I’m writing this post with a bit of exasperation. 

These stats will explain why: Out of the 260 calls we receive every day, at least 40 are about the Kashmir Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar treks, requesting slots in full groups. 

Most of our KGL and Tarsar Marsar groups were filled last year. Even after opening new groups, we are left only with the last few slots. The trek doesn’t have a higher carrying capacity. 

But here’s something most trekkers don’t know. 

We have seven other equally fantastic treks in Jammu and Kashmir. Most are on par with the beauty and adventure of the Kashmir Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar. 

Given that these are new treks, trekkers don’t know them yet. But give it two years, and you’ll see these treks with a rush similar to KGL and TM. 

As a subscriber to my emails, I hope you use this information well and plan treks to other Kashmir treks instead of waiting on the most famous (and crowded) ones. 

Here’s the full list of 7 other great treks in J&K. 

If you have the Kashmir Great Lakes in mind, then Nafran Valley is a trek that makes the best alternative. I strongly recommend it. 

There are three reasons it makes a great alternative to KGL 

(a) The beautiful lakes of Harnag and Harbhagwan. 

Here’s a fact. This trek is so picturesque that it has been featured in our Mountain Lovers Gold Calendar since we discovered it. Only a handful of treks are chosen to be featured here, yet we can never ignore this trek. 

The big bonus is that you camp right next to the famous Kolahoi glacier.

Harnag Lake is the biggest and the most beautiful lake on the Nafran Valley trek. You get to walk beside this lake for two days! Picture by Bijju Shekar.

Bhaj Margi meadow is the grandest meadow of the Nafran Valley trek. If you are blessed with the clear weather, the morning or evening sunlight hitting the meadows is a stunning sight to witness. Picture by Diptarka Gupta.

Here’s the ultimate grassland trek in Jammu and Kashmir. Trekking from one valley to another, you will be treated to some of the region's most expansive grasslands. By now, trekkers know that if any grasslands come close to the Swiss Alps, they are the grasslands of J&K. That’s what you see on this trek. 

Yet, the grasslands are just one of the highlights of this trek. You also see around seven beautiful lakes on this trek, which gives you a classic Kashmir experience. 

The sunset from the Ashtaar Valley campsite makes you never want to leave this campsite. In fact, this is the case with almost all the campsites on the Bodpathri meadows trek. Photo by Nitesh Kumar.

A 10-minute gradual ascent from the Ashtaar Valley, you'll view the Tatakooti mountain. The sunrise from here is majestic, making the valley below, look magical. Picture by Pritish Bhanushali.

Bodsar lake is arguably one of the most beautiful lakes on the trek. You keep seeing the lake for hours even after you start ascending to Gadtar, you just have to turn back to take a look every now and then. Photo by Pritish Bhanushali.

This is the rarest of the treks you can do in J&K because it is our only trek in the Kishtwar region. Kishtwar, in the south of J&K, has some of the most beautiful valleys you can see. 

The Brammah Valley is no ordinary valley. Rising at the end of the valley is a peak that betrays most mountaineers who attempt to climb it: Brammah Peak, a most sought-after summit to climb, but very few mountaineers have scaled it. It is among the most beautiful 6,000-metre summits in our country. On the Brammah Valley trek, you see the full face of the mountain from bottom to top. But two more towering peaks exist in the valley: the Brammah Wife and the Eiger.

On the other hand, this is the culture trek of the region. Much like how Har Ki Dun in Uttarakhand is teeming with culture, history and mythology, Brammah Valley gives you a wonderful cultural immersion. You see something rare in this isolated valley: a beautiful blend of Hindu and Muslim culture in this region: With mixed traditions, architecture, rituals and festivals, it’s a rare amalgamation of cultures, which is heartening to see. 

PS: This is the only J&K trek you can do in May and June. This is a great option if you plan to trek in the summer and want to avoid the Uttarakhand rush. Most treks in J&K open only in July and August. 

The grand Kiddhar Maidan, which is also a delta with backdrop of Mt. Eiger, Mt. Tarparan, and Brammah glacier. Picture by Nitesh Kumar. 

The Mighty Mt. Brammah I (left) and Mt. Brammah Wife (right). Picture by Nitesh Kumar. 

