Trek along Narmada's serene Waterfall, Streams and Hills.

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Trek along Narmada's serene Waterfall, Streams and Hills

We'll admit it. Even before we set foot on the Narmada Backwaters trek, we were already impressed by trekking in Madhya Pradesh. If you're not aware, we opened up the Pench Mowgli trek in 2024, and trekkers have been loving it. 

We were wondering if another trek in Madhya Pradesh would match up to the beauty.

So when our chief explorer, Nitesh Kumar, returned from the Narmada Backwaters Trek, it was the first question we asked him. Here's what he had to say: "Even though I have been exploring treks in MP since 2017, this place is unlike any other. I saw waterfalls, hilltops, streams and the whole backwaters, all within two days. I never thought such a place existed!" 

To give you a glimpse of the trek, you start your trek by visiting a quaint tribal village at Kherwada. Meeting the tribal community here, and seeing how harmoniously they live with nature sets a wonderful context for what is to come over the next three days. 

From the village, you set out on a delightful trail alongside a stream. You're in a narrow gorge with thick undergrowth around you. There is a sense of adventure from the get-go. In 2-3 hours, a surprise awaits you: a magnificent waterfall that appears to be descending from the sky. This is the Gawani Waterfall. It's wonderful to spend some time in the pools formed by the waterfall, before heading back to Kherwada. 

The next day is when you truly acquaint yourself with the stunning backwaters of the Narmada. Camping beside the backwaters, with the mild tinkle of the water, under a starry sky is an experience to remember. 

The final day seals the deal for us because it takes you up to a vantage point at Jalsindhi Top. You climb a steep incline over a series of switchbacks to reach the top, from where the vast expanse of the Narmada Backwaters opens up. The grandiosity strikes you when you realize that you're seeing a tri-junction point, where the borders of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh meet.

To sum it up, the Narmada Backwaters Trek is a wonderful mix of the natural beauty of Madhya Pradesh, its rich culture and adventure. From the hidden waterfalls to the backwaters to the summit views, it's a power-packed three-day trek. 

If you are looking for a trek for yourself / your family and friends, this would be an ideal trek over an extended weekend.

This fee includes everything from base camp to base camp.

Please note: The insurance has to be claimed within 7 days from the specific incident for it to be deemed valid.

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on any trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Narmada Backwaters trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

Vadodara is a well-known city in Gujarat, connected by airways and railways. To reach the basecamp of the trek (Kherwada)

Your pickup will be near Vadodara Railway station and Vadodara Airport at 8:00 AM. Your Experience Coordinator will let you know the cost of the vehicle one week before the trek.

Incase you are coming directly to Alirajpur from Indore, we will help you in picking up from Alirajpur Bus stop. Let your Experience Coordinator know this in advance.

Onward Journey:

Day 0: Reach Vadodara by Evening. There are several stay options near Vadodara Junction Railway Station or Airport. 

Day 1: The Indiahikes team will pick you up from either of the pickup points. Inform your experience coordinator of this, in advance. Reach the basecamp. 

Return journey:

Day 3: The Indiahikes team will drop you to either of the drop points after the trek. Keep your Experience Coordinator informed of your choice for this.

Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.   

Crocin (Paracetamol) – 6 tablets (fever)

Norflox TZ – 3 tablets (diarrhoea/ severe GI issue)

Knee Cap (Optional), if you are prone to a knee injury

Our trek leaders carry a medical kit with them. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.

Pro Tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit. 

Given below is a list of all the gear you need for the Narmada Backwaters trek:

If you don’t have certain items, you can rent high-quality gear like trekking shoes, backpacks, and jackets from the Crosstrek Rental Store by Indiahikes. It costs less than Rs 2000 for the entire trek. We highly recommend renting gear since it is both more affordable and environmentally friendly. 

Additionally, you’ll notice a small medical kit in the list. While our trek leaders carry medical kits with 17 medicines including life-saving drugs, you must bring your personal medical kit as well. We are already equipped with BP machines, oximeters and canned oxygen, but your medical kit is for quick access to you, especially while travelling.

