CHHATTISGARH JUNGLE TREK
The Jungle Book Trek
TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate
TREK DURATION
4 days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
2,605 ft
The Jungle Book Trek
It is hard for the settings of the Chhattisgarh Jungle trek not to set your imagination ablaze. The landscape is such that you are constantly transported to the mysterious world of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book.
Lying in the heart of the Guru Ghasidas National Park, this is our most unique trek. It is so unique and exotic that we cannot compare it with our other treks.
For example, on the very first day, we walk through the open deciduous forests of the Chota Nagpur plateau. The forests are dense, yet you can see through them for long distances. In the open forest, the world appears both intimate and expansive. These are the forests where the last of the Indian cheetahs would sprint through with explosive bursts of speed. Trekkers have yet to witness such forests.
Rock formations within the forests are strange, almost like volcanic bubbles erupting from the surface, yet frozen for millions of years. Hidden within Chhattisgarh jungles are ancient, pre-historic caves. Cave paintings here are easily ten to fifteen thousand years old. The outside world does not know of their existence. The cave paintings tell stories of men, women, animals, and communities. These ancient cave paintings evoke a profound sense of awe, like peering through a window into the distant past.
The trek continues to surprise us every day. The final day has trekkers smitten. The entire day's trek is a walk on the Gopat River as it meanders through the forests and finally emerges out of them. The crystal clear cool waters swirl around our ankles. Trekkers have never experienced walking on a river bed like this for a full day's trek of over 5 kilometres. These are once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Not many have heard of Guru Ghasidas National Park. It is larger than both Ranthambore National Park and Kanha Tiger Reserve put together, at 1,440 square kilometres.
Chhattisgarh jungle trek is even more remarkable because you need the Forest Department to help you get inside the national park. These are reserved areas, and access for the common man is prohibited. So, with the help of the forest department, we explore a natural jungle untouched by safari tourism. It is not often that you get to experience the jungles of our country like this.
A word of caution: While the trek is by no means difficult, it is not easy on the legs either. There are long daily walks—about 10 kilometres on largely forested terrain. Fitness is critical.
It is hard for the settings of the Chhattisgarh Jungle trek not to set your imagination ablaze. The landscape is such that you are constantly transported to the mysterious world of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book.
Lying in the heart of the Guru Ghasidas National Park, this is our most unique trek. It is so unique and exotic that we cannot compare it with our other treks.
Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek - Complete Information
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Chhattisgarh Jungle trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
A route map of the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
Day 1
Reach Ramgarh Post and Trek to Turripani
Drive Distance: 70 km | Drive Duration: 2 hours | Pick-up Time: 5.30 am
Trek Distance: 11 km | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Take the overnight train from Raipur the previous day to reach the pick-up point on time. The cost of the cab is Rs 2,000 per vehicle (5-6 seater) from Baikunthpur Road Station to Ramgarh. The contact number of your driver & details will be shared a day or two before your departure.
Day 2
Trek from Turripani to Tadiyabaan
Trek Distance: 7 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours
Day 3
Trek from Tadiyabaan to Pandupara
Trek Distance: 10 km | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Day 4
Trek from Pandupara to Singhor Roadhead. Drive to Ramgarh Post and then to Bainkunthpur Road Railway Station
Trek Distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours
Drive Distance: 90 km | Drive Duration: 2 hours | Drop-off Time: 8.30 pm
The last day cab will cost 2,400/- per vehicle (5-6 seater) from Singhor road head to Ramgarh Post and then to the railway station.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending on the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
A route map of the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
IMPORTANT POINTS
➤Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a photocopy of their Aadhar card and your passport-size photo for entry at forest check posts on the trek, along with your medical certificate and disclaimer.
➤Stay facility: On the trek, you will be staying 2 in a tent
Day 1
Reach Ramgarh Post and Trek to Turripani
Drive Distance: 70 km | Drive Duration: 2 hours | Pick-up Time: 5.30 am
Trek Distance: 11 km | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Take the overnight train from Raipur the previous day to reach the pick-up point on time. The cost of the cab is Rs 2,000 per vehicle (5-6 seater) from Baikunthpur Road Station to Ramgarh. The contact number of your driver & details will be shared a day or two before your departure.
Day 2
Trek from Turripani to Tadiyabaan
Trek Distance: 7 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours
Day 3
Trek from Tadiyabaan to Pandupara
Trek Distance: 10 km | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Day 4
Trek from Pandupara to Singhor Roadhead. Drive to Ramgarh Post and then to Bainkunthpur Road Railway Station
Trek Distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours
Drive Distance: 90 km | Drive Duration: 2 hours | Drop-off Time: 8.30 pm
The last day cab will cost 2,400/- per vehicle (5-6 seater) from Singhor road head to Ramgarh Post and then to the railway station.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending on the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
IMPORTANT POINTS
➤Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a photocopy of their Aadhar card and your passport-size photo for entry at forest check posts on the trek, along with your medical certificate and disclaimer.
