Trekking Expeditions in India: Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand

Mountains are the soulful epiphany of nature and homeland to the new worlds. Born with the essence of change and movement of land masses, they are the allegory of rebirth, growth, and resilience.

Trekking Expeditions are the journeys that help us learn and unlearn, make us value our lives, peace and happiness, they nurture our souls, and heal timeless wounds. Trekking Expeditions are just the convictions we need in our lives to achieve the highest potential and experience the world with a new perspective.

 Rightly said by Dr. Seuss “ Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So…get on your way”.

On this note, we bring you the Trekking Expeditions in India you can’t miss out on.

Trekking Expeditions in Kashmir, India

1. Umbrella Peak Expedition:

Starting at the tip of Kashmir, this trekking expedition in India is one of its kind filled with wilderness and exquisite nature. The expedition on its way takes you to Durinar meadow and Durinar lake – the highest alpine lake in Kashmir. Reaching the summit on the 6th day, this trekking expedition in India offers the ultimate paranormal view and beauty.

Range	Thajiwas Range
Maximum Altitude	15,711 ft
Base Camp	Sarbal Village
Duration	7 Days
Best Time	July-September
Approx. cost (per adult)	14,000 – 20,000

2. Mt. Valehead Expedition 

Starting in the Sarbal Village, the last village of Kashmir, this trekking expedition in India offers you the experience of local life and the charms of snow-clad surroundings. The trekking expedition is a treat for all beginners or experts, the journey is surprising with the diversity of landscapes and sceneries you didn’t even know existed. 

Range	Thajiwas Range
Maximum Altitude	15,584 ft
Base Camp	Sarbal Village
Duration	4 Days
Best Time	August-September
Approx. cost (per adult)	13,000 – 17,000

Trekking Expeditions in Ladakh, India

1. Kang Yatse I Expedition

The peak with all of its technicalities is not a very popular summit and is only for the experts. This trekking expedition in India is one of the rarest and most rewarding summits. Trekkers are usually asked to do some warm short treks as this summit walks through the harshest of weathers and dangers like crevasses, and broken ridges which are to be passed very carefully.

Range	Markha Valley
Maximum Altitude	21,001 ft
Base Camp	Nimaling
Duration	14 Days
Best Time	July-October
Approx. cost (per adult)	1,35,000 – 1,50,000

2. Kang Yatse II Expedition

This trekking expedition in India is not mainstream and perfect for the ones looking for a major summit with the least challenges. The trek brings you closer to life in Leh as with every passing camp you will discover a variety of villages, landscapes, flora, and fauna. This trekking expedition in India is perfect to enjoy it all and appreciate the unspoken beauty of the Himalayas along with the whiff of spiritualism in the air.

Range	Markha Valley
Maximum Altitude	20,500 ft
Base Camp	Leh
Duration	12 Days
Best Time	July-September
Approx. cost (per adult)	47,000 – 55,000

3. Mt. Kun Expedition

The 2nd highest peak of the Eastern Himalayan Range, the peak is separated from its twin – Mt. Nun by a 4 km long plateau. This trekking expedition in India is strictly for the experts as the entire route is infested with crevasses, vertical snow walls, unstable glaciers, and highly dangerous thin ice walk. 

Range	Zanskar
Maximum Altitude	23,219 ft
Base Camp	Gulmotongas
Duration	23 Days
Best Time	July-September
Approx. cost (per adult)	1,90,000 – 2,50,000

4. Mt. Nun Expedition

Surrounding the beautiful valley of Suru, this peak is the highest peak on the Indian side of LOC. The peak is only for the experts and mountaineers aiming for 8000 m, knowledge of all the technical equipment is vital for this peak. The summit opens you to hidden monasteries, villages, and landscapes, almost invisible to the world. This trekking expedition in India showcases the true beauty of Ladakh along with Jammu & Kashmir serving as the heaven of every mountaineer.

Range	Zanskar
Maximum Altitude	23,409 ft
Base Camp	Leh
Duration	23-24 Days
Best Time	July-September
Approx. cost (per adult)	1,80,000 – 2,00,000

5. Chamser Kangri Expedition

This trekking expedition in India will take you to the most hidden sides of Ladakh, an opportunity to have the most authentic experience of the villages and also the lives of Changpa Nomads, wandering the lands of Changthang. The trek is the heaven you never imagined with the unseen landscapes and paranormal surroundings. The expedition will render you speechless with its mystic charms.

