The Climbing Guide To India

Some trekking enthusiasts like to test themselves on tough hikes while others want joyful jaunts amid scenery. Here’s a definitive list of must-do Indian treks.

- Supriya Sehgal

DIFFICULTY LEVEL Easy

Tadiyandamol, Karnataka

An ideal warm-up hike for new and experienced trekkers, the third highest peak in Karnataka stands at 5,740 feet; it offers a varied topography of shola forest thickets and upper grasslands. The trek starts with a seemingly elementary-level walk through a coffee plantation, but soon picks up pitch as one legs it on through yellow grasslands. Baked by the harsh sun in the day, despite the cool climes of Coorg, the golden grasslands are company for most of the distance. The shola forest patches show up in the higher parts, near the crown of the hill, where the cool shade of the trees is a welcome respite. Once you’ve wended your way through steep but reasonably easy trails, be rewarded by a brilliant view of stacked mountains as far as you can see. There are two routes for this trek. The trail starting from the Nalknad Palace is open to everyone. An alternative route can be taken from Honey Valley Estate, one of the oldest homestays in the region.

Distance Approximately 8 km.

Average Time Taken Approximately 6 hours.

Best Time To Visit September to February.

Closest Base Camp Kakkabe town. The main climb starts from Kaikamba, close to Nalknad Palace. The first 3 km on a tar stretch can be shaved off if you take a vehicle right till the base of the mountain.

Trustworthy Operators or Guides Honey Valley Estate (honeyvalleyindia.in).

Dzukou Valley, Nagaland