Mighty mountains are the bigger slice of inspiration we all need time and again. They don’t belittle us for being a tiny part of the universe but we realize the true essence of life – that’s being free! Mountains bring us down to the basics — food, shelter, challenges, and meaningful companionships. So, when you to decide not to live the ordinary life, these Top 5 Most Incredible Treks In India, show you the other side. Without any further ado, let’s get right into it!

1. Parashar Lake Trek, Himachal Pradesh

This is a perfect weekend getaway or a go-to choice for people from all walks of life. The lake region is pleasantly beautiful. It has a floating island, picture-perfect blue water, cultural vibes, religious significance, adventure trails, and whatnot. Despite being a touristy spot, the Prashar Lake trek still doesn’t have a massive footfall and its beauty remains untouched.

Level: Easy

Altitude: 8,956 feet above sea level

When: Throughout the year

2. Chadar Trek, Kashmir

The Chadar a.k.a. Zanskar Trek is the most arduous yet a worthwhile trek in the country. The distance traveled by foot is around 100kms and you need above-average endurance. It’s a challenging route, the beauty around is surreal and the experience is absolutely terrific. You walk over the heavily frozen Zanskar River which literally becomes a super solid icy blanket. This makes it one of the trickiest treks around the globe.

Level: Difficult

Altitude: 11,123 feet

When: January – February

3. Kedarkantha Trek, Uttarakhand

When in Uttarakhand, trekking must be on the list. And, what could be more amazing than trailing through the beauty of Dehradun to Sankri village and finally reaching the Kedarkantha region? Here’s where the Moon meets the Sun. Snow blankets stretch to every nook and corner. The beauty of the Himalayas is impeccable. And campsites are oh-so-pretty! Kedarkantha is an absolutely beautiful winter trek. It’s an impeccable reflection of the extraordinary. From the top, you can easily see Har Ki Doon valley, Rupin range and other godly peaks like the Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch.

Level: Easy to Moderate

Altitude: 12,500 feet above sea level

When: December – April

4. Stok Kangri Trek, Ladakh

You say trek and I say Ladakh. In fact, everyone will. There’s a strong fondness we all have for this magnificent place when it comes to answering the call of mountains. But, it won’t be wrong to say that Leh and Ladakh are getting too touristy with every passing day. Yet, there’s a lot to explore. And, I absolutely recommend Stok Kangri.This one’s an intensive and a thrilling trek (definitely not for the faint-hearted).  It requires prior acclimatization and hiking expertise. Walking on ridgelines, crossing glacier in the nighttime and daring sub-zero temperatures brings you back home with experiences that’ll stay for a lifetime. You face several challenges and your strength and stamina are put to test. But, heights without risks aren’t even worth conquering. So, I’d rather call it the ultimate bucket list expedition!

Level: Difficult

Altitude: 20,187 feet above sea level

When: June – September

5.   Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh

The Hampta Pass trek is truly magnificent. It’s suitable for both beginners as well as the experts. You’ll love these snow-capped mountains. The way takes you through the greens of Kullu into the desolate regions of Spiti – it’s a total change of landscapes and experiences. Comparatively being an easier trek, it still puts your willingness to a test. Overcoming it all is most important to know the real meaning of life. Because no one would aimlessly want to climb up such heights and dramatic crossovers!

Level: Moderate

When: May or June – September

Altitude: 14,100 feet above sea level

So, tell us what will be your next trek. Also, tell us if your favourite trek is missing from the list and why you think it deserves to be on the list.