11 Best Himalayan Treks To Do In Autumn 2023 – TTH

Index

• Dayara Bugyal Trek
• Deoriatal - Chopta - Chandrashila Trek
• Kedarkantha Trek
• Bali Pass Trek
• Har Ki Doon Trek
• Goechala Trek
• Sandakphu Trek
• Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
• Buran Ghati Pass Trek
• Rupin Pass Trek
• Everest Base Camp Trek

While summer is often considered the most popular season for trekking in India but the charm of trekking in the autumn should not be underestimated. Autumn is one of the best times for trekking in the Himalayan region and for good reasons. 

With the monsoon slowly receding, the skies become clearer and the temperature is pleasant, which makes it an ideal season to explore the charm of the Himalayas. The autumn season typically lasts between the month of September to November and it is a wonderful time to witness the grandeur of the Himalayas with its captivating vistas and vibrant landscapes.

Why Do We Think Autumn Is The Best Time To Trek?

→ Clear Mountain Views: The autumn season gifts trekkers with unobstructed views of the Himalayan Ranges. The sky clears up after the monsoon rains, revealing the snow-capped peaks in all their majestic glory. 

→ Great Natural Beauty: The autumn season paints the Himalayan landscapes with a mesmerizing palette of colours. The lush greenery gives way to golden hues as the leaves change, creating a stunning contrast against the majestic snow-capped peaks. Everywhere you turn, you'll be greeted by breathtaking vistas that seem straight out of a postcard.

→ Mild and Pleasant Weather: In autumn the weather conditions are just too perfect, it’s neither scorching hot nor biting cold. The mild temperature is a blissful and comfortable balance between both. The comfortable weather allows you to trek at ease, enjoying the cool mountain breeze and warm sunlight.

Experience The Best Of The Himalayas In Autumn

During autumn, the Himalayas offer a plethora of popular trekking routes that showcase the region's beauty and diversity. Here are some of the top trekking trails chosen by our experts which are perfect for autumn:

1. Dayara Bugyal Trek

Located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, Dayara Bugyal Trek takes you to one of the most beautiful alpine meadows in the Himalayas. With its vast stretches of lush green meadows, vibrant wildflowers, and panoramic views of the Himalayas, Dayara Bugyal captivates trekkers with its natural beauty and tranquillity.

Dayara Bugyal in autumn

During autumn, the Dayara meadows are a burst of colours as the wildflowers are in full bloom and the snow-capped peaks stand majestically creating a beautiful backdrop. From Dayara top, you can see beautiful & clear views of the Bandarpoonch mountain range as well as the Dodital Ranges.

2. Deoriatal - Chopta - Chandrashila Trek

The Deoriatal - Chopta - Chandrashila Trek is a mesmerizing trail that combines the beauty of pristine lakes, dense forests, breathtaking mountain summits, and a visit to the highest Shiva temple in the world. 

Deoriatal-Chopta-Chandrashila in autumn

As autumn unfolds, the forests of the Chopta-Chandrashila trail come alive with vibrant colours. The meadows and the hillsides are all blushing red with the Rhododendrons in bloom. 

3. Kedarkantha Trek

A popular winter trek, Kedarkantha is located in the picturesque state of Uttarakhand. The trail promises some of the most beautiful campsites and from the summit, one can see a wide gallery of Greater Himalayan Ranges. 

Kedarkantha in autumn

While Kedarkantha is predominantly a winter trek but we recommend you to visit in autumn as well for many reasons. The deep stretches of forests that otherwise remains covered in snow come alive with various shades and hues. The views from the summit are absolutely clear and stunning with the blue sky as the backdrop.

4. Bali Pass Trek

The Bali Pass Trek is a challenging and exhilarating high-altitude trek located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It’s quite an offbeat trek that offers a thrilling adventure for seasoned trekkers. 

Bali Pass in autumn

Autumn casts its magical spell on the Bali Pass Trek, enhancing the already beautiful landscapes with its vivid shades. The maple and oak trees on the trail paint the mountains in shades of red, orange, and yellow. The air is crisp, the sky is blue and you get a vivid panorama of the mighty Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Kalanag Peak.

