Hiking Trails India: Best Routes, Difficulty Levels, and Where to Start

When you think of hiking trails India, natural paths through mountains, forests, and high-altitude passes designed for walking and exploration. Also known as trekking routes in India, these trails connect ancient villages, sacred sites, and remote peaks across the Himalayas, Western Ghats, and Northeastern hills. India doesn’t just have one kind of hike—it has everything from gentle forest walks you can do in flip-flops to brutal climbs that test your lungs and willpower.

Some trails, like Kuari Pass, a scenic, well-marked trek in Uttarakhand with manageable altitude and panoramic views, are perfect for first-timers. You don’t need gear or training—just good shoes and curiosity. Others, like the Kailash Mansarovar trek, a grueling pilgrimage route in the Himalayas with extreme altitude, freezing winds, and zero infrastructure, demand months of preparation and physical conditioning. Then there are the hidden gems—like the Indrahar Pass, a high-altitude trail in Himachal Pradesh that connects two valleys with wildflower meadows and lonely mountain huts—where you’ll likely have the path to yourself.

What makes India’s trails special isn’t just the scenery. It’s the way they weave through culture. You’ll pass prayer flags near a monastery, share tea with a shepherd on a ridge, or stumble upon a temple tucked into a cliffside. These aren’t just hikes—they’re slow journeys into the rhythm of life in remote India. Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape near Delhi or a 10-day expedition into the wilds of Sikkim, there’s a trail that matches your pace.

Don’t assume all trails are safe or easy. Altitude sickness hits fast above 3,000 meters. Weather changes in minutes. Some routes close during monsoon. The best hikes balance beauty with practicality—clear paths, local guides, and reliable water sources. That’s why the posts below cover real experiences: which trails are actually beginner-friendly, where to find the best views without the crowds, and which ones you should skip unless you’ve trained for months.

Below, you’ll find honest reviews of the most talked-about trails in India—from the most visited to the most forgotten. No fluff. No marketing. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what you need to know before you lace up your boots.