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

Sandakphu is a beautiful trek in the north-east of India, and it’s not often that we come across such pictorial blog posts. This Photo Blog by Subhashis Pal will quickly take you up the trail, with mood-based pictures of the Tea-Houses, lovely villages, glimpses of the Sleeping Buddha and of course the sunsets and star-trails along the Sandakphu Trek.

This blog by Subhashis Pal has won the February 2016 Blog Contest!

“I am a PhD student and used to spent my whole day in lab. But one thing often happens with me, whenever I look out through the window, I miss one thing on the skyline, the Mountains.”

Congrats Subhashis Pal! Hope you get to trek more and inspire us more!

To see the winners of the February 2016 Photo Contest, click here.

February 2016 Blog Contest Winner

Narmada Backwaters Trek

Mural Danda Trek

Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek

Roopkund Trek

Ala-Kul Trek - Kyrgyzstan

Coorg Nelji Hill Trek

Ranthan Kharak Trek

Youth Camp on Ali Bedni Bugyal

Georgia Atsunta Pass Trek

Kodaikanal Avocado Hill Trek

Kanamo Peak Trek

Dafeybhir Pass Trek

Kedartal Trek

Miyar Valley

Kedarkantha Summer Camp Trek

Biligundlu Cauvery River Trek

Mount Rinjani Trek

Ghepan Lake

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Goa Netravali Forest Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Kedarkantha Trek

Surya Top

Pangarchulla Peak Trek

Tarsar Marsar Trek

Buran Ghati Trek

Bhrigu Lake Trek

Phulara Ridge Trek

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek

Everest Base Camp (Classic Route)

Back-to-Nature Trek at Bijli Mahadev

Har Ki Dun

Pin Bhaba Pass Trek

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek 

Gurez Valley Trek

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Bali Pass Trek

Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

Rupin Pass

Warwan Valley Trek

Beas Kund Trek

Valley of Flowers

Khopra Ridge Trek

Nafran Valley Trek

Goechala Trek

Chandrakhani Pass Trek

Nag Tibba Weekend Trek

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri Trek

Tulian Lake Trek

Manali Kaisdhar Trek for Beginners

Hampta Pass Trek

Sandakphu Phalut Trek

Brammah Valley Trek

Brahmatal Trek

Pench Tiger Trail

Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

Benog Tibba Trek

Bodpathri Trek

Dayara Bugyal Trek

Kuari Pass Trek

Dayara Bugyal Summer Camp 

Winter Trekking Camp for Children

Kuari Pass Summer Camp Trek

Channarayana Durga Weekend Trek 

Minchukallu Betta Weekend Trek

Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek

Chirbatiya Weekend Trek

Gidara Bugyal

Deoban Weekend

Gutirayan Peak Trek

Bananthimari Betta 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

Sathuragiri Hill Trek

Sinhagad Fort Trek

Kalavantin Durg 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!

A Hidden Trek amidst Coorg's Iconic Forests and Grasslands

TREK DIFFICULTY

TREK DURATION

CLOSEST AIRPORT

SUITABLE FOR

TOTAL TREK DISTANCE

BASECAMP

ACCOMODATION TYPE

PICKUP POINT

In recent times, discussions about Coorg have largely been limited to the luxurious homestay experiences in Madikeri.

We have almost forgotten that Coorg or Kodagu forms an entire district of Karnataka and has far more to offer. The true essence of Coorg lies in its iconic coffee estates, lush shola forests, pristine freshwater streams, rolling grassy hills, and remarkable biodiversity.

For a long time, we searched for a trek that could showcase all these elements of Coorg. The search was challenging, but it finally led us to the Coorg Nelji Hill trek.

Tucked away in a peaceful corner near the Nelji village in Coorg, the trek takes you into the heart of the region.

The variety of landscapes on this trek is mesmerising. One moment, you’re trekking under a dense canopy, with sunlight peeking through. In the next, the forest gives way to wide grasslands, with blue hills rising in the distant horizon. 

This typical forest-grassland mosaic, called shola, is seen nowhere else other than these high reaches of the Western Ghats. The Shola forests are renowned for their extraordinary floral and faunal diversity, which includes endemic species like the Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Marten and Lion-tailed Macaques. Some of these species aren't found anywhere else in the world. 
Researchers from around the globe visit Shola forests to have a peek into this unique ecosystem. On the Coorg Nelji Hill Trek, you get to walk amidst them for hours.


Then comes the summit at the end of a magical ridge walk. The majestic Brahmagiri range rises on one side of this ridge. On the other side, you see Tadiandamol, Coorg’s tallest peak. At the top, you stand surrounded by endless greenery. It feels as if you have walked into a postcard.


If you think these transitions of landscapes are magical, you will be bowled over by the floral and faunal variety on the trail. Throughout the forest, the air is full with birdsong. You might even spot them-  wagtails, drongos, sunbirds, and magpie robins. You are also sure to find signs of elephant movement throughout your trek.


What makes this trek complete is the serenity of the base camp. The homestay where you begin your journey is set on a beautiful coffee estate and surrounded by forests. You even see a crystal clear freshwater stream flowing right behind the camp.