You will trek for long days in the forests in Brammah Valley. But they don't feel monotonous. Trekking under the shade of tall pine trees next to the gushing Nath River is an experience cherished by everyone to date. Picture by Nitesh Kumar. 

I’m almost hesitant to announce this trek because we feel it is too good to be true. With an astounding 8-10 lakes, multiple meadows, and endless jaw-dropping moments, this trek will likely be the greatest trek in Jammu and Kashmir. Our team explored, designed and documented this trail in 2023 and has been making outrageous statements like “It’s better than Kashmir Great Lakes” or “It’s better than Warwan Valley.” 

On Day 4, during the trail from Khuan to Neelsar, you will come across the pristine Sarota meadows. During dawn and dusk, the grass in these meadows turns golden to the human eye. Picture by Nithyam Nachappa. 

The mesmerizing lake of Neelsar. Imagine camping with such setting and the blue color. This is the first lake that you get to see on the trek. Photo by Nitesh Kumar.

The meadows in the Pir Panjal trek are so huge that even an entire day is not enough to explore them completely! Picture by Nitesh Kumar. 

Our founders have always maintained one thing: you would never do a trek like Warwan Valley. The grandeur, the remote setting, and the uniqueness of this trek are so rare that even Kashmiris have not seen something so terrific. 

There are some unusual highlights on this trek: 

The dramatic crossover from the bone-dry landscapes of Ladakh to the luxuriant grasslands of Kashmir. It begins in trans-Himalayan settings, among barren, purplish mountains around Panikhar. The trail goes through an oasis, river deltas, wildflower meadows, and glaciers—all among these stark mountains. It makes for hauntingly beautiful settings. After spending two days encircled by desert mountains, the effect is striking as the trail gradually enters the lush greenery of Kashmir.

Traversing the Bracken Glacier: It is on very few treks that you see glaciers; most of the time, you see them from far away. It is on even fewer treks that you get to walk on a glacier. If you do, it’s usually a hurried 10-15 minute walk across the glacier. This is the only trek we’ve come across where you traverse along the entire length of a glacier, for hours together! With gaping crevasses beside you, the gurgling of a river deep beneath you, and the roar of car-sized chunks of ice falling down, it’s a sight that will stay with you for life.

The luxuriant grasslands of Warwan Valley: The setting of villages in Warwan Valley is too perfect, even for pictures. Fences border the trail you walk on. Willow trees jut out between houses. Mud-baked lanes crisscross the village. Flower beds line the hills around the houses. To top it, a clear stream runs through the village! All in a way that distinctly resembles the Gaulish village from Asterix comics. This setting is unique to this part of Kashmir.

The alpine lakes: You cannot talk about the Warwan Valley trek without mentioning the two alpine lakes formed by melting glaciers. Starting from clear at dawn to sea green to light blue to inky blue by evening. The two lakes on the pass crossing day will blow your mind away and make you grateful to witness this spectacular sight in front of your eyes.

The glacial lake above Kalapari often takes trekkers by surprise. You go here for an acclimatisation walk and also, pass the lake the next day of your trek. Picture by Nitesh Kumar.

The bracken glacier is massive. What makes this special is you rarely see such huge glacier in its original form on any of our other treks. Picture by Nitesh Kumar. 

Basmina is a village surrounded by farmlands. This is on the Jammu and Kashmir side. Picture by Nitesh Kumar. 

India ends at Gurez. The significance of this is enormous. If you look at our country as a whole, we travel upwards from Kanyakumari. There comes a point where we cannot travel any further north. That part of our country is Gurez.

The significance is that the Gurez is the last latitude of India. The Razdan pass you cross to get to Gurez pushes you into a very different landscape. The topography changes, even though it is only 6 hours north of Srinagar. In fact, our trek in Gurez reminds us more of our treks in Kyrgyzstan and Georgia than they do of our treks in Kashmir -- so different is the landscape. 

The cherry on top is the appearance of two massive lakes: Patalwansar I and Patalwansar II. Though the names are similar, these two lakes are radically different from each other. You get to camp right beside one of the lakes. 

Note: This trek will be run in our Do-It-Yourself (DIY) style. Which means trekkers, along with a trek leader, are going to be doing the trek all without a support system. You will be helping to carry a few of the gear and equipment as a team. So we expect your backpack to weigh about 12 kg per trekker.

