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.

The meadows open up in every direction, the rolling hills and green expanses stretch out before you like a vast, untouched canvas. The wide-open horizon gives you a sense of openness, making you feel like you could keep walking forever, surrounded by nothing but nature. Photo by Santosh Kardak.

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.

Climbing the mighty Rupin gully. Photo by Vishwas Krishnamurthy.

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.

On a clear day, you can see the huge mountains reflecting perfectly in the calm waters of Kedartal. Photo by Iqbal Hussain.

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.

A trek for the adrenaline seekers and thrill lovers. This 400m ice wall descent will leave you wanting for more. Photo by Anirban Banerjee

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.

The grand panorama of mountains that you see from the Phulara Ridge. Photo by Harsh Patel

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.

You never get tired of looking at the mountains from the Lohali campsite. Photo by Jothiranjan

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.

Our founder rarely plays favourites. But when we pushed him to pick treks he’d do himself, he gave in. 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.

Arjun Majumdar’s Top 6 Summer Treks for 2025

surya_top, rupin_pass, kedartal, buran_ghati, phulara_ridge, beas_kund, Arjun Majumdar’s Top 6 Summer Treks for 2025

Over the years, what trekkers are looking for in a trek has been slowly evolving. If I talk about a decade back, most trekkers chose treks based on views, summit climbs, terrain, and adventure. However, as times change, a growing number of trekkers are also choosing treks for their natural elements. Today’s trekker is also interested in biodiversity, bird watching, flora and fauna.

One of the natural elements that stand out for trekkers is the presence of Rhododendrons on the trek. Their majestic bloom and cultural significance have secured them a special place in trekkers' hearts and local life.

This piece is dedicated to delivering a nuanced understanding of these botanical gems. Read through!

What are Rhododendrons? Where are They Found?

Rhododendrons are fondly referred to as "Rhodos" in the mountains. They are considered as the ‘glory of the Himalayas’. The most notable species, Rhododendron arboreum, thrives as a tree in lower altitudes, while smaller shrubs dominate higher elevations. This species is culturally significant across the Himalayas. It is prominent in areas like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Nepal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and the northern part of West Bengal. 

On treks, such as Ranthan Kharak, Deoriatal Chandrashila, Phulara Ridge, and Sandakphu, we see a variety of red, pink, white, or purple dominating the scenery. The colour keeps changing with the altitude, which means, you will not find a single colour rhodos throughout your trek.

Did You Know? Rhodos also have colours such as yellow and orange, though these are rarer and can be found in the eastern Himalayas.

The Ranthan trail passes through dense forests carpeted with rhododendrons, especially during their blooming season. Photo by Akshay Kevin.

How do the Colours of the Rhododendrons Change with Altitude?

While ascending to the summit on the treks in the Himalayas, you will notice a shift in the colours of Rhododendrons. As the altitude increases, the colours change as follows:

6,000 to 9,000 feet: Vibrant red rhododendrons bloom on trees.

8,500 to 10,000 feet: Pink and violet blooms dominate here.

Above 10,000 feet: White rhodos appear, with faint pink or violet tinges.

This palette of colours is a visual feast for trekkers traversing these altitudinal zones. 

But, Why do the Colours of the Rhododendrons Change with Altitude?

An enigma for many, the colour shift from red to pink to white with elevation remains under scientific study. This could stem from environmental adaptations to light, pollinators, and climatic conditions.

As altitude increases, the colour shifts to shades of pink. At above 10,000 feet, we get to see the lavender and white flowers. Photo by Akshay Kevin.

How do Rhododendrons Influence the Culture and Lives of Locals in the Himalayas?

Rhododendrons have a significant impact on the culture in the Himalayas. Red Rhododendrons are edible and are loved for their tangy-sweet taste. Consumed raw or made into juice, squash, chutneys and wine, they are popular in the Indian Himalayan regions.

Rhododendron wine is particularly popular in Nepal and Himachal Pradesh, while juices and squashes are common in Uttarakhand. 

All these products are made from the petals of the flowers, which are edible and are believed to have anti-inflammatory and other health-promoting properties. 

Talking about pink and white varieties: they are toxic and can be hard to digest due to the presence of certain proteins. Hence, they are never advised to be consumed.

Did You Know? Rhododendron campanulatum is the state flower of Himachal Pradesh. Rhododendron arboreum is recognized as the state tree of Uttarakhand and the state flower of Nagaland. Locally, they are referred to as Buransh in Uttarakhand and Gurans in Nepali language.

