9 Best Himalayan Treks for Beginners in 2023 – TTH
The mighty Himalayas have long captured the hearts of adventure and nature enthusiasts from all over the globe. Trekking in the Himalayas gives one the opportunity to experience its grandeur and explore remote locations that bring you close to the pristine beauty of nature. If you’re new to trekking and have always dreamt of venturing into the Himalayas, do not worry, the Himalayan terrain has something for everyone irrespective of their experience level.
There are many popular trekking options for beginners and we have curated a list of 9 best beginner trek for you. While each of these treks offers a unique experience they are less physically demanding compared to other options. Read on to know our top picks:
- Dayara Bugyal Trek
Nestled in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India, the Dayara Bugyal Trek is a mesmerizing journey through alpine meadows, thick forests, and breathtaking mountain vistas. “Bugyal” translates to “high-altitude meadow” in the local language, and Dayara Bugyal lives up to this name with its expansive meadows and panoramic views. This trek offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and tranquillity.
Why is it a beginner-friendly trek?
→ The trek is graded as easy to moderate, making it accessible for beginners with average fitness levels. The trail involves gradual ascents and descents, allowing trekkers to acclimatize comfortably.
→ The distances covered each day are reasonable, ensuring a manageable pace for beginners to enjoy the journey without feeling overwhelmed.
→ The trek follows well-defined trails, making navigation relatively straightforward.
→ The shorter duration makes it an ideal choice for beginners who may be looking for an immersive trekking experience without committing to an extended expedition.
- Kuari Pass Trek
The Kuari Pass Trek, also known as the Lord Curzon Trail, is a captivating trek that takes you through the picturesque landscapes of the Uttarakhand Himalayas. This popular trek offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, and a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Why is it Beginner Friendly?
→ The Kuari Pass Trek is considered a beginner-friendly trek due to its moderate difficulty level. While some sections may be physically challenging, the overall trek can be completed by individuals with a basic fitness level.
→ The trek follows a well-established trail, making navigation relatively easy for beginners.
→ The manageable duration allows trekkers to experience the beauty of the Himalayas without tiring themselves.
→ One of the highlights of the Kuari Pass Trek is the awe-inspiring views it offers.
- Phulara Ridge Trek
The Phulara Ridge Trek is a hidden gem tucked away in the stunning Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. This lesser-known trek offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, panoramic views, and a serene wilderness experience. The trek takes you through lush forests, charming meadows, and along a scenic ridge, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the Himalayan landscape.
Why is it Beginner Friendly?
→ It is a moderately difficult trek. While there are some uphill stretches, they are manageable and not overly strenuous, making it an ideal choice for those new to trekking.
→ The Phulara Ridge Trek can be completed in 6 days, making it an accessible option for beginners who may be looking for a relatively shorter trekking experience.
→ From the Phulara Ridge, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking vista of snow-clad peaks, lush valleys, and rolling meadows.
- Nag Tibba Trek
The Nag Tibba Weekend Trek is a delightful journey that takes you to the summit of Nag Tibba, a scenic peak located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. Known as the “Serpent’s Peak,” Nag Tibba offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, captivating landscapes, and a glimpse into the local culture. This trek is an ideal choice for those seeking a short yet rewarding adventure in the Himalayas.
Why is it Beginner Friendly?
→ The trek starting point, Pantwari, can be reached by road from Dehradun, which is well-connected to major cities via rail and air.
→ The trail has gradual ascents and descents which makes it very convenient for beginner trekkers.
→ The Nag Tibba Weekend Trek can typically be completed in two days, making it an ideal choice for those with time constraints.
→ The trail is well-marked, making it easy to follow.
- Valley of Flowers Trek
The Valley of Flowers Trek is a picturesque and enchanting journey located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. Situated in the Western Himalayas, this trek takes you through a vibrant valley adorned with a stunning display of alpine flowers, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a paradise for nature lovers and offers a unique opportunity to witness the diverse floral ecosystem of the region.
Why is it Beginner Friendly?
→ The trek is graded as moderate, which means it does not require extensive trekking experience or advanced technical skills.
→ The trek follows a well-marked and well-defined trail, making navigation relatively straightforward.
→ The trek is completed within 6 days making it an accessible option.
→ The days are mild, with cool temperatures and clear skies, providing a comfortable environment for beginners to enjoy the trekking experience.
→ The Valley of Flowers is renowned for its diverse floral ecosystem making the trek a fascinating educational opportunity for beginners.
- Kedarkantha Trek
The Kedarkantha Trek is a popular hiking trail located in the Uttarakhand region of India. Nestled in the majestic Himalayas, this trek takes you through pristine forests, and enchanting meadows, and offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. With an elevation of 12,500 feet (3,800 meters), Kedarkantha is renowned for its natural beauty and accessibility, making it an ideal choice for beginners who want to experience the thrill of trekking in the mountains.
Why is it Beginner Friendly?
→ The trek is rated as moderate in terms of difficulty, making it accessible to individuals with a reasonable level of fitness.
→ The Kedarkantha Trek follows a well-marked trail, reducing the chances of getting lost and providing a sense of security for beginners.
→ With a duration of 6 days, the Kedarkantha Trek is relatively short compared to other Himalayan treks.
- Sandakphu Trek
The Sandakphu Trek is a captivating trekking route located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. It is renowned for offering panoramic views of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. With an elevation of 11,929 feet (3,636 meters), Sandakphu serves as the highest point in West Bengal and is a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Why is it Beginner Friendly?
→ The trek is rated as moderate in terms of difficulty, making it accessible to individuals with basic fitness levels.
→ The Sandakphu Trek follows a well-marked trail, reducing the chances of getting lost and providing a sense of security for beginners.
→ With a duration of 6 days, the Sandakphu Trek is relatively short, making it easier for beginners to plan and embark on the adventure’
→ The trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, including the fabled “Sleeping Buddha” formation of peaks.
- Chopta Chandrashila Trek
The Chopta Chandrashila Trek is a captivating hiking trail nestled in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. Situated at an altitude of 13,123 feet (4,024 meters), Chandrashila is a summit that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. The trek is known for its pristine beauty, serene forests, and magnificent views, making it a favourite among both novice and experienced trekkers.
Why is it Beginner Friendly?
→ The trek is of moderate difficulty, making it suitable for beginners with a good level of fitness.
→ The trek duration is only 5 days which makes it ideal for beginners.
→ The serene beauty of the trek serves as a constant motivation and reward for beginners.
→ The trail is well laid out so there is no chance of going astray.
→ Visiting one of the highest Shiva temples in the world makes the trek interesting for beginners.
- Hampta Pass Trek
The Hampta Pass Trek is a thrilling high-altitude adventure situated in the majestic Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh, India. This trek is renowned for its diverse landscapes, ranging from lush green valleys to barren and rugged mountains, providing a remarkable journey for trekkers. Named after the Hampta village located in the Kullu Valley, the trek takes you through breathtaking vistas, pristine rivers, and charming Himalayan villages.
Why is it Beginner Friendly?
→ It is a short duration trek of only 5 days, which makes it approachable for the beginners.
→ The easy to moderate difficulty makes it ideal for beginner trekkers.
→ The trek offers a diverse range of landscapes, providing trekkers with a unique and ever-changing experience.
→ The trek follows a well-marked trail, reducing the chances of getting lost and ensuring a sense of security for beginners.
The Himalayas are teeming with natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes just waiting to be explored. We invite all our fellow trekkers to join us on these incredible adventures!