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.

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.

View from the Deoriatal Lake View Point. Photo by: Jainami Shah

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. 

Pictured here is the Tshoka monastery as seen from the window of rhododendron flowers. Photo by Sourav Mukherjee

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.

The trekking experience in spring is pleasant with mild temperatures. And what makes it more beautiful are the blooming rhododendron trees and flowers throughout the trail. Photo by Shivank Dwivedi

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.

With the onset of spring comes the rhododendrons in full bloom. Photo by Nitesh Kumar

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.

The mystical Gangaad village, first campsite on the Har ki Dun trek. Photo by Jothiranjan

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.

A distant view of Mt Nanda Devi from the trail. Photo by Veeraj Desai

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.

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.

Arjun Majumdar’s Top 6 Spring Treks for 2025 

At Indiahikes, we have more than 50 treks, and new treks keep getting added every other day. Choosing among these treks is not easy. But when I picked the top seven treks to do in 2025, I went by the ones I really loved. 

I know many people may not agree with this list. But having explored treks across the lengths and breadths of our country, I believe if trekkers follow this list, they will get to see India for what it truly is. 

Here are my top seven treks to do in 2025.

Ali Bedni Bugyal is very close to my heart because it’s part of the famous Roopkund trek, which is where Indiahikes began. 

About 80% of the beauty of the Roopkund trek is on the Ali Bedni Bugyal trail. The famous oak forests, more than a thousand years old, are a wonder to walk through. The meadows and grasslands of Ali Bedni Bugyal are among the best in our country. 

What makes this trek even more special are the mountains that rise straight off the grasslands — Mount Trishul and Mount Nanda Ghunti. These moments stay with trekkers forever, which is why this trek is on my list of top seven treks to do.

Rupin Pass is a trek that reaches 15,500 feet. It requires a lot of preparation, but it’s one of those treks that surprises me every time I do it — even after countless times. 

What makes it unique is the sheer variety of surprises you encounter along the trail. Every hour, there’s something unexpected — snow bridges, the iconic Rupin waterfall (which you climb to the top of), the Rupin gully, and a dramatic pass crossing where the scenery completely changes on the other side. 

The cultural richness of this trek is unparalleled. The Rupin River flows alongside the trail from the beginning to the end, making it one of the most beautiful rivers I’ve seen on any trek.

This trek is fascinating and ranks extremely high on my list.

 Pin Bhaba Pass is a slightly challenging trek that connects the green valleys of Kinnaur with the barren desert of Spiti. 

The contrast on this trek is stark and stunning. You start the trek on a lush green trail, and by the time you cross the pass, you find yourself in Spiti’s cold desert. This sharp contrast is unlike anything you’ll see on any other trek in India. 

Just for this contrast alone, the Pin Bhaba Pass trek is a must-do. I firmly believe that if someone hasn’t done this trek, they haven’t experienced the true diversity of Indian treks.

Sandakphu is a trek in the northeastern part of our country that offers an entirely different experience.

What makes this trek unique is its Indo-Nepal culture. You constantly switch between India and Nepal along the trail, often without realizing it. 

The trek offers stunning views of the Sleeping Buddha formation, with the mighty Kanchenjunga range in the background. You also get to see four of the world’s tallest mountains — Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga. 

The tea-house culture on this trek adds a unique charm. It gives trekkers a glimpse into local life, influenced by Nepalese and Buddhist traditions. 

Sandakphu is a cultural and scenic experience that’s unlike any other trek in India.

The Ranthan Kharak trek is relatively new and not very well-known. It’s located in the Kumaon district of Uttarakhand. 

This trek offers magnificent views of Mount Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and the Panchachuli ranges. But what makes it truly special are the rhododendron forests. 

If you time your trek during March or April, you’ll witness the forests in full bloom, making it the best rhododendron trek in the country. Even in other seasons, the dense forests and clearings on this trek are mesmerizing. 

Despite being underrated, this trek is a hidden gem and absolutely deserves to be on the list of top seven treks.