➤Stay facility: On the trek, you will be staying 2 in a tent
Day 1: Reach Ramgarh Post and trek to Turripani
Drive Duration: 2 hours | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Drive Distance: 70 km | Trek Distance: 11 km
Pick up will be arranged from Baikunthpur Road railway station at 5:30 AM. Take the overnight train from Raipur the previous day to reach the pick-up point on time. Trek through the beautiful Sal forests of Guru Ghasidas National Park. Many surprises await on the way.
Water Source: No water sources. Carry enough water
You reach Baikunthpur Road station at about 5:00 AM, the station area is secluded and has no facility of food or lodging. It is best to get going on the road towards Guru Ghasidas soon after. Though Baikunthpur is a bustling town, which is 8 kms away from the railway station, it is unlikely for the town to wake up before 9:00 AM. Multi-utility vehicles such as Bolero or Scorpio, which can be hired from Baikunthpur are your best option to drop you off at your trek start point 70 km away.
Indiahikes will organize Bolero’s or similar vehicles to pick up trekkers from Baikunthpur Road railway station when the train from Raipur arrives, the cost of the cab will be equally shared among the trekkers.
Tip: Use the washroom in the train before you get down at the Baikunthpur road railway station.
From Baikunthpur, the road starts to climb up the ghat section very soon. In 25 km of a quick winding road, you reach Sonhat the last little town before the National Park. Sonhat is also the range office of the forest department. Have your breakfast here before heading into the forest gate 5 km away. Sonhat is also where you get your last phone signal. Inside the National Park, only BSNL signal exists in pockets.
Once inside the forest gate at Mendra Check Post, you are in the middle of thick Sal forests on either side. The road cuts through in-between the trees. For most of the 30 km journey through the forest, you are the only vehicle on the road. It is a public road with checks though. The road journey of 40 minutes inside the forest brings you to another forest gate – the Ramgarh Check Post.
Ramgarh is a village of about 150 houses spread over 2-3 km outside the parking area. Though a remote village surrounded by the forest, it has a school, a health centre, a girl's hostel and something very striking – an RO water dispenser.
Your trek starts from Ramgarh through Sal trees that lead you into the jungle. Notice tiny butterflies fluttering away as you start walking. In about half an hour you will have a gentle ascent which gives you the vantage point to see the entire National Park.
A couple of hours of walking in the forest will bring you to your lunch spot, a dry riverbed with an elliptical rock serving as a dining table. What makes it more interesting is that you have lunch in an elephant corridor, watching the elephant pug marks.
After a delicious lunch, cross the concrete road to the other side of the forest. You have entered a forest that is much denser than the previous one. Soon, you will climb a small hilltop to get a grander view of the jungle. Lohasur Hill is on your right.
Descend and continue on the trail to arrive at a surprising sight -- the Cheramada caves. You would not have imagined a cave in the middle of the forest to appear abruptly. Spend a good amount of time exploring the huge cave with wide openings on each end. Notice the unique tiger skin-like structure of the rocks that make this cave.
The cave has a 15,000-year-old Heliography. Refer to this interesting video where our founder Arjun Majumdar takes you through the cave.
As you approach Turripani, your campsite for the day, you walk on a slab of rock that has a natural pattern of snakeskin. Soon, you will come to a small pond where you see the locals filling the water. This is Turripani. Pitch your tents in a picturesque setting to end the day.
You reach Baikunthpur Road station at about 5:00 AM, the station area is secluded and has no facility of food or lodging. It is best to get going on the road towards Guru Ghasidas soon after. Though Baikunthpur is a bustling town, which is 8 kms away from the railway station, it is unlikely for the town to wake up before 9:00 AM. Multi-utility vehicles such as Bolero or Scorpio, which can be hired from Baikunthpur are your best option to drop you off at your trek start point 70 km away.
Indiahikes will organize Bolero’s or similar vehicles to pick up trekkers from Baikunthpur Road railway station when the train from Raipur arrives, the cost of the cab will be equally shared among the trekkers.
Tip: Use the washroom in the train before you get down at the Baikunthpur road railway station.
From Baikunthpur, the road starts to climb up the ghat section very soon. In 25 km of a quick winding road, you reach Sonhat the last little town before the National Park. Sonhat is also the range office of the forest department. Have your breakfast here before heading into the forest gate 5 km away. Sonhat is also where you get your last phone signal. Inside the National Park, only BSNL signal exists in pockets.
