Top Summer Treks in India + Must-See Winter Teasers You Should Plan Ahead For

Craving cool weather and mountain views? If you're looking to escape the heat, reconnect with nature, or just want to stretch your legs in the great outdoors, summer treks in India offer the perfect adventure. With snow melting off the high passes and trails blooming with wildflowers, the Indian Himalayas turn into trekking paradise from May to July.

Whether you're a first-time trekker or a seasoned mountain lover, we've got something for everyone. And while you're at it, why not start dreaming about winter? Stick around till the end for a sneak peek at some of the best winter treks in India that are worth planning ahead for.

Why Trekking in Summer is a Great Idea

1. Health & Wellness

Fresh air, natural trails, and zero screen time—trekking is one of the best ways to reset your body and mind. Summer offers pleasant temperatures in the Himalayas, which makes it easier on your lungs and joints.

2. Offbeat Travel

Skip the crowded tourist hotspots and find peace in lesser-known villages, meadows, and alpine lakes. Treks let you experience India in a raw, untouched way.

3. Escape the City Heat

When the plains are boiling at 40°C+, the hills are sitting cool at 10–20°C. That’s reason enough, right?

Top 7 Summer Treks in India You Can’t Miss

1. Hampta Pass Trek

• Location: Himachal Pradesh

• Duration: 5 days

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to September

• What Makes It Special: Crosses from lush green Kullu to barren Lahaul, offering two starkly different landscapes.

• Ideal For: Beginners, adventure seekers, photographers

2. Valley of Flowers Trek

• Location: Uttarakhand

• Duration: 6 days

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Best Time to Visit: July to early September

• What Makes It Special: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for over 500 varieties of Himalayan flora.

• Ideal For: Nature lovers, families, photography enthusiasts

3. Buran Ghati Trek

• Location: Himachal Pradesh

• Duration: 8 days

• Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

• Best Time to Visit: Late May to June

• What Makes It Special: Includes snow slides, alpine forests, and sharp mountain ridges.

• Ideal For: Experienced trekkers, thrill seekers

4. Rupin Pass Trek

• Location: Uttarakhand to Himachal

• Duration: 8 days

• Difficulty: Difficult

• Best Time to Visit: May to June

• What Makes It Special: Scenic diversity—waterfalls, snow bridges, and hanging villages.

• Ideal For: Fit trekkers, adventure junkies

5. Tarsar Marsar Trek

• Location: Kashmir

• Duration: 7 days

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Best Time to Visit: July to August

• What Makes It Special: Twin alpine lakes, pine forests, and meadows make it one of the most scenic treks.

• Ideal For: Photographers, peace seekers

6. Beas Kund Trek

• Location: Himachal Pradesh

• Duration: 3 days

• Difficulty: Easy

• Best Time to Visit: May to June

• What Makes It Special: Short and sweet with glacier views and proximity to Manali.

• Ideal For: Beginners, weekend travelers, families

7. Har Ki Dun Trek

• Location: Uttarakhand

• Duration: 7 days

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Best Time to Visit: April to June

• What Makes It Special: Stunning views of Swargarohini peaks, mythological connections to the Mahabharata.

• Ideal For: Beginners, solo travelers, cultural enthusiasts

Bonus Section – Weekend Summer Treks for Quick Getaways

Don’t have a full week? No problem. Here are a few weekend summer treks in India perfect for quick escapes.

Nag Tibba Trek

• Near Delhi (Uttarakhand)

• 2-day trek with 360° views of the Himalayas.

• Ideal for beginners and families.

Kalsubai Peak Trek

• Near Mumbai (Maharashtra)

• The highest peak in Maharashtra, great for sunrise views.

• Easy–moderate level.

Skandagiri Trek

• Near Bangalore (Karnataka)

• Famous for its night trek and early morning cloud beds.

• Just a few hours from the city.

Sneak Peek: Top Winter Treks in India to Bookmark

Planning your winter treks in India early gives you time to train, prep gear, and grab the best slots.

1. Chadar Trek (Ladakh)

• Walk on the frozen Zanskar River in sub-zero temperatures.

• A once-in-a-lifetime trek, best done in Jan–Feb.

2. Brahmatal Trek (Uttarakhand)

• Offers snow-covered trails and mesmerizing lake views.

• Ideal for December–February.

3. Kuari Pass (Uttarakhand)

• Also known as the Lord Curzon Trail.

• Snow, oak forests, and views of Nanda Devi.

4. Kedarkantha in Winter

• While great in summer, this trek truly shines in winter snow.

• Popular among first-time snow trekkers.

Final Thoughts – When Should You Book?

Summer Treks

Book 1–2 months in advance if you're heading to popular trails like Valley of Flowers or Hampta Pass. Gear up with good trekking shoes, a light backpack, and basic first aid.

Winter Treks

Start planning as early as September–October for treks in Dec–Feb. Winter slots fill up fast, especially for the Chadar Trek.

Basic Trekking Gear You’ll Need

• Layered clothing

• Trekking shoes

• Trekking pole

• Raincover & thermals (especially for higher altitudes)

• Reusable water bottle