 Most trekkers in India associate great treks with the Himalayas. But the Pench Tiger Trail in Central India proves that incredible trekking experiences exist outside the mountains too.

This trek takes you through the forests of Pench, which are rich in biodiversity. The omnipresence of wildlife — especially tigers — makes it a thrilling experience. 

The trail involves walking through rivers, streams, and unique campsites deep inside the forest. 

If trekkers haven’t explored the forests of the Pench Tiger Trail, they haven’t experienced the true indigenous wilderness of our country. 

This trek shows trekkers a different side of India, making it a must-do on my list.

7. Nafran Valley Trek, Jammu and Kashmir 

Jammu and Kashmir are famous for treks like Kashmir Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar. But these treks have become crowded. 

The Nafran Valley trek, on the other hand, is a hidden gem that offers the same beauty without the crowds.

This trek is an absolute treat for the eyes — with stunning valleys, grasslands, forests, rivers, streams, lakes, and even minor pass crossings. 

It’s a complete adventure and one of the most underrated treks in our country. 

If someone wants to explore the lesser-known beauty of Jammu and Kashmir, the Nafran Valley trek should be on their list.

There are many more treks I could recommend, but I’ll leave it at these seven. 

These treks offer a glimpse of India’s natural beauty and cultural richness, and I believe they should be on every trekker’s bucket list for 2025. 

So, get your gear ready and make plans to explore these breathtaking trails. Happy trekking!

Indiahikes runs over 50 treks in the country. New treks keep getting added every other day. Here is a list of 7 treks that will allow trekkers to see India for what it truly is.

Indiahikes Founder Arjun Majumdar's Top 7 Treks For 2025

Best Himalayan trek top himalayan trek Arjun Majumdar's top 7 treks

Winter trekking has evolved and transformed considerably since Indiahikes unveiled the Kedarkantha trek in 2011. Indeed a “first-of-its-own” moment for winter trekking in India. 

Now a decade later, the deep-snow treks in Uttarakhand have become the go-to experiences for adventurers during the colder months. The excitement and charm of winter trails in India have led to an ever-growing number of enthusiasts flocking to them each year.

Through this article, I want to recommend a list of terrific winter treks not just in the Himalayas but in central India too. The beauty of these treks is that they are accessible to beginners as well without too much fuss when it comes to preparing for it. 

Please note: These treks are listed in no particular order

Treks in Central India

Don’t be surprised to see central Indian treks featured in the list. I will tell you why I am putting across these treks for you to do in winter. 

Trekking in central India is comfortably possible in autumn and winter. Otherwise, during summer it’s extremely hot.

Central India blooms with the biodiversity during winter. Another reason, I have been noticing more and more people diverting to easy treks as it require less fitness preparation, and our treks in central India are a great option to begin. 

Even if you are just looking for the snow, I would still recommend you read through this section. 

1. Pench Tiger Trail - An ideal trek for beginners through the jungles of Pench Tiger reserve

Our founder and CEO, Arjun Majumdar, recently trekked in the Pench and now he is recommending everyone at our Bangalore office to go for the Pench Tiger Trail trek. He fell in love with the sheer amount of biodiversity that this trek offers.

Pench has been recognised as the reserve with the highest density of herbivores in the entire country. It is home to endangered animals like the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, the mighty Gaur, Indian wolf, and Sloth bear. 

Not just wildlife, Pench has such ideal forests for trekking, with beautifully carved trails (used by forest patrol officers). Deciduous canopies spread out above you; sometimes teak trees, sometimes mango, sometimes bamboo, and local trees like Mahua, Palash, and Arjun. The sheer variety in the trees is enchanting.

Nitesh, the chief explorer at Indiahikes, also says, “Winter is the perfect season to trek in the Pench National Park”. The temperature is perfect in the central Indian terrain for beginners to trek comfortably. 

2. Chattisgarh Jungle Trek - The Jungle Book Trek

If there’s a best time to witness the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek, it is autumn and winter. During the season, the temperature drops and becomes extremely conducive for trekking. 

