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.

4. Sandakphu - Where you see 4 of the tallest summits in the world

This is our trek with the biggest cultural experience. It’s a trek on the border of India and Nepal, constantly weaving in and out of the two countries (feels very international, we tell you!). You get a peek into what the Nepali trekking culture is like. It also gives you views of four of the tallest summits in the world — Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu and Mt Kanchenjunga. No other trek gives you that.

Not many trekkers know this, but on this trek, you stay in tea houses for a few days, and you also get the Indiahikes camping experience for 2 days. It’s a great way to get both experiences of a comfortable stay and camping in the wilderness. While you get snow on this trek till March end, it is not as much as our Uttarakhand or Himachal treks. 

Summer has traditionally been the most sought-after season to trek in. This is also the season for very high-altitude trekking. Many of our summer treks climb up to around 15,000 ft. It’s one of the few seasons when these high-altitude treks are accessible. High-altitude treks come with the added thrill of altitude and adventure. You must capitalise on that.

1. Brammah Valley - Witness Jammu's cultural richness in one trek

The Brammah Valley trek offers stunning views of the four prominent peaks of Kishtwar, all above 6,000 m. Getting so close to such big summits on a trek is rare. On this trek, you are trekking through the heart of the Kishtwar National Park. Kishtwar is known for its dense forest. The Kishtwar valley is also known for its alpine meadows and high-altitude wetlands. Our Brammah Valley trek takes us through each of these wonders. 

The Nath River accompanies you throughout the trek. Even while trekking in the deep forests, you constantly hear the river. In the extensive grasslands of Kiddar Maidan, beside the silently gliding Nath River, is where we camp. If there were awards for the most beautiful campsites on our treks — this would be one of the top contenders.

2. Buran Ghati - A grand buffet of India's greatest treks

Buran Ghati is by far the most beautiful trek we have seen — it has the best parts of India’s greatest treks stitched together in one trek. 

This trek has the prettiest forest sections, two of the most ancient villages on treks, unimaginably beautiful Dayara meadows, and the most thrilling pass crossing at 15,000 feet, where you rappel down a snow wall! It must be the world’s highest rappelling point. It’s an incredible trek for its scenery. It’s no surprise that it’s a favourite at Indiahikes.

3. Rupin Pass - A change In scenery at every turn

If there is a classic favourite trek of India, it has to be the Rupin Pass. This trek is like an orchestra, building up momentum with surprises in scenery every hour or so. With every step, the trek throws up a new vista to see, and new scenery to unfold. They come on you quite suddenly.

The surprises begin right from your first day of trekking. Around 20 minutes into the trail,  you see the Rupin River suddenly make an appearance, fanning out into a wide bed below you. From here, the trail takes you through hanging villages and then quite suddenly it plunges into a deep gorge! The trail then meanders through a sudden pine forest, glacial meadows, snow bridges, glacial valleys, snow fields and hundreds of waterfalls, including the famous Rupin waterfalls!

It culminates in a thrilling pass-crossing through a narrow snow gully. Climbing the echoing Rupin gully is a highlight. If you’re a fit trekker, then Rupin Pass is one of the best summer treks to do.

4. Gaumukh-Tapovan - A trek to the true source of the river Ganga (and the base of Mt Shivling)

Gaumukh Tapovan is one of the oldest treks in the country. It is a trek that fascinates trekkers for multiple reasons. 

The trek takes you to the true source of river Ganga - the Gaumukh glacier. The glacier is gigantic, towering over you, so high that you have to crane your neck to see its top. When you are standing in front of the mouth of the glacier, the magnitude and aura of where you are standing - the birthplace of the lifeline of our country -  strikes you. The mouth of the glacier calves every now and then with giant blocks of ice, the size of cars, breaking away and falling down in a thunderous sound. 

However, one of the biggest reasons why trekkers love this trek is that it takes you right up to the base of Mt Shivling, one of the most beautiful mountains in the Indian Himalayas. It stands alone, majestic, with its own towering pyramid. On a clear day when the golden sunsets on Mt Shivling, people kneel down and pray, such is its impact. 

| 4 Best Monsoon Treks (July, August, Mid-September) 

Many trekkers think that monsoon rains block out all the Himalayan trails. They think all trails might be too slushy and rainy to trek. But that’s not true. It’s absolutely possible to trek in this season. You just have to know which treks to do. Read these pro-tips before going forward.