Once inside the forest gate at Mendra Check Post, you are in the middle of thick Sal forests on either side. The road cuts through in-between the trees. For most of the 30 km journey through the forest, you are the only vehicle on the road. It is a public road with checks though. The road journey of 40 minutes inside the forest brings you to another forest gate – the Ramgarh Check Post.
Ramgarh is a village of about 150 houses spread over 2-3 km outside the parking area. Though a remote village surrounded by the forest, it has a school, a health centre, a girl's hostel and something very striking – an RO water dispenser.
Your trek starts from Ramgarh through Sal trees that lead you into the jungle. Notice tiny butterflies fluttering away as you start walking. In about half an hour you will have a gentle ascent which gives you the vantage point to see the entire National Park.
A couple of hours of walking in the forest will bring you to your lunch spot, a dry riverbed with an elliptical rock serving as a dining table. What makes it more interesting is that you have lunch in an elephant corridor, watching the elephant pug marks.
After a delicious lunch, cross the concrete road to the other side of the forest. You have entered a forest that is much denser than the previous one. Soon, you will climb a small hilltop to get a grander view of the jungle. Lohasur Hill is on your right.
Descend and continue on the trail to arrive at a surprising sight -- the Cheramada caves. You would not have imagined a cave in the middle of the forest to appear abruptly. Spend a good amount of time exploring the huge cave with wide openings on each end. Notice the unique tiger skin-like structure of the rocks that make this cave.
The cave has a 15,000-year-old Heliography. Refer to this interesting video where our founder Arjun Majumdar takes you through the cave.
As you approach Turripani, your campsite for the day, you walk on a slab of rock that has a natural pattern of snakeskin. Soon, you will come to a small pond where you see the locals filling the water. This is Turripani. Pitch your tents in a picturesque setting to end the day.
Day 2: Trek from Turripani to Tadiyabaan
Trek Duration: 4 hours | Trek Distance: 7 km
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate. Gently rolling terrain through mixed forests before reaching the beautiful Tadiyabaan lake, where you will camp for the night.
Water Source: The only water source is the Tadiyabaan lake where you end today's trek today.
Start the day by walking out of Turripani for about 200 meters, and heading straight into the jungle. You will see the path you took the previous day on your left.
Most of today's walk is on red soil through the see-through Sal forests. As you walk further on the trail, you see a big hill covered with trees in front of you. This is Raja Pahad (or a 'hill').
Keep walking in a similar setting for almost 6 kilometres, before finally reaching the Tadiyabaan lake. Your campsite is not there yet. You will have to walk through the length of the lake for more than a kilometre to get to your Tadiyabaan campsite.
After a long walk through the forest, walking by the side of this huge lake is a welcome change.
Retire for the day in this refreshing setting before your challenging trek begins tomorrow.
Start the day by walking out of Turripani for about 200 meters, and heading straight into the jungle. You will see the path you took the previous day on your left.
Most of today's walk is on red soil through the see-through Sal forests. As you walk further on the trail, you see a big hill covered with trees in front of you. This is Raja Pahad (or a 'hill').
Keep walking in a similar setting for almost 6 kilometres, before finally reaching the Tadiyabaan lake. Your campsite is not there yet. You will have to walk through the length of the lake for more than a kilometre to get to your Tadiyabaan campsite.
After a long walk through the forest, walking by the side of this huge lake is a welcome change.
Retire for the day in this refreshing setting before your challenging trek begins tomorrow.
Day 3: Trek from Tadiyabaan to Pandupara
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours | Trek Distance: 10 km
Difficulty: Moderate - Difficult. The most tiring and the most rewarding day of the trek. There is a good amount of elevation through dense forests on this day. Camp right on the river bed after a long day's trek at Pandupara.
Water Source: Refill your bottles from Tadiyabaan lake before heading out. Although you come across multiple streams and a river, the water might not be fit for drinking.
Get ready for the most challenging day of your trek yet. Start taking the same route back, by the side of the lake for a kilometre before taking a left from yesterday's trail.
You will soon start an almost 800-foot ascent another kilometre from the fork.
The forest gets dense as you gain altitude. In some places, you will feel like you are in a northeastern jungle where sunlight hardly falls to the ground. The ascent gets steeper over the distance. To give you a perspective, for more than 3 kilometres, you will only climb till you reach the highest point of the trek at 2,820 feet!
On the way, you will come across a natural boulder that is in the shape of a cobra. You can draw parallels to the rock on which Simba gets his name in the Lion King movie. It looks the same.
From here, you will reach the highest point of the trek at 2,820 ft. Take in the scenery of lush green jungles you see from this vantage point.
It is all downhill now. And that means the tricky terrain you have to navigate. Take it slow and put your feet firmly, one step at a time. This continues for almost 2 kilometres.
