India walking holidays highlights
There is a definite north south divide when it comes to walking holidays in India with an emphasis on mountains over coast. The Himalayas dominate the north and Western Ghats the south, with the stunning Chhattisgarh region in the middle boasting jungle trails through tribal villages. The southern state of Kerala is the hub of hiking in the Western Ghats, mixing tropics with trekking. Ladakh, in Jammu and Kashmir state, is the most popular place for Himalayan hiking and the Markha Valley, which runs parallel to the Himalayan range, is also making a magnificent mark. There are also two states that beautifully bookend Nepal: Sikkim and Uttarakhand, where smaller trails and villages lie in the shadow of the greats.
Our India walking Holidays
Walking and cycling holiday in Kerala, India
Walking and cycling through rain forests and grasslands.
From
£750
8 days
ex flights
North India holiday, mountains and hidden villages
Inspirational Trekking with Indian Culture and Communities
From
£1545 to £1895
14 days
ex flights
Darjeeling & Sikkim trekking holiday
Trek in Sikkim & Darjeeling
From
£1250 to £1550
12 days
ex flights
Kerala walking holiday in India
Walk through beautiful hills and tea plantations
From
£2199 to £2499
16 days
inc UK flights
Binsar to Jageshwar walking holiday, India
Thrilling, tailor-made walking trips in the Indian Himalayas
From
£1205 to £1287
13 days
ex flights
Bhaba and Pin Valley trekking holiday in India
Trekking holiday in the Himalayas to Bhaba and Pin Valley
From
£1925 to £2215
15 days
ex flights
Nubra Valley Trek in Ladakh, India
New trekking route in the lesser visited area of Ladakh.
From
£1498
16 days
ex flights
Central India holiday, trekking and culture
A walking tour through the forested Maikal hills to Kanha
From
Rupee76000
7 days
ex flights
Indian Himalayas trekking holiday
A unique walking journey into the majestic Indian Himalayas
From
£1651 to £1734
17 days
ex flights
Sikkim circular trekking & culture holiday, India
A rewarding circular trek, not the standard up & back route
From
£1548
17 days
ex flights
Singalila Ridge trekking holiday in India
Classic trek along the Singalila Ridge
From
£2299 to £2519
16 days
inc UK flights
Trekking holiday in Ladakh, The Markha Valley trek
Classic trek in 'Little Tibet' through stunning mountain and meadows
From
£2199 to £2399
15 days
inc UK flights
Ladakh trekking holiday, Stok Kangri peak
Classical Trek with a chance to climb summit at 6150m
From
£1448
16 days
ex flights
North East India cycling and hiking tour, Eastern Himalayas
Multi activity tour of the Eastern Himalayas
From
£2500
12 days
ex flights
India walking and cultural tour
Meet locals & discover the flavours of this special region
From
AU $2145
12 days
ex flights
Manali trekking tour, foot hills of Himalaya
trekking in the foot hills of the Himalayas
From
£1650 to £2300
9 days
ex flights
Hiking holiday in Ladakh, India
A cultural trek through the spectacular Indian Himalayas
From
£2149 to £2259
15 days
inc UK flights
Walking holiday in India, Ladakh & Kashmir
Walking and camping holiday in beautiful Kashmir and Ladakh
From
£2850
16 days
ex flights
Satpura Reserve Tiger safari in india
Adventure holiday in the jungles of Satpura Tiger Reserve
From
Rupee185000
7 days
ex flights
Kashmir small group holiday, India
An extraordinary road journey through Ladakh and Kashmir
From
£2645 to £2895
15 days
ex flights
Snow Leopard searching holiday in Ladakh
An exciting search for the elusive snow leopard
From
£2679 to £2799
15 days
inc UK flights
Southern India small group tour
Walking through the Western Ghats from Cochin to Kerala
From
£1825
13 days
ex flights
Buddhist Pilgrimage trek to Pemako, India
Trek the Buddhist Pilgrimage trail in the Eastern Himalayas.