Ranthan Top in Spring. Photo by Akshay Kevin

How are Rhododendrons Globally Distributed?

Rhododendrons are found across multiple continents, primarily in Asia, Europe, and North America. In Europe, they mostly grow as shrubs. Interestingly, while rhododendrons have a positive cultural impact in the Himalayas, some species are invasive in regions like Scotland and New Zealand. 

For example, Rhododendron ponticum, in Scotland and other parts of Europe, is considered highly invasive. It inhibits the growth of native plants and produces toxic nectar, which creates poisonous honey. The honey produced by bees that feed on the nectar of the Rhododendron ponticum plant is called "mad honey."

Did You Know? Rhododendrons have extraordinary codependency with bumblebees, which are among their most effective pollinators. Their bell-shaped flowers house tightly packed pollen that bumblebees release (from the anthers) through "buzz pollination," a specialized vibrating mechanism. 

Climate Change, Rhododendrons, and Trekking

Rhododendrons are highly prone to temperature and are affected by the global rise in temperature or what is commonly called climate change.

During peak blooming, from mid-March to mid-April, trails of popular treks like Deoria Tal Chandrashila, Sandakphu, and Ranthan Kharak are carpeted with petals. However, the typical blooming season is shifting due to climate change. Early blooms as early as January or February are observed, especially at lower altitudes, disrupting patterns and raising ecological concerns. 

These seasonal anomalies call for deeper attention and mindful trekking practices.

Top 3 Rhododendron Treks in the Himalayas

Below I will list the three most famous treks in the Himalayas that give you an unparalleled taste of trekking through the rhodo-filled trails. 

If you are stepping on a trek to witness Rhododendrons, it is important to time your trek well. In Uttarakhand, the peak flowering season starts at the end of February and lasts until the middle of April. Whereas, in the eastern Himalayas, i.e. in Sikkim, Nepal and North Bengal, rhodos are in full bloom from early April to early May.

We fell in love with this trek because of the rhodos. On this trek, Rhododendrons are such a big highlight that the Ranthan Kharak trek can be synonymous with them. I recommend the peak blooming season, which runs from mid-March to mid-April. Just ahead of the forest section of the Namik village, you will start seeing them. From bushes and shrubs to tall Rhodo trees– you see them all in abundance and diversity. From reds to pinks and whites– they are everywhere.

It has not been long since we opened this trek but the amount of love trekkers have been pouring in in this trek is immense. And a major credit goes to Rhododendrons.

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 our former trek leader Shivank Dwivedi

Soon after you start the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek, you are welcomed by a dense rhododendron forest. The sheer amount of rhodos you find at this section of the trail will blow your mind. You reach Deorital Tal and see that too surrounded by rhodos in red, pink and magenta colours. 

On the following day as well, from Deoriatal to Syalmi, as you trek towards Jhandi top, a forest trail with maple and rhodos is lined up. Rohini Bugyal is another spot which is bestowed with a sheer amount of rhododendrons. It is a small meadow surrounded by a beautiful rhododendron forest and a view of the Kedar Dome and the Kala Parvat peaks.

You might believe you've encountered the most stunning rhodos but wait for the following days. As you trek further on the trail, starting from Baniya Kund campsite, you will see the most beautiful pink blooms. You won’t believe but the charm of these majestic blooms just doesn’t end on this trek. It stays with you throughout.

Trekkers have been loving this trek for so many reasons and we are glad that rhododendrons is one among them.

The grand entrance to the Rohini Bugyal. Photo by Jothiranjan

During the peak blooming season in spring, the trails of Sandakphu Phalut Trek are spread with pink, red, scarlet, and white flowers, creating a truly magical moment. Additionally, The bamboo and rhododendron forests of the Singalila National Park are among the densest in the Himalayas. 

Akshay Upreti, Slope Manager at Indiahikes, who has spent several months in the Sandakphu region, says, "The best rhododendron sections are between Samanden and Molley. The last stretch of this walk is entirely through rhododendron forests. The flowers are completely red and pink here. If you time your trek right, you'll be trekking in a sea of pink,".

As Spring arrives in March, a different kind of magic begins to unfold on this trek. Rhododendrons begin blooming. Photo by Sharat Kolke

This was my time sharing information on rhododendrons, especially, in the context of trekking and the Himalayas. 

