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Best Hikes Around the World: 15 Unusual Hikes You’re Not Considering…But Should

Last Updated on February 4, 2023 by Audrey Scott

After over a decade of traveling around the world and hiking on six continents, what are some of our best hikes and multi-day treks? This hiking guide includes 15 of our recommended unknown or lesser-known hikes — some multi-day treks, some day hikes — that you might not have heard of or know about, but should. These hikes are worth a look if you are interested in unusual and immersive experiences in terms of both natural landscapes and local culture.

I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in. — John Muir

When we first set out on our journey years ago, hiking and trekking — especially of the long, multi-day trek variety — were not a priority on our activity list. Sure, we enjoyed day hikes and walks, but longer multi-day treks weren't something we actively sought out.

Over the years, however, we’ve found ourselves increasingly drawn to long hikes in the mountains that allow us to disconnect from the busy world while connecting more with nature and ultimately ourselves. These days, we make an effort each year to take at least one long multi-day trek or several day hikes grouped together in one trip as a way to recharge and refresh.

We don’t always wish to disconnect entirely from humanity when we go trekking. Instead, we are often attracted to hikes that feature a cultural component, one where we encounter and engage with local people, often through family homestays. This type of hiking not only challenge us physically by pushing us to do more than the usual, but they often stir us emotionally by forcing us to widen the cultural lens through which we view the region and our world.

Finally, this approach provides us the opportunity to contribute to the local economy and community by staying with local families.

Having finished quite a few day hikes and multi-day treks over the last decade of our travels around the world, we've been fielding questions about which hikes we’d recommend. We tend to choose hikes that are lesser known, sometimes in unusual destinations . Not only are these unusual hikes less crowded, so we have the trails and nature to ourselves, but they often offer some surprises along the way…in a good way.

Without further delay, here is our Offbeat Hiking Guide with 16 of our favorite lesser known hikes from around the world. For advice on hiking gear and how to pack for a hike, check out our hiking essentials checklist .

Note: This post was originally published in July 2015 and last updated in March 2022 with a few new treks.

READ MORE : How to Pack For A Trek: The Ultimate Hiking Packing List

Table of Contents

Peaks of the Balkans: Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro

Days: 12 Distance: 200 km / 124 miles

Why: To experience challenging climbs and stunning views from peaks in a relatively unknown part of Europe, while staying with local families in their farmhouses and shepherd huts along the way.

This trek through the Accursed Mountains (sometimes referred to as the Albanian Alps) reminds us that sometimes the areas with the most beautiful landscapes are also the ones most difficult ones to live in. The Peaks of the Balkans , a relatively new concept trail, allows you to venture into areas and across borders that had previously been no-go zones for decades. The abandoned bunkers and border guard towers you’ll find along your way stand testament to this.

Update: We have published the Peaks of the Balkans Beginner's Guide (PDF) with all you need to know regarding itineraries, recommended routes, packing, accommodation, and other practical details for this trek.

HOW WE DID THIS TREK : We booked our Peaks of the Balkans trek and guide with Zbulo! Discover Albania .

Lost City Trek: Sierra Nevada Mountains, Colombia

Days: 4 (5-6 day treks are also available) Distance: 46 km / 28 miles

Why: To trek through the jungles of Colombia’s Sierra Nevada Mountains to reach Teyuna, the capital of the ancient Tayrona civilization. When travelers consider trekking in South America, their thoughts most often go to Machu Picchu in Peru and Torres del Paine in Chilean Patagonia. While we can recommend both of these treks, we suggest the Lost City trek as part of your travels in Colombia if you seek an experience of the sort that is a little less developed, a little less known.

We also recommend choosing a Lost City tour that has a Wiwa indigenous guide. He shared stories with us that were passed on to him by the shaman (holy men) about the ancient Tayrona civilization and the city of Teyuna. This combined cultural and historical context added to the entire experience.

HOW WE DID THIS TREK : We took a Lost City tour with G Adventures . They work with the local Wiwa indigenous community as local guides and for a community lunch and visit.

Heights of Alay Trek: Alay Mountains, Kyrgyzstan

Days: 3 nights/4 days Distance: 48 km/30 miles

Why: To feel as if you've landed on a different planet. The landscapes on the Heights of Alay trek in southern Kyrgyzstan , especially on day one while crossing Sary Mogul Pass (4,303 meters/14,120 feet), are truly otherworldly. And you have incredible views over Peak Lenin (7,134 meters / 23,406 feet) and the Pamir Mountain range along the way. You also have the local cultural experience of engaging with local shepherds along the way and have the option of eating at shepherd's home for breakfast or dinner.

There is also a longer variation of the Heights of Alay Trek that is 5 nights/6 days (87km) that takes you over Jiptick Pass (4,185 meters) and ends in Sary Mogul village. And, if you have limited time consider the Koshkol Lakes day hike near Sary Mogul. You can check out all the details in our guide to hiking in the Alay Mountains or find out about other hikes in the Pamir Mountains like going up to Lenin Peak Base camp in this travel guide to the Alay Region.

HOW WE DID THIS TREK : We did this trek with Visit Alay and recommend choosing them for quality guides, gear and experience. In addition, this is part of the Community Based Tourism network in Kyrgyzstan where a portion of the profits goes back into community development. Talant Toksonbaev and his team in Osh can help you with anything you might need to organize a trek in the Alay Mountains of Kyrgyzstan.

Other recommended treks in Kyrgyzstan:

We can also recommend the Boz-Uchuk Lakes Trek in Jyrgalan Valley organized by Destination Jyrgalan outside of Karakol . If you're interested in a horse trek take a look at the 2 night/3 day horseback riding out to Song Kul Lake , but we hear that has become more popular and crowded over the last few years.

Markha Valley Trek: Ladakh, India

Days: 7 Distance: 75 km / 47 miles

Why: To challenge yourself in the high deserts of the Indian Himalayas by crossing 5,000 meter (16,400 foot) mountain passes, all while learning about traditional Ladakhi Buddhist culture through your local guide and host families. Ladakh features some of the most stunning scenery we have ever encountered.

We include the Markha Valley multi-day trek here as most travelers think “Nepal” when they consider hiking in the Himalayas. And rightly so, as the Annapurna Circuit trek we did there remains one of our top experiences of all times. However, Ladakh offers a more remote, less explored hiking alternative . It’s also important to note that several trails and treks outside of the than Markha Valley are available if you are seek something even more far-flung and unusual.

HOW WE DID THIS TREK : We booked our Markha Valley trek and guide with Ecological Footprint Ladakh in Leh, Ladakh.

Cordillera Huayhuash Trek, Peru

Days: 10 Distance: 113 km / 70 miles

Why: To immerse yourself in one of the most stunning and dramatic mountain ranges in the world, the Cordillera Huayhuash in central Peru. Each day of this trek takes you over 4,800 meter (15,750 feet) to 5,100 meter (16,400 feet) mountain passes with snow-covered peaks up to 6,200 meter (20,340 feet) all around you. You pass by several turquoise alpine lakes each day while condors soar above. It's truly a beautiful part of this world.

Although the altitudes on this trek are high, don't be discouraged as the ascents are not technical — you just need to go slow and steady, one foot in front of the other. You can check out all the details in this Huayhuash Trekking Guide .

HOW WE DID THIS TREK : We did this 10-day Huayhuash Trek with Quechuandes in Huaraz, Peru. The support on this trek was great and included an experienced trekking guide, cook and all food, donkeys to carry our gear, tents, support staff, and more. And, the price is reasonable given the quality of the service.

Svaneti, Mestia to Ushguli: High Caucasus Mountains, Republic of Georgia

Days: 3 Distance: 45 km / 28 miles

Why: To trek through the High Caucasus Mountains from Mestia to Ushguli, purportedly the highest inhabited village in Europe at 2,100m / 6,900ft, and stay with local Svan families along the way. Our trek in Svaneti was our first multi-day, home stay trek that enlightened us as to how trekking could not only be an immersive experience in nature, but also in local culture. We were hooked.

To say that local Svan people, who view themselves as the protectors of these mountains, are intense is perhaps an understatement. You’ll find the people of Svaneti welcoming — just as fierce in their present-day hospitality as they are in their historical resistance to outsiders. Just beware of your liver, as the endless toasts each night with local wine and firewater can add up.

Xela to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Days: 3 days Distance: 37 km / 23 miles

Why: To hike through mountains and hill villages between two of Guatemala’s most popular tourist destinations — Xela and Lake Atitlan — and to finish with a beautiful sunrise view of the lake from above. We were told that this trail was developed by a veteran of the Guatemalan civil war (ended in 1996) as a means of stealthily moving about the region.

Along the way up and down the volcanic mountains and into the valleys, you stay in simple guest houses (sometimes schools or community buildings) or with families, including one that allows you to try their traditional Mayan sauna. On the final morning, you’ll enjoy breakfast at sunrise from above Lake Atitlan.

This hike might afford you a new appreciation for both the town and the lake after making the effort to trek the highlands between the two. In addition, you'll have a greater appreciation of the nature and cultures of Guatemala .

HOW WE DID THIS TREK : We booked the Xela to Lago Atitlan Trek with Quetzal Trekkers.

Lake Khecheopalri to Yuksom: Sikkim, India

Distance: 20-25 km / 12 – 15 miles Days: 3

Why: To get a taste of Nepali and Bhutanese culture while still in India, and to appreciate a view of majestic Mount Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world (8,586 m /28,169 ft). When we first decided to visit Sikkim, a semi-autonomous region in northwestern India that borders Nepal , Bhutan and Tibet (China), our plan did not include trekking.

Only after seeing the mountains and hearing that the trails were easy to follow, did we set off with a daypack to explore the area around Lake Khecheopalri and Yuksom. We stayed in family guesthouses and enjoyed all the interactions and tea stops in villages along the way.

Note: If you are interested in a more strenuous journey in this region, consider the route to Goecha La (4,940 meters) from which the best views of Mount Khangchendzonga are reportedly had.

Trek to Big Almaty Lake: Tian Shan Mountains, Kazakhstan

Distance: 20 km / 12 miles (one way) Days: 2

Why: To get a quick look into the Tian Shan Mountains, reach the turquoise waters of Big Almaty Lake and spend the night at a funky, former Soviet astronomical observatory. While the lake is beautiful and the hike up is pleasant enough, the highlight of this trek was the surreal experience of spending the night at the Tian Shan Astronomical Observatory .

During our visit, we felt as though we’d landed on a movie set, a time-frozen remnant, wild west outpost of the Soviet Union. Scientists still live and work up there, however, and they keep the high-powered telescopes going. If you pay $5-10, one of them will open the telescope and show you the stars.

Please do not do what we did on our second day and use a Lonely Planet guidebook map to guide your return to Almaty over the mountain pass and down through one of the river beds. The route to Kosmostancia , another bizarre scientific outpost up the mountain from the observatory, is easy. After that, however, we lost the trail and almost didn’t make it out of the mountains at all (here’s the full story from our Kazakhstan hike ).

So, words to the wise: learn from our mistake. Return down the mountain to Almaty the same way you came. Otherwise, carry a usable trekking map, use a map app with trekking route overlays able, or hire a guide so you can enjoy yourself and return without unnecessary drama.

Sawtooth Mountains: Idaho, United States

Distance: 10 – 24 miles Days: day hikes

Why: To be surprised by the beauty and diversity of landscapes and alpine lakes of the Sawtooth Mountains. Who knew Idaho was this beautiful?! Each day trek we did, including the Pettit and Toxaway Lakes Loop (20+ miles), Sawtooth Lakes Hike and Bench Lakes (be sure to continue to the 4th lake), just blew us away for the vistas and contours.

We also timed our visit for the shoulder season at the end of September and early October so as to avoid the crowds. As a result, we had the trails to ourselves and were able to enjoy the small town Stanley and its hot springs without a lot of other travelers around.

HOW WE DID THIS TREK : We based ourselves in Stanley, Idaho and took day hikes each day. This allowed us to enjoy the mountains during the day and warm meal and bed at night. We stayed at Mountain Village Lodge and thoroughly enjoyed their complimentary 1-hour hot springs soak that comes with the room. Just be sure to book your hot springs time before you leave in the morning on your day hike so that you are guaranteed a soak time when you return. SO nice after a long hike.

Southern Coast of Gozo and Malta Islands, Malta 

Distance: 6-12 miles / 10 – 20 km Days: day hikes

Why: To enjoy the dramatic cliffs and brisk coastal winds of Gozo and Malta islands. Although Malta isn’t really known for its hiking, it should be given dramatic coastlines on both islands. And, hitting the trails are a great way to avoid the crowds that sometimes hit the islands.  

Our favorite hike was the 9-10 km trail along Gozo’s southern coast, from the ferry terminal in Mgarr to Xlendi. We passed through the village of Sannat and discovered even more stunning cliffs along the way on this coastal route. Gozo is smaller than Malta Island, but it is more rural and with more (non-road) hiking trails. Our only regret was that we weren’t spending several nights on Gozo so that we could have continued with a longer coastal circuit. 

On Malta Island we hiked 12+ miles/20 km along its southern coast from the popular Blue Grotto to Dingli Cliffs and then up to historic Mdina town (we combined several routes here ). This was a nice mixture of trails along the coast and through farmlands and small villages. It really made us appreciate the contours of the island so much more having walked a chunk of it. Some of the route goes on narrow country roads, but there wasn't a lot of traffic so it wasn't an issue. Highly recommend walking as much of Malta as you can.

HOW WE DID THIS TREK : We based ourselves in Valletta, Malta and took public transport (buses and ferries) to get to/from the trails for these day hikes. This took more time than if we had rented a car, but it was also less stressful as we didn't have to worry about driving on the left side of the road or finding parking. If we had to do it again we would have spent several nights on Gozo island and done even more day hikes.

Tamang Heritage Trek: Nepal

Distance: 29.5 miles / 47.5 km Days: 4.5 days

Why: To hike through Tamang (ethnic Tibetan Buddhist) villages with views of snow-covered Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal peaks (both above 7,200 meters/24,000 feet). The Tamang Heritage Trail was developed in the last decade as an alternative to the more popular and well-known Langtang Trek.

It is a sort of cultural trek so travelers could learn more about Tamang (Tibetan Buddhist) culture as they hiked through, and stayed in, different Tamang villages. Its aim is to be include more inclusive of different communities so that more may benefit from all the trekkers and travelers coming to this region. In addition, several of the villages along this trek were badly impacted by the 2015 earthquake in Nepal so bringing back trekking to these areas helps provide income to rebuild.

What also makes Nepal such a great trekking destination, including the Tamang Heritage Trail, is the infrastructure of tea houses and family guest houses in villages along many trails that make it easy to engage and stay with local families. This means you know your money is staying local and you’re usually getting fresh food directly from the garden. This also means you don’t need to carry tents, food or any camping equipment, making organization much easier (and lighter).

HOW WE DID THIS TREK : We hired a porter/guide from Nepal Wilderness Trekking and specifically requested one who was Tamang and from this region. Himal, the founder of the organization, was very responsive to all of our questions and also organized our trekking permits and transportation to/from Syebrubesi (6-7 hours in a bumpy jeep). Although we could have done this independently and carried our own gear, we were happy to have Manoj with us to guide the way so we didn't get lost, translate into Tamang when speaking with local people, answer questions we had about Tamang culture and traditions, and also carry up to 15kg of our trekking gear. We found it worth the additional expense so that we could just focus on the experience, have a way to communicate with locals, and not worry about anything else. We recommend Manoj as a porter/guide for this and other treks in Nepal.

Kalaw to Inle Lake: Myanmar (Burma)

Distance: 61 km / 38 miles Days: 3

Why: To hike through the hills of Myanmar’s Shan State between the town of Kalaw and the popular tourist destination of Inle Lake, and get a feel for rural life in Myanmar by staying with families and in a local monastery. What made this trek stand out for us was the interaction and engagement with people along the way, from the grandmother harvesting ginger roots to the ethnic Pao girls who wanted our water bottles so they had something to drink from while working the fields.

Walking to Inle Lake makes you appreciate the work of hill village locals who carry their their goods several times a week to the lakeside weekly markets. It also helps you appreciate the landscapes and rural life between Myanmar's main sites .

HOW WE DID THIS TREK : We booked our trek and guide with Sam's Family Trekking in Kalaw, Myanmar.

Gheralta Mountains: Ethiopia, Tigray Province

Days: 1-2 day hikes Distance: 10-15 km / 6-9 miles, but the challenge is more in the free climbing

Why: To see 1,000-year old Ethiopian Orthodox churches carved high into the cliffs in a landscape reminiscent of the red rock deserts of Arizona and Utah. In order to reach those churches you must do some free-form rock climbing. The experience includes a few sheer drops that might send those with vertigo into a temporary, protective fetal position (We speak from experience, by the way).

However, there are rewards. In addition to the stunning views throughout the climb, you’ll have the opportunity to go inside remote cliff-side churches whose interiors are covered with 600-800 year old frescos – all with a monk or priest in as your guide. Although there are several treks in this area, the two we opted for were those up to the Daniel Korkor and Maryam Korkor churches. We suggest climbing them in that order, since tackling the former will help prepare you for the latter.

HOW WE DID THIS HIKE : We did this trek as part of our G Adventures tour in Ethiopia. Unfortunately, the tour itinerary has changed and no longer includes these treks. However, you could work with the local tour company to add trekking in the Gheralta Mountains onto the other tour. It's so worth it.

• In Ethiopia, an Adrenaline-Filled Act of Faith
• Travel to Ethiopia: First Impressions
• Photo Essay: Trekking in Ethiopia’s Gheralta Mountains

Pic la Selle and Parc National la Visite, Haiti

Distance: 25-35 km / 15-29 miles Days: 3

Why: To experience Haiti’s endless layers of mountains (the country’s name means “land of mountains” in the local indigenous Taino language) and its unexpected natural beauty while having the chance to meet and engage with people all along the way. You’ll meet school children on their way home, women carrying goods on their heads to market, and farmers plowing the fields.

Haiti’s cities can be busy and frenetic, so spending a few days in the hills of Parc National La Visite with a walk down local paths towards Port-au-Prince provides a chance to slow it all down and absorb this fascinating yet complicated destination in a different way. Not to mention, spending the cool evenings in the hills drinking Haitian hot chocolate and listening to konpa music is something we'll never forget.

HOW WE DID THIS TREK : We booked our Haiti trek and guide with Tour Haiti after our Haiti tour with G Adventures .

• Haiti Trekking: A Beginner's Guide
• Travel in Haiti: First Impressions
• Photo Essay: Trekking in Haiti

What have we missed? Is there a favorite hike or unusual trek you’d add to this list? Please let us know in the comments! We – and our readers always appreciate more trekking inspiration.

About Audrey Scott

26 thoughts on “best hikes around the world: 15 unusual hikes you’re not considering…but should”.

Hi Daniel and Audrey. Everybody wants to climb up Kilimanjaro, but the more interesting and most beautiful trekking is outside the national park, through the villages, coffee and banana farms, and forest that encircle the mountain at around 6,000 feet. It’s way off the beaten track, a great cultural experience, and plenty challenging as it is constant up-and-down over ridges and through river valleys coming off the mountain. Full disclosure, I work for Simon Mtuy, the Tanzania mountain guide that leads these multi-day hikes – but that doesn’t make it any less spectacular! Tim.

Tim, thanks for sharing this trek in northern Tanzania (and disclosing your connection). We have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, and really loved that experience and challenge. This trek sounds great for the local connection and engagement you have with the farms and villages in the area. And, for people who are daunted by the thought of Mt. Kilimanjaro, this is a great alternative.

Hi Audrey, Awesome list thanks for showing us a lot of alternatives to Kili, Machu Picchu, and all the big name hikes. Central Asia looks incredible and a lot of these are simply of the beaten track for travelers. These places are special in their own right and have so much to offer. It’s one one of those things though, you want to share but also want to keep the secret in haha.

We did a hike with Queztaltrekkers and loved the organization. This is gonna be copied around the world I’m sure especially with the rise of social entrepreneurship. Guatemala was incredible and we love love love Lake Atitlan (even if we didn’t do the hike).

In preparation for Kilimanjaro we hike through the Usamabara mountains just a bit east from Kili and it was beautiful. The hikes that allow you to walk through and with culture are often times over looked. We started this hike at a village and it was market day. Truly unforgettable.

There could easily be a part two on this post and we hope to hear about more of your hikes sometime soon. In the meantime keep kicking butt on the road. Thanks again for the post 🙂

Mark and Camille

Wow, I love them all! We love the mountains so much more than the beach and all these hikes are right up our alley. I was going to suggest a hike we did in Guatemala but I see that you had one already. The one we did was a 4 day hike in the highlands of Guatemala and I am sure you would love it too. It is listed as a 6 day hike but the first and last day are actually travel days. http://www.travelwithkevinandruth.com/2013/02/our-six-day-trip-with-quetzaltrekkers.html

Very cool that you did the Todos Santos trek with Quetzal Trekkers. That was one that we wanted to do, but ran out of time. It looks like a fantastic experience and we do love that organization. They also offer treks in Nicaragua and Bolivia, so if you are headed that way look them up!

I understand not wanting to include Nepal but currently their economy is in the shitter and trekking is open for business, especially any treks leaving from Pokhara like the Annapurna Circuit. Nepal needs tourists so badly right now, please encourage folks to travel there. I went after the earthquake to help, and Pokhara was a ghost town. And it was perfectly safe to be trekking.

In another year or two, I would highly recommend the Manaslu Circuit with the Tsum Valley thrown in. Unfortunately they were hit hard in the region during the earthquake and it will take some time to recover. I did the trek last October during the blizzard that wreaked havoc throughout the Himalayas and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The Tsum Valley has only been open to the western world for about 5 years and is culturally very Buddhist and also has a strong Chinese influence being so close to the border. The people are kind and the trekking is hard, but it’s so beautiful. Our guide, Kamala Pun, was amazing and she is one of the few female guides out there.

Anyways, go to Nepal!!!! They are waiting with big smiles and big mountains!

Completely agree with you about always go to Nepal!! And it’s great to have that reminder to encourage travel to Nepal NOW as there are so many areas that are safe for trekking and the country needs the tourism dollars now more than ever. I will add a note to this effect in the article above and this also reminds me to share other Nepal articles to get people talking about how it is safe to travel there. As mentioned above, the Annapurna Circuit experience is one of our top even after all these years.

I also appreciate the addition of the more unusual Manaslu Circuit. We’re hoping to return to Nepal at some point, so any other advice you might have for other regions and treks is much appreciated.

These treks look amazing. Some a little too scary for me. I’m very interested in doing some more hiking soon. I’ve never done more than just a few hours.

thanks for the list!! i really enjoy this article it opens my eyes to all of the posibilities

Awesome treks! Thanks for sharing.

For most of them did you use a guide service or did you trek it alone? I’m wondering if you carry tents & sleeping bags with you wherever you go and if local guides help make the local connections with homestays.

Great question, Kirk. We’re actually thinking of putting these treks together with some other experiences into a sort of “best of” book that shows all the practical details on how to organize it yourself and what to expect with costs.

