For the past 16 years at Indiahikes, we have noticed many mountain terms being tossed around in conversations—sometimes correctly, but more often incorrectly. 

This is why we are creating The Trek Glossary series, where we break down one mountain term at a time. These are quick reads, but they contain accurate information that will help you understand mountain terminology. 

Today, I will dedicate my piece to explaining what is a ledge.

What is a ledge?

A narrow path on the side of the mountain is called a ledge. There’s a mountain on one side and a valley (depression) on the other.

Initially, "ledge" was used to refer to something lying flat or a shelf-like projection, such as a narrow shelf on a wall. Over time, its meaning broadened to describe natural or artificial projections.

The term evolved from a general shelf-like projection to a critical feature in climbing.

You may be surprised to know that nearly all the treks involve ledges, as the trails are typically carved into the sides of mountains. Some of these trails may be quite prominent, while others may not be very popular.

Prominent ledge walks in the Indian Himalayan treks

Below, I am listing four treks of our country which offer prominent ledge walks.

1. Gaumukh Tapovan Trek: Gaumukh Tapovan offers a unique trekking experience with the kind of ledges you walk through. You may be surprised after knowing that three-fourths of this trek is covered in a ledge walk. For an approx 41 km trail, you walk 25 km on a ledge.

As you come closer to Chirbasa (starting from Gangotri), you see the snout of Bhagirathi II. What also strikes the trekkers' attention is the Bhagirathi River running along throughout the ledge walk. 

On the following day, as you trek from Chirbasa to Bhojbasa along the ledge, you'll eye-witness views of the entire Bhagirathi massif. If you are on the ledge during the evening, a single view of the massif glow in the setting sun is an experience you will deem ‘out-of-the-world’.

And, finally, from Bhojbasa to Tapovan, you walk on an exhilarating ledge section that gives you a cosmic view of the Bhagirathi massif.

2, Kuari Pass: In one of the most popular treks of our country, Kuari Pass, there’s a classic ledge walk between Tali and Gorson Bugyal. Most of our trek leaders mark this as their favourite ledge walk for the carnival of majestic peaks you see: Nanda Devi, Hathi-Ghoda, Kamet, and Kedar Dome among a few more. 

3. Ranthan Kharak Trek: Ranthan Kharak is not yet famous, but its ledge walk is among the elements of the trek that will make it famous soon. The ledge walk begins just after leaving the Thal meadows and follows a zig-zag leading up to the Thal Tok campsite. During this ledge walk, you can see the Bajimanian campsite and the entire trail you covered, which leaves you in awe. If you are lucky, you can also spot Himalayan Griffons gliding around this ledge. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment for trekkers and bird enthusiasts who witnessed it.

4. Kedartal - Spider Wall: This towering, near-vertical rock face plunges dramatically down to the river below. To reach the opposite side, you must carefully pass a precariously narrow ledge that is carved to the rock's edge. The ledge of Kedartal is just wide enough to accommodate one foot at a time. As you step forward, placing one foot deliberately in front of the other, you can steady yourself by gripping the rough, rugged wall.

Frequently asked questions

No, a ledge is not a cliff. There’s a difference between a ledge and a cliff. A ledge is a narrow alley or a path on the sides of the mountain. On the other hand, a cliff is a vertical or almost vertical rock exposure. Cliffs are usually formed on the sea coast, in mountain areas, or along the rivers. These formations are a result of erosion and weathering.

2. What is the difference between a ledge and an edge?

A ledge and an edge are different from each other. A ledge is a narrow walk/path on the side of the mountain. It has a shelf-like projection. On the other hand, an edge is the outermost boundary (surface) of the cliff. 

That is all you need to know about ledges in the trekking world. If you have any questions you would like to ask, drop them in the comments section. Meanwhile, I’d love to hear if you have covered any specific ledge walks and loved it. 

Please let me know in the comments section if you want me to cover specific trek terms. I will write about them in my upcoming posts.

What is a Ledge? Definition and Meaning

What is a ridge?

For the past 16 years at Indiahikes, we have been noticing lots of mountain terms being tossed around in conversations: sometimes correctly, but more times incorrectly. 

This is why we are making The Trek Glossary series, where we break down one mountain term at a time. These are quick reads but with accurate information that will help you understand mountain terminology. 

Today, I will dedicate my piece to explaining what is a ridge. 

A ridge typically runs along the crest of a mountain or hilltop, with steep slopes descending on either side. 

Walking on a ridge could be a precarious walk due to the steep drops on either side, particularly if the ridge is narrow or covered in snow. 

The word ridge's etymology is derived from the old English term “hrycg,” which also refers to a back or spine. In other contexts, it is also referred to as a top or crest of something.

Over time, the term evolved to describe the raised or elongated top of land, such as the top edge of a mountain or hill. This shape resembles a spine or a prominent rise. This linguistic connection highlights the physical similarity between ridges and the backbone of an animal.

