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 Dronagiri 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 

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

Across the world, tourists and travellers make a beeline to see blooming flowers, whether it is cherry blossoms in Japan, tulips in Amsterdam, or, closer home, the Valley of Flowers. Yet, most trekkers miss out on one of the grandest experiences in India: blooming rhododendrons!

In mid-March, just as the spring season swirls its way into the Himalayas, rhododendron buds begin to shake off residual winter snow. Over the next two months, until early summer, rhododendron flowers set the mountainsides ablaze with striking hues of scarlet, pink, purple, and red. It’s a sight that you’ll rarely see, yet it’s a sight that you’ll never forget.

These flowers bloom only at certain latitudes, between 80°N and 20°S, in a few parts of the world. But their largest presence is in the Sino-Indian Himalayas. Within India, it is spread across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Nepal, with the maximum concentration of the flowers being towards the east.

There are a total of 187 species of Rhododendrons in the Indian Himalayan Region. A pathway surrounded by rhodos on the trek from Deoriatal to Syalmi. Picture by Yogesh Shinde

While the attractive red-coloured flowers are seen between a wide range of altitudes (3,500 ft and 10,500 ft), there are other species—light pink, purple, and blue—that you see between 10,000 and 13,000 ft, especially towards the edges of the meadows (like at Khullara or Bedni Bugyal).

However, you will not experience the splendour of rhododendrons on every Himalayan trek. Only some of our treks display this once-in-a-year phenomenon. You need to know which trek to go on and how to time your trek. It would help if you also planned your trek well in advance, because these groups get full quickly. 

Rhododendrons bloom only between late winter and early summer, which means they bloom between late February and late-April. 

You’ll see rhododendrons in full bloom anywhere between late Feb and early May, based on the region you’re trekking in. In this picture, you see a rhododendron tree in full bloom on the Sandakphu trek. Picture by Sharat Kolke

In the Uttarakhand region, you’ll see rhododendrons blooming from late February until the middle of April. The flowers are at their peak between mid-March and mid-April.

In Sikkim, Nepal, and North Bengal, you’ll see blooms from early April until early May. They are at their peak in the last two weeks of April and early May.

Based on these timings, these are your five greatest treks to see rhododendrons in our country.

Which are the Top Rhododendron Treks of India?

The Ranthan Kharak Trek is our latest rhododendron love. And with good reason. The trek is replete with rhododendron trees for almost two entire days of trekking. The trail between Namik and Bajimanian campsites has tall rhododendron trees, with the classic scarlet flowers blooming all along the trail. On the next day too, you are treated to rhododendrons until the Chopu campsite. 

The best part of this trek is that it doesn't have the crowds of Deoriatal or Goechala. You have enough time to immerse yourself in the forests, acquaint yourself with the lovely rhododendrons, observe how they thrive under the shade of oak trees, and more. 

We have never seen the sheer volume of rhododendrons on this trek on any of our Himalayan trek. Photo By Akshay Kevin

On the other hand, the lack of crowds keeps the forests brimming with birds. Our exploration team spotted several species on the trail, including multiple Himalayan monals.

For us, the fact that it is in the Kumaon region, where there are no other well-known treks, and that it has terrific mountain views, shows us that this trek has a lot of good things going on every day. It's a trek you must not miss. 

It’s no secret. Goechala is a trek that is known for its rhododendrons. “People come from all over the world to see the rhododendrons on the Goechala trek. It’s a huge attraction,” says Arjun Majumdar, the founder and CEO of Indiahikes. 

Yellow rhododendrons with a monastery in the backdrop at Tshoka. Picture by Sourav Mukherjee

What’s special is that it is not a fleeting section of rhododendrons on the Goechala trek. “You’ll start seeing your first rhododendrons after the Bakhim campsite.

“But the gem of it is after Tshoka. The stretch between Tshoka and Phedang, between 9,000 ft and 11,000 ft, is THE rhododendron belt. You see pink, yellow, scarlet and red rhododendrons. There are stretches where you’re walking in a tunnel of rhododendrons. Sunlight diffuses through these flowers magically, forming unreal colours in the forests. It’s the most remarkable rhododendron experience,” says Arjun.

