Trekking in India has always been one of the most sought after adventure sports. With several mountain series which offer great places and opportunity for pursuit of the sport, one is able to endeavour into hiking, walking, trekking and mountaineering among other outdoor sports. Taking a trekking tour and enjoying the green woods, rivers and mountain passes has become a favourite among adventure sport seekers. Some of the popular adventure trek points are found in the Garhwal area, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh areas, Western Ghats and South and North India. These destinations not only present opportunities for trekking they also provide a fit destination where people enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings and indulge in some bird watching.
The Gomukh Tapovan Trek
Walking along the Bhagirathi River one reaches the very source of the river which is popularly known as Gomukh. Offering a few rare places and sites for setting camp this is one of the rare beauties in the Himalayan region and a panoramic view of eight peaks which include the three Bhagirathi peaks, Meru, Chaturangi and Shivling mountains, Sudharsan and Bhirgupanth. On this particular trek one also gets to see the Gangotri Glacier which is the most appealing and alluring part of the trek. This does not require one to be in the pink of health and is a moderate trek and can be undertaken by beginners and novices with good health. Tapovan also has large meadows suited for people to pitch their tents and camp. The blue mountain goats, also called as “Bharals” are commonly seen in this area.
Area: Garhwal Himalayas
Altitude: 4465 mts.
Season: May to OctoberGrade: Moderate
Bomdila Dirang trek
It is located in Arunachal Pradhesh in north eastern region of India which is one of the main trekking hubs that attract adventure-loving trekkers across the world. Being rich with striking mountainous landscape and ancient tribal heritage, these places offer a treat to explorers of nature. Some of the important trekking destinations are Bomdila Dirang, Tawang, Mawlyngot, Pynrusla, the mountain stretch from Weiloi to Ponkung, Sikkim and Darjeeling.
Apart from being a good trekking platform, north eastern India is also popular among nature enthusiasts. The varied collection of vegetation and wild life make the north eastern states wonderful places for recreational activities like nature viewing, caving, river rafting and fishing and bird watching.
The trekking journey from Bomdila to Dirang covers Rahung Basti, Thembang and Namchu. While descending through the mountains, dense orchards and hanging bridge are seen in the path to the river Dirang. The trekking is enjoyable as it is through Sessa Orchid sanctuary which has around 500 different orchid species.
The hot springs of water found in Dirang are known to offer good remedy for skin ailments. Yak research center, farms and migrated birds found in this valley are key attractions for animal lovers. The Dirang fort and Buddhist ‘Gompa’ monasteries are places with historical significance. There is a craft center with rare collection of beautiful carpets and masks.
Area: Arunachal Pradhesh
Altitude: 8000 feet
Season: October to MayGrade: Moderate
Western Ghats:
The Western Ghats is a land with bountiful forests and mountains. It has several destinations ideally suited for short or medium duration trekking. The amazing views of mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and different species of plants and animals are the highlights of trekking through Western Ghats. They offer a wide range of trekking spots covering the three states of Karnataka, Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu.
The hills of brahma giri, skanda giri, nandhi, Pushpagiri of Western Ghats have many famous trekking destinations like Kudhremukh, Kumara Parvatha, Agumbe, Sakleshpura, Chembra pea, Munnar, Ombattu gutta, Silent Valley, Pythal mala, and Agasthiyar koodam. There are few night trekking destinations like Anthargange and Belum caves which provide rare trekking experiences like night scene of the hills and sun rise views etc.
These trekking expeditions produce ever lasting memories of breathtaking hill views, a panorama of greenery, rivers and springs, wild life spotting in the line of sanctuaries and national parks protecting hundreds of species and above all, the adventurous hiking experience through steep paths to reach the high peaks.
Area: Parallel to the entire Western coast starting from Tapti river.
Average altitude: 900 mts – 1500 mtsHighest altitude: 2695 mts (Anaimudi peak)
Season: October to FebrauryGrade: Moderate
Trekking in Nilgiris:
Located at the summit of Western and Eastern Ghats and the three states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, the queen of hills is a heaven for trekkers. The trekking experience in Nilgiris is made easy by the pleasant weather and gentle ascent. It is enjoyable with the vista of a variety of landscapes like forests, lakes, the Pykara falls, tall conifers, tea estates, and the mesmerising aroma of eucalyptus and coffee. The journey is entertaining with the scene of variety of plants in the botanical gardens in Ooty and animals in the sanctuaries like Mudhumalai, boating and horse riding activities near the beautiful lakes and high viewpoints like Doddabetta. Coonoor and Kothagiri are other good places for trekking.
The Hyderabad – Deccan trek, Chittoor trek and Chinnar forest trek are some of the other important hiking destinations in the Nilgiris. The fresh air and tranquillity of the Nilgiri hills make them the most sought after holiday attractions in South India.
Area: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradhesh and Kerala
Average altitude: 2000 mts
Highest altitude: 2637 mts (Doddabetta peak)
Season: June to Febraury for Ooty and April to June for CoonorGrade: Easy to moderate
Trekking in Sahyadri:
Sahyadri range is situated in western Maharashtra has many historic and religious trekking destinations with temples and forts built by Chatrapathi Shivaji. Mahabaleshwar, Harishchandra Ghad, Maljesh ghad, Bhimashankar, Nane ghad, Sinh ghad, Kori ghad, Rai ghad, Lonavla, Rajmachi and Tikona forts, Ajantha and Ellora caves are some of the main places to tour.
With steep gradients, Sahyadri hills provide excellent platform for advanced trekking and many adventure sports like rock climbing, river crossing and waterfall or rappel. While trekking through the Sahyadri Mountains, one can enjoy the excitement of mountaineering as well as the scene of wonderful forests and lakes, amazing forts that stand as historic monuments, and remarkable sculptural excellence carved in the caves.
Area: near Pune in Western Maharashtra
Altitude: 900 – 1650 mts
With numerous interesting destinations for adventure trekking, India is the perfect place to explore and enjoy nature at its highest zeniths.
