India offers various kinds of trails – short, long, easy, tough; many of these hiking trails are in the north, in the Himalayas. Here, we bring to you the best hiking trails in india, including the most scenic as well as difficult hiking trails.
The Best Treks in India
- Chadar – The Frozen Zanskar River Trek (Leh, Ladakh)
- Gangotri Gomukh trek (Garhwal, Uttarakhand)
- Ladakh – Markha Valley trek (Ladakh)
- Kuari Tapovan trek (Garhwal, Uttarakhand)
- Nanda Devi trek (Garhwal Himalayas)
- Goecha La trek (Sikkim)
- Valley of Flowers (Garhwal Himalayas)
- Roopkund trek (Uttarakhand)
- Dodital trek (Garhwal, Uttarakhand)
- Stok Kangri trek (Ladakh)
Most Scenic Treks in India
Chadar Trek (Leh, Ladakh)
Its considered one of the most difficult treks in India, promarily because of the low temperatures, and the skill required to trek on the frozen Zanskar river. In summer, this river is a popular destination for whitewater rafting, but in winter, because the river freezes and the roads are covered in snow, the river is the only access route.
Stok Kangri Summit or Markha Valley, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir
Several long and short trekking trails start from Leh-Ladakh district but the Stok Kangri trek is not only among the more challenging ones, its also very beautiful. Stok Kangri, at 6,153 metres, is the highest trekking point of India (almost 70% of the height of Mount Everest). The route takes you via the beautiful Stok Village; the clear views of Ladakh Range, Zanskar Range, Indus-Markha Valley and the city of Leh are a feast for the eyes.
You need a few days of acclimatisation is recommended and good fitness levels. You will cover around 40 kilometres during this beautiful Stok Kangri Trek. This trek attracts hikers from all over the world. July to September is the best time to attempt this trek.
Difficult Treks in India
Chadar Trek (Leh, Ladakh)
Its considered one of the most difficult treks in India, promarily because of the low temperatures, and the skill required to trek on the frozen Zanskar river. In summer, this river is a popular destination for whitewater rafting, but in winter, because the river freezes and the roads are covered in snow, the river is the only access route.
Popular Treks in Maharashtra
Treks to Harishchandragad
Harishchandragad is a popular place for trekking in the Western Ghats. The exciting hike takes you to a max altitude 4665 ft (peak of HARISHCHANDRA GAD).
There are several organizers who organize treks to Harishchandragad, of various difficulty levels.
Most treks to Harishchandra gad are overnight. You reach near the cave area at night and you sleep there for a few hours before beginning the trek the next day morning.
The view from the top is very good. And the poha and the tea you get at the ground level (base camp), before the trek starts is just too good.
Max Altitude : 4665 ft
Base : Pachnai
The Harishchandragad fort is quite ancient. The various Puranas (ancient scriptures) like Matsyapurana, Agnipurana and Skandapurana include many references about Harishchandragad. Its origin is said to have been in the 6th century, during the rule of Kalachuri dynasty. The citadel was built during this era. Remnants of Microlithic man have been discovered here.
The various caves probably have been carved out in the 11th century. In these caves are idols of Lord Vishnu. Though the cliffs are named Taramati and Rohidas, they are not related to Ayodhya. Great sage Changdev (one who created the epic Tatvasaar), used to meditate here in the 14th century. The caves are from the same period.
The various constructions on the fort and those existing the surrounding region point to the existence of diverse cultures here. The carvings on the temples of Nageshwar (in Khireshwar village), in the Harishchandreshwar temple and in the cave of Kedareshwar indicate that the fort belongs to the medieval period, since it is related to mahadeva as a totem of tribes Mahadev Koli; they were controlling the fort before Moguls. Later the fort was under the control of Moguls. The Marathas captured it in 1747.
Things to Carry on a Trek
- Carry extra Pair of Cloths and Towel
- Some ready to eat food. Plum cakes, Biscuits etc.
- Bottle of water (atleast 2 Ltrs)
- Good Hiking or Trekking shoes
- A Haversack or a Rucksack bag to put in all the things to be carried so that one has ones hands free while trekking.
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