Most importantly, you must digitally upload and carry mandatory documents to get government permits for the trek - your ID card, medical certificate, and disclaimer certificate. Keep them in a plastic bag to keep them safe in your backpack. There are no printing or photocopy facilities at the basecamp.

Here is a list of everything you need for your trek.

Shoes with good grip (non-waterproof trail running shoes or non-waterproof shoes with good grip)

Warm layers: 1 layer (1 light sweater will suffice)

3 full-sleeved T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)

2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)

Sun cap (Available for purchase), preferably with flaps 

4 pairs of socks (normal cotton/ sport high ankle socks. Waterproof socks are a bonus.) (Waterproof socks are available for purchase)

Toilet paper (Wet wipes are strictly not allowed on our treks)

Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes/sanitary waste)

Once you run through this list, don't miss this ultimate guide on what gear to take on a trek. It contains tips on what gear to choose, where to get it from and how much to spend on it.

Our only tip: Keep your backpack light. Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to.

Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet.

These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.

Original and 2 (two) photocopies of government identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.  

1 (one) passport-size photographs. This is required to obtain the trekking permits

Disclaimer certificate: There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record.  The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download disclaimer certificate

Small and slightly larger fresh water streams come alive during this season. The whole trail is lush green, be it the farmlands, grasslands, the ridge or even near the waterfall. During Monsoon, the clouds are lower than they generally are. It will give you a feeling of walking on the clouds. There are also times when you will see lower moving clouds, slightly away from you. These are sights to behold!

Highlights: Water elements, moving clouds and lush green trail.

Temperature
Day Time: 30 °C to 32 °C | Night Time: 21 °C to 23 °C

Narmada backwater trek in Monsoon (from July to mid-September)

As we enter the Autumn season, you will see a few water elements. Yet the lush green trail and the blue skies continue to amaze you. Imagine you are at the ridge on Day 3; a vibrant green below you, a bright blue above you, vast backwaters of the Narmada river infront of you and a soft wind blowing in your face. What an unforgettable moment!

Highlights: Lush green trail with blue skies

Temperature
Day Time: 28 °C to 31 °C | Night Time: 20 °C to 22 °C

Narmada backwater trek in Autumn (Mid-September to mid-November)

The winter season in this region is a mix of a pleasant weather and clear skies. The skies are so clear that you can even star gaze. The pleasant weather adds to it, making the trek in winter a very beautiful experience.

Highlights: Pleasant temperatures and clear night skies

Temperature
Day Time: 26 °C to 28 °C | Night Time: 14 °C to 16 °C

Narmada backwater trek in Winter (Mid-November to December)

Number of Warm Layers: 1 thin jacket or fleece

As industry leaders, we have innovated and set safety standards in the trekking industry. Our people, our processes, and our equipment, are what make Indiahikes the safest trekking organisation in India.

Complete the steps below to register for your Narmada Backwaters Trek

We go to great lengths to keep you safe on your trek. However, trekking with the safest organisation in India comes with certain commitments from your end.

Eligibilty criteria for Narmada Backwaters Trek

Trek through the Jungles of Pench Tiger Reserve! Check it out here

Looking for dates in November, December? Check out the Pench Mowgli Trek!

Other treks like the Narmada Backwaters Trek

When one mentions Madhya Pradesh, images of ancient temples, vibrant cities, and wildlife sanctuaries come to mind. Yet, nestled in the heart of this state lies a treasure trove of some beautiful landscapes. 

narmada, sardar sarovar, alirajpur, mathwad, gujarat, madhya pradesh, maharashtra, narmada backwaters trek

Trek through the Jungles of Pench Tiger Reserve

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Trek through the jungles of Pench Tiger reserve

Indiahikes is opening yet another trek in Central India, this time in the heart of Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh. Pench, is one of the most famous tiger reserves in our country. This new trek runs through the buffer zone of this famous tiger reserve, teeming with flora and fauna, and yes, tigers too!

This trek is likely to become among the top national treks. Let us tell you why.

