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There’s no doubt about the fact that India surely has tons of places for all kinds of travelers to quench their thirst for hunger. Right from mountainous areas, deserts, dense jungles to mighty rivers, India has all kinds of terrains for trekkers to explore. So if you have challenging trekking spots on your bucket list, you won’t lack for them here!
Trekking surely is one of the best adventurous activities you can indulge in. Not only do you get to overcome some difficult terrain, but also feed your soul with the amazing landscapes around you. If you’re a seasoned trekker and want to push yourself to the absolute limit, check out these 6 most challenging treks in India!
If you’re looking for an adventurous trek that surpasses all others, then there surely isn’t anything as challenging as the Chadar Trek. You’ll have to pass through the icy Zanskar river and a gorge of almost 600 meters that makes up the route for this trek. The starting point for your Chadar trek would start from the base camp in Chilling (quite an apt name, that!).
Some of the most difficult challenges you’ll encounter are bone-chilling temperatures ranging from -5℃ to -25℃, icy tracks, slippery ground and hefty elevation. You can drive to Zanskar via the Leh-Srinagar highway to reach the Chilling road.
Trekking Duration: 6 days
Altitude: 11,400 ft
Best Time Of The Year To Visit: January to February
Also read: 9 Things To Do In Leh Ladakh For A Thrilling Holiday
All those buzzing with adrenaline should definitely explore this fascinating trail at the Pin Parvati Pass in Himachal Pradesh. What if we told you that a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity awaits you here? Yes, you read it right, along with being among the most challenging treks in India, the beauty of this place is such that it’ll leave you spellbound.
You’ll have to cross the most difficult trail at the Himalayan National Park and battle the high altitude chasm near the Parvati river and its tributaries. The starting point of your trek would be at Bursheni and it will end at Kaza, Spiti Valley. Your reward after completing this trek would be a panoramic view of the Pin and Parvati valleys that will take your breath away.
Trekking Duration: 11 days
Altitude: 17,450 ft
Best Time Of The Year To Visit: July to September
How would you like getting a bird’s eye view of the Zanskar and Indus Valley? Well, that’s actually possible if you manage to complete the Stok Kangri Trek located in the Hemis National Park in Ladakh. No wonder that reaching the highest mountain in the Stok Range of the Himalayas is on the bucket list of every trekker.
You’ll have to bear the dry and arid terrain and frozen glaciers on this trek. The starting point of your trek will be in Leh and you’ll have to eventually cross the Stok village. Since Ladakh is at a high altitude, lack of oxygen might cause you nausea and headache. Goes without saying, the Stok Kangri Trek isn’t one for novices!
Trekking Duration: 8 days
Altitude: 20,190 ft
Best Time Of The Year To Visit: June to September
Another hidden gem that nestles near Trishul Peak and Nanda valley is one of the most sought-after and challenging treks in India, Roopkund. It’s popularly known as ‘Mystery Lake’ because of hundreds of human skeletons and horse remains from the Paleolithic age that were found at this very spot. Spooky!
This is a challenging yet rejuvenating trek as you get to pass through rustic villages, gurgling streams, snow-capped mountains and lush green forests. One of the most difficult things to overcome is the hailstorms that make this route exceedingly difficult for trekkers. Your trek’s base point would be at Lohagunj and it gets steeper as you come closer to Bedni Bugyal.
Trekking Duration: 8 days
Altitude: 16,499 ft
Best Time Of The Year To Visit: May to October
Also Read: Skiing In Auli Uttarakhand
An exciting and wonder-filled trek that has attracted a lot of attention is Goecha La trek in Sikkim. That’s because the sight of lush green meadows and forests, tranquil rivers, and snow-capped mountains will serve as a backdrop throughout your trek. An interesting thing to note is that you get a panoramic view of Mount Kanchenjunga without having to climb it.
The starting point of your trek would be Yuksom and you’ll slowly experience freezing weather as you pass through Bhakim, Tshoka, Dzongri, Thansing, Lamuney, and Goechala. One can’t help but pause to marvel at the beauty of the tranquil waters of the Samiti Lake. Whether it’s the breathtakingly beautiful mornings or soothing sunsets, the sights you’ll get to witness on the Goecha La Trek will definitely make it worth it.
Trekking Duration: 11 days
Altitude: 15,100 ft
Best Time Of The Year To Visit: April to October
Also read: 8 Thrilling Treks In Northeast India
One more hidden gem in Uttarakhand is Auden’s Col trek that was first discovered in 1935 by John Bicknell Auden. It connects Rudragaira Valley, Bhilangana Valley, and you get to witness the most spectacular views of Jogin I and Gangotri III peaks. Every trekker who visits Uttarakhand dreams of making it to Auden’s Col trek.
This is among the challenging treks in India, but along the way, you’ll come across several alpine trees, beautiful flowers, and rustic villages that nestle near the Garhwal Himalayas. You can also pay your respects to several temples when you pass through the Garhwal region. The starting point of your trek is from Gangotri and then you’ll have to pass through Nala camp and Garwhal.
Trekking Duration: 13 days
Altitude: 18,010 ft
Best Time Of The Year To Visit: June to October
Also read: 11 Enthralling Adventure Activities In India
Summing Up
Thanks to the majestic Himalayas in our country, there are endless trekking spots for all those who want to take adventure to the next level. These strenuous trekking places are perfect for adventure activities like mountaineering, rock climbing, and one of the most sought-after things, trekking. The 6 of the most challenging treks in India mentioned above are perfect spots for all you adventure buffs out there.
Which Is The Highest Level Of Trekking According To Difficulty Class 11?
The difficult terrain and conditions of an altitude of almost 15,000 feet, Level 6 can be considered the highest level of trekking. It’ll take 10 days or more to complete such a strenuous trek.
How Difficult Is Chadar Trek?
Chadar Trek is difficult as the temperature during the day is around -15℃ to -20℃ whereas during the night it drops down to almost -25℃. To add to that, the high altitude and long journey makes it particularly strenuous.
Which Is The Most Difficult Trek In India?
One of the most challenging treks in India is the Chadar Trek. That’s because you’ll have to pass through the icy Zanskar river and a gorge of almost 600 meters that makes up the route for this trek.
Can A Beginner Do Chadar Trek?
You’ll have to walk in icy cold weather wherein the temperature drops down to almost -25℃ at Chadar Trek. That being said, preparing in advance and taking proper precautions can help a beginner complete the Chadar Trek.
Why Is It Called Chadar Trek?
The literal meaning of Chadar is ‘white sheet’. Chadar Trek in India, also popularly known as the Zanskar Gorge or ‘Frozen River’ is definitely one-of-a-kind with its icy path because of the frozen Zanskar river, hence the name.
Which Is The Best Winter Trek In India?
The Chadar Trek, Kedarkantha Trek, Goencha La Trek, Auden's Col Trek, Brahmatal Trek, and Roopkund Trek are some of the most beautiful winter treks in India.
Can Beginners Do Roopkund Trek?
Roopkund Trek is an easy to moderate level trek and is one of the best treks for beginners. The trek takes you through meadows, forests, snowy alpine land, and breathtaking sights.
How Long Is Auden's Col Trek?
The Auden's Col Trek is about 70 kilometers long and will take about 15 days to complete. The trek is a challenging one as it gains altitude.