This is Patalwansar II, a huge circular lake at 12,795 ft. Notice how tiny the explorer standing at the edge of the lake looks. Picture by Nitesh Kumar.

Your first campsite of the trek is Disson campsite. From here you will see clear views of Mt Habba Khatoon and villages in PoK. Picture by Nitesh Kumar.

Kashmir treks are synonymous with lakes and meadows. With treks like the Kashmir Great Lakes, the Tarsar Marsar, the Bodhpatri, and the Nafran Valley already in the picture, it’s hard for any trek to match them. Yet, we have another terrific trek in Kashmir—the Tulian Lake trek—that does equal justice to these great treks. 

Along with stunning meadows and an alpine lake, the Tulian Lake trek has something that our other treks in Kashmir do not: the famous flora of Kashmir. There are pine, fir and spruce trees. You may think you have seen these trees before, but you have not. These forests differ significantly from those in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, or Sikkim. They resemble European vegetation more than our Indian forests.

The turquoise blue Tulian Lake at 12,000 ft, with icebergs floating on it, is unlike our other Kashmir lakes. Beyond the 8-shaped lake, snow-capped peaks tower to over 15,000 feet. It’s among the easiest treks you can do in J&K. 

Tulian Lake is an alpine lake at 12,087 ft, shaped in the figure of 8 and is surrounded by high mountains. What makes this trek special is you trek 3 days to get to this stunning lake. Picture by Amit Fatnani. 

On the Tulian Lake trek, you trek in the dense coniferous forests for 3 days of the trek. This is what makes Tulian Lake stand out from other Kashmir treks. It helps you experience the flora of Kashmir like never before. Picture by Lucas Bragagnollo. 

That brings me to the end of this list of alternatives for Kashmir Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar. 

Indiahikes has particularly documented and stitched together five of these routes. Our sole aim is to diversify trails as much as possible and avoid overcrowding a handful of trails. 

As I said earlier, these treks are not likely to remain isolated and quiet for more than a year or two. Grab your opportunity now to be among the first trekkers on these trails. Our dates for 2024 are open and available on this page.

If you have any questions about these treks, drop them in a comment below. We are right here to help you out. 

Here are 7 Terrific Alternatives within J&K

STOP crowding Kashmir Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar

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STOP crowding Kashmir Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar: Here are 7 Terrific Alternatives within J&K

Ask any trekker what are some of the most memorable moments of a trek and listening to a roar of a waterfall or dipping your feet in a cold stream will definitely feature in the list. And though on a Himalayan trek one might not dare (or is inadvisable) to stand under a waterfall or wet their feet in a glacial stream, but on a trek in the Western Ghats of India these are absolute ‘must-dos’.

We’ve already written about some of the best day treks in Sahyadris. But trekking in the Sahyadris during the rains is a different experience altogether. A magic unfolds in the forts and mountains along the Western Ghats. Monsoon is the best season to trek in Maharashtra. 

The entire surroundings turn lush green. Streams criss-cross the trails. Seasonal waterfalls cascade down the mountain face in a full roar. Flowers of all shapes, colours and sizes bloom in the wild . While the lakes are filled with cool and clear water.

Trekking in Sahyadris during the rains is all about enjoying the magic of the rains to their fullest.

So here we are with a list of the best monsoon treks in Maharashtra. With the southwest monsoons approaching this part of the world soon, they make for some of the best weekend treks from Mumbai or Pune.

The trail to Bhimashankar is an all-time favourite amongst trekkers and more so during the monsoons. It takes you right into the heart of Bhimashankar Wildlife sanctuary. While in the jungle, you’ll have a variety of birds, langurs and spotted dear for company. If you’re lucky, you might even get to spot a ‘shekru’ or the Malabar Giant Squirrel.

Enroute Bhimashankar. Picture by Apoorva Karlekat

If you’re a first-timer trekking on your own or with bunch of friends who are not very experienced as well, we’d suggest you avoid the more challenging Shidi Ghat route and take the Ganesh Ghat route instead.

Difficulty: Easy or Moderate depending on the route
Trail Type: Well defined through fields, forests, rocks and ladders .
Basecamp: Khandas village. Private autos and jeeps are available at Karjat or Neral railway station to take you to Khandas

A fort hill in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Harishchandragad is one of the most challenging treks in Maharashtra. We would not recommend hiking up via the Nalichi vaat or Taramati Ghal during monsoon. But going to the top via Khireshwar route or Pachnai is possible and equally enjoyable as well.