For all the treks except Sikkim and Kazakhstan we had a local guide with us. In some situations it’s required (e.g., Lost City Trek) and in others it’s just recommended. Additionally, we find that a local guide also helps to provide cultural and historical context to the area where you are trekking, and can act as translator and make connections with homestays.

We do not carry tents and sleeping bags with us. However, when we have needed a sleeping bag (e.g., Annapurna Circuit in Nepal or Kilimanjaro in Tanzania) we have usually been able to rent one from a local trekking agency. None of the treks above are camping, but when we did the Salkantay trek in Peru the tents were provided by the trekking agency.

Hope this information helps!

You guys are champion hikers! I fell for hiking hard when we started to travel long term, and have never looked back. Thank you for adding destinations to my list 🙂

I wouldn’t say that we’re champion hikers, but realized early that if we just put one foot in front of the other we could go pretty far in some unusual destinations 🙂 Glad that this post added to your trekking wanderlust list!

Wow, what an incredible and inspiring list! I will be visiting Nepal and Guatemala over the next few months so I will be sure to check out your recommendations. I was wondering how much research you do beforehand into the sustainable travel-side of things, the treatment of porters, etc. Do you have any particular tips about how to find companies that use local guides, treat their guides well, etc? I know that it was quite a lot of research when I was organising a Machu Picchu trek and I’ve already been in contact with a few places in Nepal to check out how they run their trips 🙂

Thanks, Laura! Great questions regarding the sustainable travel and treatment of guides/porters. When we look into a trekking agency or tour company we usually research whether the company provides their guides/porters with a fair wage, strict weight requirements (e.g., they carry no more than XX kilos) and insurance. We also support companies that work with local communities or families for accommodation and food so that the tourism money gets spread around. We often find that companies that do these things also usually have a program where some of the profits goes back into community or NGO projects. It’s difficult to get through the marketing sometimes to see what is true and what is marketing. Sometimes this information will be on the website, and other times you need to ask about it or go to review sites for recommendations. Lonely Planet’s Thorntree forum can sometimes be a good resource to ask other travelers for advice.

As for Nepal, we went with Swissa Travels in Pokhara as it was recommended by another traveler and they provided insurance and coverage for their porters. We’ve also heard good things about the sustainability work of Social Tours in Nepal (we’ve met the founder, Raj, several times at responsible tourism conferences). Then there is G Adventures , a company that we’ve partnered with for four years, including several of the treks above (Ethiopia and Colombia). They work with local guides and providers to try and keep money local, but also choose local partners that offer fair wages and protection for porters.

And in Guatemala definitely check out Quetzal Trekkers!

Amazing post! I am sucker for a good long trek and this list is just super! I am already gunning for the Gheralta Mountains! 🙂

Don’t think you’d be disappointed by the Gheralta Mountains. A great combination of a physical challenge mixed with gorgeous landscape and fascinating Ethiopian culture and history. Enjoy!

That´s an inspiring list indeed! Number one is especially appealing for me. I´m looking forward to the guide 🙂

Hi Monika, Here is the Peaks of the Balkans Beginner’s Guide: https://uncorneredmarket.com/peaks-of-balkans-trek-beginners-guide/

If there is anything else you’d like to know, just leave a comment there and we’ll be sure to answer it. It’s a wonderful trek, so hope you have the opportunity to go!

Great list! As I totally agree on the Swaneti and Kyrgystan treks to be on the list, I have to try the others too!

This is a great list and has just added several more treks to my own list to do.

I did the lost city trek in Colombia 10 years ago and loved it, more so than Macchu Pichu which I did a couple of months prior to that.

The Kawlaw to Inle Lake and Xela to Lake Atitlan were on my list when I visited recently but my hubby isn’t a trekker and we were on limited time so had to settle for smaller treks! They look great though so I’ll try to return to do these by myself at some point

We enjoyed our Salkantay Trek to Macchu Pichu, but the Lost City Trek in Colombia does hold a special place in our hearts. You must have had the Lost City to yourself when you were there 10 years ago.

Hope you have a chance to try the other treks soon and maybe you can convince your husband to come with you on a few of them 🙂

What a great list! So far my favorite hike has been the trek around Mount Kailash in Nepal. I’ll be posting a full recap in February. The abandoned bus on the side of the road in your photo reminds me of the drive to Badrinath in the Indian Himalayas. Lots of cars and buses end up like that there. Stay safe and thanks for the guide!

Thanks, Kimberly! Nepal has been coming up quite a lot on our radar recently, so hope we have an opportunity to return sometime soon. The Himalayas – both the Nepalese and Indian side – are stunning, and full of culture and history as well.

I realized there was a typo in my comment. The Himalayas are stunning if both India and Nepal, but the Mount Kailash Trek was in Tibet! I started posting the recap. Thanks for the reply!

Dear Audrey & Dan Namaste! What great Articles about you both traveling in the world, I am so much enjoyed reading your Articles, I know you both were here in Nepal on 18 May 2019 and did the trek with us, I still remember you both, I have a group photo on our site 3 of you with smiley faces https://nepalindependentguide.com/activities/tamang-heritage-trek/ hope to see you again in the futures in Nepal for other treks. Miss you both from Nepali friends Manoj & Himal

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14 Offbeat Treks in India that You Must Know

India is a country blessed with diverse topography ranging from the Himalayas in the north to seas and oceans in the south and east, and deserts in the west. Each of these landforms bestows us with some of the finest experiences of adventure, culture and nature.

While India is famous for its treks in the Himalayas, the rest of India also has a number of adventurous and offbeat treks.

Table of Contents

OFFBEAT TREKS IN INDIA

This article will introduce you to some of the offbeat treks in India recommended by travellers who have been to those places. Let’s dive along the best treks in India.

NORTHEAST INDIA

Northeast India is by far the least explored region in India. The Eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh, the plateaus of Meghalaya, the Patkai Hills of Nagaland, the Lushai Hills of Manipur and Mizoram and the Borail Range of Assam are a hub of hiking and trekking trails . Following are a few best treks in Northeast India –

BAMBOO TRAIL TREK, MEGHALAYA

The Bamboo Trail Trek or the Mawryngkhang Trek in the northeastern state of Meghalaya is one of its kind. The entire 4-5 km trail is made up of bamboo attached to the steep surface of the gorge with a river below it. The Khasi people of Wahkhen village built the bamboo trail connecting to the legendary U Mawryngkhang rock. The folklore associated with Mawryngkhang makes the trek even more interesting. Wahkhen is also known as the Whistling Village of India after Kongthong Village which is also in Meghalaya. The Mawryngkhang trek is referred to as one of the scariest treks of Meghalaya.

The trek can be done all year round. The best time, however, would be post-monsoon. Wahkhen village is located about 49 km from the state capital Shillong. Hiring a cab for the day would be a good choice considering there is no direct public transport from Shillong. Both hostels and hotels are available in Shillong. For snacks and meals, you will find a shop at the starting point of the trek.

DZUKOU VALLEY TREK, NAGALAND

By Upasana Kakati from Unconventional and Vivid

The rolling hills sprinkled with yellow and white blooms stretched along with the stunning vistas of Dzukou Valley is occasionally dotted with pink Dzukou lilies. As the sun cast its first rays, the valley changed shades transitioning into hues of golden and dark green.

The valley is a masterpiece of nature spanning across the state of Nagaland and Manipur, India. The Nagaland side is more accessible with the Visvema route as the most popular and easy one.

The valley is a riot of colours with floral blooms and the best time to visit is from May to July, to witness the Dzukou lily. The easiest way to reach Dzukou Valley is from Kohima which is around 17-20 km. Hire a cab to the base of Dzukou Valley or else take a shared cab and get down at Visvema or Zakhama. It takes nearly 4 to 5 hours of trek to witness the vast expanse of green treeless knolls and rolling sweeps of contoured hillocks. The trek along with the dwarf bamboo and rocky terrains takes you to the camping base of Dzukou Valley.

The valley is a picture postcard with treeless mounds of dwarf grass, colourful summer blooms, and some hillocks dotted with burnt trees standing as a reminder of how fragile the ecosystem is. A crystal clear rivulet and stream flow through a valley with hidden deep-cut ravines, caves, and waterfalls sculpting the valley naturally to perfection. At the Dzukou Valley Campsite, you can either pitch your own tent or stay in the dorm. However, there is a nominal fee for both. Food is available on payment.

MONPA TRAIL TREK, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

The Monpa Trail Trek is a new trekking trail that starts from the Sangti Valley of Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh and passes through Khalibok Village leading to the top of the topmost village Chander. One can enjoy the majestic views of Gorichen Peak (6858m) from Chander. The trek can be concluded either at Pangma or Thembang villages. The latter is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trek is named after the Monpa ethnic group which are the local inhabitants of the area. I must say, the state of Arunachal Pradesh has some of the best trekking places in India.

The best time to do the Monpa Trail Trek is from the month of October to February. Chander receives snow in winter and you may also have the chance to experience the Losar Festival in February.

We stayed at the Letro Homestay & Campsite, located beside the Sangti River. There are two routes to reach Dirang, one starts from Tezpur of Assam and the other via Udalguri of Assam. If you start from Guwahati in Assam, take the 2nd route as it is relatively shorter.

SARAMATI PEAK TREK, NAGALAND

Saramati Peak at an altitude of 3841 m above sea level stands tall signifying the border of India and Myanmar in the state of Nagaland. Mt. Saramati is the highest peak in Nagaland. The topography, the continuous ascend and descent of hills, the right-angled rock walls to climb, vibrant pink, yellow and white flowers post-monsoon, and the snow in winter- Mt. Saramati is one of the best and the least trekked mountains in India. The Thanamir Village from where the trek starts is also famous for its apple cultivation.

The best time to visit Mt. Saramati is in the month of September for colourful flowers and winter for snowfall. The nearest railway station is Dimapur Railway Station . To reach Thanamir, you have to first go to Kohima from Dimapur, followed by 12 hours of travel to Pungro and then another 5 hours of driving to Thanamir. In Kohima, you may stay at Morung Lodge, Central Guest House and Dawn Homestay while at Pungro and Thanamir, the Govt Guest House and the Thanamir Guest House respectively.

There are many options for non-veg food in Nagaland. However, boiled vegetarian cuisines like Hinkejvu are worth trying.

SEVEN LAKES TREK, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

The virgin forests and mountains of Anini in the Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh possess some of the most alluring lakes in India. The Seven Lakes Trek will take you to Kamuh-ya Lake, Emuh-ya Lake, Emu Lake, Dini Lake, Che-ne Lake and the two Huhu Lakes tucked into hills of the Eastern Himalayas. The 7-day trek involves 5-6 hours of trekking every day. The Idu Mishmi folklores associated with each of these lakes make them even more interesting. Seven Lakes Trek is by far one of the most beautiful treks in India.

The monsoon seasonal flowers bloom in the month of June and July. The ideal time to do the trek is however in the month of August and September for better weather conditions. Winter treks have not been opened to trekkers yet. If you wish to do the trek, contact Jimu Mele who runs Dibang Valley Trekkers (Emudu Seven Lakes Trekkers). The Seven Lakes Trek Starts from Anini the district headquarter of the Upper Dibang Valley District of Arunachal Pradesh.

The nearest railway station is in Tinsukia from where you can avail buses to Roing. Buses and shared cars from Roing to Anini start early in the morning. Make sure you book one the previous day.

WESTERN INDIA

Western India comprises the states – Goa, Gujarat, Maharastra, and Rajasthan. It also covers the two union territories Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Semi-arid conditions, deserts and the Western Ghats dominate the region.

DEVKUND WATERFALL TREK, MAHARASTRA

By Avantika from Wayward Wayfarer

Devkund Waterfall is a mesmerising waterfall tucked within the rolling hills of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. It is believed that the River Kundalika originates from this waterfall. The hike to the waterfall is a great day hike for people looking for some adventure near cities like  Pune  and Mumbai. The trek to Devkund Waterfall starts at a village called Bhira. The trail is easy and well-marked mostly through flat meadows, apart from the few gradual slopes.

At Bhira, there are a few dhabas serving proper meals, as well as basic stay options. Throughout the trail, one can also find shacks for quick snack stops. Post-monsoon from October to November is the best time to visit this waterfall as the water becomes crystal clear and it is possible to swim in the pool. Many people also prefer going in the monsoons for the mystical atmosphere but swimming would not be possible and the water would be muddy during the rainy season.

NORTH INDIA

Comprised of the Himalayan states such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and the union territories Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, trekking in North India is very popular among the adventure and mountaineering communities of India. Here are a few offbeat treks in Northern India-

BEAS KUND TREK, HIMACHAL PRADESH

By Rachita From MeanderWander

Beas Kund Trek is one of the most exciting treks to do in the Himalayas that not many people are aware of. As you traverse through green landscapes and majestic mountains, you breathe in the fresh air and cover a maximum altitude of 12,772 ft. This trek gives you a glimpse of not only the gorgeous Beas Lake but also of summit views of huge mountains in Himachal Pradesh such as Friendship Peak, Hanuman Tibba, Shitidhar, and more. One of the best things about this trek is the colourful landscape and the pollution-free sky that makes it easy for visitors to look at the Milky Way.

If you wish to truly enjoy this trek, then the best time to go on the trek is between August – October. You can take your own tent and food provisions for this trek as you won’t find anything nearby. The starting point of the trek is from Dhundi in Manali can be reached by car or you can take a bus going to Solang Valley. If you hire a car, you could avoid 2-3 km of trekking but with a bus, the trekking time to the lake base camp would increase.

KARTIK SWAMI TREK, UTTARAKHAND

By Jitaditya from The Travelling Slacker

Shiva and Ganesh temples can be found all over India but Kartikeya temples are rare, especially in northern India. That’s what makes this short trek a unique one as you reach a Kartikeya Temple at the end of the trek.

The main draw of the Kartik Swami trek though has always been the views. At the height of 3000 metres, you get 360-degree views of the much higher peaks in all directions. The entire route is through a rhododendron forest and so it’s best done during the spring season when they’re in full bloom.

The approach is from a small village called Kanakchouri, a couple of hours from Rudraprayag, which is a major town. It’s not a very long trek and can be wrapped up in a day. You’ll find a resort in Kanakchouri but you can even come back to Rudraprayag the same day.

MIYAR VALLEY, HIMACHAL PRADESH

Miyar Valley Trek offers you a feel of both Himachal and Ladakh. Miyar is a sub-valley of Chandrabhaga and a part of the Lahaul region. A difficult trail even connects it to Zanskar, which hardcore people can try. However, here I’m talking about the comparatively simpler trek that takes you to the high-altitude plains beyond the last inhabited villages of the Miyar region.

Nomadic Gaddi herders with their sheep and goats are the only regular visitors of these pastures crisscrossed by slender glacial rivers. In the summer, these desolated meadows above 3000 meters also get covered with delirious wildflowers, in the midst of which you can camp and explore. That’s why it’s best explored between May to September (although be prepared for rains in the monsoon).

The easiest way to reach Miyar is to take a morning bus from Keylong and reach Shukto village, where the road ends. That’s where you will also find a homestay. Beyond that, you’ll have to camp. Have at least 3 days in hand for decent exploration inside the valley excluding the commutation time.

If you want to reach Keylong from Delhi, you can take a bus from Delhi to Manali . Next, you can board a bus, and hire or rent a car that goes to Keylog from Manali.

SHAM VALLEY TREK, LADAKH

By Ellie from Soul Travel India

Famously known as the ‘baby trek’ in Ladakh, the  Sham Valley trek  is the perfect introduction to Ladakh trekking. It’s definitely not an easy-going route, but one of the best things about the Sham Valley route is it takes you from local homestay to local homestay, allowing you to interact with locals and experience Ladakh village life along the way. 

The trek runs through the Sham Valley, with elevations between 3,200 – 3,900 meters (lower than most other Ladakh treks which go much higher). The trek is designed so that you’re trekking for 4-5 hours per day, with plenty of time in the afternoons and evenings to enjoy the surroundings or chat with the owners of the simple homestays you’ll stay in. Mobile phone reception is non-existent, so bring a good book!

The starting point for the trek is from Lekir Monastery, about an hour outside of Leh. The best way to do this trek is to hire a local guide through a tour company – the package price will include your guide, transportation of your main luggage between homestays, and the cost of your accommodations. Homestays are simple, usually without piped water, but the welcome is warm.

Although you could do the trek by yourself with careful planning and research if you’re an experienced hiker, I recommend supporting the local tourism industry by hiring a guide where possible. I used SkyWalker Travel, located in Leh.

SURKANDA DEVI TREK, UTTARAKHAND

By Subhadeep from My Travel Frames

Located at an altitude of 2700 metres from sea level, Surkanda Devi Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peeth in the Indian subcontinent. Apart from its religious significance, the temple premises offers one of the best panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayas, including a few snow-capped mountains.

The Surkanda Devi Trek is an hour and a half uphill trek from the nearest base point. Although the gradient is steep, you can still complete it with a moderate fitness level. The pavement goes up through a dense forest and provides an amazing walkway for trekkers while enjoying nature apart from the occasional horses and mules when you have to give way. In contrast, the natural walkway takes a little more time and attracts seasonal hikers more often.

You can do this trek around the year, even in monsoon, as the cemented walkway works perfectly at that time. However, if you want a clear view of the Himalayas, winter is the best time to go for this trek, while in summer, the Ganga Dussehra festival attracts many visitors here.

You can stay in Mussoorie, Dhanaulti or Kanatal and take a morning cab to Kaddukhal, from where you have to start your trek. There are several economy and luxury hotels available in Mussoorie.

At Kaddukhal, there are a few roadside shops where you can get snacks and noodles. In addition, there are a few small shacks at the midpoint of the cemented walkway where you can drink a glass of Burans (Rhododendron) juice to rejuvenate yourself.

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, 98 kilometres away, whereas Dehradun Railway Station is 65 kilometres from Kaddukhal.

SOUTH INDIA

Though the southern part of India is surrounded by seas and oceans, the presence of Eastern and Western Ghats provides ample scope for adventurous activities like trekking in some of the unique trails for trekking in South India. Following are some of the best treks in South India.

GOKARNA BEACH TREK, KARNATAKA

By Ellis from Backpack Adventures

When you think about trekking in India, you probably think about the country’s beautiful mountainous landscapes. However, it is also possible to hike along its beautiful coast. The Gokarna beach trek is getting increasingly popular and for good reasons. 

The small pilgrimage town of Gokarna in Karnataka has a number of palm-fringed beaches that offer a more quiet and relaxed alternative to the more popular Goa. Some of these beaches are so remote that they can only be accessed by boat or on foot.

All beaches are connected with each other by a hiking trail that is about 8 kilometres in total. You need sturdy shoes to climb over the rocky terrain, but you are guaranteed spectacular views over the Arabian Sea. In between, you can take a break while taking a dip in the ocean. 

Gokarna is easy to reach by bus or train from Goa, Bangalore or Mysore. The nearest airport is in Mangalore. The best time to visit Gokarna is from October till March when the weather is pleasant and dry. Kudlee Beach offers some of the best accommodation options. The Namaste yoga farm even has a treehouse. Nearby you can choose between several restaurants on the beach.  

KOLUKKUMALAI TREK, KERALA

By Sinjana from Backpack and Explore

Kolukkumalai is a picturesque hamlet in Tamil Nadu which is home to the highest organic tea garden in the world. Besides the breathtaking views of the valley, Kolukkumlai is also one of the few places in India where you can see the Neelakurinji blossoms. Neelakurinji is one of the rarest types of flower that covers parts of the Nilgiri Hills once every 12 years.

Kolukkumalai  looks glorious throughout the year, even during heavy monsoons. However, it’s safe to avoid the monsoon months for this trek. The 12km long trek through the enchanting hills starts from Kurangani village at 3800 feet, goes through the grasslands, pine forests and up to the tea gardens.

The treks are organized by some organisations like Bangalore Mountaineering Club, Treks and Trails, etc. This is a difficult trek that includes overnight camping under the stars and waking up to the scintillating sunrise. For accommodation, you can choose nearby hotels of Munnar or permanent campsites of Black Eagles Camp at Suryanelli.

KUMARA PARVATHA TREK, KARNATAKA

By Raksha from SoloPassport

Kumara Parvatha, at a height of 1712 metres, is the most rewarding trek in the Western Ghats and is considered the toughest mountain to conquer among trekkers. The trek to Kumara Parvatha summit is about 28 kilometres in total and takes multiple days of trekking. It requires a good fitness level as the trail is steep throughout the trek.

Kukke Subramanya is the base and starting point of the trek, and the town is an overnight bus journey of 280 kilometres from Bangalore City.  A permit needs to be obtained to trek in the national park which can be received from the forest officials at the forest checkpoint. The forest checkpoint is 7 kilometres (climb) from the base of the mountain.

As it is a multi-day trek, one needs to camp along the trail. The best place to camp for the night is at the forest checkpoint. Note that the camping site has very limited facilities. The camping gear, water and food for all days need to be carried along as there are no shops or water stations on the trail. 

I hope you enjoyed reading the post.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

10 thoughts on “14 Offbeat Treks in India that You Must Know”

I like trekking in Himalayas. Thanks for the informative article.

Hi Vignesh. Cheers to the love for treks in the Himalayas. I am glad to know that you found it informative.

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North India is one of my favorite places to go for trekking. This is a very informative blog and has detailed a lot about some of the must-visit places in this region. I appreciate the effort.

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Definitely makes me want to go exploring!

I hope you have a good time when you come here, Krysten.

Very Informative! Thank you

Thank you Kezha.

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16 best offbeat treks in indian himalayas: exploring the unknown.

Trekkers and adventurers from all across the globe have been visiting the Himalayas to seek out new hiking routes; summit a new and unknown mountain; climb the impossible and this has resulted into exploration of the famous trekking routes. The Himalayas offer some of the most amazing hiking destinations in north India and is a major travellers’ hotspot in the country. Every valley offers offbeat adventure holiday places. Ranging from a weekend, short treks to extensive advanced mountaineering opportunities, Himalayas has something for everybody. If you are an offbeat traveller and looking for some amazing new adventure hiking places in India, then this blog here, gives you an insight on some offbeat treks in the Himalayas that are going to win your heart. So without further ado, let me take you on a virtual ride through some awesome offbeat treks in the Indian Himalayas.

List of Some of best offbeat destinations in the Himalayas are:

• Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh
• Kalicho Pass, Jammu Kashmir
• Brahmatal Trek, Uttarakhand
• Har Ki Doon Trek, Uttarakhand
• Sandakphu Trek, West Bengal
• Kashmir Great Lakes, Jammu & Kashmir
• Rupin Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh
• Indrahar Pass, Himachal Pradesh
• Bagini Glacier Trek, Uttarakhand
• Panpatia Trek, Uttarakhand
• Kolahoi Glacier Trek, Jammu and Kashmir
• Siang Valley Trek, Arunachal Pradesh
• Tso Lhamo Lake Trek, Sikkim
• The Bhrigu Lake Trek, Himachal Pradesh
• Gwaru Pass, Himachal Pradesh
• Milam Glacier Trek, Uttarakhand

Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh: The Tale of Two Cities

Tales of two cities is how you can describe this trek. Starting from the Kullu Valley in Manali to climbing over Hampta Pass and then witnessing the beauty of Spiti Valley, this trek is every mountain lover’s paradise. The scenery changes within every hour, one hour you might be in the lush green meadows, the next hour you might be walking around the riverside near the snow line. Not one of the hardest treks in Himachal, Hampta Pass trek gives you a taste of two sides of the state. Also, if accessible because of weather conditions, you can trek to the enchanting Chandratal lake, the alternate to the Pangong Lake in Ladakh.

