Thanks to the indomitable Himalayan mountain system, India is lucky to have some of the best trekking routes in the world. Our hills are green, mystical and full of old world charm. From mild walks to heavy duty climbs, there is something for every grade of enthusiast. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes and a spirit of adventure! Here are our picks for the top 5 spots for trekking in India:

Trekking in Himachal takes place mainly in the areas around Chamba, Manali, Kullu and Lahaul. Four mountain ranges - Dhaula Dhar, Pir Panjal, Himalayas and the Zanskar run almost parallel to one another, creating challenging terrain for serious trekkers. It is easy to be mesmerized by the beauty of the region. Various grades of treks are available; from treks for first timers to those for expert trekkers. Trekking in Himachal Pradesh requires thoughtful preparation as its trekking routes fall in areas which are perennially cold. The best time for trekking in Himachal is from June to October.

Trekking in Ladakh & Zanskar in Jammu And Kashmir offers some wonderful trekking trails in Northern India that you must surely visit. Trekking routes here include the terrain of two of the highest mountain ranges in the world; the Himalayas, and the Karakoram ranges. The treks here have different focuses. There are monastery treks, high altitude lake treks and alpine meadow treks. The best time to visit Ladakh is between July and September.

Trekking in Sikkim is in great demand due to its unusually beautiful trekking routes. The Kanchenjunga Trek is a stunning trekking route where you can spot Mount Everest and enjoy the stunning view of the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga. Trekking here is enjoyed the most in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to Mid-November).

The Garhwal hills of Uttarakhand have some of the highest peaks in the world, and the treks here are considered challenging by even the most experienced of trekkers. You have to be extremely fit to be able to negotiate the slopes here. However, the good news is that there are also a number of easy and moderate treks for starters and semi-experienced trekkers. The most popular treks in the Garhwal hills are the Har Ki Dun trek (easy), Dodi Tal trek (easy), Valley Of Flowers trek (easy), Nanda Devi trek (moderately tough), Kalindikhal trek (tough) and the Kedarnath trek (tough).

The Nilgiris are a gorgeous range of hills in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. While they are not very high, the weather is brilliant all year round and the hills are spotlessly clean because of the "No Plastic" policy followed strictly by locals and enforced stringently by the administration. The hills receive a lot of rain as a result of which the trekking routes in these hills remain lush and green all year through. Overall, a brilliant option for relatively easier, soothing and beautiful walks. The best time for trekking in the Nilgiris is from October to May.