A dark-rumped rosefinch perched on a rhododendron on the Goechala trail. Picture by Sahana

The Eastern Himalayas of Sikkim and North Bengal are well-known for their rhododendrons, but not so much the Western Himalayas. Which is why the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek, with its abundance of rhododendrons, is a trekker's delight. We call it “The Goechala of the West.”

And the trek lives up to its eastern sister to the T. Right off the bat, you enter a beautiful rhododendron forest, which delights you with trees heavily laden with rhododendrons. Within 2-3 hours, you are welcomed by the Deoriatal Lake, which is surrounded by rhododendron trees blazing in shades of crimson, magenta, and bright pink. 

Rhododedron trees painting the mountains pink, below a towering Mt Chaukhamba on the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek. Picture by Manasa Gollapinni

“There’s a quiet trail that circumambulates the lake, taking you through a drooping canopy of rhododendrons. You’ll see flowers above you, on either side of you, and even below you. The trail is a carpet of fallen rhododendrons. It’s one of the most beautiful hours you’ll spend by the lake,” says Vivek Saini, Slope Manager at Indiahikes, who has spent the longest time serving as our slope manager in this region. 

You would think it is hard for the trek to match up to Day 1, but the forests from Deoriatal to Rohini Bugyal and further onto Chopta will leave you weak in the knees. Rhododendrons come at you in surprising clusters. 

A rhododendron tree in full bloom on the Deoriatal Chandrashila trail. Picture by Amandeep Singh

In fact, from the Baniya Kund campsite to the summit, you see a few of the best pink rhododendrons. "Given that this section retains snow all the way until late-April, you’ll see a glorious contrast of pink flowers against white snow," says Vivek. It's truly a photographer's delight.

If you are lucky enough, you’ll also get to spot the ultra-colourful Himalayan Monal scampering about in the rhododendron shrubs.

The forest section is an absolute visual treat with treetops sprinkled with snow. In early March, rhododendrons are in full bloom. Picture by Yogesh Shinde.

Sandakphu is a trek that has so many great things going on, but when you trek in the Rhododendron season, everything else takes a backseat. It is hard for other treks to compete with the arresting view of the Kanchenjunga range and the Everest range in front, with a canopy of rhododendrons below.  

Very similar to Goechala, the Sandakphu trail’s rhododendrons is an experience that is well-documented. It is something that Singalila National Park is known for.

A walk in the flower-strewn forests on the Sandakphu trek. Picture by Shayak Ray Chaudhuri

"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," says Akshay Upreti, Slope Manager at Indiahikes, who has spent several months in the Sandakphu region. 

The initial section from Aal to Gurdum is also a rhododendron forest. Not only do you see dark pink and scarlet flowers, but you also see light pink, white, and yellow flowers on this trek. 

Rhododendrons spread across the hills on the Sandakphu trek. Picture by Nikhil Jain

Brahmatal is a trek that will strike you with rhododendrons almost as soon as you start the trek. The basecamp of the trek, Lohajung, with its neatly planted rhododendron trees along your sitting area, gives you a small peek into what is in store for you on the trail. 

Trekking under a canopy of rhododendrons on the Brahmatal trek. Picture by Gourab Nandy

"You are treated to the best rhododendron experience on the very first day of this trek as you climb towards Gujrani. This is one of the densest rhododendron forests I've seen. Our Gujraini campsite is also in the heart of rhododendron forests. It makes for a terrific setting in April," says Gourab Nandy, Slope Manager at Indiahikes, who spent the entire rhododendron season in 2021 in the Brahmatal region. 

"If that was not enough, one of the most magical rhododendron experiences is at Bekaltal. Even though the density of the flowers isn't too much, the entire lakeside is strewn with pink petals. Trekkers love sitting by this lake and sharing stories," he adds.

Trekkers sharing stories sitting by the Bekaltal lake. A rhododendron tree blooms lusciously in the foreground. Picture by Gourab Nandy

The rhododendron experience carries on until the last day on this trek, where you see the last of the rhododendrons towards Khorurai. 

1. Rhododendron trees towards Patangnia Ridge on the Chirbatiya weekend trek: When it comes to forest trails, this trek is hard to compete with, especially on a weekend. While you see a few rhododendon trees initially on the trail, as you climb towards Patangnia top, you see big, tall rhododendron trees towards the ridge. They look outstanding during sunset, with big mountains in the background. 