Starting Point for Hampta Pass: The Base camp for Hampta Trek is Jobra, 42 km drive from Manali.

Trek Route: Manali – Jobra – Jwara – Balu ka Ghera – Hampta Pass – Shea Goru – Chatru – Manali

Highlights of the Hampta Pass Trek: Changing Landscape and view of Spiti Valley.

Height of Hampta Pass: 14,035 feet

When to do Hampta Pass Trek?  – Mid June to Mid October

Duration of Hampta Pass Trek: 6 Days

Difficulty: Moderate

• Best Time for Trekking in Himachal Pradesh

Kalicho Pass, Jammu Kashmir: The Trek Made for Only Few

Before going over the pass you would need to take permission from the Banni Mata Temple and every year only three batches are allowed to cross this pass. The batches need to complete the trek within the given timeframe and all these rules are followed strictly. The rawest trek on our list, this trek will challenge your physical as well as mental strength. Do this for the satisfaction you’ll get once you cross the pass. One of the many unexplored treks in India, you would need prior trekking experience as it will come in handy in finding trails.

Starting Point for Kalicho Pass: The starting point of the Trek is Bhadra.

Trek Route: Dalhousie- Bharmour – Bhadra – Leundi – Bansar Goth – Alyas – Kalicho Pass – Alyas – Udaipur – Kelong

Highlights of Kalicho Pass: The sacred and gothic history makes it more thrilling.

Height of Kalicho Pass: 15,840 feet

When to do Kalicho Pass Trek? – Late July to early September

Duration of Kalicho Pass Trek: 6 Days

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult with extreme gradient in places. Not recommended without a guide since the trail is not always visible.

• Other Popular Trekking Trails in Jammu & Kashmir
• Best Time for Trekking in Kashmir

Brahmatal Trek, Uttarakhand: The Other Roopkund Trek

A peak winter trek, Brahmatal is a trek for snow lovers. Not much hard in terms of physical exertion, the temperatures fall down to -5o Celsius during the winter night. Not many treks are accessible during winters but the Brahmatal trek is one of the best offbeat winter treks in India . Walking through the dense forest opening up to the snowfield, spread for kilometers. The end of trek takes you to the top of the mountain from which Mt.Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti would seem within touching distance. You also get the view of the Roopkund Trek . Not many treks can boast a high-altitude lake but Brahmatal trek offers you the trekking experience of two high altitude lakes.

Starting Point of Brahmatal Trek: The base camp is at Lohagunj.

Trek Route: Lohagunj – Bekaltal – Brahmatal – Tilbudi – Lohagunj

Highlights of Brahmatal Trek: Snow laden meadows, view of Mount Trishul and Mount Nanda Ghunti and two high altitude lakes.

Height of Brahmatal Lake: 12,250 ft

When to do Brahmatal Trek? – December to March

Duration of Brahmatal Trek: 6 Days

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (mainly because of low temperatures)

• Popular Trekking Destinations in Uttarakhand
• Best Season for Trekking in Uttarakhand

Har Ki Doon Trek, Uttarakhand: Stairway to Heaven

Taking the final step while listening to Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven is the right way to complete this trek. Referred as a stairway to heaven, Har Ki Doon trek is a trek like no other. No other trek is so steeped into Hindu mythology as this one. Believed to be the route which Pandava took to reach heaven via Swargarohini, the mountain overlooking Har Ki Doon Valley, the views you get on this trek are unique. A trek that takes you back into the time, you’ll come across various Garhwal Himalayas’ ancient village on your way, some being 3000 years old.

Starting Point of Har Ki Doon: Sankri is the base camp for the trek.

Trek Route: Sankri – Taluka – Puani Garaat – Kalkatiyadhar – Har Ki Doon – Puani Garaat – Taluka – Sankri

Highlights of the Har Ki Doon Trek: Ancient villages enroute, view of Mount Swargarohini.

Height of Har Ki Doon: 11,500 feet

When to do Har Ki Doon Trek? – April – June and September – December

Duration of Har Ki Doon Trek: 8 Days

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Best Treks for Beginners in Uttarakhand
• Popular Moderate Treks in Uttarakhand

Sandakphu Trek, West Bengal: Be at Two Places at the Same Time

If you ever wished to do cross-country trekking, your dreams have come true. Walking from India to Nepal, the Sandakphu trek offers the view of some of the world’s highest mountain peaks such as Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga and the Sleeping Buddha. For the most of the duration of the trek, you would be walking alongside Sleeping Buddha. The trekking route is as geographically diverse as it may. Ranging from mountain peaks, ridges to dark alpine forests to Bamboo forests, the Sandakphu Trek offers one of the best trekking adventures in India. With a picture-perfect sunrise and sunset, your Instagram profile will get the boost you have been longing for.

Starting Point for Sandakphu Trek: Jaubhari is the base camp for the trek.

Trek Route: Jaubhari – Tumling – Kalipokhri – Sandakphu – Sabargram – Phalut – Gorkhey – Sepi

Highlights of Sandakphu Trek: Standing in India and Nepal at once, view of snow-capped mountain peaks like Sleeping Buddha, Mt. Everest and Mt.Kanchenjunga.

Height of the Sandakphu Trek: 11,950 feet

When to do Sandakphu Trek? – Accessible throughout the year, April is best for those who seek rhododendrons forests. Those who seek snow can opt for winter treks.

Duration of Sandakphu Trek: 7 Days

Difficulty: Moderate mainly because of the long distance one has to cover each day.

• Best Trekking Tours in Sikkim, North East India
• Best Season for Trekking & Hiking in Sikkim

Kashmir Great Lakes, Kashmir: The Most Beautiful Offbeat Trek in India

Kashmir great lakes trek is the undisputed champion of being the prettiest trek in India. Some trek comes may close to being equal but at the end of the day, Kashmir Great Lakes holds the crown. Taking you through the scenic beauty of Kashmir, KGL trek offers you five alpine lakes. It’s not every day that you get to witness the beauty of nature in its purest form, but this trek which is still untouched gives you a chance to delve into the tranquility of the beauty that is Kashmir . A photographer’s paradise, Kashmir will offer some of the most picturesque camping grounds and scenes for your wide-angle lens.

Starting Point of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: The trek starts at Shitkadi.

Trek Route: Shitkadi – Sonmarg – Nichnai – Vishnusar Lake – Kishnasar Lake – Gadsar Pass – Gadsar – Satsar – Gangabal Twin Lakes – Narang

Highlights of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: The view of 5 alpine lakes, picturesque Kashmir valleys.

Height of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: 13,800 feet

When to do Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: July to September is the best time to visit as more snow can be spotted

Duration of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: 8 Days

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult mainly because of continuous trekking.

• Tarsar Marsar Trek in Jammu & Kashmir
• Gangabal Lake Trek in Kashmir

Rupin Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh: A Tale of Romance with Himalayas

One of the most classic and aesthetic treks in India, the Rupin Pass trek is full of unpredictable beauties. The trek seems to resemble an orchestra with going up and down with suspense and surprises at every corner. One of the best trekking trails in India, Rupin pass is still an offbeat trek. The Rupin River would be with you for a major part of the trek, leading up to the famous Rupin Waterfall. Once over the waterfall, it opens up to the vast snow field with various mountain peaks in the backdrop. The mesmerizing beauty of the trek ensures motivates and encourages you to take one more step forward. Best offbeat trek in Himachal, it is not for those who prefer short treks.

Starting Point for Rupin Pass Trek: Dhaula is the base camp for the Rupin Pass trek.

Trek Route: Dhaula – Sewa – Jiskun – Udaknal – Dhanderas Thatch – Rupin Waterfall Top – Rati Pheri – Rupin Pass – Ronti Gad – Sangla

Highlights of Rupin Pass Trek: Rupin Pass waterfall, Rupin river, snow fields.

Height of Rupin Pass: 15,250 feet

When to do Rupin Pass Trek? – Mid May to Mid-October

Duration of Rupin Pass Trek: 10 Days

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, mainly because of continuous trekking.

• Popular Easy to Moderate Treks in Himachal Pradesh
• Popular Difficult Treks in Himachal Pradesh

Indrahar Pass, Himachal Pradesh: The Next Level for Triund Lovers

Most of the trekkers start their trekking experience by trekking to Triund. The Indrahar Pass is the next step above Triund. The Indrahar pass lies in the Dhauladhar Range separating the Chamba Valley and Kangra district. The Dhauladhar Range is one of the most powerful areas in the entire Himalayas as it is ideally situated on the point where Eurasian and Indian subcontinent’s tectonic plate collide. Trekking through the mountains of Dhauladhar, you would get to experience almost all the ecological belts of Himalayas. Going through some of the most picturesque mountain beauties, Indrahar pass trek is ideal for those who want to take their Triund trekking experience to the next level. The panoramic view of the entire Dhauladhar Range would be an experience worth trekking for.

Starting Point of Indrahar Pass Trek: Starting point is Dharamkot.

Trek Route: Dharamkot – Triund – Laka – Lahesh Cave – Indrahar Pass – Chhata – Kuarsi – Hilling – Lamu.

Highlights of Indrahar Pass Trek: View of Dhauladhar ranges separating Chamba valley and Kangra district.

Height of Indrahar Pass: 14,245 feet

When to do Indrahar Pass Trek? – May to October

Duration of Indrahar Pass Trek: 9-10 Days

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, mainly due to navigating through boulders.

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Bagini Glacier Trek, Uttarakhand: Mini Mount Everest of India

Bagini Glacier Trek is a walk amidst the breezy Himalayan Alpine fields. The trek starts and ends at Jumma Village. The route which takes you to advance base camps of summits of Changbang and Kalanka, the Bagini Glacier Trek gives you the feel of being on Mt. Everest. With less traffic on the trek, you can savour the taste of hardcore Himalayan trekking . It’s not just the scenic beauty of trek but also the close proximity of the glacier to some mesmerizing snow-capped mountains which invite trekkers every year.

Starting Point of Bagini Glacier Trek: Ruing village is the starting point of the trek.

Trek Route: Ruing – Dronagiri Village – Longatulli – Base Camp – Bagini Glacier – Dronagiri Village – Joshimath.

Highlights of Bagini Glacier Trek: Base camp of Kalanka & Changbang, glacier walking.

Height of Bagini Glacier: 14,816 feet

When to do Bagini Glacier Trek? – Pre monsoon May to mid-June & post monsoon September to early October.

Duration of Bagini Glacier Trek: 6 Days

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, mainly because of glacial climbing.

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Panpatia Trek, Uttarakhand: Take the Road Not Taken

One of the toughest treks on our list, the perfect offbeat trail in India, Panpatia Trek is the ridge between the two Hindu pilgrimage – Kedarnath and Badrinath . Believed to be an ancient route taken by sages to traverse between the two pilgrimages within a day, the route was lost in the mists of time. The exploration of the route began as early as 1934 but it wasn’t discovered till 2007 because of the extreme weather conditions. The story perfect adventure trekking tour which has battled against the determination of trekkers is not for everyone. One of the highest Himalayan passes, you would have to cross the Panpatia glacier and the freezing temperatures are of no help. You will be surrounded by the gigantic cold Himalayan peaks but there is something about this place that makes it feel like home to many trekkers. Words can’t describe the sense of achievement you’ll feel after doing this trek but it won’t be any less than summiting a major peak.

Starting Point of Panpatia Trek: The trek starts at Badrinath.

Trek Route: Badrinath – Shepherd Camp – Snout Camp – Moraine Camp – Parvati Col Base – Panpatia Snow Field – Panpatia Col – Sujal Sarovar – Kachni – Nanu Chatti – Ransi.

Highlights of Panpatia Trek: Walking into uncharted territory, Panpatia Snow field, Himalayan Peaks.

Height of Panpatia Glacier: 17,255 feet

When to do Panpatia Trek? –  Mid-May to October. Summers are pleasant with clear view of Himalayan peaks. Post monsoon, the serenity and solitude of this place is enchanting.

Duration of Panpatia Trek: 10 Days

Difficulty: Difficult with extreme weather conditions and long distance that are to be covered in a day.

• Trek to Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila in Himalayas
• Kedarkantha Trekking Itinerary

Kolahoi Glacier Trek, Jammu and Kashmir: Walking into The Source of Light

Ask any trekker and he/she would tell you that trekking in Jammu and Kashmir is an experience of a lifetime and it is different than trekking in other places. The Kolahoi Glacier, revered as Goddess of Light by the locals, is a major source to two major water body of North India, Jhelum and Liddar. Kashmir is known for its vast meadows and the Kolahoi Glacier trek takes you to some of the greenest pastures, alongside the flowing Liddar River. With its wide-open Himalayan valleys, alpine lakes, and green meadows, Kolahoi Glacier Trek is surely one of the best offbeat Himalayan escapes. Although the glacier is now shrinking at a rapid pace, places like these make you realize the damage we have caused to the environment.

Starting Point for Kolahoi Glacier Trek: The starting point is Aru Valley.

Trek Route: Aru – Lidderwat – Dudhsar Lake – Kolahoi Glacier Viewpoint – Satlunjun – Aru.

Highlights of Kolahoi Glacier Trek: Kashmir meadows, Dudhsar Lake and Kolahoi Glacier.

Height of Kolahoi Glacier: 15,400 feet

When to do Kolahoi Glacier Trek? –  March to October

Duration of Kolahoi Glacier Trek: 5 Days

• Complete Travel & Tourism Guide for Jammu & Kashmir
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Siang Valley Trek, Arunachal Pradesh: The Far Side of Indian Treks

North-East India offers some of the most pristine trekking destinations and the Siang Valley Trek is one of the top things to do if you are in Arunachal Pradesh . Walking through the countryside of Arunachal, trekking up to the Tsangpo River that lies in Tibet, which meets the Brahmaputra River in Assam, is some of the best things to do during the trek. Arunachal, the most eastern state of India, is still untouched by travellers and tourists, hence you can still witness some of the original tribes of Arunachal and learn about their local traditions.

Starting Point of Siang Valley Trek: Silapathar would be the starting point of the trek.

Trek Route: Silapathar – Komsing – Karko – Pangi – Sisen – Ponging – Pasighat – Dibrugarh.

Highlights of Siang Valley Trek: Tsangpo River, Local lifestyle.

Height of Siang Valley: 6,500 feet

When to do Siang Valley Trip? – October – February

Duration of Siang Valley Trek: 5 Days

• Top Travel Destinations in Arunachal Pradesh
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Tso Lhamo Lake Trek, Sikkim: The Crown Jewel of North East India

At the mighty height of 18,000 feet, Tso Lhamo lake is one of the height lakes in the world. The jewel of North-East India, Tso Lhamo lake is the testimony of nature’s marvel. Due to its extreme temperatures, the lake is inaccessible to the trekkers for the major part of the year. One of the lesser-known treks in India, the short 2-day trek of Tso Lhamo Lake is still an untouched and unexplored beauty for the rest of India. Do this for witnessing the highest natural lake in India, because an experience like this is very hard to come.

Starting Point of Tso Lhamo Lake Trek: Lachen is the starting point of the trek.

Trek Route: Gangtok – Lachen – Tso Lhamo Lake – Lachen.

Highlights of Tso Lhamo Lake Trek: High altitude lakes are very rare but you get to witness one on this trek.

Height of Tso Lhamo Lake: 18,000 feet

When to do Tso Lhamo Lake Trek? – October & November has the most pleasant weather conditions.

Duration of Tso Lhamo Lake Trek: 3 Days

• The Essential Guide to Sikkim, North East
• Affordable Holiday Packages for Sikkim

The Bhrigu Lake Trek, Himachal Pradesh: Secrets of Manali

Planning a trip to Manali and thinking where to go, well we have got a hidden paradise of high altitude meadows right in the Manali Valley. Surrounded by some of the major Himalayan peaks, the green pastures of Himalayas would give you some of the best photos for your Instagram profile. As they say, it’s not about the destination but the journey you make and this couldn’t have been apter for the Bhrigu Lake Trek. The sight of horses grazing and green pastures spread over till the horizon will fill your heart with immense joy. An alternative to the famous Roopkund Trek in Uttarakhand, The Bhrigu Lake trek is the perfect destination for offbeat trekking in the Himalayas.

Starting Point of Bhrigu Lake Trek: The starting point is Gulaba.

Trek Route: Gulaba – Jonker Thatch – Rola Khuli – Bhrigu Lake – Rola Khuli – Gulaba.

Highlights of Bhrigu Lake Trek: Meadows of Manali Valley, Bhrigu Lake.

Height of Bhrigu Lake: 14,000 feet

When to do Bhrigu Lake Trek? –  Mid May- October but ideal time is before June or after July as chances of landslides are minimum during this time.

Duration of Bhrigu Lake Trek: 4 Days

• Popular Tourist Destinations in Himachal
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Gwaru Pass, Himachal Pradesh: A Trek in The Solitude of the Himalayas

A mountain pass might seem an ordinary thing for a non-traveller but reaching the pass is somewhat equivalent to summiting a major mountain. The trail of Gwaru Pass offers not one but two high-altitude mountain pass – Tentu and Gwaru. This trek route leads through some of the most mesmerizing views of Himalayas, going through Chandratal Lake . The trail offers one of the best campsites in Himachal, with trails leading alongside rivers and forests. The end of the trail is worth days of trekking as your eyes will get lost in the mesmerizing view of Pir Panjal mountain range. For those who love offbeat incredible trekking trails, with minimal human life around, this trek offers some of the most quaint and blissful experiences.

Starting Point of Gwaru Pass Trek: Barahazar would be the starting point of the trek.

Trek Route: Barahazar – Chikka – Seri – Chandratal – Seri – Gwaru Thach – Gwaru Pass – Bareh – Malana.

Highlights of Gwaru Pass Trek: Chandratal Lake, Pir Panjal and Malana.

Height of Gwaru Pass: 15,682 feet

When to do Gwaru Pass Trek? –  End of June to first week of August as it experiences best weather and better temperatures.

Duration of Gwaru Pass Trek: 7 Days

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, mainly because of continuous 7 days trekking. Prior trekking experience will come in handy during the Gwaru Pass trek.

• Packing Essentials for Trekking Expedition in the Himalayas
• Popular Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh

Milam Glacier Trek, Uttarakhand: A Walk on The Field of Ice

The pride of Kumaun district, Milam Glacier trek is the picture-perfect adventure tour. If walking on glaciers, passing through dense forests, gazing up the clear sky and enjoying the nature in its purest form is your idea of a vacation then the Milam Glacier trek is a match made for you. Closed to tourists for almost 3 decades for 1962-1992, this trek is now open and you can still find the traces of Indo-Sino war of 1962. With Mt. Trisuli (23,209 feet) and Hardeol (23,461 feet) within the touching distance, the efforts would be worth the reward.

Starting Point of Milam Glacier Trek: Munsiyari would be the starting point of the trek.

Trek Route : Munsiyari – Lilam – Bugdyar – Martoli – Ganghar – Pachu – Milam – Milam Glacier – Rilkot – Bugdyar – Lilam – Munsiyari.

Highlights of Milam Glacier Trek: Milam Glacier, view of Mt. Trishul & Hardeol.

Height of Milam Glacier: 13,612 feet

When to do Milam Glacier Trek? –  April-June & September-October

Duration of Milam Glacier Trek: 9 Days

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, mainly because of steep ascent.

• Other Popular Trekking Destinations in Kumaon
• Best Time for Trekking in Kumaon Himalayas

Himalayas are filled with offbeat travel locations in India and each pass or glacier is beautiful than the last one. It’s a never-ending quest with nature. So, pack your bags, gear up and pick the location which suits you the most.

Well, if you’re looking for such adventure tours in offbeat places like these, you can contact us at Tour My India. You can call us at +91-9212553106 or send us your queries at [email protected] and we’ll get back to you with the best travel packages where you can pick the one that suits you the most. For any queries, feel free to post your questions in the comment section below.

Other Important Trekking Information

• About Permits for Trekking in India
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• Fixed Departure Tours for Himalayan Treks

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Disclaimer: We do not take credit for some of the licenced paid images used in our blogs, whether from Google Images, Fotolia & Shutterstock. All such images are the copyrights of their respective owners and we try to provide credit for them wherever we can. If, however, any copyright image has been used on our blog, the concerned person can either mail us directly to remove the image or provide credit to whomsoever the image may belong to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. which weekend destinations can be visited within 100 km from chandigarh.

Following destinations are situated within 100 km from Chandigarh:

• Parwanoo in Himachal
• Kasauli in Himachal
• Nahan in Himachal

Q. How to reach Himachal Pradesh from Chandigarh?

Chandigarh is well-connected to Himachal Pradesh by road. State-run and private buses ply regularly between many destinations of Himachal and Chandigarh. Cabs are also readily available. Flights to Shimla and Bhuntar are also available from Chandigarh.

Q. How to reach Uttarakhand from Chandigarh?

Chandigarh is well-connected to Uttarakhand by road. State-run and private buses ply regularly between many destinations of Uttarakhand and Chandigarh. Cabs are also readily available. Flights to Dehradun are also available from Chandigarh.

Q. What are the best weekend destinations for adventure near Chandigarh?

Rishikesh is one of the best weekend destinations near Chandigarh. Here, one can enjoy white water rafting, bungee jumping, flying fox, cliff jumping etc.

Published: 06 Nov, 2020

About the author

Born and brought up in the Lucknowi tehzeeb, Ashwini wishes to someday settle in a quaint little town in the Himalayas. If you do not find him daydreaming about his travel plans, you’ll find him exploring the vastness of Youtube and Netflix. A travel romantic and a cricket fanatic, he also wishes to try every cuisine ever made in this world.

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Best Off-Beat Treks in India -

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Best Off-Beat Treks in India

• October 6, 2016

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Latest posts by Meenakshi ( see all )

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The Scottish-American writer, John Muir once said, “The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness”.

And man, was he right! What could be a better way for people like us to get close to nature than getting lost in the forests! Truthfully, there’s not much of true nature left around us. Humans have gone everywhere; they have taken over nature and established their empire. Today, sky-piercing towers make the skyline, and bustling, overcrowded metropolises, dominate the landscape. Sometimes, it even gets hard to find a lush public park in cities.

To come across the true bounties of nature, I suggest you go on an offbeat trek. And, to find nature, you do not even have to go far to any international destination. The Himalayas in the North and Northeast, and the Western Ghats in the South are perfect for trekkers. From easy hikes that are almost like a walk in the park to some demanding ones that require you to utilise every muscle in your body, all kinds of trekking excursions are possible here.

Roopkund , Har Ki Doon , Goecha La, Beas Kund and Nag Tibba are some of the most taken trekking trails in India. However, if you are one of those, who like to, as our favourite Star Trek character Captain Kirk, says, “Boldly go where no man has gone before”, then the following are some treks you can consider for your next excursion. Life is too short to be delaying such amazing experiences for the future.

