Trekking Destinations in India
India has more trekking terrain than any other country in Asia — from the 3,800 m winter summits of Uttarakhand to the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh. This page groups the 31 destinations WDRLUST operates in into six regions, so you can compare season, altitude and difficulty before you pick a trek.
The six trekking regions we operate in
Each region has a distinct season, altitude band and character. Pick the region first, then the trek.
Uttarakhand — the beginner’s Himalaya
Uttarakhand is where most people start. Trails begin from road-accessible villages like Sankri and Joshimath, summit altitudes sit between 3,000 m and 4,500 m, and the season runs almost year-round. Our most popular route, the Kedarkantha trek, is here. See all Uttarakhand treks.
Himachal Pradesh — meadows, passes and long traverses
Himachal offers everything from short weekend hikes near Kasol to multi-day traverses across high passes. The season is May to October, with the monsoon months best avoided on exposed routes. See all Himachal Pradesh treks.
Ladakh — high-altitude desert
Ladakh is the most demanding region we operate in. Altitudes stay above 3,500 m for most of the route, acclimatisation is essential, and the season is short — roughly June to September. Best suited to trekkers with prior Himalayan experience. See all Ladakh treks.
Kashmir — alpine lakes and meadow camps
The Kashmir Great Lakes route is the signature trek here: seven alpine lakes in seven days, with camps on open meadows. Season runs July to September. See all Kashmir treks.
Karnataka — Western Ghats year-round
The Western Ghats give you green, humid trekking from October to February, with peaks like Mullayanagiri and routes such as Kudremukh and Netravati. Ideal for weekend trips from Bengaluru. See all Karnataka treks.
Maharashtra — Sahyadri forts and monsoon treks
Maharashtra’s Sahyadri range is fort country: Harishchandragad, Rajmachi, Kalsubai. The monsoon months, June to September, are actually the best time here — the opposite of the Himalayan season. See all Maharashtra treks.
Compare the regions at a glance
| Region | Altitude | Best season | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uttarakhand | 3,000–4,500 m | All year | Beginner to moderate |
| Himachal Pradesh | 2,000–5,000 m | May–Oct | Easy to moderate |
| Ladakh | 3,500–6,000 m | Jun–Sep | Moderate to difficult |
| Kashmir | 2,200–4,200 m | Jul–Sep | Moderate |
| Karnataka | 1,000–1,900 m | Oct–Feb | Easy to moderate |
| Maharashtra | 600–1,600 m | Jun–Sep | Easy to moderate |
How to choose a destination
- First trek? Start in Uttarakhand. Kedarkantha and Chopta Tungnath are designed for first-timers, with short daily distances and road-accessible start points.
- Short on time? Karnataka and Maharashtra run 1–2 day treks that work as weekend trips from Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai.
- Chasing snow? December to April in Uttarakhand. Kedarkantha is the most reliable snow summit in the country.
- Want a challenge? Ladakh and the Kashmir Great Lakes. Both need prior Himalayan experience and a solid fitness base.
- Travelling in monsoon? Skip the Himalaya and head to Maharashtra — the Sahyadri forts are at their best in the rain.
Ready to pick a trek?
Browse all adventure activities in India, read about how WDRLUST operates, or go straight to the Kedarkantha trek if you already know what you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best trekking destination in India for beginners?
Uttarakhand is the best region for beginners. Treks like Kedarkantha, Chopta Tungnath and Beas Kund sit between 2,700 m and 3,800 m, run 4 to 6 days, and start from road-accessible villages such as Sankri and Kasol. Himachal Pradesh is the next best option, with Grahan and Kheerganga as easy first routes.
How many trekking destinations does WDRLUST cover in India?
WDRLUST operates treks across 31 destinations in India, grouped into six core regions: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Kashmir, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Each region page lists every trek we run there with season, altitude and difficulty.
What is the best month to go trekking in the Indian Himalayas?
There are two main windows. May to June and September to early November give clear trails and stable weather across most Himalayan regions. December to April is the winter season, when lower-altitude routes such as Kedarkantha become snow treks. July and August are monsoon months and are best avoided on Himalayan routes.
Which Himalayan destination is best for a first high-altitude trek?
Ladakh and Kashmir suit trekkers who have already completed at least one moderate Himalayan trek. Both involve sustained altitude above 4,000 m and remote terrain. For a first high-altitude experience, a Uttarakhand route in the 3,500 to 4,000 m range is the safer progression.
Do I need a permit to trek in Ladakh or Uttarakhand?
Some routes do. Treks inside Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarakhand, and several Ladakh and Kashmir routes near the international border, require a permit. WDRLUST arranges the permits for every departure and the cost is included in the published trek price.
Can I combine two destinations in one trip?
Yes. We regularly run combined itineraries, such as a Uttarakhand trek followed by a Himachal extension, or a Ladakh road trip with a Kashmir trek. Contact us with your dates and we will build a custom route.