From the majestic Himalayas to the scenic Western Ghats, India's diverse mountain ranges and breathtaking landscapes offer a plethora of thrilling adventures and opportunities to connect with nature.
Sputnik India brings to you some of the top mountain treks that are a major tourist attraction and offer a unique opportunity to witness the grandeur of India's sky-high ecosystems and support conservation efforts.
Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand
The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand state is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous as one of the most picturesque treks in India. It is known for its vibrant meadows adorned with a wide range of rare, colorful Himalayan flora and snow-capped peaks.
At 38 km and with a total altitude of 4,300 meters, it can be done in six days.
This easy-moderate trek begins from Govindghat village and takes you through a captivating journey of dense forests, gushing rivers, and charming villages, ultimately leading to the enchanting Valley of Flowers.
Along the way, trekkers can spot various species of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Kedarkantha Peak in Uttarakhand
The trek to Kedarkantha Peak is a popular winter trek in Uttarakhand. Taking you to a height of 3,800 meters above sea level, the four-to-six-day walk leaves and returns from Sankri village.
It is a relatively easy to moderate trek of 18 to 20 km which offers an unforgettable view of snow-covered pine forests, frozen lakes, encountering local villages, camping under the starry night sky, and magnificent Himalayan peaks.
Har Ki Dun - Ruinsara Tal in Uttarakhand
The Har Ki Dun-Ruinsara Tal trek in Uttarakhand is said to be the gateway to heaven that takes trekkers to the mesmerizing valleys in the Garhwal Himalayas, also known as the "Valley of Gods”.
The trek covers a distance of approximately 53 to 64 km and a climb of a maximum altitude of 3,600 meters.
This easy-to-moderate trek takes around seven to nine days to complete, providing an immersive experience in the heart of the mountains.
The trek is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including rare wildlife and beautiful flora, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventurers.
Tarsar Marsar in Jammu and Kashmir
The Tarsar Marsar trek offers a rare opportunity to delve into the untouched splendor of the Kashmir Valley.
The trek explores two high-altitude alpine lakes - Tarsar and Marsar lakes situated at an altitude of 3,800 meters - and a total of 48 km that can be covered in seven to nine days.
The Tarsar Marsar trail within Dachigam National Park is abundant with lush meadows, crystal-clear rivers, and captivating mountains and valleys.
Stok Kangri in Ladakh
Situated at an altitude of 6,150 meters, Stok Kangri is the highest trekkable peak in India.
The trek takes nine days to complete and covers a distance of 40 km.
This challenging trek rewards you with panoramic views of the Ladakh and Zanskar ranges. The stunning landscapes, snow-covered trails, and the thrill of summiting a peak make this trek a memorable experience.
Hampta Pass in Himachal Pradesh
The Hampta Pass trek is a moderate-level trek of about 35 km that combines the stunning landscapes of the Kullu and Lahaul valleys.
The trek offers a mix of lush green meadows, barren landscapes, and snow-covered peaks.
Located at an altitude of 4,300 meters above sea level on the Pir Panjal range in Himachal Pradesh, the Hampta Pass trek got its name from the Hampta village which comes on the trail to the pass.
Sandakphu in West Bengal
The Sandakphu trek, also known as "Trekkers Wonderland", is famous for offering the best views of the world's highest peaks - Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.
At an altitude of 3,640 meters, the summit provides panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range that makes a formation of sleeping Buddha.
This moderate-to-difficult level trek covers 68 km and can be covered in seven days.
Goechala Trek in Sikkim
The Dzongri-Goechala trek in Sikkim is a moderate-to-difficult trek at an altitude of 4,600 meters and can be covered in 10 days.
This captivating trek takes you through breathtaking tea garden landscapes and peaks, including lush rhododendron forests and charming Sikkimese villages.
The Goechala trek is famous for its spectacular sunrise on the world's third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga range.
Samiti Lake is another big attraction on the Goechala trek where one can view the reflection of Mt Pandim in still waters.
Kudremukh in Karnataka
Kudremukh trek is said to appear like a knight in chess and is the third highest peak in Karnataka after Mullayanagiri and Bababudangiri.
It is situated at an altitude of 1,900 meters and a total of 20 km trek that can be covered in a day.
The trek takes one through the lush green landscapes of the Western Ghats, experience diverse flora, waterfalls, and serene grasslands.
This area receives an astonishing amount of rainfall, which results in the emergence of three magnificent rivers: Tunga, Bhadra, and Netravathi.
Great Lakes Trek in Jammu and Kashmir
The Great Lakes Trek is a moderate-to-difficult level trek which is approximately 72 km long and reaches 4,200 meters of altitude that can be achieved in eight days,
The trek offers stunning views of seven beautiful lakes, each with its unique charm.
Chopta Chandrashila in Uttarakhand
For beginners, Chopta Chandrashila in Uttarakhand is said to be the best choice. Located at an altitude of 3,700 meters, this 30 km trek can be covered in five days.
The trek to Chandrashila provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. The trail is surrounded by beautiful rhododendron and deodar forests.
The trek also includes a visit to the famous Tungnath temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world.