India is the land of adventure lovers, where you will find the treasure and trove of adventure on every turn. This beautiful land is a perfect combination of verdant landscapes, the mighty Himalayas, and mind blowing rivers, which is enough to allure any trek lover. Trekking is the best way to explore the beauty of hill stations and in India and unravel its secrets like- its lifestyle, history, customs & traditions. No doubt that there are many beautiful hill stations in the world, where you can find all these features, but Indian Himalayan region has its own charm, where most of the trek lovers find comfort. If you are an enthusiast for trekking and want to explore high altitude treks, then you must visit the high altitude hill stations of India to enjoy the adventure.
1. Chadar Trek, Jammu, and Kashmir
Considered as a highly praised trek of the Indian Himalayas, the Chadar Trek is one of the most popular high altitude winter trek in Zanskar region of Ladakh, situated in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The trek is popular among both Indian and Non-Indian adventure lovers, who visit this area during every winter season to experience the joy of this high altitude trek. The best time to do this trek is from January to February when the temperature drops from -30 to -35 degrees Celsius. The trek offers you the golden chance of walking over a frozen river located at an altitude of 1100 ft above the sea level. The overall distance of this trek is around 105 kilometers and you have to trek a distance of around 16 kilometers per day. This great trekking trail in Ladakh region is the best experience among all the Himalayan trekking trails.
Altitude: 3850 m (12631.2 ft)
Duration: 9-12 days
Route: Chilling-Zaribago-Deepyokma- Naerak Pullu -Lingshed-Nyarakpulu-Tso Mopoaldar-Tilatdo-Chilling
Best Time to Visit: Mid-January–February
Grade: Moderate – Challenging
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu railway station
Nearest Airport: The Leh Airport
2. Kinnaur Kailash Circuit Trek, Himachal Pradesh
Kinnaur Kailash Circuit Trek is one of the toughest treks in Himachal Pradesh, 5242 meters above sea level. Being situated in the high Himalayan belt, it is considered the highest mountain peak in Himachal Pradesh. The high-altitude 11-day trek commences from Thangi village near Chail. Walking through the beautiful Charang Village, you finally complete the trail at Manali via Tabo, Chitkul, and Losar villages. The main attraction of this trek is the 79-foot high and 30 – 40-foot wide Kinner Kailash Shivling, with an amazing view of the Great Himalayan Mountain range showing Mt. Rangrik and Mt. Jorkandan.
Altitude: 5242 m (17200 ft)
Duration: 11 days
Route: Shimla – Kalpa – Lambar – Shurting – Charang – Lalanti – Chitkul – Shimla
Best Time to Visit: Mid-May – September
Grade: Moderate – Challenging
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Kalka railway station
Nearest Airport: Jubbarhati Airport, Shimla
3. Stok Kangri Trek, Jammu, and Kashmir
Stok Kangri Trek is one of the highest Himalayan treks in the Ladakh region, perched at 6,153 meters above sea level. Being situated in the dreamy destination of Ladakh, the stunning Stok Kangri Trek is ideal for both novice and experienced trekkers. This high-altitude trek starts from Sumdo, passes through Shang La, Shang Phu, Tokpo Rivera, Matho La, and finally reaches Stok Kangri Peak. This whole trek comprises the natural beauty of the magnificent Himalayan range and gives you a chance to grasp this beauty.
Altitude: 6,153 m
Duration: 11 days
Route: Leh – Stok Village – Chang Ma – Mankorma – Base Camp – Stok Kangri – Base Camp – Leh
Best Time to Visit: July to September
Grade: Challenging
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu train station
Nearest Airport: The Leh Airport
4. Darcha – Padum Trek, Jammu, and Kashmir
If you are a trek lover and are looking for a place that is surrounded by natural beauty and untouched by you, the Darcha Padum Trek is waiting for you. Here, you will get a great combination of lofty glaciers, lilting streams, rocky canyons, and beautiful mountains, which make this place a perfect paradise on earth. The Darcha-Padum Trek commences from Darcha in Lahaul Valley and passes through places like Zanskar Sumdo, Palamo, Lakong, Chuminakpo, Purne Ichar, and, finally, Padum. It does take around 14 – 15 days to complete this trek.
Altitude: 5090 m (16699.48 ft)
Duration: 14-15 days
Route: Manali – Darcha – Palemo – Zanskar Sumdo – Chumi Napo – Shingo La (5090m) – Lakham – Kurgiak – Tetha – Purni – Ichar – Mune – Padum – Leh
Best Time to Visit: July to September
Grade: Challenging
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Chandigarh railway station
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport Kullu
5. Goecha La Trek, Sikkim
If you are looking for both adventure and beauty together, then you must go for the Goecha La Trek in Sikkim. Located at an altitude of 4,940 meters above the sea level, the Goecha La Trek offers you a grand view of high mountain ranges including the Kanchenjunga and 14 other highly elevated summits. This is enough to allure any trekker. It’s considered as the highest mountain trek of Nepal. The 10 days high altitude trek starts from Yuksom and passes through the destinations like – Phedang, Tshoka, Kokchurang, Thangsing, Dzongri to Lamuney. Before planning this trek you have to take a special trekking permit from Gangtok.
