{"id":17261,"date":"2018-10-29T12:00:30","date_gmt":"2018-10-29T11:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=17261"},"modified":"2019-09-17T15:32:30","modified_gmt":"2019-09-17T14:32:30","slug":"trekking-in-india-vs-nepal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/trekking-in-india-vs-nepal\/","title":{"rendered":"Trekking in India vs. Nepal: Where Should You Go?"},"content":{"rendered":"

While they both exist as a gateway to the mighty Himalayas<\/a>, India and Nepal offer two utterly different trekking adventures. But how on earth will you choose where to go? Fear not, as we\u2019ve compiled everything you need to know about trekking in India vs. Nepal so you can make the right decision.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Mount Everest and the Himalayan mountain range as seen from an aircraft in Bhutan. The plane is south of the mountains, facing north | \u00a9 Shrimpo1967\/WikiCommons<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Why you need to visit India<\/b><\/h2>\n

Trekking through India isn\u2019t always an easy pursuit, yet the trails have some of the best sights in the world. Coveted views, snow-clad peaks, traditional tribal villages, sacred sites, and ancient monasteries are all within your grasp. But it doesn’t mean that India is suited for all travellers. If you don’t mind the unexpected, or ready to travel with an open mind, then India is the place for you. Just be aware that some of the experiences can be more intense than those found in other destinations in Asia like Thailand, Vietnam<\/a> or Cambodia. If you\u2019re not ready to face a few challenges along the way, trekking in India may not be right for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

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See Also: <\/em>Should I Travel to India?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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When should I go trekking in India?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Himalayas begin in Pakistan, weaving their way through India, Bhutan and Nepal, reaching China<\/a> in the east. Within each specific area, the temperatures, and the best time to hike can be quite varied and diverse, and the climate varies according to elevation. In India, it\u2019s understood by most trekking experts that May through June is the best time to embark on a trekking adventure, but there are still a few complicated weather patterns you should look out for. If you\u2019re looking closely at the Uttaranchal Darjeeling, Himachal and Sikkim regions, avoid July to August as this is the heavy monsoon season. Also worth noting is that November through March are when a long, bleak winter falls \u2013 so it\u2019s best to visit Nepal during this time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Food in India <\/b><\/h2>\n

Before, during and after your trek, prepare for a culinary adventure filled with fragrant dishes, lentils galore and plenty of spice! With each region offering a unique twist on the country’s cuisine, it\u2019s safe to say that no two mouthfuls will be the same. As for vegan and vegetarians, nearly 30% of Indians consider themselves vegetarian, which means there\u2019s a wide range of options to suit most tastes. Before you reach India<\/a>, be aware that food hygiene is not treated with the same level of care that you might be familiar with back home, and foodborne illnesses are common. Steer clear of meat products \u2013 especially when trekking \u2013 to prevent any upset stomachs or illnesses.<\/span><\/p>\n

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One of the pros of trekking in India is you get to refuel on aromatic cuisine like like this | \u00a9 TravelAdvisor\/Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What permits, visas and vaccinations do I need for India?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Permits for India <\/b><\/h3>\n

When trekking in India, certain parts will require a permit to enter. Some treks like the Markha trek do not need a permit, whereas treks within Sikkim, certain parts of Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh and Uttarakhand will require a permit for entry. If you are booking with a tour operator, this will most likely be covered in your tour cost. Before you travel, make sure you check with tourism officials to see if permit requirements have undergone any changes before you embark on your trek.<\/p>\n

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Part of the Himalayas as seen in Himachal Pradesh, India | \u00a9 Avalok\/Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Visa entry requirements for India<\/b><\/h3>\n

Travellers to India should be prepared to enter the country with an onward ticket, and a visa, as almost all nationalities will need to apply for a visa before arrival. Check with your local embassy before you travel.<\/p>\n

Vaccinations required for India<\/b><\/h3>\n

For India, you will be required to show proof of vaccination for yellow fever if you have visited a country in the yellow-fever zone within the six days before entering India. Other suggested vaccinations include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, typhoid, meningitis, rabies, or tuberculosis. Check with a healthcare professional before you travel.<\/p>\n

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See Also: <\/em>The Perfect India Packing List for Summer<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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Most popular treks in India<\/b><\/h2>\n

Markha Valley trek<\/b><\/h3>\n

Average duration: 7-9 days<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Difficulty: Moderate<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Considered to be one of the most stunning and famous treks in the Ladakh Region of India, and the region is famed for its remote locations and raw beauty. As for the trek itself, the route travels along the Markha river and crosses several high passes, and trekkers will also encounter the mighty Stok Kangri in their sights. <\/span>
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Stok Kangri trek<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

Average duration: 9 days<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Difficulty: Challenging<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking to tackle a less technical, high altitude summit in the Himalayas, Stok Kangri is an increasingly popular option \u2013 but that doesn’t mean it\u2019s an easy journey. Existing as the highest climbable summit in India at an altitude of 6,153m, the climb is steep, and trekkers should be equipped with an understanding of how to use crampons and ice axes to ensure a safe summit.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Descending Ganda La Pass on the Stok Kangri trek |\u00a0\u00a9 J\u00f8rn Eriksson\/Flickr<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Goecha La Trek<\/b><\/h3>\n

Average duration: 10 days <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Difficulty: Challenging<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Located in Sikkim, in the heart of the Eastern Himalayas, the Goecha La trek is where you can get up close with some of the largest summits in the area. Along the way, trekkers will be treated to views of Kanchenjunga \u2013 the third highest mountain peak on the planet, the sparkling Goecha lake, and the vibrant rhododendron forests. <\/span><\/p>\n

Kuari Tapovan trek<\/b><\/h3>\n

Average duration: 6 days <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Difficulty: Easy <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

If you want to trek in the shadows of several 7,000m peaks, the Kuari Tapovan should be top of your list as the Kuari pass trek is amongst the best in the Garhwal mountains. Along the way, you\u2019ll pass green meadows, remote villages and untouched scenery filled with plenty of wildflowers. <\/span><\/p>\n

Nanda Devi trek<\/b><\/h3>\n

Average duration: 10 days <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Difficulty: Challenging<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Standing tall at 7,816m, Nanda Devi is the second highest mountain in India and is a must-see for trekkers looking for a tough, yet rewarding challenge. Located in the state of Uttarakhand, the route harbours plenty of flora and fauna sightings while passing plenty of glacial rivers, streams, and small towns along the way. <\/span><\/p>\n

What to do in India after your trek <\/b><\/h2>\n