India is prominently known as the Adventure land. India’s beauty is unparalleled as it features amazing forests, huge mountain ranges, and mesmerizing rivers. No doubt you would have wandered around during the daytime, and the amazing nature would spellbind you as it looks stunning, but you must know that even under the spectacular stars and moon darkness, nature’s grandeur is something which cannot be put in words. Well, if you want to experience the best of nature at night, you must go for night treks in India.
Night treks in India are prominent escapades, especially for solo hikers or even a small group of people who would like to walk through the night across any chosen region to reach the complete destination.
This activity will bring itself the sheer joy of experiencing the place during the night under the stars and full of skies. If you are not comfortable making long-distance journeys after sundown, then this activity can be challenging for you. But considering the intensity of trekking at night, this is a must-do experience once in your lifetime, and you must have trekked on your bucket list.
Some of the top destinations in India for night treks are mentioned here.
1. Anthargange Treks Karnataka
The trek combines the thrill of night trek and cave exploration and is one of the best adventurous trekking routes. It is located near Bangalore, which is 65 kilometers away. Anthargange is a sight to behold, and you should not miss it.
The treks start around the wee hours at night and start from finding a great way through the maze-like path and huge rocks which lead to the cave.
The great experience makes you use all the sets of skills like crawling, chimney climbing, and rock climbing so that you can make your way through the huge volcanic rock transformation.
The 3-kilometer-long treks start very easily, but it becomes more challenging as you go ahead. Besides the challenge, the fun part starts when you go ahead.
You can also consider trekking to the summit, which is available at 1226 meters and offers amazing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Location: Kolar district, Karnataka.
- Highlights: A unique trek through volcanic rock formations, caves, and boulder-filled landscapes. The trek is moderately challenging and offers stunning night views of the stars and the city lights from the hilltop.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Activities: Night trekking, cave exploration, stargazing, and campfire.
- How to Reach: About 70 km from Bangalore. Accessible by road; buses and taxis are available from Bangalore to Kolar.
- Safety Tips: Wear sturdy trekking shoes, carry a flashlight, and stay with the group to avoid getting lost in the dark.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
- 5:00 PM: Arrive at the base camp in Kolar. Briefing and preparation for the trek.
- 6:00 PM: Start the trek from the base. Navigate through volcanic rock formations and boulders.
- 8:00 PM: Reach the cave system. Explore the caves and enjoy a campfire dinner.
- 10:00 PM: Stargazing and storytelling around the campfire. Set up camp for the night.
Day 2:
- 6:00 AM: Wake up early to catch the sunrise from the hilltop.
- 7:00 AM: Begin the descent back to the base camp.
- 9:00 AM: Reach the base camp, have breakfast, and depart for home.
2. Rajmachi Fort Trek Maharashtra
If you are a Mumbaikar looking for someone’s day gateway, then you need to look no further as you can head over to this amazing Rajmachi Fort, located near Mumbai Pune Express Highway.
It is located in Sahyadri hills, and the Fort is prominent among those who look forward to seeing deep valleys, waterfalls, camping, and all the things that nature offers.
The one-of-a-kind experiences are amazing during the monsoon season, when the waterfalls become active, and the sky after the downpour looks nothing but jaw-dropping.
The only challenge that arises here is that the roads become muddy during the monsoon season. It would be best if you were prepared to walk a long distance on this route.
There is no reason to fret because there are amazing resting places where you can relish the pakoras and tea. You can eat the stunning pakoras with a great view. You should skip the route for now if you are new to trekking and come back here when you have some experience.
- Location: Near Lonavala, Maharashtra.
- Highlights: A historic trek that takes you through dense forests and rugged terrains to reach the ancient Rajmachi Fort. Offers panoramic views of the Sahyadri mountains and the surrounding valleys.
- Best Time to Visit: June to September (monsoon) and November to February.
- Activities: Night trekking, exploring the fort ruins, camping, and enjoying the sunrise.
