Top 10 Himalayan Trekking Trails in India

Page Tags: Top 10 Himalayan Trekking Trails in India Published On: 18-06-2023

Since the first ascent on highest peak of Himalaya, the Himalayas has become more accessible for the trekkers. With some areas of the Himalayas are barely populated, is immense beautiful with the highest mountains, the deepest gorges, dramatic glaciers, sparkling rivers, wild forest and great biodiversity. Many travellers choose trekking to prompt stunning views, but the Himalayas has an incredibly diverse region culturally with variety of language, customs, dress, food and traditions. For those who want to combine great trekking experience with gaining an insight of local people’s life in the extraordinary region, explore wide range of Himalaya trekking holiday packages offering treks combined with other activities.

Home to the highest peaks of the planet, the Himalayas are vast stretched across India and neighbouring countries. India hists the majestic range of Himalayas and invite adventure lovers to trek and experience the unparallel mystic beauty. Some wanderers come to find new route, new experience in Indian Himalayas while some come to accomplish their dream of coming once in the wonderful destination.

With this article, we had tried to list down top 10 Himalayan treks but selection of just 10 is very difficult among all gorgeous trekking trails of Himalayas. Are you ready to endure the thrill of best Himalayan trekking trails?

Here is a compilation of famous Himalayan treks in India as per level of difficulty, trek duration and weather conditions. Summer months are ideally suitable for trekking expeditions in Himalayas but If you want to trek in snow, target trekking between November and April. And, if you are looking for a trek in spring, consider month of March or April. Some treks can be done throughout the year.

1) Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh

Duration:10 Days
Difficulty level: Moderate
Best time to do the Markha Valley Trek: June-September
Altitude: 17,200 ft

Highlights: Budhhist monasteries, Zanskar mountain’s view

In the rain shadow of the Himalaya, Ladakh boasts a very different landscape and good climate for summer trekking. Trekking in an arid, desert-like land surrounded by deep gorges and dramatic cliffs set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks is very unique trekking experience. The Markha Valley exemplify with its best scenic views and counted as Ladakh’s most popular trek. Taking approx. 10 days, it provides a superb opportunity to enjoy desolate scenes, peaceful way, river crossings & lovely villages.

Click here to Know detailed itinerary of Markha Valley Trek, price, dates

2) Chadar Trek, Ladakh
Duration:9 Days
Difficulty level: Difficult
Best time to do the Chadar Trek: January-February
Altitude: 11,150 ft
Highlights: Live the ice age dream, Trekking in icy glossy sheets, man-made ice stupas

If your aim of trekking is to conquer the adventure, go for Chadar trek, also known as Frozen River trek in Ladakh region. Walking on frozen water amidst naked mountains, clear blue skies and sensing the cool breeze on your face will be most fascinating. Theis trek is unique in nature as During winters, the captivating Zanskar River turns into a frozen river wearing a blanket of ice and waterfall converts into a standing statue of ice.

The amazing trekking trail takes you through steep canyons and amazing vistas but the trek is difficult as you need time to understand the ice pattern. Your body should be strong to face chilling air and ice in surroundings every time.

3) Brahmatal trek, Uttarakhand
Duration:6 Days
Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
Best time to do the Brahmatal Trek: December to March
Altitude: 12,250 ft
Highlights: Glimpses of new set of mountains, lake side camping

It is easy and stunning trek for fit trekkers, while can be quite moderate for beginners. Trekkers will witness enough snow and unmatched view of new set of mountains- Mt Chaukhamba, Mt Neelkanth, Mt Hathi Ghoda, Mount Nanda Ghunti & Mount Trishul. The magic lies in its lake, dense forest occupied with oaks, rhododendrons, conifer, fir and snow-capping meadows. Live your dream of sleeping on a bed made of softest thing- flakes of snow with lakeside camping during the trek.

4) Hampta pass Trek- Himachal Pradesh
Duration:6 Days
Difficulty level: Moderate
Best time to do the Hampta Pass Trek: Mid-June to September
Altitude: 14,000 ft
Highlights: Chandrataal, silver waterfalls, confluence of three mountain passes

Hampta pass trekking is very popular trek in Himachal and trekkers as it shows something magical. You will observe change in landscapes at some interval as you proceed further. Get surprised at every turn with its unpredictable terrains and abundant natural beauty. Get a huge welcome by nature’ host- vertical rock walls, chuckling streams, hanging glaciers and wide grasslands. So, get ready for a thrilling & adventure trek of Hampta pass and visit Chandrataal and confluence of three passes-Hampta, Rohtang and Spiti. Chandrataal is a special mention as its shape is very unique with changing water colour throughout the day.