From
£3200
26 days
ex flights
India photography trekking holiday
Himalayan trekking and photography to the source of Ganges
From
£2450
17 days
ex flights
Travel from Nepal, India to the Maldives, Summit to Sea
Trek the Himalaya, cruise the Maldives & cycle in northern India
From
£3260
29 days
ex flights
1. Binsar, Himalayas
2. Chhattisgarh
3. Darjeeling & Sikkim
4. Gangotri Ganges trek
5. Hemis National Park
6. Kumaon, Uttarakhand
7. Leh & Ladakh Desert
8. Markha Valley Trek
9. Nubra Valley
10. Singalila Ridge
11. Srinigar & beyond
12. Western Ghats, Kerala
2. Chhattisgarh
3. Darjeeling & Sikkim
4. Gangotri Ganges trek
5. Hemis National Park
6. Kumaon, Uttarakhand
7. Leh & Ladakh Desert
8. Markha Valley Trek
9. Nubra Valley
10. Singalila Ridge
11. Srinigar & beyond
12. Western Ghats, Kerala
Binsar, Himalayas
1. Binsar, Himalayas
A little known region in Uttarakhand, this valley is dotted with traditional villages, with the hill town of Binsar its hub. It’s a beautiful rural area, surrounded by pine and oak forests such as Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Kumaon Hills. Binsar is sometimes called ‘Zero Point’, as it’s the highest viewpoint offering a 360-degree Himalayan panorama. Hiking village to village is a great way to explore.
Chhattisgarh
2. Chhattisgarh
Few tourists are aware of this central state, which is all the more reason to walk here, with no big peaks but plenty of prettiness. This is about walking through jungle and ancient forest, through traditional Baiga and Gond tribal villages or cattle herding communities. Combine with tiger spotting in Madhya Pradesh’s Kanha National Park, plus swimming in the Banjar River and learning to cook Chhattisgarh cuisine.
Darjeeling & Sikkim
3. Darjeeling & Sikkim
Combine Darjeeling with walking routes in Sikkim’s Eastern Himalayas for a superb mix of colonial tea plantation India, and remote mountain terrain. Sikkim is India’s most sparsely populated state, yet boasts prehistoric ruins, medieval towns and churches. Take on captivating, high altitude treks of Dzongri at 3,962m and Goechala at 4,940m, camping along the way, with the finest tea breaks imaginable.
Gangotri Ganges trek
4. Gangotri Ganges trek
This trek is spectacular and spiritual, heading to the source of the holy Ganges River at Gaumukh Glacier in the Garhwal Himalayas. The trekking starts from basecamp Gangotri, taking time to acclimatise before heading up slowly to Gaumukh. Another highlight is Tapovan (4,350m) where you can see Mount Shivling from base to peak. Photographers will love the cultural/natural mix of this trip.
Hemis National Park
5. Hemis National Park
A high altitude national park in the Himalayan Stok range with the Husing, Tarbuns and Rumbak Valleys at its hiking heart. Its most famous resident is the snow leopard, with approximately 200 of them hiding in these elevated landscapes. Stok Kangri is the highest point at 7,670m and, if guided by local experts, is accessible for hikers without mountaineering skills, with plenty of magnificent views from the top.
Kumaon, Uttarakhand
6. Kumaon, Uttarakhand
This region is often overlooked, but here you can trek and wild camp in the most spectacular Himalayan terrain, with heart stopping proximity to the giant peaks of Nanda Devi and Nanda Devi East. Close to Nepal and Tibet, trek along an ancient trade route following the Gori Ganga River, past deserted villages, glaciers and through alpine meadows, with Himalayan griffin vultures, tahr and bharal blue sheep for company.
Leh & Ladakh Desert
7. Leh & Ladakh Desert
Ladakh’s capital, Leh, is located at 3,500m and surrounded by Himalayan peaks. After exploring its historic and spiritual centre, head off into the Leh Valley for numerous trails to places like Tsemo Monastery or the Japanese Peace Pagoda overlooking the Stok Range. From here, hike passes in the mountainous desert, including Spangpo La, Mebtek La or Lago La. This La La Land will have you dancing for joy.
