Over the past decade, we have noticed that the trekking demography in our country is changing. What used to be hardcore adventurers heading into the mountains has now transformed into regular people from cities heading outdoors for treks.

Given this reality, several trekkers write to us asking for advice on which trek to choose as their first trek. 

This is why we are putting together this list of the best Himalayan treks for beginners.

These are suggestions from the past 13 years of guiding trekkers onto their first Himalayan treks.

Before we get into details, here are a few points to note about these treks for beginners: 

These treks are suitable for those who have never stepped into trekking trails (even locally) 

No matter the difficulty ratings of these treks, they require at least 1 month of fitness training before the trek. 

These treks can be accessed for almost 10 months in a year. (It’s a myth that all Himalayan treks can be done only in summer).

All these treks will give you a good mix of jungle trails, grasslands and mountain views — some have more than the others. So run through the highlights of the treks to make your decision.

You can expect snow on most of them between December and April.

Having said that, here is the list of the best high-altitude treks suited for beginners! 

15 Best Himalayan Treks For Beginners in India

Best Treks For Beginners In Uttarakhand 

Duration: 6 days from Rishikesh to Rishikesh 
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate 
Highest Altitude: 11,950 ft
Best time: All year, except monsoon
* Child-friendly: For children from 8 years onwards
View trek: Dayara Bugyal 

Dayara Bugyal is a highly recommended trek for beginners because of the grand rewards for the little effort put in. It is suitable not only for beginners but also for families with children. 

Most people don’t know this, but it is also a favourite trek among a few of the most seasoned trekkers at Indiahikes. “This trek is superbly rewarding at any time of the year. The forests are splendid in spring, the meadows are an unbeatable green in summer, and they turn orange in autumn, with striking mountain views. The snowscape in winter is a world on its own. You can go any time, and you’ll not be let down,” shares Sandhya UC, co-founder and COO of Indiahikes. 

Duration: 6 days  
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate 
Highest Altitude: 12,083 ft
Best time: All year, except monsoon
* Child-friendly: For children from 10 years onwards
View trek: Deoriatal-Chandrashila


Deoriatal-Chandrashila is another go-to Himalayan trek for beginners. Over the years, it has become a stepping stone for beginners to test themselves and progress to lengthier and tougher treks. 

What we love about this trek is that it is enriching from the get-go. Within two hours of trekking, you reach the Deoriatal lake and see stunning views of Chaukhamba and the neighbouring ranges from the lakeside. The forests over the next few hours are another huge reward. Within a day, you feel you’ve got your money’s worth. Yet, the trek only becomes more and more rewarding as you climb to the Chandrashila summit for the 360-degree views! 

Duration: 6 days 
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate 
Highest Altitude: 12,598 ft
Best time: All year, except monsoon
* Child-friendly: For children from 10 years onwards
View trek: Kuari Pass


Kuari Pass is a trek that beginners often forget, and they’re making a big mistake! Because once you step onto the Kuari Pass trail, you will feel that very few treks come close.

On this trek, you get the closest views of Mt Nanda Devi and Mt Dronagiri. They are your constant companions on the trek. While these mountains are busy taking your breath away, the oak forests and meadows of Gorson Bugyal compete to steal your attention. It has too many highlights for such a short trek, which is a huge blessing for beginners. 

Duration:  6 days
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate 
Highest Altitude: 12,250 ft
Best time: All year, except monsoon
* Child-friendly: For children from 10 years onwards
View trek: Brahmatal


Brahmatal has become popular over the past three years as a winter trek among beginners. And why not? It has a few terrific winter settings:

Incredible views of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti 

Yet, the mistake trekkers make missing out on this trek in all other seasons — spring, summer and autumn. Few people know this, but Brahmatal has a few of the best rhododendron forests in spring (between March and April). It has rarely seen greenery in summer and striking views in autumn. You can do it in all four seasons and see a different side of the trek.

Duration:  6 days 
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate 
Highest Altitude: 12,500 ft
Best time: All year, except monsoon
* Child-friendly: For children from 8 years onwards
View trek: Kedarkantha


Kedarkantha is a Himalayan trek that needs no introduction among beginners or seasoned trekkers. It has risen in popularity so much that we often discourage trekkers from going there in winter, its most popular season. 

