Indiahikes

03/02/2025

Every year, around 30,000 trekkers trek with us across the country. A small percentage of this, just around 7-8% of them, have the privilege of experiencing our special treks.

At Indiahikes, our effort is always to design treks that transform lives. We want treks to help you have a deeper connection with yourself, with nature, and with others.

While most of our treks do this, our special treks are designed with a purpose far beyond this.

Each of these treks—whether Adventure Therapy or Stargazing—is thoughtfully designed to achieve unique, transformative outcomes. These experiences require specialised skills, expert facilitation, and careful planning to ensure they leave you with something truly meaningful.

Whether you’re a working professional, a parent, a senior citizen, a stargazing enthusiast or even someone struggling to cope with the stresses of daily life, there’s a special trek for you.

➡️ Comment the name of the Special Trek for more details!

30/01/2025

Most of us picture the Himalayas as pristine, untouched landscapes. But the reality is far from it. The mountains are silently accumulating waste, both recyclable and non-recyclable, year after year.

The problem is that there’s no way to dispose of garbage in these remote regions. Without a waste management system, plastic and other waste get dumped behind hillsides or flow into rivers, polluting entire ecosystems.

One of our trek leaders captured a chilling reality where an entire village’s garbage, carefully collected by the local waste collector, was simply thrown into the river outside the village. This is the fate of waste in the mountains.

As trekkers, we cannot contribute to this crisis. Whether you’re trekking with us or using our information for your solo trek, we expect you to follow three mandatory practices.

Simple shifts, like carrying reusables, avoiding packaged food, and choosing sustainable alternatives whenever possible can make a huge difference. We’ve even designed energy solutions that help trekkers cut down on waste at high altitudes.

Take a look at these three essential steps.

27/01/2025

:The recent Deoriatal Chandrashila trek had so many magical moments that has left the trekkers feel recharged.

With the snow melted, the trail has come to life with vibrant green and brown hues. Srijita ( ), co-leading the group with Rohan (.33 ), shared that on Day 1 itself they were welcomed with dramatic skies and glimpses of the Chaukhamba range beneath the clouds.

“One highlight was spotting a barking deer at Deoriatal Lake during sunset. Hearing its calls and watching it peep from behind the trees made the moment unforgettable. Our campsite was alive with birds too, especially the White-Throated Laughingthrush,” she said.

The forest section from Jhandi Top to Baniya Kund on day 2-3 is the most rewarding part of the trek. The forest has come to life again after all the snow has melted, and many mushrooms and other species are growing together in different parts of the forest, making our Trek Leaders who are trained Naturalists going gaga over spotting different natural elements.

The sunset at Shyalmi is always the best sight to be seen with a clear winterline and a dramatic cloudy sunset while the ancient trees near the Akashkamini River offered trekkers moments of reflection, making them connect to nature, self and others.

The summit climb to Tungnath began at 4 AM in the freezing cold, but the team was rewarded with a stunning sunrise as the Chaukhamba range lit up golden and while descending, trekkers could see the rolling blue hills beneath the high mountains and also the vast expanse of the mountains around, all colored in a blue tinge.

24/01/2025

: The recent Brahmatal trek had so many moments that stayed with the trekkers. At Gujreni, the day started with bright sunshine. Our campsite stood apart from others, giving the group the quiet, personal space they often look forward to on a trek. Surrounded by dense forests, the campsite had calmness that was hard to miss. The evening walk through the woods felt profound, almost meditative. It was one of those rare times when everyone seemed fully present, taking in the silence of the forest. At night, while the temperature dropped, the clear skies made it impossible to stay inside the tents. The stars were so vivid, the group spent hours outside just gazing at the night sky.

Tilandi, being above the tree line, was the coldest campsite of the trek. But it also turned out to be the most magical. On one side, the trekkers witnessed a sunset they described as unforgettable, with the sky bursting into shades of orange and pink. On the other, the towering peaks of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti glowed under the alpenglow, leaving everyone awestruck. When night fell, the stars lit up the sky like a giant canvas. It felt like sleeping under a billion stars, with some trekkers saying they’d never seen a night sky so clear and beautiful.

On the descent, the constant sight of Brahmatal Lake kept everyone captivated. Walking around the lake was an experience in itself, with its still water reflecting the mountains in the background.

Watching the first rays of sunlight hit Mt. Trishul was a moment no one could stop talking about. Brahmatal has this way of offering something extraordinary at every turn, leaving trekkers with memories they’ll cherish forever.

