About Trekking

Trekking is a sort of walking that is done to explore and appreciate nature. It generally happens on trails in largely untouched mountain regions. The world's major mountain ranges are among the most picturesque and fascinating places to explore while trekking. They might be the most distant and challenging locations to go to because they are usually not accessible by road, and the only viable way to visit them is by walking. Trekking may be an aim in itself for some, a means to appreciate the breathtaking views for others, and the inhabitants of the mountains, with their culture, traditions, and religions, frequently add an equal amount of appeal to the natural beauty. 

Trekking is a soft-adventure sport that can be done by nearly everybody in a decent physical state. Start with day hikes and come back to your starting point in the evening to gain a feel for trekking. After that, move on to a pretty easy multi-day trek to test your abilities and aptitude.

You can head to the mountains with a skilled trekker, join an adventure group, or book a trip with a reputable adventure travel agency. Although going into the mountains by yourself is not a smart idea. If you want to go trekking in India, the majestic Himalayan belt is the perfect spot for you, with its rich luscious vegetation and fauna, providing spectacular views and an exhilarating and enriching experience.


Table Of Contents

  1. Trekking In India
  2. Best Places To Try Trekking In India
  3. Equipment To Carry For Trekking In India
  4. Benefits Of Trekking

Trekking In India

Trekking in India began when the region was populated in ancient times. In India, there are probably as many trekking paths as there are Indians. Trekking became more popularized as a recreational/adventure sport in the 1970s and 1980s. Trekking in India has risen by great strides, and the present trekking situation is extremely exciting, with scores of Indians and foreigners venturing to the trails every year. 


There is no better way to experience the spectacular Indian Himalayas than by going up and down difficult paths, wide valleys, lush meadows, and thick vegetation. Yes, trekking in the Indian Himalayas is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that not only provides a surge of excitement but also provides insight into many isolated coexisting cultures. The Indian Himalayas are host to a plethora of treks, some well-known, some lesser-known, and some yet to be found. So, whether you are a beginner with ambitions of trekking far and wide in the Indian Himalayas or a veteran trekker looking for tough treks in the most remote corners of the country, India has it all. There are also a lot of trekking tours in India, organized by several travel companies. 


In Himachal, trekking is about continually varying terrain and crossover climbs, whereas in Uttarakhand, the key spots are religious sites and Pandavas-traversed trails. In Sikkim, the trip includes touring old towns and seeing breathtaking vistas of the world's third tallest peak, Khangchendzonga, while in Ladakh, the trip includes navigating extensive valleys and meadows as well as multiple high altitude passes. Trekking in India for beginners is not a big deal as there are numerous easy trails for short durations as well. Whatever location you choose for trekking in India, keep in mind that no two experiences in the country are the same. 


Best Places To Try Trekking In India

Trekking in India is well-known all around the world. Trekkers from all over the world come to participate in Indian Trekking Expeditions, which provide them with an ethereal experience. Here is a list of the best places to try trekking in India:


1. Deoriatal Chandrashila, Uttarakhand
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The Deoriatal Chandrashila trek in Uttarakhand's Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-do for wildlife enthusiasts. It is an excellent option for trekking in India for beginners. Mountain ranges can generally be seen in the distance on a Himalayan trek. This is where Deoriatal Chandrashila stands out. You are not looking at a portion of the Himalayan ranges. From the top, one can see all of the prominent peaks in Western and Eastern Uttarakhand. It is one of the perfect places for solo trekking in India.




2. Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri
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The Everest Base Camp-Gokyo Ri Circuit is the ultimate trek to do in the Everest region! This trek combines the best of both worlds, taking you through the well-trodden Everest region and the less-travelled Gokyo region. However, the route to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri is arduous, and you must be well-prepared for it. Several travel companies provide trekking tours in India which include this beautiful trekking trail.


