The 7 Most Enchanting Trekking Trails Across India

From magnificent mountain ranges to arid deserts, rivers and waterfalls to forests and grasslands, India has a varied and spectacular landscape.

The country also has numerous terrains for trekking, all leading to jaw-dropping scenery and beauty. While trekking in the Himalayas is most favoured among the enthusiasts because it offers majestic views of the mountains, there is no shortage of mind-blowing sceneries in the rest of the country.

From picturesque pathways leading to old forts to short treks and hilltop temples, here are some of the most beautiful hiking trails in India that offer the best possible experience.

1. Chandratal Lake Trek

It is an arduous journey to reach Chandratal Lake, but the scenery it offers is worth the effort. A near 30 kilometre lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Manali, Himachal Pradesh, Chandratal is reckoned as the most charismatic lake situated in the laps of the Himalayas.

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This captivating lake is perched on the Samudra Tapu plateau which lies close to Chandra river. Situated at an altitude of 4300 meters, Chandratal offers the most splendid views of the Spiti region.

The lake is crescent-shaped, and that is how it got its name. The lake glitters like a turquoise pendant against the cold-barren mountains. It is surrounded by the expansive grassy land that was apparently a glacier in ancient times.

If you are planning your next adventure, then Chandratal Lake should be on top of your list. The road to the lake takes you through treacherous trails of Batal which will set your adrenaline pumping.

2. Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek

The Nanda Devi is one of the most gigantic and gorgeous peaks in India. Located in Uttarakhand, It also has the distinction of being the 2nd highest peak in India.

The trek is approached through the Rishi Ganga gorge, one of the deepest in the world. The region is adjacent to Nanda Devi National Park which is the most spectacular wilderness in the Himalayas.

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The journey to the summit starts from Munsiyari that offers excellent views of the Panchachuli peaks and then passes through the Ramganga and Saryu valleys. Munsiyari is a small beautiful hamlet with a scenic array of waterfalls and home to the Johari Tribe, who are famed for their ayurvedic medicines and woollen shawls.

If luck is on your side, you might even sight the elusive Snow Leopard or the Himalayan musk deer. Careful, folks.

3. Rajmachi Fort Trek

While the Himalayas offers the best landscape, Rajmachi Fort holds its own when offering splendid views. Once a seat of Maratha¡¯s power in the Sahyadri Hills, Rajmachi Fort is located in present-day Maharashtra and is one of the state¡¯s most visited hiking trails.

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While the twin forts of Rajmachi make it a great destination for history buffs, the region is more famous for its breathtaking natural beauty.

The trail is visited by trekkers, nature lovers and campers in large numbers and is particularly beautiful in the monsoon months of June to August when the entire trail is covered in fresh greenery and a multitude of temporary waterfalls.

4. Tarsar Marsar Trek

There is a reason why Kashmir is often called one of the most beautiful places on earth, and Tarsar Marsar epitomises that fact. Being one of the prettiest treks in India, Tarsar Marsar offers magnificence only matched by a few.

The trek takes you from one lake to the other, from Tarsar to Marsar, and then to Sundarsar. You also get to camp beside two of these stunning lakes.

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Tarsar Marsar is located around 20 km to the east of Kolahoi Mountain in Pahalgam, Anantnag. Marsar Lake is in the neighbouring area of Dachigam national park. The exquisite Tarsar Marsar lake location and the incredibly pretty landscape of the area are the two things that have made people crazy about this trek.

Don¡¯t get me wrong, trekking in the Himalayas is one of the best experiences, but the Kashmiri Himalayas have probably the grandest landscapes with scenic beauty that can only be compared with the Swiss and Austrian Alps.

5. Zanskar Frozen River Trek

The Zanskar frozen river trek in Ladakh is one of the most challenging treks in India. During summer, the Zanskar River is a swift-flowing river, but during the winter months, the river freezes down. It serves as the only passage to the main valley, as heavy snowfall cuts off the entire region from the rest of the world.

Though the risk involved is immense, it doesn't stop thousands of trekkers from undertaking one of the country's thrilling adventures. The adventure is unlike any other as one gets to experience the beautiful frozen river, whirling through deep passages with snow-clad peaks all around.

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Popularly known as ¡®Chadar Trek¡¯ due to the formation of a thick blanket of ice on the Zanskar River, this trek is very difficult to complete. It is tricky at times when snow thickets drift away from beneath the feet and the only way to complete the route during such a situation is to climb through the snowy rocks and boulders beside the river.

This trek is one of the most challenging treks and takes around 8-9 days to cover a total distance of about 105 kilometres.

6. Kudremukh Trek

Situated in the middle of the Western Ghats, rolling green hills and misty valleys are what defines the lovely Kudremukh Trek ¡ª perhaps one of the greenest in India.

The beautifully preserved trails are lined with grassy meadows, deep forests, bamboo shrubs, abundant mosses and exotic flowers. The Kudremukh trek starts from Mullodi village in Karnataka's Chikmagalur district.

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The trek is around 20 to 22 kilometres long and is described as moderately difficult, so there¡¯s no need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy its unique beauty. It also only takes 1.5 to 2 days to complete and is ideal for those looking for a weekend trek in South India.

7. Rupin Pass Trek

Rupin Pass is a high altitude pass across the Himalaya mountain range in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It lies on the traditional shepherd and hiking route which starts from Dhaula in Uttarakhand and ends in Sangla in Himachal Pradesh. The path itself is located across uninhabited areas in the Himalayan ranges at an elevation of 15,250 ft. above sea level.

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Rupin Pass gets intense snowfall and an unpredictable climate could be a hurdle for trekking. But the complete journey promises stunning scenic views and open meadows and big rivers. This Pass acts as a bridge between two states as it starts in Uttarakhand and ends in Himachal Pradesh and it takes about 6 days to reach this location.