Indian treks: Best hikes, trails, and high-altitude adventures across India

When you think of Indian treks, long-distance hikes through mountains, forests, and remote valleys across India. Also known as mountain treks, they range from gentle walks through tea plantations to brutal climbs above 5,000 meters. India isn’t just about temples and beaches—it’s home to some of the most demanding and beautiful treks on Earth. Whether you’re chasing views of K2 or just want to walk through quiet valleys with no cell service, there’s a trail for you.

Himalayan treks, treks in the northern mountain range that includes Everest, K2, and Nanda Devi. Also known as North Indian treks, they’re where most serious hikers start. Routes like K2 Base Camp and Roopkund pull in adventurers from all over because they’re not just scenic—they’re tests of endurance. Then there are high altitude trekking, treks that go above 3,500 meters where oxygen levels drop and weather changes fast. Also known as alpine trekking, these require more than good shoes—you need acclimatization, proper gear, and a plan. You won’t find these in guidebooks labeled "easy day hikes." These are multi-day journeys where you sleep in tents, eat from a stove, and wake up to snow on your tent flap.

But not all Indian treks happen in the Himalayas. The Western Ghats in Kerala and Karnataka offer lush, green trails like the Kudremukh Trek, where you walk through misty hills and waterfalls. The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand bursts with wild blooms in summer, while the Sandakphu Trek in West Bengal gives you views of four of the world’s highest peaks—all without needing a climbing permit. Even the lesser-known treks in Ladakh, like the Markha Valley, let you walk through ancient Buddhist villages with prayer flags snapping in the wind.

What makes these treks different from others? It’s the mix of culture, isolation, and raw nature. You’ll pass monks walking to monasteries, locals selling hot chai at mountain passes, and villages that haven’t changed in centuries. No crowds. No billboards. Just mountains, sky, and your own footsteps.

You’ll find posts here that break down the hardest treks in Asia, what gear you actually need, how to get permits for Everest Base Camp from India, and which trails are safest for first-timers. We’ve got guides on when to go, how to avoid altitude sickness, and why some treks are closed in monsoon season. Whether you’re planning your first hike or your tenth, this collection gives you the real talk—not the Instagram version.