Himalayas are known as the one of the youngest mountain ranges in the world and is counted among the trekking regions in the world. The Indian Himalayan range is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular and impressive mountain ranges in the world.

Spectacular views apart, the Himalayan foothills are just ideal for trekking, offering energetic out-door people a different and exciting option for a holiday. The Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttaranchal are the most popular destinations for trekkers, though Chamba and Manali in Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh and Zanskar in Jammu and Kashmir, have interesting trekking routes as well.

For those fascinated by the unexplored, the mountain ranges of India offer breathtaking, enthralling trekking routes. In the vast amphitheatre of the Indian Himalayas and Karakorams, there are limitless possibilities for trekking, mountaineering, skiing, and river rafting. Within this alluring arena, the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, occupy the central place, with special points of interest for the trekker.

Go hiking through Garhwal and Kumaon, to the clearest of lakes and the holiest of Hindu shrines; or trek further south, where lie rolling hills, craggy peaks and cool valleys, just waiting to be explored. Try your hand (and foot) in the Satpuras near Pachmarhi, or go to Tamilnadu, where the dreamy blue-misted hills of the Nilgiris make for great treks through coffee, spice and tea plantations, dense forests and tribal villages. Strike base at Ooty or Coonoor, and you can plan some great treks in the area.

That isn’t all, of course: there are plenty of other treks to try and to enjoy. The Sahyadris in Maharashtra; the hills around Shillong, Kalimpong, and Gangtok; the Valley of Flowers- and so much more.

• Trekking tour by Pick Your Trip
• India Trekking Destinations
• Uttarkashi
• Shimla
• Mussorie
• Almora
• Nainital
• Pouri
• Chowkori
• Munsyari

Uttarkashi Trek

Uttarkashi is among the most beautiful of the Garhwal districts with, high above, a snowline that endures year round and below a carpet of forests, superb Himalayan views and all the joys of trekking through God’s country. This is a district headquaters town, and trekkers can stay in a tourist bungalow.

Accessibility

Air – Nearest airport Jollygrant, 162 kms.
Rail – Nearest railway station is Rishikesh, 145 kms.
Road – Uttarkashi is well connected by motor able road to Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar and other major towns of the state and region.

Shimla

Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, lies about 343 km from Delhi at an altitude of 2,213 metres above sea level. Before the British discovered it in 1819, Shimla was a small village that was part of the Nepalese kingdom.

In 1830, the local Raja was persuaded to part with the land by the British and the settlement became the subcontinent’s most fashionable summer resort. Shimla was declared the summer capital of India in 1864. After India’s independence, Shimla became the capital of Punjab till 1966, when it came under Himachal Pradesh.

The summers in Shimla are quit pleasant as the maximum temperature rarely crosses 25°C. Winters are cold and Shimla experiences quite a heavy snowfall. If you are among those who want to escape from the scorching heat of the plains, Shimla would be the ideal getaway. But for those who love snow, a visit in winters can be an exciting experience.

Mussorie Trek

Often called the ‘queen of hill station,’ Mussoorie is a popular tourist destination from Delhi, and is therefore also a fovourite base for trekkers. Accommodation here includes several privately run hotels, and a tourist bungalow.

Accessibility

Air – The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 24 kms from Dehradun.
Rail – It is connected among other places, to Amritsar, Howrah, Bombay, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi and other major cities.
Road – Dehradun is connected to other parts of India with a wide network of road route.
Local Transport Services – Private Bus Services, Tempo (Vikram), Auto Rickshaw, Tonga, Cycle-Rickshaw & Taxi.

Almora

Rail – The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (90kms.). Connected by rail with Lucknow, Delhi and Howrah.
Road – Connected by road with most places of U.P.
Distance from Almora : Lucknow (466), Dehradun (412), Nanital (71), Delhi (382), Bareilly (205), Kathgodam (90), Pithoragarh (122), Hardwar (357), Haldwani (96).
Local Transport – Private Taxis are available

Nainital Trek

Encircling the lake venterated after the goddess of the same name, Nainital is the main hill resort in Kumaon. It has equable weather with the maximum and minimum temperature being 27 degree
and 19degree in summer and 15degree and 0degree in winter. April to june before the monsoon sets in is the season for flowers while the second season from September to mid-November is ideal for post monsoon freshness.

Accessibility

Air – Nearest airport is at Pantnagar.
Rail – The nearest Railway Station is Kathgodam (35 kms.) connected to Lucknow, Agra, Delhi & Howrah.
Road – Nainital is connected to all the major National/State Highways.
From Nainital the following places are directly connected by regular bus service :
Agra (403 kms.), Almora (64 kms.), Badrinath (334 kms.), Bareilly (140 kms.), Dehradun (387 kms.), Delhi (326 kms.), Hardwar (310 kms.) and Kausani (117 kms.).
Local Transport – Paddle rickshaws & Horses

Pauri Trek

Pauri is a divisional headquarters town of great beauty, and has a tourist bunglow to stay in. The views from this quiet Himalayan town are captivating.

Accessibility

Air – Nearest airport is Jollygrant (155kms.) via Rishikesh – Srinagar
Rail – Nearest railway station is Kotdwar (108kms.)
Road– Pauri is well connected to Dehradun, Rishikesh, Kotdwar and other cities of the region.

Chowkori Trek

Chowkori is 112 km from Pithoragarh and is uniquely beautiful with balmy weather and fine views. The region includes the religious base such as Gangolighat, the confluence of the Gori and kali rivers. At Lohaghat there are places of interest such as Abbot Mount and Devidhura and Champawat. 76 km from Pithoragarh is another of
Corbett’s Least known tiger zones.

Munsyari Trek

At 2290 m, Munsyari is on the arterial water body of the Goriganga which emerges from the Milam glacier system of the eastern flanks of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, fed also by the Kalabaland glacier and the Panchichullu from further ease. The Milam glacier snout at 3872 m is not only the objective of the trek route indicated but also the
nodal point for a variety of of high grade routes and peaks.

Accessibility

Air – Nearest Airport, Nani Saini, 5 kms
Rail – Nearest Railhead, Tanakpur, 151 kms.
Road – Well connected by a motorable road