10 Best Summer Treks in India

Index

• Har Ki Dun Trek
• Gaumukh Taopvan Trek
• Ranthan Kharak Trek
• Goechala Trek
• Buran Ghati Trek
• Rupin Pass Trek
• Sar Pass Trek
• Bali Pass Trek
• Phulara Ridge Trek
• Beas Kund Trek

When the summer heat becomes unbearable, everyone looks for an escape, and what better place to find relief than the mountains? If you're also someone who heads to the mountains to enjoy the fresh air and cool temperatures, you should also know which trekking trail is best suited for you. Choosing the right Summer Trek can make all the difference in your experience.

Summer is undoubtedly one of the best times to explore the Himalayas. While many trekkers associate the mountains with snow-covered landscapes, the real magic unfolds when the snow melts, revealing a world of colorful beauty. The Summer Treks showcase nature in its full bloom, with lush valleys, gushing streams, and clear blue skies. Some trails even take you through all of nature’s elements, starting with dense forests, leading to vast open meadows, and finally treating you to patches of snow at higher altitudes.

So, if you're looking for a memorable adventure this summer, it's time to discover the best Summer Treks in India that will leave you in awe. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trekker, these trails will surely stun you with their beauty. Here are the 10 Best Summer Treks that you should definitely consider!

1. Har Ki Dun Trek

• Grade- Easy to Moderate 
• Maximum Altitude- 12,000 ft. 
• Best Time- Summer and Autumn 

Har Ki Dun is one of those treks that you can do again and again, not just to escape the summer heat but to experience its blooming beauty every single time. It is an absolute paradise for nature lovers, offering some of the most scenic landscapes in the Himalayas. The trek takes you through lush green forests, colorful meadows, and charming mountain villages, all while being surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks. Along the way, you’ll cross little wooden bridges over gushing crystal-clear streams, with the soothing sound of flowing water adding a magical touch to the journey. During summer, the soft golden sunlight reflects on these streams, making them sparkle like something out of a dream. The whole trek feels alive, with blooming flowers like the Amarnath shrub painting the trails in vibrant colors.

One of the best parts of the Har Ki Dun trek is its rich cultural and mythological significance. The trail takes you through remote villages like Seematra, Osla, Taluka, and Gangar, where you get a glimpse into the traditional mountain lifestyle of Uttarakhand. The people here live in wooden houses, follow age-old traditions, and welcome trekkers with warm smiles. Osla village is home to the ancient Someshwar Temple, believed to be over 2000 years old, adding a historical charm to the trek. You also get stunning views of the Swargarohini I & II peaks, which hold a legendary connection to the Pandavas, who are said to have ascended to heaven through these peaks. 

2. Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

3. Ranthan Kharak Trek

• Grade- Moderate 
• Maximum Altitude- 12900 ft. 
• Best Time- Summer and Autumn

If you’re looking for a scenic and refreshing summer trek that isn’t too difficult yet offers scenic  beauty, the Ranthan Kharak Trek in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is a perfect choice. This trek is a paradise for nature lovers, especially during the spring and summer months when the vibrant rhododendron blossoms paint the trails in shades of red, pink, and white. As the snow recedes, the landscape comes alive with lush greenery, colorful wildflowers, and clear mountain skies, making it one of the best summer treks to experience the beauty of the Himalayas. 

The trail is gentle with stunning views at every turn. Along the way, you will witness some of the most majestic Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Nanda Devi East, Nanda Kot, Mt. Mrigthuni and the striking Panchachuli Range with its five peaks. The trek takes you through dense forests, green meadows, and open ridges that provide panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The beauty of Ranthan Kharak lies in its untouched landscapes, where every step feels like walking through a postcard-worthy scene. If you are trekking in summer, this is surely a trek to be considered. 

4. Goechala Trek

• Grade- Difficult 
• Maximum Altitude- 15,100 ft. 
• Best Time- Spring, Summer, Autumn 

If you’ve already explored a few Himalayan treks and are looking to take your adventure to the next level, then Goechala in Sikkim is the perfect trek to challenge yourself. This 90-kilometer trek is not just about endurance but also about witnessing some of the most stunning landscapes the Himalayas have to offer. The journey begins from the quaint village of Yuksom and takes you through dense forests, open meadows, and rugged terrains, offering a mix of every possible trekking experience. Summer is the ideal season for this trek, as the trails come alive with lush greenery, blooming rhododendrons, and clear skies that allow for uninterrupted mountain views. If you’re lucky, you may even spot Himalayan wildlife, including yaks grazing peacefully along the way.

