Best 5 Places to Hike and Trek in North India

Landscape Photography of Mountains and Trees during Daylight | HP, India
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India is truly a mix of different geographies and cultures, including mountains, plains, ghats, beaches, backwaters, forests, wildlife – there’s everything you can find in this remarkable country. And if you’re a person who loves adventure, India is a must-visit. The northern part of the country is surrounded by the Himalayan and Karakoram Ranges, offering some of the best hiking destinations in the world. The north-east region also offers serene and beautiful treks. Duration ranges from half-day treks to multi-week journeys. It is challenging to select the best hiking places; thus, I have made a list of sites that in my opinion offer the best wildlife hiking adventure. 

1. Triund

Located at a distance of 18 km from Dharamshala and 9 km from McLeod Ganj, Triund is one of the easiest treks in the Himalayas. It is a great way to start your hiking journey in India with breathtaking panoramic views. If you have the time, you can easily find a camping site there to observe the beautiful sunset and enjoy the bonfire at night. 

2. Prashar Lake

Located in the Mandi district within the state of Himachal Pradesh, Prashar Lake is considered to be a holy trek as there is a temple on the side. A couple of exciting facts about Prashar Lake – there is a small island right in the middle of the lake, and no one knows deep it is. Some even say that the lake is bottomless and has magical powers. 

Not many people choose to trek this place – a perfect destination if you’re looking for adventure and untouched wildlife. You can also choose to camp here overnight because both the sunset and sunrise are mesmerising. 

3. Malana

Located in the Parvati Valley, Malana is a secluded small village in Himachal Pradesh – perfect for a mysterious hike. The trek is not very difficult but what makes it exciting is the untouched landscape. The villagers have managed to preserve this place and consider themselves as superior and pure (as they are not a part of urbanisation). They do not like to mingle with the outsiders – touching them, and their properties is also prohibited. The locals mainly survive by growing and selling the world-famous ‘Malana Cream’ – which is an attraction for a lot of foreign tourists. 

4. Stok Kangri Summit

Located in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, the Stok Kangri Summit is one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in the entire country. Only experienced hikers can complete the journey, and most of the people choose to return from the base camp. The most challenging part is the thin air, you need to get accustomed to the altitude and the atmospheric pressure – only physically fit people should give it a try (the highest peak is at 6,153 metres).

5. Chadar Trek a.k.a. Zanskar Frozen River

Another challenging trek in Ladakh, the Zanskar River flows in the summer but freezes during the winters, forming a thick layer of ice – giving it the name ‘Chadar’. The entire valley is cut off from the rest of the world because of snowfall and this river serves as the only passage. The real adventure is to complete this trek in the winters where all you’ll be able to see is snow and ice, giving a feeling of going back to the ice-age. You’ll also have to sleep in caves at night and fire will be your best friend to keep you warm and cook your food. The most challenging part is mind-freezing temperature, but the scenic beauty makes for an unmatched experience. 

Final Words

The mountains of India are a hiker’s paradise. With proper training and equipment, you can experience the untouched beauty of the country. Please do not forget to keep sufficient food supplies, drinking water, comfortable clothing, and hiking footwear. You can surely check out the 5.11 Tactical Pants as they give you all the protection you need at such high altitudes. 

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