In India, every hiker discovers a promise of freedom and a miracle. This region is the most sought-after location for hikers due to its mesmerizing natural beauty and expanse of the mighty Himalayas. Which span 13 Indian states and union territories. Besides Jammu and Kashmir, it covers Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam, and West Bengal. They come here to pursue their fantasies of travel, adventure, and solace.
India is unique in that it provides excitement and beauty. Thanks to its snow-capped mountain peaks, verdant meadows, rushing streams, and waterfalls. And high-altitude glaciers and an amazing variety of flora and wildlife. We’ll walk you through five great hiking paths in India in this blog.
Gangabal Lake, Kashmir
The Kashmir Valley, bordered by many layers of enormous peaks, is a vast bowl filled with lakes and orchards. Gangabal, located in northern Srinagar, is the final of the Seven Great Alpine Lakes between Sonamarg and Naranag. Trekking to the oligotrophic Gangabal Lake at an elevation of 3,575 meters. It begins in the isolated Naranag valley, which serves as the base camp for the illustrious Mount Harmukh. The lake is originally provided by melting glaciers and is fully stocked with European brown trout and waterfowl. On its beaches, wildflowers blossom profusely throughout the summer while wandering shepherds with their herds make the rounds. Take a walk during winter, and you’ll be stunned by the striking views of the frozen lake and the nearby peaceful meadows buried by thick snow. The trail’s highlights include an eighth-century Buddhist temple and its twin lake, Naranag Lake.
Hampta Circuit, Himachal Pradesh
The Hampta Circuit, mistaken for Hampta Pass. Exploring the named valley without the hordes of tourists and adventurers is a distinct journey. From Jagatsukh Ridge, the unspoiled road leads through pine forests, rhododendron forests, and flowing waterfalls. Lush meadows dotted with blankets of flowers and a snow-covered pass that rises 4,300 meters above sea level. It changes into a winter bowl lined with tall deodar trees draped in snowy capes during the year’s coldest months. Visit the mountain village of Prini and a wooden temple in the forest while getting to know the local Gaddi shepherds. At Tilton, sweeping pasturelands are a sight to behold. Set up camp for the night. The ascent through Sarotu’s snow bed is quite difficult and steep. But the views are worth it when you reach the summit.
Sandakphu, West Bengal
Did you know that in a single day, you may take your morning tea in India and climb to Nepal for dinner? The hike up Sandakphu, both West Bengal’s and Mechi, Nepal’s highest peak, is strenuous but thrilling. The route, which starts at Maneybhanjang, comprises open trails. And includes beautiful sections near the border where you can see both nations after passing through the village of Chitre on the way to Tonglu. You can begin the steep descent toward Tumbling, a wonderful, peaceful location to spend the night. It takes six hours to get to Kalipokhri from there. Make sure to set aside some time to investigate this never-freezing black water pond. The steepest part of the trek takes roughly two and a half hours to complete.
Japfu Peak Trek, Nagaland
Try the winter trek to Japfu Peak in Nagaland’s Kohima district if you believe locating a rare pink lily is the most daring thing you can do there. The 3,084-meter-tall Japfu Peak, often referred to as Japfü or Java, is the second-highest peak in the state. The trail to it begins in Kohima. Ascent pathways pass through a raging stream, deodar and bamboo forests, Zakhama Check Post, and steep sections have been used to access the Crying Child Valley and Dzukou Trekkers’ Hut. Spend the night at the hut, then the next morning, after seeing the Dzukou Valley. And travel through dwarf bamboo plantations to Vishuwema village. From here, the trail skirts the ridge before taking you to the base camp, where it takes three hours to hike to Japfu Peak. Once you reach the top, you are generally given views of the entire state of Nagaland!
Markha Valley, Ladakh
Wintertime in Ladakh is a different experience. Visit the Markha Valley if you’d want to see a barren moonscape that seems to have stood still in time. The trees have lost their leaves, thick snow covering the mountains, and the river gurgles under a sheet of ice. Discover the valley’s tiny monastic communities, and stay in welcoming homesteads. And, if you’re lucky, catch a sight of the elusive snow leopard! The Markha River flows on your right as you begin your trip from Skiu and freezes as you ascend higher. From some angles, catch a peek of Kang Yatze II. As you draw closer to Hangkar, the scenery grows more spectacular. Lastly, read more about travel around the world here.