But here’s the secret. While the trek may be incredibly crowded in winter, it is beautifully isolated in other seasons. This is especially true on the route we take at Indiahikes, starting from Kotgaon and not from Sankri. The walk through the forests, the camps in the clearings and the summit climb to Kedarkantha become extremely pleasurable in all seasons.

Duration: 6 days 
Difficulty: Moderate 
ighest Altitude: 12,550 ft
Best time: All year, except monsoon
* Child-friendly: For children from 10 years onwards
View trek: Ali Bedni Bugyal

Ali Bedni Bugyal is an excellent Himalayan trek for beginners because it gives you a taste of what an expedition might look like. After all, it takes you almost halfway up the famous Roopkund trek. 

Yet, Ali Bedni Bugyal has all the softness and charm of walking through lovely forests and meadows. These are a few of the most pristine meadows in our country. A sunrise or a sunset from these meadows, with golden light falling on Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti, will remain one of your best memories for life.

Duration: 6 Days  
Difficulty: Moderate 
Highest Altitude: 12,345 ft
Best time: Summer, Autumn
View trek: Phulara Ridge 

Phulara Ridge is not your traditional beginner’s trek. It is usually for the most nuanced trekker, who understands the rarity of such splendid ridge walks. Yet, we have seen that several beginners have gone on this trek and come out as trekkers for life. 

It’s a trek that instils a deep love for the mountains in you. This happens for quite a few reasons. First, the ridge walks, where you’re at a vantage point for over 5-6 hours, trekking in parallel with a few tallest mountain peaks. Second, the pretty campsites give you an authentic feel of camping in the wilderness, mainly because there are hardly any other trekkers. Thirdly, because you’re in the vicinity of many trekking trails (like Kedarkantha and Har Ki Dun), you feel a natural urge to explore more. 

Duration:  6 Days
Difficulty: Moderate 
Highest Altitude: 14,107 ft
Best time: Monsoon
View trek: Valley of Flowers

This list of the best Himalayan treks for beginners in India would be incomplete without a mention of the Valley of Flowers. One of the most ancient trekking trails in our country, this trail has introduced tens of thousands of Indians to the concept of trekking. 

The perks of going to Valley of Flowers as a beginner? It does not throw you into the deep end. You don’t camp in the wild or trek into the unknown. You are in civilization, staying in lodges and treading on well-laid trails. Helicopter evacuations are possible at your beck and call. So if you’re fearful of going on an isolated trek, this is a comfortable taste of the mountains. 

Duration:  8 Days
Difficulty: Moderate 
Highest Altitude: 11,850 ft
Best time: All year, except monsoon
View trek: Har Ki Dun - Ruinsara Tal

Har Ki Dun is another ancient Himalayan trek of our country that is suitable for beginners. It’s a trail dotted with remote villages of Uttarakhand, which are, to date, steeped in traditions. You get to observe this ancient culture at close quarters on this trek. 

Of course, we must warn you that this trek is slightly harder on the legs. We mark it as a moderate trek because the days involve long walking hours. In our itinerary at Indiahikes, we also visit the Ruinsara Valley, which is almost like doing a separate trek on its own. It’s an enriching valley walk (many of our Trek Leaders claim it’s more rewarding than the original HKD valley). Still, it does require an equal amount of effort on the part of the trekker. 

Best Treks For Beginners In Himachal Pradesh

Duration:  4 Days
Difficulty: Moderate 
Highest Altitude: 14,009 ft
Best time: Monsoon
View trek: Bhrigu Lake

Bhrigu Lake is one of our most recommended suggestions for beginners because, within 4 days, you trek to a lake at 14,000 ft and back without travelling much from a central place like Manali. (Most other treks involve an 8-hour journey to the base camp alone, from a central location like Dehradun).

While it has the perk of being easily accessible, the trek on its own is a feast to the eyes. With vast, unending grasslands spread against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it is a rare experience in 4 days. To top it off, you climb to Bhrigu Lake, the highest point on the trek, a frozen lake in June that turns a pretty blue and is surrounded by grassy knolls during the rest of the season. 

Duration: 4 days
Difficulty: Moderate 
Highest Altitude: 12,772 ft
Best time: Monsoon
View trek:  Beas Kund

Here’s another twin of the Bhrigu Lake trek, which is suitable for beginners. Similar in duration and accessibility (4-day trek from Manali), it is the lesser-known among the two. 

