When I was younger, I preferred summer treks. Then I got fascinated with winter treks. But now, at this stage of my life, I just love spring treks.

Why do I love spring treks? It’s because of the freshness they bring. Winter is just ending, the nip is still in the air, and the last of the winter snows linger. But alongside them, fresh blooms begin to appear, their fragrance fills the air, the forests come alive with birdsong, and colours explode all around.

The summer haze hasn’t set in yet, so the skies are still clear, making for stunning summit views. That’s why spring has become my favourite trekking season, and I’m looking forward to some of the greatest spring treks we have. At Indiahikes, we offer around 18 spring treks, and I’m not surprised that trekkers are often confused about which one to choose. Today, I’ll pick my favourite spring treks and let trekkers decide for themselves.

1. Deoriatal-Chandrashila

The first trek I want everyone to experience is Deoriatal-Chandrashila. It’s a well-known summit climb, offering fantastic summit views. But don’t do this trek in spring just for the views—do it for the rhododendrons you’ll see in full bloom.

Until a few months ago, Deoriatal-Chandrashila was the rhododendron trek in our country. Especially on the second and third days, you’ll walk through sections ablaze with scarlets, pinks, and reds, carpeting the ground with fallen petals. It’s a mesmerizing sight.

Through the rhododendron trees, you’ll see Mount Chaukhamba rising dramatically from the meadows, along with the grand summits of the Himalayas peeking through the canopy. Trekkers are bound to be smitten by this landscape.

Even at Deoriatal itself, people often talk about the reflection of Chaukhamba in the lake, but no one mentions the rhododendron trees surrounding it and the breathtaking mountain views framed through them. That’s why Deoriatal-Chandrashila is a trek I want every trekker to do.

2. Goechala

I want to be very clear—you need to prepare for this trek. It’s not an easy one; it’s a difficult trek. But if you set aside the difficulty, Goechala is my next must-do rhododendron trek.

When I did this trek, I remember walking for two whole hours under a dense rhododendron canopy. Flowers kept falling on my head as I walked. The colours changed as I gained altitude—scarlets and reds in the lower hills, pinks and yellows in the upper regions, and finally, the dwarf rhododendrons at the highest points.

As the trail opens up, you’re greeted by a spectacular mountain landscape. I saw birdlife in Goechala that I haven’t seen on many other treks. The rhododendrons attract birds, insects, and butterflies in droves. My birder friends couldn’t stop taking photographs—it’s that rich in biodiversity.

Goechala is a trek that offers extremely high biodiversity and unforgettable scenery. 

3. Ranthan Kharak

We used to call Goechala and Deoriatal the best rhododendron treks in India. But Ranthan Kharak surpasses them both—it’s the mother of all rhododendron treks.

The density of rhododendrons you’ll see here, especially in March and April, is unparalleled. This is the time to experience this trek at its peak.

Beyond the rhododendron forests, you’ll get breathtaking views of the Kumaon Himalayas—the Panchachuli range, Mount Nanda Devi, and Mount Nanda Kot. The final ridge walk to the summit is thrilling. The untouched forests and clearings are stunning.

I could go on and on about this trek because it has so much to offer, yet you won’t see a single crowd. My advice? Make this trek a priority before it becomes popular. It’s the top rhododendron trek in the country.

4. Khopra Ridge (Nepal)

The next trek on my list isn’t in India—it’s in Nepal. It’s the Khopra Ridge trek.

Khopra Ridge is close to the famous Annapurna Base Camp trek. But if you ask me, Khopra Ridge beats Annapurna Base Camp hollow. You don’t just see one or two summits—you see 23 of the world’s highest peaks, up close.

Dhaulagiri accompanies you for much of the trek. You also see Machapuchare, Annapurna, and a continuous panorama of the Himalayas. When you finally climb Khopra Ridge, you reach an elevation of over 15,000 feet—grand views, grand altitude.

In spring, the rhododendrons are in full bloom. The skies are crystal clear. The high-altitude experience combined with Nepal’s famous tea-house culture makes this an unforgettable trek.

The only caution is this is a high-altitude trek. Prepare well. But if you do, you’ll get an international trekking experience unlike any other.

5. Har Ki Dun

This trek doesn’t get talked about enough in spring, but I believe it’s a must-do.

Har Ki Dun is a valley trek, and in spring, as the snow melts, the valley turns lush. Springs and brooks gush through the landscape. The forests come alive with birdsong. Grasslands burst with flowers—whites, yellows, pinks. The last patches of snow cling to the mountainsides, making for breathtaking scenery.

You’ll be surrounded by towering peaks—Swargarohini, Black Peak, and others. The trek inches you closer to them with every step.

What I love about this trek is its cultural richness. Har Ki Dun is known as the “Valley of the Gods.” The temples, the architecture, the unique culture of the villages—it’s fascinating. The Boslo forests here are enchanting, yet hardly anyone talks about them.

Then there’s Devsu Thach. Outside Kashmir, if you ask me which is the best meadow to visit, it’s Devsu Thach. It looks like a landscape designed by the gods.

Har Ki Dun has too much going for it. In spring, as it comes alive, it’s a trek you must do.

6. Kuari Pass

Finally, Kuari Pass. This trek needs no introduction. It’s one of the most popular treks in India, and for good reason.

Even in spring, it’s a crowded trek, but my advice? Spring is the least crowded season. And it’s the best time to go.

Why? Because when you reach Kuari Pass and step onto the ridge, you see the greatest mountains of the Indian Himalayas—Nanda Devi, Kamet, Hathi Ghoda, and Chaukhamba. One after the other, they line up before you, forming a breathtaking panorama.

From our own Indiahikes campus, you can see Mount Dronagiri right in front of you. The sunrise and sunset colours on it are spectacular.

The forests on this trek are unlike any other. I’ve seen forests on many treks, but the ones on Kuari Pass will mesmerize you. And then there’s Gorson Bugyal—an expansive meadow where you can take in the mountains at leisure.

Spring is the best time for this trek. The skies are clear, the air is crisp but not unbearably cold, and you can stand and take in the views for as long as you like.

Final Thoughts

These are my top six treks to do in spring. I could have talked about many more—India has endless treks. But these are my favourites, and they’re ones I would revisit again and again.