How does a ridge look in a contour map or a GPX file?

A ridge on a contour map is shown by a series of U- or V-shaped contour lines. The open side of the U or V points toward higher elevations. The edges of the ridge have closely packed contour lines, showing the steep drops on either side.

The section from Tilandi to Brahmatal Top is a classic example of a ridge. On the map, you can clearly see the V shapes stretching along the ridge. However, most Himalayan ridges are more complex. For example, the Sandakphu-Phalut ridge has additional features like hills and small summits forming along it.

Finding ridges on a map is both engaging and intriguing. It’s even more enjoyable in real life, as ridges offer stunning, long-lasting panoramic views, unlike the fleeting views from summits.

Be careful—it’s easy to mix up ridges and valleys on a map. They both show up as V-shaped patterns, but here’s the trick: ridges have the V opening toward higher ground, while valleys open toward lower ground. So, always double-check the map before heading out to locate a ridge.

5 best ridge treks in India

Great ridge walks are few and far between in our country. So when we see a ridge with great views, we jump on the opportunity to trek on it. 

There are ridge sections on a few Himalayan treks. However, to have a complete day’s trek on a beautiful ridge is unparalleled. That’s the  Phulara Ridge trek for you, the ridge you see stretching out from the Kedarkantha summit. The ridge stretches from Bhoj Gadi to Pushtara and is one of the best ridge walks we have seen.

It’s the highlight of Sandakphu Phalut trek: Stretching from Phalut to Sandakphu is one of the classic ridge walks of our country, the Singalila Ridge. It is one of the most celebrated ridges because accompanying you is the mighty Kanchenjunga range. What most trekkers don’t know is that this ridge walk is longer than that of Phulara Ridge and Khopra Ridge! 

Brahmatal trek has an incredibly disarming ridge walk from Tilandi to the Brahmatal summit. The view from Tilandi itself is mind-blowing, but as you start ascending on the ridge from Tilandi, the views of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti slowly loom into view. If this is not enough, across the valley on the other side, you see the entire trail of the legendary Roopkund trek etched on the mountainside: right from the meadows of Ali and Bedni Bugyal to the dip in which the Roopkund tarn is located. Over and above this, towards the end of the ridge walk, you stand a chance to see Mt Kamet, India’s third highest peak, as well as a few peaks that pop out of Nepal: Api Himal and Jethi Bahurani

One of the highlights of our  Kuari Pass trek is the incredible ridge walk from Jhandi Top to Tali Forest Camp. From this ridge, you see nearly 13 of the 50 highest mountains in India surrounding you in different directions: Bugyal Koti and Pangarchulla on one side, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and Ronti in another direction, Dronagiri, Hathi Ghoda, and the Kamet group, along with the Gangotri Range featuring Chaukhamba and Kedarnath. Despite all these breathtaking views, the suspense of seeing the queen peak of them all, Mt. Nanda Devi, remains until the following day. 

Not just the above four, the Chandrakhani Pass trek also offers a ridge walk from our last campsite. On our way to the Chandrakhani Pass from Chaklani, there's a short ridge section that begins just before you climb up to the pass. The ridge continues beyond the pass, taking us to a magical viewpoint of the mythological Malana village. 

The entire landscape around you will be green undulating hills of the Kullu region. You see Deo Tibba in front of you and behind Deo Tibba you see Indrasan Peak. Both are famous peaks of the pir panjal range. Among other peaks, you also see Shigrila which is home to the Bada Shigri glacier of the Lahaul Spiti region. On your left, you see Gepang Goh Peak of the Chandra Valley. Further on your left is the famous Hanuman Tibba peak of the Dhauladar range. That’s just not it, the Friendship Peak, one of the most famous trekkable summits of India, is also visible.

Among these peaks, the famous Rohtang Pass is also situated. 

Special mention: The ridge section of the Khopra Ridge trek definitely deserves special mention. Though it is not a part of the Indian Himalayas, Khopra Ridge offers majestic views of multiple peaks of the Dhaulagiri range. You also get a view of Annapurna South and Mount Gujra.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a ridge and a valley?

The difference between a ridge and a valley is that a ridge is a pathway along the hilltop with depressions on both sides, and a valley is a depression (or a lower area) between two mountains.

2. What is the difference between a ridge and a ledge?

There’s a difference between a ridge and a ledge. A ridge runs on the crest of a mountain or a hilltop with depressions on both sides. In contrast, a ledge is a narrow path on the sides of the mountain. A ledge has a mountain on one side and a depression on the other.

That is all you need to know about ridges in the trekking world. If you have any questions you’d like to ask, drop them in the comments section. Meanwhile, I’d love to hear if you have covered any specific ridge walks and loved it. 

Please let me know in the comments section if you want me to cover any specific trek term. I will cover it in my upcoming posts.

