
5 Underrated Treks in India That Deserve Your Bucket List
1. Ranthan Kharak TrekThe Ranthan Kharak Trek, a hidden jewel in Kumaon, is a rare treasure. This offbeat path lies in Bageshwar district and spells out views of the powerful Himalayas, sublime alpine bugyals, oak and rhododendron forests, and scattered mountain hamlets (villages). It is for seasoned trekkers who desire absolute peace and pristine nature. Ranthan Kharak, situated at an elevation of around 11,800 feet, offers magnificent vistas of the Nanda Kot, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli peaks.History of Ranthan Kharak TrekTraditionally, Ranthan Kharak and its adjoining areas have been known as ancient tracks referred to as shepherd's routes by the Bhotia communities. They were once the lifeline for trade and pastoral lifestyle in the Himalayas. The area also retains spiritual importance because of the closeness of Pindari and Kafni Ice Glaciers, well-famed places both for trekkers and pilgrims. There has not been a commercial trekking history attached to Ranthambhore for some time now, but the region is getting wide attention for its untainted beauty and cultural richness.Nearby Places to Explore Ranthan Kharak TrekPindari Glacier: An immensely famous trek on the same line, if you want to reach Pindari Glacier, then you need to hike two days from Loharkhet. Around 45 kilometres (round trip) of trekking presents exciting views of snow-clad peaks on one side and glacial rivers on the other.Kafni Glacier: Quieter and less traversed, it lies to the southeast of Pindari and rewards trekkers with beautiful wilderness and solitude.Sunderdhunga Valley: Dubbed as the "Valley of Beautiful Stones," this trail goes through dramatic landscapes and extends the adventure for adventurers from the same base.Baijnath Temple: With an ancient grouping of temples near Bageshwar, the Baijnath Temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and stand out in architectural history; they date from the 12th century.Best Time to Visit Ranthan Kharak TrekSummer (May-June): Ensures good weather, with rhododendrons blooming and splendid views of the mountains.Post-monsoon/Autumn (September to early November): Perfect trekking conditions include crisp weather, clear skies, and golden foliage that will provide you with breathtaking views.How to Reach Ranthan Kharak TrekBy Airport: By air, the closest airport is Pantnagar Airport, located about 205 kilometres from Bageshwar. From Pantnagar, either a bus or a taxi can take one to Bageshwar.By Railway Station: The closest significant railway station, Kathgodam, is roughly 180 km distant from Bageshwar. Taxi and bus can access the Kathgodam to Bageshwar route.By Road: Road links of the city of Bageshwar connect it to major towns like Delhi (470 kilometres), Nainital (150 kilometres), and Haldwani. Via Loharkhet, a tiny hamlet with peaks around 20 kilometres above the ground, one arrives at Bageshwar. Usually starting after one night here, the trip2. Bhrigu Lake.Near Manali in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, the Bhrigu Lake Trek is a quick but spectacular high-altitude trek that will astonish you. According to legend, respected worldwide personality Maharishi Bhrigu meditated at Bhargu Lake, positioned at an elevation of around 4,300 meters (14,100 ft) above sea level. The unusual rapid elevation gain and the chance to reach alpine meadows in a few days, which is not typical among Himalayan treks, set this trip apart. With magnificent views of large grasslands, thick woods, and the crystal-clear lake, this walk encircles the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges.History of Bhrigu LakeHindu mythology says that Bhrigu Rishi, one of the seven great sages (Saptarishis), used to meditate close to this lake. For this reason, local people believe the lake is sacred; it is thought to never completely freeze even in the worst of winters. Bhrigu Lake is a major spiritual site over the centuries because of its sacred status, even if it has only recently gained fame among hikers for its picturesque surroundings and closeness to Manali.Nearby attractions of Bhrigu LakeManali: With adventure sports, eateries, and photo attractions including Hadimba Temple, Solang Valley, and Old Manali, Manali is a vibrant hill station known for travel.Rohtang Pass: About 50 kilometres from Manali, Rohtang Pass links Kullu to Lahaul-Spiti and provides amazing views of glaciers and snow-covered mountains.Vashisht Hot Spring: Renowned for its natural hot water springs and temples honouring sage Vashisht, Vashisht