Trekking is the best holiday activity for many adventurous tourists because it opens avenues for a multitude of memorable experiences like enjoying the serenity of nature, thrill of exploring new places, meeting people of different cultures, getting rid of excess fat, and above all, rejuvenating the mind doing away with the stress of everyday life.
India is rich with hiking destinations, that are most sought after by visitors from all around the world. The amazing peaks in the Himalayas and the Western Ghats are popular for their culture, weather most suited for hiking and their breathtaking scenic beauty.
1. The Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh.
Overview
It is a journey through the river Markha located in ‘Little Tibet’. This beautiful gift of nature is robed with snow in winter and offers a visual treat with the vibrant colours of its landscape during the other seasons.
Highlights
The specialty of Markha expedition is the opportunity it provides to visitors to have a glimpse of the contrasting landscapes with barren uneven land in few places and lush green land in other places. Some of the important places to visit during the hike are the mountain range at Zanskaar, the National Park at Hemis the base camp at Kang Yatse and Stok Kangri peaks.
Facts
Region: Ladakh in Himalayas
Suggested Duration: 12 Days
Altitude: 5150 meters / 16895 feet
Difficulty Level: Medium to difficult
Best Season to visit: Mid of June – Mid of October
Guidelines
The journey begins in Zingchen. A stay at Leh is recommended for the acclimatization to the high altitudes. One may then proceed to the mid lands of the valley through three passes at Stok la, Gand la and Kongmaru La.
Reviews
You will have other worldly experiences with the aroma of roses and willows accompanied by the gentle breeze, flock of yak, the nomad community and the Buddhist monasteries.
2. The Chadar Trek, Ladakh
Overview
This is an expedition in the Himalayas through the frozen river Zanskar. Chadar means ice blanket. The challenge of advancing over icy ranges of the mountain combined with basic food and stay amenities makes it the toughest trek in the Ladakh region.
Highlights
Chadar is not only the most exciting and thrilling hike, but also the most chilling winter trek in the Himalayan range, as the temperature drops to even below 30 degree Celsius. Chadar includes two valleys Stod and Lanak. The Lingshed village at the top is known for its strong religious connection to Buddhism.
Facts
Region: Leh, Ladakh in Jammu & Kashmir
Suggested Duration: 9 Days
Altitude: 11,123 feet
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Distance: 75 km
Best Season to visit: January & February
Guidelines
The trekking begins in Chilling. Tilat Sumdo, Tsomo Paldar, Naerak village are some of the places to halt enroute to Lingshed. During winter months, as a result of closure of the common route to the plain lands, food and accommodation that you will find will be very basic.
Reviews
Walking on the icy river with an amazing view of frozen water falls and caves, incense tree, an ancient bridge believed to be over 1000 years old and folk stories told by the Nyarak villages are part of a wonderful journey that ends in Lingshed. The tranquility prevailing in this place is well protected by the geographical and cultural isolation of this fabulous destination.
3. Kudhremukh Trek, Chikmagalur
Overview
It is a well-known destination in the Western Ghats ideal for short treks. Located in Karnataka, the mountain derives its name due to the fact that its shape is similar to the face of a horse. It is also popularly known for its rich wild life with a variety of species of plants and animals.
Highlights
The hill offers a panorama of grasslands, fields and plantations, villages and dense forests. The national park preserves many animals like spotted deers, bears, wild dogs and the endangered Lion tailed Macaque. The streams in this region caused by rivers Tunga Bhadhra and Nethravathi are favourite spots for swimmers.
Facts
Region: Chikmagalur district, Karnataka
Suggested Duration: 1 – 2 Days
Altitude: 1892 metres
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Distance: 18km
Best Season to visit: November to February
Guidelines
The peak is situated in the national park. As camping is not allowed in the premises of the park, it is recommended to plan the onward and return journey to the peak on the same day. A trekking permit from the forest department is required.
Reviews
In addition to the excitement of trekking, the mountain expedition with its scenic beauty and wild life sighting will give an ultimate experience of being in the lap of nature.
4. Kumara Parvatha Trek, Karnataka
Overview
It is a peak located in the Pushpagiri hills of the Western Ghats in Karnataka. Being the second highest peak in the state, Kumara parvatha is a perfect destination for challenging treks.
Highlights
Located at a distance of 280 km from Bangalore, this trek has many fantastic landscapes like Malyalli waterfalls, Shola forests, bamboo groves and paddy fields alongside the Bisle Ghats. Sesha Parvatha is another hill present on the way to Kumara Parvatha peak.
Facts
Region: Dhakshina Kannada district, Karnataka
Suggested Duration: 2 Days
Altitude: 1712 metres
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Distance: 18km
Best Season to visit: October to February
Guidelines
Trekkers have the option of choosing from two routes that will lead to Kumara Parvatha, the shorter one from Somwarpet which spans 7 km. and consists of waterfalls, and the longer one from Kukke Subramanya, with surrounding greenery stretching to 15 km.Camping is permitted. But a permit for trekking from the forest department is essential.
Reviews
With a religious start at the Subramanya temple and an enchanting view at the cliff, the travel across the beautiful Pushpagiri hills will leave memories ever green like its flora.
5. Anthargange Night Trek and Cave exploration, Kolar
Overview
At a distance of 70 km from Bangalore, it is located in Kolar district and acts as the right choice for weekend trekking activity. It is situated in the Shathashrunga mountain range. This is suitable for night trekking and caving adventures.
Highlights
Unlike other trekking endeavours the trek to Anthargange provides outstanding experiences of night view of the hill, rare sight of nocturnal animals, the thrill of visiting the caves and an awesome view of sun rise. There is an old temple with springs of holy water believed to remove the sins of people who take a dip in it.
Facts
Region: Shathashrunga range in Kolar, Karnataka
Duration: 1 Day
Altitude: 1712 metres
Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult
Distance: 4 km
Best Season to visit: Throughout the year
Guidelines
This unique trek is suitable for all seasons.Torch is essential to avoid tripping over thorny shrubs in the trekking route.
Reviews
The expedition to this peak bestows the opportunity to gaze at the shining stars in the night sky, explore caves, camp with bon fire and experience the sun’s rays slowly glimpsing through the darkness. With the rich heritage and scintillating landscapes, Indian trekking destinations stand out from the rest.