Altitude: 4,940 m (16,207 ft)
Duration: 10-12 days
Route: Yuksom – Bhakim – Tshoka – Dzongri – Thangsing – Lamuney – Goecha La – Kockchurang – Tshoka – Yuksom
Best Time to Visit: Mid-March to Mid-June and September to Mid-November
Grade: Moderate to challenging
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri railway station
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
6. Auden’s Col Trek, Uttarakhand
Perched at an elevation of 5,490 meters above sea level, the Auden’s Col Trek is considered one of the toughest treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region. The trekking pass is named after John Bicknell Auden, who was the first to explore this trek in 1935. The trekking expedition starts from Gangotri, cuts and passes through Nala Camp, Rudugaira Base Camp, Gangotri Group Base Camp, and finally reaches Auden Col Base Camp. During this trek, trekkers can explore many attractions like – Waterfall Camp, Vasuki Tal, Khatling Glacier, Chowki, Masar Tal, Kedarnath, Rudraprayag, Gaurikund, and at last, Rishikesh.
Altitude: 5490 m. (18011.81 ft)
Duration: 18 days
Route: Rishikesh – Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Nala Camp – Rudugaira Base Camp – Basecamp Gangotri Group – Auden Col base camp – Khatling Glacier – Waterfall Camp – Chowki – Masar Tal – Vasuki Tal – Kedarnath – Gaurikund – Rudraprayag – Rishikesh
Best Time to Visit: Mid-May – Mid May – Mid October except for July and August
Grade: Challenging
How to Reach:
Nearest Railhead: Haridwar
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun
7. Kalindikhal Trek, Uttarakhand
Located at 5,946 meters above sea level, Kalindikhal Trek is another challenging trek in the Garhwal Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. This 99 km long trek passes through more than 10 Himalayan glaciers like – Gangotri, Chaturangi, Raktavarna, Sweta, Sita, Basuki, Arwa, Bidum etc. It offers a breathtaking view of the great peaks of Garhwal like Mt. Bhagirathi I, II, III, Mt. Vasuki, Mt. Shivling, Mt. Meru, Mt. Kalindi, Mt. Chandra Parvat, Avalanche Peak, and much more.
Altitude: 5946 m (19500 ft)
Duration: 18 days
Route: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Bhojwassa – Gomukh – Nandanvan – Vasuki Tal – Khara Pathar – Sweta Glacier – Kalindikhal Base – Kalindi Peak – Raja Parav – Arwa Tal – Ghastoli – Mana – Badrinath – Rishikesh
Best Time to Visit: Mid-June – July & August
Grade: Challenging
How to Reach:
Nearest Railhead: Haridwar
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun
8. Panpatia Col Trek, Uttarakhand
Perched at an elevation of 5,260 meters above sea level, Panpatia Col Trek is one of the toughest treks in the Uttarakhand state, where many of the trekkers have lost their way forever. Explore the eye-catching view of magnificent snow-capped mountain peaks like Chaukhamba and Nanda Devi. It is really a great experience for trek lovers. The journey of this trek starts from the Badrinath Shrine and passes through Nilkanth Khal via Dumkal Kharak, the snout of Panpatia glacier, and at last, towards the Panpatia plateau.
Altitude: 5260 m. (17255 ft)
Duration: 15 days
Route: Rishikesh – Joshimath – Badrinath – Shepherd camp – Snout camp – Moraine Camp (4300m) – Base of Parvati Col – Panpatia Snowfield – Camp I – Across Panpatia Col (5260m) – Camp at Sujal Sarovar – Kachni – Nanu chatti – Ransi – Rudraprayag
Best Time to Visit: Mid-May – Mid-October
Grade: Challenging
How to Reach:
Nearest Railhead: Haridwar
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun
9. Pin Parvati Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh
Pin Parvati Pass Trek is one of the most challenging trekking trails in Himachal Pradesh, India. The pass is located at 5319 meters above sea level and requires excellent trekking skills & techniques. The Pin Parvati trek is usually done from July to September. Beautiful snow-covered mountain peaks give an alpine feeling and experience to remember forever. The trek is risky and full of adventure because of its high altitude. The trek expedition starts with the Kullu and driving to Barsheni village.
Altitude: 5319 m (17452 ft)
Duration: 16 days
Route: Khirganga – Tunda Bhuj – Thakur Kuan – Odi Thach – Mantalai Lake – Base of Pin Parvati Pass – Campsite over Pin Pass – Tiai – Mud – Gulling – Kaza – Manali
Best Time to Visit: July – September
Grade: Challenging
How to Reach:
Nearest Railhead: Joginder Nagar railway station
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport
10. Shivling Base Camp Trek, Uttarakhand
Shivling Base Camp Trek is one of the most stunning peak treks of the Garhwal region, which is located at an elevation of 5263 meters and is close to the snout of the Gangotri Glacier. The best time for planning this adventure trek is during the months of May to June and September to October. The trek starts from Gangotri Dham. During this trek, you will explore some popular peaks like – Bhrigu Parbat (6,000 meters), Hanuman Tibba (5,370 meters), Bhagirathi II (6,512 meters), Bhagirathi I (6,856 meters), Mt. Meru (6,400 meters) and Bhagirathi III (6,454 meters).
