10 Dangerous Trekking Route In India For Ultimate Challenge

India is not just about culture and spiritualism. The destination is famous for its nature at all extreme. To one end, the nature gives a romantic ambiance for honeymooners. On the other side, the Himalayan climate and the rugged landscape offer numerous dangerous routes. No obstacle is hard enough to stop men and tourists have ventured through those dangerous routes too.

Below are the top 10 such dangerous and extremely challenging trekking routes to cover in India.

1. Kafhi Glacier trek

Do not get baffled by seeing the altitude to be more than 3K meters above mean sea level. This is one of the very few dangerous trekking trails that would suit a moderate trekker. The rote passes through Loharkhet, Bharadi, Dwali, Dharkuri Pass, and Khatiya.

In the end, you will be reaching the Kafni Glacier. At this point, you can spot the origin of the Kafni River.

kafhi glacier trek

  • Best time/season for trekking: June to September
  • Duration: 7 days
  • Altitude: 3853 m

5 Best Tips:

  1. If you wish to enjoy the colorful route, choose April to May. However, most of the adventure travelers choose June to September.
  2. You will be trekking for 85 km through very difficult to moderately difficult routes. So, pack lightly.
  3. High altitude trekking and regular trekking are not the same. Please do not venture alone.
  4. Arrive at the starting point at least two days prior to the trek so that your body can adjust to the altitude and climate
  5. Tents are the only way to rest for the night in this route. So, make sure that you have a sturdy one.

2. Goechala Trek

The trek starts from Yuksom of Sikkim, which is more than 5600 feet above mean sea level. From there, tourists will take up this eleven days tour through the dense PhaKhola forest filled with numerous waterfalls. The route will be lush with plantation and flowers, giving a colorful look.

On the way, you will be covering the Dzongri descend, Phedang rocky trails, and beautiful routes at Tshoka.

At last, you will reach the Kockchurang riverside. This will lead you to the Thansing trail, which will be rocky. After covering Lamney, you will finally get to enjoy the View Point 1.

Goechala Trek

  • Best time/season for trekking: March to April and September to November.
  • Duration: 11 days
  • Altitude: 5002 m

Travel Guide :

5 Best Tips:

  1. This route has very sharp descents and steep trails. It is best not to attempt this trail if you are a beginner or moderate trekker.
  2. Choose March to April, if you wish to trek through a forest filled with rhododendron flowers
  3. Monsoon showers are very heavy and long. So, do not choose monsoon for trekking
  4. Do not miss to enjoy sunrise and sunsets during your trip.
  5. Although the route is just 90 km, the rocky terrain will make it harder to cover.

Suggested Tour to Sikkim :

3. Darcha Padum Trek

The Darcha Padum Trek starts at Darcha. The explorers should pass through Palamu to reach Zanskar Sumdo. Zanskar Sumdo is the point where five rivers join.

Later, you will be covering Chmik Napko to reach the famous Shingo La Pass. When you are at this pass, you will be more than 16,000 feet above mean sea level.

Later, you will be covering Lakhang and Kargyak to reach Purne. After covering Pipula and Ichar from Purne, you will be reaching the final destination, Padum.

Darcha Padum Trek

  • Best time/season for trekking: June to September
  • Duration: 10 days
  • Altitude: 5945 m

5 Best Tips:

  1. According to most of the tourists, it is a moderate route. But, the route has several uphill steep trails and will be covered with thick snow.
  2. Some avid trekkers might complete it in 9 days. If you are visiting as a group, remember to choose 10 days trip or longer.
  3. Many people consider this route as a pilgrimage trip. It is true that the route is filled with important temples. However, restrain from fasting or not wearing footwear during this trip.
  4. Do not try to test your limits on the very first day. The routes on the later days are much harder than the earlier ones.
  5. Do not forget to carry flashlights, woolen clothing, raincoat, thermal innerwear, and a good pair of mountain trekking shoes.

4. Chadar Trek

Comparatively, this is one of the easiest trekking route in this list. However, this is strictly not for novice trekkers. In the Chadar Trek, you will be trekking on the frozen River Zanskar. The route starts from Chilling, which is located in Leh.

Chadar Tre

  • Best time/season for trekking: January and February
  • Duration: 9 days
  • Altitude: 3,475 m

5 Best Tips:

  1. The most common tip for this trail is to take small steps while walking. Remember that you will be walking on top of an ice river.
  2. The place will be bitterly cold during the trekking season. So, place accordingly.
  3. Gumboots are the best for this trekking route
  4. The temperature will be -25 degree C during peak day. Thus remember to carry thermos flask for water.
  5. It is easy to lose balance in this trekking route. So, pack lightly for your convenience.

Suggested Tour Package to Leh :

5. Stok Kangri Trek

This trekking trail is located in the Hemis National Park of Ladakh. This route is located on the tallest mountain of the Stock Ranges. The route is famous for the pristine view of the River Zanskar and the Indus Valley. The trek starts from Stok Kangri, which is located in Mankorma.

From there, you will be trekking to the base camp, and from there, you can enjoy the pristine beauty of the land.

Stok Kangri Trek

  • Best time/season for trekking: June to August
  • Duration: 10 days
  • Altitude: 6,150m

Ladakh Travel Guide :

5 Best Tips:

  1. As you go high, the air gets thinner, and oxygen around you will get reduced. This leads to altitude sickness, headache, nausea, and others. Slow down and take rest to feel better.
  2. Do not start the trekking on the first day of arrival. Let your body adjust to the climate.
  3. The length of the trail is just 40 km. However, you cannot trek for long in any given day due to the altitude, route, and climate.
  4. It is best to stay back in the base camp for a day to rejuvenate yourself before the return journey.
  5. Thick clothing and professional trekking shoes are basic requirements for this adventure.