Once the descent ends, you will find yourself on a riverbed, with the river flowing not more than your ankle height. This is Pandupara, your campsite for the day.
Get ready for the most challenging day of your trek yet. Start taking the same route back, by the side of the lake for a kilometre before taking a left from yesterday's trail.
You will soon start an almost 800-foot ascent another kilometre from the fork.
The forest gets dense as you gain altitude. In some places, you will feel like you are in a northeastern jungle where sunlight hardly falls to the ground. The ascent gets steeper over the distance. To give you a perspective, for more than 3 kilometres, you will only climb till you reach the highest point of the trek at 2,820 feet!
On the way, you will come across a natural boulder that is in the shape of a cobra. You can draw parallels to the rock on which Simba gets his name in the Lion King movie. It looks the same.
From here, you will reach the highest point of the trek at 2,820 ft. Take in the scenery of lush green jungles you see from this vantage point.
It is all downhill now. And that means the tricky terrain you have to navigate. Take it slow and put your feet firmly, one step at a time. This continues for almost 2 kilometres.
Once the descent ends, you will find yourself on a riverbed, with the river flowing not more than your ankle height. This is Pandupara, your campsite for the day.
Day 4: Trek from Pandupara to Singhor Roadhead. Drive to Ramgarh Post and then Baikunthpur Road
Trek Duration: 4 hours | Drive Duration: 2 hours
Trek Distance: 5 km | Drive Distance: 70 km
Difficulty: Easy. A mellow walk on the river where water flows ankle-high, all the way to the roadhead.
Water Source: The flowing river is your water source for the day. We recommend refilling your bottles once you reach the roadhead, as the ankle-deep river might not be suitable for drinking.
The last day of your trek is a reward for all the hard work you have done over the past 3 days.
Today, you will walk in the river. Since the river never goes above your ankle, you can choose to walk the entire trail in the middle of the river, feeling the cool water flowing under and over your feet.
The entire stretch of about 4.5 kilometres can be walked barefoot! There is no other trek that gives you this luxury. Trust us, this is extremely therapeutic.
When the trek ends at Singhor roadhead, you'd wish for this walk to continue for a whole day. You will feel lazy getting out of the river.
Your Indiahikes pick-up vehicle will be waiting by the time you finish the trek. Hop on and in 20 minutes, reach Ramgarh's check post in time for lunch. Collect your cloakroom, have a debriefing and head to Baikunthpur in the same vehicle.
This brings an end to your adventurous Chhattisgarh Jungle trek.
The last day of your trek is a reward for all the hard work you have done over the past 3 days.
Today, you will walk in the river. Since the river never goes above your ankle, you can choose to walk the entire trail in the middle of the river, feeling the cool water flowing under and over your feet.
The entire stretch of about 4.5 kilometres can be walked barefoot! There is no other trek that gives you this luxury. Trust us, this is extremely therapeutic.
When the trek ends at Singhor roadhead, you'd wish for this walk to continue for a whole day. You will feel lazy getting out of the river.
Your Indiahikes pick-up vehicle will be waiting by the time you finish the trek. Hop on and in 20 minutes, reach Ramgarh's check post in time for lunch. Collect your cloakroom, have a debriefing and head to Baikunthpur in the same vehicle.
This brings an end to your adventurous Chhattisgarh Jungle trek.
Moderate
Suitable for Fit Beginners
At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider several factors. These include altitude gained every day, length of a trek every day, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.
Here, we rate Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek as a ‘moderate’ trek, It demands stronger legs to cover long distance and ideal judgment on footings for tricky descents. At Indiahikes, we take fitness very seriously. We believe that to enjoy a trek, you must be fit.
For getting fitness approval, it is mandatory for you to follow the following process and share the screenshot of the run time.
1. Install any free running app like Strava or Nike on your phone.
2. Go for a 5 kms jog/run and cover it in less than 37 mins.
If you are 45 years or above who don't run and prefer brisk walking, then you can cover 10 km in 90 mins.
Note: If you are a cyclist then you should be able to cycle for 18-20 kms in 1 hour.
3. Jumping jacks, squats and stair climbing along with stretching will help you prepare well..
Safety on the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
Amongst our low altitude treks, the Indiahikes Chhattisgarh Jungle trek poses a low risk. The only risky section is the ascent to the highest point of the trek at 2,820 ft, and the descent from there on day 3 of the trek.
Other than that, there are no other sections that pose a risk to your safety.
Being mindful of where you place your foot, and being aware of your surroundings will help you a great deal in having a safe trek without any injury.
Weather plays a big role in your safety on the trek. Here are some of the weather-related issues that can play an important role in your Chhattisgarh Jungle trek.
Since you are trekking close to Central India, the weather remains steady throughout the trek. The days get hotter, and the nights get colder. In the winter months, you will experience temperatures close to 0 °C at all the campsites.