Let me know in the comments section if you want me to cover any other information about the rhododendrons you have observed. I would love to hear if you have been on any of these treks and what your highlight is.

Rhododendrons are fondly referred to as "Rhodos" in the mountains. They are considered as the ‘glory of the Himalayas’. The most notable species, Rhododendron arboreum, thrives as a tree in lower altitudes, while smaller shrubs dominate higher elevations.

A Guide to Rhododendrons: Where to Find Them and When

rhododendrons, rhodos, rhododendron treks, when to find rhododendrons

A Guide to Rhododendrons: Where to Find Them and When?

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

For almost a decade, many trekkers have asked us: Which trek is better, Deoriatal Chandrashila or Kedarkantha?

Indiahikes’ CEO and founder, Arjun Majumdar, has answered this question previously in the context of winter trekking. You can read his opinion here.

I have listed three parameters based on which we are going to decide which of the two is a better trek for whom and why. These three parameters are: the best time to do the two treks, the day-wise rewards of each trek, and the difficulty level of the treks. 

1. What is the best time to do Deoriatal Chandrashila and Kedarkantha?

There’s a reason we’re starting with this. Both these treks have very distinct seasons during which you should trek.

“This trek is a year-round charmer, but two seasons truly stand out for me: winter and spring,” says Shachi Tripathi, programme designer and trainer at Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning (InSOUL) and a former trek leader. 

The spring (March & April) highlight of the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is the carnival of rhododendrons. The trail of this trek is blanketed with red, pink and violet rhododendrons. Do not miss a mix of white and violet rhododendrons subtly blooming at the Rohini Bugyal. In addition, the forests along the way are home to some pretty rare birds, including the Himalayan monal, Eurasian Jay, and Blue Jay. It attracts a lot of bird enthusiasts during the season.

Winter (December, January, February) is another popular season on Deorital Chandrashila. Over the years, I have seen trekkers choose this trek for the adventure the trail offers, especially during winter. The snow enhances the thrill of steep ascents and descents.

The last and most challenging climb to the summit is a journey, testing willpower and mind strength that will either leave you being awestruck or teary-eyed. Photo by Jothiranjan

Kedarkantha is THE WINTER TREK of our country. It receives the most snowfall and that is exactly why trekkers flock to this place every year.  

Additionally, the winter line phenomenon is a key highlight of Kedarkantha due to its topography. It is also visible due to the trek’s southwestern exposure; sunsets turn the horizon a stunning shade of red.

But why does Kedarkantha receive so much snowfall?

The geography plays a crucial role in determining snowfall patterns across treks. As you move from the middle of India toward the northernmost tip, the intensity and duration of snow increase. Progressing from Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh and further into Jammu & Kashmir, the snow deposits become heavier, and the snow persists for longer periods. In the case of Kedarkantha, it lies at the Northwestern border of Uttarakhand, almost touching Himachal Pradesh. This is why, compared to most other Uttarakhand treks, Kedarkantha receives the highest snowfall. 

Summers at Kedarkantha are an unknown delight: This trek is extremely lush during summer (May & June). And during the spring, the trails of the Kedarkantha trek also bloom with a variety of Rhododendrons. They may not be as numerous as those on Deoriatal Chandrashila, but they are definitely a highlight.

A year-round highlight of the Kedarkantha trek is brown and silver oak, maples, and pines.

2. Deoriatal Chandrashila vs Kedarkantha: Day-wise Comparison 

Bookmark this section as it highlights the day-wise comparison of both treks. 

Day one at the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is an extremely rewarding experience. You cover from Sari to Deoriatal (4 km), trekking through a beautiful variety of dense rhododendron forests. In March, you’re already seeing terrific rhododendrons blooming along the trails. But this is just the beginning. 

Within two hours, you’ll feel your jaws drop as you get a glimpse of the Deoriatal Lake. It’s not just the lake, but the gigantic Chaukhamba massif overlooking the lake. It usually takes multiple days of trekking to get such a view. But on the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek, you are blessed with this view within the first 3 hours of the trek. Several trekkers from across the country come here just for the day’s trek. 

Did you know that the Deoriatal never freezes! Deoriatal never freezes? Locals believe in the mythology. Some say it never freezes because the water keeps moving due to the wind while others believe in the presence of chemical compounds in water which prevents it from freezing. 

