5 Best Trekking Places in India for Beginners
“Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb.”
~Greg Child
Sitting in the office, you open your holiday calendar and your excitement many folds after seeing an upcoming long weekend. Planning a trip brings the positivity in our day to day routine, be it professional or personal. Outdoor activities like hiking or trekking during your trip can bring out remedial effects.
Ever dreamt or heard of a place where you really wanted to go but vehicles can’t be reached there? All such untouched treasures which are away from the city’s hustle-bustle or even from tourists’ reach can be witnessed through trekking only.
If you are an adventure junkie and want a spike in your adrenaline rush, then you must go for trekking which not only challenges your physical capabilities but your mental aspects too. Meeting new people on the trails, walking alongside and coordinating with them throughout the route can teach many team skills.
So, its time you start spending some of your weekends hiking to some of the very beautiful and easy summits near Delhi. Below are the 5 best trekking places in India which are easy to hike, ideal for beginners, near Delhi and can easily be planned on weekends:
1. Nag Tibba
Nag Tibba aka Serpent’s Peak, is the abode of the Snake God. 3050 meters above the sea level, Nag Tibba is the highest peak nestled in the lower Himalayas of the Garhwal region.
A small temple is revered at the top with the admiring panoramic views of the Great Indian Himalayas of the Yamunotri side. The views from the top are spectacular and the great peaks like Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kedarnath & Gangotri can be appreciated from the top.
The trek starts from Pantwari which is approximately 90 km from Dehradun and 56 km from Mussoorie. From Pantwari, 4 km of the hike would be needed to reach the base camp of Nag Tibba and another 4 km of the hike will take to the Nag Tibba summit. In total, it is a beautiful stretch of 8 km which passes through a dense forest and meadows.
Being a short trek, this can easily be completed in a single day but people prefer to stay in the base camp and continue the next morning to witness the very mesmerizing sunrise from the top. Please note that accommodations are not available at the base camp, so, either you have to carry your tent or you have to go with various treks organizing companies.
- Level: Easy
- Best Time: April – June & October – December
- Trek Distance: 8 km
- Time Required: 5-6 hours
- Nearest Rail/Bus station: Dehradun & Mussoorie
- Other nearby attractions: Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Kanatal
2. Prashar Lake
Indian Mythology has bestowed names to many destinations in India. Prashar Lake (or Parashar Lake) is one such place. Prashar, 50 km north of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh is famous for a temple and a lake.
Prashar Temple, a three-storied pagoda-like temple is dedicated to Sage Prashar. This wooden temple, made of Deodar tree, with Its intriguing architecture and complex carvings of animals and serpents are one of a kind. Prashar Lake, located at a height of approximately 9000 ft above sea level, is a pride of Prashar valley. The magical feeling of serenity and tranquility can be experienced by strolling around the lake. This little lake, with a floating island in between and picturesque mountains in the backdrop, is a sight to behold.
The Prashar Lake trek starts from a small village named Bagi, which is approximately 40 km from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. The beautiful and mesmerizing views of Dhauladhar, Kinnaur & Pir Panjal mountain ranges during the trek can keep you motivated for the summit.
The total distance of Prashar Lake trek is approximately 8 km which passes through dense forests and many small water streams. The route is a mix of moderate and steep ascent and can take approximately 5 hours to complete.
Click here to know more about the Prashar Lake in detail
- Level: Easy to Moderate
- Best Time: May – June & December – February (Snow Trek)
- Trek Distance: 8 km
- Time Required: 5-6 hours
- Nearest Rail/Bus station: Mandi
- Other nearby attractions: Mandi
3. Tungnath & Chandrashila
Nestled in the Garhwal ranges of Rudraprayag district, Tungnath temple is one of the highest Shiva temples in the world. Pertaining to its meaning, “The Lord of Peaks”, it is the highest Panch Kedars. Surrounded with the splendid forest of oak trees, rhododendrons and deodar, Tungnath is embraced in the lap of Chandrashila Peak.
Chandrashila or “Moon Rock” is a summit of the majestic Tungnath. Chandrashila peak provides a 360-degree view of the enchanting Himalayas, including Nandadevi, Trisul, Kedar and Chaukhamba peaks.