It is not every day that you get a chance to enter such protected tiger reserves of our country on foot. They are cordoned off to tourists and even trekkers. 

But here, in Madhya Pradesh, the forest officials have personally invited Indiahikes, to bring forth a trek. It is a very long relationship of many years with the Madhya Pradesh tourism and the forest department that has resulted in this. 

And why is trekking in the Pench National park special?

Trekking inside the Pench National Park is truly a privilege. Pench has been recognised as the reserve with the highest density of herbivores in the entire country. It is home to endangered animals like the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, the mighty Gaur, Indian wolf, and Sloth bear. 

These are the very same forests where Rudyard Kipling’s characters of The Jungle Book were born, where Rudyard Kipling spent several years of his life. That’s why the name: Pench Mowgli Trek.

“It brings shivers down your spine when you realise that you are so close to the habitat of so many wild animals. We saw tiger paw prints that were just 30 minutes old,” shares Nitesh Kumar, our Chief Explorer. 


But more than the animals, it is the forests that steal your heart. 


We have never seen such ideal forests for trekking, with beautifully carved trails (used by forest patrol officers). Deciduous canopies spread out above you; sometimes teak trees, sometimes mango, sometimes bamboo, and local trees like Mahua, Palash, and Arjun. The sheer variety in the trees is enchanting. 

And then come sudden clearings in the forest. Just when you may feel like the forest is too dense, it opens up and gives you a vast expanse of fresh air and sky. Given that the trails have very small inclines, you can focus entirely on the beauty of the trail, without huffing and puffing.

The cherry on top is climbing to a peak, where you stand at a vantage point and get a real glimpse of the forests of Pench. “It’s only when you stand at the peak that the enormity of the forest hits you. It gives you a high that you never thought you could have in Central India!” shares Nitesh. 

The wonderful thing is that even though MP is generally known for hot weather, the canopy here never allows you to feel the heat. You're always under shade and trekking with a cool breeze. 

On this trek, your camping areas are one-of-a-kind! 

Our first camp, Camp 1903, is on the grounds of a forest rest house, which was built in 1903. The forest rest house itself was and is designed for royalty. You don’t stay there, because the charges are also royal but you can do a tour of the house, and camp on the grounds of the rest house.

Our next camp at Nayegaon, is on a lovely grassy mound beside a large lake. Camping on the shores of this lake creates the perfect settings for a night of stargazing. 

Our final camp, at Nalyer, is one managed by the forest department. It is in the heart of the forest, with a small river flowing beside it. You’ll love staying in these Swiss tents. In this camp, you'll get the opportunity to experience local cuisine too. 

Frankly, we still have a lot to rave about this region: like India's first-ever light and soundproof elevated road that runs through the heart of the forest, which we will drive on. The pretty streams and rivers through the forest. The incredible amount of birdlife and butterflies. But we’ll let you discover those for yourself when you actually do the trek. 

Our first batch of the pilot groups has successfully completed the trek! Check out this unfiltered video by one of our favourite trekkers, Rajesh sir, to learn what the trek looked like through his camera :)

MP Tourism Film

MP Tourism teaser

Rajesh Sehgal sir

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Pench Mowgli Trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

A rough sketch of how the Pench Mowgli Trek might shape up to be

➤ As we are running amongst the first few groups of the Pench Mowgli trek, please note that the itinerary is tentative and subject to change if need arises. This does not mean that the dates will change. You may book your tickets as per the scheduled dates.

➤ Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a photocopy of their Aadhar card and your passport-size photo for entry at forest check posts on the trek, along with your medical certificate and disclaimer.

➤ Stay facility: On the trek, you will be staying 2 in a hillman tent and 2 in the bigger Swiss tents as well. 

Here, we rate Pench Mowgli Trek as a ‘easy - moderate’ trek, It demands stronger legs to cover long distance and ideal judgment on footings for tricky descents. At Indiahikes, we take fitness very seriously. We believe that to enjoy a trek, you must be fit. 

For getting fitness approval, it is mandatory for you to follow the following process and share the screenshot of the run time.