Sar Pass Trek in Himachal Pradesh The spectacular Himalayas beckon adventure lovers from all parts of the world. It is because of this astounding mountain range that trekking and mountaineering are among the most preferred adventure sports in India. Trekkers, looking for an unconventional journey in these mountains, should go for the Sar Pass Trek. This trail is ideal if you are new at this activity, as it doesn’t demand too much physical fitness. Beginning from Rumsu Base Camp, this trek takes you to Kasol, Grahan village, Min Thatch campsite, Sar Pass, Biskeri Thatch, Barshaini and Bhuntar over the course of the next 5-6 days.

Keri to Arambol Trek in Goa The alluring beauty of Goa and its colonial heritage is no secret to anybody. But, what most people don’t know is that Goa is also a great destination for trekking. Most people come here, enjoy on its beaches, go for sightseeing to some of its tourist hotspots, and that’s it. They miss trying trekking here, which is perhaps the best way to explore the stunning landscape of this state. This trek begins from Goa’s northernmost seafront, Keri or Kerim Beach and takes you uphill and downhill while you explore fantastic shores. The best thing is that this is only a day activity. So, even if you are more inclined towards relaxing on beaches or trying snorkelling, scuba diving or jet skiing during your holiday in Goa, you can take half a day out to enjoy this trek.

Ocean Trek to Neuti Beach in Goa This is another beach trek in Goa that you can enjoy during your vacations. The adventure takes you to a tiny hamlet in the state of Maharashtra, near Vengurla and Malvan. Beginning your trek here in the refreshing air coming from the Arabian Sea, you move along the ocean from one beach to another. The exciting tour begins at 7:00 AM  and ends after 12 hours, giving you ample time to enjoy. My friend availed this package, and he told me that he was also offered a mouth-watering coastal Malvani lunch after he arrived at the destination of this trek, Neuti Beach. Wow, what more can you ask for!

Moon Peak Expedition This trek is perfect for those, who cannot take much out of their busy lives to suffice their thirst for adrenaline. The 5-day hike begins from McLeodganj, which is about 500 KM from New Delhi. Moon Peak is the destination of this trek; however, its highlights are the steep climbs and hiking on rocky trails. You cover a distance of about 45 KM in the course of 5 days and reach an altitude of over 15200 feet. If this trek has been on your wish list for quite some time, then let 2016 be the year, when you eliminate it from it by doing it.

Parvati Valley Trek All of you must have heard of the beautiful place called Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, but I bet most of you are still unaware of the Parvati Valley. This soothingly pure valley is the heart and soul of the Kullu district. A trek to this place will introduce you to the natural magnificence hidden here. This short, 4-day excursion will take you to Bhuntar, Kasol, Kheerganga and Malana. The trek is considered easy, so if you are concerned that your fitness might not allow you to finish this sojourn, then you can drop all your worries right now. It will take you to an altitude of almost 10000 feet and provide you with vistas of the snow-clad peaks of the Pir Panjal Range.

Indrahar Pass Trek The best thing about the Indrahar Pass trek is that unlike most other trekking trails, it can be enjoyed any time of the year. If you are looking for a moderately tough trek, wherein you can enjoy camping under the starlit Himalayan sky, then you should opt for this excursion. One night, you will be staying inside the rocky Lahesh Cave, like humans in the prehistoric times did. The highest altitude you reach on this jaunt is around 14245 feet. Yes, over five times higher than Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. This trekking trail is a little demanding; so, I suggest you work a little on your fitness before embarking on the journey.

Kanamo Peak Trek In the months of July, August, September and October, the weather of the Spiti Valley becomes extremely pleasant, when the autumn season embraces the whole state of Himachal Pradesh. This adventurous 3-day tour begins from Kaza, a quaint town, looked upon by imposing mountains. A visit to Ki or Key Monastery, the biggest Buddhist centre in the Spiti Valley, is also offered by many tour operators. In this 11 th century gompa, you can see ancient Buddhist paintings and scrolls. Now, take note that this is a proper mountaineering expedition, leading you to an altitude of around 20000 feet, so be very careful while attempting it and take all the necessary precautions.

Sham Valley Trek Whenever the word, ‘Ladakh’ is heard, our heads are filled with images of a charming barren desert with high mountain peaks and serene rivers. Imagine how amazing it would be to explore this magnificent place on foot! The 8-day long Sham Valley trek is a great choice for those who are looking for a slightly demanding challenge. What I like the most about this itinerary is that you also get to explore various tourist hotspots in the region like Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Likir Monastery, Thiksey Gompa, and the enchanting Pangong Tso.

Though there are many travel itineraries for vacation in Ladakh, I urge you to choose a trekking option. It not only lets you explore the landscape, but also allows you to feel it and develop a newfound respect for its tranquillity. If you want, you can also enjoy rafting on the gleaming waters of the Zanskar River.

Though many other trekking excursions are offered in the country, these are some great off-beat ones that you should have on your trekking list. These take you away from the hiking crowd, deep within nature and make you forget all the hassles, tensions and monotony of life.

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• Offbeat Treks
• Trek-Category

The top offbeat treks are as follows:

1. Bara Bhangal Trek

The Bara Bhangal trek is popular amongst the professional trek groups for its amazing landscape of Kalihani and Thamsar passes. It is also called as the Shepherds trek, Good for learning the technicalities of trekking, this destination is mostly said to be for experienced Mountaineers. The trek offers two trails; while one is popular the other one is challenging, that is, through the deep greenery of the charming Kullu Valley, which also at all the times gives the stunning glimpses of the Bara Bhangal peak. It is a highly thrilling trek, at the altitude above 15,000 ft and thus one of our favorites. The offbeat route to this range is completely isolated, natural and gives you an amazing detoxed, spiritual experience. You'll find yourself questioning, introspecting, retrospecting and in-tune with nature's silent melody.

2. Dhumdhar Kandi Pass Trek

This trek was once deliberately made a secret after James Baillie first got to know about it in 1815 but was soon discovered in 1987 by a team of trekkers from West Bengal who passed through it triumphantly. The path connects the Valleys of Bhagirathi and Tons and is one of the most cherished, special treks as it has its glacier resting on both the valleys, which gives crafts in two different rivers, the Yamuna and Bhagirathi. There are lush green plains, snow-covered fields, and some of the best views of Kalang, Banderpunch, Yellow Tooth, Garhwal ranges, and Swargrohini.

3. Kang Yatse Expedition

A perfectly shaped, refined peak crowned on the head of Markha Valley in Ladakh, the Kang Yatse II trek is all about dextrous traverses athwart the extremely sharp ridge of the range. It is one of the coldest trek journeys as it above 20,000 ft and requires a lot of acclimatizing before heading towards the upland. Also, as the journey makes the touristic uplanders experience the beauty and culture of the Valley as we pass beyond the villages with Lhatos which is a local deity's religious shrine, Buddhist Mani Walls, various ancient monasteries and other ruined structures, Nimaling's meadows, and also breathing in the aroma of vast tea stalls, which offers us refreshments. It's a very aesthetic and self-revealing trip for some of the passionate hikers and trekkers, who like offbeat journeys to remote areas of the Himalayan ranges. And thus, it is one of our favored ones too.

4. Hampta Circle Trek

Next in our list is Hampta Circle Trek in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh. This is one the trek's which is between easy and moderate but is still an offbeat one, but is a fitting one for both professionals and the novice, although it can be a bit excruciating for them. The path of this trek goes between the deep forests of Manali, and the Jagatsukh Valley ridge and then Prini. Both of these villages are the largest villages in the whole area. If you choose this offbeat trek, you'll see, touch and smell the beautiful deodars, oaks, pines, and birches and might also click a picture or two of the local shepherds and their herd and also of vultures, choughs, bears, colorful monals, and ibexes, etc.

Top Offbeat Treks

Basmai Pass - Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek

Kanji La Trek

Spituk Matho Trek

All offbeat treks, related blogs.

Treks By Destination

Mount Valehead Expedition

Baraadsar Lake Trek

Gaumukh Meru Glacier Trek

Lamkhaga Pass Trek

Dayara Bugyal Trek

Buran Ghati Trek

Sar Pass Trek

Barafsar Lake Trek

Gangabal Lake Trek -Largest Alpine Lake of Kashmir

Friendship Peak Expedition

Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek

Pangarchulla Summit Trek

Auden's Col Trek

Bara Bhangal Trek

Basmai - Soun Valley Trek

Devkyara Trek

Dhumdhar Kandi Pass Trek

Dodital - Darwa Pass Trek

Hanuman Tibba Expedition

Kalihani Pass Trek

Borasu Pass Trek

Kalindi Pass Trek

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Kedartal Trek

Panpatia Col Trek

Hampta Circle Trek

Traill's Pass

Warwan Valley Trek

Bali Pass Trek

Mt. Kedar Dome (6832m)

Animal Pass Trek

Kolahoi Glacier Trek

Pin Bhaba Pass Trek

Parang La Trek

Satopanth Lake Trek

Tarsar Marsar Trek

Kanchenjunga Round Trek

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Kanamo Peak Trek

Hampta Pass Trek

Prashar Lake

Nag Tibba Trek

Pin Parvati Pass Trek

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

Valley of Flowers Trek

Rupin Pass Trek

Roopkund Trek

Kuari Pass Trek

Kedarkantha Trek

Har Ki Dun Trek

Goechala trek.

Bhrigu Lake Trek

Beas Kund Trek

Patalsu Peak Trek

Brahmatal Trek

Sahastra Tal Trek

Thamsar Pass Trek

Green Lake Trek

Mount Shitidhar Climb

Bandarpunch Expedition

Ruinsara Lake Trek

Snow Leopard Photography Tour

Gulmarg Ski Course

Gangabal Lake winter expedition

Eastern Pinnacle Thajwas Summit

Umbrella Peak Expedition

Sapphire Lake Trek

Margan Lakes Trek

Salnai Lashnai Trek

Sonmos Tarsar Trek

Khemsar Yemsar Trek

Triund trek, deo tibba expedition.

ali bedni bugyal trek

Nafran Valley trek

Phulara Ridge Trek

Why go for Offbeat Treks?

Our world is becoming increasingly digital, virtual and chaotic at lightning speed with all the blue-light screens, DIY lessons and an era of robots. Humans have proved 'itself' better than any other species on the planet Earth. With the uprising of gadgets, structures, and systems human beings have made themselves very distant from there real-natural-selves. Recent studies in various fields have shown how rapidly the cases of depression are increasing because of various socio-economic-political reasons. To escape the stress of our daily routines, we take a break and go for a trip or trekking and hiking on the Himalayas (or in the global context, anywhere alike).

As the stress piles up, so does the desire to take a break. Thus more and more people aim for famous treks around the globe. Not only the tourists but also, the beginners, learners, and even professionals too at times end up at these popularly known commercialized treks throughout the Himalayan ranges. These now-famous and thus commercialized trekking trails, draw the interest of people from around the world, as they are popular, cheaper, simpler, familiar and can be done along with the large groups. These beautiful treks and the states they are in are facing increased traffic, pollution, noise, and crowd. Instead of connecting to the aura of nature and oneself, few of those who wish to have a spiritual, detoxed, disconnected and thrilling experience at these so-called isolated regions, feel engaged in the same stressful world again.

If you are someone who is quite passionate about trekking, thrill, excitement, and any physically appealing sports or if you wish to go on an "atheistic spiritual pilgrimage"; connecting to one's actual self and natural beauty of our planet, then this section is for you! Offbeat treks are non-commercialized, works in small groups and are very remote, tranquilizing and unconnected to the socialized developing/developed world zones. You'll feel like pilgriming and meditating throughout your journey.

Some of the best offbeat treks around the world are GR20 Trek in France, Inca Trail in Peru, Pays Dogon in Mali, Overland Track in Australia, Routeburn Track in New Zealand, The Narrows in the USA, etc.  But do you know that most of the world's best offbeat treks have Indian Himalayan Treks on there top charts list? And probably that's also the reason why most of these famous trails and peaks attract not only its own citizens but the Mountaineers and tourists from around the globe. It's also the reason why India has become the world's favorite tourist country. There is a kind of natural abundance of weather, cultures, extremely varied landscapes and a diverse number of plant/animal species in India.

Even after being an abode to so many famous summits and peaks, nevertheless, adored on the Himalayan ranges are some of the best offbeat treks of India, like Markha Valley Trek in Ladakh, Trek to Kanchendzonga Round Trek in Sikkim, and Talle Valley Trek in Arunachal Pradesh. These are just three of many adventurous treks on the Himalayan Ranges. Trekmunk provides its Highlanders with the service for most of the above mentioned and almost all the treks on the Himalayas in India.

These treks, geographically, ranges from Lower Himalayan Ranges to the grand and most extraordinary Greater Himalayan Ranges. State-wise, the offbeat trips that we provide will take place in Ladakh, Uttrakhand, Jammu, Kashmir, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh. Most of these treks will take around seven days to get completed. Moderate-Difficult offbeat treks might take around 10 to 15 days and nights. Further, the ultimate ones can stretch for more than two weeks. The altitude ranges from the simpler, 11,000 ft to above 20,000 ft., which are the most difficult or ultimate ones. The classification of difficulty levels is also on the basis of technique and skills at times. Most of these treks can be best experienced between the months from May to November. Some of these excursions cover the track from one state to another. Few of them would sound like the famous ones, but they are listed in offbeat because we take a different route to reach the peak.

Most of these treks will be on loftier altitudes. Trekking in higher regions is tougher as they need acclimatization as a prerequisite. Acclimatization means adjusting and adapting to one's environment and its temperatures. Higher altitudes have lower temperatures, snow-capped ranges and at times, glaciers. Some of the difficult or moderate treks have abandoned paths and alienated lands. The fields can either be lush green or completely barren. All these varied paths, their varied regions, and varied cultures will take you away from the comfort and chaos of the settled civilizations on these trips. For example, towards the North-Eastern ranges of the Himalayan region, you'll not only be able to see but feel the peace and spiritually running throughout the journey.

If you are interested in any of the words above then keep exploring. In the next few paragraphs, the precise description of a few of our preferred offbeat treks in India is given. 

Trekking is amongst those few stimulating sports, which take you closer to the significant symphony of nature. The mountains have an aura of calmness in them. Indian mountain ranges are not only the natural defensive wall for the nation but metaphorically it is also an expression of the country's "offbeat-ness" in its extremely incredible cultures, epic history, tranquil spirituality, and awe-striking diversity. Mountaineering on these remarkable ranges and especially in an offbeat way is an experience you'll remember forever. On top of this, the ranges provide an endless number of trails, still unexplored and who knows, your group will be the next one to discover them!

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India's Best Offbeat Treks: Explore the Mountains Like Never Before

Embark on offbeat treks in the Indian Himalayas and discover hidden gems. From the serene lakes of Tarsar Marsar to the panoramic views of Singalila Ridge, these treks offer adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and a chance to connect with nature. Explore the mountains of India like never before with these offbeat trekking experiences.

Embarking on a thrilling adventure through the rugged terrains of the Indian Himalayas is a dream come true for any avid trekker. While popular treks like the Roopkund Trek and Valley of Flowers attract hordes of tourists each year, there's a certain charm in exploring lesser-known paths that offer a more authentic and offbeat experience. In this article, we will delve into some of India's best offbeat treks that allow you to connect with nature, discover hidden gems, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

• Tarsar Marsar Trek:

Located in the picturesque region of Kashmir, the Tarsar Marsar Trek is a mesmerizing journey through alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and towering snow-capped peaks. This offbeat trail takes you deep into the heart of the Kashmiri wilderness, offering breathtaking views of the Tarsar and Marsar lakes. Traverse through untouched forests, encounter local Gujjar communities, and camp under starlit skies, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the Kashmir Valley.

• Phulara Ridge Trek:

Nestled in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, the Phulara Ridge Trek is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This offbeat trail offers a thrilling experience for adventure enthusiasts, with its rugged terrains, dense forests, and panoramic vistas. Trek along the picturesque Phulara Ridge, soak in the breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, and witness the charm of remote Himalayan villages along the way. The Phulara Ridge Trek promises an immersive and intimate encounter with nature.

• Pin Parvati Pass Trek:

For seasoned trekkers seeking a challenging adventure, the Pin Parvati Pass Trek in Himachal Pradesh is an excellent choice. This offbeat trail takes you across the Pin Parvati Pass, connecting the lush green Parvati Valley with the barren landscapes of Spiti. Be prepared for a rigorous journey as you navigate through steep ascents, glaciers, and stunning high-altitude landscapes. Experience the thrill of crossing the pass at an altitude of over 17,000 feet and witness the dramatic transformation of the terrain along the way.

• Singalila Ridge Trek:

The Singalila Ridge Trek, located in the eastern Himalayas, offers panoramic views of four of the world's highest peaks: Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. This offbeat trek takes you through the Singalila National Park, home to rare flora and fauna. Experience the magical sight of vibrant rhododendron forests in bloom, encounter remote Sherpa villages, and camp at scenic viewpoints that offer breathtaking sunrise and sunset vistas. The Singalila Ridge Trek is a nature lover's paradise.

India's offbeat treks offer a unique and unparalleled experience for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Exploring these lesser-known paths allows you to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the mountains. From the stunning lakes of Tarsar Marsar to the rugged landscapes of Phulara Ridge, each offbeat trek offers its own charm and surprises. So, pack your backpack, lace up your boots, and get ready to explore the mountains of India like never before. Embark on these offbeat treks and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Amazing Offbeat Treks in India

Trekking is one of the best adventure sports for adrenaline junkies as this pumps up their heartbeat and lets them experience the hidden spellbinding beauty of nature. With its diverse terrains, the mystic lands of India feature uncountable trails that were explored by countless people as part of India our packages . However, there are still a few hidden and undiscovered trails in India where you can encounter new challenges, understand the local cultures of unknown valleys, interact with residents of quaint villages to know their skills and techniques for surviving through extreme conditions. If you are an offbeat traveler and looking for unexplored expeditions, try these amazing offbeat treks in India.

Hampta Pass Trek

Perched at an altitude of 4,270 m, Hampta Pass is a small passage between the Lahaul Chandra Valley and Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the most popular offbeat places for trekking in India which commences from Manali, one of the best places to visit near Chandigarh . The pass derives its name from the tiny hamlet Hampta, snuggled in the laps of the Kullu Valley. This pass is frequently used by shepherds of the lower Himalayan region, seeking high-altitude grasslands in the summer, when the dry cold desert of Lahaul is barren. Suiting both novice and proficient trekkers, the trail begins at Manali ending at the stark Lahaul valley. The entire trail passes through dense pinewood forests, endless green meadows, rustling mountain streams, daunting mountains, beautiful valleys, and serene lakes. Among the top things to do in Manali , this easy to moderate trek offers you an exquisite sight of the mighty snow-carpeted Himalayas.

Chadar Trek

Situated in Ladakh’s Zanskar Valley, the Chadar Trek is a winter expedition when the Zanskar River transforms into an icy sheet.  It is amongst the challenging and tricky treks in the world as the trekkers are expected to walk on a frozen river. The trek involves great technical knowledge and strength for the trekker to complete the full route that envelops the Zanskar Valley. The surreal beauty of the icy world, the muted sound of waters, the freezing temperatures and the thrill to have achieved it all make this 62 km long trail one of the best offbeat treks in India. Though it seems a challenging trek, it isn’t the most difficult as it is a flat walk along the Chadar with minimal amounts of climbing. So, if you are an adventure lover, then visit Ladakh during the winter months to do the trek that gives a lifetime experience as part of Ladakh Tour Packages.

Japfu Peak Trek

Nestled amidst emerald green mountains and gorgeous valleys, Japfu Peak is the second highest peak in Nagaland. The beautiful trail in Kohima is one of the most beautiful and lesser-known treks in India . The Japfu Peak trek through the untouched valleys of Nagaland is a treat for trekkers who are looking for unexplored treks in the North-East. The peak presents spectacular views of the Dzukou Valley, greenery as far as the eye can see, meadows of rhododendrons, colorful mountain flowers, and rare birds. One can also capture a glimpse of the tallest rhododendron tree that has a height of 130 ft. on this expedition. Zakhama is the base camp for this beautiful trek and is well connected with other cities.

Nag Tibba Trek

Resting at an altitude of 3,022 m, Nag Tibba is the highest peak in the lower Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. Nag Tibba Trek is one of the popular unexplored treks in India and among the best weekend getaways from Delhi .  It is one of the easiest trails in the Himalayas that starts near Mussoorie and takes you through the dense forests. It offers grand views of the clouds kissing the mountain tops, snow-covered peaks like Himalayan ranges such as Swargrohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, Srikantha, Gangotri, and lush valleys dotted with small hamlets. One can also see the Kedarnath peak in the north, Doon valley, and the snow peaks of Changabang. Among the best things to do in Mussoorie , this relatively unknown trail is a good fit for trekkers who want to have an adventure over the weekend.

Phuktal Monastery Trek

Phuktal Monastery is an ancient Buddhist monastery located in Lungnak valley, the isolated valley of Zanskar, Ladakh. Settled over a cliff beside the Tsarap River, this 15th-century monastery is shaped like a honeycomb, and can only be reached by trek that takes you through secluded terrains of the Zanskar valley. Regarded as one of the unexplored treks in India, it can be covered in nearly 7-8 days. Once you reach the monastery situated at an altitude of about 3850 m, you can take a deeper look at the Buddhist cultures and customs. Padum is the base location for the Phuktal Monastery Trek. You can reach Padum from Kargil or through the road via Srinagar Leh Highway. The best time to go for this trek is from June to October.

Miyar Valley Trek

Miyar Valley Trek is another unexplored trek in India located in the remote region of Lahaul. This valley hangs quietly, escaping the attention of the trekkers. Nomadic Gaddi herders with their sheep and goats are the only regular visitors to these pastures crisscrossed by slender glacial rivers. This trek is a great alternative to the Roopkund trek for its fabulous views and is best for beginners who don’t want to put extraordinary physical effort but still want to get a glimpse of the treasures. With a maximum altitude of 13100 ft, trekking along the pristine trail of Miyar Valley is an ideal way to witness the true colors of Himachal and Ladakh as part of Himachal Tour Packages . Breathtaking horizon and rejuvenating vista make this challenging trek in the Himalayan region an eternal journey for a lifetime.

Milam Glacier Trek

Milam Glacier is a well-known glacier located in Kumaon Himalayas. If you love to walk on glaciers, then this is one of the best ways to fulfill your dream by trekking. This glacier is the source of the River Goriganga. With a 27 km long trail, it is the longest glacier in the Kumaon Himalayas, and it takes around 10 days to complete the trail. Traverse through dense forest, and gaze at the night sky with never-ending sparkles, it is one of the best ways to spend some time in the lap of nature as part of Uttarakhand Tour Packages .

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Top 10 Offbeat Treks of Uttarakhand & Himachal

Top 10 offbeat treks of uttarakhand & himachal that you can next explore against their popular counterparts.

  Har Ki  Dun trek  |  Bali Pass trek   |  Phulara Ridge Trek  |  Kedarkantha Trek |   Gaumukh Tapovan  trek   |  Kashmir Great Lakes  trek  |  Valley of Flowers trek   |  Nag Tibba Trek  |   Kuari Pass trek  |  CHOPTA CHANDRASHILA TREK | Winter Kedarkantha Trek   | Kedarkantha Trek in January  |  Winter Dayara Bugyal |  Dayara Bugyal trek  

Trekking has become immensely popular activity in the recent years, and alongside many treks that were once considered remote, are now way too commerical. Here we bring you alternatives to these popular Uttarakhand Treks

Why should you choose an offbeat trek?

