High-Energy Snacks for Indian Treks
Trekking demands sustained energy, and the right snacks can make the difference between exhaustion and endurance. For Indian trekkers, balancing nutrition, convenience, and local tastes is key. Forget expensive imported bars—here are lightweight, affordable, and energy-dense Indian snacks to fuel your adventures.
Top Indian High-Energy Snacks for Trekkers
- Chikki (Jaggery + Peanut/Besan/Sesame)
An energy booster packed with natural sugars, fats and vitamins for an energy-boosting snack option.
Iron, magnesium and protein can all be found within this dish.
Material that doesn’t melt is perfect for cold hiking trips, such as Brahmatal and Kedarkantha.
Pro Tip: Break food down into bite-sized pieces and cover them in foil so it will be easier for you to access during trekking.
- Roasted Makhana (Fox Nuts)
It is a light yet surprising filler snack.
Magnesium and potassium can be found in abundance.
Easy to digest, high-elevation living is especially suited to its benefits.
Masala and turmeric offer variety and flavour without adding anything unnecessary.
- Sattu Ladoo/ Dry Sattu Mix
A protein and fibre-rich product.
Sattu powder can quickly transform water into an enjoyable beverage.
Ideal for high-energy treks like Pin Parvati and Bali Pass.
- Dry Fruits & Nuts Mix
Dates, almonds and walnuts provide instant energy-boosting snacks.
Blends natural sugar with healthy fats, antioxidants, and essential oils for maximum nutritional benefit.
Your preferences and length can be easily accommodated.
Add extra flavour by including roasted coconut or jaggery bits as garnish.
- Thepla/Khakra
Long shelf-life Gujarati snacks
Crisp, light and easily digestible meals.
Create an energy-boosting protein combo using chutney powder or peanut butter as the base of an energy booster breakfast bowl.
- Stuffed Parathas in Foil-Wrapping for Quick Summit Days
Stuffed parathas wrapped in foil make an excellent lunch option when planning short summit days.
Fillings such as paneer, aloo or sattu can provide a long-acting source of energy.
Consume in the next 24 hours as preparation for day one of your trek
- Homemade Energy Bars
The following recipe calls for homemade energy bars made with honey, oats, dates, and nuts dates
Make sure that the sweetness of your ingredients and sweeteners remains within acceptable parameters.
Vacuum-pack and freeze to extend shelf-life and ensure freshness.
Trekup India Tip: Do not use chocolate-coated products during summer or high-altitude treks as these could melt easily!
- Sev Murmura/ Poha Chivda
Crisp, Light and Delicious High Carb and Low Oil Mix
Ideal for snacking during short stops.
Add more protein by including roasted peanuts or soy pieces for more texture and protein content.
- Peanut Butter Sachets
and Snacks for Breakfast or Brunch. Packed with calories and healthy fats.
Delicious with biscuits, rotis, or just by itself!
Sachets are lightweight, simple and compact enough for quick transport.
- Glucose Biscuits/ Digestive Cookies
Simple sugar is an easily digestible source of carbohydrates.
Energy bars provide a fast energy boost on taxing climbs.
Refresh yourself while in camp with a hot cup of tea to aid your recovery.
Sample Daily Trek Snack Plan
Time | Snack Suggestion |
Pre-Trek | Sattu drink + 2 dry fruits laddoos |
Mid-morning | Roasted makhana + glucose biscuits |
Lunch break | Thepla with peanut butter |
Post-lunch | Chikki + dry fruits mix |
Tea-time | Khakhra + energy bar |
Dinner Camp | Light soup + paratha or dal-rice |
Treks Where Smart Snacking Is Key
Smart snacking takes on added significance when
Long summit days (e.g., Goechala Peak or Pangarchulla Peak) require multiple summit days of hiking/climbing/ascending to the peak.
High altitude traverses (Pin Bhaba, Buran Ghati)
Winter treks require snacks to keep energy up; cold can reduce hunger while keeping energy levels stable.
Travel to remote areas (where there may be limited food access and you should bring backup provisions with you) requires special preparations and safeguards to avoid potentially stressful experiences.
What to Avoid?
- Fryer foods such as bhujia–such as those found at fast-food joints–can cause water loss.
- Overly sweet candy may lead to energy crashes.
- Perishable items (e.g. boiled eggs) could even become spoilage risks.
Conclusion
Good trekking food doesn’t require extravagant labels – all it needs are smart food selections that are available locally and have been trek-tested! By selecting Indian options such as these, you’ll be able to conquer trails without draining either your bank account or power!
Fuel Right, Trek Light!
About Author
Nanda Rawat (Operation Manager)
Nanda Rawat holds a Master’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality and is a seasoned professional specializing in Adventure and Leisure Travel. As a travel specialist and consultant, his core mission has always been to deliver exceptional service by sharing the full breadth of his experience, ensuring client satisfaction on a global scale.
With over 16 years of experience, Nanda has worked with three well-established tourism companies, gaining deep insight into both inbound and domestic travel operations. He has contributed directly and indirectly to the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) and has participated in multiple Immediate First Aid Training programs at the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF).
In addition to his fieldwork, Nanda has shared his expertise through guest lectures in tourism and hospitality at various universities. He has independently led numerous expeditions across the Indian Himalayas and was actively involved in the rescue operations during the 2010 Ladakh flash floods.
In recognition of his outstanding coordination skills, he was honored with the Best Travel Coordinator Award by Joy James Educational Trust in 2012. A strong advocate of ethics, sustainability, and eco-tourism, Nanda takes great pride in being an integral part of Trekup India.
Write to him at: nanda@trekupindia.com
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