It is hard for the settings of the Chhattisgarh Jungle trek not to set your imagination ablaze. The landscape is such that you are constantly transported to the mysterious world of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book. 

What makes the trek special is the omnipresence of wild animals (you do this trek only with forest rangers going along with you). Animal footprints are a common sight; a paw of a leopard, perhaps made half an hour ago, footmarks of chinkara, a bear print, elephants could be around the corner, and the chances of wildlife spotting are very high on this trek.

You would never see a jungle this beautiful coming alive with the sound of birds and calls of animals. Not just this, walking on a river (Gopat River) and camping on its beaches is the rarest of rare experiences even for experienced trekkers.

3. Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek - Island camping trek on the backwaters of Hirakud Dam 

Debrigarh, more than a wildlife sanctuary, is a natural wonder. In our experience of taking trekkers outdoors, never before have we seen such diverse ecosystems in a single place. This season is a treat for trekkers. As the water level recedes, newer islands come to life, setting up a perfect home for migratory birds coming in winter. 

A thing about Debrigarh that I will share with my fellow trekkers is that visiting Debrigarh is not unique. But trekking on its trails is! 

As you make your way through bamboo thickets and dense canopy, you are constantly reminded of the diverse flora and fauna of this region. All of us at Indiahikes believe, an island hopping experience that like is a rare phenomenon on any of the other treks

With all the biodiversity and landscapes this trek offers, it becomes a must-do trek for anyone who wants to get introduced to nature. 

4. Narmada Backwaters Trek - Trek along Narmada's serene Waterfall, Streams and Hills

"Even though I have been exploring treks in MP since 2017, this place is unlike any other. I saw waterfalls, hilltops, streams and the whole backwaters, all within two days," shares Nitesh Kumar, Chief Explorer of Indiahikes.

the Narmada Backwaters Trek is a wonderful mix of the natural beauty of Madhya Pradesh, its rich culture and adventure. From the hidden waterfalls to the backwaters to the summit views, it's a power-packed three-day trek.

The astonishing part is that you can do all of these on an extended weekend since it is just a three-day trek. If you're based out of Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune or any nearby cities, this trek is a godsend. 

5. Goa Netravali Forest Trek -  The Real Taste of Goa

Through this trek, you will explore the side of Goa you never imagined. This trek offers dramatic landscape views and a sheer amount of biodiversity that will take your breath away.

Walking through Netravali is like entering a hidden botanical paradise. The trail of our Goa Netravali trek is surrounded by dense forests, and a chorus of birdsong accompanies us all the way. 

Our trek leaders often define this trek as a journey through Goa’s hidden gems—its untouched forests, peaceful villages, and fascinating history. It’s not just about reaching a destination, but about experiencing the real essence of Goa. 

Treks in the Himalayas

Below I am listing beginner-friendly treks in the Himalayas. 

I want you to carefully note that all of these I am mentioning below fall under the easy and easy-moderate category. But they all require a good amount of fitness, especially in winter, when there is a likely presence of snow. 

6. Kedarkantha - One of the finest summit climbs for beginners

This is our most popular winter trek. Every year, our groups are filled months in advance for this one trek. 

Kedarkantha has been around since 2011, when Indiahikes first opened it up for trekking. Since that day, it has been loved by trekkers and the love for this trek is only growing in lengths 

This trek attracts both seasoned trekkers and beginners, thanks to its stunning snow-covered forests, beautiful campsites, and thrilling summit climb. It's no surprise that we have positioned it as the finest summit climb for beginners.

7. Dayara Bugyal - An ideal Himalayan trek for beginners and families

You will fall in love with trekking if you are introduced to the world of trekking through the Dayara Bugyal trek. At any time of the year, this is the trek I would recommend to all beginners.  

These meadows are completely blanketed in snow in winter. Dayara Bugyal has all the elements of a perfect Himalayan trek: superb forests, beautiful campsites, ancient villages, thrilling climbs to high points, wonderful mountain views and one of the best alpine meadows of Uttarakhand.