Suggested Tour Packages :

6. Pin Parvati Trek

Pin Parvati Trek covers the Pin Parvati Pass, which is one of the most famous Trans-Himalayan trekking trails. The route covers the Great Himalayan National Park, Parvati River, high-altitude fissures, and much more. The tour starts from the Parvati Valley's meadows and ends at the Spiti Valley.

Pin Parvati Trek

  • Best time/season for trekking: July to September
  • Duration: 11 days
  • Altitude: 5,334 m

5 Best Tips:

  1. The descend is more steep and prone to crevasses.
  2. You might have to walk through primitive stone bridges during this trek
  3. If the climate is extremely harsh, it is better to avoid September and choose between July and August.
  4. You need special permits to take up this route. This permit requires submission of a medical certificate, ID proof, and others. Camping permission and forest permits should be obtained.
  5. A wet sock can bring down your circulation at an altitude above 5000m. Thus, pack a couple of more pairs.

7. Auden’s Col Trek

If you are an experienced trekker and wish to challenge your limits, this is the right trekking trail for you. The trail covers the Auden Col Pass, which is found at 5,490m above mean sea level. It connects Gangotri Peak with Jogin Peak. You will be trekking from 5490m to 6580m during this route.

After reaching the summit, you get to enjoy the spotless view of Jogin group, Kedar Dome, Rudragaira, Bhagirathi group, and Gangotri group of mountains’ peaks.

Auden’s Col Trek

  • Best time/season for trekking: May to June, and September to mid-October
  • Duration: 15 days
  • Altitude: 5334 m

5 Best Tips:

  1. This is not the right trekking experience for anyone with altitude sickness
  2. Wear thick clothing, mountain shoes, and pack all essential for trekking and camping. It is hard to find shops along the way.
  3. The minimum age limit to take up this trek is 13 years. Anyone below the age of 18 should trek along with a guardian or parent
  4. Those who are more than 60 years should submit a medical fitness certificate that would show that you are fit for adventure activities
  5. Choose to hire a trekking leader who had Advance Mountaineering certificate

8. Kalindi Khal Pass Trek

This is one of the most spectacular routes to cover in Uttarakhand. The trekking route is located in the Garhwal Himalayan at the height of 6000m. Along the route, you will enjoy alpine meadows, streams, valleys, and more. This trail connects two Dhams of Char Dham route. It starts from Gangotri and ends at Badrinath Valley.

This route covers almost half of Garhwal Mountain. This trekking route is only suitable for avid mountaineers and expert trekkers.

Kalindi Khal Pass Trek

  • Best time/season for trekking: July and August
  • Duration: 20 days
  • Altitude: 5946m

Uttarakhand Travel Guide :

5 Best Tips:

  1. Wear warm clothing even if you are choosing to cover the route in summer.
  2. You will be carrying your camping and trekking gear too. Thus, pack lightly.
  3. A good trekking shoe is essential for this route.
  4. The trekking route requires online registration and permits.
  5. Hire a travel guide to make things easier for you.

Suggested Uttarakhand Tour Packages :

9. Roopkund Lake Trek

This is another route fit for avid trekkers. The trekking route runs from 3200m to 5000m above mean sea level. The expenditure starts from Lohajung and runs through quaint mountain villages, Himalayan rivers, rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and more.

The trekkers reach Bedni Kund and then trek to Roopkund from there. The route between Bednikund and Roopkund is the hardest part.

Roopkund Lake Trek

  • Best time/season for trekking: May to June, and from mid-August to end of October
  • Duration: 9 days
  • Altitude: 4785 m (average)

5 Best Tips:

  1. The last accommodation is found only on the way to Roopkhand and the first accommodation is found right where the trek starts. Thus, you would be spending all eight nights in camps. Pack accordingly.
  2. Make sure to explore the villages you pass by as there are beautiful ponds, meadows, and more.
  3. After day five, the trail will have lesser oxygen density, which might lead to headaches and stomach pain. Rest as often as possible as you advance.
  4. The ambiance will be beautiful but do not try to explore the region without the guide. Not all routes are danger-free.
  5. Please avoid any shortcuts stick with the route and obey your guide.

10. Markha Valley Trek

The Markha Valley is the largest one in Leh and the place is famous for its gradually altering landscape, making it one of the famous trekking destinations. Along the route, you will be covering numerous ancient structures, Buddhist temples, monasteries, and others.

The Ladakh and Karakoram ranges form a permanent backdrop of your expenditure. The most interesting element of this route is that you will not be returning in the same route as you venture. Thus, you can always find exciting sites here

Markha Valley Trek

  • Best time/season for trekking: Mid-May to September
  • Duration: 8 days
  • Altitude: 5050m

5 Best Tips:

  1. During the route, you would have to cover icy cold streams with water up to your waist. So, wear clothing (especially socks) that can dry easily.
  2. You cannot use mobiles in this route as the mobile networks do not cover the Himalayan remote areas. Thus, you need to rely on a walkie-talkie.
  3. Hire a certified trekking guide to avoid any risk along the way.
  4. It is advisable to have at least one walking stick
  5. If you can trek 5 km in 30 minutes, you are capable of this adventure.

There is a reason why these routes are called challenging and dangerous. If you are a newbie or moderately-skilled trekker, it is best to avoid these routes. Every adventurer taking up these routes prepare them for several months ahead of these journeys.