Trekking Information

India is regarded as a haven for trekking. Great altitudinal variations are present in the mountainous regions of the country which makes it an ideal destination for trekking. The cold climatic conditions prevalent in these regions also gives a boost to the activity. Both amateurs and professionals take part in trekking with great enthusiasm. Trekkers from foreign countries also come to India in large numbers. The Indian Army has also undertaken many daredevil trekking expeditions in the past. The most popular trekking destinations in India are located in the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Sikkim.


Necessary Equipment
Trekking does not require many equipments. Moreover, the equipments required in trekking are far less as compared to mountaineering. Only the basic equipments are enough for the purpose. The most common ones are rucksack, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, utensils, necessary clothes, essential medicines and ration. For high-altitude trekking, some additional equipments like ropes, crampon, gaiter, headlamp, snow goggles, chock nut, butane gas, twin sling, shoes, harness seat, ice axe, ascender, descender, hammer, tent, pulley and safety helmet are generally required.


Levels of Trekking
Based on the level of difficulty, trekking is generally divided into three categories-elementary trekking, medium trekking and strenuous trekking. Elementary trekking takes place in lower altitudes, medium trekking in mid level altitudes and strenuous trekking in higher altitudes. Sometimes, another category 3C is notified where trekking takes place in very high and extremely difficult altitudes.

Main Trekking Regions
» Himachal Pradesh : Jalori Pass Trek from Narkanda, Pir Panjal Trek, Bahrmaur to Manimahesh Lake Trek

» Uttaranchal : Gangotri to Gangotri Glacier, Tapovan to Shivling, Gangotri to Kedartal, Gangotri to Yamunotri via Dodital, Har-ki-Dun Trek, Pandari Glacier Trek, Roopkund Trek from Gwaldam, Curzon Trail from Gwaldam to Tapovan, Nanda Devi and Milam Glacier Trek, Darma Valley Trek Lahaul Treks, Darcha to Padum, Manali to Chandratal, Udeypur to Bhagga Valley, Sangla to Chitkul, Manali to Manikaran to Pulga along Parvati River, Bara Boulder to Sangam, Mudh to Spiti, Kaza to Comic, Manali to Lahaul and Spiti, Solang Valley to Beas Kund.

» Sikkim : Emayangtse-Sangacholing-Khecheopalri-Dubdi-Sinon-Tashiding-Ralang, Naya Bazar-Hilley/Soreng-Varsey-Dentam-Pemayangtse, Kanchan-Dzonga Yuksum-Bakhim-Tsokha-Dzongri-Thanghing/Bikbari-Zemathang/Chaurigang-Goecha La/Rathong Glacier-Yuksum, Rumtek-Sang-Yangang-Rabongla-Tashiding-Yuksum .

» West Bengal (Darjeeling region) : Darjeeling to Phalut via Sandakphu, Singalila Trek starting from Manebhajang, Ramman-Bijanbari Trek.

» Jammu & Kashmir : Pensi La to Padum, Karsha to Lamayaru, Padum to Leh, Spituk to Hemis, Lamayaru to Alchi, Nubra and Shyok Valley Trek.


Best Time
The best time for trekking differs from region to region. February/March is the best time for low-altitude trekking in the Himalayas. For high-altitude trekking, the best months are April/May. In the Western Ghats, the period from December to April is considered best for trekking as weather conditions remain clear.