- How to Reach: About 15 km from Lonavala. Accessible by road; local transport is available from Lonavala.
- Safety Tips: Be cautious during the monsoon season due to slippery trails. Carry sufficient water and snacks.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
- 4:00 PM: Arrive at Lonavala. Briefing and preparation for the trek.
- 5:00 PM: Start the trek from Tungarli Lake. Trek through dense forests and rugged terrain.
- 8:00 PM: Reach the Rajmachi village. Set up camp and have dinner.
- 10:00 PM: Explore the Rajmachi Fort under the moonlight and enjoy the night views.
Day 2:
- 6:00 AM: Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the Sahyadri mountains.
- 7:00 AM: Explore the fort and its surroundings.
- 9:00 AM: Begin the descent back to Lonavala.
- 12:00 PM: Reach Lonavala and depart for home.
3. Dhotrey Tonglu Trek
The hotkey tonglu trek route is your best bet if you want to take a route that goes through the large green ambient forests, which are loaded with flowers and wild animals, besides the snow-capped mountains in the surrounding. It is nestled in Darjeeling and close to shingle national parks in West Bengal.
Dhotrey is ideally a small village with minimum people, and it is so small that you can count people on your fingers. The route passes through Maneybhanjang, which is located at a height of 2134m. You would come across the amazing forests of pine bamboo blade birch fir, and others.
This route also gives you amazing views of the Kanchenjunga range. One of the best times to go for this trek is during the spring season, which is from April to May.
It is because this season welcomes a huge amount of rhododendrons which enrich the beauty of the trek. Considering the romantic features, your better half enjoys the unique route perfectly.
- Location: West Bengal, starting from Dhotrey village.
- Highlights: A scenic trek in the Eastern Himalayas with breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks. The night trek offers a serene and peaceful experience with the opportunity to camp under the stars.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to November.
- Activities: Night trekking, camping, photography, and bird watching.
- How to Reach: About 85 km from Darjeeling. Accessible by road; taxis and shared vehicles are available from Darjeeling.
- Safety Tips: Dress warmly as temperatures can drop at night. Carry a reliable flashlight and trekking poles for support.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
- 3:00 PM: Arrive in Dhotrey village. Briefing and preparation for the trek.
- 4:00 PM: Start the trek through rhododendron forests and mountain trails.
- 7:00 PM: Reach Tonglu. Set up camp and have dinner.
- 9:00 PM: Enjoy a campfire and stargazing.
Day 2:
- 5:00 AM: Wake up early to catch the sunrise with views of Kanchenjunga.
- 6:00 AM: Explore the area and take photographs.
- 8:00 AM: Begin the trek back to Dhotrey.
- 11:00 AM: Reach Dhotrey and depart for home.
4. Harishchandragad Trek Maharashtra
This trek is also known as the Trekkers Paradise International near the border of Pune, especially near Thane, and it is one of the best trekking locations in Maharashtra. The route is prominent among trekkers and adventure lovers as it offers a huge range of flora and fauna found along the route.
Harishchandragad is prominent for its amazing natural beauty, challenging trek, and great viewpoints of Kolkata and Taramati, which is the highest peak of Harishchandragad. You can experience some amazing views of the neighbouring hills and valleys.
You will also come across Harishchandreshwar temple, Ganesh Gufa, and other temples, including Kedareshwar cave when you move across the route.
- Location: Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra.
- Highlights: Known for its challenging trails, ancient caves, and the iconic Konkan Kada cliff, which offers a spectacular view of the surrounding region. The trek is adventurous and ideal for experienced trekkers.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Activities: Night trekking, exploring ancient caves and temples, camping, and witnessing a stunning sunrise from Konkan Kada.
- How to Reach: About 170 km from Mumbai. Accessible by road; local transport is available from Mumbai and Pune.
- Safety Tips: Be prepared for a strenuous trek. Carry sufficient water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Ensure proper navigation tools as the trails can be confusing.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
- 4:00 PM: Arrive at the base village. Briefing and preparation for the trek.
