CHHATTISGARH JUNGLE TREK
Why This Is India’s Best-Kept Jungle Secret
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Have questions? Speak to our expert Trek Advisors
We have an expert team of Trek Advisors to help you choose the right trek. So if you have questions like, "Can I do this trek?" or "Who else is trekking?", please get in touch.Talk to our Trek Advisors
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TREK DIFFICULTY
Easy
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TREK DURATION
4 days
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CLOSEST AIRPORT
Raipur
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TOTAL TREK DISTANCE
22 kms
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BASECAMP
Turripani
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ACCOMMODATION TYPE
Tents
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PICKUP POINT
Why this trek is India’s best-kept jungle secret
Hidden in the dense jungles of the Chota Nagpur plateau is our Chhattisgarh jungle trek. With its crystal-clear rivers, mysterious prehistoric caves, golden lakes, and thick forests, it transports you to Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book world. Our trekkers are so used to our Himalayan treks that they don’t know how different and wonderful our central Indian treks are.
With access given only to Indiahikes, this trek is one of India’s best-kept trekking secrets.
Step into rarely trekked central Indian forests
On the very first day, you’ll enter the open deciduous forests of the Chota Nagpur plateau—where the trees are dense, yet the jungle can be seen through for a far distance. This is the same wilderness where the last Indian cheetahs once sprinted. Very few trekkers have seen these forests.
Trekkers share why they loved the Chhattisgarh Jungle trek
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Matthew Quinn
Liverpool, UK | Gardener | Group of Jan 2024
Valmi Shah
Creative Director, The Good Edge | Mumbai | Group of December 16, 2024
Per Ponsaing
Age 76 | Aarhus, Denmark | Retired dept. manager | Group of Jan 2023
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Indu Harikumar
Age 56 | Hyderabad | Group of Dec 2023
Ankit Arora
Age 39 | Vadodara | Group of Nov 2023
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Ajay Ahluwalia
Age 62 | Gurgaon | Retired Govt Servant/ Consultant | Group of Dec 2023
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Rittu Panda
Age 46 | Ahmedabad | fitness coach | Group of Dec 2023
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Dr. Anil Malwankar
Age 56 | Mumbai | Consulting Physician | Group of Oct 2023
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Kanika Sahu
Age 30 | Delhi | Senior Software Engineer at Lenskart | Group of Oct 2023
Sandeep Kale
Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
Gayatri M. Rao
Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
Murli Sundrani
Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
Sushant Kanumuri
Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
Dawoodi Rupawala
Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
Shruti Jain
Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
Saha Shantanu
Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
Nithya Chaganti
Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
Apoorv Aphale
Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
Nivedita M
Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
Lata ram
Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
Bishal d
Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
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Matthew Quinn
Liverpool, UK | Gardener | Group of Jan 2024
Valmi Shah
Creative Director, The Good Edge | Mumbai | Group of December 16, 2024
Per Ponsaing
Age 76 | Aarhus, Denmark | Retired dept. manager | Group of Jan 2023
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Indu Harikumar
Age 56 | Hyderabad | Group of Dec 2023
Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek Videos
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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.
Day 1
Drive from Raipur to Turripani
Drive Distance: 365 km | Drive Duration: 8 hours | Pick-up Time: 8 am | Pick-up Location: Raipur Airport and Raipur Railway Station Parking
The cost of transport is Rs 1800 per person (one-way) from Raipur to Turripani. 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 Pandopara
Trek Distance: 10 km | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Day 4
Trek from Pandopara to Singhor Roadhead. Drive to Raipur via Turripani
Trek Distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 4 hours
Drive Distance: 365 km | Drive Duration: 8 hours | Drop-off Time: 11 pm
The cost of transport is Rs 1800 per person (one-way) from Turripani to Raipur.
Please note: You will reach Raipur quite late at night on the last day. Please book your overnight stay at Raipur in advance. Since it will be night by the time you reach Raipur, the Indiahikes vehicle shall drop you at the respective hotels where you have booked your overnight stay. Drop-offs directly to Raipur Airport can also be arranged if required.
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: During the trek, you will stay in tents (shared between two team members), except at Turripani. At Turripani, Indiahikes hosts you at a cozy dormitory in a charming mud-house, an icon of local culture in the region.
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Day 1: Drive from Raipur to Turripani
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Drive Duration: 8 hours | Drive Distance: 365 kms
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Pick up will be arranged from Raipur Railway Station and Airport at 8 AM.