It's a treat to see such rhododendrons on a short weekend trek like Chirbatiya. Picture by Jothiranjan

2. The forests near Khullara on the Kuari Pass trek: Just as you reach Khullara, the edges of the meadows are laid out with short rhododendron trees. These trees have lighter rhododendrons, more pink than red. They’re laid out in neat lines, and you get a chance to trek beside them.

Light pink rhododendrons are typical of the Kuari Pass trail. These are shorter trees growing at higher altitudes. Picture by Pritish Bhanushali

3. The section between Nayata and Raithal on the Dayara Bugyal trek: On your last day, as you’re descending from Nayata to Raithal, you’re treated to some lovely rhododendron trees. These are classic red and deep pink rhododendrons. While the number of trees is not too large, the density within some trees is mind-boggling. 

Sections of Dayara Bugyal are blooming with rhododendrons in spring

4. The forests near Bedni Bugyal on the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek: On this trek, look out for the forests between Gheroli Patal to Bedni Bugyal. You’ll come across a good section of rhododendron trees here, especially along the edges of the meadows.

The trail towards Bedni Bugyal in spring. Picture by Jothiranjan

Experiencing rhododendrons is rare in our country. Given that they grow only at certain altitudes, specific latitudes, and weather conditions, they are hard to find, not just in our country but anywhere in the world. They are a protected species everywhere. 

So when you have a chance to see them in such resplendent forests, in their natural habitat, and in such abundance, it's an opportunity you must not let go. 

And if you’re a birder or a photographer, then more so. With flowers come birds and butterflies, and as our bird expert says, it's one of the best seasons for bird watching. 

If you'd like to trek during the rhododendron season, plan now before it gets too late.

If you have any questions, drop in a comment below. We'll get back to you.  

Read to find out which are the best rhododendron treks in the Indian Himalayas, when to time them and which sections to watch out for.

Top 5 Rhododendron Treks in the Indian Himalayas

Across India, from mid March until April (Spring season), people are not really going on treks. Parents are overwrought with kids’ exams. Deadlines in offices somehow hang in the air.

Meanwhile, quietly on the side, a splendid season of trekking between Mid March and April slips by. 

In mid March, when winter starts to recede, snow is still around. A carpet of fresh grass sprouts around these snow patches. It makes meadows and clearings above 9,000 feet a delight. The lush grass with ankle-length flowers against the backdrop of snow is a visual treat.

Shaking off the harshness of winter, new leaves start sprouting on trees. Flowers bloom. The landscape is a riot of colours. Spring is in the air. 

Birds wake up from their winter slumber. Their voices spring through the forests. For those who love bird photography, Spring is the time of the year to do treks. 

Himalayan Monal - the state bird of Uttarakhand spotted on the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek. Picture by Ajit Hota.

If these were not Enough, there is the Magic of Rhododendrons

For me, the rhodos is a big reason to go trekking. What a sight they make! In spring, rhododendrons with their scarlet and pink flowers burst into bloom. It is as if the hills are on fire! When rhodos bloom they envelop trees. Sometimes it is difficult to spot leaves through the flowers! 

The blazing trail of rhododendrons on the spring trek. Picture by Jothiranjan B.

My favourite rhodos are, of course, the scarlet ones. They are not very common, so it is terrific to see if there is a scarlet playing hide and seek around a bend! Some slopes have the yellows and whites in between the pinks. Sunlight flirting through these blooms make trekking a joy!

Trekking in Spring is Great for the Crackling Summit Views

Let me explain. Two months later, in summer, when it is peak trekking season there is a smoky haze over the mountains. Forest fires, smog, heat and dust  contributes to this. Mountain views are disappointing. 

Worse, in summer when the sun heats up the earth, the forests transpire, releasing a lot of water vapour in the air. the cool air of the mountains quickly gather up these water vapour and turn them into clouds.

It is not uncommon to see a bright clear day patched with lots of clouds by 11 in the morning. The big mountains that you have been planning to see are now almost hidden. 

On the other hand in spring mountain views are worth dying for. You get clear blue skies that stretch from horizon to horizon. The air is crisp — the views crackling. 

The Chaukhamba massif as seen from the Chandrashila summit. Picture by Yusuf Serki.