22/01/2025

Rahul is an Experience Manager at Indiahikes.

Presently, Rahul mentors a team of 9 trek leaders on to how they facilitate transformative trek experience to trekkers. He also looks into their overall professional and personal growth as Indiahikes team members.

Before joining Indidhikes as a trek leader, Rahul is a Chartered Accountant and worked as a Research Associate at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India for 2 years. He led treks for 1.5 years, leading 40+ high altitude Himalayan Treks across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, West Bengal, Sikkim and Nepal.

Rahul always wanted to be part of a work culture where he could positively impact the lives of other people. "When I trekked to Kuari Pass trek in 2022, I supported and helped my trek mate, who almost gave up on her attempt to reach the pass. When I looked at her after reaching the pass and could see the impact she had there, I felt a sense of purpose with regard to creating a positive impact on others through my presence. Hence, I joined Indiahikes to be a part of a journey of creating positive impact on others through trekking" he said.

Outside of work, Rahul loves to read books on leadership and psychology, writes blogs and essays on his life experiences. He also enjoys running and cycling, and cooking delicious meals.

If Rahul's thoughts caught your attention and you would like to work with Indiahikes here’s what you need to know.

Working at Indiahikes can be extremely rewarding and equally frustrating. At Indiahikes everyone is committed to the vision of the organisation. Here responsibilities are high, and work is busy. People love what they do. We're extremely careful about who we select as a part of Team Indiahikes. Through the selection process, we want to make sure you are the 'right fit.

For more information on working with Indiahikes, follow the link - https://shorturl.at/iDGJT

https://youtu.be/gJ9fC8sGbOI

Rahul is an Experience Manager at Indiahikes.Presently, Rahul mentors a team of 9 trek leaders on to how they facilitate transformative trek experience to tr...

22/01/2025

As parents our biggest concern to send our kids anywhere is the safety aspect.

While the concern is normal, At Indiahikes we want to reassure you that in the last 15 years, we have taken around 50,000 children on the trek with us. We have a very robust system through which we ensure safety which we call PPE (People, Process and Equipment).

Other than the PPE process, we also ensure their safety by following certain protocols.

First, the summer camp is conducted off our own campus at Raithal and Sari villages. These are not remote hotels or lodges but Indiahikes community campuses. No children are allowed to step out of the campus unless accompanied by Indiahikes staff members.

Second, on the trek, children stay at Indiahikes campsites all along the route. All activities are conducted under the direct supervision of Indiahikes trek leaders, facilitators and support staff. Even the tent sharing is planned where girls will share the tent with girls and boys with boys.

These are some of the processes and protocols that we follow to ensure the safety of your child. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask us in the comment section.

➡️ We also have a webinar on “Why You Should Send Your Kids on Summer Camps” on Sunday, 26th February, where we answer all your questions related to Summer Camps. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 “𝐰𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫” 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐤.

21/01/2025

The word ridge’s etymology is derived from the old English term “hrycg,” which also refers to a back or spine. In other contexts, it is also referred to as a top or crest of something.

Over time, the term evolved to describe the raised or elongated top of land, such as the top edge of a mountain or hill. This shape resembles a spine or a prominent rise. This linguistic connection highlights the physical similarity between ridges and the backbone of an animal.

Great ridge walks are few and far between in our country. So when we see a ridge with great views, we jump on the opportunity to trek on it. In this post, you will find some examples with images that will give you a clear picture of what a ridge looks like.

1. Phulara Ridge Trek:
There are ridge sections on a few Himalayan treks. However, to have a complete day’s trek on a beautiful ridge is unparalleled. That’s the Phulara Ridge trek for you, the ridge you see stretching out from the Kedarkantha summit. The ridge stretches from Bhoj Gadi to Pushtara and is one of the best ridge walks we have seen.

2. Sandakphu-Phalut Trek:
It’s the highlight of Sandakphu-Phalut trek: Stretching from Phalut to Sandakphu is one of the classic ridge walks of our country, the Singalila Ridge. It is one of the most celebrated ridges because accompanying you is the mighty Kanchenjunga range. What most trekkers don’t know is that this ridge walk is longer than that of Phulara Ridge and Khopra Ridge!

3. Brahmatal Trek:
Brahmatal trek has an incredibly disarming ridge walk from Tilandi to the Brahmatal summit. The view from Tilandi itself is mind-blowing, but as you start ascending on the ridge from Tilandi, the views of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti slowly loom into view.