Kedareshwar cave which hosts a big Shivalingam. Picture by Kartik Mehta

The main attraction of this hill fort remains the Konkan Kada (Konkan cliff), an almost 1,800 feet high concave fall. It is a vertical overhang, like a cobra’s hood, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding hills. But exercise extreme caution as it can get extremely windy.

Harishchandragad fort is quiet ancient, with its origin dating back to the sixth century. There are caves situated all over the fort, believed to be carved out in the eleventh century.

Difficulty: Easy or Moderate or Difficult depending on the route
Trail Type: Well defined through fields & forests.
Basecamp/Starting point: Khubi phata after Malshej ghat for Khireshwar route and Pachnai village for the Pachnai route.

One of the easier monsoon treks, Visapur is a trek favoured among beginner trekker for the waterfalls along the trail. The trail begins from Bhaje village which is easily accessible owning to its proximity to Mumbai-Pune express highway.

Views from the wall of Visapur fort. Picture by Mugdha Bhusari

And the Bhaje caves are a small diversion away on the way back from the fort. So if you have time you shouldn’t miss the 2nd century rock cut caves.

Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Well defined trail with boulders and steps all the way to the fort.
Basecamp: Bhaje village on the Mumbai Pune Expressway

Surrounded by a dense forest, the fort is naturally separated from the main hill. Built in 12th century the fort changed hands between Marathas and Portuguese multiple times in its 800 years long history.

It is very common to walk through the clouds on treks in Sahyadris during monsoons. Picture by Mansi Pathak

Located in Vasai tehsil, though commuting to base is easy, accessing the fort itself isn’t as easily accessible. Trekkers find it challenging to locate the eastern entrance and the way further to the top. It is notorious for trekkers getting lost, therefore we recommend hiring a local guide from Sakwar village.

Do return to Sakwaar by before 5 as finding public transport back becomes very difficult after that.

Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Passes through fields until the foothills of fort after which it is well defined.
Basecamp: Sakwar village. Take a bus from Virar ST stand to Shirsad Naka and from there a tum-tum to Sakwar village

At 5,400 ft you’ll be literally walking in the clouds on the trek during Monsoons. And though it is the highest peak in Maharashtra, the trail is well defined and there are ladders put in place making it easy for trekkers to scale the summit.

Final ascent to Kalsubai top is mostly covered in clouds on a rainy day of trekking.

Having said that the exciting thing about doing the trek during the monsoons is that you never see the summit along the trail, because it is always covered in clouds. The feeling of walking into the unknown and unseen is what adds to the adventure of this trek.

Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Well defined through meadows, forests, with rock steps in some places and iron ladders in others
Basecamp: Bari village. Private vehicle will have to pick you and drop you back from Kasara Railway station to Bari.

Rajgad trek is the most beautiful trek in Maharashtra. It is also one the best fort to trek to do in monsoon. As the name suggests it is the king of forts. Because of the rich history and the mesmerizing architecture of the fort, it stands out among other forts in Western Ghats. The Rajgad Fort rises to a height of 4,250 ft the fort offers spectacular views of Sahyadri ranges.

Rajgad was the capital of the Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for 26 years after which he shifted to Raigad. This is one of the reasons how the fort was built so beautifully. 

Double fortified wall of the Suvela Machi. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

The treacherous approaches, zig-zag narrow paths, the deceiving double-walled shield of its fortifications, massive Maha darwaja and Chor darwaja tells the tale of the Fortress of the forgotten empire. The beauty of the fort, and the surroundings, especially during monsoons, is mesmerizing.

Difficulty: Easy or Moderate depending on the route
Trail Type: Well definied trail
Basecamp: Gunjavane, Pali village based on the route.

The first fort to be won by Shivaji at the tender age of 16 also goes by the name Prachandgad owing to its huge size. However, there is much more than its size, history and folklore on this trek. Stream crossings, waterfalls and ridge walks along the trail is what makes it a perfect trek to do during the rainy season.

