India

Description

India, Zanskar

Immense India, a colorful jigsaw of peoples, cultures, landscapes and climates, is a continent in its own right. The high snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas rise up across the north of the country, to form a natural border with China (Tibet). Also to the north are India's Himalayan neighbour states Nepal and Bhutan. The famous Ganges river and several of its tributaries flow from the Himalayan ranges and then turn east to form the scorchingly hot expanse of the Indo Gangetic Plain. Further south hills rise up again, such as the Aravalli range across arid Rajasthan, and the low Vindhya and Satpura ranges of Central India. Towards the southwest, parallel to the coast, several ranges collectively called the Western Ghats run all the way to India's southern tip. Their humid ridges, covered in sandal wood trees and coffee plantations, rise up well over 1000 m, and occasionally over 2000 m. In the east of India are several lower ranges of mountains and hills, known as the Eastern Ghats.

So what about hiking in India? Is it a popular local pastime? True, many Indians like to escape from the summer heat of the low plains to catch up on some fresh air in one of many hill stations, vestiges of the British colonial era. Yet, to actually set out on a multi-day hike for pleasure appears to be a primarily foreign visitors affair. Exceptions to this rule are the pilgrimages in different parts of India, most notably those in the foothills of the Himalayas, which draw whole families, the old and young alike from all walks of life. Strikingly lively and colorful events, little known by foreigners, and more of a bustling social occasion than a true hike. But then, India is changing too, and hiking is becoming increasingly popular with students and other young people.

For long distance hiking and trekking into the quietude of nature, some parts of India clearly stand out in popularity. First and foremost in the north, there are the relatively accessible western Himalayan ranges of Himachal Pradesh, with valleys such as Kangra, Kullu, Sangla and the more remote and arid Spiti and Lahaul. Altitudes in Himachal Pradesh vary widely, from the 600 m high Shivalik hills to peaks rising up well over 6000 m!

To the southeast of Himachal Pradesh is another attractive hiking and trekking region: Uttarakhand (formerly Uttaranchal), bordering on both Tibet and Nepal. The famous Hindu pilgrimage centers of Haridwar and Rishikesh are main gateway to the Uttarakhand Garhwal Himalaya's. Some lovely and not too difficult high altitude hiking and trekking options here.

Rather less easily accessible are the high altitude valleys of Zanskar and Ladakh, in India's far north. Like neighbouring Spiti and Lahaul (both part of Himachal Pradesh), these are located on the northern flanks of the Great Himalayan range. Sheltered from the monsoon rains, climate here is much more arid. Summers are pleasant and dry, but winters long and harsh.

Towards the southwest of Zanskar and Ladakh, back on the south side of the Greater Himalayan range, are the more populated valleys of Kashmir. A lovely area for hiking, but alas, bordering on Pakistan and currently not safe for foreigners.

Let's travel east now. The Himalayan range continues, and is covered by Nepal and Bhutan. However, squeezed in between these two is the former kingdom of Sikkim, now part of India. A popular area for multi-day treks at medium and high altitudes, and rightly so. For less demanding treks with great views of high peaks like Kanchenjunga (8586 m), set out from Darjeeling, a nearby old hill station surrounded by tea plantations just to the soutwest of Sikkim. Both Sikkim and Darjeeling have a monsoon season, so avoid this and go hiking from late March to May or from late September to early December.

Continue east past Bhutan, and tucked away in the far northeastern corner of India are the Himalayan ranges of Arunachal Pradesh. Although little known or explored as yet, there are some high altitude trekking possibilities here, as well as medium altitude treks through forested valleys and with great views of the snow-capped western Himalayas.

And there are so many places other than the Himalayas to go hiking and trekking in India. Most of India's countless National Parks and Nature Reserves offer guided walking safari's, day-hikes mostly. To name a few other options: Nagaland, Meghalaya, Western Ghats, Nilgiri Hills, Eastern Ghats, Orissa, Munnar Hills, Karnataka, Periyar, and so on.