Markha Valley Trek
8. Markha Valley Trek
One of India’s iconic treks, following the Markha River through Ladakhi villages with mountains ever present, as three Himalayan ranges gather here like great elders. Monasteries feature almost as much as mountains – the sacred power of elevated landscapes being a focus at places like Tache Gompa and Hemis. Markha is a mix of hiking terrain, from rambles to serious climbs up to the Ganda La or Gongmaru.
Nubra Valley
9. Nubra Valley
Your introduction to this trek is usually over the world’s highest driveable road, Khardung La (5,600m) from Leh, and then into this Karakoram Mountains valley. Culturally fascinating as well as stunning, explore the Valley of the Flowers, see Bactrian camels, hike in arid gorges, and visit sacred sites such as the Deskit and Hunder monasteries. Some serious wilderness trekking here, with wild camping too.
Singalila Ridge
10. Singalila Ridge
Forming a natural border between India and Nepal, and stretching through parts of Sikkim and West Bengal, hiking the Ridge is superb for those who want to see the Himalayas but also want a holiday. Protected by Singalila National Park, you will see both Kanchenjunga and Everest, hike through myriad landscapes from rainforest to mountain passes, or camp out and visit sacred Buddhist spots such as Khechipalri Lake.
Srinigar & beyond
11. Srinigar & beyond
Acclimatise in stunning Srinigar, Kashmir’s largest city, known as the Venice of the east thanks to its many waterways, then get your land legs back for the Himalayan four-day trek from Aru to Sonomus through remote forests, up to elevated lakes and mountain passes, including Sonomus at 3,950m. You’ll hardly meet another soul except a few shepherds, known locally as pohol, herding cashmere goats, of course.
Western Ghats, Kerala
12. Western Ghats, Kerala
Rambling in the Western Ghats is rapturous, biodiverse and bursting with history, too. They were the hub of colonial tea plantations and a cool spot where overheated colonists could spend their time. These summer resorts became known as hill stations and are regular stops on hiking holidays. The Ghats are home to Kerala’s highest peak, Anamudi, which overlooks Munnar, the starting point for many walking holidays.
Our top India walking Holiday
Darjeeling & Sikkim trekking holiday
Trek in Sikkim & Darjeeling
From
£1250 to £1550
12 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
Best time to go is Mar - June & Sep - Nov. This trip can be tailormade to suit your budget, interests and requirements
Best time to go is Mar - June & Sep - Nov. This trip can be tailormade to suit your budget, interests and requirements
Helpdesk
Hello. If you'd like to chat about India walking or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help. Rosy & team.
More about India walking
The best time to go walking in India is when you are ready, with something for everyone, no matter what the season. Read on for more details...
This walking holidays in India guide is all about where to go, holiday types, walking levels, beauty levels and what to do along the way...
Read more about all the activities you can enjoy on a walking holiday in India. From mountain top temples to camping, fabulous food to photography...
Our top walking holidays in India cover a gorgeous gamut. From the Western Ghats to the stunning mountains of Sikkim or an ancient trail in Ladakh...
Our tips about walking holidays in India include what to pack, what to eat and ability levels. Do take time to read the experts’ wise words...
You’ll know some of India’s responsible tourism issues already, but please take time to read on as there is always something new to learn or be reminded of...
Why book with Responsible Travel
Photo credits: [Page banner: Gaurav K] [Map intro - Himalayas: Sam Litvin]
[Binsar, Himalayas: jburke601]
[Chhattisgarh: Ekta Parishad ]
[Darjeeling & Sikkim: alcan_]
[Gangotri Ganges trek: Barry Silver]
[Hemis National Park: Jørn Eriksson]
[Kumaon, Uttarakhand - Himalayan Griffin: gailhampshire]
[Leh & Ladakh Desert: Nhi Dang]
[Markha Valley Trek: SlartibErtfass der bertige]
[Nubra Valley: vaidyanathan]
[Singalila Ridge : Matt Stable]
[Srinigar & beyond: Basharat Shah ]
[Western Ghats, Kerala: tornado_twister]
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