Top 20 Treks in India

The Indian Himalayas are home to some of the most beautiful walking trails in the world. Those who are just starting their journey into trekking, there’s no better place to begin. You don’t need to be a mountaineer to enjoy these trails, just a love for the outdoors and a bit of curiosity.

In this article, we’ve gathered some of the most beautiful beginner-friendly and easy treks in India. These treks are easy on the body and full of beautiful experiences. You walk through forests and meadows to catch sunrise views over snowy peaks. Each trek is a great way to start your trekking journey.

Table of Contents

• Why Choose Easy Treks in India?
• Best Treks For Beginners In Uttarakhand
• Best Treks For Beginners In Himachal
• Best Treks For Beginners In Ladakh

Best Treks For Beginners In Uttarakhand

1. Nag Tibba Weekend Trek

• Location: Uttarakhand | India
• Duration: 2 Days
• Altitude: 9900 Ft.
• Best time to visit: March | April
• Why it’s beginner-friendly: This is a short and easy 2-day trek, perfect for first-timers or anyone looking for a weekend adventure.

Nag Tibba is an easy trek for anyone who wants to try trekking for the first time. It's close to Mussoorie and can be done over a weekend, which makes it easy to plan. The trail takes you through forests filled with trees, and now and then, you’ll find open spaces where you can rest and enjoy the view. Even though the trek is short, it gives you a true mountain feel. When you reach the top, the view is amazing. You can see big Himalayan peaks like Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch. It’s not too hard, doesn’t take too many days, and still gives you the joy of being in the mountains. If you want a short break in nature and a trek for beginners, Nag Tibba is the perfect start.

2. Chopta Chandrashila Trek

• Location: Uttarakhand | India
• Duration: 3 Days
• Altitude: 12000 Ft.
• Best time to visit: January to June | September to December
• Why it’s beginner-friendly: The trails are not too steep, and the views are amazing. It’s great for beginners with a bit of walking experience.

The Chopta Chandrashila trek is a beautiful mix of adventure, peace, and spirituality. It begins in the lovely meadows of Chopta, often called the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of Uttarakhand and takes you through forests filled with deodar and rhododendrons. The trek also includes a visit to Tungnath, the world’s highest Shiva temple.

This 3 day trek is gentle and easy to follow. With well-marked paths and manageable altitude, it is perfect for beginners who want to combine nature with a hint of mythology. The summit day ends at Chandrashila where you get to see views of giant peaks like Nanda Devi, Kedarnath Main, and Chaukhamba.

3. Dayara Bugyal Trek

• Location: Uttarakhand | India
• Duration: 6 Days
• Altitude: 12000 Ft.
• Best time to visit: March | April | May | June
• Why it’s beginner-friendly: You walk through open meadows with gradual climbs. It’s a peaceful trek with lots of space to walk and rest.

Dayara Bugyal is famous for its wide-open meadows, like green carpets stretching to the sky. This trek provides beautiful campsites and easy terrain, making it one of the best introductory beginner treks in Uttarakhand, India.

The trail is gentle and takes you through forests, open clearings, and wide green pastures. In winter, these meadows turn all white in snow. From the top, you get grand views of peaks like Bandarpoonch, Srikanth, Jaonli, Draupadi ka Danda and Gangotri. It’s a short and sweet Himalayan trek that’s easy to fall in love with.

4. Valley of Flowers Trek

• Location: Uttarakhand | India
• Duration: 6 Days
• Altitude: 14100 Ft.
• Best time to visit: June | July | August | September
• Why it’s beginner-friendly: The trail is well-marked and not too steep. You’ll walk at a comfortable pace and enjoy colourful flower fields.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of Flowers is one of the most beautiful and easy treks in India. The trail opens up to a colourful valley filled with wildflowers of every shade. It’s a colorful walk through a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with gentle climbs and a path that anyone with basic fitness can enjoy.

The views of waterfalls, rivers, and snow-covered mountains make it feel like walking through a dreamland. TThe visit to Hemkund Sahib, one of the highest Gurudwaras in the world, makes the experience even more special.

5. Har Ki Dun Trek

• Location: Uttarakhand | India
• Duration: 7 Days
• Altitude: 12000 Ft.
• Best time to visit: April | May | June | September | October | November
• Why it’s beginner-friendly: The path goes through villages and valleys, with enough time to walk slowly. It’s great for learning how to do multi-day treks.