Frankly, at Indiahikes, we find it hard to pick between the two treks because despite being so close, they are very different. Beas Kund is a valley walk where the Beas River accompanies you. You trek to the source of the river and back. The campsites, the snow-covered mountains, and the lush greenery in the valley make a great introduction to a typical valley trek in Himachal for beginners. 

Duration:  6 Days
Difficulty: Moderate 
Highest Altitude: 14,065 ft
Best time: Monsoon
View trek: Hampta Pass 

We’ll be honest with you. Hampta Pass is not a trek we usually recommend for beginners. It is a high mountain pass-crossing in the heart of the Himalayas. Yet, if you have a good fitness routine or are prepared to put in the 2 months of effort it takes to train for Hampta Pass, it would be an excellent trek for beginners. 

It is one of the most dramatic experiences you’ll have as a beginner, trekking from the greenery of Kullu to the stark and barren landscapes of Lahaul. If you have never trekked before, these are views that will stick with you for life! 

Duration:  7 Days
Difficulty: Moderate 
Highest Altitude: 13,165 ft
Best time: Monsoon
View trek: Tarsar Marsar 

We almost don’t want to recommend Tarsar Marsar as a trek for beginners because it’s too good a trek to be your first Himalayan trek. You’ll be spoiled once you do this trek because once you’ve seen the landscapes of Kashmir and the alpine lakes here, you’ll rarely see anything that comes close. 

But this is one of those few treks that are easy-moderate in Kashmir. Despite crossing two mountain passes, it does not test your endurance or prior experience too much. You will need good fitness levels, much like any other trek, but if you have that, Tarsar Marsar could be the best trek you’ll do as a beginner. 

Duration:  7 Days
Difficulty: Moderate - Difficult 
Highest Altitude: 13,789 ft
Best time: Monsoon
View trek: Nafran Valley

Nafran Valley is a new trek in our country. Indian trekkers barely step on it. We explored it only in 2021 and found it to be a trek that came at par with the iconic Kashmir treks like Tarsar Marsar and Kashmir Great Lakes. 

While it does not have the length or variety of KGL, it has the typical Kashmiri landscapes celebrating meadows and the Kashmir valley. It has two alpine lakes that are typical of Kashmir. It also has high alpine sections, giving you a taste of an excellent high-altitude trek. 

Duration:  7 Days
Difficulty: Moderate 
Highest Altitude: 11,930 ft
Best time: All year, except monsoon
View trek: Sandakphu

Sandakphu is a relatively long trek compared to all other treks on this list, but it is still a good Himalayan trek for fit beginners. It is a rare experience that takes you along the Indo-Nepal border, where you’re constantly flitting between the borders of the two countries. 

On the other hand, it spoils you with views of 4 out of 5 of the tallest mountains in the world — Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu. You have the privilege of trekking in this esteemed company throughout. We would say it isn’t a very typical first time experience because camping / staying in tea houses, the way the trail is laid out, the culture on the trek, is a very different experience from most other treks in our country. But it gives you a good idea of what to expect out of a week-long Himalayan trek. 

That brings us to the end of this list of the best Himalayan treks for beginners in India. 

Does it mean that other treks cannot be attempted by beginners? 

Not at all. There are several treks like Buran Ghati, Rupin Pass, Kashmir Great Lakes and Gaumukh Tapovan that can be attempted by beginners. They only require higher levels of fitness and endurance. 

There are, of course, some treks like Kedartal, Warwan Valley and Goechala that require prior experience. But one or two of the beginner level treks will beautifully prep you for the tougher treks. 

We hope this list helps you plan your first Himalayan trek better. 

If you would like personal guidance to help choose a trek, you’re welcome to write to info@indiahikes.com , or give us a call on the number you’ll find here.

Top 15 Himalayan Treks For Beginners In India To Do In 2024 - Includes Treks In Uttarakhand, Himachal, Kashmir, West Bengal

15 Best Himalayan Treks For Beginners in India - 2024

Best Trek Beginner 15 Best Himalayan Treks For Beginners 

15 Best Himalayan Treks For Beginners in 2024

Trekking in snow can be extremely thrilling. Yet, one wrong foot can send you tumbling down several feet. It’s important to know how to walk in snow, whether you’re trekking in peak summer or winter. There are different snow conditions you may be dealing with, and different weather circumstances. 

