9 Top Destinations For Spiritual Trekking

Are you going to combine your time in nature with hiking expeditions and spiritual retreats? If so, the enchanted surroundings of the Indian Himalayas are the greatest location for spiritual trekking. Furthermore, trekking in the Himalayas is considerably more thrilling and enjoyable for novices.  

The Himalayan mountain ranges in India are a magical haven unto themselves. Travelers from all over the world are drawn to it by its stunning scenery, magnificent glaciers, beautiful environment surrounding river valleys. And charming snow-capped mountains.

The allure of the Himalayas is not limited to thrill-seekers. It also draws in anyone seeking a peaceful, contemplative haven or a chance for introspection.

From Buddhist monasteries to Hindu temples (also known as jungle temples in India), from heavenly lakes to Gurudwara’s, the extensive spiritual hiking in the Indian Himalayas will not only grant you blessings from the gods but also provide you with an opportunity to observe a multitude of Indian cultures.

Let’s look at the list of the Top 9 Himalayan Locations for Spiritual Trekking, which will enable you to develop spiritually while fully immersing yourself in the beauty of the natural world. Let’s look at the list of the Top 9 Himalayan Locations for Spiritual Trekking. Which will enable you to develop spiritually while fully immersing yourself in the beauty of the natural world.

A Comprehensive Guide to the Greatest Places in the Himalayas for Spiritual Trekking

1. Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash Trek 

The Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash Trek, which starts in Singhad or Jaon Village in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. And ends at the pinnacle of Shrikhand Mahadev, is one of the most difficult spiritual treks in all of India. 

 This location offers breathtaking views, and it is also where a 75-foot-tall stone Shivling is situated. The hike, which is around 32 km long on one side. It passes through harsh glacier layers, rocky moraine paths, and deep forests.

The Shivling is called Shri “KHAND” Mahadev because it has some fractures when viewed from the front. The entire experience is exhilarating and filled with divine emotions, all set against the stunning scenery of this mystical location. 

The existence of Shrikhand Mahadev is supported by a multitude of stories. According to Hindu mythology, Bhasmasura—a demon endowed with the power to instantly burn anyone he touched—prayed for a number of years.

Shiva Lord By satisfying his concentration, Master Shiva granted him “bhasama kangan,” or the invisible power. Ego and hubris drove Bhasamasura to start using Lord Shiva’s might. As a result, Mahadev vanished into the caves and subsequently surfaced on what is now known as Shrikhand Mahadev Peak, a mountaintop. 

The Pandavas tried the Spiritual Journey to Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash, according to legends as well. Go ahead and look through the Himalayan trekking packages available online to start your trip to Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash.

The elevation of Kailash Shrikhand Mahadev:

It is located at about 5,715 meters above sea level. 

 Map of the Shrikhand Mahadev Route: Trekking Path of Kailash

• Jaon Village to Singhad Village (around 4 km)
• Singhad Village to Barhati Nala (around 2.5 km)
• Barhati Nala to Thachru (around 5 km)
• Thachru to Kali Ghati (around 3 km)
• Kali Ghati to Bheem Duari (around 8 km)
• Bheem Duari to Parvati Bagicha (around 3 km)
• Parvati Bagicha to Nayan Sarovar (around 3 km)
• Nayan Sarovar to Shrikhand Mahadev Peak (around 5-6 km)

The best time to hike Kailash is during the Shrikhand Mahadev journey, which spans approximately 5,715 kilometers. July and August are often the finest months to travel to Shrikhand on pilgrimage. You can schedule the rest based on that region’s weather forecast.

2. Ladakh Monastery Trek

The amazing Ladakh, which is well-known as the spiritual land of monasteries, must be mentioned when discussing the Best Spiritual Treks in India. Ladakh is home to several monasteries that represent the pinnacle of Buddhism’s Hinayana and Mahayana schools. Walking through the monasteries and isolated towns nestled among the snow-capped mountains on the journey will give you an opportunity to witness the rich culture of the area. 