The drive from Raipur starts at 8 AM. You cross Bilaspur and arrive at Baikunthpur in the afternoon.
You are just 50 km away from Turripani now. It is from here that the essence of the journey to Guru Ghasidas National Park begins to unfold.
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.
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The drive from Raipur starts at 8 AM. You cross Bilaspur and arrive at Baikunthpur in the afternoon.
You are just 50 km away from Turripani now. It is from here that the essence of the journey to Guru Ghasidas National Park begins to unfold.
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 check-posts.
Right after crossing the Mendra Check Post, you cross a very important landmark where the 82.5 degree East meridian, which is used as the longitude for setting Indian Standard Time, intersects with the 13.5 degree North latitude, famously called the Tropic of Cancer. It is actually the exact center of the Indian Sub-Continent and you drive right past it on your way to Turripani, the first campsite of the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek.
The drive continues to wind through Sal trees until you reach Turripani. The sunset that you witness before arriving at the village, is spectacular.
At Turripani, experience the charm of traditional mud-houses, an iconic symbol of local culture. Your accommodation is set in one such classic mud-built homestay with a comfortable dormitory facility.
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Day 2: Trek from Turripani to Tadiyabaan
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Trek Duration: 4 hours | Trek Distance: 7 km
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Difficulty: Easy. Gently rolling terrain through mixed forests before reaching the beautiful Tadiyabaan lake, where you will camp for the night.
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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.
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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.
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Day 3: Trek from Tadiyabaan to Pandopara
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Trek Duration: 7-8 hours | Trek Distance: 10 km
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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 Pandopara.
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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!
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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 Pandopara, your campsite for the day.
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Day 4: Trek from Pandopara to Singhor Roadhead. Drive to Raipur.
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Trek Duration: 4 hours | Trek Distance: 5 km
Drive Duration: 8 hours | Drive Distance: 365 km
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Difficulty: Easy. A mellow walk on the river where water flows ankle-high, all the way to the roadhead.
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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.
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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. From Singhor Roadhead, you will first drive to Turripani for hot lunch. Return your rentals and collect your cloakroom luggage at Turripani. After a thoughtful and insightful debriefing, hop into the vehicle again for your long drive back to Raipur.
Since it will be night by the time you reach Raipur, the vehicle shall drop you at the respective hotels where you have booked your overnight stay. Drop-offs to Raipur Airport can also be arranged if required.
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Easy
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 ‘easy’ trek. It demands stronger legs to cover long distances every day. We believe that to enjoy a trek, you must be fit.
There is no fitness approval process for this trek but, it is recommended to follow the given fitness regime.
1. Install any free running app like Strava or Nike on your phone.
2. Go for a 5 km walk and cover it in less than 50 mins.
Note: If you are a cyclist then you should be able to cycle for 18-20 kms in 2 hours.
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.
Book your air or train ticket to Raipur.
If you are traveling by flight, you can fly to Raipur from almost all the major cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, etc.
If you are traveling by train, there are railway connections from Kolkata, Nagpur, Delhi, and other major cities.
Day 0: Plan to reach Raipur one day before your pick-up if your train or flight. This will give you a good night's rest before the long drive to Turripani.
Day 1: You will be picked up from Raipur Railway Station or Raipur Airport at 8 am. The cab fare will be around Rs 1800 per person one way from Raipur to Turripani. Indiahikes arranges transport on Day 4 for your return journey to Raipur as well. So the total cost of transportation from Raipur to Raipur is approximately Rs 3600 per person.
Day 2: Trek from Turripani to Tadiyaban.
Day 3: Trek from Tadiyaban to Pandupura.
Day 4: Trek from Pandopara to Singhor Roadhead and drive back to Raipur. The cab fare will be around Rs 1800 per person one way from Singhor Roadhead to Raipur. We recommend that you stay at Raipur overnight and book your return journey for the next day.
There are many hotels near the Raipur Railway Station that you can choose from based on your preferences. However, we would recommend booking at the following hotels that offer decent, reliable services at affordable tariff:
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
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.
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
- Personal Medical Form and 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
- A Medical Certificate (mandatory for trekkers aged 58 and above). You must submit a medical certificate signed by an MBBS doctor, certifying your fitness and health for the trek. Any pre-existing medical conditions must be clearly outlined. Trekkers under the age of 58 do not need this certificate. – Download medical certificate
Please note: Trekkers above the age of 58 need to submit both the certificates mentioned under points 3 and 4
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 walking/jogging/running as the best routine to get fit for any trek. It works on the same muscles you use while trekking—your calves, glutes, quads and hamstrings. It also mimics your foot movement so you are better prepared for sudden twists and turns they may go through on uneven terrain.
