India offers boundless opportunities for the budding climber in you who is looking to make a mark on the climbing scene, or perhaps you are just contemplating a getaway from the soul-crushing monotony of everyday life, or maybe you just want to get some memorable shots of yourself against a picturesque backdrop. The country is peppered with mountainous terrains and hilly regions that facilitate selecting a site for your next exciting expedition, a piece of cake. Keeping this in mind, we have narrowed the list down to the 10 most popular and beginner-friendly trekking places in India to add to your bucket list and get rolling.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” – Sun Tzu. These words are ingrained within every climber in the trekking community. As you prepare for the long road ahead, take this philosophy to heart. Every great explorer – Sir Edmund Hilary, Tenzing Norgay, Nims Da – had to start on their arduous ascent from zero. Popular Trekking Places In India For Beginners
Table of Contents
1. Brahmatal Trek
The Brahmatal trek named after lord ‘Brahma’, is a precious jewel to be added to your collection. The heavenly view of Mt Trishul and Mt Nandaghunti – probably the two most beautiful mountains in India – in the distance serves as a reminder that the journey is worth the effort. This trek is one of the most popular in India, mainly because of the rich experience it has to offer not only to beginners, but to seasoned pros as well.
Trek Info
Train Terminal: Rishikesh
Airport: Jolly Grant (Dehradun)
State: Uttarakhand
Travel Season: Winter (Nov – Mar)
2. Har Ki Dun Trek
Partake in a journey through the trail which, per the epic Mahabharata, was taken by the legendary ‘Pandavas’ in their ascent to heaven. Now, we cannot guarantee whether the path will indeed lead to the heavens, but we vouch that the experience will be out-of-this-world. When it comes to what the journey offers, well, let’s just say that, this is one of the most comprehensive treks for a beginner in India to add to their list.
Trek Info
Train Terminal: Dehradun
Airport: Jolly Grant (Dehradun)
State: Uttarakhand
Travel Season: Summer(May – Jun), Autumn (Sep – Nov)
3. Buran Ghati Trek
The Buran Ghati trek packs in all the magnificence of what a trek should be and weaves them into a single thrilling trail. Witness the glories of the ancient way of life when you come across the village of Janglik at the start of the trek. Moving ahead each step will enlighten you with views that will urge the adventurer in you to continue.
Trek Info
Train Terminal: Kalka
Airport: Jubbarhatti (Shimla)
State: Himachal Pradesh
Travel Season: Summer(Apr – Jun), Autumn (Sep – Nov)
4. Valley of Flowers Trek
Valley of Flowers trek is perhaps the most popular and sought-after destination for any travel junkie not only in India but throughout the rest of the world. If you are curious as to what to add to your trekking to-do list, look no further and note down the Valley of Flowers. Throughout the trail, your senses will be at the receiving end of an onslaught of natural wonders – waterfalls, forests, birds and flowers. The expedition takes place at a dominating height of 3,600m and the valley has the glorious honour of being recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. When you witness this picturesque view, capture and hold it forever, to share its undiluted beauty with your loved ones.
Trek Info
Train Terminal: Rishikesh
Airport: Jolly Grant (Dehradun)
State: Uttarakhand
Travel Season: Monsoon(Jul – Sep)
5. Hampta Pass Trek
For a newcomer to the world of trekking, the experience of the Hampta Pass trek is regarded as one of the most thrilling ones they can take. Nestled in the mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh, the trek reveals all the splendours of the mighty Himalayas. The trail is populated with enchanting sights of flowers, forest, snow-cover peaks and never-ending meadows. The Hampta Pass is considered to be a cousin of the Valley of Flowers and shadows the latter only in terms of its altitude (14,100 ft).
Trek Info
Train Terminal: Pathankot
Airport: Bhuntar (Manali)
State: Himachal Pradesh
Travel Season: Monsoon(Jul – Aug)
6. Kedarkantha Trek
The Kedarkantha trek is an adventurous and exhilarating journey for the beginner. This trek offers three things: snow, snow and more snow. The ascent poses quite a challenge for those fresh legs, but tread on and the sense of accomplishment, once you conquer the summit, will be yours forever. You can even boast of your endeavour with your friends and family by capturing your achievements and immortalising them in elegant photo books.
Trek Info
Train Terminal: Dehradun
Airport: Jolly Grant (Dehradun)
State: Uttarakhand
Travel Season: All Year
7. Sandakphu Trek
Sandakphu trek aka ‘Trekkers Wonderland’, offers travellers the unique opportunity to visually witness some of the mightiest peaks of the world – four of them, including the mighty Mt. Everest – in all their grandeur. This trek tackles the mountains of the Eastern Himalayan range in the district of Darjeeling. The British Raj, who was so overwhelmed by the beauty, decided to grant the title of ‘The Queen of the Hills’ to this region. If you are a newcomer to trekking, tread lightly and take your time.
Trek Info
Train Terminal: New Jalpaiguri
Airport: Bagdogra (Darjeeling)
State: West Bengal
Travel Season: Winter (Nov – Mar), Summer (Apr – Jun)
8. Kuari Pass Trek
For every beginner in the world of trekking, one of the must-do activities is to witness the spectacle of Mt. Nanda Dev – the highest mountain in India. This trek offers just that and more. The Kauri Pass trek is the ideal trek for a beginner, showcasing splendid views of oak, rhododendrons, and birch forests and onward in the trail the path opens up to lush meadows. The traveller will be accompanied by the eye-pleasing views of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers on their journey.
Trek Info
Train Terminal: Rishikesh
Airport: Jolly Grant (Dehradun)
State: Uttarakhand
Travel Season: Winter (Nov – Mar)
9. Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
The Gaumukh trek is one of the most soul-enriching treks in India. It is a moderately difficult trek that can easily be tackled by beginners, the journey takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery of the Greater Himalayas, in the state of Uttarakhand. The trek starts at Gangotri, which is the source of the River Ganga and ends at Gaumukh, which is the mouth of the glacier. This trek is perfect for beginners because the difficulty is not too challenging and the views are breathtaking.
Trek Info
Train Terminal: Rishikesh
Airport: Jolly Grant (Dehradun)
State: Uttarakhand
Travel Season: Summer(Nov – Mar), Autumn(Sep – Nov)
10. Triund Trek
The Triund trek is probably the easiest and most popular trail for a beginner in India. The gradient of the ascent can easily be negotiated by the still-developing feet of an inexperienced climber. The expedition starts at Dharamkot – other starting locations can also be selected – and makes its way across waterfalls, meadows and forests before coming to an end at the Triund campsite. The spectacular view of the colossal Dhauladhar range becomes visible right at the onset of the journey. The climax of this adventure is the gorgeous sunset that stretches across the depths of the sky.
Trek Info
Train Terminal: Pathankot
Airport: Gaggal (Dharamshala)
State: Himachal Pradesh
Travel Season: All year
The climb might seem daunting if you’re just starting your trekking journey. If your hoping to scale the likes of Mt Evert someday, but do not have the skill set to know exactly how to conquer this behemoth then don’t be disappointed – you’re not alone. And when you eventually make it to the summit, immortalise your glorious achievements by taking a picture-perfect shot.
India presents one of the most diverse and the best collections of trekking challenges and it does not matter what your level of expertise is, whether you are just picking your first bunch of trekking equipment or have already worn out a dozen pairs of climbing shoes, there is something for everyone. For the beginner who is all set to make the mark on the trekking scene, there is no better place to start than in India, and there is no better time to start than now. So onward with your ascent and take the first step.
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