With the onset of summer, the Himalayas are pleasantly thawed with the warmth of the sun. The snow begins to melt slowly, the beautiful flora and fauna remerge with trees becoming green again and the birds and animals waking up from hibernation, colourful blossoms spring everywhere creating an idyllic setting. It is a beautiful time in the mountains. The mystical winter retreats give way to the vibrant summer and this wonderful change is too beautiful to miss out on.
While winter presents an immaculate fantasy setting, draping the mountains in white, summer brings with its lush greenery and vibrancy and the Himalayas are energised with a great burst of energy with everything becoming alive again!
So if you are looking for a summer adventure in the laps of the Himalayas, look no further! We have curated a list of the most amazing summer treks for you. Each of these treks is unique in its own way and offers a great Himalayan experience. Take a look at some of the best summer treks that Trek The Himalayas have to offer.
Goechala Trek
- Region: Sikkim
- Grade: Moderate to Difficult
- Max Altitude: 15,100 ft
- Duration: 11 Days
Goechala is a beautiful trek enamored with the beauty of the mighty Kanchenjunga Range. It is a 90 km trek through pure heaven. The ever-changing and forever-challenging terrains of Goechala make the trek even more thrilling. Mt.Kanchenjunga(8,586 m), Mt. Pandim (6,691 m), and the Three Sisters with Mt. Everest (8,849 m) at a distance will relish you with their charm throughout the way. The route takes you along Dzongri via Pheadhang, Thangshing, Lamuney, and all the way to Goechala with the beautiful still lake Samiti as a hidden surprise. Watching the sunrise on the mighty Kanchenjunga, as the beautiful alpenglow of the morning covers the snow-covered peaks coloring them in red and gold hues, you will be left awestruck by the scene. It is a wonderful trek that will mesmerize you with stunning summit views, and fill your soul with the charm of nature, and every night you’ll be sleeping under the kaleidoscope of a thousand stars lighting up the night sky. Once you make it to the summit, the sense of accomplishment that awaits cannot be described in words.
Phulara Ridge Trek
- Region: Uttarakhand
- Grade: Easy to Moderate
- Max Altitude: 12,150 ft
- Duration: 6 Days
A beautiful ridge trek, Phulara Ridge presents the unique opportunity to walk on a ridge for almost an entire day. Filled with natural beauty and grand mountain views plus the thrilling ridge walk makes this a must-do trek. Walking on the ridge, you get views of the Kedarkantha Trail as well as the beautiful Har Ki Doon Valley. From the summit, you can get exotic views of Kala Nag, Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Devakyara, Rangnala, Hanuman Top, Kedarkantha, and more. At the ridge, the ground sweeps on either side, one side slopes down to a meadow while the other slopes down to a valley, witnessing this and walking on the ridge is a thrilling experience. One of the main attractions of this trek is the panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The magnificent mountain views, the eye-catching meadows of Pushtara, the base village Sankri and the forests of conifers together make this trek a wonderful adventure.
Bhrigu Lake Trek
- Region: Himachal Pradesh
- Grade: Easy
- Max Altitude: 14,000 ft
- Duration: 4 Days
Located at an elevation of 4,300 meters in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, Bhrigu Lake is one of the prettiest lake treks in our country. The trek meanders along the meadows near the Rohtang Pass with the majestic Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar Ranges towering above you. While winter sees a big cover of snow over the meadows, from July to September, the grassy knolls are vibrant with colours. With constantly changing landscapes, every stop on this trek is a photogenic location. As you walk through the snow-covered Himalayan meadows, the Seven Sister peaks tower ahead, commanding the skyline. The sacred lake dedicated to sage Bhrigu remains frozen almost all around the year creating a surreal sight. This wonderful lake trek locked in the Himalayas’ magnificence will leave you awed, immersed, and completely lost in the beauty of nature. The 4-day trek is a great choice to experience the beauty of a Himalayan trek without the trek being too arduous.
Sar Pass Trek
- Region: Himachal Pradesh
- Grade: Easy to Moderate
- Max Altitude: 13,800 ft
- Duration: 5 Days
A beautiful trekking trail that presents the verdant beauty of the Himalayas during the summer months. It is a beautiful trekking trail that presents a lot of changing landscapes along the way. An interesting thing about the Sar Pass Trek is that you not only get to relish its verdant beauty but also get to see snow even in the summer months! Isn’t that great? The greenery, the gushing waterfalls, the gurgling streams and the turbulent Parvati River flowing along altogether make this trek a wonderful experience. Along the route, you will also cross Grahan Village which is 200 years old and a hidden gem in the Parvati Valley. Enjoy the majestic beauty of nature, learn about local cultures and enjoy delicious Himachali cuisine on this trek.