Rain showers can happen anytime due to the presence of thick jungles all around.
Being prepared with proper trekking gear will eliminate weather-related risks on the Chhattisgarh Jungle trek.
Emergency Exits: Medical Emergencies can strike on any trek. The key to dealing with them lies in knowing your exit points. Know how to get out and reach the nearest hospital quickly.
Indiahikes Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek is one of the safest treks to do. Since Guru Ghasidas National Park is well connected by mud roads. The trek has exit points from every campsite. All the campsites are connected by road.
So, in case of any emergencies, you just have to reach the nearest campsite to you to access the roadhead.
Closest Hospital: In case of a medical emergency, the closest hospitals are the Primary Health Centres at Singhor and Ramgarh. For better facilities, head to Bilaspur or Raipur.
The best time to be on this trek is from mid-October to the end of January. In fact, that’s the only time you can trek here. In all the other seasons, the Chhattisgarh Jungle trek either gets too hot, or is bashed with heavy rains.
Mid-October to the end of January is the ideal time to do this trek because the rains have cleared all the haze and the temperature becomes cooler. The jungles of Central India are best experienced in these cooler months. The overall atmosphere makes for a very pleasant trek experience.
Though this part of the country is new to most people, it is not very hard to reach the Guru Ghasidas National Park. The closest railhead is Baikunthpur Road Railway Station and the major city is Raipur.
1. Here’s a quick view of how to plan your travel
Day 0: Book your air or train ticket to Raipur.
If you are travelling by flight, you can fly to Raipur from almost all the major cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, etc.
If you are travelling by train, there are railway connections from Kolkata, Nagpur, Delhi, and other major cities. You can directly come to Bilaspur instead of Raipur. Bilaspur is on the way from Raipur to Baikunthpur, and you can reach Baikunthpur by the same train mentioned below.
From Raipur, There is a daily night train (Durg Ambikapur Express - Train Number 18241) that connects Raipur to the Baikunthpur Road station. Sleeper class tickets should be easy to obtain if you book 2-3 weeks before your schedule.
The train arrives at Raipur junction at 9:25 PM and reaches Baikunthpur Road station at 4:48 AM the next morning.
Note : This is the only train that runs from Raipur to Baikunthpur. We advise you to reach Baikunthpur road railway station by early morning on Day 1 of your trek. If you miss this train, there are no other means of transport.
Day 1: Reach Ramgarh post and trek to Turripani.
From Baikunthpur road railway station to Ramgarh, it's a 70 km drive and takes about 2 hours.
Pick up for Indiahikes trekkers is at 5:30 AM from Baikunthpur Road Railway Station (To avoid any confusion the name of the railway station is 'Baikunthpur Road'). Charges for the pick up costs Rs 2,000 from Baikunthpur Road Station to Ramgarh. The contact number of your transport coordinator will be shared a day or two before your departure.
Note: The cost of the pick up on the last day to Baikunthpur railway station will be Rs 2,400 per vehicle (5-6 trekkers) for the return journey
Day 2: Trek from Turripani to Tadiyabaan
Day 3: Trek from Tadiyabaan to Pandupara
Day 4: Trek from Pandupara to Singhor Roadhead. Drive to Ramgarh Post. Have your lunch. Drive to Bainkunthpur Road Railway Station in the same pick up cab.
Note: Charges for the pick up costs Rs 400 more than the onward pick up cost. This is because you'll be driving from Singhor Roadhead to Baikunthpur town and then back to the railway station (The Baikunthpur Road Railway Station is very secluded. There are no shops or restaurants available nearby).
2. Planning your return journey
There is a daily night train ( Durg Ambikapur Express - Train Number 18242 ) from Baikunthpur Road Railway Station at 23:51 and reaches reaches Raipur at 8:35 am. Book this train for Day 4. Sleeper class tickets should be easy to obtain if you book 2-3 weeks before your schedule.
Note: The Durg Ambikapur Express is notorious for it's delay. It often gets delayed upto 2 hours. So book your return ticket accordingly.
3. If Planning your Hotel/Stay
We do not ask our trekkers to arrive a day early. Hence you will not have to stay at Baikunthpur. But just in case, you have to stay over there, here are a few options.
1. Hotel Shree Annapurna :
Location: https://g.page/new-shree-annpurna-lodge?share
Phone : +91 - 7898042760 (Mr. Ankit)
Price: Rs 1000 - Rs 1400
3. Hotel Ram Sethu :
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/LcgPDYtu9CrQPoiQ7
Price: Rs. 1500 - 2500
2. Hotel Ganga shree :
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/kXBnZfAw5dv16RXL7
Price: Rs 2000 - Rs 3000
These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.