Chopta valley in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand is the base village for Tungnath & Chandrashila trek summit. Total Trek time from Chopta to Tungnath temple is approximately 2 – 2.5 hrs with a bit of ascend. The route is well paved with rocks, with sufficient eatery shops and small dhabas on the way.
Trek to Chandrashila, on the other hand, starts from Tungnath and is only 1.5 km but with a steep ascend. The total time required to reach Chandrashila from Tungnath is approximately 45 minutes to an hour, based on your speed and stamina. The complete route is raw unlike Tungnath which is well paved and you won’t find any eatery shops on this route.
If you are a beginner and looking for the best trekking places in India to start with, then this can give you the perfect feel of the trek which is short and beautiful both.
Click here to know more about the Tungnath & Chandrashila trek in detail
- Level: Easy to Moderate
- Best Time: May-June & October-November
- Trek Distance: 4 km
- Time Required: 3-4 hours
- Nearest Rail/Bus station: Chopta
- Other nearby attractions: Sari, Deoria Tal
4. Kheerganga
If you are a beginner trekker or a backpacker and looking for the best trekking places in the Himalayan ranges, then Kheerganga makes a perfect destination in the Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh. It is a divine place with a small temple of Lord Shiva and a hot water spring at the top.
The trek starts from a small village named Barshaini which is approximately 20 km from Kasol. The trek begins from the bridge and has 2 routes, left go through the Nakthan village which is shorter, steep but beautiful whereas the right will take you through the Kalga village which is the longer and comparatively easier route.
Recent updates on Kheerganga trek 2019 – Recently, there have been some questions on whether the trek is operational now or not. So to clarify this! Yes! The trek is operational as before but the permanent camping and cafes are closed now and Rudranag acts as a new camping destination during the trek. Camping experience in Rudranag remains immaculate and enthralling as before.
- Level: Moderate
- Best Time: May-June & October-December
- Trek Distance: 14 km
- Time Required: 5-6 hours one way
- Nearest Rail/Bus station: Kasol
- Other nearby attractions: Kasol, Manikaran, Tosh
5. Triund
One of the most popular weekend trek in Himachal Pradesh, Triund is nestled at the approximate height of 10,600 feet. Triund bestows you with the panoramic and gigantic views of snow-capped Dhauladhar ranges on one side and Kangra Valley on other.
The trek starts from Galu Devi temple in Dharamkot near Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh. Trek is in the stretch of 7 km which passes through the beautiful forests of oak, deodar, and rhododendron. The first 5 km of the trek is fairly easy with little ascend and descend whereas the last 2 km will ask you for some hard work which has steep and curvy ascends.
Recent updates on Triund trek 2019 – Camping at Triund is banned by the government till further notice and hence it has now become a day trek. Even the shops and cafes on the route as well as on the top have been closed except for Magic View cafe. So, carry water and food.
- Level: Easy
- Best Time: May-June & September-October
- Trek Distance: 7 km
- Time Required: 3-4 hours one way
- Nearest Rail/Bus station: Mcleodganj
- Other nearby attractions: Dharamshala & Mcleodganj
So this was my list of 5 best trekking places in India for beginners which is near Delhi and can be easily planned on weekends. Please let me know in the comments if this article helped you or if you have any other trekking place which should be on the list. Please share it with your friends who are planning a trek near Delhi.
Keep traveling and keep sharing experiences!
Ankur Dulwani
I am a techie by profession but a nature lover by passion. I like to have high speed internet while working but a total disconnect when I am with nature.
2 Comments
Manoj Agarwal
Since it is my first trek, I decided to do a little research on the easy treks in India and I came across your article, firstly I really like how you have put up this article, it is really informative and useful for first-timers, I will definitely choose a trek from one of the above options as they all look really beautiful, thank you for providing this useful article, I will share it with my friends.
Ankur Dulwani
Thanks Manoj for your kind words. Such comments keep me motivated to write some good content which can help people in planning a trip.
Please let us know if you need some extra information on any of the above trek.