For something really out of the ordinary, take a trek on a glacier. The Gaumukh (Cow's Mouth) Glacier in the Gangotri region of Uttarakhand in northern India also happens to be the source of the holy Ganges River. The spectacular ice walls are reached after an 11-mile trek from Gangotri. And where there's a holy river you'll find pilgrims. Here they bathe in the freezing waters (though there's no obligation to follow suit). Gangotri is accessed from Rishikesh by bus in around 12 hours, and you'll find basic accommodations.

Trip Facts
Difficulty rating: Moderate
When to go: MayAugust