Views from the Ridge on the trail. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

And then come the views, when the cloud cover clears for a bit, you catch a glimpse of surroundings which includes Khadakwasla dam, Singhad, Raireshwar, Bhatgar, Mahabaleshwar, Raigad, Pratapgad and Makarangad from top of the Torna Fort.

Difficulty: Difficult
Trail Type: Hill Fort, initial climb if done in monsoon is slippery, gradual ascent and walking on ledge and lastly a small rock patch. No rope is required.
Basecamp: Velhe village. Take a bus from Pune going towards Satara and get down at Narsapur phata from where you can get a shared jeep to Velhe

A mountain pass near Junnar and Pune district, the pass was heavily used  as trade route between Junnar and Kalyan. In fact the word ‘Nane’ means coin and ‘Ghat’ means pass.

In fact, there inscriptions in the caves which suggest that it was used as far back as during the Satvahana rule.

One can climb further up the caves and visit the Jivdhan fort as well if you have the time and energy.

Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Initial ascents through open fields followed by climing up rocks and boulder
Basecamp: Vaishakhare village. Regular buses going towards Malshej ghat from Kalyan stop at Vaishakhare

A secluded place located deep inside the forests surround Bhira dam, Devkund waterfall was unknown to people until a few years ago. It is beleived that the Kudalika river originates from the fall.

The 80 ft drop at Devkund. Picture by Akshita Makhija

The water drops from a height of 80 ft into a small pond (kund) at the bottom. Locals here believe that once upon a time utensils used to emerge from the pond whenever there was any auspicious ceremony happening in the local village.

Difficulty: Easy or Moderate depending on the route.
Trail Type: Well defined through fields, forests, rocks and ladders.
Basecamp: Bhira Village. Take the bus to Pali from Panvel Railway staion and from Pali, hire an auto to Bhira village.

Situated between Panvel and Matheran, Prabalgad is an easily accesible fort that makes for a great trek during monsoons. The fort has a long history starting from the times of Bahamani sultanate when it was first built.

And though you might be tempted to climb its more thrilling neighbour which falls on the way, we don’t recommend it during monsoons. The slippery ascent on rock-cut steps on the mountain face is very risky.

However, you can marvel at the view of these stairs snaking up the famous Kalavantin Durg regarded as one of the toughest treks in Maharashtra from Prabalgad. Morever, the forts of Chanderi and Peb are to the West while Karnala lies to the North.

Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Broad and well defined until Prabalmachi after which it goes through dense forest and climbs up a steep gully to enter the fort through the dilapidated ruins of door.
Basecamp: Thakurwadi. Buses are available from Panvel ST Stand

Harihar fort is located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. It lies at an altitude of 3,676 ft from sea level. 

The hill on which the fort is built looks like a rectangular shape from the  base village. But it is built on the triangular prism of rock from the Yadava dynasty. The edges of the Harihar fort are almost vertical. 

Iconic stairs to Harihar Fort Summit. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

The attraction of Harihar fort is the iconic steps to the top of the fort. It is almost 80 degrees vertically inclined.  There are Lord Hanuman, Shiva and Nandi idols and a small pond at the fort. 

Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Well defined trail starts from village and fields. Later, gradually ascends through forest and clearings. The final ascent is through 80 degree steep iconic stairs.
Basecamp: Kotamwadi village

Located on a hill in Manikgad village of Maharashtra, Manikgad today is a ruinous fort. The fort is about 1,878 feet high and is impregnable from three sides. The upper part can be reached only from the south.

It was not a fort in its true sense, but more of a checkpost. However, even with crumbling fortification one can imagine its grandeur during its heydays. A decrepit gate with carving of Ganesh on the top of it greets one while entering the fort.

The fort presents a very commanding view of the valley surrounding it, with Karnala pinnacle and Prabalgad fort visible prominently.

Difficulty: Easy or Moderate depending on the route.
Trail Type: Well defined through fields, forests, rocks and ladders.
Basecamp: Khandas village.Private autos and jeeps are available at Karjat or Neral railway station to take you to Khandas.

So those were 12 of the Best monsoon treks in Maharashtra. If you have any other treks you’d like to suggest, or if you have questions, drop in a comment below.

1. Which is the toughest trek in Maharashtra?

Maharashtra is a hot spot for trekking in Western Ghats. The toughest trek is a very difficult one to answer as there are many treks that are a quite challenging. Of course, there are treks like Aland Madan Kulang which require technical guidance. 

