Trekking Places in India: Where Is Trekking Most Popular?

Type “best trekking in India” into any search bar and you’ll see names like Manali, Ladakh, and Sikkim popping up everywhere. That’s no surprise—almost everyone chasing mountain highs wants a piece of the Himalayas. But where are these crowds really going, and what makes these spots so magnetic?

Among India’s endless trail options, the Himalayan belt takes the medal for sheer popularity. Think Roopkund in Uttarakhand—famous for its eerie skeleton lake, not to mention its Instagram-worthy meadows and snow. There’s also the legendary Chadar Trek in Ladakh, which has people literally walking over a frozen river. These places draw both hardcore trekkers and first-timers, especially during peak season when trails feel like outdoor festivals.

Still, don’t get stuck thinking only the north has great treks. The Western Ghats, running down the spine of southern India, are full of misty forests and secret waterfalls. Places like Kudremukh in Karnataka stay mostly off the global radar but are go-to favorites for city folks from Bangalore and Mangalore.

• Himalayan Hotspots: The Trekking Giants
• Western Ghats: Under-the-Radar Beauty
• Local Favorites vs. Tourist Trails
• Best Time to Trek: Crowds and Weather
• Quick Tips for Planning Your Trek

Himalayan Hotspots: The Trekking Giants

If you ask any serious trekker about trekking India, the conversation almost always turns to the Himalayas. This region isn’t just a favorite among locals; it’s packed with trekkers from all over the world searching for a challenge and views that make you question if you’re still on Earth.

Start with Uttarakhand’s Roopkund Trek. It sits at over 15,000 feet and is famous for Roopkund Lake. Hikers get a mix of grassy meadows (called bugyals), oak forests, and snowy passes. The biggest draw is the lake itself—known as Skeleton Lake. Every summer, skeletons appear when the snow melts. Scientists think they’re from a freak hailstorm about 1,000 years ago. This legend turns the already dramatic walk into something you can brag about for years.

Next, there’s the Valley of Flowers, also in Uttarakhand. It transforms into a rainbow of wildflowers between July and September. This UNESCO World Heritage Site isn’t just for botanists. Trekkers come for the epic colors and the easy-to-follow trail, making it newbie-friendly compared to some grueling climbs nearby.

Ladakh has been blowing up on social media thanks to the Chadar Trek, which has you walking on a frozen Zanskar River. This trek is unique because it’s only doable in January and February, and “slipping” isn’t just a figure of speech here. It’s actually pretty intense—icy conditions, subzero nights, and no backup if you chicken out halfway. But there’s serious bragging rights if you make it. A good, organized tour is a must, since nature doesn’t play around up there.

Himachal Pradesh is home to Hampta Pass and the famous Pin Parvati Trek. Hampta is known for being doable even if you’re new to mountain trekking. The terrain changes almost daily—from pine forests to high desert. For more seasoned trekkers, Pin Parvati Trail is a week-plus adventure that’s all about stamina and wild landscapes, ending in the odd, dry Spiti Valley.

If you want shorter options under your belt, try Triund near McLeod Ganj or Kuari Pass in Uttarakhand. Triund pulls in backpackers from Dharamshala and feels more like a big picnic than a test of endurance. Kuari Pass, known as the “Curzon Trail,” shows off the best Himalayan views with less of the bone-crunching effort.

• Don’t ignore the weather—monsoon and winter can turn these trails dangerous fast.
• Plan your trek in advance, especially in peak seasons (May-June, September-October).
• Altitude sickness is real. Acclimatize for at least a day before heading higher.
• Permits are often required, especially for Valley of Flowers and certain regions in Ladakh.

Western Ghats: Under-the-Radar Beauty

When most people think about trekking in India, they instantly picture snowy Himalayan peaks. But let’s be real—the trekking India scene would be incomplete without the Western Ghats on the list. Stretching over 1,600 kilometers along India’s west coast, this mountain chain has some of the greenest, most untouched trails you’ll ever see.

Kudremukh National Park in Karnataka is a classic example. Trekking here, you get open grasslands, thick shola forests, and the unforgettable sight of wild bison grazing just off the trail. It’s a protected zone, so authorities control the number of people who enter every day; you need a permit and have to start your trek early in the morning. The whole experience feels organized but wild at the same time.

Head further south, and you’ll find Kerala’s famous Chembra Peak near Wayanad. The heart-shaped lake halfway up has become a bit of an Instagram magnet, but the trails remain fairly peaceful compared to north India’s trekking hotspots. During monsoon, the Western Ghats truly come alive—think thick mist, waterfalls everywhere, and bright green hills. The downside: slippery trails and leeches, so decent shoes and salt (yep, for the leeches) are a must.

Another spot worth mentioning is Maharashtra’s Sahyadri Range. If you’ve ever wanted to mix trekking with a bit of history, this is the place. Fort treks like Rajmachi or Lohagad walk you through ancient ramparts and give serious panoramic valley views at the top. These aren’t high-altitude adventures, but they get especially popular during the monsoon, thanks to their lush landscapes and easy access from Mumbai and Pune.

