Sandhya is a founding partner at Indiahikes. Over the past ten years, she has explored and put on the map few of the greatest Himalayan treks in India, including Kashmir Great Lakes and Kedarkantha. She is a TedX Speaker and has been awarded the Women of Worth Award by Outlook Business in 2017.  

She believes in sustainable living just as she believes in sustainable trekking. 

 Read a feature on Sandhya in Outlook Business

 Read Sandhya's other articles 

 Read Sandhya's TedX Talk 
How I Climbed The Mountain Of Entrepreneurship

Multi day winter treks in snow are rare in India. The question always is where and how do you camp in snow? Most trekkers don’t understand this difficulty. That’s why a trek like Dodital is a superb for winters. Not only does it have fixed camp sites all the way to Dodital, trekkers are blessed with wonderful snow covered scenery that makes it a trek worth doing between January and March. For a winter trek it doesn’t get better than the Dodital.

There are few treks in India that can qualify as a true winter trek. The Dodital is one of them. It is blessed with outstanding snow scenery and camp sites that are easily reachable. For those looking to explore the Himalayas in winter and experience snow, nothing is better than the Dodital trek.

A 14 member team from Indiahikes explored the Dodital trek this January. Here is a photo story from their trek. Click on the pictures to see the enlarged image and the slideshow.

Dodital Photo Story, in India that can qualify as a true winter trek. It is blessed with outstanding snow scenery and camp sites that are easily reachable. Dodital trek is better in winter, which experiences the snow. Dodital is worth doing between January and March, for a winter trek it doesn’t get better.

Dodital Photo Story

Kedarkantha Trek

Pangarchulla Peak Trek

Phulara Ridge Trek

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek

Har Ki Dun

Pin Bhaba Pass Trek

Nafran Valley Trek

Nag Tibba Weekend Trek

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Brahmatal Trek

Surya Top

Gidara Bugyal

Kuari Pass Trek

Channarayana Durga Weekend Trek 

Brammah Valley Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Dayara Bugyal Summer Camp 

Minchukallu Betta Weekend Trek

Khopra Ridge Trek

Kedarkantha Summer Camp Trek

Goechala Trek

Kuari Pass Summer Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri Trek

Chirbatiya Weekend Trek

Kedartal Trek

Rupin Pass

Beas Kund Trek

Chandrakhani Pass Trek

Manali Kaisdhar Trek for Beginners

Hampta Pass Trek

Goa Netravali Forest Trek

Pench Tiger Trail

Benog Tibba Trek

Narmada Backwaters Trek

Mural Danda Exploration

Choharnag Lakes Trek

Ala-Kul Trek - Kyrgyzstan

Buran Ghati Trek

Bhrigu Lake Trek

Ranthan Kharak Trek

Everest Base Camp (Classic Route)

Gurez Valley Trek

Kodaikanal Avocado Hill Trek

Bali Pass Trek

Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek

Back-to-Nature Trek at Bijli Mahadev

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek 

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Dayara Bugyal Trek

Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

Miyar Valley

Mount Rinjani Trek

Sandakphu Phalut Trek

Coorg Nelji Hill Trek

Roopkund Trek

Youth Camp on Ali Bedni Bugyal

Georgia Atsunta Pass Trek

Tarsar Marsar Trek

Warwan Valley Trek

Valley of Flowers

Tulian Lake Trek

Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

Bodpathri Trek

Kanamo Peak Trek

Dafeybhir Pass Trek

Biligundlu Cauvery River Trek

Ghepan Lake

Winter Trekking Camp for Children

Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek

Deoban Weekend

Gutirayan Peak Trek

Bananthimari Betta Trek

Valikunja Trek

Parvathamalai Trek

Nishani Motte Trek

Kugti Pass Trek

Netravati Trek

Satpura Forest Trail

Karnala Fort Trek

Neelkanth Mahadev Lake Trek

Kamalgad Trek

Horagina Betta Trek

Kumara Parvatha Trek

Chadar Trek

Arshan Valley Trek

Makalidurga Trek

Halu Chilume Gange Trek

Kudremukh Trek

Bekal Beach Trek

Bijli Mahadev To Naggar Trek

Harishchandragad Trek

Doodhpathri Trek

Triund Trek

Pin Parvati Pass

Channarayana Durga Trek

Bhimashankar Trek

Rajgad Trek

Rajmachi Trek

Satopanth Tal Trek

Please note that this is a special trek designed for stargazing enthusiasts. The trek fee is slightly more than the regular fee. Know more about the trek here. 

This is a trek specially designed for trekkers above 58 years. The itinerary is specially designed to be different from a regular trek. The trek fee is also Rs 3000 more than the regular fee (Please note this is only for Himalayan treks) Know more about the trek here.  

Please note that this is a special trek. The trek fee is Rs 5000 more than the regular fee. Know more about the trek here. 

Please note that the family treks are meant for families with a child/children under 14 years of age. If you do not fit this criteria, you can register for any of our regular groups. Read more about family treks here.

