Very few Delhiites know that trekking near Delhi is not only possible but also enjoyable. One of the few benefits of living in the capital city of India is the many trekking options that Delhiites are blessed with.
Treks are often overlooked by the 9-to-5 bound working people, primarily because of the shortage of leaves at work. Trekking near Delhi will not require you to take the week off. Instead you can wrap them up over a weekend or long weekend and get back to work on Monday.
Here is our list of some of the most satisfying, thrilling and beautiful options for trekking near Delhi.
Best time to visit: March to September (excluding the monsoon months)
How to reach: Take an overnight bus to Shimla, from there take a local bus to Khara Pathar or Giri Ganga. The trek starts from Giri Ganga and can take 4-5 hours depending on your speed.
Trail: The trail to Kuppar Bugyal starts from Giri Ganga. To reach Giri Ganga you can either trek from Kharapthar or drive directly from Shimla. Follow the road until you reach a thick forest trail at Giri Ganga then to make your way to the top where the Kuppar Bugyal meadow is. Kuppar Bugyal is a great option for trekking near Delhi.
Gurson Bugyal
Best time to visit: Throughout the year except monsoon.
How to reach: Take an overnight bus to Rishikesh, then take a local bus to Joshimath, from where Auli is under an hour away. The trek starts from Auli, and can take 4 to 5 hours depending on your speed.
Trail: The trail to Gurson Bugyal meadow is fairly simple and is just 3km away from Auli. This popular route is also called the Lord Curzon's Trail, which was discovered by Lord Curzon who lived here during the colonial era.
Best time to visit: March to September (excluding the monsoon months)
How to reach: Take an overnight bus to Dharamshala, from there take a local bus or taxi to McLeod Ganj. The trek starts from Dharamkot, which is a Rs 60 auto ride away from McLeod Ganj. The trek can take 4 to 5 hours depending on your speed.
Trail: The trail to Triund starts from Dharamkot. The first stop is the Gallu Devi Temple. After the Magic View Cafe, stay on the well-marked forest trail to reach the top in a few hours. The trail is beautiful and offers a panoramic view of the Kangra Valley. There are a few steep patches, but it's mostly comfortable.
Best time to visit: October to April
How to reach: Take an overnight bus to Dehradun, from there take a local bus or taxi to Mussoorie. The trek starts from the Clouds End Resort, which is 3km away from the main town. The trek can take 6 to 7 hours depending on your speed.
Trail: The trail to Benog Tibba starts from either Clouds End Resort or Library?. The first stop is the Benog Mountain Quail Sanctuary. After that stay on the well-marked forest trail to reach the top in few hours. The trail is not very tough and after a panoramic view at the top get back through Happy Valley. Benog Tibba is a great option for trekking near Delhi.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year, except during the monsoon.
How to reach: Take an overnight bus to Manali, from there take a local bus or taxi to Jana Village. The trek starts from there, which is a couple of hours from Manali. The trek can take 6 to 7 hours depending on your speed.
Trail: The trail to Bijli Mahadev Temple starts from Jana Village. The first stop is Matikochar, after which you enter Kais Wildlife Sanctuary, which falls on the route to Naggar. On the way back you exit through the Chansari Village.
Khar Myundari
Best time to visit: March to September (excluding the monsoon months)
How to reach: Take an overnight bus to Manali, from there take a local bus or taxi to Setan. The trek starts from there, which is an hour away from Manali. The trek can take 3 to 4 hours depending on your speed.
Trail: The trail to Khar Myundari starts from Setan Village. A thick forest of Deodar and pine will keep you company as you follow the stream to the meadow. The trail is not very strenuous and climbers can either camp at the top or head back the same day.
Best time to visit: December to April
How to reach: Take an overnight bus to Mandi, from there take a local bus to Baggi. The trek starts from Baggi and can take 4-6 hours depending on your speed.
Trail: The trail to Prashar Lake starts from a rocky road, from which you later diverge to join the forest trail. In winter, there are patches of ice, which can make walking a bit tricky. The trek is slightly strenuous but absolutely stunning. This is one of the most stunning options for trekking near Delhi.
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Best time to visit: May to October
How to reach: Take an overnight bus to Manali, from there take a local bus or taxi to Solang Valley. The trek starts from here and can take 8 to 9 hours depending on your speed.
Trail: The trail to Beas Kund starts from Solang Valley. The first stop is 8km away and is completely paved. After Dhundi, you reach the Bakar Thach or meadow, after which Beas Kund is just 3km away. The trail is fascinating, beautiful and offers a lovely array views throughout. There are a few tricky patches and river-crossings on the route.