1. Install any free running app like Strava or Nike on your phone.

2. Go for a 5 kms jog/run and cover it in less than 45 mins. 

If you are 45 years or above who don't run and prefer brisk walking, then you can cover 10 km in 90 mins. 

Note: If you are a cyclist then you should be able to cycle for 18-20 kms in 1 hour.

3. Jumping jacks, squats and stair climbing along with stretching will help you prepare well..

At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider several factors. These include altitude gained every day, length of a trek every day, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.

Pench National Park lies near the Satpura and Vidhyachal mountain ranges of Madhya Pradesh. The weather is humid during the summer. 

Even though the humidity is high in the state, the region around Pench National Park has relatively pleasant weather. 
The best months to trek in Pench would be August, September, October, November and December. The season for lush greenery, numerous streams and water bodies and the thriving wildlife. 

The jungle comes alive in this season. Although some amount of humidity will be there in the air, the occasional light showers help in cooling down the temperature.

It is the season of insects, arachnids, birds, herbivores and tigers come alive. Pench National park has been recognised as the Reserve with highest density of herbivores and the second highest prey base biomass in India.

You might need a jacket in the night, but the most important advice would be to have full sleeves to protect from mosquito bites and raingear. 

Day time: Between 26 °C and 30 °C | Night time: Will drop to temperatures between 14 °C and 17 °C. 

Warm layers required: One wind cheater or fleece jacket

Indiahikes and the forest department require these documents for getting trek permissions. Without them, you will not be allowed to trek.

Original and two photocopies of a government identity card, which can be a driver's license, Aadhar Card, or passport. The forest department requires this for identification purposes.

Disclaimer Certificate: This document consists of two sections. The first part contains your medical record, while the second part addresses legal requirements. Please download the PDF, read it carefully, complete it, and sign it. You must submit this signed certificate to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download disclaimer certificate

A Medical Certificate (mandatory for trekkers aged 58 and above). You must submit a medical certificate signed by an MBBS doctor, certifying your fitness and health for the trek. Any pre-existing medical conditions must be clearly outlined in this document. Trekkers under the age of 58 do not need this certificate. – Download medical certificate

Personal Medical Record (mandatory for trekkers under 58): All trekkers are required to complete this document and submit it to the trek leader at the base camp - Download Personal Medical Record form

If you’re trekking in the jungles of Pench in monsoon, the temperature during the day will be around 25 to 30°C  and, at night the temperature will drop to 17 to 19 degrees or less. You will need to carry a minimum of one warm layer. 

The most important task you have on this trek is to protect yourself from mosquitoes. It would be better if you have a cap with mosquito net covering your face. Along with full sleeved shirts. Long trousers are a must and a waterproof socks would be an additional benefit. 

Ensure you carry a pair of sandals and a rain jacket. 

Note: Please avoid wearing any bright coloured clothing. Try to blend in with the forest. Bright coloured clothings attract unwanted attention from predators in the area as well as alerts the herbivores that you can potentially see. 

Shoes with good grip: Do not carry traditional trek shoes on this trek. It will only hamper your experience. You will be walking multiple times through streams and rivers. Whatever shoes that you will be wearing WILL get wet. You cannot escape this. Traditional trek shoes are bulkier and heavier when wet. Plus, waterproof shoes take longer to dry too. 
Thus we recommend non-waterproof trail running shoes or non-waterproof shoes with good grip. 

Backpack (40-45 litres): A backpack with sturdy straps and a supporting frame. Rain cover for the backpack is essential. 

A dry sack or a polybag: Expect rain on unexpected time of the day. You need to carry a dry sack/ polybag to put your clothes and gears into for extra protection from the rain. 

On a trek, carry fewer clothes than you would normally need. Do not pack for ‘what if situations’. That will only add to the weight of your backpack and not be used on the trek. Once your clothes get warmed up on a trek, you will not feel like changing. Just maintain personal hygiene.

One layer of warm clothes: Carry a very light sweater for unexpected colder days. You will not be needing this for most part of the trek. 