Range	Ladakh Range
Maximum Altitude	21,765 ft
Base Camp	Leh
Duration	20 Days
Best Time	July-October
Approx. cost (per adult)	1,64,000 – 2,00,000

6. Stok Kangri Expedition

Being the highest peak of the Stok Range is one of the most appealing treks in Ladakh. This trekking expedition in India attracts trekkers from around the globe and is a feast for sore eyes.

This trekking expedition in India has the harshest of climates and is not for faint hearts, as beautiful as this trek is, it most definitely requires not only physical but also mental strength to make your way through the freezing wind and complete the summit. The summit views the Indus Valley and Zanskar region in their wilderness and glory.

Range	Stok Range
Maximum Altitude	20,182 ft
Base Camp	Leh
Duration	12 Days
Best Time	January-March
Approx. cost (per adult)	85,000 -1,50,000

Trekking Expeditions in Himachal Pradesh, India

1. Mt. Deo Tibba Expedition

The 2nd highest peak of Pir Panjal Range, this trekking expedition in India is among some of the most challenging summits. It is believed to be the assembly of gods or Devtas, so the name Deo Tibba, the peak, is the ultimate irony of nature as it is not a “peak” but snow covered plateau or a cap.

The trekking expedition will leave you astonished with the strains of landscape and flora, from meadows to lakes to waterfalls, from silver birch to oak, this trekking expedition in India will show you all, the true beauty of diversity.

Range	Pir Panjal Range
Maximum Altitude	19,688 ft
Base Camp	Tainta
Duration	15 Days
Best Time	May, June, September, and October
Approx. cost (per adult)	64,000 – 68,000

2. Mt. Hanuman Tibba Expedition

The pyramid-shaped peak, dominating the Solang Valley of Manali, is not that high but still requires the right techniques and stamina. The peak is an integral part of Manali’s Western Himalayan Mountaineering Institutes, this trekking expedition in India is best for one looking for 1st major summit with the phenomenal sceneries and magic of mother nature.

Range	Pir Panjal Range
Maximum Altitude	19,462 ft
Base Camp	Jagatsukh, Manali
Duration	13 Days
Best Time	June-October
Approx. cost (per adult)	64,000 – 70,000

3. Friendship Peak Expedition

This trekking expedition in India is among some of the most famous treks. The summit is an easier alternative to the mainstream Stok Kangri and can be done by all – experts and beginners alike. The journey will leave you spellbound by its beauty and the surreal view of Manali’s Solang Valley cannot be appreciated enough. The trek is a potion of greenery, meadows, valley, snow, and oak with the right amount of everything. 

Range	Pir Panjal Range
Maximum Altitude	17,382 Days
Base Camp	Jagatsukh
Duration	9 Days
Best Time	May-June and September-October
Approx. cost (per adult)	30,000 – 50,000

Trekking Expeditions in Uttarakhand, India

1. Black Peak Expedition

The infamous Black Peak or Kala Nag as the name suggests resembles a black cobra and is the most dominant and highest peak of the Saraswati Range. This trekking expedition in India is the recipe for the ultimate thrill and adrenaline rush for all the adventurer souls out there, with almost a vertical snow climb the beauty of this trekking expedition is unparalleled to any other. The enchantress of snow will allure you with its beauty and amaze you with every step. 

Range	Saraswati Range
Maximum Altitude	20,955 ft
Base Camp	Kyarkoti
Duration	15/16 days
Best Time	May, June, September, and October
Approx. cost (per adult)	72,000 – 77,000

2. Mt. Gangotri 3 Expedition

This trekking expedition in India is often done by those who are aiming for 6500+ m of elevation as this peak comes with all the challenges and hardships you can or cannot possibly think of, its base camp being set up in an avalanche-prone area makes it even more dangerous and thrilling.

But with all the challenges comes the unmatchable beauty of the surroundings and peak itself, with Mt. Rudragaira on the left and the infamous Auden Col on the right. Rising from the base of Rudragaira Bamak Glacier, this peak is the most dominant in the Gangotri Belt. 

Range	Gangotri Range
Maximum Altitude	21,578 ft
Base Camp	Rudragaira Nallah
Duration	15 days
Best Time	May, June and September
Approx. cost (per adult)	40,000 – 50,000

3. Mt. Bhagirathi 2 Expedition

The 2nd highest peak of the Bhagirathi chain, This trekking expedition in India is the ultimate blend of spirituality and expertise. The peak high above the Gangotri Glacier and the Bhagirathi river, is not for all, hanging on the almost vertical wall and climbing on unstable ice needs utmost care and technique. This trekking expedition in India is often done by people wanting to push their potential and experience the dangering thrill. 

