Ladakh — the "land of high passes" — sits where the Karakoram and Himalaya ranges meet, and its dramatic landscape makes it one of North India's most iconic trekking destinations. The Markha Valley Trek is among its most celebrated routes, and for good reason: trekkers pass Buddhist monasteries, challenging river crossings, rolling green pastures, rocky canyons and friendly remote villages along the way. The route also cuts through Hemis National Park, which boasts one of the highest concentrations of snow leopards in the world — a wildlife encounter you're unlikely to find anywhere else in the Himalayas. Starting at 3,200 metres in Chilling and peaking at 5,200 metres at Kongmaru La, the trek takes 4 to 6 days and demands a solid level of fitness.

The Chandratal Lake Trek in Himachal Pradesh leads trekkers through dramatic, ever-shifting landscapes to one of the Himalayas' most stunning rewards — Chandra Taal, or "Lake of the Moon," a vivid turquoise lake ringed by wildflowers and towering peaks. Starting from Manali, the core trek takes 4 to 8 hours, though extended packages can stretch the journey to 10 days for those wanting to explore more of the Spiti Valley.

A great alternative to the once-popular Roopkund Trek in Himachal Pradesh — which was recently banned due to over-tourism and the harm it caused the local biodiversity — the Buran Ghati Trek is about as beautiful as they come. Lovely pine trees and green, grassy meadows abound, one of the main reasons this route has such an appeal is because it has flown under the radar and has managed to remain virtually untouched. Two highlights of this route are the local villages of Janglik and Barua. The ornate houses in the villages are surrounded by wheat farms, apple orchards and apricot trees, and the people are lovely. There’s a good chance they’ll invite you in for a cup of tea. The highest elevation on the Buran Ghati Trek is around 4,600 metres, and the route takes about 8 days to complete.

The Chembra Peak Trek in Wayanad is one of South India's most scenic routes, taking hikers past cascading waterfalls, fragrant tea estates and a mystifying heart-shaped lake before delivering panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Permits must be obtained from the forest office in Meppadi; the trek itself covers about 7 kilometres and takes around 6 hours at an average pace.

Situated in the middle of the Western Ghats, rolling green hills and misty valleys are what defines the lovely Kudremukh Trek, perhaps one of the greenest in India. The beautifully preserved trails are lined with grassy meadows, deep forests, bamboo shrubs, abundant mosses and exotic flowers. There is also plenty of wildlife to be discovered, including everything from butterflies to birds to reptiles. The Kudremukh Trek is around 20 to 22 kilometres long and is described as moderately difficult, so there’s no need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy its unique beauty. It also only takes 1.5 to 2 days to complete and is ideal for those looking for a weekend trek in South India.

Another trek in Himachal Pradesh, the Hampta Circuit Trek offers hikers a relaxed route with vibrant and varied landscapes and stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. A shorter version of the popular Hampta Pass Trek, the Circuit Trek has a much gentler gradient — so it will feel far less difficult — yet you’ll still get the incredible scenery ranging from apple orchards to meadows to forests to temples to snowfields. One of the biggest appeals of the route is that it provides views of the Pir Panjal and Bara Banghal Ranges that are hard to find anywhere else. Like many other well-known treks in Himachal Pradesh, the Hampta Circuit Trek often begins in Manali. It will take about 4 days, and is excellent for beginners or those looking for an easy trek in India.

If you’re looking for a comfortable, scenic and relatively quick hike in South India, the Perumal Trek in Kodaikanal is a must-do. Perumal Peak is just 18 kilometres from the town’s centre and requires only 3 to 4 hours of hiking uphill. Once there, you’ll be greeted with a breathtaking view of the Nilgiri Hills — a scene that has made this hike a favourite amongst photographers, so be sure to pack your camera. Due to its relative ease and immense beauty, the Perumal Trek is also great for families. Young kids can expend some energy while enjoying the nature-filled journey, and everyone will feel a sense of accomplishment when reaching the top. It’s an ideal day-trip for the whole family.

Straddling the border of Nagaland and Manipur, the Dzukou Valley Trek is one of Northeast India's most rewarding routes and one that's increasingly earning its place among India's best. The valley sits at around 2,450 metres and is famous for its seasonal wildflowers, rolling meadows and mist-draped ridgelines that feel worlds away from the Himalayan north. The trek to the valley rim takes around 3 to 4 hours from the Viswema base camp on the Nagaland side, with the option to camp overnight and explore the valley floor the following day. Well-marked trails and a manageable gradient make it accessible for most fitness levels.

Spanning Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, the 52-kilometre Rupin Pass Trek is one of India's most scenic high-altitude routes, taking trekkers through glacial meadows, deep forests and past roaring waterfalls, with unusual rock formations appearing around almost every corner. Peaking at around 4,700 metres, the trails shift without warning from gentle walks to steep climbs, and patches of snow and mud make proper trekking gear essential throughout. While not the most difficult trek in India, it strikes a compelling balance between raw natural beauty and genuine physical challenge — and after 8 days on the trail, that otherworldly scenery makes every hard-won step worth it.

Often called the holy grail of Indian trekking, Auden's Col in Garhwal sits at 5,490 metres and is among the most technically demanding routes in the Himalayas, featuring crevasses, steep ridges, raging rivers and precarious boulder sections. Thick forests, tranquil streams and jaw-dropping views of the Gangotri and Jogin Groups of Peaks await those who complete the 10 to 16-day route, but this is strictly for experienced trekkers with a seasoned guide.