lies only 5 kilometres from Manali.Vashisht town: A short walk from Vashisht town brings you to this serene waterfall encircled by cliffs and foliage.Best Time to Visit Bhrigu Lake TrekkingMay–June: Since higher altitudes have snow cover still, hikers get the chance to walk on snow. Meadows blossom. The hike features vivid vegetation, wildflowers, and brilliant skies for July–August. Great for image taking.September–October: Better views with more golden meadows and cooler temperatures.How to Reach Bhrigu LakeBy Airport: The closest airport, Bhuntar Airport, sometimes known as Kullu-Manali Airport, is roughly 50 kilometres from Manali. Taxi and bus depart from the airport en route to Manali.By Railway Station: The nearest broad-gauge rail station is Chandigarh Railway Station, around 300 kilometres away. The bus or taxi from Chandigarh will get you to Manali.By Road: Road access to Manali is rather simple from Delhi (roughly 550 kilometres) and Chandigarh (310 kilometres). Volvo buses travel overnight many times from Delhi and Chandigarh to Manali.3. Chandrakhani Pass TrekLocated in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu Valley, the Chandrakhani Pass Trek is a breathtaking Himalayan trail. Boasting amazing views of the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, and Parvati mountain ranges, with a maximum elevation of about 3,660 meters (12,008 feet), this intermediate journey is well-known. Beginning in Naggar, a beautiful small village, the path takes you through thick pine forests, small Himachali settlements, vivid meadows, and ridge excursions with wide vistas. For photographers looking for a brief high-altitude trip, beginners as well as veterans, this is a wonderful hike.History of Chandrakhani PassLocal customs claim that Jamlu Rishi, a famous sage from Malana, carried a basket laden with local deities to the summit of the Chandrakhani Pass. The strong winds blew the idols across the nearby peaks as he opened it. This is the reason the neighbouring mountains Indrasan, Deo Tibba, and Pir Panjal are regarded as holy and occasionally linked with spiritual energy. For Kullu Valley's people, the route itself has great cultural and historical importance.Nearby Attractions of Chandrakhani PassNaggar Castle: Providing views of the Beas Valley, Naggar Castle is a lovely heritage structure erected in traditional Himachali fashion. Formerly the seat of the Kullu emperors, now a hotel and museum.Malang Village: An old and secluded hamlet noted for its unique culture and governmental structure. It is frequently seen as part of the trek's drop.Manali: Renowned tourism hotspot noted for adventure activities, eateries, and sights, including Solang Valley, Old Manali, and Hidimba Devi Temple.Kasol and Parvati Valley: Kasol, a favourite among backpackers, is renowned for its easy atmosphere, Israeli food, and closeness to treks like Kheerganga.Best Time to Visit the Chandlerkhani Pass TrekMay–July: blooming meadows, brilliant skies, good weather.September to early October: Post-monsoon freshness with golden vistas and amazing visibility.How to Reach Chandrakhani Pass TrekBy Airport: Bhuntar Airport, around 40 km from Naggar, is the closest airport. You can reach Naggar, the beginning of the hike, either by taxi or local bus from Bhuntar.By Train: Joginder Nagar (145 km) or Chandigarh Railway Station (300 km) represent the nearest stations. Driving or taking a bus from either place will get Naggar or Manali.By Road: Road travel via bus and cab links Naggar well to Manali (22 km), Kullu (25 km), and Delhi (roughly 520 km). Delhi and Chandigarh offer Volvo overnight buses to Manali; from there, you may reach Naggar by local transportation.4. Surya Top TrekTop Trek Surya Situated in the Uttarkashi region of Uttarakhand, India, the Surya Top Trek is a stunning and lesser-known high-altitude trek. Perched in the Garhwal Himalayas, Surya Top towers at around 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) and provides breathtaking vistas of snow-capped mountains including Bandarpoonch, Black Peak (Kalanag), Swargarohini, and Srikanth. For nature lovers, solitary seekers, and adventure trekkers, the journey is heaven as it passes through thick oak and pine forests, wide mountain meadows, and quaint Himalayan villages. Perfect for seasoned trekkers as well as beginners, the Surya Top route lies close to the renowned Dayara Bugyal, India's most beautiful grassland, and can be joined with it for a longer trip.History Surya Top TrekAlthough the Surya Top Trek has no particular mythological narrative