The sight of mountain ranges mirrored in Deoriatal often leaves trekkers deeply moved.

Day two is a thrill. Landscapes and altitudes shift every hour. You climb around 2000 ft (from 7810 ft to 9,020 ft) to reach Rohini Bugyal and then descend to Syalmi campsite where you lose 2,000 ft of altitude again. “Trekkers call it a camel hump trail”. It is challenging for some trekkers and thrilling for others. 

On this day, you trek through a quiet section of the forest which is home to many birds. You might spot the Himalayan woodpecker and Verditer flycatcher in this area. Occasionally, the Kedar Dome and Chaukhamba peaks come into view through the trees on your left. Throughout your day, you'll notice a few shrines on and around the trail. These are built by tourists and locals and can be used to mark the way. Additionally, there’s a ridge section which is an adventurous highlight of the day.

Day three of this trek leaves a lasting imprint on most of the trekkers. You cross the Akash Kamini River and venture through the untouched maple and oak forests. This is the day when the deeper layers of this trek are unfolded.  

Next to the river, trekkers prefer to meditate. And by the end of day three, you reach Baniyakund. 

The forest sections near the Akashkamini river are among the densest in India making it one of the most interesting trek experiences. Picture by Jothi Ranjan.

On day four (during spring and summer), you start from Baniyakund in the middle of the night to climb the summit and come back. It is a six-hour-long ascent and a five-hour descent, and for many of the trekkers, It’s the day that makes this trek challenging, adventurous, and worthwhile. There is a steep climb up to the Chandrashila summit, and you also traverse a narrow ledge, which adds to the excitement.

You cross through meadows and reach a point called Chopta. From Chopta it is a four-hour-long ascent and you reach the Tugnath temple: Another mythological highlight of this trek. It is the highest Shiva temple in the world and one of the Panch Kedar temples. Every year Tugnath attracts a lot of tourists and trekkers.

Shachi Tripathi categorically admires the summit push day of the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek and talks about climbing the summit on a full moon night. She says and I quote, “On a full moon night, our trail and the moon are positioned in a way that you feel you are climbing for the moon. It’s surreal!”.

From Chandrashila summit, the majestic view of Nanda Devi, Nanda Devi East, Mount Trishul, and Chaukhamba Massif makes the entire summit challenge worthwhile.

Chandrashila summit is known for its sunrise. Witnessing the first rays of the sun hitting the greatest summits of our country is an experience you must not miss. Picture by Vivek Saini.

Kedarkantha is the only trek on which you get to see a winter line on both day one and day two. For many trekkers, witnessing a winter line is the major highlight of this trek.

You will get a sweet taste of trekking on day one itself, covering a 6 km distance from Kotgaon to Khujaai. There is a beautiful section predominantly of oak trees. Further, as you walk, There is a small Matrishakti Mandir. 

From day one itself, you get to witness the majestic views of Swargarohini, and the views only get better as you come closer to the summit.

This stunning view of Mt Swargarohini is captured just about 300 metres from our basecamp. Photo by Anish Pillai

Day two is usually loved by the trekkers. You start from Khujaai and pass through small meadows, grasslands, and forest sections to reach Dhoka. In the Garhwali language, Dhoka means a big boulder or “bada patthar”. The huge boulder is a scenic vantage point to see sunrise and sunset in addition to the surreal winter line. Trekkers are also introduced to bouldering which only adds to the thrill of day two. By the end of day two, you trek a little ahead of Dhoka to reach Bhoja Dhadi. It is our second campsite, and from here, you can see Kedarkkantha Peak. 

Day three is the big summit day! You start in the night from Bhoja Dhadi and go for the Kedarkantha summit. The trek has the finest summit climb in our country. It is an extremely rewarding experience as you witness jaw-dropping views from the top. At the summit, Swargarohini is just very close and the Gangotri range and Bandarpunch will definitely capture your gaze.

(On day three, the height of the Rhodos changes as you climb up, and they turn into shrubs. The tree line ends, and you might feel you are closer to the summit, but you are not.)

The summit climb of Kedarkantha is challenging but equally rewarding. This photo beautifully captures the steep climb and the amazing views right below you. Photo by Abdul Raoof.

3. Difficulty: Deoriatal Chandrashil vs. Kedarkantha

Both treks are beginner-friendly, but then each comes with its twists. I will talk about the difficult sections on both the treks. 