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
- Region: Uttarakhand
- Grade: Moderate to difficult
- Max Altitude: 14,600 ft
- Duration: 8 days
Gaumukh Tapovan is a unique trek which is a perfect combination of thrill and spirituality. For those looking for a peaceful respite from the chaos of city life, this is the ideal choice. The trek offers the right kind of adventure to thrill-seekers and at the same time presents an indelible beauty with heavy snow-capped mountains all around. It takes place within the confines of the Gangotri National Park which is a sanctum of purity and sanctity. The trail leads to Gaumukh Glacier which marks the origin of the Holy River Ganga and starts at the Gangotri Temple which is one of the most revered pilgrim spots and a part of the holy Chardham. Tapovan, a meditative haven for the ascetics, lets you experience grand views of the Bhagirathi Sisters, and Mt. Shivling. Standing there up close with majestic Mt. Shivling is truly an indescribable feeling. The sheer magnificence of nature on this trek will leave you speechless. A trek through the gigantic mountain landscapes and wide-open skies makes this trek a humbling experience.
Khopra Ridge Trek
- Region: Nepal
- Grade: Moderate
- Max Altitude: 15,650 ft
- Duration: 9 Days
A hidden gem in Nepal, Khopra Ridge Trek is an offbeat trail that takes you face to face with a vast gallery of the Himalayan Ranges. For those who are big on mountain views, Khopra Ridge is the perfect choice for them. When you reach the summit, you are greeted with a galvanising mountain panorama of 22 big mountain peaks, 2 of which are among the tallest mountains in the world – Mt. Dhaulagiri I (7th highest) and Mt Annapurna I (10th highest). Apart from this other prominent peaks include Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Nilgiri North & South, Mt. Ganga Purna, and Mt. Himchuli. The pristine villages, the meadows, and the Nepali Hospitality altogether make Khopra Ridge a memorable experience.
Pangarchulla Peak Trek
- Region: Uttarakhand
- Grade: Moderate
- Max Altitude: 15,100 ft
- Duration: 7 Days
One of the most exhilarating treks in the Himalayas that opens for a short window of time. The trek offers some of the most stunning mountain views of mighty Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi (7,816 m), Hathi (6,727 m) and Ghodi Parvat ( 6,708 m), and Chaukhamba peak (7,138 m). The most thrilling part of the trek is surely the power-packed summit climb that takes you to an altitude of 15,069 ft. The campsites of this trek are uniquely beautiful as well! Tali with its Golden Oak forests and Khullara, one of the most scenic campsites. Right from inside your tent, you get incredible views of Hathi and Ghodi Parvat and Mt. Dronagiri at the Khullara campsite. Sunrise and sunset over Dronagiri is something truly exquisite and definitely should not be missed.
Chopta Chandrashila Trek
- Region: Uttarakhand
- Grade: Easy To Moderate
- Max Altitude: 12,100 ft
- Duration: 5 Days
A captivating trek that takes you to one of the highest Shiva temples in the world, the Chopta Chandrashila trek attracts throngs of trekkers every year. Along the trekking journey cross dense forests, an alpine lake Deoriatal, with some of the greatest mountain views from the Chandrashila summit. A dazzling panorama of mountain peaks awaits you at the summit. Get to see Chaukhamba peak, Trishul, Kedar Peak, and the majesty of Mt. Nanda Devi. The immaculate landscapes, the mountain views, the reverence, and the richness of flora and fauna make this trek an ultimate adventure! And what’s better is that it is suitable for beginners as well as expert trekkers.
Dayara Bugyal Trek
- Region: Uttarakhand
- Grade: Easy to Moderate
- Max Altitude: 12,000 ft
- Duration: 6 Days
Situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, the 6-day-long Dayara Bugyal trek is ideal for families and beginners alike. Dayara Top overlooks the Gangotri Ranges, Srikantha, and Jaonli peaks, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and Draupadi Ka Danda. Relax and enjoy the tranquil environs of Barnala Tal, a waterhole flanked by the Nag Devata Temple. The grassy knolls of Dayara in the summer months are a refreshing sight to behold. The forests are dense and alive at this time of the year and the grasslands are a carpet of vibrant green as far as the eyes can see. With the sky being clear you can see wonderful views of Bandarpoonch and the entire Gangotri Range at the edge of the meadow. Bask in the summer glory of the Himalayas, and head to Dayara Bugyal this summer!
Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek
- Region: Uttarakhand
- Grade: Easy
- Max Altitude: 11,350 ft
- Duration: 6 Days
Experience the sublime beauty of the Himalayas from a meadow trek that lies on the border between Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas. A pure delight for nature lovers, Ali Bedni Bugyal is here to charm you with its jaw-dropping beauty. At an altitude of 11,686 ft, Ali Bedni Bugyal is the epitome of alpine meadows. Walk along kilometres of green-carpeted grasslands, vibrant flowers dotting the meadows, and Mt. Trishul dominates the skyline ahead. Ali Bedni Bugyal is a treat for the eyes and a charm for the senses. Enjoy lush green meadows, grand mountain views, cattle grazing in the pasturelands and so much more. With its dreamy beauty, Ali Bedni Bugyal touches your soul.
Kareri Lake Trek
- Region: Himachal Pradesh
- Grade: Easy to Moderate
- Max Altitude: 9,650 ft
- Duration: 3 Days
Kareri Lake located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful trek that takes you to an alpine lake draped in greenery! It is also an ideal trekking alternative for families. The Lake is situated at an altitude of 2950 metres and the trail winds through lush green meadows and pine forests. Camping by the lake, away from the noise of the city, you can truly connect to the serenity of nature. Kareri Lake is also an amazing spot for birdwatching. An offbeat trek, Kareri Lake unfolds the lush greenery and the scenic beauty of the Dhauladhar Range. This is a perfect short trek for nature lovers and shutterbugs alike.
Bali Pass Trek
- Region: Uttarakhand
- Grade: Difficult
- Max Altitude: 16,200 ft
- Duration: 8 Days
Looking for an adventurous trek in the Himalayas? Bali Pass in Uttarakhand is the ultimate thrill fest! The trek connects the Har Ki Doon Valley to the Yamunotri Valley and presents an unmatched spectrum of natural beauty. Walking from the base camp to the Bali Pass summit unfolds one of the most surreal views of the majestic Swargarohini Massif looming on the horizon as you trail ahead. Experience an unforgettable adventure, hiking through snow to reach a staggering altitude of 16,200 ft. with a visit to the enchanting glacial lake Ruinsara Tal and the mystical environs of Yamunotri. For those who are seeking an offbeat experience and the resplendent Himalayan beauty, Bali Pass is a great choice for you.
Rupin Pass Trek
- Region: Uttarakhand
- Grade: Difficult
- Max Altitude: 15,350 ft
- Duration: 7 Days
The beauty of the Himalayas is unsurpassed and Rupin Pass splendidly exemplifies that. It’s a lovely trek where you will find yourself awestruck with wondrous natural beauty. The Rupin Pass Trek is full of dramatic landscapes, you might find yourself awestruck marvelling at the magnificence of nature. The trek promises new scenery at every juncture, and that too quite abruptly, adding to the series of pleasant surprises. You will witness the Rupin River fanning out beautifully over the valley bed, and suddenly you will find yourself amidst dense pine covers, the aromatic scents of pine floating in the air. Throughout the trek, you will be greeted with stunning scenery, cross lush meadows, quaint mountain hamlets, a unique hanging village, and snow bridges all leading to an exhilarating pass crossing with mesmerising mountain views. Lovely campsites, crisp mountain air, and views that leave you speechless are what Rupin Pass is all about.
Buran Ghati Trek
- Region: Himachal Pradesh
- Grade: Moderate To Difficult
- Max Altitude: 15,000 ft
- Duration: 7 Days
A trek in the Greater Himalayas, Buran Ghati is ideal for those who are up for a challenge. The scenery changes in the trek are incredible with many mesmerising views at different junctures of the trail. The culturally abundant villages, the natural splendour, and the galvanising pass crossing are something that will woo all the adventure enthusiasts out there. A moderately difficult trek, Buran Ghati will take you at an altitude of 15000 ft. The trail starts with beautiful Oak and scented pine covers and offers splendid views of the Dayara Meadows with the ancient Buran village charming you with its humble lifestyle and beautiful orchards. The cherry on the top is the serene Chandernahan Lake nestled beautifully in the nook of the mountain.
