Trekking routes -where to plan in India

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ndia is full of wonderful sights, culture, and historical interest. If you’re planning to travel to India any time soon, you should definitely consider trekking. Trekking will allow you to see true India, away from tourist hotspots and the hustle and bustle. The Himalayas are more accessible than ever, and many young people are now choosing more adventurous travel options. A reported 45% of people travel to learn more about themselves – and what better way to do so than on a trek? There are treks in India to suit everyone, even if you’ve never done anything like it before. Here are some ideas of where to plan a trekking route in India.

Chadar trekking

Chadar offers trekkers a unique experience unlike any other in India. This is mainly due to the fact that you’ll be walking on a frozen river with mountains on either side of you. It can be easy to forget you are in India as the surroundings in Chadar can make you feel like you’re on an arctic expedition. Temperatures here can drop to -30 degrees centigrade at night, forcing trekkers to take shelter in caves and light fires to keep warm. This trekking route definitely isn’t for the faint-hearted, and isn’t recommended for those new to trekking. In fact, the local authority has made it compulsory for trekkers to undergo a medical examination and be granted a certificate of good health before they are allowed to take on the route. If you are up for the challenge, the best time of year to visit the area and plan a trek here is between mid-January and mid-February, as this is when the Zanskar river freezes over.

 

Rajmachi Fort trekking

If you’re looking for something a little less intensive, a trek around Rajmachi can be a good idea. Rajmachi is home to an ancient fort, and if you’re staying in Mumbai and want to experience something different for a couple of days, it isn’t too far away. The location of the fort is among thick forest and waterfalls – a true nature lover’s dream. In the monsoon season, the area really comes to life, and many people recommend trekking the route in the wetter months between June and September. There are lots of points of interest along this route, including ancient Buddhist caves and the amazing natural surroundings.

Alang Madan Kulang

This area can be a good one for more experienced trekkers as it does require some skill. It is one of the most difficult areas for treks in Maharashtra, with steep rock walls, so it’s a good idea to have some experience in rock climbing and rappelling before considering a trek here. Trekking in monsoon season isn’t recommended, and most trekkers plan their routes here between the months of November and April.

 

Sandhan Valley

The Sandhan Valley is a great place for solo travelers. With many companies offering treks in the area, you’ll always be near to others if there’s an emergency. Sandhan is one of the largest canyons in India. Stretching a distance of 1.5km and 200ft deep, the valley is a truly impressive natural formation. Some parts of the valley are very narrow (less than 3ft wide) and some areas do not even let sunlight in. The narrow trails can be exciting for those who want to feel as if they’re walking in the footsteps of medieval inhabitants that lived in the area in the past. The best time to visit the Sandhan Valley is between October and March. Visiting the area in monsoon season isn’t recommended, especially for solo travelers, as many tour companies do not operate here in these months, meaning you may be the only one in the area.