- Original and 2 (two) photocopies of government identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
- 2 (two) passport-size photographs. This is required to obtain the trekking permits
- Disclaimer certificate: There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record. The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download disclaimer certificate
- Medical certificate: The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download medical certificate
Note: Indiahikes has a panel of doctors who can help you with a medical certificate. They are available for online consultation. To get in touch with them, please write to trekmedicalcertificates@gmail.com. They will respond to you within 24 hours.
Consultation fee: Rs 300
PRO TIPS
Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet.
If you’re trekking in the Chhattisgarh jungles in winter, the temperature during the day will be around 15 to 23 degrees and, at night the temperature will drop to 3 to 5 degrees or less. You will need to carry a minimum of two warm layers. Apart from this, ensure you carry your warm accessories such as fleece gloves, woolen socks and woolen cap.
Ensure you carry a pair of sandals, a poncho and full sleeve t-shirts and pants to have a comfortable trek.
Bare Necessities:
- Trekking shoes: Carry trekking shoes and not sports shoes. The trail will be slippery in several places and will require shoes with good grip and ankle support. You can watch this video to learn to choose the right trekking shoes.
- Backpack (40-45 litres): A backpack with sturdy straps and a supporting frame. Rain cover for the backpack is essential.
Clothes
On a trek, carry fewer clothes than you would normally need. Do not pack for ‘what if situations’. That will only add to the weight of your backpack and not be used on the trek. Once your clothes get warmed up on a trek, you will not feel like changing. Just maintain personal hygiene.
- Two layers of warm clothes: Carry either one padded jacket or two layers of fleece jacket/ sweater.
- Two trek pants: Carry light quick dry trek pants. One trek pant while trekking and an another pant inside the backpack. Denim/jeans and shorts are not suitable for trekking.
- Three t-shirts: You will wear one t-shirt while trekking and the rest two t-shirt inside your backpack. Carry light, full-sleeved t-shirts that prevent sunburns on the neck and arms. Let one of these be a dry-fit t-shirt. It will dry quickly in case you are trekking on a rainy day.
- Sandals: Carry sandals on this trek required on day four during the river walk. Trekking shoes are required for the forest but have a handy pair of sandals to slip into.
Accessories
- Sunglasses: Sunglasses are mandatory. This is to protect you from the harsh winter sun.
- Sun Cap: In the jungles, even though there is heavy tree cover, the harsh sun can dehydrate you very quickly. A sun cap comes in handy to prevent the moisture to escape when you are sweating.
- Hand gloves: A fleece or woollen glove will do.
- woolen cap/ fleece cap: You’ll need this to cover your head, as most of the heat escapes from your head.
- Socks (4 pairs): Your normal cotton/ sport socks are good, but make sure they are all high ankle socks
- Headlamp/LED torch: Mandatory + extra Batteries.
- Trekking pole: Watch this video to understand why you need a trekking pole.
- Ponchos: In a jungle, unexpected rain is possible at any time, and hence it’s mandatory to carry a poncho so that you don’t get wet.
Others
- Toiletries: Sunscreen, light towel, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer. Do not carry wet wipes since these are not biodegradable. We do not like biodegradable wet wipes because they take a long time to decompose in the mountains. Use toilet paper instead.
- Sanitary waste: Make sure you bring your used sanitary napkins back to the city with you. Carry a zip lock bag to put used napkins. Bring this ziplock bag back with you to the city and do not dispose of sanitary napkins in the mountains.
- Cutlery: Carry a spoon, coffee mug and a lunch box. We insist on trekkers getting their cutlery for hygiene reasons. We do not allow biodegradable or disposable cutlery on our treks.
- Two water bottles: 1 litre each.
- Plastic covers: While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry a few extra plastic bags for wet clothes.
- Odomos or any other insect repellant
Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.
- Crocin (Paracetamol) – 6 tablets (fever)
- Norflox TZ – 3 tablets (diarrhoea/ severe GI issue)
- Band-Aid – 4 strips
- ORS – 4 packets
- Volini Spray - aches, & sprains
- Knee Cap (Optional), if you are prone to a knee injury
- Anti Fungal Powder
- Odomos or any other insect repellent
Our trek leaders carry a medical kit with them. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.
Pro Tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.
We recommend jogging as the best routine to get fit for a trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.
Fitness target:
To do this trek comfortably, you must be able to cover 5 km in under 35 minutes. This is the minimum fitness required for this trek.
How to achieve this fitness?
- Start jogging at least 4 days a week
- If you cannot run 5 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 5 km over 2-3 weeks.
- Once you’re able to run 5 km, increase your pace day by day.
- Gradually increase your pace and bring it down to 5 km in less than 35 mins.
- You must be able to run 5 km in 35 mins consistently for at least 2 weeks before the trek.