One of the major highlights of trekking in summer at Goechala is the stunning sunrise from the Dzongri Top. You would be mesmerized by the morning view as the first golden rays of the sun transform the Kanchenjunga range into a glowing spectacle of light. The trek challenges you with long trekking hours, steep ascents, and diverse terrains, ranging from dense forests to riverbanks, from soft green bushes to rocky pathways. The Goechala trek is demanding, but for those willing to push their limits, it rewards with an adventure that is both thrilling and deeply rewarding, making it one of the top summer treks. 

• Grade- Moderate to difficult 
• Maximum Altitude- 15,000 ft. 
• Best Time- Summer and Autumn 

If you think climbing up steep slopes is thrilling, wait until you experience the adrenaline rush of descending one! That’s what makes the Buran Ghati Pass Trek stand out, it’s not just about the ascent but also the exhilarating descent, where trekkers rappel down an ice wall, adding a trueadventure element to the journey. This trek offers everything a thrill-seeker could ask for, high mountain pass, lush meadows, deep forests, and stunning campsites. The journey begins from the beautiful town of Shimla, and trekking begins from Janglik, a charming village with wooden houses that showcase traditional Himalayan architecture. As the trek begins, the landscape constantly shifts from crossing the Pabba River to walking through dense pine, maple, and silver birch forests, each section more scenic than the last.

The famous Dayara Thach, a vast alpine meadow, greets you with beautiful views of the Dhauladhar range. The Litham campsite, one of the most beautiful spots on the trail, offers a stunning view of the Chandranahan waterfall, backed by snow-covered peaks. Summer is the perfect time to experience the Buran Ghati Pass Trek as the entire landscape bursts into life with vibrant wildflowers and lush greenery, making it one of the best summer treks in the Himalayas. 

6. Rupin Pass Trek

• Grade- Moderate to Difficult 
• Maximum Altitude- 15,350 ft. 
• Best Time- Summer 

If you’re looking for a trek that constantly surprises you with its ever-changing landscapes, Rupin Pass is the perfect adventure. This trek is a journey through diverse terrains, offering everything from lush green valleys to snow-covered slopes, rocky ridges to gushing water streams, making it one of the most exciting and best summer treks in the Himalayas. The highlight of this trek is the three-tiered Rupin waterfall, an awe-inspiring sight that you get to trek alongside, making the experience even more special. As you ascend, the scenery transforms dramatically, from the warmer green forests and vibrant meadows to the cold, snow-covered landscapes as you approach the high-altitude Rupin pass.

One of the most celebrated parts of the Rupin Pass Trek is its incredible campsites, especially Dandreyash Thatch, a vast alpine meadow surrounded by towering peaks, with a panoramic view of the Rupin waterfall. During summer, this meadow comes alive with a carpet of colorful wildflowers, making it feel like stepping into a dreamlike landscape. Every step on this trek presents you a beautiful frame and serenity. 

7. Sar Pass Trek

• Grade- Moderate 
• Maximum Altitude- 13,600 ft.
• Best Time- Summer

The Sar Pass Trek in Himachal Pradesh is another perfect summer adventure, offering you scenic landscapes in just five days. Nestled in the Parvati Valley, which is known for its natural beauty, spirituality, and rejuvenating atmosphere, this trek is an ideal escape. The journey begins from Kasol, a lively tourist hub famous for its cozy cafés, vibrant culture, and stunning riverside scenery. From here, the trail takes you through charming villages and scenic campsites like Grahan, Min Thatch, and Nagaru, each offering a unique trekking experience. Finally, you reach Sar Pass, the highest point of the trek, where a vast snow-covered meadow welcomes you with breathtaking panoramic views of surrounding Himalayan peaks.

What makes the Sar Pass Trek one of the best summer treks is its dramatic transition of landscapes. The trek begins with dense pine forests, gradually opening into flower-filled meadows, and eventually leading to snow-laden slopes, all within a matter of days. The final stretch is an exhilarating descent over snow, making it a thrilling experience for adventure seekers. Along the way, you will be treated with spectacular views of towering peaks, picturesque valleys, and serene rivers. If you’re looking for a trek that encapsulates the diverse beauty of the Himalayas in a short yet unforgettable journey, Sar Pass should definitely be on your list!

