How to Use Digital Maps Offline on Treks?

Let’s say you’re planning a multi-day trek in the Himalayas. The network disappears after the first village, trail forks aren't marked, and you don’t want to rely entirely on memory or guesswork. That’s where a GPX file becomes one of the most powerful tools in your kit.

A GPX (GPS Exchange Format) file is a small, digital map that contains precise route information—like waypoints, trail tracks, elevation, and coordinates. It can be opened in most GPS apps, allowing you to plan, follow, and record your trek with ease—even completely offline.

Here’s what you can do with a GPX file:

• 📍 Plan and follow your route with turn-by-turn clarity

• 📶 Navigate offline when there’s no mobile network

• 🔄 Store and share tracks with friends or online communities

• 🏕️ Use it across activities like hiking, cycling, trail running, and more

• 📊 Analyse and visualise your trail using elevation and map overlays

In this blog, we break it all down:

• What GPX (and KML/KMZ) files actually are

• Why they’re especially useful for Indian treks

• Where to download them for your next hike

• How to use them on your phone or laptop

• And how to record your own route like a pro

What is a GPX File?

A GPX (GPS Exchange Format) file is a digital file that stores trail data like your route, waypoints, elevation changes, and timestamps. You can open it in GPS apps or desktop tools to either preview or follow a hiking trail in real-time. It’s lightweight, universally compatible, and works offline.

GPX files are part of a larger category of mapping files that help trekkers visualise or navigate terrain. You’ll often also come across KML and KMZ files, especially when using tools like Google Earth.

GPX vs KML vs KMZ: What’s the Difference?

You might come across different trail file formats. Each has its use:

Format	Description	Best For
GPX	Universal XML file storing trail path, waypoints, elevation	Real-time navigation in GPS apps
KML	Google Earth format for displaying geodata in 3D	Visualising routes in 3D, route planning
KMZ	Compressed KML format with images/media	Custom maps, sharing multimedia-rich routes

Pro tip: KML files are supported by apps like Google Earth and Google Maps. KMZ files can be trickier—some tools may not open them directly. Always test your file before you head out.

Why It Matters on Indian Hikes

Indian trails are often less structured—signs fade, paths split, and local shortcuts appear that aren’t part of the actual trail. Network coverage disappears early into most hikes, leaving trekkers reliant on memory or guesswork.

That’s where a GPX file steps in. It gives you:

• 🧭 Navigation assurance even when the trail is confusing or invisible

• 📶 Offline usability – GPS continues to work without signal

• 💡 Trail awareness – waypoints help anticipate water sources, campsites, or turn-offs

• 🚨 Emergency backup if you need to reroute, turn back, or locate someone

A GPX file makes your outdoor experience more independent and informed—especially valuable for DIY or lesser-known treks.

Where to Get Indian Trail Maps

If you’re planning a trek and want a digital trail map (like a GPX file) for navigation, there are a few reliable platforms where you can find them—even for many Indian hiking routes.

Below are some of the best ways to access trail maps, either as downloadable GPX files or as topographic planning tools.

OpenStreetMap & OSM-Based Sites

Thanks to efforts from UltraJourneys and the Waymarked Trails project, you can now download GPX files for lesser-known Himalayan routes. These are typically recorded by hikers and uploaded for community use

• Visit OSM‑based platforms and search the trek route 

UltraJourneys.org – for Himalayan GPX tracks

Waymarked Trails (waymarkedtrails.org) – for OpenStreetMap GPX exports

Hiking community forums or Strava heatmaps – to identify common trek lines

These are community-contributed and best suited for offbeat, exploratory treks.

• Export the GPX directly for offline usage

• This is great for exploring offbeat trails in Zanskar, Dhauladhar, Sahyadri, and more

How to download GPX Files from Waymarked Trails

A simple and effective way to get GPX files for Indian hikes is through WaymarkedTrails.org, which sources open GPS trail data from OpenStreetMap.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Go to waymarkedtrails.org

2. On the top, choose the activity (in this case, select Hiking)

   

3. Zoom in to the region where you want to trek — for example, Himachal Pradesh, Western Ghats, or Sikkim

4. Click the menu icon (≡) in the bottom-right corner

   

5. A list of nearby hiking routes will appear — select the one you're interested in

6. The trail opens in detail — click “Download GPX” from the top-left info panel

You now have a GPX file that can be imported into your GPS app for offline use during the trek.

Pro tip: Not all trails in India are listed, but many well-marked or frequently trekked paths (especially in the Himalayas or Sahyadris) are available here thanks to the OpenStreetMap community.

Trekking Apps & Community Sites 

Some platforms offer user-contributed GPX files:

• Gaia GPS includes many India hikes and exportable GPX/KML files

• Wikiloc and AllTrails occasionally list Indian trek GPX files, though they’re less comprehensive than niche/global counterparts

• Strava – Use heatmaps to trace common trail routes, though GPX export requires workaround

Survey of India Maps (Offline PDF Topo Maps)

If you want a more detailed topographic view of the region, Survey of India’s open-source maps are an excellent resource. You can download full-sheet topo maps in PDF format for specific regions—ideal for offline planning or cross-checking elevations and terrain.

Here’s how to access them:

Step-by-step Process

1. Go to indigeo.com

2. Click on "I Maps" in the menu

3. In the Layers tab, select: → Survey of India – 50K Topo Map Index

4. This divides the country into sheets—zoom in to your trek region and note down the sheet number (e.g., 53E/2)

5. Now go to surveyofindia.gov.in and register/log in

6. Click "Open Series Map (PDF Free)"

7. Enter the sheet number you noted earlier and click Proceed

8. Close the pop-up that says “Data not found” and click Download anyway

You’ll now have a full offline topographic map of that area—great for pre-trek planning and geolocation awareness.