3. Kedartal, Uttarakhand
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Kedartal is one of the world's most spectacular glacier lakes. This lake is the ideal site to get a close-up view of the majestic peaks Manda, Bhagirathi, Gangotri, Bhrigupanth, Mt. Meru, and Thalaysagar. The lake blends in perfectly with the barren landscapes of the upper Himalayas. Due to the existence of a rocky trail from day one, this journey is considered to be hard. It is also preferred for solo trekking in India.


4. Beas Kund, Himachal Pradesh
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The Beas Kund Trek is a three-day trek from Manali, a renowned hill station at a height of 2,050 meters, and is regarded as one of the simplest treks in the Himachal Himalayan region. The trek begins in Manali and takes you to Dhundi at 3,150 meters through Solang Nallah. After a steady ascent over the moraine, the road from Dhundi winds upward to Bakarthach, which is at a height of 3,300 meters and links to Beas Kund. This is one of the most beautiful trekking tours in India.


5. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

The Great Lakes of Kashmir trek is considered one of India's most breathtaking trekking expeditions. It confirms Kashmir's legendary status as "heaven on Earth." It is located 75 kilometres northeast of Srinagar and is popularly known as the Sonamarg-Vishansar-Naranag Trek. The diversity of terrain makes it a moderate-difficult six-day trek. This implies that there are long trekking days with steep climbs and slopes and no simple exit points. As a result, it is not suitable for a beginner who has never gone on a high-altitude trek.


6. Hampta Pass, Himachal Pradesh

Hampta Pass in Himachal Pradesh, at 14,000 feet, is one of the Himalayas' unique, stunning pass crossings. The beautiful green valley of Kullu lies on one side, with forests, meadows, and flowers blooming along the way. On the other hand, Lahaul has an almost dry, austere terrain with bare mountains and little flora. What's in front and what's behind are two separate worlds from where you are standing, at the top of the pass. It transforms in a matter of a few minutes. This is also well-known for trekking in India for beginners.


7. Brahmatal, Uttarakhand
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The trek to Brahamatal Lake is an incredible adventure over never-ending ridgelines, high-altitude lakes, snow-capped peaks, and breathtaking views. This trek is noted for having a lot of snow, which makes it a thrilling route. This is likely the country's only trekking route with a front-row seat to Himalayan peaks like Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, as well as bird's eye views of the gorgeous Roopkund Lake. The trek to Brahmatal is easy to moderate in difficulty.


8. Har Ki Doon, Uttarakhand
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Har-Ki-Dun trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in Uttarakhand's Western Himalayas. The diverse landscape of this region includes channels of crystal-clear rivers generated by melting glaciers, luscious green pastures, hamlets, pine woods, and harsh terrain. Because of its remote location, this area is a heaven for bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts, adventurers, and shutterbugs alike. It is yet another perfect trek route for solo trekking in India.


9. Kedarkantha, Uttarakhand
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Kedarkantha is a fantastic winter trek. The journey to the summit of Kedarkantha is extremely satisfying. The summit looms big even from the trek's base camp. The incline is consistent throughout the stretch. It becomes more difficult as you approach the summit. However, until you reach the peak, the enormous mountains of the upper Himalayas will keep you company. Few treks have the same level of adventure, thus it's famous among beginners for its greatest summit ascent.


10. Chadar Trek, Ladakh
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The expedition begins in the town of Leh, which is located in the Himalayan region. The trek takes you across the frozen Zanskar River in the winter. The best time to traverse the ice is during February. The ice is usually at its most solid during this period. The Frozen River Trek starts at Chilling, a little settlement where the Zanskar River starts freezing.


Equipment To Carry For Trekking In India

Trekking Shoes –Tough Trekking shoes, have a strong grip, have ankle support, and can endure snow are required for any high altitude trek. Shoe rentals are also available at the base camp and adjacent towns/settlements.

1. Backpack

A 50-60 litre backpack is required for a week-long high elevations trek. Check that your backpack has appropriate hip and shoulder support, as well as quick-access compartments. Rucksacks are usually preferred for trekking due to this reason.