The walk to the Ladakh Monastery takes about 13 days. It begins in Leh and passes through some of the most picturesque monasteries, including Lamayuru, Shey & Thiksey, Lanak, Alchi, Konzke La, Sumda Chenmo, Prinkiti La, Hinju, and Sumda Choon.

Ladakh’s monasteries are incredibly beautiful, with the majority of them modeled after the lonely rocks or rugged mountain faces that distinguish the district from other places in the globe.

Altitude: Approximately 3,600 m. to 4,950 m.

The best time to go for a spiritual trekking experience in Ladakh is during the late spring/summer months of April and June. This is the best time for a Ladakh monastery trek.

3. Amarnath Trek

Another legendary journey in the Himalayas, the Amarnath cave journey in Kashmir gives followers of Lord Shiva a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see his renowned grotto. To get the best view of the ice stalagmite framed inside the Amarnath cave, the trip passes through challenging and thought-provoking Himalayan sceneries.

Amarnath Yatra is situated at a height of roughly 3,888 meters.

Route for Trekking to Amarnath Yatra:

The trek starts at Pahalgam and goes for around 15 km to Chandanwari. It is roughly 7 miles from Chandanwari to Lake Sheshnag. Then, it will take you around 17 kilometers to go from Sheshnag to Panchtarni to Mahaguna Pass to Amarnath Cave and back to Panchtarni. 

Ideal Time for the Amarnath Trek:

Generally speaking, July and August, which are the Hindu calendar’s Shravan months, are the only and finest times of the year for the Amarnath Yatra.

4. Satopanth Lake Trek

As one of the most significant and highest-altitude lakes in the Indian Himalayan region, Satopanth Lake is extremely sacred to people. 

 You can witness the abundant natural splendor of snow-covered pinnacles, gushing rivulets and streams, lush hills covered in layers of oak and pine trees, and much more on the hike to Satopanth Lake. There are too many amazing sights to describe in words, but seeing them with your own eyes will leave you in awe. 

Approximately 3 miles upwards from Badrinath, in the secluded village of Mana, is where the walk begins. But the difficult portion of the journey will start once you get to Laxmi Van, travel through Chakratirtha, and eventually arrive at Satopanth Tal.

The Satopanth Lake Trek is around 4,600 meters above sea level.

Route for Trekking to Satopanth Lake:

The trek starts in Badrinath and takes around 3 miles to reach Mana Village. The distance from Mana to Laxmi Van is about 9 kilometers. It would take around 11 km to go from Laxmivan to Chakratirtha, and another 5 km to get to Satopanth Lake from there. 

Finest Time to Trek Satopanth Lake:

The months of May through June, which are regarded to be the summer or late spring, and September and October, which are the post-monsoon months, are seen to be the finest times to trek Satopanth Lake.

5. Source of Ganges Trek

One of the Greatest Places for a Pilgrimage Trek in the Garhwal Himalayas is the Source of Ganges Trek. Without a doubt, this hike will make your spiritual experience one to remember. The hiking paths from Gangotri that can be reached by Uttarkashi take the ardent travelers to Gaumukh (Cow’s mouth), at the Gangotri Glacier, which is the source from where the holy stream Ganges begins. Following your journey, the walk will transport you to a hallowed realm—the untamed, unending splendor of nature.

The Ganges Trek’s Source is located at a height of roughly 4,023 meters.

Trekking Path to Ganges Water Source:

The 14-kilometer Spiritual Trek to the Ganges Source begins in Gangotri and travels for two to three hours to reach Bhojbasa, the starting point of the journey. 

 Ideal Time for Source of Ganges trip:

Since the Char Dham Yatra falls around this time, May and mid-October are the ideal times to go on the Source of Ganges trip.

6. Kinner Kailash Trek

The illusory spiritual journey, also known as the Kinner Kailash Parikrama, will take you into the Himachal Pradesh region of Kinnaur, which is a wild place. The Kinner Kailash trip, which is thought to be another challenging trip in the Indian Himalayas, puts you close to the fabled residence of Lord Shiva. Heading towards the tiny road, climbing narrow ways, and crossing massive torrents of water, you will encounter unparalleled stunning sights of lovely meadows, towering peaks, and hanging glaciers as you travel there. This is not the case at all; instead, because of Tibet’s close proximity, you will be able to observe the distinctive cultural fusion of Buddhism and Hinduism as well as the pagoda-style monasteries.