Here is a helpful youtube video link to understand how to download most detailed trekking maps using indigeo.com and Survey of India -  https://youtube.com/shorts/18lUj4tY-vc?si=fMr5ezIkwTxXmclx

Pro tip: These are PDF maps, not GPX or KML—but they’re incredibly useful when cross-referenced with your GPS app or Google Earth for understanding gradients, ridgelines, and river valleys.

Choose What Works for You

• For official, reliable files: Indiahikes

• For terrain and GIS data: Survey of India

• For community-driven or offbeat routes: OSM‑based platforms (UltraJourneys, Waymarked Trails)

• For app-based convenience: Gaia GPS, Wikiloc, AllTrails, Strava

Please note: KML files won’t open in a browser without Google Earth Pro. You must use the desktop app. We’ve included a link later in the blog to help you get started.

Best Navigation Apps for Trekkers

App	Platform	Offline Maps	Free Version	Notes
OSMAnd+	iOS / Android	✅	✅	Feature-rich, fully offline
Gaia GPS	iOS / Android	✅	Limited	Clean UI, hiking-focused
AllTrails	iOS / Android	Pro only	Limited	Good global trail access
GeoTracker	Android only	✅	✅	Simple, great for recording your own route

Choose one based on your device and comfort level.

How to Use GPX Files on Your Laptop or Desktop

Before heading out, it’s a great idea to preview your trek using Google Earth Pro on your computer. This helps you build a mental map of the trail—where climbs are steep, when forests begin, or where key landmarks fall.

Recommended Tool:

🖥️ Google Earth Pro (Free) 🔗 Download: https://www.google.com/intl/en_in/earth/versions/

How to open a GPX or KML file:

• Open Google Earth Pro

• Drag and drop the file into the window

Pro tip: Without downloading Google Earth Pro, these files may not display correctly in a browser. Always use the desktop version for full compatibility.

How to Use a GPX File on Your Mobile (Using Gaia GPS)

Once you’ve downloaded your GPX file, the next step is to use it for navigation. Gaia GPS is one of the most reliable apps for this, especially because it supports offline maps and detailed terrain overlays.

You can use similar apps like OSMAnd+, GeoTracker, or AllTrails, but this guide uses Gaia as an example since the process is quite intuitive.

Step-by-Step: Import & Use a GPX File on Gaia GPS

1. Open the Gaia GPS App

   

2. On the home screen

   Tap the “Saved” tab at the bottom. 

   

3. Access the Import Menu 

   Tap the menu icon (⋮) on the top-right and select “Import File.”

   

4. Locate and Select Your GPX File 

   Choose the GPX file you downloaded. It will now appear under the “Saved” section

   

5. Open and View the Route 

   Tap on the trek name → then tap the map preview to open the route.

   

6. Show It on the Main Map & Download Offline Maps

   Tap “More” → select “Show on Main Map” to keep the trail visible at all times.Tap “Download Maps for Track” to ensure the route and base map are accessible even without signal.

   

Download Maps for Offline Use

Before your trek, go into the app settings and download maps for the region (e.g. Uttarakhand, Sikkim).This ensures you can view terrain, trail lines, and markers without signal.

Pro tip: Without offline map tiles, the GPX file may load, but the base map won't appear—leaving you with a floating trail on a blank screen.

How to Follow a Route on a GPX File

Once you’re on the trail:

• Turn on your phone’s GPS

• Open the GPX file in your app

• Your live location appears as a dot

• Stay aligned with the trail line

• Deviating? The map will show you drifting off—use it to re-orient

  
  

Following a digital path gives you confidence and efficiency.

Recommended Settings for a Safe Trek

Before you head out, tweak these settings for better performance:

• 📴 Airplane mode ON (saves battery)

• 📍 GPS ON (works without internet)

• 🔋 Disable battery saver for the GPS app

• 🌗 Lower screen brightness

• 🔋 Carry a power bank (essential for multi-day treks)

• ✅ Test everything at home the night before

How to Record Your Own Trail

Steps to Record Your Own Trail in Gaia GPS

Want to track your own hike, document a new route, or share a trail later? Recording your path is easy:

• Tap “Record” on the home screen or trail view

• A timer will start, confirming you’re now recording

• While on the trail, you can add waypoints (covered below)

• To stop recording, tap the timer → select “Finish Track”

• Name and save the track (e.g. “Rajgad Night Hike”)

This is especially helpful if you're exploring lesser-known trails or want to analyse your hike post-trek.

You can then export this as a new GPX file—useful for future reference or sharing with others.

How to Add Waypoints

Waypoints are custom markers that help highlight key spots on your route—useful for both personal navigation and sharing with others.

🗺️ Types of Waypoints You Can Add:

• Landmarks – Solitary trees, temples, huts

• Viewpoints – Panoramic or scenic rest points

• Campsites – Flat clearings or known overnight zones

• Water Sources – Streams, waterfalls, or lakes

• Summits or Passes – Final climb sections

• Rest Points – Shade spots, shelters, open ledges

To create a waypoint:

1. Tap the “+” icon  or just long press at the location on map

2. Choose the waypoint to add.

3. Name it appropriately (e.g., “Stream before Basecamp”)

4. It now appears on your map for future reference

   
   

These markers help build context around your route and are a great habit for documenting trails.

Final Thoughts

In a country like India—where terrain changes quickly, signals vanish, and signage is rare—a GPX file is your most powerful trekking tool.

It doesn’t replace your instincts or fitness. But it adds a level of clarity, safety, and self-reliance that every trekker should embrace.

So before your next hike, take some time to download your route, open it in Google Earth, import it into your app, and save it offline. You’ll thank yourself on the trail.