Nothing tests your fitness level better than a trek. And with some lovely scenery guaranteed, it’s time to push your body to the limit. Here are four of India’s best trails.
GOECHA LA, Sikkim
The Goecha La trek starts from the erstwhile capital of Sikkim, Yuksom. The trail passes through lush green forests, meadows full of juniper and rhododendron, and rocky terrains with breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga. The Goechala trek is also filled with sights like the glacial valley of Thansing, the quaint village of Bakhim, and the walk from Dzongri to Kockchurang.
Altitude: 16,240 ft
Duration: 10 to 15 days
Best time to go: June to October
Level of difficulty: Moderate
ROOPKUND, Uttarakhand
Roopkund is a place of virgin forests, gurgling brooks and stunning campsites. But more chillingly, it’s also the site of what appears to be a mass grave. Known as the Mystery Lake, the perennially frozen Roopkund houses a large number of skeletons, close to almost 600. They date to around 850 AD and were discovered by the British in 1942. Rings, spears, leather shoes, and bamboo staves were found next to the skeletons, leading experts to believe that the group comprised pilgrims heading through the valley with the help of the locals. The trek route overlaps with the yearly the Raj Jat Yatra, which is an excellent opportunity to observe the life and customs of the Garhwalis.
Altitude: 16,000 ft,
Duration: 8 days
Best time to go: May to June and September to October
Level of difficulty: Moderate
VALLEY OF FLOWERS, Uttarakhand
This valley is 10 km long. During the rainy season, the whole valley turns into a naturally created beautiful garden, with different varities of flowers, a few snow lakes and glaciers.
Altitude: 11,811 ft
Duration: 5 to 6 days
Best time to go: July to August
Level of difficulty: Easy
KUDREMUKH, Karnataka
Kudremukh is one of the most popular trekking routes in southern India. It’s surrounded by the rivers Tunga, Bhadra and Netravati, as well as the Kadambi waterfalls. Its eponymous national park is known for its biodiversity and is one of the 34 hot spots picked by UNESCO for ecological conservation. Kudremukh has 13 established trekking routes, with the 40-km being the toughest one. It is a protected forest area and so overnight stays are prohibited.
Altitude: 6,214 ft
Duration: 1 day
Best time to go: October to May
Level of difficulty: Moderate to tough