One of the oldest trekking routes in India, Har Ki Dun is a 7-day journey into the “Valley of Gods.” The trail moves through the Osla and other villages, where wooden homes and terraced farms tell stories of a time gone by. At 12,000 ft, the climb is steady, and the views of Swargarohini peaks are mesmerizing. Beginners love this trek for its rich culture and relatively low difficulty. It also allows interaction with local life and traditions, giving first-time trekkers not just a physical journey but a cultural one too.

6. Phulara Ridge Trek

• Location: Uttarakhand | India
• Duration: 6 Days
• Altitude: 12150 Ft.
• Best time to visit: April | May | June
• Why it’s beginner-friendly: It’s a rare ridge walk with long but easy walking days. A good choice for someone trying a ridge trek for the first time.

This Uttarakhand trek is unique and admired for its long ridge walk. Walking along a narrow phulara ridge with mountains on both sides is a rare and thrilling experience for a first-time trekker. For nearly an entire day, you walk along an open ridge, surrounded by 360° views of mountains. It feels as though you're floating above the world.

The gradual climb, peaceful forest trails, and ridge walk make it a special and best trekking place in India for beginners looking for something different.

7. Chopta Chandrashila Tungnath Trek with Deoriatal (5 Days)

• Location: Uttarakhand | India
• Duration: 5 Days
• Altitude: 12000 Ft.
• Best time to visit: January to June | September to December
• Why it’s beginner-friendly: The trail is well-paved, and the climb is slow. You also visit peaceful lakes and temples on the way.

Chopta is also a 5-day trek, where, along with Chopta Chandrashila and Tungnath, you can also enjoy the delightful journey of Deoriatal. This trek combines adventure, culture, and natural beauty. It starts with a walk through the meadows of Chopta, and leads to the sacred Tungnath Temple, which stands at an altitude of 12,000 ft. After visiting the temple, you can continue this easy trek to the Chandrashila peak, where you will witness panoramic views of the Himalayas, including the Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba peaks.

Along with the spiritual and adventurous parts of this trek, the visit to Deoriatal adds a calm and relaxing feeling. The lake is set in a peaceful place, surrounded by trees and mountains.

8. Kedarkantha Trek

• Location: Uttarakhand | India
• Duration: 2 Days
• Altitude: 9900 Ft.
• Best time to visit: March | April
• Why it’s beginner-friendly: This is a short and easy 2-day trek, perfect for first-timers or anyone looking for a weekend adventure.

Kedarkantha is one of the most popular winter treks in India. It’s a 6-day trek that has everything a beginner could ask for. It has snowy trails, beautiful forest walks, and a great summit view. The trek starts from a small village and gradually climbs through oak and pine forests. During winter, the entire route turns into snow.

At the summit, you get clear views of famous peaks like Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Bandarpoonch. It’s not a very difficult trek, which makes it perfect for those who want to experience snow in the Himalayas for the first time.

9. Brahmatal Trek

• Location: Uttarakhand | India
• Duration: 6 Days
• Altitude: 12300 Ft.
• Best time to visit: March | April
• Why it’s beginner-friendly: This trek has a nice mix of forests and snow, with a clear path and gentle slopes, perfect for beginners.

Brahmatal is a 6-day trek in Uttarakhand that becomes especially beautiful in winter. The trail takes you through silent forests, snowy paths, and wide open meadows. The major attraction of the trek is the Brahmatal Lake, named after Lord Brahma. It is frozen and peaceful in winter, set right under tall snowy peaks.

The trek also gives grand views of Mt. Trishul, Mt. Nanda Ghunti and Mrigthuni from the top. It’s a great choice for beginners who want to try a winter trek with a good mix of forest walks, snow, and mountain views. The trail is well marked and the campsites are stunning, especially under the starry night sky.

10. Gulabi Kantha Trek

• Location: Uttarakhand | India
• Duration: 5 Days
• Altitude: 13200 Ft.
• Best time to visit: April-June | September-November | November-February
• Why it’s beginner-friendly: The trail is quiet and not crowded. It has easy climbs and beautiful rhododendrons trees and wildflowers, great for a peaceful first trek.