You are joining our waitlist. Here are a few guidelines that you should keep in mind:
1. Your chances of getting a confirmation are high, but not certain. 
2. You don't have to pay right now. You will receive a notification upon confirmation of your slot. You will have 24 hours to pay and confirm your booking.
3. We close the movement of WL 15-20 days before the start of the trek.

We are known for our pioneering safety practices in trekking. Microspikes, oximeters, and BP checks became standards thanks to us. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with—everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes.

We are known for our safety

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have brought out treks that have become India's most famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Brahmatal, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023 alone, we brought out five new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own.

We are pioneers of treks in India

More than 30,000 people trek with us every year. We are the largest trekking organisation in India. 24% of our trekkers come back to trek with us every year. Over 4,000 students from the top educational institutions trek with us every year. Aside from this, families with children choose to trek with Indiahikes knowing that our treks are the safest. We have taken over 8000 children trekking so far, and the number continues to grow. 

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey. 

Our treks are transformative

For us, sustainability is not just writing on the wall. Using eco-bags, our trekkers have cleared over 120 tonnes of litter from the mountains. We do not carry packaged foods; instead, we serve freshly made food. We do not light campfires; we carry coal to light angethis to keep you warm. Our bio-toilets not only keep our toilets odour-free but also enrich the soil. When you trek with us, you leave mountains better.

Sustainability is at the heart of our operations

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

If you are unable to complete a trek, or if you love a trek, you can repeat it with us anytime. You don’t have to pay us for it. See our thoughts behind this here.

You’re guarded with our trek again philosophy

Our thrice-a-day oxi-metre checks keep altitude sickness at bay, never allowing you to reach a point where you need evacuation.

Daily 3-time health checks keep you safe at any altitude

With around 30% of our trekkers being women, all women, including those travelling solo are comfortable to join any of our groups.

Join any group, they are all women-friendly groups 

Our kitchen teams understand your needs as a vegan (or a Jain). We will take special care of your food, even in the remote Himalayas. 

We have specially designed bio toilets to ensure you have no sight or smell in toilets, at the same time making sure the toilets cause no harm to the fragile ecosystem we trek in.

Be comfortable and sustainable with bio toilets

We’ll admit it. Our love for food surpasses our love for minimalism. Expect freshly cooked, multi-cuisine food at all camps, designed to meet your nutritional requirements and keep your taste buds happy!

Trek along Narmada's serene Waterfall, Streams and Hills.

We have an expert team of Trek Advisors to help you choose the right trek. So if you have questions like, "Can I do this trek?" or "Who else is trekking?", please get in touch.

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Trek along Narmada's serene Waterfall, Streams and Hills

We'll admit it. Even before we set foot on the Narmada Backwaters trek, we were already impressed by trekking in Madhya Pradesh. If you're not aware, we opened up the Pench Tiger Trail in 2024, and trekkers have been loving it. 

We were wondering if another trek in Madhya Pradesh would match up to the beauty.

So when our chief explorer, Nitesh Kumar, returned from the Narmada Backwaters Trek, it was the first question we asked him. Here's what he had to say: "Even though I have been exploring treks in MP since 2017, this place is unlike any other. I saw waterfalls, hilltops, streams and the whole backwaters, all within two days. I never thought such a place existed!" 

To give you a glimpse of the trek, you start your trek by visiting a quaint tribal village at Kherwada. Meeting the tribal community here, and seeing how harmoniously they live with nature sets a wonderful context for what is to come over the next three days. 

From the village, you set out on a delightful trail alongside a stream. You're in a narrow gorge with thick undergrowth around you. There is a sense of adventure from the get-go. In 2-3 hours, a surprise awaits you: a magnificent waterfall that appears to be descending from the sky. This is the Gawani Waterfall. It's wonderful to spend some time in the pools formed by the waterfall, before heading back to Kherwada. 

The next day is when you truly acquaint yourself with the stunning backwaters of the Narmada. Camping beside the backwaters, with the mild tinkle of the water, under a starry sky is an experience to remember. 

The final day seals the deal for us because it takes you up to a vantage point at Jalsindhi Top. You climb a steep incline over a series of switchbacks to reach the top, from where the vast expanse of the Narmada Backwaters opens up. The grandiosity strikes you when you realize that you're seeing a tri-junction point, where the borders of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh meet.

To sum it up, the Narmada Backwaters Trek is a wonderful mix of the natural beauty of Madhya Pradesh, its rich culture and adventure. From the hidden waterfalls to the backwaters to the summit views, it's a power-packed three-day trek. 

If you are looking for a trek for yourself / your family and friends, this would be an ideal trek over an extended weekend.

This fee includes everything from base camp to base camp.

Please note: The insurance has to be claimed within 7 days from the specific incident for it to be deemed valid.

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on any trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Narmada Backwaters trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

Vadodara is a well-known city in Gujarat, connected by airways and railways. To reach the basecamp of the trek (Kherwada)

Your pickup will be near Vadodara Railway station and Vadodara Airport at 8:00 AM. Your Experience Coordinator will let you know the cost of the vehicle one week before the trek.

