Indian Trekking: Best Trails, Beginner Routes, and Hardiest Hikes in India

When you think of Indian trekking, a diverse range of high-altitude walking routes across the Himalayas and other mountain ranges in India. Also known as mountain hiking in India, it ranges from gentle day walks to multi-week pilgrimages that test endurance, altitude tolerance, and mental grit. This isn’t just about climbing peaks—it’s about walking through remote villages, crossing glacial rivers, sleeping under star-filled skies, and meeting locals who’ve lived in these mountains for generations.

Some of the most popular trekking cities in India, urban hubs that serve as gateways to major trekking routes. Also known as trekking bases, it includes Manali, where over 50 marked trails start, and Rishikesh, where beginners often begin their journey before heading into the Himalayas. These towns aren’t just starting points—they’re full of gear shops, guide services, and trekkers sharing stories over chai. Then there are the trails themselves. For someone new to hiking, Kuari Pass, a scenic, well-marked trek in Uttarakhand with manageable altitude and stunning views of Nanda Devi. Also known as easy Himalayan trek, it’s often called the best mountain to climb for a beginner in India. No ropes, no crampons, no prior experience needed—just good shoes and a sense of wonder.

But not all Indian trekking is gentle. The Kailash Mansarovar trek, a grueling high-altitude pilgrimage in Tibet, accessible from India, known for extreme weather, thin air, and spiritual significance. Also known as hardest hike in India, it’s where even seasoned trekkers admit they underestimated the challenge. At over 18,000 feet, with no medical support nearby and temperatures dropping below freezing, this isn’t a vacation—it’s a test of will. And yet, thousands attempt it every year, drawn by faith, tradition, or the raw beauty of the landscape.

What makes Indian trekking different from anywhere else? It’s the mix. You’re not just walking through nature—you’re walking through living culture. Temples dot the trails. Prayer flags wave above passes. Local guides speak in dialects older than modern languages. You’ll pass families herding goats, monks walking to monasteries, and farmers harvesting barley at altitudes where most people can’t even breathe.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet morning hike near a temple, a week-long adventure through rhododendron forests, or a life-changing journey to one of the world’s most sacred mountains, Indian trekking has a path for you. Below, you’ll find real stories from people who’ve done it—their mistakes, their wins, the trails they’d do again, and the ones they’d skip. No fluff. Just what works, what hurts, and what stays with you long after you’ve packed your boots away.