One other trek that deserves a mention is the Khopra Ridge trek. On this trek, you not only trek on the ridge, but you also stay in a teahouse that is on a ridge! The Khopra Ridge offers majestic views of multiple peaks of the Dhaulagiri range. You also get a view of Annapurna South and Mount Gujra.

➡️ Have you ever been on a ridge trek? Tell us in the comments!

➡️ Share this post to spread the knowledge

20/01/2025

: Sandakphu-Phalut Trek

The recent group from the Sandakphu-Phalut trek, led by Prince, came back with incredible stories and memories. Their experience reflected how special this trek truly is.

The trek started with quiet walks through the villages of Sepi. Trekkers were touched by the charm of the beautifully decorated homes and the warmth of their homestay hosts. It was a chance to experience the simplicity of mountain life, something that made the start of their trek feel extra meaningful.

As the trek progressed, the trail led them through peaceful rhododendrons and oak forests. At Molley, the cold mountain air set in, but it came with a reward: a night under a sky full of stars. The group spotted constellations like Orion and Scorpio, an experience that many called one of their favorites. Molley also offered their first glimpse of the Sleeping Buddha, with Kanchenjunga standing tall in the distance.

Every day brought something unique. The quiet forest trail to Samanden allowed trekkers to pause and soak in the serenity around them. Samanden, known as the “lost valley,” was like stepping into a dream, with its wide meadows and tall trees. The bamboo forests along the way added an unexpected charm to their journey.

The highlight of the trek was reaching Phalut. Standing at Phalut, trekkers were treated to breathtaking close-up views of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. Seeing the Sleeping Buddha formation come together left everyone in awe.

Another standout moment was the sunset at Aal on their second-to-last day. The sky lit up in shades of orange and pink, with clouds stretching endlessly below. It was a time for quiet reflection, a perfect way to wrap up their adventure.

If you’re planning your Sandakphu-Phalut trek, there’s so much to look forward to. Take time to connect with the local culture, savor the stillness of the forests, and soak in the stunning views. This trek has a way of leaving you with moments and memories you’ll carry with you for a long time.

16/01/2025

We’ve noticed that the thought of packing for a trek really harries trekkers -- they don’t know what to buy, where to shop, whether to rent, how much to spend.

They end up overspending and overbuying, which is the opposite of what you should do for a minimal trek.

A lot of you might be preparing for your winter trek right now and one gear you must carry for on your winter trek is gloves. But a lot of our trekkers ask us what kind of gloves to buy. Should it be a woolen gloves that gives you warmth or a water-proof gloves that doesn't get wet in snow.

So here is a three point system to follow to choose the right pair of gloves.

The gloves used in this video is from Indiahikes Crosstrek store. Click here to know more - https://store.indiahikes.com/collections/accessories/products/waterproof-gloves

If you have any queries about treks, talk to our Trek Advisors - https://indiahikes.com/opt-in/talk-to-indiahikes-trek-advisors

https://youtu.be/WDzi97q7kfs

We’ve noticed that the thought of packing for a trek really harries trekkers -- they don’t know what to buy, where to shop, whether to rent, how much to spen...

16/01/2025

Taking your child on a trek is one of the most rewarding adventures you can share. The outdoors offer invaluable life lessons like resilience and a deep connection with nature. However, trekking with children requires careful planning.

Children have boundless energy, but it comes in bursts. Long, continuous hikes can tire them out quickly, making it harder for them to stay engaged. That’s why it’s essential to introduce trekking gradually, allowing them to build their stamina and curiosity over time.

If you want to introduce your child to trekking, then we suggest starting with an easy-moderate trek like the Dayara Bugyal trek.

For parents looking for a well-structured way to introduce their children to trekking, the Himalayan Summer Camp is an excellent choice. Designed for kids above 10 years, this program combines adventure, learning, and fun in the Himalayas.

➡️ If you’re eager to inspire a love for the mountains in your child, comment “Summer” to know more about the Himalayan Summer Camp.

15/01/2025

: Kedarkantha via Gaichwan Gaon
Earlier this season, Bharath led the last group of trekkers on the Kedarkantha trek from the Gaichwan Gaon route, wrapping up the slope on January 5th with a truly memorable experience.

Despite Kedarkantha’s reputation for being crowded, this route felt completely different. “To my surprise, this trail was very new and prestine,” Bharath shared. For him and the trekkers, it was like discovering a hidden gem.

The trek began with a steep climb from Gaichwan to Julota, passing through charming villages like Gaichwan and Haltwadi. These villages added a distinct Himachali flavor to the journey, even though the trek is in Uttarakhand. The group was rewarded at Julota with a stunning night sky—clear, vast, and filled with stars. “Trekkers braved the cold to admire the cosmos, and we ended up talking about Percy Jackson and Greek mythology,” Bharath recalled.

