“Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.” – Jack Kerouac

If you are a true trekker, you are always looking for the most offbeat trekking paths. You will have the need of going off the tracks and explore the unknown valleys or mountains.

There are unlimited trekking sites in India, where you can explore the unknown. We have listed down the top 5 unexplored trekking paths in India that have the most scenic views with an arduous journey. Here is a list of trekking paths around India with different terrains, locations, and views.

1. Mandani Valley Trek – A trek to heaven on earth

Mandani Valley Trek is one of the tough and most unexplored treks in the Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand. Mandani Valley is said to be one of the beautiful dreams like trek tucked between Madhya Maheshwar and Kedarnath.  This trekking trail is a part of each trekker’s diary and photographer’s lens. Mandani Bugyal is paradise on earth with exquisite views of the valley, flowers, and snow peaks.

This trek cross over three high-altitude Passes and is said to be a part of the older route that connected the two Kedar shrines. The trek continues for eight strenuous days, and it expands from an altitude of 2073 mts to a soaring height of 4870 mts.

Mandani Valley Trek, which is one of the obscured trekking paths in the Indian Himalayan Region, is divine energy. According to the legend the place beholds the Hindu myth where Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura.

You can also visit one of the oldest temples of Goddess Mandani.

How to reach the base location: Ransi is the base location for Mandani Valley Trek.

Trek Route: Ukhimath – Ransi – Paturi – Manani Bugyal – Yeonbuk Col Base – Mahapanth Col – Kedarnath – Gaurikund

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2. Phuktal Monastery Trek – The Land of Tibetians brings you the unknown 

Phuktal monastery trek is on the top of the list of offbeat trekking places in India. Phuktal Monastery is located in Lungnak valley, which is one of the most isolated valleys in Zanskar, Ladakh. It is a beautiful honeycomb-shaped Buddhist Monastery in Ladakh. It is popularly known as a “cave monastery”.

When you reach the final destination, you will be mesmerized by its remote location. The monastery is snuggled in a cave by the hillside. Phuktal Monastery was built in the 12th century by Sherap sanpi. But, this site remained hidden till the 19th century, when it was discovered by Hungarian Alexander Cosmo de Koros.

It is an active monastery that belongs to the Gelug school of Tibetian Buddhism. It is one of the newest schools of Buddhism founded here. In this monastery, approximately 39 young monks ranging from the age of 5 – 20 are taught the ways of Buddhism by senior lamas and monks.

How to reach the base location: The nearest airport to the base location is Leh. From here you can take a taxi or bus to Kargil. From Kargil, you have to change the route towards the Padum, which is the base location of Phuktal Trek.

Trek Route: Padum – Shilla Camp – Reru – Changpa Tsetan – Purne – Phuktal

3. Tarsar Marsar Lake – Kashmir’s Unexplored Paradise

Tarsar Marsar Trek is the prettiest trek in India. This trek is where the alpine lakes take life. You get the pleasure of camping beside crystal clear royal blue lakes. Above all, you get to camp in nature’s untouched and secluded sites.

This trek takes you to the heart of Kashmir, Aru Valley. From the old village of Aru to the clearings of Lidderwat. From the rolling moors of Shekhawas to the massive alpine lakes. The picturesque views of this trek will hold you spellbound.

What’s a great advantage of this site is that it does not charge plenty of physical challenges or exhaustion.

How to reach the base location: Aru Valley is the base location of the Tarsar Marsar Trek.

Trek Route: Aru – Lidderwat – Shekwas – Tarsar – Zachmargi – Sonsar – Marsar – Zachmargi – Sonemasti – Sumbal

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4. Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak – Explore the Hidden gem of Nagaland 

Dzukou Valley is known as one of the most charming valleys in Nagaland. Dzukou Valley has vibrant views of emerald green hills, lush forests, clear streams, and myriad colorful blooms that dot the vast abyss of the valley and its meadows. It’s the best trekking route in Nagaland.

Above the valley remains a huge mountain hut, which is Japfu Peak. This is a quiet trail, where you will be surrounded by just nature’s calming sounds. The trek from the base location to the peak is supposedly known as bird watcher’s paradise. The campsite of Japfu Peak is tucked in the thick rhododendrons forest. You can spend the night surrounded by small clearings and water springs.

If you are planning to visit Nagaland, this trek can be your best weekend getaway in Nagaland.

How to reach the base location: Zakhama is the base camp for this beautiful trek.

Trek Route: Zakhama – Dzukou Valley – Viswema Village – Japfu Base Camp – Japfu Peak

5. Offbeat Island trekking trail at Saddle Peak

Saddle Peak is the highest peak in Andaman. Evergreen forests, massive trees, colourful chirping birds; this trek is so exquisite and fascinating that it will take you back in time. Once you are at the peak, you can see the ocean. You get exquisite views of the emerald isle coasts of Kalipur beach, Craggy Island, Lamia Bay, and dense forest on another side.

The best part about this trek is that it has a total of two routes. You can have the luxury of choosing any one route.

If you are planning a trip to the Andaman Islands, this trek is a must!

How to reach the base location: You can get here through an airway or waterway. From port Blair, you can easily get a bus to Diglipur.

Trek Route: Diglipur – Lahmia Bay – Base of Saddle Peak – Saddle Peak

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