Trails

Regions

Mountains

Books

Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Singapore Lost Guides: A Unique, Stylish and Offbeat Travel Guide
  • `Lost Guides – Singapore` is a unique, stylish and offbeat travel guidebook to Singapore. Featuring over 120 of the most special spots in Singapore, from cool coffee shops and fabulous food (local and contemporary) to authentic Asian art galleries and wild nature walks. The book also includes interviews with local creatives, and pieces of local... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
2019
  • DK Eyewitness Travel Guide India
  • Your journey starts here. Featuring DK`s much-loved maps and illustrations, walks and information, plus all new, full-colour photography, this 100% updated guide to India brings you the best of this truly incredible country in a brand-new, lightweight format.- full-colour photography, hand-drawn illustrations, and maps throughout-... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • A Burning: The Most Electrifying Debut of 2021
  • ”A brilliant character study about politics and power, this assured debut moves at a thriller`s pace but with a meticulous eye for detail.” Nikesh ShuklaA girl walks through the slums of Kolkata holding an armful of books. She returns home smelling of smoke, and checks her most prized possession: a brand-new smartphone, purchased in... Read more
Bol.com
Netherlands
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
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Bol.com
Belgium
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De Zwerver
Netherlands
2010
  • Wandelgids Trekking Guide Indian Himalaya | TerraQuest
  • Ce guide unique des montagnes de l''Himalaya indien, avec description et carte détaillée de 22 circuits de trekking, contient les informations nécessaires pour chaque niveau, du débutant au professionnel chevronné.La découverte de 10 régions (avec carte à l'échelle de 1/350... Read more
Bol.com
Netherlands
  • The Prince of India (Volume 2)
  • The final volume of Wallace’s, The Prince of India. The protagonist of this novel is “The Wandering Shoemaker” a figure from medieval Christian folklore whose legend began to spread in Europe in the 13th century. The original legend concerns a Jew who taunted Jesus on the way to the Crucifixion and was then cursed to walk the earth until the... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
  • The Prince of India (Volume 2)
  • The final volume of Wallace’s, The Prince of India. The protagonist of this novel is “The Wandering Shoemaker” a figure from medieval Christian folklore whose legend began to spread in Europe in the 13th century. The original legend concerns a Jew who taunted Jesus on the way to the Crucifixion and was then cursed to walk the earth until the... Read more
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Bol.com
Netherlands
  • Bhutan
  • Contains excerpts from literature on India, an introduction to palaces, museums, festivals, wildlife, and practical tips on clothing, trekking, and transportation.</p> Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
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Bol.com
Belgium
  • Bhutan
  • Contains excerpts from literature on India, an introduction to palaces, museums, festivals, wildlife, and practical tips on clothing, trekking, and transportation.</p> Read more
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Bol.com
Netherlands
  • There Are Other Rivers
  • Alastair Humphreys walked across India, from the Coromandel Coast to the Malabar Coast, following the course of a holy river. Walking alone and spending the nights sleeping under the stars, in the homes of welcoming strangers or in small towns and villages, he experienced the dusty enchantment of ordinary, real India on the smallest of budgets.... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
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Bol.com
Belgium
  • There Are Other Rivers
  • Alastair Humphreys walked across India, from the Coromandel Coast to the Malabar Coast, following the course of a holy river. Walking alone and spending the nights sleeping under the stars, in the homes of welcoming strangers or in small towns and villages, he experienced the dusty enchantment of ordinary, real India on the smallest of budgets.... Read more
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Bol.com
Netherlands
  • Bharat
  • India is a vast South Asian country with diverse terrain – from Himalayan peaks to Indian Ocean coastline – and history reaching back 5 millennia. In the north, Mughal Empire landmarks include Delhi’s Red Fort complex and massive Jama Masjid mosque, plus Agra’s iconic Taj Mahal mausoleum. Pilgrims bathe in the Ganges in... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
  • Bharat