Range	Gangotri Range
Maximum Altitude	21,365 ft
Base Camp	Nandanvan
Duration	20 Days
Best Time	May, June, and September
Approx. cost (per adult)	2,15,000 – 2,45,000

4. Mt. Kedar Dome Expedition

The 3rd highest peak on the southern side of Gangotri Glacier, This trekking expedition in India is for the ones wanting to do a summit with minimal technicalities. The peak is rather dome-shaped with an earlier northwestern flank but a very difficult eastern flank, only for the experts. In spring the peak usually calls for the ski-enthusiasts as it offers the best ski ascent and the down path is too good to be true.

Range	Gangotri Range
Maximum Altitude	22,415 ft
Base Camp	Kirti Glacier
Duration	21 days
Best Time	May-October
Approx. cost (per adult)	1,20,000 – 2,00,000

5. Mt. Nanda Ghunti Expedition

The peak of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary in the Garhwal Himalayas near the Roopkund lake is a significant one. This trekking expedition in India is famous for its crevasses and unpredictable nature. The peak as the name says is believed to be the Veil of Nanda Devi.

This trekking expedition in India offers you the serene beauty of the snow-clad surrounding and paranormal views with the least effort and techniques.

Range	Nanda Devi Sanctuary
Maximum Altitude	20,699 ft
Base Camp	Homkund
Duration	16 Days
Best Time	June, September, and October
Approx. cost (per adult)	1,30,000 – 1,50,000

6. Bandarpunch Peak Expedition

The famous Hanuman god’s Tail or White Peak is a majestic peak in the western Garhwal Mountains. The trek walks through Hanuman Ganga valley, climbs Khaling pass, and serves as an excellent viewpoint for Gangotri I, II, III, Jaonli, and Srikanth. The massive glacier of Bandarpunch is the source of the holy river Yamuna.

This trekking expedition in India is famous for the snowfields, which are enormous with hidden crevasses – to be crossed with the utmost caution, the trek is mostly for trained people and not for beginners. 

Range	Saraswati Range
Maximum Altitude	20,722 ft
Base Camp	Uttarkashi
Duration	17-20 Days
Best Time	May, June, September, and October
Approx. cost (per adult)	2,25,000 – 2,35,000

7. Mt. Satopanth Expedition

This trekking expedition in India is the summit of the 2nd highest peak of the Gangotri Range and is often seen as a practice summit by the one going for Everest. It is often believed to be the True Path as the name says Satopanth, it divides the Gangotri and Chaturanga Glaciers.

This trekking expedition in India is one of the rarest and most unnerving expeditions which requires skills, even the most experienced mountaineers have failed the summit. The knife ridge, glacier walking, and sudden and unexpected crevasses add more and more uncertainty to this Expedition.

Range	Gangotri Range
Maximum Altitude	23,212 ft
Base Camp	Vasuki Tal
Duration	20 Days
Best Time	June, August, and September
Approx. cost (per adult)	1,45,000 – 1,80,000

8. Mt. Shivling Expedition

The pyramid-shaped snow-clad tooth-like structure or Shiva’s Lingam is a significant peak of the Gangotri Range near the tip of Gangotri glacier. This trekking expedition in India is among the most daunting expeditions in the world and offers challenges like no other.

This expedition is a twin summit mountain with the northeastern summit being slightly higher than the southwestern. The summit is guarded by high and steep granite rocks, adding more challenges to the trek. The summit view is completely unimaginable, looking upon the meadows and terrains of Tapovan and the entire Gangotri Glacier all at once.

Range	Gangotri Range
Maximum Altitude	21,467 ft
Base Camp	Tapovan
Duration	21 Days
Best Time	May, June, and September
Approx. cost (per adult)	2,50,000 – 3,00,000

Final Thoughts for Trekking Expeditions In India

These trekking expeditions in India are the purest forms of nature and as enthusiastic as we all are about these summits, we need to make sure that we don’t do anything to degrade nature and that the cleanliness of these beauties is prioritized. These trekking expeditions in India are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and should not be missed, so if you want some suggestions for your bucket list, do remember to tick some of these off of them.

Read more: Highest Peaks In India

Frequently Asked Questions for Trekking Expeditions In India