1. Hampta Pass - One of the most dramatic crossover treks In the Himalayas

This trek is one of the most dramatic cross-over treks that we have. The stark change in scenery between one side of the trek and the other is astounding. 

The drama begins with the first campsite, Jobra, which is at the edge of the forest. The next campsite Jwara is a wildflower meadow at the meeting point of a valley! Then there is the fjord-like Balu Ka Gera and the desert oasis of Shea Goru. For a relatively short trek (5 days of trekking), it is chock-full of rapid changes in scenery.

Then you have the Hampta pass crossing, which is the cherry on top. You leave behind the lush Kullu valley and cross the pass to a different world below: the deserts of Lahaul. From the pass, you see the Lahaul Valley and surrounding mountains in one wide panoramic sweep. This is one of the most incredible twists in landscapes you will see!

2. Pir Panjal Lakes Trek - The hidden gem of Jammu & Kashmir 

You will hardly see any other treks in Kashmir with such dense forests. It's a mix of pine and oak. You will also get to witness the deafening sounds of cicadas and birds.

Not just the dense forests, there’s so much more to witness on Pir Panjal: The massive alpine lakes and the adventurous climbs to the passes, which acted as vantage points to view the lakes. And then the meadows!!! I can’t even tell you how beautiful they look! Four different meadows over six days. What a sight! Thera, Paindhari, Kuan and Byad which extends to Sarota. Each was magnificent in its own right. Multiple valleys snaked out of the meadows. Streams flowed in abundance. Mountains bordered the meadows like gentle giants.

Along with stunning meadows and an alpine lake, the Tulian Lake trek has something that our other treks in Kashmir do not: the famous flora of Kashmir. There are pine, fir, chir, and spruce trees. 

The turquoise blue Tulian Lake at 12,000 ft, with icy bergs floating on it, is unlike our other Kashmir lakes. Beyond the lake's snowy reaches are snow-capped peaks that soar over 15,000 feet. Being in the towering presence of such mountains on the edge of a lake is something a trekker is unprepared for. 

The Tulian Lake trek is a complete Kashmir trek. It has some of the most incredible forests, the grandest meadows, jaw-dropping clearings, stunning valleys in which you camp, and a gorgeous alpine lake.

4. Tarsar Marsar - Arguably the prettiest trek in India

Tarsar Marsar is a trek where alpine lakes take a life of their own. You get to circumvent the entire perimeter of Tarsar and Sundersar, offering you multiple perspectives of the very same lake!

Then there is the elusive Marsar, almost always hidden under a shroud of clouds. We see this lake from an overhang, sitting 600–700 ft below. It is a perfect spot to witness the grandeur of the lake, with the sun rising right above it. This is until dollops of clouds waft their way through the U-shaped valley and settle above the lake. The lake disappears from view within seconds!

The Tarsar Marsar trek takes you right to the heart of Kashmir. From the quaint village of Aru to the clearings of Lidderwat.

| 4 Best Post-Monsoon Treks (Mid-September to Mid-October) 

Just after a monsoon, there’s a small window when our high-altitude treks open up again (treks above 14,000 ft). This is a brilliant time to trek because the sky gets clear and sharp. It results in stunning views of mountains. It’s also a good chance for beginners to try out slightly tougher treks, as they become a notch easier without snow. 

1. Har Ki Dun - A 500 year old culture trek

Har Ki Dun is a trek that needs no introduction. Trekkers have always trod upon these trails to witness the beautiful Swargarohini massif from Har Ki Dun. 

We wanted to show trekkers a side of the Har-Ki-Dun trek they rarely see. So we chose a route different from the regular trail, which includes terrific scenic beauty on the new route while retaining the ancient charm of the old route, at the heart of which still lies a journey towards the beautiful Swargarohini peaks. 

The new route through Boslo winds through dense conifers and oaks in the shadow of the mountains before emerging into daylight. Snow patches glide into the forest from high above, sometimes cutting through the forest floor. Another hidden area is just after the Boslow Forest; we cross the Ruinsara Gad and climb to the Devsu Thatch. Little is written about Devsu Thatch in the trekking world, yet it is among the most beautiful trek scenes.

We could go on talking about the Har Ki Dun trek. But we could write several scrolls about this and not be done. It's best experienced firsthand

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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