associated with it, the area around it, especially Uttarkashi, is rich with Hindu spiritual customs. Offering stunning views of golden Himalayan peaks, the moniker "Surya Top" refers to the sun (Surya) and the summit (Top) that, early in the morning, is bathed in sunlight. The journey crosses nearby settlements where traditional Garhwali traditions, building styles, and welcoming attitude remain alive.Nearby Places of Surya Top TrekFamous for its summer brilliant green meadows and snow-covered fields in winter, Dayara Bugyal is a high-altitude meadow close to Surya Top. Additionally quite well-known for skiing.Tucked amid pine forests and frequently mirroring the sky in its calm waters, Barnala Tal is a little yet tranquil lake along the way to Surya Top.The source of the holy Ganga, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites about 100 kilometers from Barsu.East of Barsu and frequently visited as a separate trip, Dodital is a serene lake encircled by thick woodlands.Best Time to Visit Surya Top TrekMay to June: warm temperatures, clear views, and vivid flora.Post-Monsoon: Crisp air, golden scenery, and snow-dusted peaks mark the Post-Monsoon Autumn from September to November. December to early March, winter trekking is well-known for snow trekking and skiing near Dayara Bugyal; Surya Top itself can be challenging to reach because of heavy snowfall.July–August: Because of slippery trails, leeches, and landslides, stay clear of monsoon monthsJuly–August.How to Reach Surya Top TrekBy Airport: Taxis or shared cars can be arranged from the airport to go to Uttarkashi and then to Barsu.By train: One can take a bus or taxi from Dehradun to Uttarkashi, then to Barsu.By Road: Regular shared cabs and buses leave Rishikesh and Dehradun for Uttarkashi. A brief ride from Uttarkashi leads to Barsu.5. Bajre Dara trekBajre Dara trek Unique and unspoiled, the Bajre Dara Trek is found in the Darjeeling region of West Bengal's eastern Himalayas. Bajre Dara provides amazing vistas of snow-covered peaks, including Kangchenjunga, Pandim, Kabru, and others from a height of roughly 3,065 meters (10,055 feet). Along the route are lush forests, flowering rhododendrons, hidden waterfalls, and sweeping ridge hikes. This somewhat unexplored trip is ideal for hikers, bird watchers, and nature lovers seeking solitude from crowded roads. Additionally, providing a great replacement for more well-known treks in Sikkim and North Bengal is this offer.History of Bajre Dara trekThough not based in traditional folklore, local Lepcha and Nepali people who regard the mountains as hallowed consider the Bajre Dara region culturally important. Named after the nearby village of Bajre, "Dara" in Nepali means ridge; hence, Bajre Dara is translated as "Bajra Ridge". Local people have traditionally relied on the path for the pasture of cattle and for collecting medicinal herbs. Trekkers frequently draw parallels between the Singalila range, less busy and more beautiful, and the more well-known Sandakphu path.Nearby Places of the Bajre Dara trekDarjeeling is well known for its tea estates, colonial charm, and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.West Bengal's tallest point offers views of four of the five highest mountains: Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.Rimbik, a peaceful village often used as the start for excursions in the Singalila range, is located near the Bajre Dara road.Excellent for birdwatching and peaceful getaways, a quiet forest settlement on the path to Darjeeling.Best Time to Visit Bajre DaraMarch–May: March–May offers good weather with cloudless skies and full rhododendron flowers.October to early December: Post-monsoon vistas are vivid, and trekking becomes feasible with the perfect weather. Stay away from the monsoon months (June to September) because of leeches and torrential rain. Snow and frozen temperatures in late December to February make the trail perilous and challenging to negotiate.How to Reach Bajre Dara TrekBy Airport: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, located about 70 km from Darjeeling. From Bagdogra, you can hire a taxi or take a shared vehicle to Bijanbari, the nearest town to the base village.By Train: The closest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP). From NJP, taxis or shared jeeps are available to Darjeeling or directly to Bijanbari or Bajre village.By Road: Bajre village, the trek base, is accessible by road from Darjeeling (40 km).Why Book with escape2exploreWhen exploring Treks in India and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.