Gulabi Kantha Trek is a beautiful trail in the Yamuna Valley, known for its colourful landscapes. On the trek, you’ll be surrounded by wildflowers in shades of pink, purple, and yellow. The trail passes through lovely Himalayan villages like Nishni, where wooden houses and old temples reflect the region’s rich culture and history.

You’ll walk under the shade of oak, maple, and cedar trees, with rhododendrons blooming in bright colours during spring. The campsites, especially at Seema Thatch, are set in wide-open meadows where you may find cattle grazing. The sunrises and sunsets here are the beautiful sights to capture.

11. Mukta Top Trek

• Location: Uttarakhand | India
• Duration: 6 Days
• Altitude: 11800 Ft.
• Best time to visit: March | April | May | June
• Why it’s beginner-friendly: It’s an easy-to-walk trail with soft slopes. You get lovely mountain views without too much effort.

The Mukta Top Trek is a lesser-known trek in Uttarakhand. It takes you through changing landscapes, starting with thick oak and rhododendron forests, then moving into open meadows, and finally reaching ridges. The views keep changing and make the walk interesting. It's also a great trek for nature lovers, with chances to spot different bird species and, if lucky, some Himalayan animals too.

Because it’s not very crowded, it provides rare solitude and a raw mountain feel along with the big Himalayan peaks like Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, the Gangotri range, and Mt. Jaonli.

12. Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek

• Location: Uttarakhand | India
• Duration: 6 Days
• Altitude: 12500 Ft.
• Best time to visit: March | April | May
• Why it’s beginner-friendly: Wide and open meadows make the walk smooth. The climb is slow and steady, which is perfect for new trekkers.

The Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek is one of the best meadow treks in Uttarakhand, taking you through two great alpine meadows - Ali and Bedni. These vast grasslands have peaceful walks with grand views of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti up close.

The trail goes through heavy oak and rhododendron forests before opening into wide, green pastures. You’ll also visit Bedni Kund, a lake perfect for peaceful moments and photos. Along the way, you can interact with local shepherds and learn about mountain life. In spring, the meadows are colorful with wildflowers, while in winter, they turn into a snowy land.

13. Adi Kailash and Om Parvat

• Location: Uttarakhand | India
• Duration: 6 Days
• Altitude: 14500 Ft.
• Best time to visit: May
• Why it’s beginner-friendly: This trek is more about the journey and spiritual places than a tough climb. It’s easy to walk and has amazing sights like Om Parvat, Gauri kund.

Known as Chota Kailash, Adi Kailash is considered the second most sacred peak among the Panch Kailash. The trek takes you close to the divine presence of Lord Shiva and offers a calm and sacred environment for spiritual seekers.

A special part of this journey is Parvati Tal, a lake near Adi Kailash believed to be the place where Goddess Parvati meditated. Another highlight is Om Parvat, where the snow naturally forms the shape of the sacred ‘Om’ symbol. These are a sight that leaves a lasting impact on everyone who sees it.

14. Binsar Weekend Trek

• Location: Uttarakhand | India
• Duration: 2 Days
• Altitude: 8100 Ft.
• Best time to visit: January | February | March | April | May | June | September | October | November | December
• Why it’s beginner-friendly: It’s a short forest trek you can do over the weekend. Ideal for people who are new to trekking.

A short, weekend trek that offers beautiful views of the Kumaon Himalayas, including peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul. The trek leads through dense forests and eventually reaches the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot a variety of wildlife. It offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle of daily life and is perfect for those looking for a quick escape into nature.

15. Yoga & Meditation Retreat In The Himalayas

• Location: Uttarakhand | India
• Duration: 6 Days
• Altitude: 12100 Ft.
• Best time to visit: April | May
• Why it’s beginner-friendly: This is a calm and light experience with some easy walks. It’s perfect for beginners who want peace and nature.

This retreat combines the serenity of the Himalayas with yoga and meditation practices to help you rejuvenate and connect with yourself. Set amidst the peaceful and great Himalayas, the retreat is designed to help you rejuvenate both physically and mentally. The 6-day yoga and meditation retreat includes gentle treks, yoga sessions, meditation, and spiritual practices that allow you to connect deeply with nature. It is an ideal option for those looking to combine trekking with inner peace and mindfulness.

