How Microspikes Came Into Indian Trekking
Did you know that microspikes were introduced to high altitude trekking by Indiahikes? Here’s the back story of how this innovation came into Indian trekking.
Trekkers Share Their Indiahikes Experience in Oct 2020
LATEST UPDATES
Dipping Temperatures in Sankri and Snowfall Reported On Brahmatal | Nov 24, 2020
In this video, Trek Leader Syama Krishna reports how temperature has dipped in Sankri. This is the basecamp for Kedarkantha and Har Ki Dun-Ruinsara Tal treks. Looks like winters are making an early entry this year.
If you are scheduled to trek in the Himalayas, come prepared with your warm layers. You may even encounter an unexpected snowfall on your trek. Like Trek Leader Vijeet Shaw does on Brahmatal trek in the next video.
For more updates, stay tuned to this space or our YouTube channel. Happy trekking!
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COVID-19 Testing Camp Enroute Dayara Bugyal Trek | Nov 20, 2020
In this video, Trek Leader Aditya Bodke is reporting from Chinyalisaur Checkpost. He was on his way to Raithal (basecamp for Dayara Bugyal trek) along with Trek Leader Leo Saldhana.
Enroute they discovered that anyone who isn't carrying an RT-PCR negative certificate needs to get tested here before proceeding.
Watch this video where Aditya quickly gives us an insight about what happens at the Chinyalisaur Chekpost.
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Trekking Opens In Pune District | Nov 3, 2020
It's official! Trekkers living in Maharashtra, especially in the Pune district can now venture out for treks. This permission came in the form of a letter from the District Collector Rajesh Deshmukh to Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh (AMGM) on November 1, 2020. It's a welcome change for those who have been craving for fresh air in the wild after being cooped inside the house during lockdown. If you're itching to venture out, take a look at the do-it-yourself treks around your city.
Do-It-Yourself Treks
New Year Batches Of Winter Himalayan Treks Open! | Oct 31st, 2020
We have announced new dates for our winter treks. We had to announce these dates after we ran out of slots for our existing groups. So these are fresh dates for you to choose from.
Some dates allow you to be on the trek during New Years Day. They fall perfectly within the holiday period and you get to start 2021 on a high.
These treks are Deoriatal-Chandrashila, Dayara Bugyal, Sandakphu and Kuari Pass treks. Keep a close eye on them. These dates and treks are usually in our highest demand. They are likely to get filled in the next 7 days.
Hope to see you in the mountains during this time. Happy trekking!
Upcoming Treks
First Signs of Winter Snow on Treks! | Oct 23rd, 2020
Our Trek Leaders sent these reports yesterday evening, with news from Raithal, the base camp of the Dayara Bugyal trek and Lohajung, the base camp of the Brahmatal trek. It looks like there's some early winter snow on the trail.
This is not snow that will last too long. But expect a light dust of snow on the upper reaches of the trek if you're trekking any time over the next one month. :)
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Indiahikes Covid-Safety Protocol: A Trekker Shares Her Experience
Oct 19, 2020 | We have successfully and safely lead multiple treks to Gaumukh Tapovan following our protocols to ensure safety of all the trekkers. Trekker Poonam Bhasin, wrote a blog explaining her experience of Indiahikes Safety Protocols on Gaumukh Tapovan trek. Read the blog to understand 'How Trekking with Indiahikes is the safest'.
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New Video Out! 10 Myths Busted on Himalayan Winter Treks!
Oct 17, 2020 | Join Neha, Dushyant and Swathi as they bust some biggest myths that surround winter trekking in the Himalayas!
Some of these are going to take you by surprise. Some others, you may empathise with, and some could be dangerous if they are truly believed.
These are myths we’ve heard for years, and surprisingly, still hear them. Watch the video and tell us what you think in the comments!
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Birds spotted on the Dayara Bugyal Trek
October 15th, 2020 | Dayara Bugyal trek is famous for its rolling meadows, beautiful forests filled with oaks and maples. But not many know that this trek is also a birder’s paradise.
Trekkers usually look at Deoriatal- Chandrashila Trek as a trail to spot different varieties of birds. Well, it is. But so is Dayara Bugyal trek.
With this gallery, fresh from the latest autumn trek to Dayara Bugyal, trekker Madhav Anand drives this point home.
Click on the button below to check the gallery.
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Safety Update: Sanitizing hotel stay pre and post trek
October 8th, 2020 | In this video, Indiahikes Slope Manager Gourab Nandy shows how we, at Indiahikes, are sanitizing the hotel stay in Sankri. He also explains how we keep sleeping bags hygienic.