Starting at Tangling, a little settlement on the Sutlej River’s left bank, one can embark on a walk to Kinner Kailash. From this point on, the hike follows a metalled trail that ascends to a little creek about three kilometers ahead. The trip continues after two stops, at Bara Pathar (Big Stone or Rock) and Bara Ped (Big Tree). The day ends at Ashiqui Park, from whence Kinner Kailash is approximately 8–10 km away, after crossing the bugyals (glades).

Ashiqui Park offers a stunning nighttime vista. There is an amazing view of Kalpa and Reckong Peo at night, and it is easy to see their lights. The journey starts the next morning from Ashiqui Park and travels around 3 to 4 km to reach the first station, Bheem Dwar. The second halt on the treks, Parvati Kund, is about to be reached after traveling about 3 km. It takes Kund around 2.5 to 3 km of vertical climbing from Parvati to reach Kinner Kailash, passing through small caves, moraines, and areas of snow on the hillsides.

The Kinner Kailash Trek is situated at an elevation of roughly 6,500 meters.

Route for Trekking to Kinner Kailash Trek:

The Kinner Kailash trek starts in Tangling and travels 8 to 9 kilometers to Ashiqui Park. You will need to go 3–4 km to get reach Bheem Dwar from Ashique Park. There are about 3 km to travel between Bheem Dwar and Parvati Kund. Reaching Kinner Kailash will need traveling 2.5 to 3 km from Parvati Kund. 

 Ideal Time for Kinner Kailash Trek:

May and June during the summer, and October after the monsoon, are thought to be the finest times to experience Kinner Kailash’s breathtaking magnificence.

7. Adi Kailash Trek

Another location for your Best Trekking Vacation in India is Adi Kailash. Also known as Baba Kailash, Chota Kailash, Shiva Kailash, or Jonglingkong Peak, Adi Kailash is a mountain in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district that sits near the border between India and Tibet. 

The journey to Adi Kailash promises to take you to a truly magnificent and breathtaking place with a view that will last a lifetime in your heart, mind, and soul. Along with providing you with a breathtaking view of the Annapurna range and other snow-capped pinnacles, the Adi Kailash Trek will enliven your spiritual journey with its lush forests, verdant meadows, and cascading waterfalls.

The true starting point of the Adi Kailash trip is Lakhanpur, which is around 50 km away from Dharchula. After that, the hike continues on to the next destination, Lamari. After spending the night in Lamari, you will continue on towards Budi, where the steeper terrain makes the climb more difficult. 

Nabi would be the next stop after Budi, and from there you would go to the Kutti town in Nampa. You will eventually be able to place your head before Baba Kailash after traveling through Sungchuma and Jollingkong towards Jollingkong after stopping for a break at Kutti village.

Adi Kailash is situated at a height of roughly 6,310 meters.

Route for Trekking to Adi Kailash:

The starting point of the Adi Kailash trip is Lakhanpur to Lamari, a distance of about 9 miles. There is a 9-kilometer hike and an 18-kilometer Gypsy ride from Lamari to Budi to Nabi. Gypsy & Trek estimate that the distance is about 14 km from Nabi to Nampa to Kutti. The distance is roughly 14 km from Kutti to Jollingkong. 

Best time to explore Adi Kailash Trek:

The months of June through September are thought to be the most favorable for the spiritually enlightening and adventurous Adi Kailash Trek.

8. Hemkund Sahib

The journey will lead you to the Gurudwara at the highest point in the Chamoli region of Uttarakhand, Hemkund Sahib, which is tucked away amid an elevated height of pure and clear waters of Hemkund. 

 This is one of the Greatest Spiritual Places in India, drawing a large number of enthusiastic hikers in addition to Sikh pilgrims. You can hike to the breathtaking Valley of Flowers, nestled in Nanda Devi National Park, as you head towards the Hemkund Sahib Trek, among other places. Without a doubt, the Valley of Flowers will enthrall you with its universe of vibrant, beautiful hues.