I remember last year when I was trekking to the top of Chandrashila summit, I stood for a moment to take in what I was seeing around me. There they were, right in front of me, like a fan of playing cards, the entire range of eastern and western Gharwal mountains of India. I was seeing the greatest mountain ranges in India at their sharpest best. 

Another time, I took a short walk to the summit of Hatu Peak near Shimla. It was the second week of March. There too the sprawling summit views took my breath away. This time I was gazing at summits of eastern Himachal. So sharp they were that I could tick off almost thirty or forty summits in the horizon.  

When you walk into a tourist office and see a big landscape picture of mountain ranges — the photographs are almost always taken in early winter or in March/April. 

I share with you a list of the best treks to do in between Mid-March and April end. I have left out a few that I feel don’t make this list.

Here are the 15 best Himalayan treks to do in Spring:

Deoriatal – Chandrashila Trek

You don't see such greener meadows in any other season than spring and summer. Notice Mt Chaukhamba looming in the background. Picture by Rupendra Yadav.

The best rhododendron trek of our country. And the best trek to do in Spring. And to damn everything, it also has the best mountain views from the summit.

Set in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand, the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is a treat for wildlife lovers. And it is also a great summit climb (12,083 ft) for those who are beginning to start trekking in the Himalayas.

You see, summit climbs are rewarding, and trudge up a mountain for hours during the wee hours. You reach its highest point like the rays of the sun lighten the sky. Everything is below you — the clouds, the hills, the tiny specks of civilization. On a Himalayan trek, you usually see mountain ranges in the distance.

This is where Deoriatal Chandrashila is special. It is not 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.

Surya Top Trek

The meandering ridge walk gives grand views of Mt Bandarpunch and Mt Kalanag. Picture from the Indiahikes archives.

Surya Top is an extension of our much-loved Dayara Bugyal trek. Trekkers often get teary-eyed upon reaching Dayara meadows on the Dayara Bugyal trek. But Surya Top is a real deal when it comes to experiencing the grandeur of Dayara meadows in its entirety. You trek on the meadows not just for a couple of hours but for two full days! At Devkund, you are at the end of the Dayara meadows. Right behind you are endless stretches of perfectly manicured meadows that extend as far as your eyes can reach. You explore all that Dayara Meadows has to offer. This is only possible when you do the Surya Top Trek.

Spring in the Surya Top Trek starts in mid-March and goes on until the end of April. The snow starts to melt in the upper reaches, while the grass begins to turn green in the lower meadows. Tiny flowers make their heads out of the grass, while rhododendrons bloom on the trees.

The upper reaches of the Surya Top trek are usually covered in snow until mid-April.

Spring is a great time to experience colour contrasts on the meadows and the ridge walk. You see snow, greenery, and the colour of flowers altogether.

Ranthan Kharak Trek

Your campsite at Chofu is very unique. You camp on a slope with open views of the valley and the entire Garhwal mountain ranges in front of you. Photo by Nitesh Kumar.

The Spring season is very special in this region of Kumaon. Normally, the forests in any trek need time to blossom into greenery after a harsh winter. This is not the case in Ranthan Kharak. The forests here will be lush green with different varieties of rhododendrons, trees, mushrooms, birds and animals.

You will walk on paths filled with hidden waterfalls, water trickling down your shoulders occasionally as you traverse through thickets till you arrive at Bajimanian Kharak.

As you leave the tree line behind, you come across ridges and ledges with occasional patches of snow. The views of the far-off mountains will not be crystal clear. However, your proximity to them will anyway give you a magnified view.

Be prepared for the cold by packing 4-5 warm layers. Keep your exposed parts warm from chilling winds, especially after crossing Bajimanian Kharak. The kharaks boast of budding green grass with wildflowers sprawling all over it.

Brahmatal Trek

View of Mt Trishul from Tilandi campsite. Picture by Guhanesan Sivalingam.

On the Brahmatal trek, you walk on a high-point with the mountain dropping on either side. This is called a ridgeline. A ridgeline often gives the feeling of an extended summit.

What’s delightful is that you also get to camp on the ridge – at Tilandi. From here, you get to see the Himalayan landscape rolling out on both sides.

Here are the 15 Best Himalayan Treks to do this Spring. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced trekker, there's something for everyone!

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