People usually imagine trekking as something extreme. Huge backpacks. Difficult climbs. Experienced hikers talking about altitude and oxygen levels. That image exists, sure. But honestly, a lot of the beautiful treks in India are much simpler than people think.
Some are just long walks through forests. Some lead to lakes. Some open suddenly into mountain views that make everybody stop talking for a minute.
And over the last few years, more beginners have started exploring these trails. Partly because mountain travel feels calmer than crowded tourist spots. Partly because people are tired of rushing through vacations.
Not every trip needs a checklist anymore. Sometimes a trail, cold air, tired legs and a cup of chai near a campsite somehow become enough.
If 2026 feels like the year to finally try trekking, these beginner-friendly trails are a good place to start. Not too intense. Not too easy either. Just enough to make you want to keep walking.
15 Best Treks in India for Beginners
Some of these are famous already. Some still feel slightly quieter. But all of them work well for people starting out.
Kedarkantha Trek, Uttarakhand
Kedarkantha is usually where many people experience snow trekking for the first time.
The trail moves slowly through pine forests and small clearings before opening into campsites surrounded by mountains. During winter, everything turns white and quiet in a way cities never really are.
The summit day gets tiring though. Especially the final stretch. But beginners still manage it comfortably if they go slow. And honestly, most people remember the campsites more than the summit itself.
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights:
- Snow-covered forests
- Winter camping experience
- Wide Himalayan views
Triund Trek, Himachal Pradesh
Triund feels approachable. That’s probably the best word for it. The climb isn’t too long, the route stays active with travellers, and the mountain views arrive quickly enough to keep motivation alive during the walk.
A lot of first-time trekkers start from here because it feels exciting without becoming exhausting. It is one of the most famous treks in India.
Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to December
Trek Difficulty: Easy
Highlights:
- Dhauladhar mountain views
- Beginner-friendly route
- Good weekend trek
Valley of Flowers Trek, Uttarakhand
This trek feels softer than most Himalayan trails.
You’re not climbing aggressively the whole time. Instead, the route slowly opens into valleys filled with flowers, streams, mist and green slopes stretching everywhere around you.
During peak bloom season, it almost stops feeling real for a while. The air feels different too. Wetter. Colder.
Best Time to Visit: July to September
Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights:
- Alpine flower valley
- Peaceful walking trails
- Monsoon mountain scenery
Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh
Hampta Pass feels dramatic in parts.
One minute you’re walking through forests and grasslands. Then suddenly the landscape changes completely, rocky terrain, snow patches, streams cutting through valleys.
It’s slightly tougher than basic beginner treks, yes. But manageable if done with a proper group and reasonable fitness. The changing scenery keeps the trail interesting almost the entire time. With the right group this can be the most fun treks in India.
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Trek Difficulty: Moderate Beginner Friendly
Highlights:
- River crossings
- Changing landscapes
- Camps beside streams
Dayara Bugyal Trek, Uttarakhand
Dayara Bugyal is mostly about open space.
Huge meadows stretch endlessly once the forests begin disappearing behind you. In winter, the area fills with snow. In summer, it turns bright green under clear skies.
The actual trail stays fairly comfortable for beginners. And strangely enough, the silence here feels louder than expected sometimes.
Best Time to Visit: May to July, December to February
Trek Difficulty: Easy
Highlights:
- Alpine meadows
- Snow trekking option
- Wide mountain views
Nag Tibba Trek, Uttarakhand
Nag Tibba works really well for short mountain trips. A lot of travellers from Delhi choose this because it fits into weekends without requiring long planning or expensive logistics.
The climb itself is straightforward. Forest trails, gradual ascents, and campsites with open views near the top. Nothing too complicated.
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Trek Difficulty: Easy
Highlights:
- Quick weekend trek
- Beginner camping experience
- Himalayan sunsets
Chopta Chandrashila Trek, Uttarakhand
This trek feels peaceful for most of the route.
The forests remain quiet, especially during early mornings. Then slowly the climb toward Chandrashila begins opening into wider views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks.
The sunrise from the summit gets talked about a lot. And honestly… for good reason.
Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to December
Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights:
- Sunrise summit point
- Forest trails
- Tungnath Temple route
Beas Kund Trek, Himachal Pradesh
Beas Kund stays calmer than some other Himachal trekking routes.
You pass streams, meadows, and open valleys before eventually reaching the lake itself. The route feels balanced — enough walking to feel rewarding, but not exhausting for beginners.
Cold nights though. Much colder than many first-timers expect.
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights:
- Glacier-fed lake
- Meadow campsites
- River valley landscapes
Sandakphu Trek, West Bengal
Sandakphu is famous because of the mountain views.
On clear days, trekkers can see Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse from different points across the route.
Which sounds slightly unreal honestly. The trail itself isn’t extremely difficult either if done gradually over multiple days.