The journey to Hemkund Sahib starts at Govind Ghat and travels to Ghangaria, a remote location amidst dense pine forests. The train to Hemkund Sahib, regarded as one of India’s greatest spiritual climbs, will give you an opportunity to experience Mother Nature at its most sublime. You can set off from Ghangaria to see the vibrant hues of the Valley of Flowers, one of India’s Most Amazing Places to Visit. 

Hiking in this stunning valley will allow you to get up close and personal with uncommon flower species and a vast range of butterflies, making it the perfect place for adventure seekers and fans of photography.

The Hemkund Sahib Trek is 4,633 meters above sea level. 

Route for Trekking to Hemkund Sahib Trek: 

The Hemkund Sahib Trek starts at Govind Ghat and travels around 14 kilometers to Ghangaria. The distance from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib is about 6 kilometers.

The greatest time to undertake the Hemkund Sahib Trek and have a gorgeous vacation in the Valley of Flowers is thought to be during the summer, specifically from mid-June to September, when the monsoon arrives.

9. Panch Kedar Trek

The Panch Kedar Trek, one of the most well-known spiritual treks in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region, offers a variety of thrilling and spiritual trekking experiences. Of the five major Shiva shrines situated in the Kedarnath valley—Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar—this trip is the most popular one.

The entirety of Panch Kedar reflects the legendary aspects of the Mahabharata, namely the part where the Pandavas traveled to the Himalayas to see Lord Shiva. According to legend, the Pandavas’ fratricide (Gotra Hatya) and Brahma Hatya caused Lord Shiva to decide against meeting them. As a result, they had to fight for a very long time to see Lord Shiva. Bhima, the second of the five Pandavas, separated himself from two mountains and started looking for Shiva.

Subsequently, he noticed a bull grazing near Guptkashi and instantly recognized it as Lord Shiva. The bull-shaped Shiva soon vanished from the earth and reappeared in portions in more favorable locations. 

The bull’s forelegs appeared at Pashupatinath in Nepal; the bull’s hump at Kedarnath; the bull’s navel at Madhyamaheshwar; the bull’s arms at Tungnath; the bull’s face at Rudranath; and the bull’s matted hair at Kalpeshwar. With the exception of Pashupatinath in Nepal, this framed the Panch Kedar in India.

Panch Kedar Trek is situated at an approximate altitude of 4,090 meters. 

Travel Path to the Indian Panch Kedar Trek: 

The first leg of the Panch Kedar Trek takes around 2 km and starts in Helang. It takes approximately 9 km to reach Urgam and Kalpeshwar from Urgam. It takes about 12 miles to return to Kalgot from Urgam. Next, it takes about 12 miles to complete the second leg of the Panch Kedar Trek from Kalgot to Rudranath. Rudranath to Sagar to Mandal is about an eight-kilometer drive and an eight-kilometer hike away.

The third leg of the Panch Kedar Trek requires a 19-kilometer journey and a roughly 3.5-kilometer hike from Mandal to Chopta to Tungnath. After that, hike the three to four kilometers back to Chopta from Tungnath. After that, you will drive 45 km from Chopta to Jagasu throughout your stay. It will take you about 12 miles to go to Gaundhar from there.

The fourth Panch Kedar Trek starts with the Gaundhar Trek and travels around 18 km to reach Madhyamaheshwar. Next, make your way from Madhyamaheshwar back to Gaundhar. After that, return by foot to Jagasu and take a car (about 30 km) to Guptkashi. Drive from Guptkashi to Gaurikund, then trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, the fifth and roughly 14-kilometer-distance peak of the Panch Kedar Trek. 

The months of May through October are thought to be the greatest times for the Panch Kedar Trek. So go ahead and purchase your online Himalayan trekking packages.

Conclusion:

With these Himalayan Treks on your Adventure-To-Do lists, we hope you have planned your adventure. You will definitely have an unusual travel experience on these treks. These are perfect for those who enjoy adventure and are spiritually connected. 

These Indian spiritual hiking locations offer life-improving experiences to all hikers. So go ahead, gather your belongings, and go forth on these ethereal journeys.