  • India is a vast South Asian country with diverse terrain – from Himalayan peaks to Indian Ocean coastline – and history reaching back 5 millennia. In the north, Mughal Empire landmarks include Delhi’s Red Fort complex and massive Jama Masjid mosque, plus Agra’s iconic Taj Mahal mausoleum. Pilgrims bathe in the Ganges in... Read more
» Click to close
Bol.com
Netherlands
  • An Inviting Path Through a Tea Plantation in India Journal
  • This journal with 150 ruled pages awaits your writing pleasure. You can use it to record your hopes and dreams, express your gratitude, to keep a bucket list, as a daily diary, or to jot down your “To-Do” lists. The possibilities are endless and the choice is all yours. Enjoy! Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
  • An Inviting Path Through a Tea Plantation in India Journal
  • This journal with 150 ruled pages awaits your writing pleasure. You can use it to record your hopes and dreams, express your gratitude, to keep a bucket list, as a daily diary, or to jot down your “To-Do” lists. The possibilities are endless and the choice is all yours. Enjoy! Read more
» Click to close
Bol.com
Netherlands
1998
  • Garhwal and Kumaon
  • A guidebook to trekking in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions of the Himalayas of northern India. Garhwal and Kumaon, known together as Uttarakhand, are the mountain regions of Uttar Pradesh in India, bordering Nepal and Tibet. They are situated almost at the centre of the great Himalayan chain with more than 250 peaks above 5500m high, culminating... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
1998
  • Garhwal and Kumaon
  • A guidebook to trekking in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions of the Himalayas of northern India. Garhwal and Kumaon, known together as Uttarakhand, are the mountain regions of Uttar Pradesh in India, bordering Nepal and Tibet. They are situated almost at the centre of the great Himalayan chain with more than 250 peaks above 5500m high, culminating... Read more
» Click to close
Bol.com
Netherlands
  • A Journey to Shimla
  • In 1891, the railway line to Kalka from Ambala was opened but it took a couple of years more to begin work on the Kalka Shimla Railway. The burning heat of Indian summers made people sweaty during the whole of the journey from Calcutta, now Kolkata, to Kalka. The wooden box like railway compartments which had no fans fitted and air conditioning... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
  • A Journey to Shimla
  • In 1891, the railway line to Kalka from Ambala was opened but it took a couple of years more to begin work on the Kalka Shimla Railway. The burning heat of Indian summers made people sweaty during the whole of the journey from Calcutta, now Kolkata, to Kalka. The wooden box like railway compartments which had no fans fitted and air conditioning... Read more
» Click to close
Bol.com
Netherlands
  • The Ivory Trail
  • Talbot Mundy (born William Lancaster Gribbon) (April 23, 1879 – August 5, 1940) was an English writer. He also wrote under the pseudonym Walter Galt. Born in London,at age 16 he ran away from home and began an odyssey in India, Africa, and other parts of the Near and Far East. Mundy spent much of his early life as a "confidence trickster" and... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
  • The Ivory Trail
  • Talbot Mundy (born William Lancaster Gribbon) (April 23, 1879 – August 5, 1940) was an English writer. He also wrote under the pseudonym Walter Galt. Born in London,at age 16 he ran away from home and began an odyssey in India, Africa, and other parts of the Near and Far East. Mundy spent much of his early life as a "confidence trickster" and... Read more
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More books…

Maps

Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Singapore & Malay Peninsula ITMB
  • Singapore City on a clear, indexed street plan at 1:10,000 with from ITMB, highlighting numerous places of interest and tourist facilities, plus the Singapore Island shown at 1:100,000 with its road and rail networks.The street plan covers the city’s central districts as indicated in our area coverage image, including the Financial District,... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2008
De Zwerver
Netherlands
De Zwerver
Netherlands
  • Wegenkaart - landkaart India Zuid | Borch
  • India South 1 : 3 000 000 ab 9.9 EURO Einzelkarten: India South 1:3 000 000, Mumbai 1:30 000, Kolkata 1:30 000, Chennai 1:30 000, Hyderabad 1:30 000, Bengaluru 1:30 000, Old Goa 1:15 000, Madurai 1:30 000, Thiruvananthapuram 1:30 000, Hampi 1:30 000, Kochi 1:30 000, India administrative and time zones Borch Map. 3. Auflage Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2009
De Zwerver
Netherlands
De Zwerver
Netherlands
De Zwerver
Netherlands
More maps…

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