Best Time to Visit: April to May, October to December
Trek Difficulty: Moderate Beginner Friendly
Highlights:
- Everest range views
- Forest trails
- Indo-Nepal trekking route
Tadiandamol Trek, Karnataka
South India’s trekking scene feels different from Himalayan trekking. Greener. Wetter. Slightly softer around the edges.
Tadiandamol in Coorg moves through grasslands and mist-covered slopes that almost disappear into clouds during monsoon months. The atmosphere matters more than the summit here.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Trek Difficulty: Easy
Highlights:
- Western Ghats scenery
- Misty landscapes
- Coorg hill views
Rajmachi Trek, Maharashtra
Rajmachi becomes especially beautiful during monsoon.
The route fills with waterfalls, slippery forest trails, fog and green hills everywhere around you. It’s one of those treks where weather becomes part of the experience itself.
The fort at the end adds a nice break before heading back.
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Trek Difficulty: Easy
Highlights:
- Monsoon trekking trails
- Historic fort route
- Waterfalls during rains
Kudremukh Trek, Karnataka
Kudremukh almost looks unreal during peak greenery.
Rolling hills continue endlessly across the horizon while clouds drift low around the trail. The trek is long in parts but doesn’t involve difficult climbing sections.
Most beginners manage well by keeping a steady pace.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Trek Difficulty: Moderate Beginner Friendly
Highlights:
- Green ridge walks
- Forest landscapes
- Western Ghats views
Kareri Lake Trek, Himachal Pradesh
Kareri Lake feels quieter compared to more commercial Himachal treks.
The trail passes through forests and small mountain villages before reaching the lake surrounded by rocky terrain and snow-fed water. The campsite near the lake stays especially cold after sunset.
Best Time to Visit:May to July, September to November
Trek Difficulty:Easy to Moderate
Highlights:
- Alpine lake campsite
- Forest trails
- Peaceful route
Brahmatal Trek, Uttarakhand
Brahmatal becomes popular during winter for obvious reasons.
Snow trails, frozen lakes, mountain campsites. The scenery feels almost cinematic at times, especially during early mornings when everything looks pale blue under winter light. The climb does test stamina a bit though.
Best Time to Visit:December to February
Trek Difficulty:Moderate Beginner Friendly
Highlights:
- Winter snow trek
- Frozen lake views
- Himalayan campsites
Deoria Tal Trek, Uttarakhand
Deoria Tal isn’t very long, which makes it ideal for beginners.
But the reflection of mountain peaks in the lake during sunrise gives the place a calmness that stays with people long after the trek ends.
Simple trail. Beautiful setting. Sometimes that combination works best.
Best Time to Visit:October to December, March to May
Trek Difficulty:Easy
Highlights:
- Reflection lake views
- Easy beginner trail
- Peaceful camping spots
Things Beginners Should Know Before Going on Treks in India
A few practical things help a lot:
- Wear proper trekking shoes
- Carry fewer clothes than you think you need
- Drink water regularly
- Don’t try rushing uphill
- Respect local trails and campsites
And maybe most importantly… let your body adjust slowly.
Mountains don’t respond well to hurry.
Best Time for Trekking in India
Different seasons completely change the feel of trekking.
Summer: Good for green meadows and high-altitude Himalayan trails.
Monsoon: Best mainly for Western Ghats and Maharashtra treks.
Winter: Ideal for snow treks like Kedarkantha and Brahmatal.
Where to Stay Before or After Your Trek
Sometimes the best moments happen after the trek finishes.
Warm food. Hot chai. Quiet mountain stays where nobody’s asking you to check out quickly.
Solis Nature focuses on stays that feel connected to the landscape around them — cottages, cabins, slower mountain spaces where travellers can actually rest properly after long trekking days.
Closing
Not every trek becomes a dramatic life-changing experience.
Most of the time, it’s smaller than that.
You walk for a few hours. Sit near a campsite. Watch clouds move slowly over mountains while somebody nearby boils tea.
And somehow that still feels important.
Maybe because daily life rarely slows down anymore.
Maybe because mountains still know how to.
FAQs
Which are the best treks in India for beginners?
Triund, Nag Tibba, Kedarkantha, and Deoria Tal are among the most beginner-friendly options. Reddit users over reddit are also mentioning these treks when asked about best treks in India.
Do beginners need fitness training before trekking?
Basic fitness helps a lot, especially walking stamina. But most beginner treks don’t require intense preparation.
What is the best season for trekking in India?
Summer and winter are most popular depending on the trek. Monsoon works well mainly for Western Ghats treks.
Are beginner treks in India safe?
Yes, most popular beginner treks are safe when done with guides or organised groups.
How much does a beginner trek usually cost?
Short treks can start from ₹3,000–₹8,000 depending on destination and inclusions.
Which trek is best for snow experience?
Kedarkantha and Brahmatal are great beginner-friendly winter treks.
Can solo travellers go on beginner treks?
Yes, many solo travellers join trekking groups for safety and easier logistics.
What should beginners pack for trekking?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothes, water bottles, rain protection, and basic medicines are usually enough.