And that’s why, from using the right gear, to packing enough layers - it is important to understand the nooks and crannies of trekking in snow. 

In this article, you’ll read about the different types of snow, necessary gear to carry, methods of trekking in snow, and of course, how to keep yourself safe. Don’t forget to look out for the advanced tips from trekkers! 

Stay out too long in the snow and you will get wet. Protect yourself with ponchos or rain jackets. 

“Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look at what they can do when they stick together." - Vista M. Kelly. 

First, understand the different types of snow 

If there’s a snowfall when you arrive at the mountains, you know that it’s good. No scratches or scrapes for a while. Then you hear someone talking about crud snow. But what does that mean? Isn't all snow just the same? 

Once you learn more about snow trekking, you realize that not all snows are of the same type. Then you begin to wonder - how do you trek on different types of snow? What techniques are you supposed to use?

To begin with, let’s understand the two primary types of snow you will encounter during your trek, and how to tackle them.

A frozen water system at Indiahikes campsite. 

The two main types are fresh and hard-packed snow. 

Fresh snow, as the name suggests, is newly fallen, cold, dry, and has not been compacted. Sometimes, when the snow is fresh, you sink in all the way to your knees or calf. Lifting your leg from the deep snow to take a step every time can get tricky, to say the least. So, you might have to create a path by plowing through it. 


Hard snow, on the other hand, is the product of snow accumulating and becoming firmly packed due to the cold climate. On hard snow, you might need to learn some specialized skills. As the snow hardens, your shoes must find a grip on the hard surface that can help you move in balance. We will cover more about this in the next section.

Other varieties of snow also exist depending on multiple factors such as the altitude and temperature. When the heat or wind melts the upper layer of snow powder, cold air temperature may soon follow, thereby creating a crust. Crust snow has a hard surface on top of powder snow. But what is powder snow? It is quite easy to spot: powder is fresh, untouched, and feels soft. They appear in the form of tiny flakes that create a smooth surface on the mountains. 

Imagine a lot of trekkers walking on powder snow. The snow will eventually get piled up at certain spots and become hollow at the other points: this is a type of snow called crud. The snow goes through a lot of phases too. So when the temperature becomes slightly warmer than the freezing point, the crud snow starts melting. You will see the snow crystals slowly become large packs of ice: this is when a slush forms. 

Can you guess the next phase of snow? It’s ice! Although you will rarely come across real ice on the slopes, the ice you find is usually due to the change in temperature. The ice you see occurs when the snow melts and freezes over and over again. When that happens, a hard surface of snow forms which we refer to as “ice”. 

Since there are many different forms of snow, you should also be aware of what type of gear to use and when!

A trekker traversing a steep snow section with the help of microspikes.

We notice several trekkers making a mistake here. They treat all kinds of snow similarly, often using the wrong gear in the wrong kind of snow. For instance, very often we see trekkers using microspikes in very fresh snow, which doesn’t create any extra traction. 

Keep reading to find out how to plan your gear. 

1) Microspikes: For hard-packed snow, it is advisable to use microspikes. While your normal trekking shoes stop providing traction in ice, microspikes give you Spiderman-like grip in snow. 

2) Trekking poles: Using trekking poles gives you extra support and balance. It is so very effective to propel yourself forward when you are stuck or feeling tired. Make sure your trekking poles have their baskets on, to keep them from sinking into snow. 

3) Gaiters: When you climb on fresh or semi-fresh snow, you will find that a lot of snow enters  your shoes from the top. This is a worst nightmare for a trekker. Snow starts entering your shoes, making your feet cold, wet and numb. Even worse, it never dries for the rest of the trek. Wearing gaiters creates a seal around your shoes, and will keep the snow from entering in. 

4) Gloves and mittens: Trekking on snow can be very fun, but the chances of tripping are high. Although it is fun to fall on snow and feel the fluffiness, you don’t want your hands to meet the cold surface. On hard snow, you might even end up scraping yourself. To avoid all of this, always carry extra gloves. 

