Summer is here. And, if you are a mountain lover, like us, you must have already made your plans for a summer trek. If not, read on to know where you can escape this summer season and why summer is the best time for stepping out of your comfort zone.The Himalayan ranges, in particular, offer some of the most challenging and exhilarating treks. While winter treks in the Himalayas are popular, summers have their charm. Summer treks offer clear skies, pleasant weather, and breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, making them the perfect time to embark on a trekking adventure. In this blog, we will explore some of the best summer treks in India and why they are worth adding to your bucket list.
Why Summer treks is the best time for trekking
May-June is the best time to embark on Himalayan summer treks because of not one but many reasons:
- Chances of snow: May-June is the time when the snow in the mountains begins to thaw. The higher the altitude, the higher the chances of finding snow.
- Sprawling meadows: One of the best features of any Himalayan trek is the lush green meadows. The beauty of these vast expanses of green is best enjoyed in the months of summer. The snow melts away and tiny flowers of varied colors burst from the ground.
- Resplendent weather: After a harsh winter, the mountains welcome you with clear skies and fresh air. One can smell the fresh scent of pine and deodar in the air. Also, as the mercury rises in the Northern Plains, the mountains offer a wonderful escapade.
Best Summer Treks in India
Here is a list of all the best summer treks in India and what to expect in terms of experience and scenic beauty. Take your pick.
1. Hampta Pass
One of the best summer treks in Himachal Pradesh, the Hampta Pass trek takes you through lush green valleys, crystal clear streams, and snow-capped peaks. The trek is an easy to moderate-level trek and is known for its unique landscapes, including the desert-like terrain of Lahaul, the lush green Kullu Valley, and the high-altitude alpine meadows of the Hampta Pass.
Max. Altitude: 4,200 m
Difficulty Grade: Easy-Moderate
Duration: 5 days
2. Rupin Pass
What makes Rupin Pass one of the best summer treks in India is its dramatic scenery. Witnessing the thrilling sight of the cascading double waterfall is a dream of many avid trekkers. Apart from the double waterfall, this 9-day high-altitude trail is packed with myriad surprises like enchanting campsites, sprawling meadows, and village life experiences.
Max. Altitude: 4,632 m
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 7 days
3. Kedar Tal
Kedar Tal is the perfect adventure for anyone who wants to explore the remotest parts of the Himalayas. If crossing to the other side of a 60-degree vertical slab of rock is your idea of fun, then this trek is for you. The trek rewards you in the end with the surreal reflection of Mt. Thalaysagar and Mt. Bhrigupanth in the calm blue waters of Kedar Tal.
Max. Altitude: 4,750 m
Difficulty Grade: High
Duration: 7 days
4. Goecha La
If you wish to get close to Kanchenjunga – the third-highest mountain in the world, without actually climbing it, Goecha La is your golden ticket. Get access to the gigantic views of 14 revered summits. Watch the surreal sunset over Kanchenjunga Range. Enjoy a pleasant walk through blooming rhododendron forests. For those who wish to explore the wilderness of the northeast regions, there cannot be a better summer trek than Goecha La.
Max. Altitude: 4,600 m
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 10 days
5. Ali Bedni Bugyal
Remember that Windows screensaver with undulating meadows and clear, blue skies? We think it was heavily inspired by the sprawling meadows of Ali and Bedni Bugyal. The lush green landscape stretches as far as your eyes can go. The prestigious Mt. Nanda Ghunti and Mt. Trishul honor the scenery with their stern expression. The pink rhododendrons are in full bloom. If you ask us, the best time to witness the impressive beauty of twin meadows is truly in summer.
Max. Altitude: 3803 m
Difficulty Grade: Easy
Duration: 6 days
6. Dayara Bugyal Trek
Dayara Bugyal is one of the best summer treks in India for beginners if they wish to debut into the world of trekking and mountaineering. The sprawling meadows against Gangotri Ranges in the background paint quite a picturesque scenery. Located at an altitude above 10,000 ft, one can lay their eyes on Gangotri I, II, and III. the sunset views on the trek are ethereal. The trek offers a refreshing experience for novice and experienced trekkers.
Max. Altitude: 3750 m
Difficulty Grade: Easy
Duration: 5 days
7. Phulara Ridge
Ridges in our country don’t get their due credit. Thankfully, Phulara Ridge Trek does a splendid job of promoting a one-of-its-kind thrilling experience and is the showstopper of this trek. It almost feels like walking on a tightrope or knife edge on the ridge. The views of Mt. Black Peak and Kala Nag stay with you throughout the walk. The summer trek is also popular for watching sunsets at campsites and briefly experiencing village life in Taluka.
Max. Altitude: 3,700 m
Difficulty Grade: Easy
Duration: 6 days
8. Dodital Darwa Pass Trek
Dodital Darwa Pass is famous for the crystal-green Dhundi Lake, the sacred birthplace of Lord Ganesha. Legend has it that this lake is the primary source of Assi Ganga that merges into the Bhagirathi River. The idyllic trek begins through the sleepy village of Agoda with rustic mountains and river completing the picturesque view.
Max. Altitude: 3,024 m
Difficulty Grade: Easy
Duration: 5 days
9. Friendship Peak
If you are looking for a challenging expedition this summer, then you must scale the heights of Friendship Peak. Mind you, nothing about this trek is friendly except for the enthralling views of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar Ranges from the top.
One of the best summer treks in Himachal Pradesh, Friendship Peak gives you more than a sneak peek into the world of mountaineering by throwing at you challenges like unpredictable weather, brutal slopes, and massive snow rocks. But once you reach the top, you won’t remember the pain and only the view in front of your eyes.
Max. Altitude: 5,289 m
Difficulty Grade: High
Duration: 8 days
10. Har ki Dun
How can we leave out the Valley of God when talking about the best summer treks in India? Located at an altitude of 3,500 meters, the Har ki Dun trek in Uttarakhand is a delight for nature lovers. With an abundance of flowers blooming in the woods, this trek truly seems blessed by the Gods.
Max. Altitude: 3,500 m
Difficulty Grade: Easy-Moderate
Duration: 5 days
These treks offer stunning views of the Himalayas, unique landscapes, and a chance to experience the thrill of trekking in the lap of nature. So, pack your bags, put on your hiking boots, and get ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime in the Indian Himalayas.