At Indiahikes, the perfect trek in Coorg has been a long search. And the puzzles seem to have finally fallen into place with the Coorg Nelji Hill Trek. This is a magical journey into the wild heart of this region. Over a span of just two days, the trek captures every single element of Coorg in its most pristine and beautiful form.

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.

Coorg Nelji Hill Trek- Complete Information

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a 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 Coorg Nelji Hill 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.

The Coorg Nelji Hill trek has a good amount of ascent to the Maakath Motte summit, first through forests, then through tall grasses and finally in an exposed section. If it rains, you will find slippery sections and leeches as well. 

Having said that, it is perfectly doable for beginners and even families. 

It's best if you have a fit and active lifestyle since you have a 5 km ascent, followed by a 5 km descent. You should be prepared to trek from early morning until the evening.

For those familiar with trekking, this trek is similar in difficulty to Kudremukh, but it's slightly easier.

At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider several factors. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.

Coorg Nelji Hill Trek lies besides the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. The forests around this region are shola and semi-evergreen forests. Along with the combination of montane grasslands. 

This trek is accessible for 9 months of the year except March, April and May. However, this trek cannot be done on your own. You will need the permission of locals as many parts of the trek fall under private ownership. 

This is the best season to trek in these regions. There might be occasional rains. Early mornings and late nights will be chilly. However, you might feel the heat occasionally in the afternoons. 

Winter is the best time to spot migratory birds. 

In the month of February, Dragon's eye tree and Malabar tamarind bring out their new leaves that are pink in colour. If you're lucky, you might also spot Malabar giant squirrel feeding on these new leaves.  

Day time: Around 25 °C and 28 °C | Night time: Will drop to temperatures between 18 °C and 22 °C. 

Coorg Nelji Hill Trek in Winter (Nov, Dec, Jan & Feb)

Warm layers required: One sweater or a fleece jacket

This is a very exciting time to trek here. This is the time when the rainfall will be heaviest. Poncho or rain jacket on the trek is compulsory. 

The shola forests on the trek are evergreen rainforests. But they truly come alive in these rains. The streams will be gushing. It is truly a delight to spot a variety of insects like painted snail, pill millipedes, and gorgeous caterpillars. 

However, along this joy comes along with a challenge. In the monsoon, leeches become very active. You will need leech-proof socks to trek without any worry. 

Day time: Around 24 °C and 26 °C | Night time: Will drop to temperatures between 18 °C and 20 °C. 

Coorg Nelji Hill Trek in Monsoon (July-mid Aug)

Warm layers required: One fleece jacket or a wind cheater

Original and photocopy of 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.  

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 it carefully, and fill 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 in this document. Trekkers under the age of 58 do not need this certificate. – Download medical certificate

Personal Medical Record (mandatory for trekkers under 58): All trekkers are required to complete this document and submit it to the trek leader at the base camp - Download the Personal Medical Record form

Please carry the above documents with you. The documents need to be downloaded (PDF), filled in, signed, and handed over to the trek leader at the base camp. Please print these back-to-back on two sheets. Do not print separately and help in reducing paper usage.

Given that this is just a one-night weekend outdoor program, with very comfortable weather, we advise you to travel light.

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 traveling.

Here’s a list of things you must bring along with you: 

A 30L backpack – A small comfortable backpack will suffice. (Available for rent)

2 dri-fit T-shirts – Expect to get sweaty, you will need a change of clothes after your trek

An extra pair of trousers – Avoid shorts at all costs, there are thorns along all the trails.

Shoes with good grip – Even sports shoes will work, as long as they have a good grip

Rain Jacket/Poncho (mandatory) (Available for rent)

2 pairs of socks (for the trek) + 1 extra pair

Two 1-litre bottles (reusable) (Available for rent)

Your lunch box, coffee mug, and spoon (Available for rent)

Note: Trek pole, tiffin box, spoon, 800 ml water bottle, 30L backpack, headlamp, and mug are all available for rent. Once your registration is completed, click on this link and fill out the form to rent the required gear.

As the trail is exposed, with very little tree cover, make sure you cover yourself well while trekking. Carry a full-sleeve t-shirt/shirt and full trekking pants for this trek.  

Keep a pair of sandals to walk around the campsite. 

What to pack for you Coorg Nelji Hill Trek

Along with this, smoking, drinking, and taking drugs are strictly prohibited.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coorg Nelji Hill Trek

We go to great lengths to keep you safe on your trek. However, trekking with the safest organisation in India comes with certain commitments from your end. 

Eligibility Criteria for Coorg Nelji Hill Trek

Complete information on the Coorg Nelji Hill Trek. Trek details, experiences, maps, photos, videos, when to go, what to take, how difficult is the trek etc. 

Coorg Nelji Hill Trek - A Hidden Trek Amidst Coorg's Iconic Forests and Grasslands in Coorg - Indiahikes

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

February 2016 Blog Contest Winner

Winner

Treks by Categories

Treks by Season

Treks by Month

Treks by Duration

Treks by Difficulty

Treks by Region

Treks by Experience

Quick Links

Follow Us On

Contact Us

Bengaluru Office

Dehradun Office