But, among the treks we have listed above, Harihar Fort trek could become quite tough especially for beginners. The iconic climb could be scary and become slippery during monsoons.

2. Which is the most beautiful trek in Maharashtra?

If there is a list of most beautiful treks in Maharashtra, Rajgad should definitely be on the top of it.  It is also one of the best monsoon treks to do. Rich history and the marvelous architecture of the fort makes it stand out from the rest of the western ghats treks in the region.

3. Which place is best for trekking in Maharashtra?

Maharashtra has a vast variety of trekking places. The best place to trek depends on your experience and also what you are looking for in a particular trek. It could either be summit views, the history, the trail type or the adventure the trek offers. Check out Maharashtra section of Trek Library to choose the trek that interests you - https://indiahikes.com/state?name=Maharashtra

4. Which season is best for trekking in Maharashtra?

Monsoon. It is always the best season to trek in Western Ghats. You'll see the forest, the meadows, the waterfalls, whole region coming alive as the rainy season swings in. 

5. Which is the easiest trek in Maharashtra?

Trekking opportunities in Maharashtra are huge. This means there are many options for all level of trekkers. Some of the easy treks are Karnala Fort, Sudhagad trek, Andharban and Devkund Waterfall. Check out Maharashtra section of Trek Library for more options - https://indiahikes.com/state?name=Maharashtra

Rainy season is the perfect time to head out to western ghats treks. There are a few challenges that comes along with it, but the rewards are much higher. It's when the whole region come alive with lush greenery. The views you get are a treat to the eyes. 

If you are concerned about how to deal with leeches on a trek, check out this video which answers your question :

If you are looking for more treks to do in Uttarakhand, check out this link. If you are looking for treks to do near your city, check out our Trek Library. 

If you want to trek with Indiahikes in the Himalayas, check out our upcoming treks section.

In order to help you do these treks on your own, we include gpx files in the documentation. Use this link to know more about how to use gpx files.

Finally, if you can help us document these treks further, or new treks that trekkers can do on their own, do apply to be a Remote Trek Documenter. It will greatly help us take DIY trekking forward in our country!

Best monsoon treks in Maharashtra that you must do in 2023 - The ultimate guide to best monsoon treks in Sahyadris. Find out all the details that you need to do these treks on your own.

Best Monsoon Treks in Maharashtra That You Should Do in 2023

Monsoon treks, monsoon treks in Sahyadris, Treks in Sahyadri, Treks in Maharashtra, Best treks in Maharashtra, Best treks in Sahyadris

12 Best Monsoon Treks in Maharashtra That You Should Do In 2023

When we had just explored and opened the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek in 2019, we were all very excited for our trekkers to experience the unexplored jungles of Chhattisgarh.

At the same time, we were curious to know how trekkers would take to a non-Himalayan trek. 

I remember having conversations with trekkers who were about to go on this trek. 

“What kind of wildlife will be there in the jungle?”

“Will it be at par with a Himalayan trek in terms of an experience?”

With so many questions from trekkers, we waited with bated breath to see how they would react after the trek. 

Once the trek was over, though, we saw that trekkers were bowled over by what they saw. Almost everyone came back with the same one liner — “It was as if ‘The Jungle Book’ had come alive!”

Ever since, trekkers have come back telling us they love the trek. We have always been curious about exactly what they loved about the trek. Which is why we caught up with them to ask about their experience. 

Here are five things that trekkers absolutely love about the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek.

“You get to trek in the wilderness in many places in India, be it the Sahyadris or the Himalayas. But camping inside a jungle for the whole duration of the trek at different locations, being at such close proximity to wildlife, is something I was amazed to experience,” says Abhay Pingle, who has done quite a few treks like Roopkund and Rupin Pass.

Just like Abhay, most of the trekkers choose to do this trek because of the real-life camping experience inside the dense forests of Guru Ghasidas National Park.

“I have been to Jim Corbett and Ranthambore in search of the thrill of jungle life. However staying in the lodges, far away (even beyond the safe distance) brings some sort of disconnect to the whole experience. I think my quench for the jungle thrill got fulfilled after doing this trek in Chhattisgarh. It gave me a complete insight as to how it feels living in the jungle for 4 days,” says Souvik Sinha, who went on the trek late in mid-October.

