpine meadows. The trek is best done between July and September, when the valley bursts into color with thousands of rare flowers – blue poppies, primulas, orchids, and cobra lilies carpet the valley, creating a beautifully dreamlike setting. The trek is around 38 km (24 miles) round trip, starting from Govindghat, with a stop at Ghangaria, the base village. It’s a fantastic option for travelers looking for a stunning yet manageable multi-day trek.

Har Ki Dun Trek

A moderate trek that offers a blend of nature, mythology and history, Har Ki Dun takes you through the pristine valleys of the Garwhal Himalayas. Wander through remote Garhwali villages, where life has remained unchanged for centuries, and get to know the locals. You’ll pass through dense pine and deodar forests, gushing rivers and terraced fields, all while being surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks like Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch.  This trek is ideal for those who love cultural experiences as much as the scenery.

Trekking and hiking in Kerala

With its steamy tropical climate, characterful backwaters, gorgeous beaches and verdant hills, Kerala ticks a lot of boxes on the holiday wish list. It’s easy to combine some cultural immersion and seaside with hiking here, as trails are easily accessible and tend to be short enough to tackle in a single day. All that walking will help work up an appetite for some of India’s most wonderful food which can be found in Kerala.

Munnar tea trails

The hill station of Munnar in Kerala was founded on the tea industry, and today it makes one of the most scenic destinations in Kerala, with impressive peaks all around. It would be a shame to travel out here and miss the chance to see the tea plantations up close, so what better way to get close to the action than to take a hike through the surrounding tea estates. An undulating sea of springy green tea bushes greets you, and once you have seen enough and breathed in the scent of fresh tea leaves, you can then hike through meadows and the Shola forest.

Meesapulimala trekking and hiking

Picture verdant valleys carving through the hill country of the border between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the trails crossing tinkling streams surrounded by hillsides swathed in colorful rhododendrons. This is what you can expect on the Meesapulimala Peak Trek, a great showcase of the local landscape which also includes opportunities to visit atmospheric tea estates to explore the plantations, see the processing of the leaves and of course sample a pot of delicious tea. Situated in the Idukki district of Kerala, this Meesapulimala hike weaves among eight hills, crossing into Tamil Nadu in places but always retaining those awe inspiring views.

Make it happen

Don’t forget that all TravelLocal’s trips are tailor made, so you don’t need to worry about the level of walking because your Indian hiking itinerary will be designed exclusively for you. Our local experts in India can help you plan your holiday to ensure it takes exactly the shape you want.