Blessed with a breath-taking landscape rising from the ocean shore to the highest summits, the east of India is indeed paradise unexplored. The region is home to several beautiful mountain ranges that include the Greater Himalayan Range, the Eastern Ghats, and several small hill ranges.
The flora and fauna; the indigenous tribal culture and groups in the jungles are what make the region worthwhile. The climate of East India is moderate and has its best seasons laden with natural beauty from April to May and October to November.
Sandakphu Trek
It is one of the most popular treks in the Eastern Regions of India without any doubt. Sandakphu makes sure to delight you with its many spectacular sights. Having its base in the Darjeeling district, the trek stretches for an awe-inspiring length of 48km, and the peak towers at a height of 11,941 ft.
The most convenient way to get to the base camp at Jauhari is to arrange for a pick-up cab or hire a local cab from the Bagdogra airport or New Jalpaiguri Station.
Some paths of the trek require permits which can be obtained at the trekking site itself.
Temperatures are likely to fall below zero and thus thermal wear is highly recommended.
Mulkarkha Lake Trek
Cosseted in the foothills of the Himalayas in the region of North Bengal, Mulkarkha Lake is a beautiful natural water body. The best thing about this trek is that the terrain and grade of climbing are relatively convenient.
The reflection of the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga is a sight that takes your breath away and stays fresh in your mind.
Located in Sikkim towards North Bengal, the most convenient way to reach Mulkarkha is to take a bus or a local shared car to Lindsey.
Although the trek grade is observed to be easy, the terrain is varied so proper trekking shoes are recommended. Mulkarkha owns an old Sanskrit school and has some hot water springs in the area.
Phalut Trek
With an altitude of 1,811 ft in the city of Darjeeling, Phalut is the second highest peak after Sandakphu in the Singalila Range. It is evenly situated on the boundaries of Nepal, Sikkim, and West Bengal and is indeed a great option after the Sandakphu trail is experienced.
The name of the peak means barren peak as the area is quite virgin and barren.
The trek shares the same base as Sandakphu i.e. Mane Bhanjang which is situated about 92km from Siliguri and can be travelled via road.
Water and food supplies from the village or Sandakphu must be carried as there are no provisions for them on Phalut.
There are various huts of the trekkers and army establishments where you can stay on the way.
You need permits to explore this place as well, and the permit can be obtained at Singalila Park.
Goecha La
Located in Sikkim, Goecha La is one of the most popular treks in the region and is the symbol of the Holy Grail for adventurers across the country. Attractive meadows, forests, and the throes of the Rathong Chu River are the charm of the destination.
The GoechaLa reaches a height of 16,000ft and the trail passes through immensely picturesque ways.
From New Jalpaiguri station, you can take a private or a hired mode of transport to reach Yuksom, the base camp for Dzongri.
The trek grade gets challenging at times and is thus recommended for only experienced trekkers.
Kurseong Trek
There are various small and big trekking trails that can be explored while in Kurseong. The lush green pine forests, meadows, valleys, and chestnut groves stand out as one of the most relaxing destinations to trek in. Ambootia, Dilarama, and Mahanaday are just a few of the destinations that can be explored while here.
There is no airport in the region. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra which is 60 km away. From Bagdogra, a cab can be hired to cover the distance to Kurseong.
New Jalpaiguri is 57 km away and is the nearest railhead. The town is a station on the Toy Train line between Darjeeling and New Jalpaiguri. Buses and taxis are easily available between Kurseong and the neighbouring towns.
Singalila Trek
Singalila Ridge is located on the border of Sikkim and is the most diverse place where you can embark on a trekking experience. From outstanding landscapes, and tea plantations to the scenic views of Mount Everest, this trek is a bundle of joy.
The hike is tiring and needs a lot of capacity, but it can be easily covered if you keep enjoying the natural beauty around you.
Gangtok to the Yuksom base camp can be covered by a private cab or a taxi.
Everyday hiking can range from 6 -7 hours, so a high level of physical fitness is expected.
Malkangiri
The Malkangiri trek in Odisha is highly recommended for those interested in trekking with an experience of ethnological diversity. It is on the path of this trek that you will get to interact with various tribes such as Gadaba, Dhurwa, Khond and Boya tribes.
The trekking trails are easy-going and not very taxing. It passes through the relics of a great civilization.
The nearest railway station to this trekking point is in Koraput, from here you can ask the locals.
The area witnessed Naxalite activity in the recent past and so it is recommended that you exercise extreme caution and get the required information before travelling.
Kalahandi
Kalahandi is located in the Kosa province of Odisha. It is an unexplored and beautiful region of the east. Indigenous tribal civilizations, obsolete yet effective methods of living, nature worship, and relics of a prehistoric civilization, archaic languages, all are a part of the region here.
The nearest railway station and airport are in Bhubaneshwar which is 280 km from Kalahandi. It is a remote area, so local transport is the preferred way to reach it.
Kalahandi is a remote region and is a relatively inaccessible area so cell receptions are negative.
Parasnath
It is one of the most important centres of worship in Jharkhand. The Parasnath Temple is located at a height of 1350m and is one of the highest hills in Jharkhand. The best part of the trek is the greenery that surrounds the entire trail. As it is a part of a religious pilgrimage, the trek has to be completed within a day.
Madhuban is the starting point of the trek. It is a well-known spot on the Grand trunk road, and buses and taxis are easily available for the journey from the station at Parasnath.
There are palanquins for those who are not capable of covering the entire distance on foot.
The total trail stretches to 27km, indicating the need to start the trekking early in the morning before sunrise.
Green Lake trek
Northern Sikkim is a magical hinterland of the North East of India. It is indeed one of the least explored destinations in the entire country. It is in this region that you can embark on the Green Lake Trek near Lachen. The trek route is quite difficult and treacherous, but the sight of the trek at the end is what makes the effort worthwhile.
Lachen is the base camp of the trek, which can be reached from Gangtok by hiring a jeep.
Foreign Nationals are needed to take a permit from the Govt. of Sikkim to visit the area. You must carry adequate woollens and trekking shoes that are essential to be used in the snow.
Final Words
When you have thought about exploring East India’s unparalleled beauty, you should consider going trekking in the offbeat treks in East India. The landscapes untouched by modern lifestyle can provide you the experience of a realistic and unique environment.