“I’m from Raipur in Chhattisgarh itself. But this was my first time trekking, and it was wonderful and rejuvenating to see this part of the jungle. Also, seeing people from other states appreciating Chhattisgarh was amazing,” says Yash, who was part of the team in January 2022.

There’s one thing that stood out the most for the trekkers. Spending time searching for animal footprints.

“They were always on their toes (quite literally) to look for signs of wildlife. I was amazed to know that they had so many stories about their experience with wildlife!” shares our Trek Leader, Kiranjit Pathak, who led most of the teams in Chhattisgarh.

“Apart from exploring the wilderness and camping in the wild, the trek has much more to look for. Trekkers get the opportunity to build campfires using ancient methods, climb trees, swim in lakes and rivers and even track wild animals by following paw prints.

There are plenty of leopard, monkey, bear and langoor tracks. I remember exploring the caves to find a bear family’s home. That was just an icing on the cake,” says Lakshay Bansal, a first-time trekker with Indiahikes.

“Many people think that trekking in a jungle means you will see animals casually passing by the trails or that you will get to spot wildlife at an eye distance. However, that is not the case and one should not be so naive to expect that. Finding footprints or signs of animals at the places where we were walking, then trying to figure out from where they might have come from and where they would have gone to was so much more exciting yet safe at the same time. One doesn’t want to have fun at the cost of the wildlife or their own life,” says Souvik Sinha, Indiahikes Trekker.

The overall experience becomes much more exciting after finding such fresh animal footprints! Picture by Kiranjit Pathak.

Pawprints on the trail spotted by trekkers in October. Picture by Kiranjit Pathak.

3. A unique river-walk and riverside camping experience

You have river crossings on most treks, especially in the Himalayas. However, most of the Himalayan rivers are bone-chillingly cold. You would want to get out of the water as soon as you step in. But here, on the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek, you have one of the most pleasurable river walks, and you have it for a whole day! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone. 

“Day 4 is the riverwalk on the Gopat river. When I first saw the river. I thought ‘this is like a beach!’ There’s not a single pebble on the river bed. It’s smooth and sandy. The river is shallow, with water flowing just above your ankles. You don’t cross this river, or walk beside it. You walk inside it throughout the day,” says Nitesh Kumar, Senior Trek Leader who explored the latest route we take to Chhattisgarh.

“The blazing sun is above you, but your feet are in cool waters. You’re in the middle of a jungle, with no one around. It’s an unmatched experience,” exclaims Nitesh. 

If this was not enough, you actually camp next to the Gopat river. “Your tent flap opens up to the gentle lull of the river. It’s a dreamy setting sleeping to the tinkling sound of the river and waking up to it in the soft morning light,” shares Nitesh. 3. The trek has the right amount of challenge.  

The unique riverside campsite on the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

4. A sneak peek into the tribal life of Chhattisgarh locals

If there’s one thing trekkers can’t stop talking about, it’s this. Gurughasidas National Park, being a restricted area to the normal public, gives you an opportunity to meet these adivasi families living inside the national park.

“We got to stay in an adivasi village mud house and interact with the locals. The calm and serenity offered by the village really puts the important things in one’s life into perspective and takes them away from the daily rat race.

“The village also has an abundance of agricultural crops and trees, which makes evening walks while identifying the various trees like mango, jackfruit, guava and many more a truly informative and enjoyable session,” says Lakshay, who was really happy from the interactions he had with the adivasi families.

Trekkers spending time with the locals of a small village near Tediyabandh. Picture by Abhay Pingle.

5. It’s at par with a Himalayan winter trek in terms of variety

When trekkers think about winter treks, the first thought that pops into their mind is a snowy setting. We must admit, it’s hard to beat the snow-draped forests, the vast white stretches of meadows and snow-capped mountains. 

But here’s a trek that not only comes at par with the variety of a Himalayan trek, but may even beat the experience of the white Himalayan monotone. 

"The jungles here take the cake. You know, in most regions of India, you can drive through forests. But here, you're walking in the heart of it. The best part? There's a section where you climb to a bit of a height, and you are above the jungle, at a vantage point. It's almost like a summit view. The whole jungle opens up below you and you can retrace your path all the way. The feeling of standing at the top is euphoric," says Prashant, a trekker from Bangalore who trekked in early 2022. 

