The Most Amazing Trekking Places in North India

North India is famous for its scenic beauty, pleasant weather and of course, stunning landscapes. It is one of the best places in India to explore on foot offering some of the most scenic, relaxing and adventurous treks the country has to offer. Here you can trek for days and spend the night under the stars. Whether you decide to visit during summer, the monsoon or winter, our list of treks lets you explore this region with the best possible things – adventure and nature!

Trekking Places in North India

1. Chadar River Trek, Ladakh

This is a beautiful trek but a word of cautions: it’s not for the faint-hearted. This is where children risk their lives getting to school by crossing the uneven terrain. But, it also boasts of ice that changes colour and so clear that you can see yourself. A trek here lets you walk across the frozen Zanskar river that lets you enjoy views of the canyons and ravines.

• Best time to visit: October to February
• Number of days: 6 days

2. Snow Leopard Trek, Ladakh

Wake up at dawn and head out to experience the stunning town of Ladakh. This trek will let you get a chance to the see the shy snow leopard, blue sheep and herds of yak. On your trek you are also likely to meet monks returning from their prayers. On your trek, stop by the quaint Rumbak village where you can dig into some local yak butter tea and biscuits.  

• Best time to visit: In the monsoon from June to September
• Number of days: 4-10 days

3. Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh

Caption: Markha Valley Trek boasts of rolling hills

Located at an altitude of 18,000 and climbing, this trek takes you past the canyons surrounding the Indus Valley. On the way, you can soak in some culture in Little Tibet. You will spot how villagers experience their daily life and other attractions here include the crossing the Zanskar river on a box and cable bridge. Parts of the trek let you see lots of crops.

• Best time to visit: Mid June to Mid October
• Number of days: 7 days

4. The Great Lakes, Kashmir

If you’re looking for a relaxing trek that lets you enjoy nature and Kashmir at its finest, then this is the one for you. As you walk through the stunning valleys you will get to see tall pine trees, the snow capped Himalayas and lush grassy areas. While trekking you can also fish in the nearby lakes and pitch up your tents to spend nights under the stars.

• Best time to visit: In the monsoon from June to September
• Number of days: 3-6 days

5. Chopta Chandrshila Trek, Uttarakhand

The Himalayas aren’t always covered in snow as trek shows. This is a very popular trek and showcases the vibrancy of spring in the Himalayas. The trek is roughly 30 km and here you will see flowers, birds, mountain ranges as well as fields of stunning flowers. On the path you will pass the Deoriatal lake side, where you get magnificent views. It is said that Lord Rama prayed at Chandrashila peak after defeating the demon-king Ravana.

• Best time to visit: Summer from March to May
• Number of days: 6 days

6. Kedar Kantha Trek, Uttarakhand

Not only is this trek famous for the breath-taking views it offers but also because it boasts of the best looking campsites in the Himalayas. The  Akroti Thach campsite offers walnut and pine trees and the Pukhrola campsite is based on an open meadow. Here you will be treated to a spectacular sunrise and sunset, among the mountains. Local culture and hospitality can be experienced too as you trek through this region.

• Best time to visit: March to October  
• Number of days:  5 days

7. Sunderdhunga Valley Trek, Uttarakhand

This trek lets you see a glacier in all its magnificent glory. A trek here will also let you experience what life is like in this part of India. You can camp overnight night in Jatoli village – a village that still doesn’t have electricity. As you trek through this region your adventurous streak will come alive as you cross through man-made bridges, slopes, plains, valleys and grasslands before you reach the glacier.  

• Best time to visit: Visiting during summer or winter is good  
• Number of days: 6 to 9 days

8. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

The trek itself is moderate but it’s the view at the end that is truly spectacular and worth the entire journey and more. Hidden among the landscape is this colourful valley that is filled with a number of different types of flowers, extending as far as the eye can see. This is one of the most romantic places in the Himalayan Range.

• Best time to visit: July to September
• Number of days: 4-6 days

9. Dodital Trek, Uttaranchal

For a winter wonderland experience then trek here during the winter as you will feel you are in another world altogether. Here you can camp in the snow and set up your tent under the clear and starry sky. On this trek you will pass the peaceful Assi Ganga river, cross stone bridges and even have a snowball fight with your friends. There are also a few quaint villages along the way. Temperatures here are between 0-15 degrees.

• Best time to visit: Winter is between November to February
• Number of days: 3-6 days

10. Har Ki Dun Trek, Uttaranchal

Located in the middle of the charming Gharwal Himalayas, the Har Ki Dun trek is one of the best on offer these days. This area is also known as the hanging valley thanks to the lush greenery and backdrop of the mountains. The trek is on an easy to moderate levels and you can climb up to a height of 11,000 feet for the best views.

• Best time to visit: March to June, September to November
• Number of days: 7 days

11. Triund Trek, Himachal Pradesh

This trek is ideal for beginners as the path is easy and the trek itself takes just 2-3 days. During the spring, you will see bright green pine forests dotting the region with songbirds all around. Here you also get to see snow capped mountains and ridges. Do stop by tea at one of the local villages, the inhabitants are used to trekkers and offer some great chai and snacks.

• Best time to visit: Summer and winter
• Number of days: 2-3 days

12. Shali Tibba Trek, Himachal Pradesh

If you’re looking for a day trek, then nothing beats the Shali Tibba route. Barely five hours long, this trek may be short on time but its high on beauty and landscapes. Enjoy the quiet as you zig zag through he scissor bends and negotiate the steep paths. And the best part – reaching the top, where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalaya range.

• Best time to visit: Summer
• Number of days: Half a day

As you can see, North India is ideal to satiate the trekker in you. No matter your expertise level or preference for surroundings, out vast country has something to offer everyone. Do let us know about the treks you try in the comments section below.