Let’s admit it, many of us who go for a trek are willing to explore the untouched wilderness and find solitude from the rush that our cities now a days present before us. However imagine this, you plan your favorite trek and set out to explore, only to find a few hundered if not more than a thousand trekkers (yes that happens on popular treks) on the route. Choosing a less popular trek offers you that solitude you seek, and untouched landscape that gets as photogenic as it can, with the chance to spot numerous wild species of Flora and Fauna (with caution as to not leave any trace behind). Furthermore it gives you a tale to talk about, I remember one of my professors guiding me to Ruinsara Lake in 2014, a trek that he had explored in 1980’s, almost 30 years ago. I can only imagine how different that experience would have been. Exploring the Ruinsara Lake in 2014 was an amazing experience in itself as there was barely a trail present across most sections, wild flowers in abundance, not a mark of any humans nearby and  we were able to spot a Himalayan Black Bear on the way.

Our top offbeat treks in Uttarakhand and Himachal, against their popular counterparts or neighboring treks

1. trek to phulara ridge over kedarkantha.

Phulara ridge is a trek that has started getting the attention of trekkers only recently, especially since India Hikes introduced it to their wider trekkers community. The ridge runs all the way from the Kedarkantha peak in the west to Pushtar meadows in the east direction, and offers panoramic views from uptop on either sides. It is a unique trek for such trekkable ridges are very few in the Himalayas, especially not as long as this one. While the Kedarkantha trek can see many hundered trekkers on any given day during the peak season, Phulara Ridge has scarce number of trekkers attempting the beautiful trek. With same duration of 6 days from Dehradun, the trek is further a better choice as we start from Sankri and end the trek at Taluka, without repeating any section of the trek, unlike Kedarkantha where we return back to Sankri from the same route. This gives us a new view on every single day, similar to a pass.

2. Trek to Pin Bhaba Pass  instead of Rupin Pass

It is undeniably true that Rupin Pass is one of the most beautiful treks in not just Uttarakhand but the entire Indian Himalayas, with breathtaking meadows lined with rhododendrons, bhojptra and pine forests, raging streams and rivers and a campsite surrounded by an arc of tall cliffs with waterfalls cascading from the top. The landscape is outwordly or rather heavenly, with the thrill of a steep ascent to the pass followed by a descent to the magical Kinnaur, the semi arid landscape and meadows as far as the eyes can see. The beauty is difficult to match, but Pin Bhaba has quite the tricks up its sleeves. Whereas the Rupin pass ends in Kinnaur at Sangla, the Pin Bhaba pass starts in Kinnaur and end in Spiti. The concrete clad village of Kafnu, marked by its hydel power plants is very quickly left behind for the remotest of the landscapes, with meadows comparable to the might of Kashmir and alpine delta seen rarely on any treks. The real charm of the trek however lies in the magical land of Spiti once we cross the pass and the ever changing hues leave the trekkers in awe and fascination, with Yaks grazing the pasture lands. A true nomads land.

3. Trek to Fachu Kandi Pass  rather than Hampta Pass or Sar Pass

Hampta Pass is a famous trekking route, known for its changing landscape and dramatic conclusion in the landscape of Lahaul at Chatru Dhaba. Albeit the commericalization of the route has rendered the trek less attaractive to those seeking remoteness. Fachu Kandi is rarely heard about, a trek that connects to the popular Sankri village to Yamunotri valley at Hanuman Chatti. The major attraction? The trek goes through Phulara ridge, we camp at Pusthara Meadows, we camp at an alpine tarn (lake) situated above 4,100 meters, i.e. Saru Tal and crossover the pass which is very similar to the altitude of Hampta Pass or Sar Pass. The chances of running into other trekkers is bare minimal, as even the locals no longer use this route to travel to the neighboring valley.

4. Trek to Dev Kyara over Har Ki Dun Valley

Dev Kyara was explored by prominent Indian mountaineer Harish Kapadia, attempting Ranglana Peak, and exploring other high rise mountain tops in this region. Running parallel to the Har Ki Dun valley, Dev Kyara meadows are very lush and beautiful with the Obra Gad ferociously flowing downwards and eventually into Tons. There is even a remote pass that connects it to the Har Ki Dun valley. On the trek to Dev Kyara you will be surpised at the sight of not just a few but over 20 Waterfalls along the way and massive valley views, unlike the smaller counterpart at Har Ki Dun.

5. Trek to Baralacha La and skip Buran Ghati

A trek that begins from a Pass and ends at a Pass, it may sound confusing at first but the Baralacha La which is a delight and challenge for motorists plying to Ladakh from Manali, can be trekked from Kunzum La, another challenging pass on the motor route to Spiti. From Kunzum La we descend to Chandra Tal or the moon lake, traversing the remote high altitude region, consecutively reaching Baralacha La. The trek is of 4 days albeit the high altitude of Chandra Tal and Kunzum La require an acclimatization stay at Chattru. This is a very remote trekking route and one should trek carefully along this route as it has a few river crossings on the way.

6. Trek to Satopanth Lake instead of Gaumukh Tapovan

Satopanth lake, with its emerald colored water, is known for both its religious significance and beauty. According to a Hindu belief, the three Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh bathe in this lake. Another legend says that some mysterious birds clean away any dirt which falls in it. The Swargarohini glacier is visible from here too. Myths apart, the lake is at close proximity to the peaks of Chaukhamba, Nilkantha and Balakun. From the remote village of Mana, the lake lies at a trekking distance of around 22 km. Satopanth lake is in the middle of glacial moraines comprising boulders. Some grassy patches surround the lake from late summer to early autumn.

7. Explore Ali and Bedni Bugyal rather than Dayara Bugyal

Roopkund has been perhaps the most popular trek of all time, but the ban by Judicial system has made it impossible to trek to Roopkund anymore, without breaking the laws. This is decreased the footfall of trekkers considerably in the region. However people can still trek to the immense and beautiful meadows of Ali and Bedni, which are a great alternate to Dayara Bugyal.

8. Go to Pangarchulla and not just Kuari Pass

Kuari Pass is a very popular trek, and perhaps the only prominent Mountain Pass that can be trekked in winters. The real charm of the Trek however, can be increased manifold if you decide to scale up the Pangarchulla Peak, which is rarely attempted by trekkers visiting Kuari Pass. It will add a days trek to the itinerary and for the seasoned trekkers it can be done in the same number of days, as Kuari Pass. The views are amazing from up top the Pangarchulla peak rising to 4,570 meters, higher than many passes.

9. Skip Nagtibba and Trek to  Devban  (or Deoban)

Nag Tibba is a popular weekend getaway for the residents of north Indian states. A ridge peak ahead of Mussoorie, it offers panoramic 360 degree views, but on the contrary it can be crowded, especially on weekends. Deoban is a trek restricted to Indians only due to a militarily sensitive zone, with protected pine forests and grasslands. Starting from Chakrata the trek can be done in 2 Days from Dehradun. The beautiful Tiger falls can be visited as well.

10. Plan trekking expedition to  Dhumdhar Kandi Pass instead of Audens’ Col

With almost same altitude a few meters short of 5,500 meters, either of these two treks are not well known among beginner trekkers. However the seasoned trekker sure has Audens col on his/her bucket list. Audens Col is a very challenging pass connecting the Rudragira and Bhilangna valleys. Similarly Dhumdhar Kandi Connects the Ruinsara valley to Gangotri Valley. Both the passes require traversing glaciers replete with crevasses. While there are many teams attempting Audens col every season, the same cannot be said about Dhumdhar Kandi, with a team crossing the pass in a few years. The pass shares its base camp with Kala Nag (6,387 m) peaks’ base camp, with the peak being heighest in the region, it sure is an exciting journey.

Uttarakhand Treks | treks in Uttarakhand | Treks from Dehradun | trekking in Dehradun | Trekking companies in Dehradun | Har Ki  Dun trek | Bali Pass trek | Phulara Ridge Trek | Kedarkantha Trek | Dayara Bugyal trek | Gaumukh Tapovan  trek | Kashmir Great Lakes  trek | Valley of Flowers trek | Nag Tibba Trek

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Offbeat and new winter treks in India

Home » Trek Insights » Offbeat and new winter treks in India

• November 4, 2020 July 21, 2021
• Saptarshi Roy
• Trek Insights

This article aims to boost alternate and new options for winter treks in India, especially if you:

• Have already hiked to one or many of the most popular winter treks in India.
• Think that popular snow trails are often crowded, especially during peak holidays and festive seasons.
• Wish to explore offbeat and pristine trails with your friends or family during winters.

In continuation to our best winter treks in India , here we will list some alternate yet beautiful and serene treks on the Himalayas. These are perfectly suitable in winters, i.e. between the month of December to February. Be it for the clear weather and crystal views, or for the chance of walking on snow. Both the experienced and beginners can enjoy most of these alternate winter treks.

Among many parameters our new winter trails are at par with the usual and popular winter trekking trails, e.g.:

• Similar maximum altitudes
• relative grading of the treks or physical endurance that you need
• snow and cold conditions
• or simply the beauty of the trail and nature.

Why trekkers and travellers really look at the new winter trek routes?

In recent years hikers are literally dumped on “slopes” within “slots” of the very popular winter trekking destinations. Trekkers stand in a queue towards the summit or huddle in a camping ground! However if you skip the busiest season or avoid rushing on weekends, things can be quite different. Here  is a very likely picture during high season, i.e. between mid December to end of January.

Amid COVID pandemic, these trails are evermore sought after options. Apart from the tranquillity you will find, these trails are probably more safer for you who are tentative about trekking during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

Our new winter trek routes will surely stand out and we hope that you will like these trails to explore.

A note to the beginners: During winters you need to be careful about your clothing and other protective gears as  minimum temperature can plummet to -10°C. Snow conditions can make things even more challenging. At the same time it is fun with adequate preparation. Consult with us for suggestions or any advice or clarifications. Also you need to be in a physical condition that you can be comfortable to hike 5/6 hours along with your backpack, on a strenuous day.

A note on snow conditions: Uttarakhand treks or in general western Himalayan treks get significantly more snow during winters than treks in Sikkim or Eastern Himalayas.  This is due to the southerly latitude of Eastern Himalayas. Thick cover of snow is rare in Sikkim or Darjeeling treks while snow patches are more common.

In general later winter months will accumulate more snow, i.e. January or February. be it in eastern or western Himalayas.

Now let us go through these fascinating new winter treks in brief with photos.

Bedni Bugyal as a winter trek:

Duration: 6 days Region: Uttarakhand Where to reach: Kathgodam, return via Haridwar/Dehradun/Kathgodam. Grade: Easy Maximum altitude: 3800 m/12500 ft Suitable for: Beginners and experienced hikers, the climb to Ali Bugyal may be a bit strenuous. Stay type: Camping and homestay/lodge. Snow conditions: January and February Tour attractions: Pahadi village, homestay, climb inside Oak and Rhododendron forest, beautiful stretch of walk on sprawling alpine meadows of Ali Bugyal and Bedni Bugyal, Bedni Kund and temple, fantastic views of mighty snow clad peaks stretching from Mrigthuni to Chaukhamba while a few are very close.

Phoktey Dara Trek:

Duration: 7 days Region: Sikkim Where to reach: NJP/Bagdogra/Siliguri Grade: Easy Maximum altitude: 3700 m/12150 ft Suitable for: Beginners and experienced hikers, couple of days have relatively long walk. Stay type: Camping and homestay/lodge at base camp Snow conditions: Rare, usually one or two low to moderate snowfall during January/February. Tour attractions: Most pristine trek of Sikkim inside Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, greenery throughout the year, serene campsites with incredible views of Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse and other snow peaks, views of Sleeping Buddha, Uttarey monastery, Singshore Bridge, Dentam Cheese Factory. (you man add Pelling as a side trip as well)

Note: Snow fall is rare and in usually in low amount. You should consider this trek during winters not because of the snow but the clear weather and magnificent views it produces.

Dodital and Darwa pass trek :

Duration: 6 days Region: Uttarakhand Where to reach: Dehradun Grade: Easy, somewhat challenging climb to Darwa top and back. Maximum altitude: 4100 m/13450 ft Suitable for: Beginners and experienced hikers, the climb to Darwa top is a moderate grade day. Stay type: Camping and homestay/lodge. Snow conditions: January and February Tour attractions: Pahadi village and monsoon shelters, sweet forest walk inside conifers, a pristine fairly large alpine lake nestled inside forest, Ganesha temple (the per legend the lake is birthplace of Ganesha), snowy peaks, challenging day hike to Darwa top and back, option to stay in the Forest rest house at Dodital.

Bajre Dara trek

Duration: 5 days Region: Sikkim Where to reach: NJP/Bagdogra/Siliguri Grade: Easy Maximum altitude: 3350 m/11000 ft Suitable for: Beginners and experienced hikers, some portion of the trail is not well marked. Stay type: Camping and homestay/lodge at base camp Snow conditions: Occasional, usually one or two low to moderate snowfall during January/February. Tour attractions: Sikkimese village and homestay, greenery throughout the year, Rhododendron and bamboo forests, aerial view of Khecheopalri Lake, serene campsites with incredible views of Kanchenjunga and other snow peaks, homestay around Darap village or Pelling as a side trip.

Deoriatal Chandrashila trek

Duration: 6 days Region: Uttarakhand Where to reach: Dehradun Grade: Easy Maximum altitude: 3800 m/12500 ft Suitable for: Beginners and experienced hikers, the climb to Ali Bugyal may be a bit strenuous. Stay type: Basic lodge, homestay, dhaba etc. Snow conditions: Mid December to mid March Tour attractions: short hike to Deoriatal with magnificent view of Chaukhamba and other mountains, Chopta is often regarded Switzerland of India, pristine forest inside Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary, Tunganath the highest Shiva temple, summit to Chandrashila peak, panoramic extravaganza of snow clad mountains.

Dzongri as winter trek :

Duration: 9 days Region: Sikkim Where to reach: NJP/Bagdogra/Siliguri Grade: Moderate Maximum altitude: 4150 m/13612 ft Suitable for: Experienced hikers, we don’t recommend beginners on this trail during winters. Stay type: Camping and homestay/lodge at base camp Snow conditions: Low to moderate, usually one or two low to moderate snowfall during January/February. Tour attractions: Incredible mountain views, Kanchenjunga massif , Kabru group, Pandim and other peaks, lovely forest walk inside Kanchendzongha National Park, high altitude lake, monasteries, high altitude trek in winters.

Note: During winters a moderate level snow fall between 6 inch to a feet can make this trail challenging both for the trekkers and packed animals/support team. Consult with us thoroughly on different situations which may arise in winters.

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11 Amazing Offbeat Treks in India

Trekking is one of the most cherished introductions to the mountains. Trekking in India is an experience of a lifetime. The country promises a number of exhilarating treks, and they are not just the touristy trails but also some thrilling offbeat ones.

Imagine the excitement of hiking up on trails never or very little visited before, to witness some marvels of nature and to have experience something that only few have dared.

For a taste of the thrill of trekking like never before, try the amazing offbeat treks in India.

1. Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh

Located in the icy peaks of Himachal Pradesh , The Hampta Pass trek is one of the best adventures in India. Suiting both novice and proficient trekkers, the offbeat trek is an amazing trail of picturesque beauty, endurance, and love of mountains.

The trail begins at Manali and ends at the stark Lahaul valley. Pass through lush greenery, alpine forests, grasslands, and glaciers, all the while enjoying undisturbed views of the mighty snow-carpeted Himalayas. Make a stop at Chandertaal Lake and enjoy pristine snow on most of the trail.

Come summer and Hampta Pass group tours mark the calendar. Seek to escape the daily lives and enjoy the bliss of the mountains.

Altitude: 14,100 feet above sea level

Approximate Trekking Distance: 26 kilometers

Duration: 4-5 Days

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Best Season: May and June

Route: Jobra – Jwara – Balu ka Ghera – Hampta Pass – Shea Goru – Chhatru

[Check-out 5 Days Hampta Pass Trekking Package]

2. Roopkund Trek, Uttarakhand

One of the lesser-known treks in India, the Roopkund trek is named after a glacial lake in Uttarakhand . Known as the Skeleton Lake, it’s shrouded in mysteries. A trek to Roopkund is not just known for adventure, but also for spiritual beliefs.

Enjoy the view of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas as you hike through verdant alpine forests, mountain passes, and glaciers. Frozen most of the year, the lake defrosts after summer and one can see several hundred human skeletons in the water.

Altitude: 14,638 feet above sea level

Approximate Trekking Distance: 53 kilometers

Duration: 7- 9 Days

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

Best Season: May to June and September to October.

Route: Loharjung – Didna Village – Ali Bugyal – Ghora Lotani – Bhagwabasa – Roopkund – Bhagwabasa – Loharjung – Bedini Bugyal

3. Chadar Trek, Zanskar, Kashmir

The ultimate trekking adventure in India, the Chadar Trek in Ladakh is only for the brave ones. In the winter months, the Zanskar River transforms into an icy sheet hence the name ‘Chadar’. To walk over the thick blanket of ice on the river is considered to be one of the most challenging tricky treks in the world.

The surreal beauty of the icy world, the muted sound of waters, the freezing temperatures and the thrill of having achieved it all make it one of the best offbeat treks in India.

Altitude: 11,123 feet above sea level

Approximate Trekking Distance: 75 kilometers

Duration: 9 – 11 Days

Difficulty Level: Challenging

Best Season: January and February

Route: Tilad Do – Shingra Koma – Tibb Cave – Naerak – Tibb Cave – Shingra Koma

[Explore Chadar Trek in Zanskar with this package]

4. Nag Tibba Trek, Uttarakhand

Nag Tibba is a trekkers’ delight. One of the easiest trails in the Himalayas, it offers grand views of the clouds kissing the mountain tops, snow-covered peaks, and lush valleys dotted with small hamlets.

The trail starts near Mussoorie is one of the best weekend treks from Delhi . The scenic offbeat trek in India takes you through dense forests rich in flora and fauna. Accompanying you on trial are stunning views of Bandarpoonch Peak, the Gangotri group of peaks, Kedarnath Peak, Doon Valley, and the snow peaks of Changabang.

Altitude: 9,915 feet above sea level

Trek length: 16 kilometers

Duration: 2 Days

Difficulty Level: Easy

Best Season: Throughout the year.

Route: Panthwari – Camp 1 – Nag Tibba Base – Nag Tibba Top – Panthwari

5. The Bhrigu Lake Trek, Himachal Pradesh

Next on our list of the top lesser-known treks in India is the Bhrigu Lake trail. Blessed with spectacular beauty, it’s an ideal weekend trek that promises thrill to both beginners as well as experienced hikers.

Why we suggest this trail is, it will take you to the unique alpine meadows at such a lower altitude of the Himalayas that too in such a short time. Pass through the lush Manali Valley, reaching the holy lake. Pitch your camps on the lake shores. Enjoy the pure bliss of mountains and spend time stargazing like never before.

You can plan group trek tours to Bhrigu Lake as soon as summer arrives. Plan outings with friends or even strangers that become companions on the trek.

Altitude: 4270 m above sea level

Trek length: 22 kilometers

Duration: 4 Days

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Best Season: May to October

Route: Gulaba – Rola Khuli – Bhrigu Lake – Rola Khuli – Gulaba

6. The Parashar Lake Trek, Himachal Pradesh

Next on the list of treks is, Parashar Lake , another scenic and thrilling yet offbeat trek in Himachal Pradesh. The trail takes trekkers through the awe-inspiring scenery of the Kullu Valley. For company on your journey, you have breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, and Kinnaur mountain ranges. After a day of walking and enjoying mountain scenery set camp at the lake banks.

The twinkling stars in the dark sky are a cherished experience and are one of the best memories of trekking in India.

Altitude: 2,730 m above sea level

Trek length: 15 kilometers

Difficulty Level: Easy To Moderate

Best Season: Throughout the year

Route: Mandi – Baggi – Parashar Lake

7. The Phuktal Monastery Trek, Ladakh, J&K

The remote Phuktal Monastery in Ladakh is one of the best lesser-known treks in India . The ancient Buddhist monastery is shaped like a honeycomb settled over a cliff over the Tsarap River. The monastery can only be reached by foot. The journey takes you through some of the secluded and remarkable places of the Zanskar Valley .

The far away from everything location leaves you nothing but all the peace and solitude you can ask for from Mother Nature. The 15th-century monastery is where you can truly feel the divine bliss.

Altitude: 3850 m above sea level

Trek length: 65 km (approx.)

Duration: 7-8 days

Best Season: July to September

Route: Raru – Chatang – Purne – Phuktal – Purne – Anmu – Raru

8. Kheer Ganga Trek, Himachal Pradesh

Named among the easiest trails in the Himalayas, next on our list is the Kheer Ganga Trek. The secret of the Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh is a charming yet lesser-known trek in India. Set amid the picturesque beauty of the Himalayas, the journey is unmatched bliss.

Hike through the lush greenery dotted with waterfalls and other scenic sights. Birds, rare flowers, and awe-inspiring views keep you company. At the end of the trail is the hot water springs, where you can take a therapeutic dip as the waters are said to have healing properties.

Altitude: 3050 m above sea level

Trek length: 21 km

Best Season: May to November.

Route: Barshaini – Rudra Nag – Kheerganga – Barshaini

9. Japfu Peak Trek, Nagaland

Next, we come to one of the most beautiful yet lesser-known treks in North East India, the Japfu Peak. The beautiful trail in Kohima , Nagaland is sure to enchant you. The hike to the peak is a soothing treat to your senses.

Also Read : Best time to visit Kohima

The highest point in Nagaland, the peak presents spectacular views of the Dzukou Valley, greenery as far as the eye can see, meadows of rhododendrons, colorful mountain flowers, rare birds, and the most important highlight, the tallest rhododendron tree in the world, at 130 ft.

Altitude: 3048 m above sea level

Trek length: 17 km

Best Season: October to May

Route: Kohima – Zakhama – Dzukou Valley – Viswema Village – Japfu Base Camp – Japfu Peak

Further reading: How to reach Kohima

• Nagaland Tribal Tour
• Hornbill Festival Tour Package
• Assam Nagaland Tour
• 3 Days Hornbill Festival Tour
• Nagaland Cultural Tour

10. Valley Of Flowers, Uttarakhand

The Valley of Flowers , Uttarakhand is one of the top treks in India. The entire trail is through the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The site remains open only during the rainy season. The rains are magical here as the region gets covered in a colorful carpet of beautiful flowers of around 300 species in every shade.

Colorful butterflies, birds, and rare animals like Musk Deer add to the charm. The holy shrine of the Hemkunt Sahib is also one of the highlights of the scenic trek.

Elevation: 3858 m/12654 feet above sea level

Duration: 7 Days

Approximate Trekking Distance: 38 kilometers.

