Are you looking forward to exploring a different region for trekking? Something that people have not seen much yet? Here are 10+ hidden gems in India for mountain lovers.
India is one of the most diversified countries in the world, and that is not because of its language and communities, but also its geological diversity, where you can find all kinds of landscapes. Mountains are one of the greatest Indian prides, as our country is located right under the Himalayan range, and through the northern region, you can find plenty of trekking spots. While there are many popular trekking destinations, there are many offbeat options as well. If you are a mountain lover as well and looking forward to visiting some unique and lesser-known mountains, here are some fine recommendations.
North-east India
The north-east part of India is formed with the states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Assam, etc the states that can offer green and beautiful mountains and hill destinations that can captivate you.
- Bamboo Trail Trek in Meghalaya
The Bamboo Trail Trek is one of the most unique experiences that you can get in Meghalaya, which is also known as the Mawryngkhang Trek. This trek is around 4-5 km, and the trail is made with bamboo attached to the steep hill surface with a gorge of the river below. This is also a fine example of sustainable architecture and engineering by the Khasi people, who kept these mountains clean and healthy. The people of Wahkhen village built the bamboo trail connecting to the legendary U Mawryngkhang rock.
There is folklore related to this trek, which makes this bamboo trek an even more memorable incident for everyone. This trek is also considered one of the scariest treks, as people with vertigo should not go on this. The Wahkhen village is also known as the Whistling Village of India, and experiencing this trek can be one of the most delightful experiences that you cherish for the rest of your life.
- Dzukou Valley Trek in Nagaland
If you are willing to witness the unworldly beauty of the mountains, you definitely need to visit the Dzukou Valley, which is situated in the state of Nagaland. During spring and summer, you can also witness the Dzukou lilies, which only grow in this region and thus, it received the name. The rolling hills sprinkled with yellow and white blooms, along with the stunning vistas, will definitely take your breath away. And the beauty of the region does not end by sunset, as during nighttime, you can find the darkest skies that you have ever seen before. A part of this valley is located in Manipur, but it is more accessible from the Nagaland side. The trek route here is moderate to easy, and it is highly recommended to visit during May to July, when you can find the valley in full bloom. However, do go alone as you need a guide, and you are not allowed to camp anywhere other than Dzukou Valley Campsite, which is handled by the Government.
- Monpa Trail Trek in Arunachal Pradesh
Monpa is comparatively a new trail for trekking, which is now accessible for everyone. The trail starts from the Sangti Valley of Dirang, and it passes through Khalibok Village, which further leads to the topmost village, called Chander. This trail allows enjoying the majestic views of Gorichen Peak (6858m), and the trek finally ends in Pangma or Thembang villages. This region is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is taken care of by the local ethnic group of Monpa, and thus, the trail received the name. The best time to visit the place would be from October to February, with a higher chance of witnessing a snow-capped village. You can also enjoy the Losar Festival, which takes place in February. It is an easy-to-moderate trek, and anyone can do it without grasping for breath.
- Mount Saramati Trek in Nagaland
Mount Saramati is situated on the border of Nagaland that separates India from Myanmar. With an altitude of 3841 m above sea level, this is the highest peak in Nagaland and offers a magnificent view from the top. This landscape is quite diverse, and all you can see is the ascent and descent of numerous hills. You can also find right-angled rock walls for rock climbing, along with valleys that are covered in white, yellow, and pink flowers. This paradise of nature stays covered with snow during the winter season, and trekking in winter can be tough here. The trek trail starts from the Thanamir Village, which is quite popular for its Apple Cultivation. You can visit in September for the blooming valleys or in winter to witness snowfall.
- Seven Lakes Trek in Arunachal Pradesh
This is by far one of the most beautiful trek routes in India, which comes with a glorious adventure and picturesque scenery all over it. This trek allows you to walk through the mountain and virgin forests of Anini in the Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, where you can also find the Seven Big Lakes. The seven lakes are, namely, Kamuh-ya Lake, Emuh-ya Lake, Emu Lake, Dini Lake, Che-ne Lake, and the two Huhu Lakes, where each lake comes with a captivating view and pristine water. The Idu Mishmi folklore related to this trail can make your journey more interesting and spiritual. It is a long trek that requires a week to complete, as you can visit one lake every day with 5-6 hours of continuous trekking. For better weather conditions, try to visit the place during August and September.