In winter, the meadows and forest floor lie asleep under the powdery snow. This makes it an all-season trek. With so much going for it, Dayara Bugyal is one of the best beginner treks in India to try out as a first-timer or take your family along.

8. Kuari Pass - A perfect winter trek with the grandest mountain views of Uttarakhand

If you are stepping into the Himalayas for the first time then Kuari Pass is the trek to do. It is almost crafted perfectly for beginners. 

After receiving the first snowfall of the season, it turns into a delightful snow trek. It has everything a trek ought to have – You go through ancient forests filled with rustic oak and deodar trees. Just as your eyes are getting used to the tree canopy above, the trail opens into meadows. This interplay of different kinds of landscapes makes the trek very exciting. 

Out of all the winter treks in India, If you ask me, Kuari Pass is a near-perfect trek for beginners. 

9. Brahmatal Trek - One of the best alpine lake treks for Beginners

The Brahmatal trek is one of the best winter treks in Uttarakhand. While most of the alpine lakes in Kashmir are inaccessible due to snow accumulation in the winter, the trek to Brahmatal allows you to not only reach an alpine lake but also camp near it. 

Winter is the best time for the Brahmatal trek. The snow can be here till the middle of April. Snow blankets the trails, which snake through deep forest sections, climb to the ridge at Jhandi Top and finally settle on the frozen lakes. This is something that trekkers don’t see often on treks. 

10. Deoriatal Chandrashila - A summit climb to one of India's best panoramas

This trek can give you an unparalleled experience. From the top of the summit, you see perhaps the greatest mountain views of our Indian Himalayas. It is like a grand feast — there is so much to take in that you cannot take all of it in

In winter, with snow all around, climbing to the summit is an adventure that people do not forget for a lifetime. We have noticed trekkers breaking down in tears at the summit, such as the feeling of elation and a sense of accomplishment. 

This was our compilation of the best winter treks for beginners for the season 2024-2025. For the real taste of rich biodiversity, I would recommend all beginners to step on our central Indian treks. 

If you have any questions related to this post, you can ask in the comment section. I will get back to you as soon as possible. 

Winter trekking has evolved and transformed considerably since Indiahikes unveiled the Kedarkantha trek in 2011. The deep-snow treks in Uttarakhand have become the go-to experiences for adventurers during the colder months. Here's a recommendation of terrific winter treks not just in the Himalayas but in central India too.

10 Best Winter Treks for Beginners in India

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10 Best Winter Treks for Beginners in India 2024-2025

Almost 50% of our calls and emails every day are from trekkers who need help choosing a trek. They're always worried about whether they are making the right choice of trek, especially in terms of difficulty and timing. 

So if you have a similar concern, you're not alone. 

Having observed trekkers for over a decade, we find that around 60% of our trekkers are usually confused about which trek to do. 

The other 40% have usually heard about a certain trek from their friends and have already made up their minds about which trek to do. 

So how do you choose a trek and time it right?

To begin with, there are two possible cases here. 

You have holidays in a certain month and need to choose a trek.

You already have a trek in mind, you need to select the best time to do it. 

Let’s talk about both of these cases: 

You want to choose a Himalayan trek as per holidays

│Case 1: You have holidays in a certain month and you want to choose a Himalayan trek

This is the most common case with many of the trekkers. They can take leaves in a certain month and hence, they choose to trek in that particular month only. So, in this case, your first task is to zero down on a month during which you want to trek. Your second aim here is to choose a trek which is at its best in that month. 

Each trek has a certain season during which it is at its best. We are very particular that every trek that we run must give a trekker a well-rounded experience of the Himalayas. It must have variety -- forests, meadows, lovely mountain views, a gratifying climb, and a “wow” factor.

For example, the Buran Ghati Trek is at its best in May, June, Sept and October. That’s why we run it only in these months.

On the other hand, treks like Deoriatal-Chandrashila and Dayara Bugyal are great treks almost 9 months in a year. They are constantly transforming. You see snow in winter. Flowers in spring. Greenery in summer. Striking mountain views in autumn. They’re beautiful in different ways in every season.

