Summer in India translates to extreme heat in the plains, which ultimately means a need to go to the mountains for relief. The months of April to September see numerous trekkers in India pack their adventure essentials and head to the stunning Himalayas.
Home to some of the most stunning trails in the country, the Himalayas offer charming views and incredible thrills across four major states. Be it mountains, lakes, glaciers, passes, or meadows, explore a world of surprises with the eight best summer treks in India.
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Valley of Flowers Trek
Explore India’s oldest trek as you head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Valley of Flowers trek. The trek is open only in the summer months of June to September and is home to over 600 species of flowers. Situated in Uttarakhand with the base camp at Govindghat, the trail takes you across massive mountains, lush valleys, pristine streams, and exotic flowers.
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
Duration: 6 days
Trek distance: 75 kilometres
Suitable for: Beginners and experienced trekkers
Hampta Pass Trek
Witness a different version of the iconic Valley of Flowers as you go on the stunning Hampta Pass trek. The trail showcases the forests and grasslands of Kullu Valley and the rugged wonders of Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. The highlight of this Himachal journey is that you get to see the thrilling Hampta Pass at a height of 14,000 feet.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 6 days
Trek distance: 25 kilometres
Suitable for: Beginners and experienced trekkers
Triund Trek
If you are looking for a memorable yet easy summer trek in India, you can go on the stunning Triund Trek in Himachal Pradesh. It ranks among the easiest treks in the Himalayas and offers spectacular views of the Dhauladhar range and Kangra valley. Along with beautiful pine, rhododendron, and coniferous forests and old villages, Triund has numerous fascinating stories and legends associated with it.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 2 days
Trek distance: 10 kilometres
Suitable for: Beginners and experienced trekkers
Goecha La Trek
Admire fifteen of the most famous Himalayan peaks up close as you embark on the Goecha La Trek in summer. This Sikkim trail is said to be the closest to the great mountain treks of Nepal due to how close it takes you to the iconic peaks. See the sunrise beyond Mt Kanchenjunga and watch the Singalila Range from the Dzongri Top from this trek.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 10 days
Trek distance: 72 kilometres
Suitable for: Experienced trekkers
Kheerganga Trek
Discover the beauty of one of the most popular easy treks in Himachal Pradesh as you try the Kheerganga Trek in summer. The trail has everything from lush meadows, dense pine forests, and vibrant villages to huge waterfalls and mountains. You can also see ancient Indian traditions mixing up with the hippie culture as part of this Parvati Valley trek.
Step into the world of romantic lush green meadows as you go for the iconic Dayara Bugyal trek of Uttarakhand this summer. What makes this trail special are the massive alpine meadows that stand out between the dense forests in the Himalayas. With the stunning Gangotri mountains in the backdrop, this trek ranks among the family-friendly treks in the Himalayas.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 6 days
Trek distance: 22 kilometres
Suitable for: Beginners and experienced trekkers
Rupin Pass Trek
Prepare to be enchanted by the beauty of one of the classic treks in the Himalayas as you try the Rupin Pass trek in summer. The trail has tons of surprises in store as you trek across glacial meadows, hanging villages, snowfields, waterfalls, and snow bridges. Admire the quick scenery changes at such high altitudes as you trek up to 15,279 feet.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 7 days
Trek distance: 36 kilometres
Suitable for: Beginners and experienced trekkers
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Among the longer summer treks in the Himalayas is the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, which showcases Kashmir’s status as paradise on Earth. The trail starts from Sonmarg and covers meadows, alpine lakes, and rugged mountains. During the trek, you will come across the stunning alpine lakes of Vishnusar, Gadsar, Nichnai, Satsar, Gangabal, and Nandkol.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 8 days
Trek distance: 75 kilometres
Suitable for: Experienced trekkers
So, choose from these iconic summer treks across the Indian Himalayas and embark on an unforgettable trekking adventure. Whether you are a beginner just learning the basics of trekking or an expert with years of experience, there is something for everyone.
To him it is his oxygen, to her it is the way of living. Travelling has helped us evolve so much as a person, giving us an entirely different perspective to see the world!