8. Bali Pass Trek

• Grade- Difficult 
• Maximum Altitude- 16,200 ft. 
• Best Time- Summer and Autumn

The Bali Pass Trek in Uttarakhand is an offbeat and lesser known summer trek, that lets you experience a thrilling pass climb, witness the natural beauty as you also explore the mountain village culture. Despite not being as popular as other Himalayan treks, this trail takes you through some of the most renowned and beautiful locations in the region, including Ruinsara Tal, Har Ki Dun Valley, Osla Village, and the sacred Yamunotri Dham, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. An intriguing fact about this trek is that it connects Har Ki Dun Valley to Yamunotri, making it a unique crossover trek. During your journey you would be surrounded by stunning peaks like  Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini. 

Beyond its natural beauty, the Bali Pass Trek is a journey through history and culture. Trekking through ancient villages like Osla and Gangad, which are believed to be ancient villages. A beautiful part of this trek is the Ruinsara Tal, a mesmerizing glacial lake surrounded by meadows and vibrant rhododendron blooms, making it an ideal summer getaway spot with a blooming landscape. The final climb to Bali Pass is the highlight of this trek, with a panoramic view of snow-capped peaks and deep valleys below. If you are seeking a challenging trail with amazing views and lots of experiences, Bali Pass is a must-do summer trek!

9. Phulara Ridge Trek

• Grade- Easy to Moderate 
• Maximum Altitude- 12,150 ft. 
• Best Time- Summer and Autumn

Ever walked along a ridge with mountains on both sides? That’s exactly what makes the Phulara Ridge Trek so special. As you walk along the narrow ridge, the views keep getting better, with valleys stretching endlessly on both sides and the Himalayan peaks standing tall in the distance. The trail is covered in blooming flowers, making it one of the most scenic and unique summer treks in Uttarakhand. Unlike other trails that lead to a summit, Phulara Ridge offers a thrilling experience of walking along an extended ridge, something that is rare in India.

This six-day trek is beginner-friendly, yet incredibly rewarding with its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. The trail passes through oak, pine, maple, and silver birch trees, while dwarf rhododendrons add splashes of color to the route. As you trek, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Kedarkantha, Swargarohini, and other majestic Himalayan peaks. This trek presents the best photography opportunities with most picturesque frames, making it ideal for photographers too. The serene meadows, dense forests, and rare ridge walk makes Phulara Ridge a must experience trek for every trekker. 

10. Beas Kund Trek

• Grade- Easy to Moderate 
• Maximum Altitude- 12,700 ft. 
• Best Time- Summer and Monsoon

The last in the list of suggestions from my side for the best summer treks is the serene and breathtaking Beas Kund Trek. Steeped in mythology and surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, this beginner-friendly trek in Himachal Pradesh takes you to the source of the Beas River, the same river that flows gracefully through Manali. According to legends, Maharishi Vyas, the sage who wrote the Mahabharata, used to bathe in this lake, and that is how it came to be known as Beas Kund.

This short trek offers panoramic views of Friendship Peak, Hanuman Tibba, and Shitidhar Peaks. The trail takes you through lush meadows, dense forests, and scenic valleys, making it an ideal summer trek if you want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas without an intense challenge. The easy grade and short duration make it perfect for beginners, experienced trekkers, and even families looking for an adventure together. If you’re short on time but still want a taste of the Himalayas, Beas Kund would be the perfect choice for you!

These are the 10 best summer treks in India, including treks for beginners too, each offering a unique experience. Whether you seek lush green meadows, snow-capped peaks, vibrant rhododendron forests, glacial lakes, or cultural encounters with Himalayan villages, there is a trek for every kind of explorer. Each of these trails holds a beauty beyond words, something that can only be truly felt when you walk through them and witness nature’s grandeur unfold before your eyes.

You can choose any of these treks based on what excites you the most and create your own stories and memories along the way. To make your trekking experience smooth and enjoyable, Trek the Himalayas can be your trusted companion, ensuring you enjoy the journey hassle-free and at its absolute best. So, pick your trek, pack your bags, and set out on an adventure that will stay with you forever!