This trek requires at least 6-8 weeks of preparation. The longer, the better. So plan your trek soon and start preparing.
Here's a complete guide to get you trek fit.
Strength training tips:
How to get Fitness Approval from the Indiahikes team:
Every trekker needs fitness approval from the Indiahikes team 20 days before the trek date. Without this, you will not be allowed on the trek.
What to upload?
- A minimum of 3 screenshots of your runs/jogs/walks/cycling
- Monthly summary of your routine
Why fitness matters:
Every high-altitude trek comes with a set of challenges. Steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, snow walks, stream crossings, pass crossings, and summit climb. Even the easiest of treks have some of these challenges if not all of them. Without fitness, trekkers struggle, get injured easily, lag behind, or simply fail to complete the trek.
At Indiahikes, we take pride in the fact that our trekkers are among the fittest in the country. Those who do not meet the fitness requirements are often sent back. Our philosophy is that trekking and fitness go hand in hand. Without fitness, there’s no trekking.
The Chhattisgarh Jungle trek is inside the virgin jungles of the Guru Ghasidas National Park. The trek is almost 32 kilometres long and is done over 4 days.
No. The Chhattisgarh Jungle trek is conducted in collaboration with the Forest and Tourism Departments of Chhattisgarh. At present, you can only do the trek with Indiahikes and you will be accompanied by forest guards throughout.
Yes, the Indiahikes Chhattisgarh Jungle trek is safe. Last year 300 of our trekkers safely completed this trek. You are accompanied by a forest official for additional safety at all times. Naxalites do not operate anywhere near this forest. You can refer to this video for more information.
The jungles of Central India tend to get very hot in the summer months. This is why at Indiahikes, we conduct the trek only between November and January because this is the most pleasant time to experience the jungles of Chhattisgarh.
We have specially designed a fitness schedule for our seniors. We recommend you follow a fitness routine 5 times a week (combination of walks, stair climbing and stretching).
By the time your trek starts, you should be able to walk 5 km between 50-60 minutes comfortably. Ideally, closer to 50 minutes.
Trekking is a sport that primarily uses your lungs, your core, and your lower body. To reach this fitness, there are just two things to work on - your cardiovascular endurance and your muscle strength. Being fit will help you enjoy the trek and will keep you safe. Follow this simple schedule and you will be trek-fit:
Weeks 1 - 4:
- Walking
- Week 1: Keep the distance of your walk to just 2 km
- Week 2: Keep the distance of your walk to just 3 km
- Week 3: Keep the distance of your walk to just 4 km
- Week 4: Keep the distance of your walk to 5 km
- Stair Climbing: When you climb stairs, target for at least 10 floors (20 stairs per floor), and repeat it for 2 sets.
- Stretching: Keep stretching everyday. This video will help you with stretching: https://youtu.be/IDjWoSPV6ok
Take your rest days seriously, and rest. Your body recovers quickly when you rest.
Weeks 5 - 8:
- Once you can comfortably walk 5 km, the following weeks are focused on building speed.
- Everyday, walk 5 km with an intention to finish within 50-60 minutes. Do not worry if you are not there yet. You will get there by the end of Week 8.
- Once a week, go for 10 km walk at a stretch. This will help build your endurance. Do not worry about the time you take to cover this distance.
- Continue with stair climbing and stretching.
Important Note: If you are not a regular runner, do not start running all of a sudden.
Three things happen when you are not fit:
- You do not enjoy the trek
- You struggle to be a part of the team
- You miss out on a deep transformative experience that trekking can offer
Good part is, it’s not difficult. All you need to do is start following the fitness routine 45-60 days before the trek begins.
We are here to help you in this fitness journey. Just start slow and as long as you are committed and consistent with your routine, you are in for an unforgettable trek experience :)
No, you cannot take a bath on the trek. However, we understand that you give a lot of importance to personal hygiene. Especially while trekking in groups. Here is one video that you can watch to learn how to take a mini-bath!
Clean drinking water will be available at each of the campsites. We recommend carrying 2 litres of water at the start of each day.
Yes, we can. Please inform your designated experience coordinator of any special requests in advance. We have the facility to provide you with special food. We also cater to any food allergies that you might have.
Having too many mules on a trail isn’t good for the ecosystem. This is why, at Indiahikes, we do not encourage offloading. A trekker carries his/her own backpack in the true spirit of trekking.
But if — due to a medical condition — you are unable to carry your own backpack, you may offload your backpack. It'll cost you Rs 945 for the trek. You can reach out to the Experience Coordinator once you have the registration done.
Yes. We have a cloakroom facility available at the basecamp in Ramgarh for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave behind one piece of luggage at no charge. Anything beyond one piece of luggage is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage.
