Top Beginner Treks in India: Easy Trails with Big Rewards 🏞️

Why This List Matters for New Trekkers

If you’re new to trekking, you don’t need Everest-level intensity to feel like an adventurer. The Top Beginner Treks in India show exactly that—short, manageable, and overwhelmingly beautiful trails that give you a taste of mountain magic without the exhaustion.

These treks are designed to build confidence, teach mountain etiquette, and give you incredible landscapes—be it sunrise peaks, lush forest, or glacial lakes. Plus, they’re accessible from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

👣 1. Triund Trek – Himachal Pradesh

Distance & Duration: ~9 km round-trip, 2 days
Altitude: 9,350 ft (~2,850 m)

Why Triund Trek is Perfect for Beginners:

• Gentle slopes with no technical sections

• Base camp is just a few hours from McLeod Ganj

• Fantastic vistas of the Dhauladhar Range

🗓️ Sample Itinerary

🚗 How to Reach

– Fly to Dharamshala or bus to McLeod Ganj, then trek starts.
– No permits required.

✅ Tips

– Start early in the morning.
– Stay warm—nights can dip suddenly even in summer.

Want to witness the Triund Trek? Read more about the journey here.

2. Nag Tibba Trek – Uttarakhand

Distance & Duration: ~13 km round-trip, 2 days
Altitude: 9,910 ft (~3,020 m)
Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:

• Closest “snow trek” to Delhi (3–4 hours drive)

• Panoramic view of peaks like Bandarpoonch and Gangotri

🗓️ Sample Itinerary

🚗 How to Reach

– Drive from Delhi to Pantwari (near Mussoorie).
– No permits needed when trekking in teams.

3. Prashar Lake Trek – Himachal Pradesh

Distance & Duration: ~7 km round-trip, 1–2 days
Altitude: 8,900 ft (~2,710 m)
Why It Works for First-Timers:

• Lakeside camping under a scenic temple

• 360° Himalayan views above Jalori Pass

🗓️ Sample Itinerary

🚗 How to Reach

– Mandi → Baggi → trek start.
– No permits required.

4. Kareri Lake Trek – Himachal Pradesh

Distance & Duration: ~22 km round-trip, 2–3 days
Altitude: 9,600 ft (~2,926 m)
Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:

• Gentle route through forests & streams

• Tranquil alpine lake for camping

🗓️ Sample Itinerary

🚗 How to Reach

– Drive to Kareri village from Dharamshala.
– No permit required.

5. Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila Trek – Uttarakhand

Distance & Duration: ~10 km round-trip, 2–3 days
Altitude: 12,080 ft (Tungnath) → 12,610 ft (Chandrashila)
Why Good for Beginners:

• No heavy camping gear needed

• Managed dharamshala at Tungnath

• Himalayan sunrise from Chandrashila summit

🗓️ Sample Itinerary

🚗 How to Reach

– Drive from Rishikesh/Delhi to Chopta
– Paid permits at Chopta checkpost

Bonus : Chopta Tunganath Chandrashila Trek through my lens

6. Dayara Bugyal Trek – Uttarakhand

Distance & Duration: ~25 km round-trip, 4–5 days
Altitude: 12,000 ft (~3,657 m)
Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:

• Wide grassy meadows, distinct terrain

• Seasonal blooms of rhododendrons and wildflowers

🗓️ Sample Itinerary

🚗 How to Reach

– Bus/taxi to Lohajung from Uttarkashi
– Forest permit required

7. Rajmachi Fort Trek – Maharashtra

Distance & Duration: ~10 km round trip, 1–2 days
Altitude: ~2,750 ft (~838 m)
Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:

• Historic fort & light jungle trail

• Great monsoon trip from Mumbai/Pune

🗓️ Sample Itinerary

🚗 How to Reach

– Train to Lonavala; taxi to Udhewadi
– No permits required

8. Kumara Parvatha (Pushpagiri) – Karnataka

Distance & Duration: ~25 km round-trip, 2 days
Altitude: ~5,600 ft (~1,706 m)
Why Suitable for Beginners:

• Less technical route through diverse terrain

• Off-season between Nov-Jan offers daily trekking

🗓️ Sample Itinerary

🚗 How to Reach

– Bus from Mysore/Bangalore to Kukke Subramanya
– Entry permit from forest gate

Bonus: Kumara Parvatha Trek

Seasonal Comparison Table

⛺ General Tips for Beginner Treks

1. Fitness: Run/walk 5–7 km three times a week

2. Gear: Lightweight backpack, trekking shoes, quick-dry clothing, cap/hats, water bottle

3. Altitude: Start slow for higher treks—rest at base camp

4. Hydration: Drink 2–3 L/day

5. Local Culture: Respect villagers’ privacy, ask before photos

6. Leave No Trace: Carry waste bags home, use eco-friendly products

How to Choose the Right Trek

• Weekend Trip? Go for Triund or Nag Tibba

• Monsoon Escape? Try Rajmachi

• Love High Meadows? Choose Dayara Bugyal

• Temple & Religion Interest? Pick Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila

🤝 Connect with ShepherdTrail

Looking for trail companions, gear recommendations, or custom guidance?
Reach out via our Contact Page, or tag @ShepherdTrail on Instagram, where your trek becomes part of our story.

Final Words

Introducing trekking to new hikers is easier than you think. The Top Beginner Treks in India offer big rewards with manageable challenges.
Now’s the time to pick one, lace up your boots, and start writing your first trail chapter.

Which beginner trek will you start with? Let us know in the comments below!
Also, check out our “Gear We Use” series for the camping essentials you’ll need for each of these trails.