2. Clothes

The cold is the most challenging part of a high-altitude trek. And the best approach to combat the cold is to dress in layers. What matters is that you purchase a full-sleeved T-shirt that is warm and is able to shield your arms and neck from the sun's rays. Dry-fit T-shirts absorb sweat easily, are convenient to clean, and dry quickly in the event of a rainy day. T-shirts with a round neckline are fine, but those with a collar are preferable. Lightweight sweaters and fleece jackets that may be folded into small rolls are essential. A padded jacket is a good choice for your outer layer. Make sure your padded outerwear also has a hood. For every Himalayan trek, two pairs of trek pants are enough. Wear one pair and keep another in your bag in case it rains. Trekking pants with zippered cutoffs at the thighs are ideal for long treks. Also, instead of cotton, consider quick-drying track pants. In the event of a little stream crossing or rain, they quickly dry out. 


3. Accessories

Sunglasses with UV protection, sun cap, synthetic hand gloves, woollen cap or balaclava, socks, headlamp, trekking pole, rain jacket or poncho, and rain cover for your backpack are the main accessories you require. Other than the above-stated items, essentials like toiletries, cutlery, water bottles, documents, and personal medical kits must be carried. 


Benefits of Trekking

1. Enhanced general fitness

One of the most significant advantages of trekking is that it improves your physical well-being. Spending several hours on the route, climbing over boulders, rock hopping, and climbing slopes exercises your entire body, boosting strength and cardiovascular fitness.


2. Lowered stress levels

Spending time in nature can help relieve the negative impacts of stress and anxiety. Trekking typically demands a person to be completely focused on their activity, with only breathtaking landscapes to distract them. Any trekker would tell you that being in the wilderness is one of the most soothing experiences they've ever had.


3. Social perks

Trekking with others can lead to long-lasting friendships. Because digital technology is inaccessible, one-on-one conversations are encouraged. After a week in the mountains, you might find that the individuals you made the journey with became lifelong friends.


4. Soft skill building

When scheduling your trek, you may find yourself making workout goals, arranging your schedule, establishing objectives, learning to adjust to change, and strengthening your mental fortitude. These are all highly preferred talents in the place of employment, and they can serve as a basis for personal development, allowing you to astonish yourself with greater self-confidence.


5. Internal Rejuvenation

You're less likely to consume coffee or alcohol when trekking, but you'll drink lots of water and eat wholesome meals. Consuming just good things for a week or more has beneficial effects on one's internal wellbeing. When you go all-natural, you'll feel great, your skin will rejuvenate, and you'll feel a sense of self-empowerment.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can beginners do trekking?

Yes, you certainly can; in fact, there are a lot of Himalayan treks for beginners, for example, Chandrashila Deoriatal trek, Hampta Pass trek, Beas Kund, etc., where you can gain first-hand experience trekking at high altitudes. So, choose the one that excites you the most and just goes for it. 


2. What is the difference between trekking and hiking?
Hiking entails a day or overnight strenuous walk in a natural setting on hiking trails or pathways. Trekking encompasses a multi-day, intensive journey through rugged and harsh terrain. A trek is usually longer and more rigorous than hikes. Treks are considered to be adventurous while hiking is something done for leisure. 

3. Is trekking better than hiking?

This depends mainly on the physical fitness of a person. If someone is not capable of walking long hours for days on the harsh terrain of the mountains, they should go for hikes, which is more pleasant and less tiring than treks. But if you are an adventure seeker and have decent overall physical health, treks can be highly enjoyable for you.


Trekking can serve as an inspiration, a purpose, an objective, a quest, a celebration, or a social activity. It could be a setting where you meet new people and embark on a trip. It may be the tiniest chance to rescue our future generations from losing the nature enthusiasts that Mother Earth possesses. Trekking can be perceived in two ways: as a strenuous exercise or as a fantastic and exceptional learning opportunity. Trekking allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature and to be thankful to be in such a lovely place as the earth. You can observe things from a different perspective.

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