Aside from that, "The kind of variety you see on this trek is at par with any Himalayan trek. Walking amidst the deciduous sal and teak forests, exploring Chhattisgarh’s ancient limestone caves with their stalagmites and stalactites, interacting with adivasi tribes, being in the heart of wildlife, walking in the beachy rivers, camping beside a lake, climbing to a vantage point from where you see terrific views of the whole Guru Ghasidas National Park… Each day is like doing a new trek in a new region,” shares Nitesh.  

After leading Himalayan treks for more than three years, he admits that this is one of the best treks he has done till date. 

The ancient limestone caves of Chhattisgarh. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

A note on the difficulty level of the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek: A lot of trekkers assume that the Chhattisgarh Jungle trek isn’t challenging enough. Before going on this trek many trekkers had the misconception that the trek would be just a simple flat walk in the jungle. When I was constantly pushing the trekkers to be consistent with their fitness they would often ask, “But what is there to worry about on a jungle trail?”

However, after coming back from the trek most of them who had taken their fitness preparations seriously were happy with the fact that they were able to enjoy the trek without getting tired as compared to some others who were struggling.

“I don’t think this trek is a cakewalk in any way. There were long walks everyday and the paths were rugged and rough at many places. Not to forget the river crossings which were fun but challenged our strength too,” says our trekker Souvik Sinha.

So, this is what the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek looks like from the eyes of our trekkers.

To know more, watch this video by Swathi Chatrapathy talking about the best time to do the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek. 

If you have already been on this trek, do comment below and share your experience with us. If you have any questions about this trek, comment below, and we will help you.

The Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek is a 4 day trek that is inside the lush-green Guru Ghasidas National Park. If you want to trek in the wilderness this is your trek.

5 Things Trekkers Love About The Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

The monsoon season brings in one of the most delightful experiences for any trekker. The brilliant green of the forests, the grasslands, the meadows and the misty views – it is a surreal experience.

Check out treks you can do in Karnataka here

This is what the Indiahikes team experienced as well when set to explore a trek at Nishani Motte in June. As we trekked, we knew that we were not alone. We were accompanied by some creepy crawlers sucking on our blood all along the trek. We were, however, well prepared to deal with it. Yes, we are talking about leeches.

As much as monsoon is a great time to trek, it is also the peak breeding season for leeches. Ignoring them is a task, especially when they are in large numbers. But that shouldn't stop any of you from panicking on the trek. 

In this article, we will discuss the ways to deal with leeches so that you can make your trek more enjoyable. 

Following are the tips to prevent leech bites even before the trek:

1) Apply a mixture of tobacco + castor oil on your exposed body parts. This is usually used by locals. 

2) Dettol – apply a generous amount of Dettol on your feet, over your socks (yes!), and on the other exposed body parts. The phenol derivative is supposedly said to drive the leeches away.

3) Applying Lemon on the skin before you start the trek. Lemons are highly acidic in nature, which helps repel leeches.

4) Anti Leech socks. These socks get up to your knees covering all the spaces between shoes and trek pants preventing the leeches from touching your skin.

All of the ways mentioned above are temporary solutions. Unfortunately, you will have to deal with leeches if you are trekking in the Monsoon Season. 

Some people sprinkle salt or use fire. We strongly discourage it because this would harm the leeches. At Indiahikes, we don’t believe in harming any animals not only in their territory, but also elsewhere.

Our Suggestion - Do not use salt or fire to remove leeches. 

Protip: Always ask the locals for help – Local villagers working day in and day out in the forests to develop the most innovative leech-proof ideas. Feel free to ask; they will be happy to help.

There is no escape from leeches during Monsoon Season trekking, so panicking while on the trek won’t change anything. So, stay calm and continue along the trek. 

Once you finish the trek, you can remove the leeches, flick them away, and use turmeric to stop the bleeding. If you are camping, remove all the leeches before entering the tent. 

Leech bites are very itchy and last for three to ten days. Scratching would not help, so applying coconut or neem oil would be beneficial. These have antibacterial, antifungal, and microbial properties.

This article provides a detailed guide combating leech bites on and off the trek.

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