We have two treks - Phulara Ridge and Har Ki Dun-Ruinsara Tal - starting from Sankri during the autumn season. And sanitizing the stay is a part of our 31-point safety protocol. We are following these protocols on all our slopes and treks to ensure safety of all the trekkers.
Read this article to know more about the safety checklist.
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Latest TEDx Talk by Indiahiker: Life's short! Work somewhere awesome
October 8th, 2020 | Here's some practical advice you can use. There are three things you must focus on to fall in love with where you work - understanding the 'Why' of your work, making your work your identity and having a collaborative work-life balance.
This TEDx Talk was delivered by Swathi Chatrapathy, who heads the digital content team at Indiahikes. She is also the face behind India's most popular trekking video channel, Trek With Swathi.
Watch this video and tell us if it resonates with you.
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A Trekker Shares Her Indiahikes Safety Experience At The Gangotri Basecamp
October 6th, 2020 | Trekker Poonam Bhasin is a social media influencer and a well-travelled cabin crew member. She is currently on the Gaumukh Tapovan trek in Uttarakhand.
In this video, she shares her experience of the safety measures we have taken to avoid the spread of COVID-19 on the trek. This was taken by our Trek Leader Dhaval Jajal at the Gangotri base camp, before they started their trek.
To check our entire 31-point safety check, head over here.
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Trekkers Recommend COVID Test Before Going on a Himalayan Trek
October 5th, 2020 | Ever since the Uttarakhand government removed the requirement for a COVID negative certificate amongst incoming tourists, trekkers have been asking us whether they must do a test.
We strongly advise our trekkers to do a COVID test before coming. We have shared the ground reality in Uttarakhand as well as experiences of trekkers on this page.
Lots of trekkers have recently tested themselves before going to the slopes. Several of them have tested positive (much to their own surprise). If they hadn’t done a test, it would have gone undetected.
This could be a big risk for fellow trekkers. Which is why trekkers themselves are recommending COVID tests to trekkers.
Here's why
Finally, a trek film worth watching: Heroes of the Himalayas
October 1st, 2020 | Today is a special day. Because you’re about to see one of the most meaningful films made on trekking, made independently by Searchglass Films. It’s called Heroes of Himalayas. "When we saw this film, we were stunned! Suffice to say it’s one of the finest documentaries made on Indiahikes’ Green Trails I’ve seen," shares Arjun Majumdar, the founder of Indiahikes.
Watch it here
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Why Trekkers Love Indiahikes
Trekkers rate their trek an average of 4.8 out of 5 on Google. Click here to read 3,500+ Google reviews.
Over 20,000 people trek with Indiahikes each year and vouch for our unmatched safety standards.
See what they have to say below. And read all reviews here.
See what they have to say below. And read all reviews here.
“Kedarkantha was my first trek and it was the most amazing experience. I couldn’t imagine that a trek could be that good! It was my first experience trekking, in snow, travelling alone, without connectivity, just with friends I made on the trek, it was amazing! The Indiahikes team even made a cake for a friend, whose birthday it was! Now all my trek friends and I can talk about are treks!” – Ishani Ghotikar, Nutritionist, Hyderabad
“We all try to seek adventure ( and memories) often unprepared, whenever we book a trek. It’s this your (IH’s) attitude to keep our safety foremost, somewhere assures me deep down, that whenever I leave for a trek or tell my loved ones that I am off for trekking, I am ‘covered’. I have heard stories of evacuations, forced returns, staying put for long and incomplete treks, keeping the safety above all needs an attitude which I see is embedded enough in the trek leaders, slope managers, and all through your website. I refer everyone saying, go take a trek with IH, they safe, and will care for you. Keep this as your motto. This trust makes IH different from others.” – Anirudh Gargi, Software Developer, Bangalore
“Every experience first time has a sense of apprehensiveness about what to expect and how to go about it. That was the same case as I ventured on my first Himalayan trek and needless to say Indiahikes were the complete package in reassuring you about having an amazing experience. They were absolutely professional about everything right from the start, constant communication through emails, tips about packing and gear, advice on fitness and all these actually mattered on the trek as it made the trek a memorable experience. The trek guide along with the trek staff were among the warmest people I have met, and their tireless efforts to make everyone comfortable deserves the loudest cheers. Indiahikes fully validates their claim that they are the largest trekking community and the most recommended by trekkers, because they actually care about the balance of giving the best trekking experience and sustaining and preserving the natural environment.” – Srikanth Chandrasekhar, Network Engineer, Mumbai