Route: GovindGhat – Ghangaria – Hemkund – Ghangaria – Valley of Flowers – Ghangaria – GovindGhat

11 .  Deo Tibba Trek, Himachal Pradesh

In one word, Deo Tibba trek is spectacular. One of the most beautiful treks in Himachal Pradesh, this trail passes through diverse flora and fauna. Pass through lush forests, glaciers and rivers, each opening up to the pictorial delights of Himachal Pradesh. The view of snow covered peaks like Indrasen and Deo Tibba make the adventure blissful.

Snowfall stops in the summer months, making it possible to explore. If the mountains call you, embark upon a group tour to Deo Tibba . Plan a short getaway with your favorite people and off you go in search of bliss.

Altitude: 14000 ft. above sea level

Approximate Trekking Distance: 36 kilometers

Duration: 5-6 Days

Route: Manali – Jagatsukh – Sarotu Thach – Lamadug- Raori Kholi – Pyangneru – Jobhri Nala – Manali

[Browse though our tastefully crafted Adventure Tour Packages in India]

Related Posts: Offbeat Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh 15 Offbeat Places to Visit in Kerala 12 Offbeat Places to Visit in Karnataka 8 Offbeat Places to visit in Gujarat 25 Offbeat Destinations in India for an Awesome Experience

Debashree Chakraborty

A travel writer by profession and self-professed addict to literature and travelling. Go through her penned down travel experiences on indianholiday.com

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Recent comments.

Good list but more treks from Northeast India should be covered. Also, Mt. Japfu isn’t the highest peak of Nagaland, Mt. Saramati (3841m) is.

Way you write is awesome. Please write for trekking in monsoon.

Thank you for your kind words! Keep on following our blogs for more such informative posts in the future.

Nicely written. Love to see more articles on other treks.

Thank you for your kind words. For more interesting posts on India travel & tourism do follow our blog.

thank u for the information 🙂

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7 stunning and offbeat treks of Himachal Pradesh

Put on your trekking shoes and rejoice in the beauty of these offbeat treks of himachal pradesh ., cradled in the lap of the mighty himalayas , himachal pradesh is a trekkers’ paradise., its green, cloud-filled valleys surrounded by snow-clad mountains offer a myriad of scenic trails ..

Quintessential streams running by the apple orchards charm the trekker. Blue skies stretch over towering high deodar trees, traditional Himachali villages and fluffy white clouds nestle in valleys and mountain tops … what a paradise to trek through and what a memorable experience you can take away with you.

F or years now, Himachal has been attracting trekkers from all around the world. With that said, there are still numerous trails that sit in solitude yet to be explored.

If you are someone who has a taste for untouched natural trails, away from the crowd, these trails are just for you., grahan village trek, this 12kms trek from kasol to grahan village, which is located at a height of 2,347 m in parvati valley, is a trek straight out of a fairy tale book..

It is an easy forest trail that moves alongside the Grahan Nallah (stream), which is a beautiful sight on its own. It takes around 5 hours to reach the village.

And only towards the end of the trail comes the difficult uphill part, which is rewarded by the spectacular vista of mountains as you enter the village. Grahan is mystical and is closely related to Malana and its legend.

Unlike Kasol, Graham remains untouched, tucked away in nature. The village has got no cellular network which gives the feeling of going back in time. There are around 50 houses in total with some being 200 years old. So, if you are someone looking for solitude, away from the crowd , this could be your special place to unwind.

Rasol Village Trek

Located high up in the mountain top of Parvati Valley is this small hamlet village of Rasol. It is located at a height of 3,048 m and the trail is mostly uphill. The trek starts from the nearby village of Chalal and takes you up a steep mountain covered by red and pink rhododendron trees.

It is a moderate trek and takes about 5-6 hours to reach the top. On reaching the top, one can see the majestic view of Sar Pass and Khali Pass.

Dev roopa trek.

One of the most off-beat treks of Himachal is the trek to the mystical meadows of Dev Roopa. Visited by a few and described as a heaven on Earth , Dev Roopa gives you an unearthly feeling.

It is a vast grassland with meandering streams running through the meadow. This trail would even make you camp out with shepherds. The trek begins from the famous Malana Village, known to be the descendants of the famous warrior, Alexander the Great. It then leads to the Rhododendron laid trail of Waichin Valley, and finally after 3 to 4 days of trekking, one can witness the magic of Dev Roopa.

Located at a height of 4,100 m, at the foot of the Tiger Hills, Dev Roopa will leave you speechless.

Patalsu peak trek.

Located at a height of 4,220 meters in Kullu Valley, Patalsu Peak is a perfect summit trek for a novice trekker. It is an easy-moderate trek and ideal for trekkers preparing for summit climbs.

The trail starts from Solang Valley and takes you through the alpine forests and lush green meadows of the valley. From the summit, one can get a panoramic view of the beautiful Kullu valley and majestic peaks like Hanuman Tibba, Friendship Peak, etc. The accessibility, ease of climb, and breathtaking views from the top make it the perfect beginners’ summit trek.

Kareri Lake Trek

Kareri Lake Trek is located at a height of roughly 2,950 m in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra region. The Lake here is a result of the flowing water bodies from the Minkiani peak and is surrounded by mountains and alpine forests.

The journey to Kareri Lake is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most stunning alpine hikes, passing through verdant meadows and multiple rushing streams.

The Lord Shiva temple, which is worth a visit, is another attraction of the trek. Towards the latter half of the trail, the forest gives way to stony grasslands, which run beside the lake-fed Nyund Nallah, which acts as both a guide and a pleasant companion.

Thachi Valley Trek

Thachi Valley is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most secluded and scenic places. It is located in the Mandi district, at an altitude of 3,000 m. The location is surrounded by vast forests of deodar, pine, and tosh trees, displaying pristine natural splendour.

This spot is a dream come true for hikers looking for a wide-angle vista of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar Ranges.

Another attraction is Guchi or yellow morel mushrooms , endemic to the region. A magnificent and unspoiled valley, nestled amid the peaks that overlook the Great Himalayan National park , this is the ideal setting for a getaway in the lap of nature .

Pabbar Valley Trek

This is one of the most unexplored valleys in Himachal and a perfect for first-time hikers. The valley is located near Shimla and has numerous trails running through the valley.

Most of these trails start from the little town of Rohru. The journey connects Shimla district to the Kinnaur valley, passing through lush woods, high meadows, and snow-capped mountains before arriving in the Sangia valley’s apple orchards.

If you want to learn about local food and culture while climbing up to the mountains , this is the walk for you.

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• kookie
• off-the-wall
• out-of-the-way
• rum [ chiefly British ]
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Offbeat trekking trails in India

TRAVEL GUIDE , INDIA Created : Jul 4, 2022, 20:00 IST

When it comes to adventure, trekking is one of those things that hits our mind. Then the next thing we plan a trip to some place, where we can experience the best trekking journey. But often, we travel to Manali, Kasol, Munnar etc., for trekking, so this time, we explore some offbeat places to enjoy this activity. Read on to more about these offbeat places in India that offer the best trekking experience, and will definitely give you memories of a lifetime.

Monpa Trail Trek, Arunachal Pradesh

Opened recently, this trekking trail begins from Sangti valley, traversing through Khalibok village, and then finally reaches to the uppermost Chander village. It also comes in the list of UNESCO World Heritage. It is Arunachal Pradesh’s one of the best and less-explored trekking trails. This trek is called Monpa, because of the Monpa tribe dominating the area. On reaching Chander village, you can will witness the famous Losar Festival, if you plan your trip accordingly. Surrounded by pristine views of Gorichen Peak, this trek trail is a must-visit.

Parang La Trek, The Himalayas

If you are a thrill seeker and love the high altitudes, then Parang La Trek is surely the perfect option. Connecting the beautiful landscapes of Ladakh and Spiti, the trek surely is an exciting one. Either begin the trek from village Kibber in Spiti or from village Korzok in Ladakh. Explore the astounding scenes of beautiful Tso Moriri Lake, and as you move further, the scenes left behind become more majestic and irresistible.

Japfu Peak Trek, Kohima, Nagaland

Japfu Peak Trek in Kohima is famed for offering majestic views of the Dzukou valley. The trek begins from Zakhama, passes through village Viswerma and Japfu Base camp, and finally reaches the Japfu peak. Further the trek covers exotic meadows, green mountains, pristine valleys, and diverse floras. Best time to trek here is from October to May.

Beas Kund Trek, Himachal Pradesh

Raise your thrill levels with one of the undiscovered and adventurous treks in Himachal Pradesh, Beas Kund Trek. This trek offers beautiful scenes of the Beas lake with landscapes of tall mountains, such as the Hanuman Tibba, Shitidhar etc., throughout the trek journey. The maximum height one covers in this trek is 12772 ft. With some vibrant landscapes, you get to breathe in pollution free air. The trek starts from Dhundi in Manali and ends in Beas lake base camp. Best months to go on a trek here are August and October.

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The Mandani Valley Trek, Rishikesh

The Mandani valley trek is the unexplored, and one of the best offbeat treks in India. The trek is covered in maximum nine to eight days. If you are a nature or wildlife photographer, then this is the trek for you. This whole trek expedition is surrounded by vibrant flora and fauna with mystique picturesque landscapes. This trek definitely is worth coming to your list of adventurous things to do. The starting point of this trek is Ransi, passing through Paturi and Kedarnath and ending in Gaurikund. June and September are considered the best months for trekking here.

Saddle Peak Trek, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Located in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, this offbeat trekking place will massively increase your excitement levels. It will take around 6-7 hours to complete this trek. This trek journey begins from Diglimar, passes by Saddle peak base, and reaches Saddle peak. It has some of the top attractions in the neighbourhood to enjoy, such as Craggy Islands and Alfred caves. Enjoy the breath-taking sunsets and the lovely view of the Andaman throughout this journey. The best time for trekking here is from November to March.

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Best Treks Of Ladakh

Rishabh tiwari.

Ladakh, the land of high mountains, offers a long list of outdoor adventures for all adventure enthusiasts. The unique terrain of the region, much like a high-altitude desert, is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels – there are a number of options to pick from whether you are a beginner, an avid trekker, an experienced climber or if you like to explore the outdoors on two wheels. The high-altitude culture and traditions of the locals here are also widely different from those you’d meet in regions like Himachal and Uttarakhand.

While there is a lot to explore, geographically and culturally, in this beautiful land of colorful prayer flags, mane walls, high passes, exotic wildlife, deep gorges and unusual canyons, here are some of our favorite trails from the region.

1.   Chadar Trek

Difficulty: Moderate                         Duration: 9 Days                 Best Season: Jan - Feb

You think about trekking in the inhospitable terrain of Ladakh and the first trek that’s likely to pop into your mind is the Chadar Trek. Undeniably the most famous trek of Ladakh, the trek is literally a walk on water as a chadar or blanket of ice forms on top of the Zanskar River.

Although Himalayan trails offer a multitude of experiences, how often do you get to say you walked on a frozen river? What the trek lacks in altitude, going up to a maximum elevation of 3,400M, it makes up for in extreme temperatures which dip down to minus 30 degrees even during day time.

We have been on this trek hundreds of times but it still does not fail to amaze us. Owing to its popularity, the trail remains fairly packed through the winters. Although it offers an experience of a lifetime, if you are someone who gets bothered by crowds, you might want to pick a different adventure from the list.

2.  Sham Valley Trek

Difficulty: Easy                                Duration: 5 Days                 Best Season: May - Oct

A perfect trek for beginners, it can easily be turned into a family adventure since Sham Valley is an age-no-bar kind of a trek. If you are looking to experience some of the remotest parts of lower Ladakh, this trek is an ideal choice. Also known as the ‘baby trek’ of Ladakh, Sham Valley can be visited any time of the year and the trek gives you a great opportunity to discover the villages, old monasteries and the everyday life of locals in the region.

3.  Markha Valley Winter Trek

Difficulty: Moderate                         Duration: 10 Days               Best Season: Nov - Feb

Easily the most overlooked trek in Ladakh, the Markha Valley Winter Trek can be considered Chadar 2.0. You get to walk on a frozen river, trek through snow-laden trails, stay in traditional homestays and enjoy some of the world's most pristine landscapes in the heart of winter. A trail steeped in cultural experiences for those who wish to explore the more offbeat trails.

4.   Kang Yatse 2 Trek

Difficulty: Difficult               Duration: 13 Days               Best Season: Jul - Sep

This one for those experienced trekkers who are looking for a challenge and a summit experience. Located in Hemis National Park, Kang Yatse II, at 6,250M, is the shorter of the two cousins with Kang Yatse I towering beside it at 6,400M. As one of the highest trekking peaks in the vast expanse of the arid terrain in Ladakh, Kang Yatse II makes itself seen on day 6 of the trek as you make your way to its base through the scattered villages of the beautiful Markha Valley. The peak is a thing of sheer beauty standing tall in the middle of this dry land of scree and loose rocks. The trek also brings you to the Kongmaru La pass after summiting the peak.

5.   Dzo Jongo Peak Trek

Difficulty: Difficult               Duration: 10 Days               Best Season: Jul - Sep

Another trekking peak in Ladakh is Dzo Jongo (East). Dzo Jongo is a 6,240M peak which might be every bit as mysterious as any urban legend you ever heard! Hidden like a mystery in plain view, Dzo Jongo is one magical mountain. Although housed in the popular valley of Markha, this marvelous peak has been overshadowed by its much popular neighbours, Kang Yatse I and II for much too long. Dzo Jongo, therefore, does not see too many climbers, reserving all the mighty sights, its icy slopes and the breathtaking 360° view of the nearby ranges, just for you. If you want an off-beat summit to your name, it cannot get better than Dzo Jongo.

6.   Six Passes Trek

Difficulty: Difficult               Duration: 10 Days               Best Season: June - Sep

Starting from the village of Rumtse on the Leh-Manali highway, the 6 Passes Trek also known as Rumtse to Tso Moriri Lake Trek takes you to the village of Karzok by the shores of Tso Moriri Lake.

This 106 km gargantuan offbeat trek takes you across, as the name suggests, 6 high altitude passes above 5000M and 3 lakes namely Tso Kar, Startsapuk Tso and Tso Moriri. Considered as a difficult trek, the 6 Passes Trek shows you the full glory of the beautiful and pristine Changthang Valley with snowcapped peaks, mesmerizing highlands, meandering rivers, rich meadows, barren terrain and rainbow-like landscapes .

7.   Digar La Trek

Difficulty: Moderate                     Duration: 8 Days                 Best Season: May - Aug

Known as the Leh Nubra Pangong Circuit, the Digar La Trek is the best way to see Ladakh as it takes you across the mighty Digar La meaning Pass that connects the Indus and Nubra Valleys. Taking you to places like Hunder, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake and much more, Digar La is perfect if you are looking to explore all the places high on a tourist’s list of must-visit places in Ladakh, but want to do it like a trekker, on foot.

So, what do you say? We’ll see you in Ladakh soon?

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Most Offbeat treks you can not miss out in India

by Liya James // in Uncategorized Uncategorized

The process of zeroing in on a single trekking place for our next adventure reminds us that, where there are places that are exceedingly frequented, there are places yet to be traversed. Where there are places immensely famed, there are stunning places yet to be known.

What a pleasure would it be to travel our country beyond its beaten tracks and trails to new horizons and different directions. So in this filtered digital era, lay your hold on this opportunity of witnessing beauty at its unfiltered best by travelling the offbeat heights and corners of the country and its wilderness.

We present to you our comprehensive list of these awe-inspiring offbeat treks in India and provide key insights to each one of them that will entice a lot of you to set off on your next adventure trek. May you see the unseen and frequent the unfrequented.

We are going to keep updating our list of offbeat treks in India because of the extensive range of stunning treks India is endowed with. So let us know if you want to see any specific trek to be a part of our updated list in the future.

1. The Phuktal Monastery Trek

Image Source : @kanglapass-flickr

Image Source : sandeepachetan.com

Altitude: 3850m

Minimum Days: 7-8 days

A trek to this remote Himalayan jewel named, ‘The Phuktal Monastery’ tops our list of offbeat treks in India. It is the most isolated Buddhist monastery sequestered in Lungnak valley, which is the most remote valley of Zanskar, Ladakh. It looks as if a huge honeycomb structure has been built on the opening of a large cave on a cliff above the Tsarap river.

This beautiful monastery has been a proud abode to many renowned scholars and has been a centre for meditation, teaching and learning since time immemorial. Currently it is home to more than 70 monks who seek peace in the tranquil and remote location of the monastery isolated from the rest of the world. There is an old Juniper tree on the upper side that dominates the entire valley. A Perfect Offbeat Trek in India.

Fun Fact : In Ladakh, the Juniper tree is considered sacred and it is believed that anyone who dares to cut it will be afflicted by spirits later on.

Route : Padum ⇒ Shilla Camp  ⇒ Reru ⇒ Changpa Tsetan ⇒ Purne ⇒ Phuktal

Nearest Roadhead: Padum

How To Reach Phuktal Monastery?

Leh is the nearest airport.

Taxis are available from the airport to Kargil, where you will be required to change and hop into another taxi that will take you to Padum.

Nearest railway station is the Jammu Railway Station. One can opt for a taxi or a public transport to reach Padum.

The Leh airport is 438 km from Padum via NH1 and NH301.

Jammu Railway Station is about 755 km from Padum via NH1 and NH301.

Whether you take a bus from Srinagar or Leh or Jammu, one has to cross Kargil by road to reach Padum. Buses and taxis are available from Kargil to Padum.

Food: The monks at the monastery are very friendly and they provide food to the visitors, mostly healthy boiled food. That is the only option available.

Other Things To See: Bardan & Mune Monastery, located at 12 kms south of Padum.

Best Time To Visit Phuktal Monastery: July to mid-October, as rest of the months the road from Kargil to Padum is closed due to snowfall.

Image Source : amazonaws.com

2. the kugti pass trek.

Image Source : 365hops.com

Altitude : 5,050 m

Minimum Days : 6-7 days

The beauty about this trek is that it is virtually unexplored. Kugti Pass is located near the scenic hamlet of Kugti in Himachal Pradesh. This trek climbs up to 16,600 feet, which makes it a challenging high altitude trek. Not many trekkers are acquainted with the Kugti Pass trek though it exhibits all the glory of any great Himalayan trek. That is why we have this destination on our list of offbeat treks in India. The trek commences from the town of Bharmour near Chamba. The actual trek starts precisely from Dharol, 19 kms from Bharmour.

As you start your trek from here, the trail takes you through dense pine forests, acres of apple and peach orchards, gushing waterfalls everywhere. As you go higher you witness the most beautiful snowfields and glaciers. If you love trekking, then the Kugti Pass is a trek that needs to top your list of ‘must explore off-beat spots’.

The actual trek starts precisely from Dharol, 19 kms from Bharmour. As you start your trek from here, the trail takes you through dense pine forests, acres of apple and peach orchards, gushing waterfalls everywhere. As you go higher you witness the most beautiful snowfields and glaciers. If you love trekking, then the Kugti Pass is a trek that needs to top your list of ‘must explore off-beat spots’.

Route : Chamba ⇒ Bharmour ⇒ Dharol ⇒ Kugti village ⇒ Duggi ⇒ Lahes ⇒ Kugti Pass

Nearest Roadhead : Dharol

How To Reach Kugti Pass?

The nearest airport is the Gaggal Airport aka Kangra Airport near Dharamshala.

There are buses and taxis available from Gaggal to Bharmour. Dharol is a further 4-5 hour drive from Bharmour.

Nearest railway station is the Pathankot Cantt (PTKC) and the Pathankot railway (PTK) station. There are buses and taxis available from these stations to Bharmour.

Gaggal Airport is 175 km away from Bharmour via MDR52.

Pathankot Cantt and Pathankot Railway Station are 180 Kms from Bharmour via Chamba-Pathankot Road and MDR52

Food : Bharmour is the last place where you can load up on food supplies because you don’t get  anything after that. However you may find grocery supplies like rice,

Bharmour is the last place where you can load up on food supplies because you don’t get  anything after that. However you may find grocery supplies like rice, wheat and dal once you reach Kugti village, but nothing fancy.

Other things to see :

Kugti Sanctuary, 15 Km from the village of Kugti

Kartik Swami Temple, 6 Km from the village of Kugti

Best Time To Visit Kugti Pass : July to September

3. The Parashar Lake Trek

Altitude : 2,730 m

Minimum days : 2 days

A trek to this offbeat lake holding a great sense of aesthetic pleasure is a must. It is a hidden jewel in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. It is in its best form in the winters when the lake with its deep blue waters is frozen and encircled by snow capped peaks. Adjacent to the lake lies a three storied pagoda structured temple which is dedicated to Sage Parashar. He is believed to have meditated here and hence to pay homage this lake is named after him.

What makes this trek a part of our list of offbeat treks in India is the panoramic views it presents of Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, Rohtang Pass and Kinnaur mountain ranges. No one knows how deep this lake is and to protect and maintain the ecological balance of the site, the circumference of the lake has been fenced by the Temple management.  

There is a small island on the surface of the lake which is believed to change its location from time to time, sometimes a few hours and sometimes several months according to the locals. 

Route : Mandi-Baggi-Parashar Lake

Nearest Roadhead : Baggi

How To Reach Parashar Lake?

The nearest airport is the Bhuntar airport aka Kullu Manali Airport.

There are taxis and buses available from Bhuntar to Mandi. Baggi village is another 25 km drive from Mandi.

The nearest railway station is the Joginder Nagar Railway station. Taxis are easily available from the station to Mandi. Road

Bhuntar Airport is 60 km from Mandi via NH3.

Joginder Nagar Railway Station is 54 km from Mandi via NH154.

There is a small restaurant near the temple, on one of the hillocks, that serves tea, snacks, and simple food like rice, dal, and maggi.

Other Things To See :

Tunga Mata Temple, 10 km from Parashar Lake

Best Time To Visit Parashar Lake : All year round

July-August, If you want to be surrounded by lush greenery

January-March, If you want to be surrounded by snow and frozen lake.

4. The Mandani Valley Trek

Altitude : 4,750 m

Minimum Days : 8-9 days Mandani valley is one of the most beautiful valley of flowers in the Garhwal ranges of the Himalayas and that is why it’s one of the offbeat treks in India that you must set off for. For starters, this trek is an extremely challenging high altitude trek and could take anywhere from 8 to 9 days. It is one of the least travelled and least explored trekking trails.

The Mandani valley is often described by the locals as heaven on Earth and a photographers dream place to shoot. This trek acts like a connecting channel between two Kedar of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, Madhya Maheshwar and Kedarnath. This blissful trek connecting the two shrines commences from the small quaint village of Ransi, progressing through dense forests and steep climbs, covering three high altitude passes, and is successfully completed at Kedarnath.

According to Hindu Mythology, this valley is believed to be the place where goddess Durga killed the demon, Mahishasura.

Route :  Ukhimath ⇒ Ransi ⇒ Paturi ⇒ Manani Bugyal ⇒ Yeonbuk Col Base ⇒ Mahapanth Col ⇒ Kedarnath ⇒ Gaurikund

Nearest Roadhead : Ransi

How To Reach Mandani Valley?

The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun. Taxis are available from the airport to Ukhimath. Ransi is another 20 km drive from Ukhimath.

The nearest railway station is the Rishikesh Railway Station. Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with major destinations in North India.