Everest Base Camp Trek
- Region: Nepal
- Grade: Difficult
- Max Altitude: 18,200 ft
- Duration: 13 Days
Visiting Nepal and exploring its incredible Himalayan beauty is one of the best ways to experience the thrill of trekking. Everest Base Camp in Nepal is the adventure of a lifetime. With the summit of Mt. Everest so close to you the views are stupendous and at times seem unreal. To trek to the base of the highest mountain in the world is truly a surreal experience. When you stand at Kala Patthar and the mighty Mt. Everest seems just a stone’s throw away, this experience cannot be described in words! While the weather and terrain conditions on such high mountains can be pretty tough but with a little determination and self-belief, this trek is one of the most rewarding experiences.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Region: Nepal
- Grade: Moderate to difficult
- Max Altitude: 13,550 ft
- Duration: 9 Days
A popular trek in Nepal, Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you close to the summit of Mt. Annapurna and the Himalayan Glacier. A comparatively shorter trek than the other base camp treks, the ABC trek is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty and the unique cultural heritage of Nepal. Get to experience the impressive biodiversity in the Himalayan region as you trek in the confines of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. Also, popularly known as ABC trek, this trek has gained quite an international reputation and attracts trekkers from all over the world! A comparatively shorter trek than the other base camp treks, the ABC trek is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty and the unique cultural heritage of Nepal.
Markha Valley Trek
- Region: Ladakh
- Grade: Moderate
- Max Altitude: 17,100 ft
- Duration: 7 Days
A popular trek in Ladakh, Markha Valley takes you across some of the most beautiful sceneries of Ladakh and through villages that are tucked deep inside the valley with the high mountains towering all around. En route, you will pass through the KongMaru La Pass which showcases wonderful views of the Kang Yatse peaks. This trek is a wonderful combination of beautiful natural scenarios and an introduction to unique Ladakhi culture. The natural beauty of the Hemis National Park, Ladakhi culture, wildlife, and the thrill of the trek, altogether make Markha Valley a fully-packed adventure!
Pindari Glacier Trek
- Region: Uttarakhand
- Grade: Moderate
- Max Altitude: 12,300 ft
- Duration: 7 Days
The Pindari Glacier trek takes you through a spectacular landscape of snow-clad mountains, meadows, dense forests, and quaint Himalayan villages. Situated in Nanda Devi National Park, the glacier is the primary source of the Pindar River. The trekking route to the glacier traverses along the southern face of Nanda Devi Sanctuary amid its wilderness and offers some arresting views of mountain peaks like Maiktoli and Panwali Dwar. To the right of the Pindari Glacier, you can also spot the Kafni Glacier and the route to both glaciers is the same until Diwali, after which the route forks and one goes towards Kafni glacier while one goes towards Pindari Glacier. It is one such trek that will leave you in awe of the surroundings. A great thing is that this trek is suitable for beginners!
Har Ki Doon Trek
- Region: Uttarakhand
- Grade: Easy to Moderate
- Max Altitude: 12,000 ft
- Duration: 7 Days
The Garhwal Mountains feature many impressive formations and diverse geographic regions and Har ki Doon is one of them. It is one of the oldest treks starting from Sankri Village in Uttarakhand. This cradle-shaped hanging valley in the Garhwal Himalayas is surrounded by lush alpine vegetation, verdant meadows, and snow-capped mountains. Starting from the beautiful Himalayan Village of Sankri, Har Ki Dun passes through many mountain hamlets, a significant one being Osla. Osla is an ancient village straight from the times of Mahabharata. You can find the essence of mythologies all along the trek. The locals of Osla believe that Duryodhan, the eldest of the Kauravas, rested here in the village. The village also has a temple dedicated to him. The Har Ki Dun Valley offers some stunning mountain views as well including Black peak (6,387 m), Bandarpoonch (6,316 m), Bali Pass (4937 m), and Swargarohini I (6,252 m), II (6 247 m), and III (6140 m). Experience beautiful mountain views, meadows, rivers, forests, and ancient culture in the ‘Valley of Gods’ as Har ki Doon translates. The beautiful Har ki Doon Valley will make you fall in love with the mountains.
Nag Tibba Trek
- Region: Uttarakhand
- Grade: Easy
- Max Altitude: 9,900 ft
- Duration: 2 Days
The highest peak of the Nag Tibba range of mountains, this peak is 9, 915 ft tall, offering a fair test of endurance and a matchless scenic vista of the hilly surroundings. The trek is perfectly time-effective if you arrange your trip from Delhi to Dehradun by an interstate bus, reaching village Pantwari via Mussoorie from there early in the morning and starting the trek from thereon. Spanning over only two days, this trek is full of wintry delights with vast snow slopes to cross during the colder months. There are pathways passing through thickets of oak and deodar and chances are you would catch fleeting glimpses of barking deer in the cool green shadow of the forest!
If you too are looking forward to the summer season with eagerness, these treks in the Himalayas are just the ideal option for you! Get ready to enjoy a thrilling experience and enjoy the verdant greenery of the Himalayas this upcoming summer season!