Two trek pants: Carry light quick dry trek pants. One trek pant while trekking and an another pant inside the backpack. Denim/jeans and shorts are not suitable for trekking in this region. Do not carry waterproof pants as they will not dry quickly. 

Three full sleeved t-shirts: You will wear one t-shirt while trekking and the rest two t-shirt inside your backpack. Carry light, full-sleeved t-shirts that prevent sunburns on the neck and arms. Let one of these be a dry-fit t-shirt. It will dry quickly in case you are trekking on a rainy day. 

Sandals: Carry them and wear them at campsites. The only time your feet will be dry is then. Give your tired feet room to breathe. It is not recommended to wear any kind of open slippers/ sandals while trekking. 

Sunglasses: Sunglasses are recommended but not mandatory.

Sun Cap: In the jungles, even though there is heavy tree cover, the harsh sun can dehydrate you very quickly. A sun cap comes in handy to prevent the moisture to escape when you are sweating. 

Socks (4 pairs):  Your normal cotton/ sport socks are good, but make sure they are all high ankle socks. Waterproof socks are an additional bonus. 

Headlamp/LED torch: Mandatory + extra Batteries.

Trekking pole: Watch this video to understand why you need a trekking pole. They will come handy when crossing streams or during the multiple ascents and descents on the trail. 

Ponchos: In a jungle, unexpected rain is possible at any time, and hence it’s mandatory to carry a poncho/ rain jacket so that you don’t get wet.

Toiletries: Sunscreen, light towel, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer. Do not carry wet wipes since these are not biodegradable. We do not like biodegradable wet wipes because they take a long time to decompose in the mountains. Use toilet paper instead.

Sanitary waste: Make sure you bring your used sanitary napkins back to the city with you. Carry a zip lock bag to put used napkins. Bring this ziplock bag back with you to the city and do not dispose of sanitary napkins in the mountains.

Cutlery: Carry a spoon, coffee mug and a lunch box. We insist on trekkers getting their cutlery for hygiene reasons. We do not allow biodegradable or disposable cutlery on our treks.

Plastic covers/ dry sacks: While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry a few extra plastic bags for wet clothes. These also come in handy for women trekkers to carry back their sanitary napkins. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Pench Mowgli Trek

We recommend jogging as the best routine to get fit for a trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools. 

To do this trek comfortably, you must be able to cover 5 km in under 38 minutes. This is the fitness level we recommend for this trek. 

If you cannot run 5 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 5 km over 2-3 weeks.

Once you’re able to run 5 km, increase your pace day by day. 

Gradually increase your pace and bring it down to 5 km in less than 38 mins.

it is recommended that you must be able to run 5 km in 38 mins consistently for at least 2 weeks before the trek. 

This trek requires at least 6-8 weeks of preparation. The longer, the better. So plan your trek soon and start preparing. 

Here's a complete guide to get you trek fit.

Note: There is no fitness approval process on this trek. However, it is recommended that you fulfil the above mentioned fitness goal to do this trek comfortably. 

Every trek comes with a set of challenges. Steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, boulder walks, stream crossings, and summit climb. Even the easiest of treks have some of these challenges if not all of them. Without fitness, trekkers struggle, get injured easily, lag behind, or simply fail to complete the trek. 

At Indiahikes, we take pride in the fact that our trekkers are among the fittest in the country. Those who do not meet the fitness requirements are often sent back. Our philosophy is that trekking and fitness go hand in hand. Without fitness, there’s no trekking. 

Trekker's share their experience with Indiahikes

Here are the unedited reviews by trekkers

Complete the steps below to register for your Pench Mowgli's Trek

Eligibility criteria for Pench Mowgli's Trek

Complete information on the Pench Mowgli Trek. Trekking in Pench Tiger Reserve. Trek details, experiences, maps, photos, videos, when to go, what to take, how difficult is the trek, what should we bring, is it safe?, etc

Pench Mowgli Trek 2024- Trek through the jungles of Pench Tiger Reserve

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