5) Crampon: While trekking on snow, you may sometimes have to cross glaciers, snowfields or icefields. Crampon is a device that you attach to your boots. It gives you incredible traction in these snow conditions, and improves your mobility during the climb. 

6) Sunglasses: During your trek, if you notice the sun shining, immediately wear your sunglasses. The reflection of sunlight on bright white snow can damage the eyes and cause snow blindness. Ensure to wear sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes.

Sunglasses on snow become indispensable. Pro-Tip: People with glasses often use clips or magnets for sunglasses atop their regular eyewear.

What are the different methods of trekking in the snow?

Similar to choosing gears, there are different methods of trekking based on the type of snow. Sometimes, you may also have to choose a combination of methods to reduce risks and increase the level of effective trekking. 

1) Kicking steps: In fresh snow, you will need to use your trekking shoes to kick with your toe box and create small dents in the snow. With every step, you’re creating a small, flat resting spot for your foot. However, when the snow gets too thick or if it is too difficult to kick steps, you can use a crampon.

2) Stomping steps: When the snowpack are much wetter, you may need to stomp on them to climb comfortably. Here’s how you do it: stomp the sole of your feet on the snow to support your weight or use a combination of this and kicking steps. 

3) The French technique: If you are planning to follow this, be assured that it is an invaluable technique to climb big mountains. In essence, French technique means you have to keep your crampon flat on the snow surface, instead of kicking your toe area into the ice. You need to place your foot flat and make sure that all points of the crampons are in contact with the ice. (Keep in mind, do not use this technique when the slope is too steep). 

Trekkers using ropes and microspikes to traverse a difficult section

Although we covered the logistic areas like types and gears, the most important thing to keep in your mind is safety. While ascending, the biggest challenge you will face on fresh snow is your footing. Here is a classic tip to tackle the situation: cut through the fresh snow using ice axes to move freely. Cutting through the snow will also help you stay in balance — a key factor!

On the other hand, when you descend the slope, the snow might become slippery. To avoid any risks, we provide microspikes to trekkers to ensure that everyone has a good grip. 

Slippery snow also means that you can slip or slide down the snow. To avoid this, do not hesitate to use your full body. It is quite common when trekkers feel embarrassed to get on all their fours to slide down. But really, it is the best way to minimize risks and use our body to the fullest potential. 

On a snow-filled trek, only your two legs aren't enough. Trekkers seen helping each other. 

And lastly, here are some advanced tips for trekking in snow! 

1) Snow in the mountains can wipe out everything sometimes. Yes - including the trekking trails. It might become too hard if you lose sight of the trails, so always stick with the team and follow the path of the trekker who is in front of you. But what if you are a solo trekker? Well, we have answers for that too. 

2) When it comes to solo or DIY treks, a smart idea would be to book your trekking slots cautiously: either before, during, or after Indiahikes treks. We recommend this because if Indiahikes is trekking on similar dates, you can immediately reach out to them if you face any difficulties during your trek. 

3) Here are some simple but effective ideas to stay warm throughout the trek. Keep sipping warm water at regular intervals, and place the bottle inside your sleeping bags. You can even keep them near your feet. Your body will stay warm due to the lukewarm water. Remember the classic tip? - it is always easier to stay warm than to get warm! 

4) Here’s a great tip from one of our trek leaders: work hard on your leg muscles. Winter trekking might be just a little harder than what you experience on summer treks. Your primary balance and weight will be on your legs and you really need to strengthen them up! So, other than ensuring that you have the basic fitness, try to focus more on those leg muscles too. 

Trekking in winter is a great experience! You will do great if you learn how to trek in snow and if you keep the advanced tips in mind. 

Let us know in the comments section if you have any questions (or more tips to add), and we’ll be happy to answer you. Happy trekking! 

Article on how to trek expertly in snow. Includes topics such as different types of snow, essential gears to use in snow trekking, safety in snow, and advanced tips to trek comfortably in snow

How To Trek Expertly In Snow (Includes Advanced Tips)

Trek in snow, types of snow, essential gear, trekking methods, safety on snow

The most important aspect of trekking or hiking is knowing where you are, and where you are going. I feel that everyone who enjoys the outdoors should learn and practice navigation. This is especially important if you travel solo. However, even in a group, relying on someone who knows the trail is not good enough. Sometimes circumstances could force you to get separated from your group and lose the trail. According to a study by SmokyMountains.com, wandering off trail is the number one reason, ahead of bad weather, that hikers get lost and require rescue.