Best Treks For Beginners In Himachal

16. Kareri Lake Trek

• Location: Himachal Pradesh | India
• Duration: 3 Days
• Altitude: 9600 Ft.
• Best time to visit: April | May | June
• Why it’s beginner-friendly: The path is easy to follow, and the climb is gentle. It’s a short trek with a beautiful lake.

Kareri Lake is a peaceful trek in Himachal Pradesh, known for its beautiful trek path and lake. The trek begins from the Kareri village and gently winds through forests, flowing streams, and mountain homes. The trail slowly opens up to the clear blue waters of Kareri Lake, surrounded by snow-peaked peaks of the Dhauladhar range.

The trek is short, not too tiring and is great for those who want to enjoy nature without long or difficult climbs. It’s calm, refreshing, and gives you a Himalayan experience in a simple way.

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17. Beas Kund Trek

• Location: Himachal Pradesh | India
• Duration: 4 Days
• Altitude: 12800 Ft.
• Best time to visit: May | June
• Why it’s beginner-friendly: Close to Manali, this trek is short and not very tough. You get beautiful mountain views in just a few days.

Beas Kund is where the river Beas originates, and reaching its glacial source is an enriching experience for trekkers. It starts from the lively town of Manali and moves into wide green meadows and rocky trails. The final point, Beas Kund, is a small glacial lake from where the Beas River starts.

This 4-day trek near Manali is a great introduction to trekking in the Himalayas, with a moderate trail. At 12,800 ft, the trek shows snowy surroundings and icy lakes, yet doesn’t require long days or difficult climbs. Its accessibility from Manali and views make it a favorite for many first-timers.

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18. Chandrakhani Pass Trek

• Location: Himachal Pradesh | India
• Duration: 5 Days
• Altitude: 12100 Ft.
• Best time to visit: May | June | July
• Why it’s beginner-friendly: The trail is calm and scenic. It’s not too high and is a nice mix of forest, meadows, and mountains.

This trek is known for its panoramic views and old-world charm. It’s easy on the legs and offers great views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, charming villages, and himalayan forests. A perfect way to ease into multi-day trekking.

The trek starts from the town near Manali and gently climbs up to the pass. From the top you can spot peaks like Deo Tibba, Pir Panjal, and Parvati ranges including Hanuman Tibba, Friendship Peak, Indrasan, and Shikhar Beh. It's a quiet, offbeat trek and provides real solitude and beauty in the mountains.

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19. Bhrigu Lake Trek

• Location: Himachal Pradesh | India
• Duration: 4 Days
• Altitude: 13700 Ft.
• Best time to visit: May | June
• Why it’s beginner-friendly: It’s a short hike near Manali that takes you to a high-altitude lake. The walk is not too hard, and the views are amazing.

The Bhrigu Lake Trek is a wonderful 4-day adventure with mesmerizing views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar mountain ranges. Over four days, trekkers will pass through forests of oak and cedar trees, meadows, and snow-covered paths that lead up to the Bhrigu Lake at 13,700 ft.

The lake itself, situated in the midst of the mighty Pir Panjal range, is surrounded by legends, and its crystal-clear water makes for a fulfilling sight. The trek is easy to moderate in difficulty, with gradual ascents and a manageable pace. The views along the way are beautiful, with the peaks of the ranges in the distance.

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Best Treks For Beginners In Ladakh

20. Leh Ladakh Multi-Sports Trip

• Location: Ladakh | India
• Duration: 8 Days
• Altitude: 17577 Ft.
• Best time to visit: May | June | July | August | September
• Why it’s beginner-friendly: This is more of a fun trip than a tough trek. It includes some short walks and activities that suit people who are new to adventure.

This 8-day adventure is a curated mix of experiences across the landscapes of Ladakh. It includes short hikes, cycling, rafting, and visits to ancient monasteries and high mountain passes. With a highest point of around 17,577 ft, it might sound extreme, but because of the vehicle support and guided pacing, it’s still accessible to fit beginners. The gradual gain in altitude, rest days, and mix of activities make this a great introduction to Ladakh treks for anyone who wants to explore the region without going on a long or difficult trek.

Explore Leh Ladakh Multi-Sports Trip

Next time you think trekking isn’t for beginners, remember, there are so many beautiful trails made just for starting out. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy the mountains. All it takes is the first step. 

Happy trekking!