The next campsite, Pukhrola, offered one of the most breathtaking sunsets. Snowfields turned a soft orange hue as the sun dipped, and golden oak trees glowed in the evening light. These moments left the trekkers in awe, making them pause and appreciate the beauty around them.

The summit day was the most challenging, but it was also the most rewarding. The trail, blanketed in snow, climbed along the west side of the mountain. “It felt like we were chasing the sunlight,” Bharath said. Once at the summit, trekkers were greeted by a magnificent 360-degree view of Uttarakhand and Himachal’s peaks—Dayara Bugyal, Rupin Pass, Har Ki Dun, and Phulara Ridge, to name a few.

The final day from Akhoti to Gaichwan was Bharath’s favorite. The forest trail, untouched and ancient, wound through towering oak and pine trees, creating a raw, natural atmosphere. Trekkers slowed down to take in the little details, finding beauty in every corner of the jungle.

If you’re considering Kedarkantha in the future, the Gaichwan route is the best option. It offers a quieter, more rewarding trek, away from the crowds, with unforgettable experiences from start to finish.

13/01/2025

Trekking is growing in our country. But sadly, we find more and more trekkers being mindless about their treks. This worries us. If we want everyone to benefit from the transformative powers of trekking, we must set the right example.

Trekking is an unforgettable experience. But to truly enjoy it, it is important to follow the spirit of trekking.

So what is Indiahikes Spirit of Trekking?
The spirit of trekking is a set of simple values and principles that makes us mindful about trekking. It is a map that guides our behaviour on a trek.

"When I started Indiahikes, I wanted trekking to be a transformative experience—one that would affect our mind, body, and spirit.

I always returned from a trek feeling refreshed, re-energised, and ready to take on the world. For me, trekking was about more than just the landscape.

I noticed that the spirit of trekking I believed in played a big role in how I felt after a trek.

I wanted our trekkers to inculcate the same spirit of trekking when they trekked with us." says Arjun Majumdar, Founder and CEO of Indiahikes.

So, there you have it—the six principles of the spirit of trekking which we believe is t.



https://youtu.be/SogufdpgCRY?si=QaaQDkbp7eBxBOQC

Trekking is growing in our country. But sadly, we find more and more trekkers being mindless about their treks. This worries us. If we want everyone to benef...

13/01/2025

Choosing the right winter trekking gear can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re facing questions like: “Which trekking shoes are best for snow?”, or “Should I pack a padded jacket or a down jacket?”

In this post, we’re answering six of the most frequently asked questions about winter trekking gear.

We’ve spoken to experts who’ve spent years trekking in harsh winters, and they’re sharing their best advice to help you pack smart and trek confidently.

If you’re gearing up for your winter trek, this post is just what you need to make the right choices.

➡️ Let us know your questions in the comments, and we’ll be happy to answer! 😊

10/01/2025

A common mistake trekkers make is using the words massif and mountain peaks interchangeably. For example: They often call the Chaukhamba Massif the Chaukhamba Peak. But they are very different from each other. A peak is usually a standalone mountain with just one high point. A massif has multiple high points.

Swipe for some examples with images that will give you a clear picture of a massif.

1) The Chaukhamba Massif: The Chaukhamba massif, best seen from the Deoriatal lake, is one of the most famous massifs in the Himalayas! “Chaukhamba” translates to “four pillars” indicating the 4 peaks of the Chaukhamba massif. You see this peak from the Ali Bedni Bugyal, Kuari Pass and Madhmaheshwar trails as well.

2) The Bagirathi Massif: The Bhagirathi sisters is another famous massif in the Gangotri region. Famously called Bhagirathi sisters, it has four high peaks, classified as Bhagirathi I, II, III, and IV. Located within Gangotri National Park, this massif is the source of several rivers, including the River Ganga, which originates from the Gangotri glacier.

3) The Bandarpoonch Massif: Bandarpoonch is another distinct massif, which has three peaks, Bandarpoonch I & II and the third peak is called Kalanag or Black Peak, the highest peak among the three. It is visible from Dayara top.

➡️ Do you know any more examples of massifs? Tell us in the comments.

➡️ Share this post to spread the knowledge.

10/01/2025

Are Trek Shoes enough to protect your feet during a snow trek? The answer is no.

Trekking in snow is beautiful, yes. But, the reality is this: This kind of beauty needs preparation before you step into it.

When you’re trekking in deep snow, no matter what shoes you wear, your feet will become wet or snow will seep inside making your feet wet and cold. Not only is the feeling of wet feet uncomfortable, but sometimes it can even lead to serious issues like frostbite, frostnip, or chilblains.

To prevent this, we are sharing with you three hacks, that will help you protect your feet on a snow trek.

When you trek with Indiahikes, on every snow day you will be given Microspikes and Gaiters.

Buy Waterproof Socks here - https://store.indiahikes.com/collections/accessories/products/copy-of-waterproof-socks-for-snow-trekking-and-camping

Buy Water-resistant gloves - https://store.indiahikes.com/collections/accessories/products/waterproof-gloves

https://youtu.be/ST83wUnwGHs

Are Trek Shoes enough to protect your feet during a snow trek? The answer is no.Trekking in snow is beautiful, yes. But, the reality is this: This kind of be...

09/01/2025

“If you’re a fan of winter and mountains, the Brahmatal Trek will leave you with memories to cherish,” says Prachiti Chitnis, who recently co-led a group on this trek.

The trek began at Gujreni, where the days were warm and sunny, but the nights brought a sharp drop in temperature. As the group climbed toward Bekaltal, the snow began to appear. By the time they reached Bekaltal, the lake looked magical. It was half-frozen and surrounded by snow. On the sunny side of the lake, the snow had melted, giving the trail a unique look.

Tilandi campsite turned out to be a favorite for many trekkers. It was peaceful, snow-covered, and the sunsets were unforgettable. The alpenglow on the mountains from this campsite was stunning and left a lasting impression on everyone. However, the campsite was windy, and during the day, the snow sometimes turned into muddy patches, making it tricky to walk around.

The walk from Tilandi to the summit was one of the most beautiful sections of the trek. It was a ridge walk with snow all around and gentle ascents and descents. Although the summit itself didn’t have snow, the views of Mt. Trishul, Mrigthuni and Nanda Ghunti from up there were breathtaking.

On the descent, the group passed Brahmatal Lake, which was fully covered in snow. It looked like a scene straight out of a fairy tale. One trekker even said it felt like stepping into Narnia.

The trek had a lot of natural elements as well. Along the way, trekkers spotted oak and rhododendron trees, moss, lichens, and even glimpses of wildlife like foxes and barking deer.

For those planning to take on this trek, a pro tip would be to pack well for the cold, especially for the Tilandi and Brahmatal campsites, which were the coldest.

“The Brahmatal Trek had it all: peaceful forest sections, scenic ridge walks, charming campsites in forest clearings and ridges, plenty of snow, and two stunning high-altitude lakes. And let’s not forget the views of some of the grandest Himalayan peaks like Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti,” added Prachiti.

07/01/2025

: We recently had our first group return from the Coorg Nelji Hill Trek, and among them was Surita from our Content Team. Sharing her thoughts, she described the trek as untouched and exclusive, with its serene, raw beauty making it incredibly special.

“Most of the trail is inside the dense Shola forest,” she explained. “About 80% of the trek takes you under a canopy of trees, where it stays shaded and cool. The forest is alive with bird calls, colorful flowers, ferns, mushrooms, and towering bamboo. This was one of my highlights of the trek.”

The trek isn’t just about the forest, though. It surprises you with ridge walks, grasslands, and peaceful streams. On the first day, a short hike takes you to a freshwater stream, where trekkers enjoyed dipping their feet, spotting butterflies, and even noticing tadpoles in the water.

On the second day, the trail climbs steadily through the forest, crossing small streams, until it opens up at the summit. The view from the top is breathtaking—a 360-degree panorama with peaks like Tadiandamol and the Brahmagiri ranges in sight. “You don’t realize how high you’ve climbed until you leave the trees behind,” Surita reflected.

What sets this trek apart is its simplicity and the chance to truly disconnect from daily life. Even though there’s mobile network coverage, the surroundings draw you in, making it easy to forget about your phone and immerse yourself in nature.

Adding to the experience is the homestay, nestled among coffee, coconut, and betel nut plantations. The cozy setup, paired with the warmth of the hosts and coffee grown right on their plantation, adds a layer of comfort and cultural connection that perfectly complements the trek.

“This trek is perfect if you’re looking for something different,” Surita concluded. “It’s beginner-friendly, making it a great choice for new trekkers. But what truly makes it special is the untouched beauty and the chance to recharge in nature.”

Pictures by: Surita Chakma ( )