A perfect mix of adventure, joy, and self-discovery, trekking in India is an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Blessed with countless trails, the country offers trekking opportunities across regions graced by the mighty Himalayan ranges. As an adventure sport, trekking in the Indian Himalayas is nothing short of extraordinary.
In the Sikkim Himalayas, trekkers are rewarded with sweeping views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, while Ladakh’s rugged trails unveil a surreal, otherworldly charm. Walking over the frozen Zanskar River is pure adrenaline, and exploring its centuries-old monasteries is a journey into spiritual wisdom.
The Kumaon and Garhwal Himalayas blend spirituality with adventure, offering routes that reveal the traditional lifestyle of local communities and hidden trails that mesmerize with untouched beauty.
In Himachal Pradesh, the Himalayan belt presents an opportunity to discover ancient villages, conquer high-altitude passes, and witness awe-inspiring landscapes—a memory you’ll carry forever.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-time explorer, here are 10 of the finest treks in the Indian Himalayas for an unforgettable adventure.
# Kanchenjunga Base Camp TrekAmong the most exhilarating treks in India, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek takes you to the foot of the world’s third-highest mountain, towering at 8,586 m. This 8-day journey begins in the serene village of Yuksom in West Sikkim, offering breathtaking panoramas stretching from Frey Peak to Kabru Peak.
The trail unfolds with captivating sights—the shimmering Rathong River, clusters of orchids, rare bird species, and lush ferns. A stop at the picture-perfect Paha Khola Bridge reveals a charming waterfall, while the Prek Chu River, encountered on the very first day, sets the tone for the adventure ahead.
The highlight is the Dzongri route, passing through the quaint Tshoka hamlet and Phedang Pass, where spellbinding views of Pandim, Thenchinkhang, and Jhuponu Mountains await.
# Chadar Trek (Zanskar Frozen River Trek)Walking over the ice-crusted Zanskar River is an unmatched thrill for those seeking adventure in the Ladakh Himalayas. Aptly named the Chadar Trek—Chadar meaning “blanket” for the river’s icy cover—it offers a surreal, ever-changing landscape. Spring water keeps parts of the river flowing, so trekkers often shuffle along shifting ice, which changes color and texture every few hours.
This challenging journey also opens doors to remote Buddhist monasteries and isolated villages in the Trans-Zanskar ranges. In places where the ice sheet is incomplete, new trails are forged along snowy banks to reconnect with stable ice stretches.
What sets this trek apart is its sheer uniqueness—crisp mountain air, frozen caves, remote campsites, sledges gliding over ice, and the living, breathing Chadar beneath your feet.
# Gomukh Tapovan TrekOne of India’s most rewarding treks, the Gomukh Tapovan route blends natural grandeur with deep spiritual significance. Following the sacred Bhagirathi River, trekkers reach Gomukh—meaning “mouth of a cow”—the glacier source of the river.
At Tapovan, sweeping views unfold of Himalayan giants such as Bhagirathi I, II, and III, Mt. Shivling, Meru Parvat, Chaturangi, Bhirgupanth, and Sudarshan. The Gangotri Glacier forms a stunning backdrop, while lush meadows lead the way through the Garhwal Himalayas.
The area teems with wildlife, including herds of blue mountain goats (Bharals), making the trek a delight for both nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
# Markha Valley TrekLadakh’s iconic Markha Valley Trek is a journey through stark beauty—remote passes, silent monasteries, quaint villages, and the sweeping alpine meadows of Nimaling, framed by Kang Yatze Peak. The trail’s highest point, Kongmaru La, offers panoramic views of the Karakoram Range and K2.
Known as a “tea house trek” for its parachute-tent accommodations in villages, it combines the charm of cold desert landscapes with jaw-dropping vistas of the Zanskar and Ladakh ranges, Kang Yatze (6,400 m), and Stok Kangri (6,122 m).
Trekkers also cross Hemis National Park, tackle the high-altitude Ganda La and Kongmaru La passes, and wade through the challenging Markha River—sometimes waist-deep—adding a rush of adrenaline to the experience.
# Kuari Pass TrekBeloved by trekking enthusiasts, the Kuari Pass Trek—also called Lord Curzon’s Trail—offers spectacular views of the Greater Himalayas. The route winds through lush valleys, ancient oak and rhododendron forests, and charming mountain villages.
From Kuari Pass, trekkers can feast their eyes on the snow-clad peaks of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Hathi-Ghodi Parvat, and Dronagiri. Accessible year-round, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking Himalayan beauty without extreme difficulty.
# Pin Parvati Pass TrekA demanding yet unforgettable expedition, the Pin Parvati Pass Trek links the verdant Parvati Valley in Kullu with the stark Pin Valley in Spiti. Starting from Manikaran, the trail winds through alpine meadows, quaint villages, and glittering lakes, with glaciers leaving a lasting impression along the way.
Crossing the Pin Parvati Pass—the trek’s highest point—unveils mesmerizing views before descending into the stark beauty of Spiti Valley. The journey concludes via Kaza and Rohtang Pass, with opportunities to explore Spiti’s ancient monasteries en route.
# Nanda Devi East Base Camp & Milam Glacier TrekIn the Kumaon Himalayas, this trek leads to the fabled Nanda Devi East Base Camp and the awe-inspiring Milam Glacier. Skirting the western border of Nepal, this range is home to the mystical Nanda Devi (7,816 m), a mountain steeped in legend.
The trail follows the Gori Ganga ravine to Milam village before pressing on toward the base camp, surrounded by one of the most captivating alpine landscapes in the Himalayas. Breathtaking views of Nanda Devi and its surrounding peaks make this trek truly unforgettable.
# Dzongri – Goecha La TrekOne of Sikkim’s most sought-after treks, the Dzongri – Goecha La journey begins in Yuksom, a culturally rich town. The trail reveals ever-changing glimpses of Mt. Kanchenjunga, often shrouded in drifting clouds, while lush meadows sprawl below.
Trekkers also enjoy sweeping views of Mt. Pandim and Mt. Kabru, as well as quiet solitude amid oak groves, wildflower fields, and rhododendron forests. This trek is a celebration of Sikkim’s natural and cultural beauty.
# Shepherd Trail TrekThe Shepherd’s Trail Trek crosses the Dhauladhar Range in Himachal Pradesh, leading through remote villages accessible only for a few months each year. The route passes Hanuman Ka Tibba (5,639 m)—the White Mountain—towering over Dharamshala.
Beginning near Manali and ending at Bara Bhangal on the Ravi River’s banks, the trek passes through birch and rhododendron forests, glacial debris, and high mountain passes, rewarding adventurers with unspoiled Himalayan vistas.
# Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila TrekAccessible in all seasons, the Chopta Chandrashila Trek is famed for its sweeping 360° views of Himalayan peaks like Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, and Trishul.
The route passes through alpine meadows and vibrant vegetation before reaching Tungnath—the world’s highest Shiva temple at 3,048 m—adding a spiritual dimension to the adventure. From Chandrashila summit, the Himalayan panorama is nothing short of magical.