“The trek went really well, Indiahikes made sure that we had an amazing 6 days in the mountains. All the arrangements were spot on. While our trek lead Krupa made sure that the health of the trekkers were in good condition by continuously monitoring oxygen level, pulse rate, the other two leaders sai pavan and leo lifted up the trek experience. Kudos to Indiahikes for making this an unforgettable experience in our life, thank you very much!” – Sanjay Saliyan, IT Technical Lead, Bangalore
“Hats off to the Indiahikes team! I had a wonderful experience in the complete trek and surprisingly have no complain at all. The Indiahikes team was on its toes at all times and they didn’t let us feel like anything was missing. The food served was served hot and delicious. With this amazing experience I would love to trek again with this esteemed organisation and would highly recommend it to my friends and family too.” – Nihar Shah, Student & Entrepreneur, Mumbai
“This was my first ever trekking experience, and overall, I’ve come back from the trek extremely happy and truly humbled. I enjoyed every moment of the trekking experience – the arduous ascents and tough descents, and do believe that the reason I enjoyed it, is the attention that Indiahikes pays to detail, to educate trekkers about what we’ve signed up for. This helps us physically and mentally to prepare ourselves for what’s to come. I definitely intend on returning back to the Himalayas for more treks with Indiahikes ” – Varsha Vijayababu, Software Engineer, Bangalore
“This is my first experience of trekking and I enjoyed it thoroughly.. Undoubtedly the best days of my life. Emails from Indiahikes regarding practice, choosing gears and other basic stuff were really helpful in preparation for the trek and to improve my strength and stamina. I am way too happy to have chosen Indiahikes as my trek partner. It was much more than expected. Thank you. I am definitely coming for many more treks in future!!” – Dr Komal Shah, Intervention Pulmonologist, Ahmedabad
10 Most Frequently Asked Questions At Indiahikes
Has trekking restarted?
Yes, treks have restarted! 🙂 We’re happy to tell you that from the beginning of October 2020, we have restarted Himalayan treks. Several teams have already gone on treks and returned safely, having had wonderfully meaningful experiences with us.
We have announced dates for Winter 2020 and also for future treks all the way until June 2021. To take a look at our upcoming treks, click here.
Which treks are open in winter?
We have reopened Himalayan treks and announced dates for winter treks too. In fact, almost all our dates are half full already.
Here is a list of winter treks that we have opened. These treks have dates available in December, January and February.
How is Indiahikes keeping my trek safe during COVID-19?
At Indiahikes, we make no compromises when it comes to safety. Since its inception Indiahikes has pioneered as well as established safety protocols that are strictly implemented across all treks.
In COVID times this attention to safety has been significantly amplified. After much research, brainstorming, and consultation with experts we have come up with a 31 point safety check.
This includes safety processes before your trek, at the base camp, on your trek and even after you return. Read all the 31 steps here.
Should I do a COVID Test before my trek?
It is not mandatory for you to do a COVID test before coming on your trek. The Uttarakhand state government has removed the requirement for a COVID test.
At Indiahikes, we strongly recommend doing an RT-PCR test before coming on your trek, because it reduces the probability of coming to these remote regions as carriers of the virus.
But we understand that in some cities, it is difficult to get the test done at will. So we have not made it a mandatory requirement. You will, however, need to bring a basic medical certificate, which has been mandatory for all our treks for the past 10 years.
What’s your cancellation policy during COVID-19?
No cancellation charges for trek bookings from July 1st until Dec 31st (choose a trek any time in future)
In light of COVID-19, since travel and treks are uncertain, Indiahikes has waived off all cancellation charges if you register for a trek before Dec 31. Which means, for all registrations before Dec 31, even if the trek is in December or later, apart from the basic 4% transaction charges, there are no cancellation charges from Indiahikes.
This helps you to register for a trek with peace of mind, knowing you can cancel your trek even until the last moment. Trekkers have started registering for treks, and we’d like you to do so with full confidence. We don’t want you to worry about losing out through cancellations.
Can I join your treks as a solo trekker?
Yes, absolutely. Many solo trekkers join our teams and have wonderful experiences. They end up meeting like-minded people on the trek and don’t feel like they have come alone on the trek any more.
Our pre-trek experience team ensures that you know your entire team well much before you actually head out on the trek.
Additionally, we have several women trekkers who join us solo as well because of the safety they get with the Indiahikes team. You’re welcome to join us as a solo trekker too.
What kind of food do you provide?
We provide simple, delicious, nutritious vegetarian meals on all days of the trek.
