Treks from the Hills
Hill Stations
Day hikes and multi-day trails that start where the road stops.
13 places
Auli
Gorson Bugyal
A high meadow three kilometres above the ski slopes, and the standard acclimatisation walk from Auli. Under snow January to March; grass and a long view of Nanda Devi the rest of the year.
Auli
Kwani Bugyal
A higher, emptier meadow beyond Gorson, twelve kilometres out and a full day there and back. Nothing on the way, so carry water and food.
Old Manali
Jogini Falls Trail
A short scenic hike from Old Manali through orchards and forest to a waterfall with valley views.
Gulmarg
Apharwat Peak
The gondola's upper station sits just under four thousand metres and the ridge above it is where the off-piste skiing is. There is snow on the north face even in summer, and the peak is close enough to the Line of Control that the army is present.
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Chikmagalur
Mullayanagiri Peak
Karnataka's highest peak, a popular sunrise trek with sweeping Western Ghats views.
Chopta (Tungnath)
Chandrashila Peak
The summit above Tungnath at about 4,000 metres, another kilometre and a half past the temple. On a clear morning you see Nanda Devi, Trisul and Chaukhamba from it. Start in the dark for sunrise.
Kasol
Chalal Village Trail
An easy riverside walk from Kasol to the quiet hamlet of Chalal, lined with chilled cafes and music hostels.
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McLeodganj & Dharamshala
Triund Trek
A popular day or overnight trek to a ridge with panoramic Dhauladhar views, often camped under the stars.
Munnar
Top Station Viewpoint
On the state border above Munnar, looking down into Tamil Nadu, and the cloud usually arrives by mid-morning, so go early. The slopes below are Neelakurinji country, which flowers once every twelve years.
Pahalgam
Baisaran Meadow
A meadow above Pahalgam ringed by pine, reached on foot or on horseback. It was the site of the April 2025 attack on tourists and was closed afterwards; it has not appeared on the lists of spots since reopened, so check the current position locally before counting on it.
Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
Doddabetta Peak
The highest point in the Nilgiris at 2,637 metres, ten kilometres out of Ooty, with a telescope house at the top. On a clear morning you see a long way. By afternoon, most days, you see cloud.
Sonamarg
Thajiwas Glacier
Four kilometres up from Sonamarg, on foot or by pony, with sledge operators at the snout in summer. It has been retreating for years, so the walk to the ice is longer than older guidebooks say. Pony rates are fixed and routinely ignored — settle it before you mount.
Tawang
Sela Pass
A dramatic high mountain pass (~4,170 m) with a sacred lake.