(The luggage could be a backpack / suitcase / duffel bag or anything similar.).
The maximum recommended weight of the bag will be 6 to 7 Kilos with two filled water bottles.
Yes, items mentioned in the packing list like sun caps, sunscreen, trek poles, high/mid ankle trek shoes, dry fit pants, and t-shirts are mandatory. If you do not want to buy them, you can rent them out at our rental store here.
To reach the base of the Chhattisgarh Jungle trek, take an overnight train (Durg Ambikapur Express - Train Number 18241) from Raipur to Baikunthpur Railway station. The basecamp pickup vehicles will pick you up from the Station at 5:30 AM on Day 1 of your trek. These Taxis will drive you to the base camp. Trekkers must split the Rs 2000 one-way taxi expenses to Basecamp.
Yes, we will. Usually, the train reaching Baikunthpur Road railway station may be delayed by 30 minutes and our drivers wait for the trekkers to arrive.
Yes, you can. But you must reach Baikunthpur railway station by 5:30 am on Day 1. Then you can join your fellow trekkers on the shared taxi to the Basecamp.
On the last day, the trek ends around 5 pm at Ramgarh Check post. Indiahikes taxi drivers will drive you to Baikunthpur town for dinner and shall drop you back at the railway station at 10 pm. So if you are travelling back to your respective city from Raipur, you may book a train on the night of the 4th day at 11 pm. The same train (Durg Ambikapur Express - Train Number 18241) will take you back to Raipur. If you are flying back from Ambikapur, you may travel overnight in a private taxi.
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Expert Speak
Sandhya UC, Co-Founder, COO
Sandhya UC, Co-Founder, COO
Sandhya is a founding partner at Indiahikes. Over the past ten years, she has explored and put on the map a few of the greatest Himalayan treks in India, including Kashmir Great Lakes and Kedarkantha. She is a TedX Speaker and has been awarded the "Women of Worth" Award by Outlook Business in 2017. She believes in sustainable living just as she believes in sustainable trekking.
Here’s Sandhya talking about the highlights of the trek she herself explored.
What I Like About the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
What I Like About the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
Sandhya UC, Co-Founder, COO
Sandhya is a founding partner at Indiahikes. Over the past ten years, she has explored and put on the map a few of the greatest Himalayan treks in India, including Kashmir Great Lakes and Kedarkantha. She is a TedX Speaker and has been awarded the "Women of Worth" Award by Outlook Business in 2017. She believes in sustainable living just as she believes in sustainable trekking. Here’s Sandhya talking about the highlights of the trek she herself explored.
1. The varying terrain in the jungle
If you are expecting trekking through the forests of Chhattisgarh to be similar every day, you would be wrong. Every day is a new trek.
Sometimes the forests take you to the top of a hill where you get a bird’s eye view of the jungle. Sometimes you are inside a huge cave in the middle of the forest. Sometimes it’s a flat trail. Sometimes you are trekking by the river. Sometimes you are wading through these rivers and streams. Sometimes you camp by the beach of the river.
The variety in the trail and forests will certainly keep you glued. The forests are never too dense to make you feel claustrophobic, yet when you walk under them, you never want the forest to end.
The Pleasing Jungle of Guru Ghasidas. Picture by Nitesh kumar.
2. The presence of wildlife
As Rudyard Kipling put it so eloquently in his book, “The air was full of night noises that, taken together, make one big silence.” All through the trek, you feel the omnipresence of wildlife.
Very often you walk by the footprints or traces left behind by the wild inhabitants of the jungle. You may even be lucky to get a glimpse of the elusive creatures. You also camp deep inside this wilderness. And when you wake up, it is these sounds of the jungle you will hear.
Often you spot these footprints if you are observant. Here is the footprint of a Hyena. Picture by Nitesh Kumar
3. The rural Chhattisgarh
We consider getting to see Chhattisgarh -- a place not often explored or talked about --- a big highlight. Somehow the idea of going to see this state is not a part of our everyday conversation.
This is a trek that will get you in contact with indigenous culture. You see tribal settlements in the middle of the forests. They have lived, largely isolated from the outside world. So far they haven’t seen trekkers or tourists before. Expect a lot of curiosity from them — especially the children.
The daily life in the rural parts of our country. Picture by Nitesh Kumar
4. The Gopat river walk
This is the only trek in India that allows you to walk on a river for 5 kilometres at a stretch.
The river flow is not more than your ankle height. You are walking in this cold water, rubbing your feet to the soft sand and hearing the gurgling sound of the river. There is no other trek that gives you this luxury. Trust me, this is highly therapeutic.
You will not just be walking, but you will also be camping along the river. After a long day’s trek, coming to your tents on the river bed is something you will never find anywhere else.
The unique Gopat river walk. Picture from Indiahikes Archive
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