Toughest Treks In India For The Ultimate Challenge

The Chadar Trek or The Frozen River Expedition is one of the most unique and challenging treks in India. The 6 day chadar trek across the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh takes place during the latter part of January till end of February or sometimes even in the first week of March, depending on the weather. The starting point of your chadar Trek for the Base Camp is Chilling. Drive along the Leh-Srinagar Highway to reach Zanskar, a little ahead of Zanskar lies Chilling. The end of Chilling road is where the Chadar trek starts. Take small steps on the Chadar to get a feel of the ice beneath.

Total Duration: 6 Days
Total Altitude: 11,400 ft
Best Time to Visit: January - February

Located at Hemis National Park, Ladakh, Stok Kangri is 20,190 ft high above sea level. This also makes it the highest mountain in the Stok Range of the Himalayas, giving a magnificent view of Zanskar and Indus Valley. Trekkers are attracted here as it presents new landscapes and ultimate scenery in calm surroundings. Even though the trek is relatively easy, given the altitude of Ladakh, air becomes thinner resulting lack of oxygen. Due to this, trekkers may suffer from altitude sickness, nausea and headaches, which makes Stok Kangri quite challenging for mountaineers. 

Total Duration: 8 Days
Total Altitude: 20,190 ft
Best Time to Visit: Mid June - September

Pin Parvati Pass serves as a perfect destination for the trekkers seeking challenging adventure. It is one of an amazing Trans Himalayan trek that will not only leave spellbound by its beauty but also gushing with adrenaline with the challenges it throws at you. With a fascinating trail of approximately 110 km, the thrill it presents is almost unending. The Pin Parvati Pass Trekking trail is not really well defined but get worse during the monsoon season. The track within the thick forests of Great Himalayan National Park is also a big challenge even for an experienced trekker. Crossing the Parvati River and its various tributaries can be a bit excruciating and so does traversing the high altitude fissures. However, no matter what number of challenges it presents, the Pin Parvati Pass trek is exhilarating enough to make it one of the most sought after Himalayan Pass trek at high altitudes.

Total Duration: 11 Days
Total Altitude: 17,450 ft
Best Time to Visit: July - September

Perched at an elevation of 5,029 m above the sea level in the lap of Trishul Peak and Nanda Ghunti is a place full of mystery, Roopkund. Also called as ‘Mystery Lake’, the place is synonymous to its name owing to the discovery of human skeletons and horses remains from Paleolithic age at this very place. The trekking trail to Roopkund in itself is quite fascinating including the trek through rustic villages, the bewitching alpine meadows and a beautiful sacred pond, BedniKund with its crystal clear water. The trek gets steep from Bedni Bugyal to Roopkund. Almost 5 kms before the final destination lies Baguabasa situated 4,100 m above the sea level. If you are looking for some adrenaline-pumping activity, while enjoying the panoramic scenic beauty, this place serves as a perfect trekking trail for you.

Total Duration: 8 Days
Total Altitude: 16,499 ft
Best Time to Visit: May - October

Pump up your adrenaline with one of the best and toughest treks in India. Goechala Trek is also one of the favourites among the trekkers not only for its challenging terrain and ridges but also for a vast number of attractions it presents. Right from mesmerising sunrises and sunsets, endless view of magnificent snow-covered mountains, pretty rivers and streams, Rhododendron forest to witnessing giant structure of Kanchenjunga, tear-shaped Goecha lake and ultimate views of total sixteen peaks from its Dzongri Top.

Total Duration: 11 Days
Total Altitude: 15,100 ft
Best Time to Visit: April, May, Sept, Oct

Markha Valley Trek is the largest valley in Leh and is known for utmost thrill and adventure. Grading moderate to difficult trek, Markha Valley offers little village tea and coffee breaks at regular intervals to help you to rest and recharge. On this trek, one will encounter many Buddhist monasteries, ancient forts and temples and the most famous Tacha Monastery. Along with these, one gets to see the grand view of Karakoram and Ladakh ranges. While descending you will continue to witness new landscapes and terrains as you don't come back from the same trail.

Total Duration: 8 Days
Total Altitude: 17,100 ft
Best Time to Visit: Mid May to September

Perched at an altitude of 4600m, Rupin Pass is a place adorned with stunning beauty offering an adventurous thrill to its trekkers. Situated in the lap of the surreal Himalayan mountain range, the trek holds several surprises for you. Several cascading waterfalls, slippery snow bridges, the rustic villages, magnificent lush green meadows scattered with yellow marigolds and the icy blue rivulets snaking around the glacial valley is a treat to the eyes. The sudden change in the scenery at every nook and corner adds charm to the beauty of this challenging trail. In fact, the place doesn’t end there with the surprises; the wooden bridges hanging over the dark fold of mountains, icy slopes, echoing gullies and the tiny white rhododendrons covering the entire section of the trail presents a mesmerizing sight.

Total Duration: 8 Days
Total Altitude: 15,250 ft
Best Time to Visit: May, June, Sept

The Auden's Col trek is a dream trek for every experienced trekker and mountaineer, being first discovered by John Bicknell Auden in 1935. The trail passes through the thick forest of alpine trees, meadows dotted with varied species of flowers, gushing streams and cuts through numerous villages secluded within the Garhwal Himalayas, and several temples that reflect the religious significance of the Garhwal region. Auden's Col is one of the high altitude mountains passes in the Garhwal Himalayas, which connects the Rudragaira valley and Bhilangana valley and forms a bridge between the north-west ridge of Gangotri III and the ridge coming from Jogin I on the east. 

