11 Amazing Offbeat Treks in India

Trekking is one of the most cherished introductions to the mountains. Trekking in India is an experience of a lifetime. The country promises a number of exhilarating treks, and they are not just the touristy trails but also some thrilling offbeat ones.

Imagine the excitement of hiking up on trails never or very little visited before, to witness some marvels of nature and to have experience something that only few have dared.

For a taste of the thrill of trekking like never before, try the amazing offbeat treks in India.

1. Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh

Located in the icy peaks of Himachal Pradesh, The Hampta Pass trek is one of the best adventures in India. Suiting both novice and proficient trekkers, the offbeat trek is an amazing trail of picturesque beauty, endurance, and love of mountains.

The trail begins at Manali and ends at the stark Lahaul valley. Pass through lush greenery, alpine forests, grasslands, and glaciers, all the while enjoying undisturbed views of the mighty snow-carpeted Himalayas. Make a stop at Chandertaal Lake and enjoy pristine snow on most of the trail.

Come summer and Hampta Pass group tours mark the calendar. Seek to escape the daily lives and enjoy the bliss of the mountains.

Altitude: 14,100 feet above sea level

Approximate Trekking Distance: 26 kilometers

Duration: 4-5 Days

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Best Season: May and June

Route: Jobra – Jwara – Balu ka Ghera – Hampta Pass – Shea Goru – Chhatru

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2. Roopkund Trek, Uttarakhand

One of the lesser-known treks in India, the Roopkund trek is named after a glacial lake in Uttarakhand. Known as the Skeleton Lake, it’s shrouded in mysteries. A trek to Roopkund is not just known for adventure, but also for spiritual beliefs.

Enjoy the view of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas as you hike through verdant alpine forests, mountain passes, and glaciers. Frozen most of the year, the lake defrosts after summer and one can see several hundred human skeletons in the water.

Altitude: 14,638 feet above sea level

Approximate Trekking Distance: 53 kilometers

Duration: 7- 9 Days

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

Best Season: May to June and September to October.

Route: Loharjung – Didna Village – Ali Bugyal – Ghora Lotani – Bhagwabasa – Roopkund – Bhagwabasa – Loharjung – Bedini Bugyal

3. Chadar Trek, Zanskar, Kashmir

The ultimate trekking adventure in India, the Chadar Trek in Ladakh is only for the brave ones. In the winter months, the Zanskar River transforms into an icy sheet hence the name ‘Chadar’. To walk over the thick blanket of ice on the river is considered to be one of the most challenging tricky treks in the world.

The surreal beauty of the icy world, the muted sound of waters, the freezing temperatures and the thrill of having achieved it all make it one of the best offbeat treks in India.

Altitude: 11,123 feet above sea level

Approximate Trekking Distance: 75 kilometers

Duration: 9 – 11 Days

Difficulty Level: Challenging

Best Season: January and February

Route: Tilad Do – Shingra Koma – Tibb Cave – Naerak – Tibb Cave – Shingra Koma

[Explore Chadar Trek in Zanskar with this package]

4. Nag Tibba Trek, Uttarakhand

Nag Tibba is a trekkers’ delight. One of the easiest trails in the Himalayas, it offers grand views of the clouds kissing the mountain tops, snow-covered peaks, and lush valleys dotted with small hamlets.

The trail starts near Mussoorie is one of the best weekend treks from Delhi. The scenic offbeat trek in India takes you through dense forests rich in flora and fauna. Accompanying you on trial are stunning views of Bandarpoonch Peak, the Gangotri group of peaks, Kedarnath Peak, Doon Valley, and the snow peaks of Changabang.

Altitude: 9,915 feet above sea level

Trek length: 16 kilometers

Duration: 2 Days

Difficulty Level: Easy

Best Season: Throughout the year.

Route: Panthwari – Camp 1 – Nag Tibba Base – Nag Tibba Top – Panthwari

5. The Bhrigu Lake Trek, Himachal Pradesh

Next on our list of the top lesser-known treks in India is the Bhrigu Lake trail. Blessed with spectacular beauty, it’s an ideal weekend trek that promises thrill to both beginners as well as experienced hikers.

Why we suggest this trail is, it will take you to the unique alpine meadows at such a lower altitude of the Himalayas that too in such a short time. Pass through the lush Manali Valley, reaching the holy lake. Pitch your camps on the lake shores. Enjoy the pure bliss of mountains and spend time stargazing like never before.

You can plan group trek tours to Bhrigu Lake as soon as summer arrives. Plan outings with friends or even strangers that become companions on the trek.