A ridge typically runs along the crest of a mountain or hilltop, with steep slopes descending on either side. Here's a list of the five best ridge treks in India.

What is a Ridge? Definition and Meaning

Today, I will dedicate my piece to explaining massif. 

A massif is a set of peaks that share a single base. They usually stand out from other peaks around them, often appearing as a single mass of a mountain. 

Etymology: The word massif comes from the French word for “massive.” A mountain massif is a group of mountains that form an entity in its own right. The term was typically used in the Alps and other mountain ranges of Europe but is now equally relevant in the Indian trekking context too. 

Massif vs peak: A common mistake trekkers make is using the words massif and mountain peaks interchangeably. For example: They often call the Chaukhamba Massif the Chaukhamba Peak. But they are very different from each other. A peak is usually a standalone mountain with just one high point. A massif has multiple high points. 

Here are some examples with images that will give you a clear picture of a massif.

The Chaukhamba massif, best seen from the Deoriatal lake, is one of the most famous massifs in the Himalayas! “Chaukhamba” translates to “four pillars” indicating the 4 peaks of the Chaukhamba massif. You see this peak from the Ali Bedni Bugyal, Kuari Pass and Madhmaheshwar trails as well. 

The Bhagirathi sisters is another famous massif in the Gangotri region. Famously called Bhagirathi sisters, it has four high peaks, classified as Bhagirathi I, II, III, and IV. Located within Gangotri National Park, this massif is the source of several rivers, including the River Ganga, which originates from the Gangotri glacier.

I'd also like to talk about the majestic Mount Trishul, which has three distinct peaks: Trishul I, II, III. It gets its name Trishul, translating to “trident” from its three prominent peaks. You see the best views of the Trishul massif from Bedni top from the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek and Brahmatal trek. 

Bandarpoonch is another distinct massif, which has three peaks, Bandarpoonch I & II and the third peak is called Kalanag or Black Peak, the highest peak among the three. It is visible from Dayara top.

Several other massifs are often mistaken for mountain peaks but are a group of peaks. The famous Nanda Devi is a perfect example. Often mistaken for a peak, it is a two-peak massif, with its second peak called Nanda Devi East. It is visible from Ranthan top on the Ranthan Kharak trek.

Do you have any questions about massifs? 

This was everything you need to know about a massif. Next time you’re trekking, I hope you’re able to identify a massif. 

If you like me to cover any specific terminologies, please drop that too in the comments box. This is the bank of trekking terminologies we are creating to spread awareness about the trekking world. I will be posting about a few terms in the coming weeks. Please read, remember, and share.

A massif is a set of peaks that share a single base. They usually stand out from other peaks around them, often appearing as a single mass of a mountain. This is Indiahikes trek glossary where we break down one mountain term at a time.

Channarayana Durga Weekend Trek 

Har Ki Dun

Minchukallu Betta Weekend Trek

Dayara Bugyal Trek

Nag Tibba Weekend Trek

Kedarkantha Trek

Surya Top

Dayara Bugyal Summer Camp 

Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek

Buran Ghati Trek

Bhrigu Lake Trek

Kuari Pass Trek

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

Ranthan Kharak Trek

Gurez Valley Trek

Miyar Valley

Kedarkantha Summer Camp Trek

Beas Kund Trek

Valley of Flowers

Kuari Pass Summer Camp Trek

Chandrakhani Pass Trek

Tulian Lake Trek

Hampta Pass Trek

Sandakphu Phalut Trek

Brammah Valley Trek

Brahmatal Trek

Narmada Backwaters Trek

Goechala Trek

Goa Netravali Forest Trek

Pench Tiger Trail

Dafeybhir Pass Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Rupin Pass

Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

Phulara Ridge Trek

Warwan Valley Trek

Coorg Nelji Hill Trek

Tarsar Marsar Trek

Georgia Atsunta Pass Trek

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Pangarchulla Peak Trek

Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek

Nafran Valley Trek

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Pin Bhaba Pass Trek

Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

Benog Tibba Trek

Back-to-Nature Trek at Bijli Mahadev

Gidara Bugyal

Khopra Ridge Trek

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri Trek

Chirbatiya Weekend Trek

Kedartal Trek

Manali Kaisdhar Trek for Beginners

Mural Danda Exploration

Choharnag Lakes Trek

Ala-Kul Trek - Kyrgyzstan

Everest Base Camp (Classic Route)

Kodaikanal Avocado Hill Trek

Bali Pass Trek

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek 

Mount Rinjani Trek

Roopkund Trek

Youth Camp on Ali Bedni Bugyal

Bodpathri Trek

Kanamo Peak 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

Kumara Parvatha 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

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. 

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The chances of getting a confirmed slot totally depend on the cancellations we receive from confirmed trekkers. The cancellations cannot be predicted hence are uncertain.

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Join any group, they are all women-friendly groups 

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