In this article, we will take a look at the following navigation techniques:

Navigation by observing topography and maps

The more options you have for navigating, the better. Your ability to navigate shouldn’t depend on a single device or technique. So, let’s get started!

In my opinion, the most important navigation technique is to pay attention to your surroundings. As you walk through the wilderness, observe everything that is around you. Observe the trees, the rocks, the mountains, the streams. These features can be important navigation aids. Pay close attention to what they look like, and how they are different from similar features around you. Once in a while, turn back to see the terrain from the perspective it would appear during your way back. The same features look different from a different perspective. 

Whenever I go to an unfamiliar trail, I take a few moments to observe the things around me. Then, as I walk, I continue this process to develop an “internal map”. This process also helps me stay connected with my surroundings.

Next, try finding the features that you see around you on a topographic map (we will talk about topographic maps later in this article). Using this technique, you won’t even need to pull out your GPS or compass to keep track of your position. Using a map and continuously observing the terrain is often sufficient.

Using a GPS device is probably one of the easiest ways to navigate. Most of us use smartphones that are already equipped with GPS capabilities. So, there really is no excuse for not learning to use one. GPS based navigation works even when you are outside network coverage. However, you do need an internet connection to download maps. So, make sure you download offline maps prior to your trip.

There are many apps that can be used for offline navigation on a smartphone. Recently I have been using OsmAnd+ and I’ve found it to be quite capable. You can use this app to download topographic maps, plan routes, see the gradient of slopes, etc. It’s a lot more suited for trekking compared to Google Maps (which comes preinstalled on most Android devices). However, even with Google Maps, you can download offline maps.

AllTrails - this app contains GPX files for many popular trails.

GPX Studio - a free online tool for preparing your own GPX files.

I won’t cover how to use apps for navigation, as that is beyond the scope of this article. Here is a complete guide by India Hikes on using GPX files with the Gaia GPS app: A Complete Guide on How to Use GPX Files.

Make sure you carry extra batteries or some charging device for your smartphone.

Use a sturdy case that will protect your smartphone.

Whenever you reach a campsite (or other important landmark), save the location on your app. This way, if you wander off, you can find your way back.

Using a GPS device is easy and convenient. However, as I said earlier, your ability to navigate shouldn’t depend on a single device or technique. What would you do if your GPS device runs out of batteries, or your waterproof device isn’t as waterproof as you had hoped?

A compass is a simple tool and doesn’t require any batteries. I believe every outdoor adventurer should learn the art of using the humble map and compass. It may seem a bit daunting at first, but it gets easier with practice. I’m sure you will find learning this skill quite rewarding. Moreover, you will feel like the old-time explorers and adventurers who relied on nothing but a map and compass on their adventures! There is something very satisfying about using our planet’s magnetic fields to guide us. Using a map and compass also requires paying more attention to your surroundings compared to a GPS. With a GPS, you just have to follow a line. However, the more options you have, the better. So, don’t ditch your GPS device. Keep this unreliable luxury as a backup.

There are many different types of compasses. The one best suited for use with maps is called a baseplate compass. These have a transparent base, and a rotating compass housing marked in degrees.

Map and compass navigation at Rola Kholi on the Bhrigu Lake trail

There are many companies that manufacture them such as Suunto, Silva, Brunton, etc. At Decathlon, you can find baseplate compasses made by Geonaute that aren’t too expensive and will work just fine. I have been using a Suunto M3 for many years, and it has been a dependable tool.

A typical baseplate compass contains the following parts:

Transparent baseplate: The transparent base plate contains straight edges for use with a map.

Direction-of-travel arrow: This tells you which direction to follow when you’re taking or following a bearing.

Bearing index: This is for reading the current bearing.

Magnetic needle: This needle rotates and the red end of the needle always points towards magnetic north.

Orienting arrow: The orienting arrow is aligned with the magnetic needle to find the bearing to a target.

Orienting lines: The orienting lines are used to align the compass housing with the meridian lines on a map.

Rotating housing: The rotating housing is used to align the orienting lines with a map to get a bearing. This is also used to “box the needle” (discussed later).

A bearing is the direction of one place from another, measured in degrees with respect to true north.

A compass is used for the following basic tasks regarding bearings:

To take a bearing between two points on a map.

To take a bearing to a location in the field.

We will talk about each of these in the coming sections.

The curious case of two north poles (correcting for declination)

Our planet has two north poles - the geographic north pole (aka “true north”), and the magnetic north pole. A compass needle always points towards the magnetic north pole. The deviation of the compass from true north is called “declination”. Declination has been a nuisance for navigators for centuries because it varies with location and time. So, before you begin using your compass, you should always check what the declination is in your area. You can use this online tool to find the magnetic declination - https://www.magnetic-declination.com/. Topographic maps typically mention the declination near the bottom. By convention, declination is positive when magnetic north is east of true north, and negative when it is to the west.

2020 World declination map (published by NOAA)

As you can see in this map, the magnetic declination across India varies by only about +/- 2 degrees. So, the error is not significant and can be ignored in most scenarios. Of course, if you are walking a very long distance in featureless terrain, this error would add up.

You can correct declination with some arithmetic:

For easterly declination, subtract the declination from the true reading to obtain the magnetic reading. Magnetic = true - easterly declination

For westerly declination, add the declination to the true reading to obtain the magnetic reading. Magnetic = true + westerly declination

Protip: Some compasses have a declination correction screw that automatically corrects the error. If yours has one, make sure it is adjusted. This way, you don’t have to perform any mental arithmetic on the field.

Topographic maps are the best type of maps for trekkers. These maps show the three-dimensional terrain of a region on a two-dimensional map. To depict topography, they make use of “contour lines” that represent constant elevation levels.

Contour lines: The most important aspect of a topographic map is its array of contour lines. Each line represents a constant elevation as it follows the shape of the landscape.

Contour interval: The contour interval is the difference in elevation between two adjacent contour lines. Every fifth contour line (called an index contour) is darker than the other contour lines and is labeled with the elevation.

The closer together the contour lines are, the steeper the terrain is, and vice-versa. Some of the features that you can identify by looking at the contour lines are:

Gentle slopes: Widely spaced contour lines.

Steep slopes: Closely spaced contour lines.

Cliffs: Contour lines extremely close together or touching.

Peaks: A concentric pattern of contour lines with the peak being the innermost circle at the highest elevation.

Ridges: Contour lines in the shape of Us or Vs that point downhill.

Valleys, ravines, gullies: Contour lines in the shape of Us and Vs that point uphill.

See how many of these features you can find in the topo map of Bhrigu lake below.

Topographic maps are not easily available in India as far as I know. However, you can generate topo maps using free online tools such as CalTopo - https://caltopo.com/

You can even import a GPX file into CalTopo to overlay the trail on the map. For my recent Bhrigu Lake trek, I was able to find a GPX file on AllTrails.

When printing a map using CalTopo, it asks you to define the map’s scale. The scale determines how much land area is visible on the map. If the scale is 1:24000, it means 1 inch on the map equals 24000 inches (2000 ft) in the real world. Smaller scales (such as 1:24k or 1:25k), contain more detail but cover a smaller area. A larger scale (such as 1:50k) covers a larger area and may be better for planning multi-day routes.

I guess it doesn’t really matter which scale map you are using as long as you know how to use it. The map should contain enough detail for the activity you are doing. I generally print multiple maps on A4 size paper and use a mixture of 1:25k and 1:50k maps. I make sure that the maps contain enough geographical features that I can use for navigation.

 When visibility drops, many of the geographical features that you see on your map may not be visible in the real world. For example, on the Bhrigu Lake trek, I realized that Patalsu Peak and Mt. Hanuman Tibba were not visible when the clouds rolled in. So, even though these peaks are big and easily identifiable, they may not always be visible. So, I would suggest paying attention to features that are closer to you, even if they are unnamed on your map.

Carry your maps in a ziplock bag to keep them dry. Keep the bag somewhere where it is easily accessible. I like to carry my maps in the waist strap pocket of my backpack or in the patch pocket of my trousers.

By orienting a map, you are positioning it so its north is actually pointing towards north. This helps you relate what you are seeing on the map, with your actual surroundings. Here’s how you orient a map:

Rotate the map until the northern upper edge is aligned with your compass needle. The red end of the compass needle is where magnetic north is.