- 5:00 PM: Start the trek through forests and steep trails.
- 9:00 PM: Reach the Harishchandragad Fort. Set up camp and have dinner.
- 11:00 PM: Explore the fort ruins and enjoy the night sky.
Day 2:
- 5:30 AM: Wake up early to watch the sunrise from Konkan Kada.
- 7:00 AM: Explore the caves and temples around the fort.
- 9:00 AM: Begin the descent back to the base village.
- 12:00 PM: Reach the base village and depart for home.
5. Kabbal Durga Trek
Kabbal Durga is mainly a village in Karnataka which is nestled 80 kilometers away from Bangalore. The village is known for its temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Kabbalamma, and it is currently in a state of ruin.
The route is surely not for people who are faint at heart. The path is not only steep but also loaded with rocks and boulders. So you must be in great health and fit enough to walk on rough terrains.
This route will last year at least one and a half hours. You should set up the 10th at least once in a while so that you can reach the top and spend a great night with your loved ones under a sky full of stars.
- Location: Near Kanakapura, Karnataka.
- Highlights: A relatively short but steep trek that offers a thrilling night trekking experience. The summit provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the ruins of a fort.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Activities: Night trekking, exploring fort ruins, stargazing, and campfire.
- How to Reach: About 80 km from Bangalore. Accessible by road; local transport is available from Bangalore to Kanakapura.
- Safety Tips: Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear. Carry a flashlight, extra batteries, and sufficient water.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
- 6:00 PM: Arrive at the base of Kabbal Durga. Briefing and preparation for the trek.
- 7:00 PM: Start the trek through rocky terrain.
- 9:00 PM: Reach the summit. Set up camp and have dinner.
- 11:00 PM: Explore the fort ruins and enjoy stargazing.
Day 2:
- 5:30 AM: Wake up early to watch the sunrise from the hilltop.
- 7:00 AM: Begin the descent back to the base.
- 9:00 AM: Reach the base, have breakfast, and depart for home.
6. Ranganathaswamy Betta
This trek can be enjoyed by both the beginner and the professionals as the path is not that challenging to walk, and it is just flat.
A Hindu temple is located at the summit, with a huge granite boulder base. It is the only reason why pilgrims, besides nature lovers, love trekking on the route.
You can also come across some great animals which reside in this area, like the Asian elephants. It is nestled 80 kilometers away from Bangalore, and the trek is completely refreshing.
- Location: Near Kanakapura, Karnataka.
- Highlights: A moderate trek through lush forests to reach the Ranganathaswamy Temple atop the hill. The trek is known for its serene environment and beautiful night views.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Activities: Night trekking, temple visit, camping, and enjoying the sunrise.
- How to Reach: About 60 km from Bangalore. Accessible by road; local transport is available from Bangalore to Kanakapura.
- Safety Tips: Stay on marked trails, carry sufficient water, and wear appropriate trekking gear. Be cautious of wildlife.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
- 6:00 PM: Arrive at the base of Ranganathaswamy Betta. Briefing and preparation for the trek.
- 7:00 PM: Start the trek through the forested path.
- 9:00 PM: Reach the summit. Set up camp and have dinner.
- 11:00 PM: Visit the Ranganathaswamy Temple and enjoy the night views.
Day 2:
- 5:30 AM: Wake up early to catch the sunrise.
- 7:00 AM: Begin the descent back to the base.
- 9:00 AM: Reach the base, have breakfast, and depart for home.
General Tips for Night Treks:
- Pre-Trek Preparation: Ensure you are physically fit and carry all necessary trekking gear, including a reliable flashlight, extra batteries, warm clothing, and a first-aid kit.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry enough water to stay hydrated throughout the trek.
- Group Trekking: Always trek in groups for safety and navigation assistance.
- Weather Check: Check the weather forecast before heading out to avoid trekking in adverse conditions.
- Guide Services: Consider hiring a local guide for unfamiliar trails to ensure safety and navigation.
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