Altitude: 5263 m. (17263 ft)
Duration: 15 days
Route: Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Bhojwassa – Tapovan – Nandanvan – Vasuki Tal – Bhojbasa – Uttarkashi
Best Time to Visit: May – Mid October
Grade: Challenging
How to Reach:
Nearest Railhead: Haridwar
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun
11. Bhaba Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh
Bhaba Pass Trek is an ideal trekking destination for those who want to experience the ethereal beauty of Himachal Pradesh. The pass is located at an elevation of 5260 metres above the sea level and connects the contrasting valleys of Kinnaur and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. Being one of the most adventurous treks of this region, the Bhaba Pass Trek offers you breathtaking vistas of surrounding mountain peaks with all the thrills and adventures, which will leave you spellbound and force you to stay here more. The best time for the Bhaba Pass Trek is from May and October.
Altitude: 5260 m. (17250ft)
Duration: 11 days
Route: Kafnoo – Mulling – Kara – Fustirang – Bara Bulder – Parka – Mudh
Best Time to Visit: June – Mid October
Grade: Challenging
How to Reach
Nearest Railhead: Joginder Nagar railway station
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport Kullu
12. Junglam Hemis to Padum Trek, Jammu and Kashmir
Perched at an altitude of 5200 m above the sea level, Junglam Hemis trek is one of the most adventurous treks for adventure lovers. The trek starts from Hemis monastery, which is one of the richest monasteries in Ladakh. During this trek, you will explore some popular places like – Dhungri, Phay, Kongmaru La, Tso Kar, Nuruchan via Horlam La, Shingbuk La, Rachungkaru, Kartse La, Kyamuri La, Gyama, Karzok, Kiangdom, Parang La, Umlung and finally reach Kibber.
Altitude: 5200 m. (17056 ft)
Duration: 17 days
Route: Leh – Shang Sumdo – Latza Kongmaru – Kongmaru La – Langthang Chu – Zalung Kapro La – Tilat Sumdo – Char Char La – Zangla Umdo – Zangla – Padum – Rangdum Mulbekh – Leh
Best Time to Visit: July, August, and September
Grade: Challenging
How to Reach:
Nearest Railhead: Jammu Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Leh Airport
13. Green Lake Trek, Sikkim
The Green Lake trek in Sikkim is such a paradise for adventure lovers, which offers you a magnificent view of lofty mountains, scenic lakes, colourful meadows and dense forests. The trekking destination is still untouched and unexplored by many trekkers and also provides you the majestic view of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga and other beautiful peaks. Green Lake Trek starts from Green Lake, and passes through the Tallem, Jakthang, Zema, Yabuk and then finally reaches the Green Lake basecamp. The best time for planning this trek is from April and October.
Altitude: 4935 m. (16186ft)
Duration: 16 days
Route: Lachen – Talem – Jakthang – Yabuk – Green Lake – Yabuk – Jakthang
Best Time to Visit: April & October
Grade: Challenging
How to Reach
Nearest Railhead: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
14. Bara Bhangal Trek, Himachal Pradesh
Located at an altitude of 5260 m above the sea level, Bara Bhangal Trek is one of the toughest treks of Himachal Pradesh. The trek is an awe inspiring destination for those who want to explore the remote areas of this village. It also offers a magnificent view of many beautiful peaks like Deo Tibba, Indrasan and Hanuman Tibba. The beautiful trekking route starts from Manali and passes through Lama Dugh, Kalihani, Riyali Thach, Dal Marhi, Marhi, Devi ki Marhi, Plachak, Rajgundha and, of course, Bara Bhangal.
Altitude: 5260m. (17255 ft)
Duration: 15 days
Route: Lama Dugh – Riyali Thach – Base of Kalihani Pass – Devi ki Marhi – Dal Marhi – Bara Bhangal – Marhi – Plachak
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Grade: Challenging
How to Reach:
Nearest Railhead: Joginder Nagar railway station
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport
15. Tso Moriri – Spiti Valley Trek Jammu and Kashmir
Located at an elevation of 4522 meters above sea level, Tso Moriri is also known as “Mori Lake”. It is one of the high altitude lake treks lying entirely within Ladakh, India. The trek to Lake Moriri is considered as an imperial trek in the Ladakh region, which offers an amazing breathtaking ambiance. The place is also an abode to numerous species of birds like Bar-Headed Geese, Great-Crested Grebe and Black-necked Cranes. The trek commences from the campsite at Kaza and traverses through Parang La via Dumla, Thaltak Meadow, Jagtha, Bonrojen, Datang Yongma, Dak Karzong and Chumik Shilde.
Altitude: 4522 m. (18372.7 ft)
Duration: 10 days
Route: Kaza — Dumla – Thaltak Meadow – Jagtha – Bonrojen – Dak Karzong – Datang Yongma – Chumik Shilde – Tso Moriri – Karzog – Leh
Best Time to Visit: July & August
Grade: Challenging
How to Reach
Nearest Railhead: Joginder Nagar railway station
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport
