Easy hikes in India for beginners

Some like it tough and some like to keep it light, that’s how people usually go hiking. It can be an expedition you will remember for a long time or it can be a short and fun (easy on the lungs) day hikes; whatever your pick is, hiking is always filled with adventure big and small. Here’s our list of five easy hikes in India which everyone can experience, whether young or old.

An easy to moderate hike, this hiking route will bring you to the foothills of Uttarakhand. The hike generally starts from the Sari village and a two-hour easy hike will bring you to Deoria Tal, a lake surrounded by green meadows, rhododendrons and Chaukhamba massif. Once back from Deoria Tal, head to Chopta for the Chandrashila - Tungnath trek. From Chopta you will get a gorgeous view of the Nanda Devi range and Chaukhamba. The green bugyals offer the much needed rest before the Chandrashila trek. The Chandrashila trek is a four-hour uphill climb–it is easier than it sounds–on top of which sits the famous Tungnath temple. The 360-degree view of the majestic Himalayan ranges from the summit is worth the sweat.

A six-seven hour round trip, easy hike and a perfect backpacker circuit is what Triund is all about. The hike can either start from Galu in Dharamkot or McLeod Ganj, near Dharamsala. The hiking trail will take you along forests with rhododendron, pine, deodar and oak trees. This hike is popular for the sunset and the sweeping view of the Kangra Valley down below from the summit.

The hike will take you through Hemis National Park, a stunning national park with gorgeous landscape of barren mountains and valley of flowers. The Markha Valley hike starts from Chilling in Leh, doing a round of Hemis and then back to Leh. You can spot Himalayan blue sheep, marmots, Tibetan red fox and, in rare case, the elusive snow leopard. Don’t forget to greet the locals you will cross on your way to Markha.

If you find yourself here, you are here for the Living Root Bridge. There’s not just one living root bridge but many, which the locals have been creating for generations. The trail starts from Tyrna village in Cherrapunjee and through dense forest and pretty waterfalls. Not to forget, the steep 3500 stone steps trail that leads to the living root bridges.

Chembra Peak hike is one of the best ways to experience the lush Western Ghats. Located in Kerala, Chembra Peak is also Kerala’s tallest summit. The hiking trail passes through the lush forest and tea and coffee plantation. Interesting! The trail starts from Meppadi village near Kalpetta. Plan your trek properly keeping in mind that there is no overnight stay allowed on this trail and there are limited permits given out by the forest department. So, it is smarter to start early.