5) Pin Bhabha Pass trek, Himachal Pradesh
Duration: 9 Days
Difficulty level: Difficult
Best time to do the Bhabha Pass Trek: July to September
Altitude: 16100 ft
Highlights: Pin Valley, Spiti

Pin Bhabha pass is amalgamation of Pin and Bhabha valleys representing Himalayan greenery and its aridness. In the beginning, trekkers will pass through rich forests of long height trees as pine and Oak and move to high grasslands with beautiful blossoms. For stays there are campsites near Bhabha river and lakes. As you climb on heights, vegetation gets disappearing in snow and scree. When you witness the colourful mountains- brown, red and yellow, you have arrived in Pin valley which is initial point of Spiti. The Spiti is amazingly awesome with astounding natural vibes.

Know more about Bhabha Pass Trek

6) Snow Leopard Trek, Ladakh
Duration:12 Days
Difficulty level: Difficult
Best time to do the Snow Leopard Trek: December to March
Altitude: 12,200 ft
Highlights: Hemis National Park, traditional Ladakhi culture

It is one of the popular treks in winter for wildlife and adventure lovers. The trek takes you to a region where human hospitality vanishes and wide stretch of wild animals as snow leopards, blue sheep, brown bear, Tibetan wolves and Himalayan birds can be witnessed. With a visit to Most famous Hemis National Park, you will observe sheer beauty of rich flora and fauna of region. Rumbak Valley sings folklore of Ladakhi culture and traditions.

7) Parang-La Trek, Himachal Pradesh
Duration:13 Days
Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
Best time to do the Parang-La Trek: July to August
Altitude: 17,920 ft
Highlights: Lakes all along, Tso Moriri Lake

Parang-la trek is one of the difficult treks that tests the stamina of trekkers. During the trek, they have to cover larger distances upto 12 Km approx and 21 km trek to arrive pass. It is the most audacious treks in Himachal that begins in Kaza and ends in Ladakh. This trek offers most beautiful views, lake’s pristine beauty, wonderful creatures, captivating mountains. This trek is perfect to experience most of mountain trekking experience with visit to religious community, monasteries, villagers, alluring valleys and much more.

8) Har Ki Dun Trek, Uttarakhand
Duration:7 Days
Difficulty level: Difficult
Best time to do the Har ki Doon Trek: March- June, Sept-Dec
Altitude: 18,000 ft
Highlights: Fascinating views of Swargarohini group of peaks.

It is a trekking delight for trekkers as they can achieve this in winter and summer both seasons. Enriched with a variety of flora and fauna, this trek offers a stunning view of snow-capped mountains, ruled by Mount Swargarohini. Make your trip nights memorable with stay at pretty campsites. Witness the one of the most beautiful sunrises in your life. Enjoy the stargazing with spending a night under star studded sky and staying in camps. This trek is quite challenging as you have to face unpredictable rain and long hours of trekking.

9) Kashmir Great lakes trek, Jammu & Kashmir
Duration: 7 Days
Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
Best time to do the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: July to September
Altitude: 13,800 ft
Highlights: Lakes all along

The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is one of the prettiest Himalayan treks in India with bounty of beauty & adventure. Trailing through the Maple & Pine trees, you'll be exposed to a beautiful view of meadows, snow covered glaciers, barren lands filled with rocks and nearby villages downhill which includes the Sonamarg village. Trek will pass along spectacular lakes as Gadsar, Satsar, Krishnasar, Gangabal, and Vishansar. Enjoy camping and traditional Kashmiri songs alongside bonfire.

10) Dayara Bugyal Trek, Uttarakhand
Duration: 6 Days
Difficulty level: Easy
Best time to do the Dayara Bugyal Trek: May to February
Altitude: 12,000 ft
Highlights: Picturesque scenes, campsites, Snow covered meadows

Dayara Bugyal trek is the best choice for beginners as it has all the elements for a perfect trek in Himalayas with easy level of trekking. From lush green forests, short stay in ancient villages, alpine meadows and trekking amidst snow-covered highest rolling meadows, you can even go with family on this trek. The amazing vista is set against stunning canvas of Himalayan neighbours as kala Nag, Srikanth Peak and Shrikanth Mahadev. Unveil the vast expanded grasslands, alpine lakes and embrace you week along trekking trip memorable.

Concluding Thoughts

Himalaya trekking package appears challenging at every turn, besides that backpacker pack their bags to enjoy the adventure journey with tough Himalayas trekking trails. Hope this article will help you to choose the best trekking tour for you. Contact us to get the scheduled date, price and itinerary for selected trek.