Indian Himalaya, the vast mountains in North India, topped with white snow, always fascinate me and call me to take a walk through them. With time, my curiosity only grew about how fantastic it would be to actually go there rather than just sit and think about it.

Though I planned trekking trips in India, unfortunately, they were never executed as I knew little about trekking. Many questions came to my mind like- What would India trekking tours be like? Which are the best trekking destinations in India? And, which are the best trekking companies in India to take me there?

But this time, I was determined to go on treks, which led me to search for the best treks in India on the internet. My search paused when I came across Himalaya Shelter, a trekking company based in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. When I visited their website, I found stories and information I had always wanted to read. The company's reviews themselves spoke volume of what the best trekking trips in India could look like.

Here, I also found the top trekking destinations in the Indian Himalayas. These trekking destinations are located in different regions like Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Ladakh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and West Bengal. Reading about all these destinations motivated me to explore more and I found a few exciting facts about these best treks in India:

1. Bali Pass Trek: Bali Pasi is a lesser-known trekking route in Uttarakhand. It is different from the famous 'Bali Pass'. This hidden trail takes trekkers through untouched forests, quiet villages and high-altitude meadows. The trek offers a beautiful view of Himalayan peaks and a peaceful experience away from noisy cities. Many Local shepherds use this route which gives it a unique village and cultural charm. This trek is perfect for those who are looking for an offbeat adventure in nature.

2. Valley of Flowers Trek: The Valley of Flowers was hidden from the world until 1931 when mountaineers discovered it by chance. It is located in Uttarakhand and best known for its variety of colorful flowers. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will get to see rare flowers, fresh air and peaceful nature which are enough to turn your black & white life into a colourful one. It is said that the flowers change colors every few weeks which makes this valley look different each time. It also has rare flowers like Blue Poppy and Brahma Kamal which are not found easily. The valley is covered in snow for half the year, so it can only be visited in summer.

3. Har Ki Dun Trek: Har Ki Dun is one of the best treks in India. It is also known as the ‘Valley of Gods’. It has an ancient village called Osla, where people believe they are descendants of the Kauravas from the Mahabharata and they also built a temple for Duryodhan. The trail to Har Ki Dun passes through dense forests where you can spot rare birds and animals. This valley stays green even in winter which makes it special. In this valley, you will get to see lush green meadows, alpine trees and snow-capped peaks which are enough to give your eyes an energy tonic.

4. Kuari Pass Trek: Located in Uttarakhand, Kuari Pass trek is one of the best beginner-friendly trekking trips in India. It is a somewhat hidden and less-explored trail in Uttarakhand. It takes trekkers through dense forests, remote villages and peaceful meadows. The trek offers unique views of Nanda Devi and other Himalayan peaks as well. Unlike crowded trekking routes, Kuari Pasi remains quiet which makes it perfect for those who love solitude and solo travel. It is a great choice for adventure seekers who are looking for their first-ever trekking experience.

5. Kedarkantha Trek: Kedarkantha is a popular winter trek in Uttarakhand, known for its white snow-covered peaks and scenic beauty. It's a great trek for beginners, especially in winter, when the trail is covered in fresh snow. The special part of this trek is 'Juda Ka Talab', a lake that freezes completely in winter. Locals believe Kedarkantha was the original place for the Kedarnath temple before Lord Shiva moved to Kedarnath. The trek is perfect for the people who want to experience snow trekking.

6. Nag Tibba Trek: It’s one of the few best trekking trips in India where you can see the amazing sunsets because of the way the trail faces. Nag Tibba Trek is a short and easy trek near Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. Unlike many treks, it can be completed in just two days. The trail passes through thick oak and rhododendron forests, with chances to spot wildlife like barking deer. At the top, trekkers can get a 360-degree view of Himalayan peaks like Bandarpoonch (Bandarpoonch glacier is the origin of Yamuna river) and Kedarnath. A special feature of this trek is the ancient Nag Devta temple, where locals worship for protection from snakes.

7. Gaumukh Tapovan Trek: Gaumukh Tapovan is a high-altitude trekking destination in Uttarakhand, best known for its spiritual view of the Gangotri Glacier and Mount Shivling. Gaumukh, meaning cow's mouth, is the glacier's snout from where the holy Ganga River originates. Tapovan, located above Gaumukh, is a vast meadow surrounded by towering peaks, often used by sadhu-saints and trekkers for meditation and camping. Unlike other treks, this route offers a rare chance to walk alongside a moving glacier. It is the best India trekking tour for the people who want to have a spiritual experience.

8. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: Kashmir Great Lakes is a high-altitude trek in India which passes through seven alpine lakes, each with different colors and surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Kashmir Great Lakes trek follows an ancient shepherd route, where you can still see Gujjar and Bakarwal nomads with their cattle. The trek also offers rare sights of Himalayan wildlife like marmots and golden eagles. What makes it special is that some lakes, like Gadsar Lake, are believed to have medicinal properties due to their mineral-rich waters. The best time to visit is from July to September when the meadows are full of wildflowers.

9. Devban Trek: Devban is a quiet and lesser-known hill station in Uttarakhand. It is famous for its dense deodar forests and offers peaceful views of the Himalayas. The place is great for birdwatching, with rare species like the Himalayan Monal found here. Unlike crowded tourist spots, Devban is peaceful and perfect for nature lovers. It is located near Chakrata and can be reached by a short trek, ideal for those who don't want long treks.

10. Patalsu Peak Trek: Patalsu Peak is a hidden gem near Manali, Himachal Pradesh. It is a moderate trek and passes through quiet forests, small villages and open meadows with amazing views of the Kullu Valley. Patalsu Peak trek is a less crowded trek which makes it perfect for adventure lovers who enjoy solitude. The final climb is steep but rewarding as it offers a breathtaking view of Hanuman Tibba and other peaks.

Exploring these destinations inspired me so much that I finally booked my first-ever trek with one of the best trekking companies in India. I can't wait to witness the snow-covered peaks, walk through lush green meadows and enjoy my chai and Maggi in the lap of the Himalayas, something I've always dreamed of. The mountains were calling me and I finally received their call. Can't wait to finally experience my first India trekking tour!