Walking Tours in India 2025/2026

India offers more than just rich history and culture—it’s a dream destination for trekkers. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the lush forests of Kerala, each trail offers its own unique challenge and reward. This guide will take you through India’s most captivating trekking destinations, where natural beauty and spiritual experiences come together in unforgettable ways.

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Why go trekking in India？

What are the most popular treks in India?

When is the best time to go trekking in India?

Why go trekking in India？

1.Breathtaking natural landscapes and unique ecosystems

Much of the trekking in India is centered on different regions of the Himalayas. The trekking routes in these regions are not only challenging but also stunning. The Spiti Valley, the Kailash Range and Gulmarg, for example, offer magnificent glaciers, alpine lakes, pine forests and snow-capped mountains in the setting sun. These views are not only visually stunning, but also soul-stirring for trekkers.

India's natural environment is full of diversity, from tropical forests and wetlands to alpine meadows, each ecosystem is unique. The Western Ghats, for example, is a haven for biologists and nature lovers, with its rich variety of flora and fauna. During your trek, you may come across animals that are endemic to India such as Bengal tigers, bison, snow leopards and a variety of rare birds. Stepping into these pristine forests gives you a sense of the power of nature and raw vitality.

2.Deep conversation with history and culture
Ancient Religious Sites and Cultural Monuments: India has a rich history and diverse cultures, and many of its treks are linked to history and religion. The region of Ladakh, for example, is famous for its formidable mountains, but also for its many ancient Buddhist temples and Tibetan cultural heritage. While trekking in the Bandapur Mountains, you can not only enjoy the picturesque natural scenery, but also feel the serenity and mystery of religion in every village and temple. These places allow you to experience not only the natural beauty but also a deep sense of India's long cultural lineage through their historical and religious background.

Close encounters with local people and culture: many of India's trekking routes pass through local villages and small towns, which gives you the opportunity to interact with India's various tribes and communities. You may meet villagers near the ancient ruins of Hampi or talk to the Burgars in the lowland forests of Kolkata. You will not only learn about the lifestyle of the locals, but also savor their traditional cuisine and experience their customs. This combination with humanity and history makes trekking more in-depth.

What are the most popular treks in India?

1. Himalayan trekking routes

Manali - Rohtat Valley

• What: Manali is a popular tourist city in northern India and is surrounded by several classic trekking routes. The Rohtat Valley is one of the beautiful and challenging routes, passing through virgin forests and glaciers and culminating in the Rohtat Pass with magnificent views.
• Difficulty: Moderate to high, suitable for those with some trekking experience.
• Suitable for people: Experienced trekkers, especially those who enjoy high altitude and natural landscapes.

Everest Base Camp Trek (Indian Side)

• What: This route will take you through the Indian part of the Himalayas to the Everest Base Camp. On the way, you can enjoy the magnificent snow-capped mountains and Tibetan villages, and feel the unique alpine culture.
• Difficulty: High difficulty and high altitude.
• Suitable for people: Experienced people who challenge high altitude trekking.

2. Western Ghats

Cochin - Alleppey Water Trekking

• Characteristics: This route combines tropical forest and water trekking, walking through the lagoon of Alleppey, crossing green wetlands and waterways, experiencing a different Indian landscape.
• Difficulty: Moderate, suitable for nature-loving trekkers.
• Suitable for: travelers who love wetlands, lagoons and tropical environments.

Brat - Alnabi Range

• What: This route spans the Western Ghats and is picturesque with rainforests, tea plantations and waterfalls along the way. The small town of Brat is a great starting point for trekking in the Western Ghats, and the ascent to the top offers some of the best views in India.
• Difficulty: Moderate, suitable for most trekkers.
• Suitable for people: Intermediate trekkers, especially those who enjoy rainforest and tea plantation views.

3. Ladakh

Sanctuary Temple - Ladakh Trek

• What: Ladakh is India's “Highland Paradise”, rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture and magnificent mountains. The trekking route will take you into remote villages and ancient monasteries to experience the pristine highland scenery and tranquility.
• Difficulty: High difficulty, high altitude, dry and cold climate.
• Suitable for people: Travelers who are physically fit and like the challenge of high altitude trekking.

