Toughest Treks in India

For those who have the will, and the mental and physical ability to take on some of the toughest treks in our country, nature unveils its most magnificent landscapes and works of art. Seasoned trekkers find words insufficient to describe the grandeur and exquisiteness of the landscape from these unbelievable heights.

Stok Kangri

Stok View. Image Courtesy: Madhuvanti Ghodse

Where: Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir
Why it's tough: At 20,000 ft, Stok Kangri, in Leh, is India's highest trekkable summit.While it is a non-technical peak (no climbing equipment needed), high altitude, oxygen deficiency, breathing problems, headaches, altitude sickness, dry terrain, and crossing glaciers and rivers with a current that can whisk you away, makes it one of India's toughest treks.
What to expect: Changes in weather post 12pm due to which the last leg of the trek has to be started early. It takes approximately 16-17 hours at one stretch (at a very slow pace) from the base camp (16,000 ft) to the summit (21,000 ft), The overwhelming Markha Valley, and the adrenaline rush climbing to 20,000 ft leaves you speechless.
Ideal Time: June-mid September, when the ice has melted.

Rupin Pass
Where: Himachal Pradesh
Why it's tough: At an approximate altitude of 16,000 ft, this route is always covered in snow. The first two days of the Rupin pass trek are long and those who are not fit may find the days long and heavy.
What to expect: The trail has tremendous variety and you will be surprised at every corner. The changing scenery— meadows, waterfalls, marigolds, fir forests, and blue rivers—will overwhelm you.
Ideal Time: Mid May to mid June.

Chadar Trek

Chadar Frozen. Image Courtesy: Indiahikes.in

Where: Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir
Why it's tough: The Chadar trek takes you across the frozen Zanskar river. Temperatures that fall to -15 degrees Celsius, harsh terrain and weather, high altitude, and walking nearly 15 km each day, makes Chadar a tough trek.
What to expect: But the atmosphere, scenery, frozen river, sledges, unusual camp sites, caves, the ever-changing Chadar and the experience of walking on ice, will leave you awestruck. Walking through the unbelievable Zanskar gorge on a frozen river is a unique experience.
Ideal Time: February-March, when the ice on the Chadar is still thick and the day temperatures are viable enough.

Lamkhaga Pass
Where: It starts from Harsil in Uttarkhand, and ends at Chitkul in Himachal Pradesh
Why it's tough: Thin air, steep gradients, uneven terrain, snow and glaciers that you encounter. A 6-8 day trek, it climbs up to an altitude of 17,000 feet.
What to expect: Magestic mountains, the calm scenic village of Chitkul, stunning valleys and meadows and the changing culture as you cross from one state to another.
Ideal Time: The last two weeks of June and September-October.
 

Roopkund

Roopkund. Image Courtesy: Indiahikes.in

Where: Uttarakhand
Why it's tough: Crossing ice and snow paths, climbing to 16,000 ft, thin air, changing climate and altitude sickness; the Roopkund trek a tough one!
What to expect: Along the way, trekkers look forward to majestic views, local culture and traditions, the Ali and Bedni meadows (largest and the most beautiful in India), dense forests, bushes, varying wildlife, the Kallu Vinayak temple, and the Roopkund or Mystery Lake with its mythological stories.
Ideal Time: Before the monsoon (mid May to end June), when you get snow, and post monsoon (July-September), when the melted snow reveals a variety of flora and fauna.

Pin Parvati Pass

Pin Parvati. Image Courtesy: Indiahikes.in

Where: Himachal Pradesh. The trek begins from Khir Ganga, crosses over to Spiti and ends at Manikaran, a religious place for Sikhs.
Why it's tough: Trekking to more than17,000 ft, difficult gradients and a steep incline, rough terrain, snow and glaciers and ill-defined trails, are some of the challenges that trekkers encounter.
What to expect: But the scenery en route is unique and breathtaking. The trek starts with forests, meadows and waterfalls for company and finally crosses to Spiti, which is a dessert.
Ideal Time: The end of June and last week of September till October is the best time.

Mayali Pass Trek

Vasuki Tal Lake on the Mayali Pass Trek. Image Courtesy: Indiahikes.in

Where is it: Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand
Why is it tough: You will need prior experience in trekking above 14,000 ft to deal with the medium-difficult gradients, steep incline, and trails through glaciers, rocky moraine and snow-fields that this trek presents.
What to expect: Starting from Uttarkashi and ending at Kedarnath, it takes you through lush jungles, little farms, alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, gushing streams and rivers and views of snow-clad peaks.
Ideal time: Late June till July and September is the ideal time.

Snow Leopard Expedition

Snow Leopard Trek. Image Courtesy: Jungle Lore

Where: Hemis National Park, Ladakh  in Jammu and Kashmir
Why is it tough: The rough terrain of the Hemis National Park, freezing temperatures, challenging nights when you have to take a leak at -20 degrees in the middle of the night, and high-altitude are some of the challenges you would encounter.
What to expect: Spotting a snow leopard, blue sheep, argali (a large horned sheep), numerous mountain and migratory birds, and an occasional Tibetan wolf give wild life enthusiasts much to look forward to.
Ideal Time: February-March is an ideal time to do this trek when the Snow Leopard descends to the valley because of the excessive snow.

Kugti Pass

Kugti Pass-alyas-old-snow. Image Courtesy: Indiahikes.in

Where: Himachal Pradesh. From Bharmour, in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, head (by vehicle) to Dharol, the starting point of the trek.
Why is it tough: Virtually unexplored, the Kugti Pass trek climbs to 16,600 feet and has many rigorous sections. It leads you through steep gradients, rough terrain, snow and glaciers
What to expect: This six day trek offers lovely views of peaks and a changing scenery. As the trail crosses over to Spiti, you will see forests and deserts along the way.
Ideal Time: The last 2 weeks of June and September-October

Have you been on any other incredibly difficult but beautiful treks? Do share your experience with us.

With inputs from Madhuvanti Ghodse, Arjun Majumdar and Ayush Singh