• Pick lightweight rain gear—Western Ghats weather is unpredictable, even in summer.
• Consider tackling these trails between October and February for cooler air and less chance of heavy rain.
• Don’t forget to check if you need a forest permit—many of the top trails are in wildlife reserves.

The Western Ghats may be under-the-radar on global lists, but for locals, these trails are a not-so-secret escape, especially when Himalayan trips feel too far or pricey. If you want something less crowded and more laid back, the Ghats deliver every time.

Local Favorites vs. Tourist Trails

When folks talk about trekking in India, big-name spots like the Valley of Flowers or Hampta Pass get all the buzz. No doubt—they’re stunning, but you also have company. Some trails see thousands of boots every season. For instance, in 2023, around 25,000 trekkers visited Kedarkantha alone, making it one of the most crowded peaks in Uttarakhand.

But here’s a twist: while these trekking India routes are flooded with tourists and selfie sticks, locals usually head for quieter trails. Locals in Himachal Pradesh swear by treks like Buran Ghati—same Himalayan drama, way fewer crowds. In the South, seasoned trekkers from Pune or Bangalore love places like Velliangiri Hills or Kumara Parvatha, which usually skip the foreigner spotlight.

• Tourist favorites: Roopkund, Valley of Flowers, Hampta Pass, Kedarkantha, Chadar Trek
• Local picks: Buran Ghati (Himachal Pradesh), Har Ki Dun (Uttarakhand), Kudremukh (Karnataka), Velliangiri Hills (Tamil Nadu), Sandakphu (West Bengal, but under-the-radar in summer)

What’s the difference? Tourist trails have more guides, easier logistics, and busier campsites. You’ll find clearly marked paths, and booking a package is a breeze. Local favorites might mean rougher trails, tricky access, or permits that only locals know how to wrangle. But there’s a real charm in taking on a trail that’s “adopted” by a local trekking group or just not flooded with people.

If you want comfort and a social vibe, stick with the tourist headliners. But if you’re after peace, wild views, and a chance to bump into actual locals (not just guides), the hidden trails should be on your list. Just remember: you might need to do some homework—ask around for route info, check local weather, and sort permits ahead of time if you can.

Best Time to Trek: Crowds and Weather

If you don’t want to get stuck in lines for mountain selfies, timing your trek in India is everything. Here’s what you actually need to know. Most of the trekking India buzz happens between April and June, and again from September to November. Why? Summer melts the snow on high trails, making routes like Kashmir Great Lakes and Hampta Pass safe and open. Autumn means clear skies and insane views—literally postcard stuff—but it’s also when the trails get busiest, especially during the Diwali break.

Now, the monsoon (roughly July to early September) is a wild card. Trails in Himachal and Uttarakhand become slippery and risky, and landslides are common. That doesn’t stop folks from hitting up the Western Ghats, though. In fact, states like Maharashtra and Kerala get packed since their treks are at their greenest then. Check the table for a quick look at what to expect:

Want the trails more to yourself? Try shoulder months, like late March or early December. Off-season treks sound cool but do your homework—some trails shut down for safety, especially in deep snow or heavy rain. Always check local weather (and any wildlife alerts) before packing your bag. And one last tip: most treks above 3,000 meters are totally out during deep winter because of snowblocks, so don’t try to play superhero.

Quick Tips for Planning Your Trek

If you're itching to hit the trails, a little planning goes a long way. India’s weather is wildly different across regions, so first check when your chosen trek is open. For example, the Valley of Flowers blazes with color in July and August, but the Chadar Trek is only possible during the dead of winter—January and February.

Fitness matters more than fancy gear. Start walking up stairs or hit the local park, and don’t ignore your legs and lungs. Even easy treks like Triund can be tough if you’re not used to climbing for hours.

• Best trekking in India usually means the Himalayas, but don’t skip the Western Ghats if you’re close by.
• Packing right saves headaches: Think lightweight jackets (layers, not heavy coats), a sturdy rain cover, and shoes with good grip. You’ll thank yourself when it rains out of nowhere.
• Book your permit early if you’re going for popular routes—like Roopkund or Kedarkantha. Some treks now limit the daily number of entries, especially after 2023’s rush in Uttarakhand.
• If you’re on a guided trek, check reviews and confirm what’s really included. Sometimes "all meals included" means chai and Maggi for every meal.

Don’t forget travel insurance—if you get hurt above 10,000 feet, evacuation flights can cost more than the trek itself. Also, mobile networks vanish in most mountain spots, so download offline maps or keep a trail copy on your phone.

If you’re still wondering how busy a trail will be, here's a quick look at peak seasons for some popular spots:

Take only what you can carry, respect local advice, and don’t leave trash behind. Most Indian trekking trails don’t have bins—what you pack in, pack out. You’ll make the most of your adventure when you keep it simple and smart.