5. Har Ki Doon Trek

Har ki Doon is a beautiful trek that takes you on a wonderful walk deep into the heart of the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. Har Ki Doon, which translates to "Valley of Gods," offers trekkers a serene and enchanting experience amidst nature's splendour.

Har Ki Doon in autumn

Autumn adds a touch of magic to the already captivating Har Ki Doon Trek. With the onset of autumn, the valleys and forests undergo a remarkable transformation. The forests are a riot of colours of various hues. The trails are carpeted with fallen leaves that scrunch as you walk on them. The clear mountain views and the vivid natural beauty make it a perfect autumn trek.

6. Goechala Trek

Goechala is a breathtaking adventure in Sikkim that takes you to the base of the third-highest mountain peak in the world - the Kanchenjunga Ranges. The trek is an ideal choice for thrill seekers as well as nature lovers.

Goechala in autumn

The forests of Goechala are a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours in the autumn season and they create a stark contrast against the evergreen conifers. The gentle temperature and the clear views of sunrise and sunset on Kanchenjunga are truly a delight to spectate.

7. Sandakphu Trek

The Sandakphu-Phalut trek takes you to the highest point in the state of West Bengal. Located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, the trek offers beautiful views of the Himalayan Range including the majestic Kanchenjunga.

Sandakphu in autumn

Autumn adds a beautiful touch to the trail of Sandakphu. As you hike through the forests, you will see leaves and flowers in various shades. Some are red and crimson while some are orange and yellow and some of it lush green. The sunrise and sunset too are truly a spectacle and not to mention you get to witness the ‘Sleeping Buddha’ formation of peaks against the canvas of a clear blue sky.

8. Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

An amalgamation of thrill and spirituality, the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek beckons both adventure lovers as well as spiritual seekers. The trek takes you to the source of the holy river Ganges, the Gaumukh Glacier from where it originates.

Gaumukh - Tapovan in autumn

The rugged terrain of Gaumukha Tapovan adds a great deal of thrill while the meadows are quite green at this time of the year. The deciduous forests on the way to Gaumukh adorn many varied shades as the leaves begin to change colours. Get clear views of Mt. Shivling and witness Bhagirathi flowing out of Gaumukh in her full glory.

9. Buran Ghati Pass Trek

The Buran Ghati Pass Trek is a thrilling and picturesque adventure that takes you through some of the most picturesque regions of Himachal Pradesh.  This trek is renowned for its stunning alpine landscapes, snow-clad mountains, and the exhilarating crossing of the Buran Ghati Pass at an elevation of 4,550 meters. 

Buran Ghati Pass in autumn

As autumn descends on the Buran Ghati Pass, nature turns into a vivid canvas of vibrant hues. Walking through the forested trails is a unique experience that heightens your sensory experience. From the summit, you will get clear views of the Bandarpoonch and Dhauladhar Ranges owing to the clear autumn skies. 

10. Rupin Pass Trek

Rupin Pass is a beautiful trek that takes you along the mesmerizing Rupin Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It’s a beautiful trek that presents a different scenery at each trek. The diverse terrains, cascading waterfalls, river crossings, and ancient villages make it a wonderful trek.

Rupin Pass Trek in autumn

Rupin Pass is beaming with a magical aura in autumn. The forests on the trail are a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees which create a stark contrasts in different shades of nature. The rustling leaves, the crisp mountain air and the scent of autumn in the air make Rupin Pass a mystical experience.

11. Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek is a legendary journey that takes you to the base of the highest mountain in the world. Situated in the Khumbu region of Nepal, it's an iconic adventure for adventure lovers.

Everest Base Camp in autumn

Autumn enhances the already enticing landscapes of Everest Base Camp. Walking through the trails adorned in nature’s beauty is an amazing experience. The weather is majorly clear at this time so the vantage point of Kala Patthar provides an amazing unobstructed view of Everest.

Autumn invites you to witness nature's masterpiece, challenge yourself, and discover the wonders that await in the Himalayas. It is an invitation to plan your own trekking adventure, to embark on a journey that will leave you in awe of the beauty that surrounds you.

Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime. The Himalayas are calling, and autumn is the perfect time to answer.