Zazan Village - Nabulan Lake Trekking

• What: This route traverses through the mountains of Ladakh and eventually reaches the serene Nabran Lake. Along the way, you can see the very characteristic sand dunes, glaciers and lakes with magnificent views.
• Difficulty: Moderately high, suitable for people with some trekking experience.
• Suitable for people: trekkers who like alpine scenery and quiet lakes.

4. Kerala

Akalakot - Arabyakot Trekking

• What: This route traverses through the Western Ghats of Kerala with tea plantations, waterfalls and virgin forests along the way. The area is known for its tropical climate and rich flora and fauna, and trekkers can enjoy tranquility and nature.
• Difficulty: Moderate, suitable for most trekkers.
• Suitable for: Trekkers who enjoy tropical forests and tea plantation landscapes.

Nilgiri Mountains Trekking

• What: Located in southern India, the Nilgiri Mountains offer a range of trekking routes through tropical rainforests and hills. Not only is there an abundance of vegetation, but there are also opportunities to see a variety of wildlife such as elephants and mastodons.
• Difficulty: Moderate, suitable for all types of trekkers.
• Suitable for: trekkers who enjoy wildlife and tropical environments.

5. North India

Chopur - Mohammed Mountains

• What: This route traverses the mountains and deserts of northern India with unique scenery, old forts and historical sites along the way.
• Difficulty: Moderate, suitable for trekkers interested in deserts and history.
• Suitable for people: Trekkers who enjoy adventure, culture and history.

6. South India

Mkapa Range Trek

What: Located in Tamil Nadu, the Mkapa Range is an ideal place for trekking enthusiasts. With magnificent mountains, waterfalls and rich fauna, the trek is for those travelers who like to challenge themselves.

Difficulty: Higher, suitable for experienced trekkers.

Suitable for people: trekkers who love challenges and pristine natural landscapes.

When is the best time to go trekking in India?

1. Fall and winter (September-December)

• Best Trekking Season: September to December is the best trekking season in most parts of India. The weather during this time is favorable, with moderate temperatures and less humidity for high mountain trekking, especially in the Himalayas in the north.
• Advantage: Cool and dry climate for high altitude trekking, especially in areas such as Alhabat, Spiti Valley, Dharamsala, Kashmir. The temperatures are favorable and the snowy views from the mountain tops are stunning.
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2. Spring (March-May)

• Suitable for high altitudes: spring is a good time to go trekking in the northern mountains (e.g. Ladakh, Dehghanu, Spiti Valley). Temperatures during this time gradually rise, but are relatively warm without being overheated, with cooler nights and sometimes snow, but moderate daytime temperatures.
• Advantage: In the spring, the mountain flowers begin to bloom and the views are stunning. In addition, the weather in spring is relatively stable and is not affected by a strong rainy season.
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3. Summer (June-August)

Not so good for trekking: Summer is usually not a good time to go trekking in most parts of India, especially at lower altitudes, because of the high temperatures, which can reach over 40°C during the day, hot and humid. For example, in the plains of India and some tropical areas, the weather is very unsuitable for trekking.

Suitable areas: If you are planning to trek, the higher altitude areas of the Himalayas (e.g. Ladakh, Srinagar, high mountain trekking routes in the Himalayas) may still be suitable. During the summer months these areas are relatively cool for high altitude trekking.

4. Monsoon season (June-September)

Unsuitable for most places: India's monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, especially in the wet areas of the northwest, center and south, and this is a time when there may be a risk of landslides, mudslides and other hazards. At this time, mountain and forest trails may become muddy and less safe for trekking.

EXCEPTION: Although most places are unsuitable for trekking, trekking is still possible in some high altitude areas such as Ladakh and Alhabat, where the climate is dry and precipitation is low.

Specific areas suitable for trekking

• Ladakh: September to October is the best time to go, with a cooler climate in summer.
• Alhabat and Spiti Valley: September to November, fall and winter are suitable for trekking.
• Kashmir: September to October is the best time to see the beautiful fall scenery.