Western India
Western India offers the Western Ghats, where the mountains and hills are green and receive a good amount of rain. The main states for this region are Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
- Devkund Waterfall Trek in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is not just popular for Mumbai, but it is also revered for its natural beauty and forts on top of the mountains. The Devkund Waterfalls offer magnificent views of the region, which is tucked inside the Western Ghats Mountains. People who live in Mumbai and Pune can easily opt for this trek as they can reach it with ease. This beautiful trek starts from the village called Bhira, where you can see flat meadows and gradual slopes. This is the village to stay and replenish yourself, and the trek can be completed within a day only. It is highly recommended to visit the place during the post-monsoon season, October to November, when the water remains clean, and you can go for a swim. However, a lot of people also enjoy the mystical monsoon weather here, but rain can make the water muddy and unhealthy for swimming.
Treks in North India
The North Indian region is closer to the Himalayas, and you can find plenty of trek routes in states like Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, as well as territories like Ladakh.
- Beas Kund Trek in Himachal Pradesh
Anything that is referred to as ‘Kund’ is related to a water body or a mountain lake. The Beas Kund Trek is one of the offbeat routes for trekking, and a lot of people are not aware of it. To reach this kund, you will have to reach a maximum altitude of 12,772 ft, but the journey is going to be amazing with the majestic mountains and green landscapes. This trek is not only about the lake but also mesmerizing summit views of the tallest peaks of the region namely, Hanuman Tibba, Friendship Peak, Shitidhar and the list goes on. This region can also provide you with the best starry nights, where you might see the Milky Way with your naked eye, as it is a zero-pollution area.
- Kartik Swami Trek in Uttarakhand
It goes without saying that Indians consider the high altitude regions to be the place of God, and the Kartik Swami trek is one of the most unique among them. While Shiva temples and Ganesh temples are most popular, this trek will lead you to a Kartik Temple, which is quite unusual already, and thus, a majority of people are not aware of this hidden gem. The main reason you need to do this trek is to worship not god but the godly mountains that protect us. You can get a magnificent 360-degree view here with the snow-capped mountain peaks surrounding you. The best time to visit would be the Spring season, when you can see the bright white mountains glistening in the sunshine with a bright blue sky in the background.
- Miyar Valley Trek in Himachal Pradesh
Let everyone crowd over the areas like Kasol, Parvathy Valley, and Tosh, as it keeps the hidden gems like the Miyar Valley safe from the loud crowd. This is one of the most beautiful trekking routes in India that most people are not aware of. Miyar is a sub-valley of Chandrabhaga and a part of the Lahaul region. A difficult trail even connects it to Zanskar, which hardcore people can try. It is definitely a difficult trek that a lot of people skip, but the ethereal beauty of nature will make your fatigue go away. Through this trek, you can reach the last inhabited villages in the Miyar region, where people live dependent on their cattle. The nomadic Gaddi herders are the main heroes of this region, who visit the green valley regularly. Make sure to plan for at least 3 to 4 days to complete the trek with safety and ease.
- Sham Valley Trek in Ladakh
Ladakh is the only region in India where you can witness the mind-blowing beauty of the Desert Mountains. It is also referred to as a ‘baby trek’ in Ladakh, as it is not too tough and provides the perfect introduction to this rugged and remote beauty. Since you will be heading from one homestay to another in this trek, the adventure also allows you to interact with the locals. The elevation of Sham Valley is somewhere around 3,200 – 3,900 meters, and you will be trekking for 4 to 5 hours every day, which offers plenty of time to explore or just read your favorite book. Do not expect an internet connection in this remote region.
- Surkanda Devi Trek in Uttarakhand
Located at an altitude of 2700 metres from sea level, Surkanda Devi Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peeth in the Indian subcontinent. Apart from its religious significance, the temple premises offer one of the best panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayas, including a few snow-capped mountains. The Surkanda Devi Trek is an hour-and-a-half uphill trek from the nearest base point. Although the gradient is steep, you can still complete it with a moderate fitness level. The pavement goes up through a dense forest and provides an amazing walkway for trekkers while enjoying nature, apart from the occasional horses and mules when you have to give way. In contrast, the natural walkway takes a little more time and attracts seasonal hikers more often.
Opt for a destination from the aforementioned options and be a part of a grand adventure!
