Trekking Spots & Trails Near Kolkata That Should Be On Every Nature Lovers List

The Sandakphu Gurdum Trek is located in the tri-junction of Bengal, Sikkim, and Nepal. If you wish to be wrapped by mountains while trekking, this is probably the best option for you. It is surrounded by Mount Everest, Mount Khangchendzonga, and many other snow-clad mountain peaks from Sandakphu and Phalut. As this trek is undertaken by the Youth Hostel Association, one needs to reach the International Youth Hostel Darjeeling Base camp, from where it begins. Make sure you become a member of YHA before reaching there. The fee for this trek includes Food (Breakfast, Pack Lunch/ Hot Lunch, Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner), dormitory sharing accommodation in homestay, guest house, and hostels, a guide, transfer from Darjeeling to Rimbick & Rimbick to Shrikhola), forest permission, trekking and training and Group Insurance.

Timing: 9.30 AM to 5.30 AM

Price: INR 11,000

Length: 71 km

If you're an inhabitant of Kolkata, you're aware of the amount of culture and history the Victoria Memorial holds. For those who are unaware, Victoria Memorial's compound has a 2 km trail inside for jogging. It transits through lush green lawns, beautiful sculptures, and the magnificent monument itself. For beginners, this is a great option for trekking, jogging, or even walking to build up stamina before hitting those mountains. 

Timing: 6 AM to 6 PM

Price: INR 20 for entry

Length: 2 km

Another place perfect for trekking and running for beginners is the Eco Park Trail. You'll get an even bigger track without having to go far away from the city. Eco Park is primarily an ecological garden and water body that was created to preserve our environment as a part of a conservation project that has now been turned into a recreational urban space. Here, you will get a 5 km trail where you can carry out adventurous jogging and trekking activities by the lake with your friends. 

Timing: 12:30 AM to 8:30 AM

Price: INR 10 for entry

Length: 5 km

For the ones who love adventure and want to trek between the moderate to difficult levels, Samsing offers just the perfect terrain for it. It is situated at an altitude of 750 metres and acts as a gateway to the remote parts of Neora Valley National Park. The view is immaculate here, with the hills covered in green. They also have picnic spots for family outings. Make sure you do not litter around, as they impose heavy fines on people who do so.

Length: 6.3 km

Located about 9.3 km out and back near Jorebunglow Sukiapokhri and about 13 km away from Darjeeling in West Bengal, Tiger Hill Trail has an elevation of 410 metres, perfect for a 4 hour hike. It is more popularly known for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, but one can still enjoy some quiet hiking early in the morning. This trail is open for the entirety of the year, so you can come to this beautiful place at any time. Once you reach the top, the serene view of the mountains will beat away all your tiredness.

Length: 9.3 km

Ayodhya Hills Trek is a crowd-favourite weekend trek destination to the magical hills of Ayodhya. Earlier, it was considered a hot spot for only rock climbers but has recently grown to become popular among trekkers and local travellers from all across West Bengal. What makes it beautiful is its rugged mountain-like terrain that seamlessly blends with the blanket of greenery that Purulia has to offer. From Purulia, you can drive to Sirkabad and trek to Ayodhya Hills. It has an altitude of ­­­­­330 metres to 610 metres. It will take you about 7 hours to 8 hours to finish the entire stretch.

Length: 13 km

The Chemtaburu trail is located in Jhalda, a little away from Kolkata, but it is as green as any remote vegetation. It is a hill trek where you'll see several birds and wildlife and is also comparatively less crowded with tourists—perfect for making the most of a trek. Simultaneously, it is also great for birding, hiking, and walking. The elevation gain is about 435 metres.

Length: 4.7 km

Peacefully hidden away in the lap of lush green forests, Pedong is a small scenic town situated around 21 kilometres away from Kalimpong, near the Resi-Sikkim border, in West Bengal. This underrated town makes up for a great trekking destination for all those travel enthusiasts who wish to experience the purest of nature. Pedong, as a town, is well known for its rich cultural heritage and historical Buddhist monasteries. Nestled amidst charming and dense pine forests, you'll get to see a spectacular view of the mighty Mount Everest from here. The duration of the trek here can be estimated for around two to three hours, with an elevation of 1240 metres.

Length: 8 km

Right beside West Bengal, you'll find Netarhat. It is a small hill station located in the Latehar district of Jharkhand and is also known as Queen of Chotanagpur. Surrounded by dense forests that inhabit a unique variety of flora and fauna, making it a delight for nature lovers. If you are seeking an adventurous trek like the one in the movies, Netarhat is the place to be. While at it, you also get to experience the upper Ghari Ghat, Koel Viewpoint, and Netarhat Sunrise Point, which we're certain will leave you spellbound. As the distance is comparatively longer, the trek might take about 4 days to finish, with an altitude of 3514 feet.

Length: 154 km