It will require long hours of trekking on day two and day three, majorly. Additionally, on the summit day, there’s an approximate altitude gain of 4000 feet which mandates physical fitness and endurance.

To explain the first statement further, the second day and third day are 10 kms and 5 kms long respectively. The second day also brings a major challenge in the form of a steep descent to the Syalmi campsite.

As mentioned previously, the summit push (Baniyakund-Chandrashila-Baniyakund) itself is approximately 11 hours long. We start from Baniyakund (8,520 ft.) to the chandrashila summit (12,083 ft) which is a pretty steep ascend and then we climb down to the same altitude.

Kedarkantha on the other hand: Days are fairly short on this trek. The climb towards the summit is also not very steep. But on the contrary, there are certain boulder sections from Khujaai to Bhojadhadi which adds to the challenge

Trekkers planning for either of these treks should be physically fit and prepared as these treks ask for fitness and endurance.

Which One Should You Choose?

The summit views of both treks are unmatchable. 

If the adventure of steep climbs and narrow ledges, spiritual energy, and a bit of a challenge are what you want to drive out of your trek, then I would recommend Deoriatal Chandrashila. If you are a Bird enthusiast or want to experience a rich variety of Rhododendrons, step on the trail during spring. 

During winter, you experience a lesser influx compared to Kekarkantha, making it slightly more serene

On the other hand, go for Kedarkantha if you want a snow-filled trek with no shortage of picture-perfect moments and majestic views of swargarohini. Kedarkantha is a relatively easier trek and is a very popular choice for beginners. 

Both of these treks are extremely popular in the Himalayan trekking world. This was my time sharing all the information.

Write in the comment section If you think I missed any pointers that should be highlighted. Also, share your queries and doubts in the comment box. I will revert as soon as possible.

Which trek is better, Deoriatal Chandrashila or Kedarkantha (Kotgaon Route)?

Are you expecting beautiful snow trails from your trek this time? And is there a possibility of finding snow on your upcoming trek? I know there are many such questions going on in your head! By the end of this article, I will try & resolve most of them. Come, let’s start! 

Getting to see snow on a trek is all about timing. If you’re on the right trail during the right month, you will get to see snow.

In this article, I will explain when and where you will find snow on our Himalayan treks (even in summer). I will talk about altitude and latitude separately. This will help you plan your trek accordingly.

First, at what altitude will you find snow?

As a general rule, the higher the altitude, the longer the duration the snow stays. If a place is above the permanent snow line (around 14,000 ft in the Indian Himalayas), it will have snow all year long.

I will split the altitudes into smaller segments for detailed understanding.

These treks take you above the permanent snow line. This doesn’t mean that it snows here all year long. It just means that the winter snow never completely melts away.

However, the amount of snow that you see varies with every month. At these altitudes, early summer is the best time with just the right amount of snow (Mid May to Mid June). After that, there are just patches of snow until the end of monsoons (mid-September). In the first week of October, the first bout of winter snow comes in, giving the mountains a good coating of snow. Around the last week of October, you get another bout of snowfall, which usually shuts trails at this altitude.

At any time of the year, the window for trekking at this altitude is quite small. This is not only because snow makes the trails inaccessible for a larger part of the year, but the temperatures also start dropping rapidly. Known water sources generally dry up or freeze.

Indiahikes treks above 14,000 ft: Buran Ghati, Goechala, Rupin Pass, Gaumukh-Tapovan, Pin Bhaba Pass, Kedartal, Bali Pass, Hampta Pass, Bhrigu Lake

Best time to see snow above 14,000 feet: April  for treks in Sikkim (Goechala), May-June for treks in Uttarakhand (Rupin Pass, Gaumukh-Tapovan, Kedartal, Buran Ghati), & June-early-July for treks in Himachal Pradesh (Pin Bhaba Pass, Hampta Pass, Bhrigu Lake Trek). 

Pro tip: Go on treks above 14,000 ft in the second week of June. The lower reaches at around 11,000 ft are a riot of colours with lush greenery and wildflowers. Higher up you experience lovely summer snow!

The picture below is from Rupin Pass, where trekkers are walking in fresh snow. Our trekker Sanjay Lokesh clicked this picture early in May 2018.

Trekkers making their way towards the pass on the Rupin Pass trek. Picture by Anirban Banerjee.

Use this guide to plan your next trek in the Himalayas. Learn when you'll get to trek in snow!

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