Overview
Presenting a few of the toughest trek in India one can ever dare to explore. For all the daredevils, adventure lovers, and those who are just not satisfied with the easy things in their life. Trails at high altitudes, will not only challenge you physically but also mentally and emotionally.
The mountains with grand views, adrenaline-rushing terrains, deep valleys, sightings of rare unique carnivores. And everything tough, will test your courage and fitness to a whole nother level. So, check out these difficult yet fun trek that will make you love your life even more.
Chadar Trek
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 the 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
Stok Kangri Trek
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, the 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, Kasol
Pin Parvati Pass serves as a perfect destination for trekkers seeking challenging adventures. 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 well defined but gets 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 treks at high altitudes.
Total Duration: 11 Days
Total Altitude: 17,450 ft
Best Time to Visit: July – September
Roopkund Trek
Perched at an elevation of 5,029 m above sea level in the lap of Trishul Peak and Nanda Ghunti is a place full of mystery, Roopkund. Also called ‘Mystery Lake’, the place is synonymous with its name owing to the discovery of human skeletons and horse remains from the 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 km before the final destination lies Baguabasa situated 4,100 m above 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
Goecha La Trek
Pump up your adrenaline with one of the best and toughest treks in India. Goechala Trek is also one of the favorites among trekkers not only for its challenging terrain and ridges but also for the vast number of attractions it presents. Right from mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets, endless views of magnificent snow-covered mountains, pretty rivers, and streams, and Rhododendron forest to witnessing the giant structure of Kanchenjunga, tear-shaped Goecha lake, and ultimate views of a total of 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
Markha Valley Trek is the largest valley in Leh and is known for the utmost thrill and adventure. Grading moderate to difficult treks, 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 the 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