Best lake trails in India

The Chadar Trek follows the River Zanskar in the northern reaches of the Indian Himalaya, a waterway that has been the source of life and passageway for the local Ladakhi’s for centuries. In winter, the connecting trails to villages disappear under snow and so they use this frozen river as their pathway instead, 'Chadar' meaning frozen blanket of ice. This 6-8 day trek should only be taken with a company due to its extreme difficulty and for the specialised terrain knowledge required of the local guides. The trek begins in Leh for acclimatization, where you start at the beginning of the Zanskar river, known as Tilad Do. Some sections may not be physically strenuous, but can be psychologically exhausting. You will reach the Nerak Village with a population of 200 with a Buddhist monastery. NOTE: Temperatures on this trek have the potential to reach as low as -38 degrees celsius over night, be properly prepared and carry adequate supplies and gear for these extreme and rapidly changing conditions. Gumboots are also considered a necessary item as the mushy ice can be knee high at times. Hiking along the ice can be dangerous if you slip and cause injury.Show more

Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest and well known national parks in Northern India. It is located in Sawai Madhopur, a district in the southeast of Rajasthan. The park is known for it vast wildlife, particularly its tigers. Ranthambhore National Park is also home to many historic ruins and a vast protected natural area spanning 392 sq km. Show more

This trail takes you to Gaumukh (Source of Ganges ), the mythological source of the River Ganges, which is at the snout of the Gangotri glacier. Ganges or Ganga is a trans-boundary river of India and Bangladesh. The trail starts from Gangotri and passes through dense deodar forests before emerging into the wide unfrosted valley. It then carries on to a small isolated forest of pine at Chirbasa (altitude 3,585 m), literally the abode of pines, to reach Bhojwasa (altitude 3,795m), next day trail continuing along with the pilgrim grassy hillsides. Trail then curves, to unfold a breath-taking view of wildflowers studded meadows crowned by the Bhagirathi group of peaks Camp on a wide sandy beach at Gaumukh 4000mts, where the holy Ganga gushes out of the snout of the Gangotri glacier.Show more

The Kareri Lake, is the nearest high altitude lake that is accessible to hikers going from Dharamsala/McLeodganj. This trail is from Stobari, 3-4 Kms West of McLeodganj. Aituated at 3000m, this hike has beautiful views, moderate difficulty walking and can be done by all ages and fitness levels.Show more

This park consists of a wide range of plants and trees and is home to several varieties of birds and wildflowers. Show more

This is an awe inspiring trek. It is not "safe". That would be true even without the turmoil in the region. Getting permission to do this trek may be difficult. contracting with locals to arrange all logistics can increase your awareness of potential risks.Show more