Indiahikes provides Indian vegetarian food. Your typical meal will consist of roti (Indian bread), sabzi (vegetable), dal (lentils) and rice. Add to it a sumptuous dessert. (Psst… Many of our trekkers tell us they want to trek again simply for the food we serve.)
We serve three meals a day – breakfast, lunch and dinner. Apart from that, you’ll get tea and snacks in the evening and a hot cup of soup before dinner. If you’re in for a long day of trekking, you’ll get a packed snack as well.
Our menu is designed after elaborate research on nutritional requirements for trekkers. We take the exercise put in, the altitude gained and the weather you’ll face into consideration before putting each meal together. You’ll notice that every meal is nutritionally well-balanced with the right amount of carbs, protein, vitamins, fibre and calories.
Add to that the expertise of our cooks. They’ve all undergone intensive training to be where they are. The meals they dish out will have you licking your fingers!
Is trekking for me?
Many people are intimidated by the idea of a trek and thinking trekking is not for them. It’s true that there are very real risks and challenges. However, we believe that with the right attitude and preparation, almost everyone can participate in a trek and they do so for all sorts of reasons.
In fact, every year over 20,000 people of all abilities and backgrounds trek with Indiahikes:
- For most people this is their first ever trek
- Aged from 7 years all the way to 75 years
- Solo travellers as well as groups of friends and family
- Both women and men (34% of trekkers are women)
- Of varying levels of fitness (but you will need to prepare for your trek)
Preparing for a trek is a great opportunity to get fit. With a regular fitness plan, the fitness requirements are achievable by most people and will ensure maximum enjoyment and safety during the trek.
What gear must I bring for a Himalayan trek?
When you’re packing for a high altitude trek, there are a few basic things you need – your warm layers, your trekking shoes, a good backpack and your toilet and medical kits. To help keep costs low, we sell or rent some of this gear.
For a full list, please read this article or visit the “Things to Take” section of the relevant trek page.
What are the fitness requirements?
Each trek has its own fitness requirements, which you can see in the “Get yourself fit” section on the relevant trek page. You will need to develop your fitness to meet these criteria before you start your trek.
We have several resources and videos on this website to help you get fit. Once you register for your trek, your trek coordinator will also be in touch regularly to provide additional support and check your progress.
With a regular fitness plan, the fitness requirements are achievable by most people and will ensure maximum enjoyment and safety during the trek.
View all our upcoming treks and register to secure your preferred dates
Browse Through Our Latest Articles
Read a selection of our latest articles below or select a category from drop-down.
Why Trekking in Jan & Feb is Better than December (Stats and Top 5 Treks Inside)
The beauty of trekking in peak winter is largely an undisclosed secret in Indian trekking. Here’s what you’re missing out. (Stats and best treks to choose inside)
Why Trekking With Indiahikes is About to Take a New Turn
At Indiahikes, we’re redesigning our trek experience to make the impact deeper, more internal and more transformative. Here’s a little bit of what to expect.
Top 6 Himalayan Treks to do in Winter 2020 (Pro tips inside)
Snow treks in the Himalayas always have a charm about them. Here, we list out the best winter treks to do in the Himalayas.
15 Winter Trek Tips that Experienced Trekkers Swear By
Here are the best winter trek tips shared by experienced trekkers. They are few of the best trekking tips we have come across.
Why We Don’t Give Discounts at Indiahikes
Trekkers often ask us why at Indiahikes we have no discounts. So we have put together some inside info that we rarely share with trekkers. Take a look.
A TEDx talk by our Chief Editor, Swathi Chatrapathy, which has Rare Career Wisdom
Our Chief Editor, Swathi Chatrapathy, was invited a few months ago to deliver a TEDx talk. Swathi was very keen to talk about how anyone must look at work. She was much anguished about some fundamental mistakes people seemed to be making in their careers. Her thoughts are fresh, insightful and full of practicality. Swathi […]
How the Opening of Atal Tunnel Impacts Trekking in India
The opening of Atal Tunnel has brought happiness in many travellers and trekkers. Read to know why you should rejoice too!
Indiahikes 31-Point Safety Check for Trekking during COVID times
Small groups can now start trekking with us! We have opened up 8 Himalayan treks with a 31-point safety check. Read about it here.
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“They trek was very thoughtfully put together, ensuring minimum impact on the environment, with faultless logistic arrangements and good camping facilities at awesome locations. We had excellent trek guides, who seemed to know the terrain well and with whom I felt safe.” – Devinder Malhotra , Rupin Pass “After a steep ascent, some kitchen staff […]