Altitude: 4270 m above sea level

Trek length: 22 kilometers

Duration: 4 Days

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Best Season: May to October

Route: Gulaba – Rola Khuli – Bhrigu Lake – Rola Khuli – Gulaba

6. The Parashar Lake Trek, Himachal Pradesh

Next on the list of treks is, Parashar Lake, another scenic and thrilling yet offbeat trek in Himachal Pradesh. The trail takes trekkers through the awe-inspiring scenery of the Kullu Valley. For company on your journey, you have breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, and Kinnaur mountain ranges. After a day of walking and enjoying mountain scenery set camp at the lake banks.

The twinkling stars in the dark sky are a cherished experience and are one of the best memories of trekking in India.

Altitude: 2,730 m above sea level

Trek length: 15 kilometers

Duration: 2 Days

Difficulty Level: Easy To Moderate

Best Season: Throughout the year

Route: Mandi – Baggi – Parashar Lake

7. The Phuktal Monastery Trek, Ladakh, J&K

The remote Phuktal Monastery in Ladakh is one of the best lesser-known treks in India. The ancient Buddhist monastery is shaped like a honeycomb settled over a cliff over the Tsarap River. The monastery can only be reached by foot. The journey takes you through some of the secluded and remarkable places of the Zanskar Valley.

The far away from everything location leaves you nothing but all the peace and solitude you can ask for from Mother Nature. The 15th-century monastery is where you can truly feel the divine bliss.

Altitude: 3850 m above sea level

Trek length: 65 km (approx.)

Duration: 7-8 days

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Best Season: July to September

Route: Raru – Chatang – Purne – Phuktal – Purne – Anmu – Raru

8. Kheer Ganga Trek, Himachal Pradesh

Named among the easiest trails in the Himalayas, next on our list is the Kheer Ganga Trek. The secret of the Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh is a charming yet lesser-known trek in India. Set amid the picturesque beauty of the Himalayas, the journey is unmatched bliss.

Hike through the lush greenery dotted with waterfalls and other scenic sights. Birds, rare flowers, and awe-inspiring views keep you company. At the end of the trail is the hot water springs, where you can take a therapeutic dip as the waters are said to have healing properties.

Altitude: 3050 m above sea level

Trek length: 21 km

Duration: 2 Days

Difficulty Level: Easy

Best Season: May to November.

Route: Barshaini – Rudra Nag – Kheerganga – Barshaini

9. Japfu Peak Trek, Nagaland

Next, we come to one of the most beautiful yet lesser-known treks in North East India, the Japfu Peak. The beautiful trail in Kohima, Nagaland is sure to enchant you. The hike to the peak is a soothing treat to your senses.

Also Read : Best time to visit Kohima

The highest point in Nagaland, the peak presents spectacular views of the Dzukou Valley, greenery as far as the eye can see, meadows of rhododendrons, colorful mountain flowers, rare birds, and the most important highlight, the tallest rhododendron tree in the world, at 130 ft.

Altitude: 3048 m above sea level

Trek length: 17 km

Duration: 4-5 Days

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Best Season: October to May

Route: Kohima – Zakhama – Dzukou Valley – Viswema Village – Japfu Base Camp – Japfu Peak

Further reading: How to reach Kohima

10. Valley Of Flowers, Uttarakhand

The Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand is one of the top treks in India. The entire trail is through the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The site remains open only during the rainy season. The rains are magical here as the region gets covered in a colorful carpet of beautiful flowers of around 300 species in every shade.

Colorful butterflies, birds, and rare animals like Musk Deer add to the charm. The holy shrine of the Hemkunt Sahib is also one of the highlights of the scenic trek.

Elevation: 3858 m/12654 feet above sea level

Duration: 7 Days

Approximate Trekking Distance: 38 kilometers.

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Best Season: July to September

Route: GovindGhat – Ghangaria – Hemkund – Ghangaria – Valley of Flowers – Ghangaria – GovindGhat

11. Deo Tibba Trek, Himachal Pradesh

In one word, Deo Tibba trek is spectacular. One of the most beautiful treks in Himachal Pradesh, this trail passes through diverse flora and fauna. Pass through lush forests, glaciers and rivers, each opening up to the pictorial delights of Himachal Pradesh. The view of snow covered peaks like Indrasen and Deo Tibba make the adventure blissful.

Snowfall stops in the summer months, making it possible to explore. If the mountains call you, embark upon a group tour to Deo Tibba. Plan a short getaway with your favorite people and off you go in search of bliss.

Altitude: 14000 ft. above sea level

Approximate Trekking Distance: 36 kilometers

Duration: 5-6 Days

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Best Season: May and June

Route: Manali – Jagatsukh – Sarotu Thach – Lamadug- Raori Kholi – Pyangneru – Jobhri Nala – Manali

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Debashree Chakraborty

A travel writer by profession and self-professed addict to literature and travelling. Go through her penned down travel experiences on indianholiday.com