It helps increase your stamina gradually if done consistently. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.
Fitness Target
To do the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek comfortably, you must be able to walk, jog or run 5 km in under 50 minutes. This is the minimum recommended fitness level that you must aim for.
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Trekking is a sport that primarily uses your lungs, core, calves, glutes, quads and hamstrings. Being fit will help you enjoy the trek and will keep you safe.
To reach any fitness target, there are two things you must work on:
- Cardiovascular endurance
- Muscle strength
If you are not currently active, follow the below schedule to get trek fit in 6 weeks!
A 6-Week Plan to Help You Get Trek-Fit for the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
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Pro Tip: Warming up and cooling down before and after your workout is important. Do not miss that.
| Note: If you are not a regular runner, do not start running all of a sudden.
Strength Training Schedule:
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Workouts marked with (*) are optional. But completing them will help you prepare better.
Note:
- Alternatives to 10 Standard Pushups = (2 x 10 = 20 knee pushups) = (2 x 20 = 40 wall pushups)
- Alternative to 20 full squats = (2 x 20 = 40 half squats)
- If you are not able to complete 1 full set of any plank, divide it into 2 halves and complete it with a rest break in between. For example: If you are not able to complete 30 seconds of a standard plank, divide it into 2 sets of 15 seconds each.
- After completing a few weeks of training, if you can progress, you may increase the number of sets or reps for desired results.
- Workouts marked with (*) are optional. But completing them will help you prepare better.
Important note: We accept only running, jogging, or walking workout screenshots as fitness proof. Screenshots of cross-training workouts will not be considered valid. We've suggested cross-training options to help keep your fitness journey engaging and fun, allowing you to explore activities you enjoy and avoid inconsistency.
Note: Use apps like Nike and Strava to record your runs.
What happens if you are not fit:
- You do not enjoy the trek
- You struggle to be a part of the team because you’re slow.
- You miss out on a deep, transformative experience that Indiahikes specially designed for you.
The good part is it is not difficult. All you need to do is start following the fitness routine 6 to 8 weeks before your 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.
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 900 for the trek without GST. 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 Turripani 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 any flight or train to Raipur. The pickup vehicles will pick you up from the Raipur Station or Raipur Airport at 8 AM on Day 1 of your trek and take you all the way to Turripani, the first campsite of our Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek. The total cost for the round trip (Raipur to Raipur) is approximately INR 3600 per person.
Read More on the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
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Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek: A Photo Story
Jungle treks are rare. And here’s a glimpse of one such trek with you. It’s the Chhattisgarh Jungle trek. “The forests in these regions are untouched...
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5 Things Trekkers Love About The Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
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 jung...
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Why you Need not Worry about Naxalite Disturbance on your Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
The current Naxalite activities are far away from where we trek: The Naxalite violence is happening in the Bastar region of the state. Our Chhattisgar...
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How the Chattisgarh Jungle Trek left me stunned
My eyes glimmered and twinkled with joy when I came to know that we were going on another trek after a gap of just a few months after triumphing the s...
Photo Gallery
Watch these videos to know your trek better
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Expert Speak
Sandhya UC, Co-Founder, COO
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The unique Gopat river walk. Picture from Indiahikes Archive
Other Treks Like Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek
5 Reasons Why Indiahikes
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We are known for our pioneering safety practices in trekking. Microspikes, oximeters, and BP checks became standards thanks to us. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with—everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes. When you join our treks, we first make our No-Compromise Safety Promise. It’s our unwavering commitment to keep you safe, no matter what.
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Our commitment to the environment is relentless. We don’t just encourage responsible trekking; we insist on it. That’s why our Green Trails principles are non-negotiable. They don’t involve just our trekkers or our staff members. Our entire trek processes and policies are designed to favour the environment, even if it is often counterintuitive to our business.
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More than 30,000 trekkers trek with us every year. In addition, our outdoor learning division (InSoul) has participants from the who’s of the education organisation in India, from the IIMs to BITS to top international schools. More than 5,000 participants from these institutions trek with us annually. We do not spend a single rupee on advertising to get these participants. Our reputation precedes us.
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We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have documented and brought out most of India’s famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023-24 alone, we brought out nine new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own. We believe everyone must trek.
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We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey.
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