Arunachal Pradesh top adventure destination in India for 2025, says survey
Adventure travel by Indians set to surge by 50 pc next year
Arunachal Pradesh with its web of rivers and rugged peaks, offers an unparalleled adventure for thrill-seekers (Photos: Aquaterra Adventures India)
A recent list released by Aquaterra Adventures India, an adventure travel firm, highlights the top adventure travel destinations for 2025.

Arunachal Pradesh with its web of rivers and rugged peaks, offers an unparalleled adventure for thrill-seekers (Photos: Aquaterra Adventures India)
A recent report has unveiled the top adventure travel destinations for 2025, as voted by industry experts and adventure enthusiasts. The list, released by Vaibhav Kala, Senior Vice President of Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) and Founder of Aquaterra Adventures India, was compiled after a comprehensive survey of over 1,000 passionate adventure travellers.
According to a press statement by Aquaterra Adventures, these individuals have helped shape a growing market for exploring uncharted territories in India. Topping the list of most sought-after destinations for 2025 is Arunachal Pradesh, which has captured the imagination of adventurers looking for thrilling, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
“Indians are traveling more than ever before. The current statistics states outbound travel from India is set to peak at 11 pc CAGR. In 2025, with adventure travel estimated to be over 50 pc increase in 2025. Most Indians seek unique experiences and have adventure that tops their list of travel for 2025. Our clients tell us about the trend for the next year, through their experiences and expectations. They give us a pulse for adventure travel which helps us shape market expectations as they are the true experts on such trips,” says Kala.
In a press statement, Aquaterra Adventures India highlighted that the survey respondents were a diverse mix of travellers, ranging from Chief Executive Officers and solo travellers to young Indians. On the international front, destinations like France, Switzerland, and Italy earned spots on the list, renowned for their stunning and rugged landscapes, ideal for adventure activities. Chamonix, France, stood out for its alpine passes and breath-taking hikes, including ascents that total over 10,000 metres.
Other notable international destinations included the Dolomites trek in Italy and the Batoka Gorge in Africa, both known for their thrilling adventure opportunities.
Among the Indian destinations featured on the list, several remarkable locations captured the attention of adventure enthusiasts, including:
Arunachal Pradesh – White Water Rafting
Arunachal Pradesh, in northeast India, with its web of rivers and rugged peaks, offers an unparalleled adventure for thrill-seekers. Subansari River, the biggest tributary of the Brahmaputra, is a hidden gem for white-water rafting enthusiasts.
Said to be one of Asia’s last wilderness rivers, it weaves through lush landscapes, providing an extraordinary opportunity for fishing, kayaking, camping, and rafting. This remote river region, also home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, promises an adventure immersed in raw, natural beauty.
Additionally, the Brahmaputra, India’s largest river, invites travellers to conquer its mighty rapids, making Arunachal a dream destination for those seeking a water-based challenge.
Assam – Bird watching, Kayaking

For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to Kaziranga National Park, famous for its one-horned rhinoceroses, offers a thrilling elephant safari
Assam, located next to Arunachal Pradesh in North East India, offers travellers a unique blend of adventure, nature, and heritage. The mighty Brahmaputra River invites exploration through boat rides and kayaking, while the region’s diverse landscapes and cultural richness provide endless opportunities for discovery.
Journeying through Assam begins at the lush tea gardens of Maijan, where visitors embark on an unforgettable adventure using cycles and inflatable kayaks to navigate the scenic beauty. The experience includes birdwatching at the Pani Dihing Bird Sanctuary, visiting the world’s largest inhabited river island, and exploring the ancient Hindu Satara monasteries and temple gardens.
For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to Kaziranga National Park, famous for its one-horned rhinoceroses, offers a thrilling elephant safari.
Travellers can also marvel at ancient 9th century temple complexes, camp in style on the river’s sandy bars, and spot the elusive Gangetic Dolphin in the Brahmaputra’s waters.
Ladakh – Mountaineering
In northern India, Kang Yatse II, with its Western Summit, in Ladakh stands as a remarkable challenge for mountaineers looking to push their limits beyond typical trekking trails. At over 6069 m, this semi-technical peak offers a thrilling introduction to high-altitude mountaineering.
Its combination of technical difficulty and stunning views makes it a perfect stepping stone for adventurers eager to explore the world of mountaineering while witnessing in Ladakh’s awe-inspiring, barren landscapes.
Kashmir – Trekking
Tosamaidan, often hailed as the ‘king of meadows’ by the locals, lies nestled in the western region of Srinagar, Kashmir. It serves as the gateway to one of the most scenic treks in the region, the Tosamaidan-Yusmarg trek.
This trail weaves through nine stunning high-altitude alpine lakes, 12 expansive meadows, and several rivers, offering trekkers an immersive journey through diverse ecosystems. The trek’s rich flora and fauna, combined with its captivating mountain view, make it a must-do for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Uttarakhand – Trekking

The Auden’s Col Trek, in the Garhwal region of Himalayas, is considered as one of the most difficult treks of the region
Another destination in India reputed for its enthralling and scenic trekking trails is Uttarakhand, nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas.
The Auden’s Col Trek, in the Garhwal region of Himalayas, also considered as one of the most difficult treks of the region begins at Gangotri and follows the Bhagirathi River through the Gangotri Massif.
It then crosses the Auden Col, a high altitude mountain pass that connects the Gangotri III and Jogin I ridges, offering stunning views of the valleys and snow-capped peaks on the way.
The trail then descends into the enchanting Khatling glacier and exiting along the Bhilangana River. The trek offers panoramic views of the Gangotri and Jogin peaks, providing trekkers a chance to cross several high altitude lakes.