Below I have curated a list of best treks to do each month. These are carefully shortlisted treks based on our experience of trekking in the Himalayas extensively. They are sorted by their difficulty levels. Note: We also have non-Himalayan treks. These are great if you are looking to start small.

Click on the name of any trek and it will lead you to the trek page with details.

While choosing a trek, it is extremely important to consider the difficulty level as well. For this, you must read the trek details. We have an extremely detailed page dedicated to each trek, and you’ll find most information you need on it. 

We write in detail about what is good about the trek, when is it at its best, and when must you go. However, for the best time to do the trek you will get your answers within the first few minutes of getting to the trek page, usually within the first fold. You do not have to go looking deep. 

You have already chosen a Himalayan trek & you need to find the best time to do it

│Case 2: You have already chosen a Himalayan trek, now you need to find the best time to do it

If you already have a trip in mind, then it’s a lot easier for you. Just choose the best time of the year to do the trek and go for it. 

Now I must be straight with you here. You cannot always expect your favourite trek and the best time to do it to fall into place neatly. Sometimes the best time to do the trek may not match your holiday plans. 

If you ever come to that situation, always put the best time to do the trek over any other criteria, even office leaves or annual holidays. A trek is a lifetime experience. You want to get the best out of it. You need to do the trek when it is at its best. 

Check out the table above as we curate most of our treks and the best time to do it. You can also search for your chosen trek on the website and read through the details mentioned. 

The Kedarkantha Trek is an evergreen trek that you can do almost throughout the year. Each season the trek wears different colours. Picture by Vivek HJ

How do we define trek difficulty?

As I stated earlier, trek difficulty is an extremely important criteria to consider while choosing your first Himalayan trek.

1.) Easy or Easy-Moderate Treks: If you’re a beginner, the easy or easy-moderate treks will suit you well. If you’re a senior (above 58) or you’re trekking with children below 10, then the easy and easy-moderate treks are a good starting point. 

2.) Moderate Treks: If you’re a fit beginner, who works out regularly, you could also choose one of the moderate treks. They’re not too hard, but have a few tricky sections, and longer days.

3.) Moderate-Difficult Treks: For moderate-difficult treks, you ideally need prior high-altitude trek experience. That will help you enjoy the trek better. But you can also attempt them as your first trek if you have a strict fitness routine. The days are long on these treks, they climb to higher altitudes and there are more tricky sections.

4.) Difficult Treks: For the difficult treks, prior experience is required. 

Note that most of the treks on our website are doable by a fit person, whatever the grading. Having said that, all treks need physical preparation for at least a month, even those labelled “easy.”

We have a motto “Everyone Must Trek” because a trek transforms lives! Read through the trek information page of the trek you are planning to do. Have any doubts? Comment down & I will answer them as soon as possible.

Trek trivia: Most people believe the tallest mountain in India is the Kanchenjunga at 8,586m (28,170 ft). But did you know that the base of Kanchenjunga is not completely in India? The tallest mountain with it’s entire base in India, is Mt Nanda Devi, at 7,816 m (25,640 ft). Mt Nanda Devi is in Uttarakhand. You get the best views of Mt Nanda Devi from our Kuari Pass trek.

Choosing your first himalayan trek is not easy. Arjun Majumdar tells you how to narrow down your options to that one perfect trek you want to do!

How To Choose Your First Himalayan Trek

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If you have to bookmark just one article on our entire website, this would be the one. 

This is a guide to the top 4 treks of every season. It covers all our seasons:

Spring (Mar, Apr): Ranthan Kharak, Deoriatal – Chandrashila, Brahmatal, Sandakphu – Phalut

Summer (May, Jun): Brammah Valley, Buran Ghati, Rupin Pass, Gaumukh Tapovan

Monsoon (Jul, Aug, Mid-Sep): Hampta Pass, Pir Panjal Lakes Trek, Tarsar Marsar, Tuliyan Lake

Post-Monsoon (Mid-Sep to Mid-Oct): Surya Top, Har Ki Dun, Goechala, Chandrakhani Pass

Autumn (Mid-Oct to Nov): Phulara Ridge, Kuari Pass, Ali Bedni Bugyal, Pench Mowgli Trek

Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb): Kedarkantha, Dayara Bugyal, Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek, Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

It is an exhaustive guide and a very long read. I suggest you read this guide in parts. 

