Are you looking for a new and exciting adventure in the Himalayas? Do you want to explore the stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and diverse wildlife of majestic mountain ranges in India? Do you want to avoid the crowds and discover some of the lesser-known new treks of 2024?
This article is for you if you answered yes to any of these questions. Here are some of the best treks that are off the beaten track but offer unique and thrilling experiences for adventurous explorers. These treks are suitable for different difficulty levels, duration, and season and will take you to some of the country's most beautiful and remote places.
1. Phoktey Dara Trek
Phoktey Dara Trek is a new and offbeat trek in West Sikkim that offers 360-degree views of the Himalayan ranges, including Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu and many more. The trek starts from Uttarey, a small village near the Nepal border, and ends at Phalut, a high-altitude meadow on the Singalila ridge.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
No of Days: 7 days and 6 nights
Best Season: June to September
2. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a stunning trek in the Kashmir Valley that takes you through five valleys, namely Nichnai Pass, Gadsar Pass, Zaj Pass, Gangabal Pass, and Satsar Pass, each offering a different view of the surrounding landscape and six alpine lakes, showing breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, lush meadows, and crystal-clear waters.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
No of Days: 7 days and 6 nights
Best Season: June to September
3. Ladakh Markha Valley Trek
Ladakh Markha Valley Trek is a popular and scenic trek in the Ladakh region of India. It takes you through the beautiful Markha Valley, where you can see the contrast between the green fields and the barren mountains. You will also cross two high passes, Ganda La and Kongmaru La, and visit several ancient monasteries and villages.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
No of Days: 7 days and 6 nights
Best Season: May to September
4. Goecha La Trek
Goecha La Trek is a stunning trek in the Sikkim region of India that takes you to the base of the third-highest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga. The trek offers spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, rhododendron forests, and diverse wildlife.
Difficulty Level: Moderately Difficult
No of Days: 10 Days
Best Season: Mid-March to mid-May, or Mid-October to January
5. Rupin Pass Trek
Rupin Pass Trek is a high-altitude crossover trek from Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh, following the Rupin River. The trek is famous for its diverse and stunning scenery, such as waterfalls, meadows, forests, snowfields, and villages.
Difficulty Level: Moderately Difficult
No of Days: 7 Days
Best Season: Mid-March to mid-May, or Mid-October to January
6. Snow Leopard Trek
The Snow Leopard Trek is a wildlife expedition in the Hemis National Park of Ladakh, where you can try to spot the elusive snow leopard and other rare animals in their natural habitat. The trek is not very strenuous, but it requires patience, passion, and luck to see the snow leopard.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
No of Days: 6 Days
Best Season: November and March
7. Kuari Pass Trek
The Kuari Pass Trek is a popular route in the Garhwal region of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet, and Trishul. The trek usually starts from a small village called Dhak in Uttarakhand and takes you through dense forests, charming meadows, and snow-clad landscapes.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
No of Days: 6 Days
Best Season: Mid-March to Mid-May, or Mid-October to January.
8. Brammah Valley Trek
The Brammah Valley Trek is a popular trekking route in the Kishtwar region of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Mt. Brammah I, Mt. Brammah Wife, Eiger, and Tarparan. The trek also passes through the Kishtwar National Park, known for its dense forests, lush meadows, and diverse wildlife. The trek starts from a small village called Sounder and ends at the same place.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
No of Days: 7 Days
Best Time: July to September
9. Miyar Valley Trek
The Miyar Valley Trek is scenic and accessible in the Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh, India. It takes you through the beautiful Miyar Valley, the Yosemite of the Himalayas, where you can see the contrast between the green meadows and the barren mountains. You will also reach the snout of the Miyar Glacier, where you can see seven sacred blue ponds.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
No of Days: 7 Days
Best Time: July to September
10. Sandakphu trek
Enjoy clear views of the Himalayan peaks, including four of the world’s highest mountains: Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. You can also witness the blooming of rhododendrons and other flowers in spring and the changing colours of the foliage in autumn. The trek covers a distance of around 55-65 km and goes through various terrains, such as forests, meadows, villages, and national parks.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
No of Days: 6 Days
Best Time: March to May or September to November
11. Phuktal Monastery Trek
The trek starts from a small village called Sounder and follows the Phuktal River, passing through forests, meadows, villages, and monasteries. The highlight of the trek is the Phugtal monastery, also known as the cave monastery or the honeycomb monastery, which is built into a cliff and houses around 100 monks. The trek offers an excellent opportunity to experience the culture and nature of the Zanskar region.