Jolly Grant Airport is 195 km from Ukhimath via NH7.

Rishikesh Railway Station is 178 km from Ukhimath via NH7.

Ukhimath is well connected by road with other major cities in the region. There are taxis and buses available from Rudraprayag (45 km), Srinagar (78 km), Gopeshwar (60 km), Rishikesh (180 km) etc.

Food : You have to carry packed meals post Ransi.

Other Things to See :

The shrine of Madhya Maheshwar, 16 km from Ransi.

You can experience hot water springs at Gaurikund, 14 km from Kedarnath.

Best Time To Visit : June to September

5. Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek

Altitude : 3,795 m

Minimum Days : 7-8 days

Tarsar Marsar trek is on our list of offbeat treks in India because the distinguishing aspect about the beauty of this trek is that it takes you to not one but two beautiful lakes in Kashmir, surrounded by the towering Kolahoi mountains, named the Tarsar and the Marsar lake. These lakes are similar in nature and hence known as twin lakes. Both these lakes are divided by a mountain and they flow in the opposite directions.

In winters, these lakes exhibit their snowy beauty with frozen waters, surrounded by a stretch of alpine flowers. In summers, they are a host to myriad of beautiful migratory birds like bar-headed geese, Lammergeier, choughs, cinnamon sparrows, black bulbuls, Himalayan golden eagles.

Fun Fact : The beauty of these lakes is such that it couldn’t stop Yusuf Shah Chak, a Kashmiri ruler in the 16th Century from mentioning the twin lakes in his poetry to his beloved.

Route : Aru ⇒ Lidderwat ⇒ Shekwas ⇒ Tarsar ⇒ Zachmargi ⇒ Sonsar ⇒ Marsar ⇒ Zachmargi ⇒ Sonemasti ⇒ Sumbal

Nearest Roadhead : Aru

How To Reach Tarsar Marsar Lake?

Srinagar International Airport is the nearest airport. There are taxis available from the airport and you can reach Aru.

Jammu is the nearest railway station.

Jammu railway station is well connected to all major cities in India by rail. Direct train services are available from Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Trivandrum.

Srinagar airport is about 104-107 km from Aru Valley via NH44 and NH501.

Jammu Railway Station is about 295 km from Aru via NH44.

Srinagar is linked by the National Highway 1A to the rest of the country. There are special and comfortable buses from Jammu and Srinagar to Pahalgam, from where you can either opt for a taxi or a pony ride to Aru valley.

There are many hotels within 20-25 km from the Tarsar Lake.

Other Things To See : Dachigam National Park, 10 km from Tarsar Lake.

Best Time To Visit : July-end to September

6. The Bhrigu Lake Trek

Altitude : 4,270 m

Minimum Days : 2 days The Bhrigu Lake Trek is yet another beautiful lake trek on our list of offbeat treks in India, especially made for the people who long to experience a high altitude trek but never have enough time for it. This trek can be covered in just 1-2 days of time. There is a lot of religious sentiments attached to this lake. The Bhrigu Lake is rightly termed as the ‘Pool Of Gods’ as it is believed that many local gods in the Kullu valley visit the lake to take a dip into its holy waters.

Situated at an altitude of 4,300 m, this lake is located in the upper Kullu valley, 8 km southeast of the Rohtang Pass and is flanked by serene snow clad mountains on all sides. The trek starts from the village of Gulaba and the trail takes you through alluring areas of rich meadow pasture and a vast stretch of spruce, fir and birch trees and once you reach the summit, you are presented with the most beautiful panoramic view of the Manali valley.

Fun Fact : It is believed that Rishi Bhrigu meditated here at this lake and that is how this lake earned its name.

Route : Gulaba ⇒ Bhrigu Lake ⇒ Gulaba

Nearest Roadhead : Gulaba

How to Reach Bhrigu Lake?

The nearest airport is the Bhuntar Airport aka Kullu Manali Airport.

Domestic flights connect Bhuntar with Delhi and Chandigarh. From the airport you can take a taxi to Manali. Gulaba is another 2 hour drive from Manali.

The nearest railway station is the Joginder Nagar Railway station. Road

From Bhuntar Airport, you can pass through Manali and reach Gulaba via NH3.

Joginder Nagar Railway Station to Gulaba can be covered via NH154 and NH3.

Food Gulaba is the last place that has a couple of tea stalls that provide refreshments and food supplies. There is no option for food after that. So it is advisable to carry your own food supplies when you set off on your tail.

Hadimba Devi Temple, 19 km from Bhrigu lake.

Vashishth temple, famous for its hot water springs is 19 km from Bhrigu lake.

Best Time To Visit Bhrigu Lake : July to October

7. Kheer Ganga Trek

Altitude :  2,960 m

Minimum Days : 1 day

The beauty of this trek is at its zenith majorly because it is virtually unexplored and untouched and that is the prime reason behind having this trek on our list of offbeat treks in India. Kheer Ganga is a hidden gem cloistered in the Parvati valley Of Himachal Pradesh. It is a small village nestled in the slopes of a mountain. Spiritually, it is also regarded as a sacred meadow where Lord Shiva is believed to have meditated for 3.000 years.

A trek to this meadow will steer you through vast stretches of greenery strewn areas, multiple waterfalls and drastic changes in vegetation and panoramic views. Once you reach the top , you are rewarded with the best natural hot water spring experience which is the highlight of the whole trek. This pool of hot spring water is where the village of Kheerganga has taken its name from, which roughly translates to ‘milky water of holy nature’.

Fun Fact : The hot spring water from this pool is believed to be holy and have healing properties.

Route : Barshaini ⇒ Rudra Nag ⇒ Kheerganga

Nearest Roadhead : Barshaini

How To Reach Kheer Ganga?

Nearest Airport is the Bhuntar Airport. Buses and Taxis are available to reach Barshaini. Railway

Joginder Nagar railway station is the nearest railway station from Barshaini.

Bhuntar Airport is at a distance of 49 km from Barshaini.

Joginder Nagar Railway is at a distance of 162 km from Barshaini via NH154 and NH3.

It is advisable to reach Bhuntar first as there are many HRTC buses available from Bhuntar to Barshaini.

This trek has good options available for food. There are many cafes and guesthouses on the way. These cafes serve various cuisines including Israeli and Indian food, and different delicious recipes of maggi, tea, and coffee are available too

The famous Shiva Temple near the springs.

Rudra-Nag waterfalls on the way to Kheer ganga.

Manikaran Gurudwara, 15 km from Kheer ganga.

Best Time To Visit Kheer Ganga: May to November

8. The Dodital Trek

Altitude : 3,310 m

Minimum Days : 3-4 days

This trekking destination in Uttarakhand is a bonus for all the angling enthusiasts out there. It involves camping along the pristine Dodital lake, which is regarded as an Angler’s paradise as the crystal clear waters of the lake are full of glorious fish like the famous and rare Himalayan golden trout. You can actually see the famed trout swimming in the clear waters of Dodital in large numbers.

Trout in the local language here translates to ‘Dodi’ and that is how the Dodital lake received its name. Perched in the crest of majestic mountains the lake is flanked by dense woods of pine, oak and deodar trees. The trail to Dodital from the base takes you through multiple waterfalls, a few passes and meadows until you reach the lake set against a stunning backdrop of hills.

Fun Fact : It is believed that Dodital is the birthplace of  Lord Ganesha. You can also find a small temple dedicated to him on the left bank of the lake.

Route : Uttarkashi ⇒ Sangam Chatti ⇒ Agoda ⇒ Dodital Lake

Nearest Roadhead : Sangam Chatti

How To Reach Dodital?

Nearest Airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun

Nearest Railway Station is the Dehradun Railway Station

Jolly Grant Airport is at a distance of 169 km from Uttarkashi via NH34

Dehradun Railway Station is at a distance of 143 km via NH34

Regular buses are available to Uttarkashi from other major cities

Food : At Agoda, the locals provide food like brown rice, pahadi rajma, chapati and saag pahari     aloo at very nominal costs.

Other Things To See : Darwa Pass, 16km away from Dodital.

Best Time To Visit :

March to October

June to July (Best for Angling)

9. Japfu Peak Trek

Altitude :   3048 m

Minimum Days :   4-5 days

Recognised as the 2nd highest peak in Nagaland and located 15 km South of Kohima, a trek to Japfu Peak is a spectacular visual treat. Before reaching this stunning attraction, this trek takes you through the splendid Dzukou valley which is regarded as the most charming valley of Nagaland.

Right from the commencement of this trek you are privileged to emerald green hillocks, prolific rhododendrons, myriad colourful blossoms, and the most beautiful topography ever, making the journey as worthy as reaching the top. Once you reach the top, the peak overlooks the most breath taking sunrises, stretch of hills, valleys, half of Nagaland and villages on the Arunachal side.

Fun Fact :   The base of the Japfu peak houses the tallest rhododendron tree in the world, being 130 ft tall, making it enter the Guinness Book Of World Records. 

Route :   Kohima ⇒ Zakhama ⇒ Dzukou Valley ⇒ Viswema Village ⇒ Japfu Base Camp ⇒ Japfu Peak

Nearest Roadhead :   Zakhama Check-Post

How To Reach Japfu Peak?

The nearest airport is Dimapur Airport. It is well connected to major cities of India like Guwahati, Imphal, Kolkata and Dibrugarh.

The nearest railway station is the Dimapur Railway Station.

Dimapur Airport is at a distance of 81 km from Zakhama via NH29 and NH2.

Dimapur Railway Station is at a  distance of 86 km via NH29.

Viswema village is the last place to pack food and water supplies.

The Dzukou Trekkers’ Hut

Ghost Caves, locally known as ‘Bhoot Gufa’

Naga Heritage Village, Kohima

Best Time To Visit :   October-April

10. Sandakphu Trek

Altitude :  3600 m

Minimum Days : 5-6 days

Sandakphu is perched at the edge of the Singalila National Park, Darjeeling. Sandakphu is one of our offbeat treks in India because it is an ideal trek for people who want to experience glimpsing spectacular views of Mt Kanchenjunga without going on an arduous adventure like the Dzongri Goecha La trek. Sandakphu has the highest summit in the Darjeeling Hills of West Bengal.

This trek commences from Manebhanjan, which is signified as the junction of Stupas and passes through the famous Singalila ridge , which is one of the few spots in the world that provides a view of world’s four out of five highest mountains : Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu and others. The terrain is not as challenging. The low difficulty level and the spectacular mountainous views are the main reasons to embark on this trek.

Fun Fact : The name Sandakphu means “Height of the poison plants”. It is due to the extensive number of Himalayan cobra lilies and poisonous Aconite plants growing here.

Route : Darjeeling ⇒ Manebhanjan ⇒ Jaubari ⇒ Sandakphu ⇒ Phalut

Nearest Roadhead : Manebhanjan

How To Reach Sandakphu?

The nearest airport is the Bagdogra Airport. Taxis are available from the airport to reach the Manebhanjan.

The nearest railway station is the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. There are private cabs available from the station to Manebhanjan.

Bagdogra airport is at a distance of 78 km from Manebhanjan via Matigara-Kurseong Rd and NH110.

New Jalpaiguri Station is at a distance of 85 km from Manebhanjan via NH110.

There are several lodges, trekkers’ huts and bungalows along the way through the whole trek that provide food. Also, there are tea stalls serving food and refreshments.

Singalila National Park

Singalila Ridge

Best Time To Visit  Sandakphu: July-September

12. The Milam Glacier

Altitude :  3450 m

Minimum Days : 10 days

The Milam glacier, a major source of the Goriganga river is a well celebrated glacier in Kumaon Himalaya. It is around 27 km long, being the longest glacier of the Kumaon Himalaya. It lies four kms away from the village of  Milam which used to be a major trade route between India and Tibet until the 1962 Indo-China war which resulted in the migration of Bhotia traders to cities. This is why the trek route is scattered with various abandoned Bhotia settlements, offering great accommodation for trekkers.

The trek to this pristine glacier commences from Munsiyari and takes you through lush alpine meadows, dense forests, cloistered hamlets, and diverse landscapes until you reach the snout of the glacier. This trek is on the bucket list of every avid trekking enthusiast.

Route : Munsiyari ⇒ Lilam ⇒ Bogudiyar ⇒ Rilkot ⇒ Milam ⇒ Glacier ⇒ Ragash Kund

Nearest Road head : Munsiyari

How To Reach Milam Glacier?

The nearest airport is the Pantnagar Airport. Taxis are available from Pantnagar airport to Munsiyari.

There are two nearest railway heads to Munsiyari. They are Kathgodam and Tanakpur. Taxis and buses for Munsiyari are availed at both rail heads.

Pantnagar Airport is at a distance of 336 km from Munsiyari via Jauljibi-Madkote Rd.

Kathgodam Railway Station is at a distance of 302 km from Munsiyari via Jauljibi-Madkote Rd.

Tanakpur Railway Station is at a distance of 274 km from Munsiyari via NH9.

Munsiyari is well connected through motorable roads to major destinations of Uttarakhand and Northern India. Taxis and buses are available from major destinations of Kumaon region to Munsiyari.

There are many dhabas offering food around Munsiyari as well as the village of Milam. Also, there is a ration shop at the base of the village from where you can stock up on your food supplies.

Ragash Kund

Birthi Falls

Best Time To Visit Milam Glacier :

September-October

13. Chembra Peak Trek

Altitude : 2050 m

Minimum Days : 3-4 hours

Chembra Peak is listed as one of our offbeat treks in India because if you want to witness the true spectacle of the beauty of Wayanad district, then there is no place better than the Chembra peak, which is the highest peak in Wayanad in the North-east of the state of Kerala. It is embedded in the Western Ghats, located near the town of Meppady, from where Chembra peak is accessible by foot and takes just 3-4 hours to reach the top.

However for the adventure buffs who are in the mood to explore Wayanad beyond this peak can opt for a circuitous route commencing from Sultan Bakery taking you through the fascinating Edakkal caves, Meenmutty and Soochipara waterfalls. The trail starts with a 300 metre stretch of rich tea estate through dense forests and grasslands. One fascinating aspect about reaching the Chembra peak is a heart shaped lake nestled on the top of the peak which is a major tourist attraction. The lake is believed to have never dried up.

Also from the top you can see the entire lush green wrapped Wayanad and chunks of Malappuram, Kozhikode and Nilgiri districts. You need to acquire a permit from the forest office in Meppadi for trekking up to Chembra Peak, however, going to the extreme top is not permitted.

Fun Fact : This heart shaped lake is called many names like ‘Hridaya Saras’, ‘Heart of Chembra’, ‘Chembra Love Lake’ and is on the list of natural heart shaped wonders of the world.

Route : Kalpetta ⇒ Meppadi ⇒ Chembra Peak foothill ⇒ Chembra Peak

Nearest Roadhead : Meppadi

How To Reach Chembra Peak?

Nearest airport is The Calicut International Airport.

Nearest railway station is the Nilambur Road Railway Station.

Calicut International Airport is at a distance of 89 km from Meppadi via SH29.

Nilambur Road Railway Station is at a distance of 83 km from Meppadi via SH28 and SH29.

There are many restaurants near Chembra peak base and around Meppadi. Carry enough water from the base.

Other Things To See : Edakkal Caves, 27km from Meppadi.

Meenmutty Falls, 18km from Meppadi.

Best Time To Visit : September-May

14. Kanasar Lake Trek

Altitude : 4,450 m

Minimum Days : 8-10 days

The Kanasar lake, perched high up in the mountains of Garhwal is the ultimate off-beat trekking destination you could ever imagine visiting. Explored until only a few years ago, this lake is still little known and least visited. The most surprising and awe-inspiring element about trekking to this lake is how huge it is. It is one of the largest high altitude lakes, almost a kilometre in length, which is massive for a high altitude lake and that us why it is on our list of offbeat treks in India.

It’s not easy reaching this lake. Starting from the base of Sangla, this trek passes through the Nalgan and Panchodar valley before reaching Kanasar and takes upto 8-10 days of uphill ascend, staggering over snowy and rocky fields, traversing through high passes and camping in the supreme cold.

It’s not easy reaching this lake. Starting from the base of Sangla, this trek passes through the Nalgan and Panchodar valley before reaching Kanasar and takes upto 8-10 days of uphill ascend, staggering over snowy and rocky fields, traversing through high passes and camping in the supreme cold.

Fun Fact : It is believed that the lake of Kanasar gets its name from its eye shaped structure and the islands in the lake look like spots in the eye of a blind person which in Hindi translates to ‘kana’.

Route : Sangla ⇒ Kanda ⇒ Nalgan Base ⇒ Nalgan Valley ⇒ Panchodar Camp ⇒ Bijouri ⇒Kanasar Lake

Nearest Roadhead : Sangla

How To Reach Kanasar Lake?

The nearest Airport is Jubbarhatti Airport, Shimla.

It is very well connected to many major cities of India like Dharamshala, Chandigarh, New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Shimla.

The nearest railway head is the Kalka railway station.

Jubbarhatti Airport is at a distance of 258 km from Sangla via NH5.

Kalka Railway Station is at a distance of 325 km from Sangla via NH5.

You can drive to Narkanda, beyond Shimla, take a halt and then drive to Sangla the next day.

Tibetan wood carving centre, Sangla

Kamru fort, Sangla

15. Auden’s Col Trek

Altitude : 5490 m

Minimum Days : 15-18 days The Auden’s Col trek can easily qualify as one of the most challenging and offbeat treks in India. It is a very arduous trek and that is why the least explored in the Garhwal Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. Auden’s Col is a high altitude mountain pass that serves as a connecting link between the Rudugaira valley and the Bhilangana valley, also connecting the north-west ridge of Gangotri III and Jogin I. This trek also gives you the opportunity to explore the famed Khatling glacier on the south side of Bhilangana valley.

Despite the high level of difficulty, this trek holds an exalted status because of the wondrous landscapes and awe-inspiring snowscapes it has to offer. especially the glorious views of peaks like Rudugaira, Jogin group, Bhagirathi and Kedar Dome. Auden’s Col trek is replete with Hindu pilgrimage sites and also hosts the shrine of Gangotri. The trail commences from Gangotri and takes you through dense alpine forests, myriad flower strewn meadows, streams, quaint villages, temples and treacherous moraines. This trek is on the wish list of every avid trekker.

Fun Fact : The Auden’s Col Pass is named after John Bicknell Auden, a British geological surveyor, who first discovered it in 1935 and crossed it in 1939. The second successful crossing had to wait and happen until 1983, which explains the level of difficulty.

Route : Uttarkashi ⇒ Gangotri ⇒ Nalla Camp ⇒ Rudugaira Base Camp ⇒ Gangotri Group Base Camp ⇒ Auden’s Col Base Camp ⇒ Auden’s Col ⇒ Khatling Glacier Camp ⇒ Kharsoli ⇒ Gangi ⇒ Ghuttu ⇒ Delhi

Nearest Roadhead : Gangotri

How To Reach?

The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport.

Nearest Railway station is the Rishikesh Railway station.

Jolly Grant Airport is at a distance of 267 km from Gangotri via NH34.

Rishikesh Railway Station is at a distance of 280 km from Gangotri via NH34.

Gangotri is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand. Buses and taxis are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand like Rishikesh, Dehradun, Tehri, Garhwal, Uttarkashi.

Uttarkashi is the last point to get all your food supplies and provisions.

Khatling Glacier

Shrine Of Gangotri

Best Time To Visit Auden’s Col Pass: May-June

16. Baraadsar Lake Trek

Altitude : 4,400m

Baraadsar Lake is listed as one of our offbeat treks in India because trekking to this lake named Baraadsar is a blissful journey. This high altitude lake is a secret jewel nestled between the Rupin and Supin valleys in the North-western region of Garhwal. The Baraadsar lake makes for a stunning visual surrounded by high ridges on all sides with the lake right in the middle of the lower basin. You can advance to Baraadsar lake from the Rupin valley and exit from the Supin valley.

The trek commences from Dhaula with Bitri being the last village on the trail. The trail takes you past well-kept mountain villages, small fields, densely forested patches, massive stretches of grassy slopes , and eventually snowlines. Local people consider the Baraadsar lake sacred and they believe that one must offer a prayer once they reach the lake as no prayer goes unanswered there.

Fun Fact : On your journey  from Masunda Dhar to Dhalka Dhar, you will catch glimpses of a large meadow called ‘Vishkhopdi’, with ‘vish’ standing for poison and ‘khopdi’ meaning brain. Local lore has people believing that whoever visits this meadow in summers becomes intoxicated from the scent of flowers there.

Route : Netwar ⇒ Dhaula ⇒ Bitri ⇒ Masundha Dhar ⇒ Dhalka Dhar ⇒ Dev Bhasa ⇒Baraadsar Ridge ⇒ Dhara ⇒ Jakhol

Nearest Roadhead : Dhaula

How To Reach Baraadsar Lake?

Nearest Airport is the Jolly Grant Airport.

Nearest railway station is the Dehradun Railway Station.

Jolly Grant Airport is at a distance of 225 km from Dhaula via NH507.

Dehradun Railway Station is at a distance of 197 km from Dhaula via NH507.

Its an 8 hour drive from the station to Netwar via Mussoorie. It’s a further 10 km drive to reach Dhaula.

Bitri is the last village to pack your food supplies and provisions. You can cook your food at campsites that follow.

Other Things To See : Obra valley

Best Time To Visit Baraadsar Lake: June to August

17. Hatu Peak Trek

Altitude : 3,400 m

Minimum Days : 1-2 days

If you want to embark on a trek that takes you to a place that is uninhabited, provides a panoramic view of the great Himalayan range, and can be completed in a single day, then a trek to the off-beat Hatu Peak is precisely what you are seeking and that is what compelled us to have it on our list of offbeat treks in India. The Hatu Peak is the highest summit in the Shimla/Narkanda part of Himachal Pradesh. The trek commences from Narkanda and the entire trail goes through a rich coniferous forest consisting of deodar, fir, blue pine, rhododendron, walnut, horse chestnut and kharsu oak.

When you reach the summit you are rewarded with the magnificent views overlooking the Narkanda and The great Himalayas. You are also blessed with the shrine of Hatu Mata at the top of the hill. The 7km from Narkanda to Hatu Peak and back can be trekked on the same day. However if you want to make this experience a little thrilling, you can camp at the Hatu Ridge.

Fun Fact : According to local lore, the temple of Hatu Mata belongs to ‘Mandodari’, wife of Ravana . It is also believed that there is a stove like structure of rocks near this temple and it was used by the Pandavas to cook their food during their Agyaat Vaas.

Route : Narkanda ⇒ Hatu ⇒ Narkanda

Nearest Roadhead : Narkanda

How To Reach Narkanda?

Nearest airport is the Shimla Airport.

Nearest Railway Station is the Kalka Railway Station.

Shimla Airport is at a distance of 81 km from Narkanda via NH5.

Kalka Railway Station is at a distance of 148 km from Narkanda via NH5.

Narkanda is well connected through motorable roads with other cities. You can reach Shimla and then hop on a bus to Narkanda or take a taxi. Both private and state-run buses ply on this route frequently. Food

Narkanda is the last place to get food. There are good hot meals available at the base of Narkanda. Also carry enough water from Narkanda as there is no source of water available on the trail.