Total Duration: 13 Days
Total Altitude: 18,010 ft
Best Time to Visit: June - Mid October

Lamkhaga Pass Trek is one of the high altitude mountain passes connecting Harsil in Garhwal and Sangla in Himachal. being one of the toughest treks in India, it is popular for steep ascends from day one. The trail passes from dense forests and experiences continuous variations in the terrain, along the Indo-Tibetan border with Jalindragad River and numerous streams, moraines and meadows. You will get to see many different landscapes, forests, meadows and glaciated tracks, giving the utmost adventure to the trekkers.

Total Duration: 15 Days
Total Altitude: 17,335 ft
Best Time to Visit: Mid May to June and Early Sep to Mid October

The Nanda Devi Sanctuary is indeed a unique geographical feature. A ring of peaks that are connected by massive rock walls that go no lower than 17,000 feet form this heavenly, yet impenetrable sanctuary. The only exception point is the area where the Rishi Ganga drains this great basin. It is then no doubt that trekking here is a unique and unparalleled experience altogether. Since this is one of the most challenging treks in the world, several acclimatisation bases are a must. The actual trek to the Nanda Devi East Base Camp starts from Lilam, which is about 18 kilometres away from Munsiyari. From Lilam, the trail leads to Bugdiar, Gori Ganga, Martoli, Milam Village, Lwani and finally the Nanda Devi East Base Camp.

Total Duration: 9 Days
Total Altitude: 13,612 ft
Best Time to Visit: April - October

Snow leopard trek in Ladakh is one of the best chances to spot the rare and exotic species of Snow leopards. Trekking across Rumbak Valley of Hemis National Park, this trek not only offers possible sightings of this rare carnivore but also other animals lie Blue Sheep, Wild Horse, Yaks and various birds. Mind-Blowing views of the Himalayas, the ancient history of Buddhist monasteries and palaces of Ladakh and rich and unique flora and fauna is so worthy of this strenuous trek.

Total Duration: 13 Days
Total Altitude: 12,470 ft
Best Time to Visit: Mid November - Mid March

Cradled amid the spectacular scenic beauty, Kalindi Khal is regarded as one of the most adventurous and challenging treks in the lap of Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Perched at an altitude of 6000 m, the strenuous walk up to this sky touching peak is rewarded by enchanting views. Combining the two holy Dhams, Kalindi Khal Trek commences from Gangotri and ends with a visit to the holy temple in Badrinath Valley. The camping tours nestled right at the foot of the Shivling Peak (6543m, called the Matterhorn of Garhwal) with the bewitching sights of the source of the sacred River Ganga, Gaumukh, this trek continues half way round Garhwal offering unmatched beauty of the Shivlinga peak and then proceeding towards the Alaknanda Valley. 

Total Duration: 9 Days
Total Altitude: 19,520 ft
Best Time to Visit: Late June - September

Green Lake trek is located at North Sikkim and is one of the lesser-known treks among the crowd. The trail goes through the prohibited area up till Green Lake which is located at the base of Mt. Kangchenjunga on the Zemu Glacier. This offers grand views of the mountains upon reaching the lake. Coming with its own sets of challenges and adventures, one needs to prior permit to enjoy the nature and scenery from this trail. 

Total Duration: 15 Days
Total Altitude: 16,186 ft
Best Time to Visit: Mid April and Mid October

One of the least explored treks in the Indian Himalayan region that connects the Har Ki Dun Valley with Yamunotri, the Bali Pass Trek is a beautiful journey that one should try at least once in a lifetime. Bali Pass, which is set at an elevation of about 4,800 meters and located in the heights of Garhwal Himalayan region, is an exhilarating getaway where from you can capture the majestic trio of Kalanag at 6,387 meters, Bander Poonch 6,316 meters and Swargarohini group of peaks at a maximum elevation of 6,252 meters. The trail crossing the Govind National Park, which houses several colourful orchards and species of animals and birds, pens and clicks the trekker's diary and lenses with enrapturing moments.

Total Duration: 8 Days
Total Altitude: 16,240 ft
Best Time to Visit: May - October

The third highest peak in the world, the majestic Kanchenjunga, also spelt Kangchenjunga, is one of the most stunning mountains. Surrounded by Nepal, Sikkim and Tibet, Mt Kanchenjunga was first scaled in 1955 but since then has been declared sacred. Kanchenjunga' is a Tibetan name which means 'The Five Treasures of the High Snow'. The treasures represent the five repositories of God, namely gold, silver, gems, grain and holy books. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is the most exciting trek as it is the world’s highest peak at an elevation of 8586 metres spread in the boundaries of India, Tibet and Nepal. It offers stunning views of valleys and landscapes where you will find nature at its best. The trail starts from Darjeeling from where you will walk through Yukhsang, Bakkhim, Phedang, Dzongri, Bikhbari to Chaurikhang and Rathong Glacier.

Total Duration: 11 Days
Total Altitude: 17,060 ft
Best Time to Visit: Mid-March to June & Mid-September to Mid-November