The treks suggested here are a culmination of a decade-long experience of guiding trekkers on their first Himalayan treks. We know what’s good for beginners, and what’s good every season. 

This is a time of the year when there’s still snow on all treks (till the end of April), and the greenery is just beginning to blossom. It is also a special time because Himalayan rhododendrons bloom at this time of the year. Rhododendrons are what cherry blossoms are to Japan. The entire hillside comes alive in a sweep of colours! If you ask us, this is the most rewarding season for any beginner to go to the Himalayas. Treks are not too strenuous, and they’re incredibly visually rewarding! 

1. Ranthan Kharak - Discover the wonderful hidden clearings of Kumaon

On this trek, there are some stunning clearings to trek through. And we strongly believe everyone must witness these hidden clearings of Kumaon! 

Ranthan Kharak Trek is a gem in the Kumaon Himalayas that our trekking community still needs to discover. It is a rare opportunity that you must not let go of. On this trek, you see India's highest peak, Nanda Devi, and its sister peak, Sunanda Devi (also known as Nanda Devi East). We can see the sun rise over these two formidable peaks from our Chophu camp. On our right, sticking out of the clouds is the impressive, jagged peak of Nanda Kot. 

But there is more to Ranthan Kharak. The forests are exceptionally dense and deep. Flora and fauna enchant every moment. During the spring, rhododendrons bloom very beautifully bringing in exceptionally marvellous views to the journey. You should definitely go there to soak in the most wonderful beauty of rhododendrons. The trees and birds in the virgin forests are just as diverse as the ones we see on our Goechala Trek.

2. Deoriatal-Chandrashila -- The trek with the best summit views of Uttarakhand 

On most Himalayan treks, you usually see mountain ranges at a distance. But on the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek, you see them very close. It is not just a section of Himalayan ranges that you see. You see all the major summits of Western and Eastern Uttarakhand from the summit. By all, we mean all. 

You see Nanda Devi, the highest mountain in India. Then, you see Mt Trishul, the first 7,000-metre summit to be climbed by man, Mt Nanda Ghunti, Mt Kamet (the second highest summit in India), Mt Dunagiri, Mt Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome, Kedarnath, Mt Thalaysagar, the Gangotri ranges, and more! It is a 270-degree view of all the tallest mountains in India. Nowhere on a trek that is so easily approachable do you get to see all these summits so close.

The Deoriatal Chandrashila has another attraction in March and April. Amongst all our treks in Uttarakhand, the Deoraital Chandrashila has the most variety of rhododendrons. The entire hillside is on fire! It’s a sight that you are unlikely to see anywhere else in the world. This is hands down ourbest rhododendron treks in Indian Himalayas

3. Brahmatal - The trek with the best views of Mt Trishul & Mt Nanda Ghunti

This is our co-founder Sandhya's favourite trek. When you stand anywhere near the Brahmatal ridge, you get a riveting view of two of the most celebrated mountains in India — Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti. They are extremely close and right in front. You also see the entire Roopkund trail laid out before you — literally a bird’s-eye view. If you don’t know about Roopkund, it is a trek to the mysterious lake at 16,000 feet, where human skeletons from the 9th century AD can still be found. The trek is unfortunately closed, due to government orders. 

Moving on to Brahmatal, it is also the only trek that we have where you get to see two mountain lakes -- Bekaltal and Brahmatal. 

Choose this if you want grand mountain views, a superb forest experience, and the two mountain lakes. The snow can be here till the mid of April. This is also a trail where you see blooming rhododendron forests in March and April. 

We highly recommend reading our co-founder Sandhya Chandrasekharayya’s account of the trek here.

Here are the top 4 treks to do in each season, starting from spring to winter. This expert guide will help you with your next trek.

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