Difficulty Level: Easy
No of Days: 7 Days
Best Time: July to September
12. Japfu Peak Trek
Explore the history and beauty of the Kohima region on this moderate trek that takes you to the Japfu peak, Nagaland’s second-highest mountain, and the Dzukou valley, a floral paradise. Enjoy the panoramic views of the green forests, the diverse wildlife, and the stunning Dzukou Valley, where you can see a variety of exotic flowers and grasses. The trek begins in Kigwema, a quaint village near Kohima, and follows a challenging trail through thick bushes.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult
No of Days: 4-5 hours
Best Time: March- May
13. Tso Lhamo Lake Trek
The Tso Lhamo Lake Trek is an adventurous and challenging trek that takes you to one of the highest and most remote lakes in the world, located at an altitude of 18,000 feet in North Sikkim. The lake, also known as Cholamu Lake, is near the Tibetan border. The trek requires special permits from the army and the administration, as it passes through a restricted area. The trek offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and valleys.
Difficulty Level: Difficult
No of Days: 2 Days
Best Time: September- November
14. Milam Glacier Trek
The Milam Glacier Trek takes you to the largest glacier in the Kumaon region, located at 3438 meters. The trek offers scenic views of the surrounding peaks, such as Hardeol, Mangraon, Deo Damla, and Sakram. The trek starts from Munsiyari, a small town in Pithoragarh district, and follows the Gori Ganga River, passing through forests, waterfalls, villages, and monasteries.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
No of Days: 13 Days
Best Time: July- September
15. Bodpathri Lakes Trek
The Milam Glacier Trek takes you to the largest glacier in the Kumaon region, 3438 meters. The trek offers scenic views of the surrounding peaks, such as Hardeol, Mangraon, Deo Damla, and Sakram. The trek starts from Munsiyari, a small town in Pithoragarh district, and follows the Gori Ganga River, passing through forests, waterfalls, villages, and monasteries.
Difficulty Level: Easy
No of Days: 7 Days
Best Time: July- September
16. Buran Ghati Trek
This trek takes you on a journey through some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the Himalayas, where you can marvel at the majestic peaks, the verdant valleys, and the crystal-clear streams. Along the way, you will also experience a thrilling adventure at the Buran Ghati Pass, a high-altitude pass that requires you to rappel down a snowy slope. From the pass, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Pabbar and Baspa valleys, two of the most picturesque valleys in Himachal Pradesh. The trek begins in Janglik, a rich history and culture village, and ends in Barua, a quaint town with orchards and alleyways.
Difficulty Level: Difficult
No of Days: 7 Days
Best Time: July- September
17. Nafran Valley Trek
This trek takes you on a journey through some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the Himalayas, where you can marvel at the majestic peaks, the verdant valleys, and the crystal-clear streams. Along the way, you will also experience a thrilling adventure at the Buran Ghati Pass, a high-altitude pass that requires you to rappel down a snowy slope. From the pass, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Pabbar and Baspa valleys, two of the most picturesque valleys in Himachal Pradesh. The trek begins in Janglik, a rich history and culture village, and ends in Barua, a quaint town with orchards and alleyways.
Difficulty Level: Moderately Difficult
No of Days: 7 Days
Best Time: June to September
18. Pin Bhaba Pass Trek
The Pin Bhaba Pass Trek connects Kinnaur's green and lush Bhaba Valley with the barren and dry Pin Valley in Spiti. It is a moderate to challenging trek that crosses a high mountain pass at 16,100 ft. The trek offers a variety of landscapes, from dense forests and meadows to rocky slopes and snow-covered peaks. You will also experience the contrast between the culture and lifestyle of the Kinnauri and Spitian people.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
No of Days: 7 Days
Best Time: Mid-July to early September
19. Sondai Fort Trek
The Sondai Fort Trek is a one-day trek near Mumbai and Pune that takes you to the top of a historical fort at 1200 feet. You can enjoy the views of the Morbe Dam, the Matheran range, and the nearby forts from the summit. You can also visit the Sondai Devi temple and the Changewadi waterfall on the way. The trek starts from Sondewadi village, 10 km from Karjat station. You can either take a local rickshaw or drive to the base village.
Difficulty Level: Easy
No of Days: 2 Hours
Best Time: Monsoon
To conclude, these treks offer a unique opportunity to explore the country's hidden wonders. These treks are not only adventurous but also culturally and ecologically enriching, as they introduce you to the region's diverse and vibrant communities and wildlife. Whether you are looking for a challenge, scenery, or a spiritual experience, you will find something that suits your taste and preference in these treks.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, lace up your boots, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of India’s wilderness.
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