To determine how to get from point A to point B on the map, you first use your compass to determine the direction of travel on the map. Then, you transfer that direction of travel to the real world.

1. Place the compass on the map between the starting point (A), and your target (B).

2. Rotate the compass housing until the orienting lines inside the capsule are parallel to the meridian lines on the map (with N on the bezel pointing towards north on the map).

3. Hold the compass at waist height and turn until the red portion of the magnetic needle is inside the red orienting arrow. (This process is sometimes referred to as boxing the needle.) Remember to compensate for declination as needed.

4. Find a visible target in the direction your compass is pointing and walk towards it. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you reach the destination.

You can use a compass to find your location on a map (similar to a GPS)! This works using a technique called triangulation. Here’s how this works:

Find a landmark on the map that you can identify in the real world. Use your compass to take a bearing to that landmark. This is done by pointing the direction-of-travel arrow towards the landmark and “boxing the needle” (as described earlier).


Read the bearing at the index line. Correct for declination if necessary. 

Place the compass on your map, and align the orienting lines on the compass with the north-south meridian lines on the map.

Move your compass so that the top end of one edge ends at the landmark. Make sure the orienting lines are aligned with the meridian lines as you do this.

Draw a line along the edge of your compass from the landmark. You are somewhere along this line.

Repeat this process by taking a bearing from another landmark and drawing it on your map.

Where these two lines intersect is your approximate location.

Using two peaks to find our location on the Bhrigu Lake trail

Getting from one place to another usually just involves watching the landscape and occasionally glancing at your map to stay oriented. If there are trails or natural features that you can use, you often don’t even need to use a compass. However, if you can’t see your objective, or you are moving through terrain that lacks sufficient features (snow, dense forest), it is easy to get disoriented. In these situations, you can use a compass to take a bearing from a map, and follow it to your destination. However, often times a straight-line path to your goal won’t exist in the wilderness. Let’s look at a few of these situations and strategies for dealing with them.

When following a compass bearing, you may encounter an obstruction on your path such as dense brush, rocks, or a lake, that will prevent you from following a bearing. Let’s look at a few ways to deal with them.

If you can see over the obstruction, find an identifiable target (such as a tree or rock) that lies exactly on the bearing line. Then move over the obstruction or around it (whatever is easiest) and get to that target. When you get to that target, you can be confident that you are still on the bearing line. You can continue following the bearing as usual.

If you can’t find an easily identifiable target around the obstruction that lies on the bearing line, you can send a trekking buddy to the other side of the obstruction. You can guide them left or right until they are exactly on the bearing line. Then you walk to your buddy and continue following the bearing as usual.

If you are trekking alone and can’t find an easily identifiable target past the obstruction, you could create a temporary landmark at your current position by piling stones or logs that you can see from the other side of the obstruction. Then, walk around the obstruction and take a back bearing to the landmark you created. A back bearing is simply the opposite direction of a bearing. In degrees, this would mean 180 degrees off from the bearing. For example, if you are following the 90-degree bearing (east), the back bearing would be 90 + 180 = 270 degrees (west). If the original bearing is greater than 180, you subtract 180 to get the back bearing. If you are traveling 270 degrees (west), the back bearing would be 270 - 180 = 90 degrees (east).

Tip: You don’t need to perform any mental arithmetic to get the back bearing. Your compass can do that for you! Keep the original bearing set on the compass, and rotate until the south-seeking end of the magnetic needle (which could be black or white) is inside the red orienting arrow. This is just the opposite of how you typically “box the needle”. This technique can also be used to double-check if you are correctly tracking a bearing line by taking a back bearing to your starting position.

If you cannot see across the obstruction:

If you can’t see around the obstruction (such as a hill), you can use a different strategy. After you approach the obstruction, travel 90 degrees left or right and walk until you clear the obstruction. Count your steps as you walk perpendicular to the intended course. Then, walk past the obstruction following the original bearing. Finally, turn 90 degrees again and walk the same number of steps to return to the original course. The turns don’t need to be 90 degrees. It could be anything that you can use to return to the original course. The image below explains this process:

Navigating around an obstruction when you can’t see across it

Never want to be lost on an outdoor trail? This artcile provides a detailed information for people to learn and practice navigation in the outdoors

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