Arjun Majumdar’s Top 6 Summer Treks for 2025

Editor’s note: Our founder rarely plays favourites. But when we pushed him to pick treks he’d do himself, he gave in. With over 30 years of exploring and documenting trails across the Indian Himalayas, Arjun brings deep insight and a personal lens to trekking in India. These aren’t just any treks — they are his handpicked favourites, drawn from years of experience and a genuine love for the mountains. If you're looking for treks that go beyond the ordinary and leave a lasting impression, this list is for you.

Do you know how difficult it is for me to choose my favourite summer treks out of the 22 we offer? But I actually sat down and made a list of my top six. These may not be the most popular treks, but if trekkers do them, they’ll experience some of the finest trekking our country has to offer.

1. Surya Top

My first favourite trek is Surya Top. I’ve done this trek twice — in different seasons, in different directions, and in different years. Once in the early years of Indiahikes, and once much later. And every single time, I’ve come back wondering — why doesn’t the world talk more about this trek?

Surya Top lies right next to the Dayara Bugyal trail, one of our country's most popular treks. Yet beside it is this golden trail that barely sees any trekkers — and that’s exactly what draws me to it.

If you asked me to compare Surya Top with Dayara Bugyal, I’d say Surya Top is at least two notches above in terms of views. The expansive meadows you see from the top are absolutely mesmerising. Right in front of you stands Bandarpunch; to your right, the Gangotri range — including Mt Gangotri III, Mt Jaonli and others — all towering in magnificent silence. As you walk along the ridge, meadow after meadow unfolds beneath you.

The final summit climb offers a commanding view of the entire mountain range — what we call the Central Garhwal Himalayas. It’s a moderate trek, and I truly believe it’s one of the best in the Indian Himalayas, especially for those starting out on high-altitude trails.

2. Rupin Pass

My next favourite — and this shouldn’t come as a surprise — is Rupin Pass. It’s a trek that Indiahikes put on the Indian trekking map way back in 2009–2010. And ever since then, it has been one of India’s most-loved high-altitude treks.

Why is it so well-loved? Because of the sheer variety and surprises it offers — something I haven’t seen on any other trek in our country. The constantly changing terrain keeps you guessing. You’ll come across massive waterfalls, long snow gullies, deep pine forests, and quaint Himalayan villages — all packed into one trek.

Climbing the Rupin waterfall, traversing the long stretch to the base of the Rupin gully, and then making your way up to the pass — these are the kind of adventures that define trekking. Rupin Pass is not for those looking for an easy trail. It’s for trekkers seeking a real adventure.

And when you stand on that pass and look back at what you’ve crossed — the landscapes, the effort, the journey — the sense of accomplishment you feel will stay with you for years, as it has with me.

3. Kedartal

Summer is the only season when you can do some of the high-altitude alpine lake treks in our country. Yes, September–October is another season, but summer is perhaps the best time for these treks.

When I talk about high-altitude treks, I mean trails that go above 15,000–16,000 feet. At those altitudes, the scenery is unlike anything you see on 12,000 or 13,000 ft treks like Kuari Pass.

Kedartal is one such trek. When you stand at the shores of Kedartal, this vast alpine lake, you’ll see more than ten prominent peaks — Mt Thalaysagar, Mt Bhrigupanth, Mt Jogin and more — all rising dramatically before you. You’re literally at the base of some of the biggest mountaineering expeditions in our country. That’s the kind of rawness and majesty this trek offers.

And to think it takes only about three days to reach the lake! It’s a challenging trek, but it doesn’t require any technical skill — just good fitness. It’s one of the most adventurous treks you can do in summer. Plus, there are barely any trekkers on the trail. You get to experience the grandeur of the mountains in complete solitude.

That’s why Kedartal ranks high on my list of summer treks.

4. Buran Ghati

Fourth on my list is Buran Ghati. Again, this is a trek that Indiahikes introduced to Indian trekking.

And my goodness — what a trek it is! I haven’t met a single trekker — among the thousands who’ve done this trail — who’s said they didn’t love it. Not one.

If there’s one trek in India that’s perfect in every possible way, it’s Buran Ghati.

From beautiful mountain villages and forest trails to high-altitude meadows and thrilling pass crossings — it has everything. The culture, the people, the landscape — all come together beautifully. It’s as if someone handpicked the best parts of multiple treks and stitched them into one.

Not a single section of the trail is dull or repetitive. That’s what makes Buran Ghati so special. It deserves to be on every trekker’s list of top Indian treks — especially in summer.

5. Phulara Ridge

Next on my list is Phulara Ridge. I genuinely don’t understand why trekkers crowd the Kedarkantha trail or Har Ki Dun, yet overlook this gem tucked in between — Phulara Ridge.

This trek gives you the best of both. You get the deep forests of Kedarkantha and the ancient valley views of Har Ki Dun — plus something very few trails in our country offer: a long, scenic ridge walk.

It baffles me that more trekkers haven’t discovered this trail — and in a way, I’m glad. Because the few who do, get to experience its pristine beauty.

You walk through dense forests, open into breathtaking clearings, then climb up to the ridge and walk on it for hours, with mountains on either side. It’s a rare experience.

Our trekking community needs to stop blindly following what’s trending and explore treks like Phulara Ridge — trails that will stay with them forever.

6. Beas Kund

Finally, sixth on my list is Beas Kund in Himachal Pradesh. Now, Beas Kund is the source of the river Beas — but that’s not the only reason it’s special. What’s truly captivating is the setting. You’re walking in a valley flanked by two of the greatest mountain ranges in our country — the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges.

What surprises me is how few trekkers venture onto this trail. Right next to it are the Hampta Pass and Bhrigu Lake trails, which are often overcrowded. But Beas Kund — which is just as good, if not better — remains relatively quiet.

It’s an easy trek, not too strenuous, which makes it ideal for beginners. And yet the mountain views are jaw-dropping. The landscape keeps changing, and it’s beautiful from start to finish.

That’s why Beas Kund makes it to my list of the best summer treks.

If you noticed, I haven’t picked only the popular trails. I’ve picked treks I’ve personally done, treks I know are deeply fulfilling.

When trekkers choose trails like these — instead of just going with what’s trending — they return with richer experiences and deeper memories.

These are the treks that stay with you. And that’s why these are my Top 6 Summer Treks to do this year.

It wasn’t easy narrowing down from the 22 options we have, but I hope I’ve done justice to the best that the Indian Himalayas offer in summer.