Incase you are coming directly to Alirajpur from Indore, we will help you in picking up from Alirajpur Bus stop. Let your Experience Coordinator know this in advance.

Onward Journey:

Day 0: Reach Vadodara by Evening. There are several stay options near Vadodara Junction Railway Station or Airport. 

Day 1: The Indiahikes team will pick you up from either of the pickup points. Inform your experience coordinator of this, in advance. Reach the basecamp. 

Return journey:

Day 3: The Indiahikes team will drop you to either of the drop points after the trek. Keep your Experience Coordinator informed of your choice for this.

Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.   

Crocin (Paracetamol) – 6 tablets (fever)

Norflox TZ – 3 tablets (diarrhoea/ severe GI issue)

Knee Cap (Optional), if you are prone to a knee injury

Our trek leaders carry a medical kit with them. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.

Pro Tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit. 

Given below is a list of all the gear you need for the Narmada Backwaters trek:

If you don’t have certain items, you can rent high-quality gear like trekking shoes, backpacks, and jackets from the Crosstrek Rental Store by Indiahikes. It costs less than Rs 2000 for the entire trek. We highly recommend renting gear since it is both more affordable and environmentally friendly. 

Additionally, you’ll notice a small medical kit in the list. While our trek leaders carry medical kits with 17 medicines including life-saving drugs, you must bring your personal medical kit as well. We are already equipped with BP machines, oximeters and canned oxygen, but your medical kit is for quick access to you, especially while travelling.

Most importantly, you must digitally upload and carry mandatory documents to get government permits for the trek - your ID card, medical certificate, and disclaimer certificate. Keep them in a plastic bag to keep them safe in your backpack. There are no printing or photocopy facilities at the basecamp.

Here is a list of everything you need for your trek.

Shoes with good grip (non-waterproof trail running shoes or non-waterproof shoes with good grip)

Warm layers: 1 layer (1 light sweater will suffice)

3 full-sleeved T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)

2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)

Sun cap (Available for purchase), preferably with flaps 

4 pairs of socks (normal cotton/ sport high ankle socks. Waterproof socks are a bonus.) (Waterproof socks are available for purchase)

Toilet paper (Wet wipes are strictly not allowed on our treks)

Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes/sanitary waste)

Once you run through this list, don't miss this ultimate guide on what gear to take on a trek. It contains tips on what gear to choose, where to get it from and how much to spend on it.

Our only tip: Keep your backpack light. Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to.

Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet.

These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.

Original and 2 (two) photocopies of government identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.  

1 (one) passport-size photographs. This is required to obtain the trekking permits

Personal Medical Form and Disclaimer certificate: There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record.  The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download disclaimer certificate

A Medical Certificate (mandatory for trekkers aged 58 and above). You must submit a medical certificate signed by an MBBS doctor, certifying your fitness and health for the trek. Any pre-existing medical conditions must be clearly outlined. Trekkers under the age of 58 do not need this certificate. – Download medical certificate

Please note: Trekkers above the age of 58 need to submit both the certificates mentioned under points 3 and 4

Small and slightly larger fresh water streams come alive during this season. The whole trail is lush green, be it the farmlands, grasslands, the ridge or even near the waterfall. During Monsoon, the clouds are lower than they generally are. It will give you a feeling of walking on the clouds. There are also times when you will see lower moving clouds, slightly away from you. These are sights to behold!

Highlights: Water elements, moving clouds and lush green trail.

Temperature
Day Time: 30 °C to 32 °C | Night Time: 21 °C to 23 °C

Narmada backwater trek in Monsoon (from July to mid-September)

As we enter the Autumn season, you will see a few water elements. Yet the lush green trail and the blue skies continue to amaze you. Imagine you are at the ridge on Day 3; a vibrant green below you, a bright blue above you, vast backwaters of the Narmada river infront of you and a soft wind blowing in your face. What an unforgettable moment!

Highlights: Lush green trail with blue skies

Temperature
Day Time: 28 °C to 31 °C | Night Time: 20 °C to 22 °C

Narmada backwater trek in Autumn (Mid-September to mid-November)

The winter season in this region is a mix of a pleasant weather and clear skies. The skies are so clear that you can even star gaze. The pleasant weather adds to it, making the trek in winter a very beautiful experience.

Highlights: Pleasant temperatures and clear night skies

Temperature
Day Time: 26 °C to 28 °C | Night Time: 14 °C to 16 °C

Narmada backwater trek in Winter (Mid-November to January)

Number of Warm Layers: 1 thin jacket or fleece

We recommend brisk walk as the best routine to get fit for this trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools. 

To do this trek comfortably, you must be able to walk 5 km in under 50 minutes. This is the minimum recommended fitness level that you should be aiming for. 

Trekking is a sport that primarily uses your lungs, your core, and your lower body. To reach this fitness, there are just two things to work on - your cardiovascular endurance and your muscle strength. Being fit will help you enjoy the trek and will keep you safe. 

Follow this simple schedule and you will be trek-fit:

Dodital Photo Story

Dodital Exploratory trek- A Photo Story

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