Other Things To See : Hatu Mata Temple

September-November

18. Maldaru Lake Trek

Altitude : 4,200 m

Minimum Days : 6 days

The Maldaru lake is a high altitude jewel nestled within the Govind National Park, in Western Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. This glacial lake is not large, being around 400m in circumference. However, the visual attractiveness it exhibits is everything you need to witness after a tiresome trek up to the ridge and that is why it is one of our offbeat treks in India. If you trek on a clear day you will witness the lake reflecting the Swargarohini massif that emerges over it.

The waters of this lake flow and join the Supin river below. This lake is considered very sacred by the villagers of Osla and the locals worship its waters. There are easier routes that take you to the Maldaru Lake, but the trail that commences from Taluka is the most off-beat, relatively challenging and more rewarding one. The trail takes you through stunning meadows, gurgling streams, untouched forest stretches, excellent ridge-top views and also breathtaking views of Swargarohini, Hath Parbat, Kala Nag and Banderpoonch.

Fun Fact : The Govind National Park is one of the fewer sites in the Himalayas that hosts the Bearded vulture, a vital ecologist catalyst listed as nearly threatened species in 2014.

Route : Sankri/Taluka ⇒ Dharkot ⇒ Vishkhopdi ⇒ Batgair ⇒ Rashi ⇒ Maldaru Lake ⇒Banya Ridge ⇒ Debsu

Thach ⇒ Osla ⇒ Taluka

Nearest Roadhead : Sankri

How To Reach Maldaru Trek?

Nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Taxis are available from the Jolly Grant Airport to Purola which can be further be taken to Sankri.

The nearest railhead is Dehradun. Buses and taxis are easily available from the station.

Jolly Grant Airport is at a distance of 225 km from Sankri via NH507.

Dehradun Railway Station is at a distance of 196 km from Sankri via NH507.

There are no direct buses to Sankri. You can reach Mussoorie, board a bus to Purola and then hop on a taxi or shared taxi from Purola to Sankri (54 km). Taxis and buses are easily available to Purola from Barkot, Mussoorie, Uttarkashi, Rishikesh, and Tehri.

At Sankri, The GMVN’s Tourist Rest House offers accommodation as well as serves hot meals. You have to carry food supplies here on to cook at campsites later.

Other Things To See : Har Ki Doon valley

19. Lamkhaga Pass Trek

Altitude : 5326 m

Minimum Days : 10-12 days

We conclude our list of offbeat treks in India with the Lamkhaga Pass. The Lamkhaga Pass trek is the ultimate offbeat trekking destination as well as the ultimate trekking trail which is rarely traversed. Lamkhaga pass is the connecting link between the northeastern Garhwal and Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh. It is an incredibly difficult and incredibly beautiful trail, surrounded by endless sea of snow and mountains.

The trek commences from Harsil and concludes at Chitkul and the trail is endowed with grand vistas of gigantic peaks and lakes, glaciers and massive snow fields. Reaching the Lamkhaga Pass after 8 long days of arduous trekking and unforgiving terrain is a moment of pride and you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the glorious snow-laden peaks hugging the Lamkhaga glacier.

Fun Fact : The great Indian actor Raj Kapoor’s Hindi film, ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’ was shot in the village of Harsil.

Nearest Roadhead : Harsil

How To Reach Harsil?

The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis are available from the airport to Uttarkashi, Tehri and Harsil.

The nearest railhead is the Rishikesh Railway Station. Taxis and buses are available from here to Harsil.

Jolly Grant Airport is at a distance of 242 km from Harsil via NH34.

Rishikesh Railway Station is at a distance of 255 km from Harsil via NH34.

Harsil is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand. And buses and taxis are easily available from Rishikesh, Dehradun, Tehri, Barkot and Uttarkashi,

You have to carry adequate amount of food supplies, ready to make food and utensils according to the days and number of people trekking. You cannot depend on anyone for food till you reach Chitkul.

Other Things To See : Chitkul Mathi Temple

Best Time To Visit Lamkhaga Pass Trek : May-June

We hope this write-up was helpful to you. If you think there are any other trekking destinations that are worthy enough to make to this list of offbeat treks in India or if you want more details on any other trekking destinations, then please drop your suggestions and queries in the comments below because we are going to keep updating this list to deliver the best to your needs. We are happy to help and happy to learn. 

Here’s wishing you the very best for your upcoming adventures.

May you see the unseen & frequent the unfrequented.

About the author, Liya James

Hi, I am Liya!! I first traveled the globe when I was four months old when we immigrated to the United States from Indonesia, and I have been roaming the world every chance I get ever since. I've been to 15 countries and counting. I am passionate about experiencing new cultures and sharing my adventures with others. I believe that travel is the best education, and I am excited to continue learning and sharing these adventures with you.

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[ adjective awf - beet , of - ; noun awf -beet , of - ]

an offbeat comedian.

• Music. an unaccented beat of a measure.

/ ˈɒfˌbiːt /

• music any of the normally unaccented beats in a bar, such as the second and fourth beats in a bar of four-four time. They are stressed in most rock and some jazz and dance music, such as the bossa nova
• unusual, unconventional, or eccentric

he liked the offbeat in fashion

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Word history and origins.

Origin of offbeat 1

Example Sentences

Though offbeat, it doesn’t feel quite as different as it should from the many other high-concept, sci-fi and fantasy comedies we’ve seen in recent years, like Upload and Miracle Workers.

This highly offbeat style of material promotion also enables LinkedIn users to provide a deeper insight into the people behind the business.

It was an unusual deal for a pop star, but Post Malone, with his offbeat style and face covered in tattoos, is a bit unusual himself.

It’s not in a hotel ballroom but rather an offbeat event space such as a warehouse.

The neighborhood is lined with offbeat shops, hip bars, and late-night coffeehouses.

Ed first appeared in 1987 on City By Night, a talk show on Newton Cable, a now-defunct offbeat indie cable network.

The women Peterson photographed were offbeat, eccentric, irreverent, and not conventionally pretty.

“Shake It Off” and its accompanying music video are all about being a goober and dancing like an offbeat weirdo.

And selecting Samberg as host meant that, perhaps more than other SNL alumni, it was going to be more offbeat episode of SNL.

While there, LeCun was allowed to dabble in some of his offbeat interests, including philosophy.

The hour—I am sorry I cannot recall the hour of arrival—but it was, as we say, an offbeat hour.

Rick studied the scene, searching for anything offbeat, any anomaly.

Related Words

• idiosyncratic
• unconventional

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Meaning of offbeat in English

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• unusual That's an unusual name - where does it come from?
• uncommon It's not uncommon (= it is common) for people to become ill when they travel.
• rare This is a rare opportunity to visit the building.
• unconventional I had a very unconventional childhood.
• unique This is your chance to own a unique piece of jewellery.
• freakishness
• funnily enough idiom
• ghostliness
• wackadoodle
• The scattered bass-drum offbeats held the pulse .
• Her hips were swaying on the offbeats.
• The steady pulse is held down by just bass and hand drum , with occasional handclaps adding unusual offbeats.
• The upper strings emphasize the off-beats.
• common time
• hemidemisemiquaver
• major seventh
• major sixth
• major third
• perfect fourth
• quarter note

offbeat | American Dictionary

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side hustle

a piece of work or a job that you get paid for doing in addition to doing your main job

Fakes and forgeries (Things that are not what they seem to be)

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offbeat noun & adjective

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What does the word offbeat mean?

There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the word offbeat . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

This word is used in U.S. English.

How common is the word offbeat ?

How is the word offbeat pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the word offbeat come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the word offbeat is in the 1900s.

OED's earliest evidence for offbeat is from 1901, in the writing of W. Mason.

offbeat is formed within English, by derivation.

Etymons: off- prefix , beat n. 1

Nearby entries

• offalist, n. 1822–
• of-fall, v. Old English–1400
• off and on, adv., adj., n., int. 1535–
• off-axis, adj. & adv. 1939–
• off-balance-sheet, adj. 1965–
• off base, adv. & adj. 1881–
• off beam, adv. & adj. 1941–
• off-bear, v. 1856–
• off-bearer, n. 1856–
• off-bearing, adj. 1863–
• offbeat, n. & adj. 1901–
• offbeatness, n. 1960–
• off-board, adj. 1943–
• off book, adv. & adj. 1705–
• off-brand, n. & adj. 1892–
• off-break, n. 1866–
• off-break, v. 1702–1872
• off-breaking, adj. 1904–
• off-Broadway, adj., adv., & n. 1904–
• off-budget, adj. 1974–
• off-camera, adj. & adv. 1955–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for offbeat, n. & adj..

offbeat, n. & adj. was revised in March 2004.

offbeat, n. & adj. was last modified in July 2023.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

• further revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into offbeat, n. & adj. in July 2023.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

A Supplement to the OED, Volume III (1982)

• Find out more

OED Second Edition (1989)

• View off-beat, n. and a. in OED Second Edition

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Citation details

Factsheet for offbeat, n. & adj., browse entry.

Screen Rant

Seven of nine originally had a human name on star trek: voyager.

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Every Voyager Character Who Has Returned In Star Trek (& How)

Recasting star trek: voyager for a movie reboot, why starlight's powers don't work in the boys season 4.

• Seven of Nine's human name was Annika Hansen, but Star Trek: Voyager chose her Borg name for uniqueness.
• The character's dual identity allowed for exploration of her growth and conflict between her human and Borg heritage.
• Seven's names became significant again in Star Trek: Picard season 3, emphasizing her distinct character development.

Star Trek: Voyager 's creative team originally wanted Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) to have a human name. First introduced in the premier episode of Voyager season 4, Seven rapidly rose to become one of the most popular members of Voyager 's cast of characters during the show's run. This was partially thanks to Jeri Ryan's stellar portrayal of Seven, and partially thanks to the character's unique backstory as a former Borg drone who was assimilated at such a young age that the Borg were all she remembered.

The Star Trek timeline had explored other drones who had been separated from the Collective before Seven came along, such as Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) or Hugh (Jonathan Del Arco). However, most of these characters were adults when the Borg assimilated them, and their previous memories and personalities reasserted themselves easily once they were rescued from the Borg. Seven was a singular case in that she actually felt more comfortable with the Borg aspects of her life, including her name.

Star Trek: Voyager's beloved characters have returned in Star Trek: Picard, Star Trek: Lower Decks, and especially Star Trek: Prodigy.

Why Star Trek: Voyager Kept Seven Of Nine’s Borg Designation Instead Of Her Human Name

Seven chose to go by her borg designation when she had a choice.

Although they had planned to give her a permanent human name, Star Trek: Voyager 's creative team instead chose to keep Seven's Borg designation. In an interview as part of the DVD extras for Voyager 's 4th season, executive producer Brannon Braga detailed how the writers had originally wanted to have Seven start going by her human name immediately, but eventually scrapped that plan in favor of having the character remain Seven of Nine during her introduction . Braga asserted that this was done to set Seven apart, but her Borg designation also makes sense narratively. Read Braga's full quote below:

"We struggled for a long time. Initially, we gave her a Human name. She was gonna be named Pera, or Annika, or something. We wrote the first couple of scripts with a Human name. And it wasn't until a little later that we thought, 'She shouldn't have a Human name. She should be set apart, in some way.'"

While " Seven of Nine " was undoubtedly Seven's true name, Voyager still established that her human name before she was assimilated was Annika Hansen. Doing this allowed Voyager to explore the dichotomy between Seven's old and new lives, and lend credence to the fact that she was no longer the little girl she had been when she became Borg. While Seven having both a human name and Borg designation was needed for continuity, her choosing a third option like Seven instead of either her full human name or full Borg designation beautifully illustrated her character growth throughout Voyager 's last four seasons.

Seven’s Borg Vs. Human Names Became Important In Star Trek: Picard Season 3

Picard season 3 reignited the issue of seven's human name.

However, Seven renouncing her human name didn't mean it didn't still come into play in her story. While " Annika Hansen " was only occasionally referred to on Voyager , Seven's human name returned in season 3 of Star Trek: Picard in Seven's initial rivalry with her superior, Captain Liam Shaw (Todd Stashwick) . For his own reasons, Shaw initially refused to call Seven by her chosen name, instead insisting on calling her " Commander Hansen " even when other crew members used " Seven " out of respect for her choices.

Picard season 3's reminder of Seven's name served to underscore her Borg versus human heritage more strongly and was a great conflict between her and Shaw throughout the season. The issue provided deeper insight into both characters, but also underscored the reasons Seven chose to keep going by her Borg name in the first place , and reaffirmed that keeping that name on Star Trek: Voyager was the right decision. Ultimately, the unique importance of Seven's two names truly did set her apart from other Star Trek characters, just like Voyager 's creative team was hoping.

Source: Voyager Season 4 DVD Easter egg

Star Trek: Voyager

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The fifth entry in the Star Trek franchise, Star Trek: Voyager, is a sci-fi series that sees the crew of the USS Voyager on a long journey back to their home after finding themselves stranded at the far ends of the Milky Way Galaxy. Led by Captain Kathryn Janeway, the series follows the crew as they embark through truly uncharted areas of space, with new species, friends, foes, and mysteries to solve as they wrestle with the politics of a crew in a situation they've never faced before. 

Star Trek: Picard

After starring in Star Trek: The Next Generation for seven seasons and various other Star Trek projects, Patrick Stewart is back as Jean-Luc Picard. Star Trek: Picard focuses on a retired Picard who is living on his family vineyard as he struggles to cope with the death of Data and the destruction of Romulus. But before too long, Picard is pulled back into the action. The series also brings back fan-favorite characters from the Star Trek franchise, such as Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan), Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton), Worf (Michael Dorn), and William Riker (Jonathan Frakes).

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Love long and prosper: a lesbian Star Trek wedding in Central Park

Offbeat Couple: Heather (she/her) and Susan (she/her)

Date & Location: 05/23/2023, Central Park Ladies Pavilion , NYC

Tell us about the wedding

At the time of the wedding we were still in a long distance relationship, so we planned the majority of the wedding via zoom as one of us was living in the UK and the other was in Florida. We didn't actually meet our photographer or officiant in person until the big day. We carefully selected our officiant and photographer based on their clientele and reviews as we wanted to feel comfortable and supported by those around us who appreciated us for who we are!

If we were going to do the damn thing, it needed to be unique to us and our life and not put us into debt... Read more

We got married in Central Park as we share a fondness for NYC. Many of our trips to see each other had been to New York, so it felt extra special; we also came out there the previous December, so it was a fitting location. We picked the Ladies Pavilion , and during our 23-minute ceremony we had an audience of passersby – it was cool getting married amongst the hustle and bustle of New York City!

Seattle-based officiant Elaine Way was contacted by our Trekkie couple of the day (John and Becky) and asked if she would dress in full character... Read more

On the morning of the wedding we got ready separately, and our witnesses helped tremendously by taking care of us and coordinating getting us to the location on time, all without seeing each other beforehand. We walked down the pathway to the pavilion hand in hand surrounded by trees and greenery; the pavilion itself was covered but open with wrought ironwork, and it was there we had our first dance at the end of the ceremony to the song ‘ Bless The Broken Road ‘, as we didn't have a formal reception afterwards.

Katlin & Vadim's Star Trek Jewish wedding in a garden

This wedding is such an awesome mix of geeky and traditional: Star Trek meets Conservadox Judaism. Although this pair encountered some family drama, they totally triumphed with their chosen family and kicked ass in their Starfleet uniforms, Vulcan ears, and lovely garden ceremony.

Sue had applied for her visa after the wedding, and 2 months later she was finally able to move to the UK to join Heather. It had all been worth it: the uphill struggles, the tearful and heartbreaking airport goodbyes, the logistics of moving from another country and combining households to finally live in the same place, under one roof. We are very grateful to everyone we worked with on our wedding and friends and family who have never had an issue with our 32-year age gap, but rather just see two souls finally together and love recognizing love.

Fun facts about the couple

We met on Twitter. We both love Star Trek – Sue had loved it since she was a child in the 1960s and Heather had only found it in June 2020. In December 2020 with mutual friends on Twitter Heather could see Sue's profile and she got in contact with Sue over one of her posts and sent paragraphs to each other, which turned into hours of Zooms but couldn't meet for nearly a year due to Covid. We finally met in November 2021 for the first time at a Star Trek convention in London (Sue had coincidentally bought tickets to this prior to meeting Heather).

Every few months we would meet but spent the majority of our relationship on two different continents. Two divorces later, we formally came out in December 2022 and proposed to each other. We set the wedding date for 05/23/23 (mainly because of the symmetrical date but it coincided with a Star Trek anniversary).

We found our photographer Nicki by chance! Sue did some googling and loved Nicki's work – once we saw she worked with LGBTQ couples we loved her vibe, which was confirmed when we held a Zoom with her. We loved working with Nicki and she captured some truly gorgeous shots for us. People always comment when they see our wedding photos how much we love each other and yes, that is because we do – we fought hard to be together. Nicki did an amazing job capturing spontaneous moments and sharing the joy and love with us. We have never felt such relief and happiness to be able to be together!

As Heather always says: ‘ The hardest thing in life is to find someone you can't live without, and live without them ‘.

• Photography: De Nueva Photography IG: @denuevaphoto
• Officiant: Karla Villar IG: @onceuponavow
• Venue: The Ladies Pavilion in Central Park NYC

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Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall: ‘I left London 30 years ago. Now I can’t imagine any other life’

I n Telegraph Gardening’s Personal Growth column, green-fingered household names tell us what their gardens mean to them – inadvertently revealing how the nature they nurture shapes both their public and private lives. This week: Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

Where do you live?

We live in east Devon on a small holding of about 34 acres, 15 of which are ancient woodland. We keep a miniature herd of North Devon cows, AKA Devon Ruby, in the fields, plus some Toggenburg/Boer cross goats; two Aylesbury/Campbell cross ducks and some buff Sussex chickens.

The garden itself is quite informal, sprawling out into different areas. In front of the house is a lawn, a paved area for dining and spectacular views over the valley and the woodland.

What are the main focal points of the garden?

I’ve got an intense relationship with our two veg gardens: my own garden and the one at River Cottage HQ , where we have the restaurant and run all our courses.

That’s managed by our wonderful gardeners Johnny and Jack, and I spend quite a lot of time with them suggesting new veg to try out. I also talk to the chefs about what they want to grow. My private garden is a bit more rough and ready. My wife, Marie, and I have been here 15 years now and we’re totally hands-on ourselves.

Right from the start, having a veg garden was pivotal to everything else, but we also wanted an orchard and a nuttery, so we planted lots of fruit and nut trees. 

What are some of your favourites in the veg garden?

We grow most of the veg we eat, so we’re nearly self-sufficient. Our greenhouse gets packed with all sorts of seedlings, including at least 10 varieties of tomato, from monsters such as super marmande, costoluto fiorentino and oxheart to cherries such as honeycomb and gardener’s delight.

I also grow plenty of different beans, brassicas , herbs and potatoes, although this year I missed the order for one of my favourite potatoes: rattes. Luckily they’re my dad’s favourite too, so he stepped in with a supply. We often swap seedlings, while Mum gives us roses and dahlias , and always brings a pair of shears when she visits.

What are your favourite homegrown, go-to recipes?

We grow a lot of kale, so from November until June we have it at least twice a week. I use it in stews, risottos, salads and pesto. We’ve just had the first of this year’s garlic, so I’ll also make a simple side dish by frying a sliced head in butter and adding the kale just long enough to wilt.

One veg I never grow enough of is peas ; they never make it as far as the kitchen because we’ve got four kids who just come out and eat them all.

In the hope I might get the odd bowl of cooked peas, I’m growing even more this year. That’s never a problem with tomatoes, so I always make huge amounts of passata by roasting tomatoes with garlic and herbs.

What are the basic techniques you use in the veg garden?

First, we have two compost bays, and it takes a year to turn one into good compost. Second, we use a no-dig system so we don’t disturb the mycorrhizal activity and friendly bacteria in the soil. Third, we do a lot of hay-mulching to suppress weeds, protect seedlings and keep the soil moist and warm.

When the hay looks ropey, we throw it on the compost heap and replace it. Fourth, before we start spring planting, we now let our two ducks, Jemima and Josh, roam around the veg garden to eat up slugs. They do a great job.

Tell us more about your nuttery...

We began the nuttery 10 years ago and we now harvest walnuts, hazelnuts, chestnuts and almonds. They were all planted with the help of a brilliant nut specialist from Totnes called Martin Crawford, whose nickname is the Nut Guru. He’s basically nuts about nuts !

He’s constantly trying out different cultivars to find the best nut trees to grow. The hazelnuts have been giving us nuts for the last few years, and now the others are doing well, too. Most nuts are imported, so I find this project very exciting and, like our fruit trees, they’re covered in wonderful blossom in the spring, providing a great source of pollen and nectar for our bees. 

What kind of beehives do you have?

We nurture wildlife wherever we can, but as well as ponds and bird boxes, we’ve got three wild beehives.

They’re made by an amazing guy, Matt Somerville, who I did some filming with a couple of years ago – his website is beekindhives.uk . He makes beehives by hollowing out logs.

There’s no other intervention; you just wait for wild bees to turn up, perhaps lured by our bee-friendly plants such as rosemary, buddleia, viper’s bugloss and thistle

Important last point: you don’t take the honey until the bees have left of their own accord.

Did your parents influence your love of gardening?

When I was six years old, Mum and Dad decided to leave Notting Hill Gate, where my sister Sophie and I were born, and move to a rented farmhouse in the Cotswolds .

Dad was an advertising copywriter and wanted to go freelance; Mum wanted to study garden design. It was summer when we arrived and the last tenants had left their veg garden, so I’ve got vivid memories of going out there and finding baby carrots and peas to eat.

It was like a huge adventure playground. From day one, Dad loved growing food and Mum immersed herself in every aspect of the garden. I’ve been hooked ever since. 

When did you first know this was what you were going to do?

I studied philosophy at university and, at the end of it, I had no idea what I was going to do. I certainly never thought growing food or farming or nature would become such all-absorbing topics for me, especially as I returned to London in my 20s to work as a sous chef at the River Café in London .

But, one way or another, I just kept gravitating in that direction and, in 1999, I set up River Cottage. Initially we moved to Dorset, then Devon. Here we are, over 25 years later.

Do you ever think about going back to the city?

I moved out of London 30 years ago and now I can’t imagine any other life. You become so immersed in the rhythms of growing produce, keeping animals and thinking about the seasons that you don’t stop to think how beneficial it is for your general wellbeing .

I guess it’s a sort of mindful busyness. I’m more likely to switch off completely when I go for a walk in the woodland and find myself tuning into birdsong. Or when I’m sitting in my office, which is next to the nuttery, and get caught in a state of reverie staring out at the blossom. 

Does the garden ever take you by surprise?

Not long after moving in, I made forked poles from large hazel sticks and put them in the middle of one of our ponds in the hope that a kingfisher would come by. For 10 years, I saw nothing. Then, one evening during Covid, I was walking past this pond with one of my sons, Freddy, and noticed one of the poles wobbling, as if a bird had jumped off it.

Next, I see this electric-blue bird dart across the pond and I just burst into tears.

This little bird got me right here. 

How to Eat 30 Plants a Week by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall (Bloomsbury) is out now, available to buy from Telegraph Books

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