Trekking doesn’t necessarily come to mind when one thinks of Gujarat. Yet, Gujarat has an awe-inspiring motley of trekking destinations for intrepid travelers and trekking aficionados. You can trek in the company of the sea and the stars. Or climb a mountain that shook when a sage attempted the climb. Then there is the place where the sea, desert, and mountain meet. The highest peak of Gujarat decked with naga babas, aghoris, and 800-year-old Jain and Hindu temples also await. Lastly, venture into kaleidoscopic canyons to The New York Times listed place that captivates the imagination. All these treks in Gujarat present plenty of mesmerizing views and fond memories.
These treks can be organised with Nature and Adventure Club (NAC).
7 Awe-Inspiring Treks in Gujarat
Kadia Dhro: The New York Times 3rd Best Place to Visit in the World
Kadia Dhro was listed as the third best place to visit in the world by The New York Times. It was relatively unknown to the world until this happened.
But, what if there is an entirely unexplored area awaiting hardy explorers? Canyoning is an alien term in India. This part of Gujarat offers extra-terrestrial canyoning. Kadia Dhro is the jewel in the crown but are you willing to explore the entire kingdom? Get in touch here.
The Beach Trail: Virgin beaches & iconic lighthouses
Yup, treks are not always about climbing mountains or exploring jungles. The Kutch Beach Trek gives you the opportunity to go on an all-night date with the ocean. The beach trek from Modhva to Rawalsa Pir to Kashi Vishwanath takes three to four hours and it is best to start an hour before the sunset. On and around full moon nights, the trek can be done at night as well, when you can see nocturnal marine life on the beach. And of course, the dance of moonlight and waves. You can camp on the beach or find humble accommodation in Kashi Vishwanath temple.
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Starting Point: Mandvi
Best Time: Year-around
Kalo Dungar (1,515m) or the Black Hill is the highest peak in Kutch. The trek from Drobana to Kalo Dungar will take you through some dry scrub forests with unique rock formations and boulders. Once you reach the summit, visit the 400-year-old Dattatreya Temple. Also, catch a magnificent sunset.
Kalo Dungar is where the mountain, salt, sand, and the setting sun meet. After the afternoon and evening aarti, the priest puts prasad on a raised platform for a pack of jackals. The eerie thing is that the jackals don’t leave any footmarks on the sand.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Base Camp: Drobana
Best Time: July to February
Mount Dhinodhar: The volcano that trembled
Legend has it that when Sage Dattatreya started climbing the volcano, it started shaking due to the sage's energy. The sage said, “Dhino dhar”, which roughly translates to ‘have patience’.
The climb up will take you through a diverse forest of medicinal herbs, endangered trees, and other endemic flora. Depending on how you define luck, you might spot a leopard or two.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Starting point: Than Jagir
Best time: July to February
Where to stay for treks in Kutch?
Bhuj is the best place to stay for the aforementioned treks, all treks are 1–2 hours away.
Dang: Enchanting jungles & hidden waterfalls
Meandering roads pass by beautiful rivers, majestic hills, and green valleys. There are numerous off-the-beaten-path hiking trails for trekkers and countless hidden waterfalls for explorers. Dang has a richest cultural diversity. Several tribes live in close proximity; their cultures and lifestyles untouched by the trials of time. Drive on serpentine hilly roads, climb verdant hills, trek through lush forests, swim in tranquil rivers, explore hidden waterfalls, and learn more about the profound cultures of Dang. Trekking in Dang is for the real Bravehearts because the jungles are virgin with neither trails nor amenities. It is paramount to trek with local guides. Get in touch here if you wish to trek in Dang.
Where to stay in Dang
Saputara is the perfect basecamp for treks across the Dang district. Toran Hill Resort, a scenic hilltop resort, has splendid rooms and stunning vistas. Toran Ambika is another excellent hotel for a comfortable stay.
Polo Forest: The unexplored slice of paradise
The forest of Polo seems out of place in Gujarat. Lush green hills, trickling waterfalls, a clandestine lake where fishermen fish the old way, and smoke coming out of chimneys of wooden houses. Polo Forest deserves to be in the Himalayas, or one of the ghats.
The hills and the forest provide plenty of trekking opportunities. There are no clearly marked trails, but you can ask locals and they will point you in the right direction. There are several prime camping spots in Polo Forest. This is one of the most offbeat treks in Gujarat.
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Starting Point: Bandhana
Best Time: Monsoon (June to August) is the time to see it at its greenest.
Mt. Girnar: The spiritual abode of Naga Bavas
Mount Girnar, one of the best treks in Gujarat, is the highest peak in Gujarat, rising to 1,031m. The hike to the summit passes through 800-year-old Hindu and Jain temples. The trek is as much a natural spectacle as a cultural one. You will get to see Naga Babas (naked sages) and Agora ascetics who smear themselves in funeral ash. The panoramic views from the summit are simply spectacular.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Starting Point: Girnar Taleti
Best Time: July to February
Are you a trekker? Share your experience in the comments section below. Follow me on Instagram and YouTube for more offbeat treks.
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