Trekking in India: Best High-Altitude Trails and Hidden Routes

When you think of trekking in India, a form of long-distance hiking through rugged, often remote landscapes, especially in mountainous regions like the Himalayas. Also known as mountain walking, it’s not just exercise—it’s a way to connect with ancient trails, isolated villages, and skies so clear they feel unreal. Unlike guided tours in tourist hotspots, real trekking in India means sleeping under stars, crossing icy rivers, and climbing where few tourists ever go.

Some of the toughest and most beautiful routes are found in the Himalayan treks, a network of high-altitude trails stretching across northern India, known for extreme weather, spiritual sites, and dramatic peaks. Also known as Himalayan hiking, these routes demand more than fitness—they ask for respect for altitude, cold, and isolation. The Chadar Trek, a frozen river walk along the Zanskar River in Ladakh, where trekkers step on ice that can drop to -30°C. Also known as Ice Trek, it’s one of the few treks in the world where the path is literally a river turned to glass. Then there’s the Kangchenjunga trek, India’s highest trek, pushing above 5,000 meters into untouched wilderness near the Nepal border. Also known as Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek, it’s not for beginners—it’s for those who want to stand where few have set foot. And while Nepal’s Everest Base Camp gets all the attention, India has its own version of that magic—just quieter, wilder, and less crowded.

But trekking in India isn’t just about climbing higher. It’s also about tracing history. The hippie trail, a 1960s-70s route through northern India that drew backpackers seeking peace, spirituality, and adventure. Also known as counterculture trail, it still lives on in the dusty paths of Himachal and Uttarakhand, where old guesthouses and chai stalls welcome modern travelers just like they did decades ago. You’ll find beautiful peaks in the Western Ghats, gentle hikes in the Northeast, and forgotten trails in the Garhwal region—all part of what makes India’s trekking scene so rich.

Whether you’re looking for a 3-day walk or a 14-day battle against altitude, India’s trails don’t just test your legs—they change how you see the world. Below, you’ll find real stories from people who’ve walked these paths: the freezing silence of the Chadar, the dizzying height of Kangchenjunga, the dusty nostalgia of the hippie trail, and the quiet majesty of peaks most guidebooks never mention. This isn’t a list of pretty photos. It’s a map of what’s actually out there.