Oct 23, 12.00 p.m.: After a short window of clear weather, from Oct 19 to Oct 21, the skies are overcast again in Uttarakhand. It has also started snowing in the higher altitudes. 

It rained briefly in the afternoon in the Kotgaon region. Two groups of Phulara Ridge trekkers that are currently on the trek may witness snowfall in the higher altitudes as a result of this precipitation. 

On the Lohajung side, while the skies are overcast, there’s no rainfall. Presently, we have one Brahmatal team at Tilandi and one Ali Bedni Bugyal team at Didina. 

While some rainfall and snowfall is usually expected at the beginning of autumn, this time, we are observing a markedly higher intensity of precipitation. 

But there’s nothing to worry. All groups are geared up and prepared for this unseasonal precipitation. Stay tuned to regular updates here.

After a short window of clear weather, from Oct 19 to Oct 21, the skies are overcast again in Uttarakhand. It has also started snowing in the higher altitudes.

Western Disturbance triggers second snowfall in north-west Uttarakhand by mid-Oct

climate disturbances - snowfall - uttarakhand - western disturbance

After a spell of rain and snow, the weather has now cleared in Uttarakhand. Most treks are witnessing clear blue skies and grand mountain views.

“For the last 2-3 days, it rained in Raithal, and it was snowing from the Gui campsite, the first campsite. Currently, it's quite sunny and bright,” reports Varsha More, Slope Manager for the Dayara Bugyal Trek.

“It snowed from Chopta up till the Chandrashila summit yesterday. But now it has stopped snowing. The weather is clear and sunny. There is no prediction of rain or snowfall for the next 2-3 days,” shares Sudhanshu Sharma, Slope Manager for the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek. 

On the Sandakphu-Phalut trek, in the north-eastern region, it did not snow at all. 

“The temperature dropped and it is getting colder. It may rain tonight. But for the next few days, the weather is expected to be clear,” says Areeb Parvez, Slope Manager for the Sandakphu-Phalut Trek.

We are constantly in touch with all our teams and will keep posting weather-related updates right here.

The weather is clear and sunny in the mountains!

With autumn setting in, temperatures are sharply dipping in the Himalayas, especially after the sun sets.

“We are observing a drastic difference between the day-time and night-time temperatures on the treks and even at the basecamps. The difference is nearly 12-15 degrees,” Manisha Hegde, Head of Design at Indiahies, reports from our Sari Campus in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand.

This steep difference in temperature is felt acutely while travelling from the plains to the base camps of the trek. During the day, the temperatures hover around 30°C. But as the sun sets, around the time when you reach the base camps, temperatures dip sharply to 15°C.

If you have a trek coming up, keep your warm layers and woollen head gear handy. Layer up before getting out of the car, and on the trek, before the sun goes down. This helps in trapping body heat to maintain the core body temperature even as the temperature drops outside. 

Temperatures are dropping in the Himalayas. Here’s what you need to do. 

Today I’m going to give you some advice that not many people will give you. 

And I’ll get straight to it: If you want to do a winter trek in snow, avoid the month of December. Choose January and February instead. 

Many trekkers raise their eyebrows when I give this advice. 

For most of them, December is the prime time to travel. And I understand that. They have holidays around then. Their children have vacations during Christmas and New Year. Or they want to finish up their leaves before the end of year.  

On a different note, trekkers also look at December as synonymous with winter. Not many people even think of January and February as winter.

Yet, when you think about it, December has its difficulties. (1) Flight charges are exorbitant at this time of the year (even if you book well in advance). (2) Hotels charge almost double their regular tariff (if at all they have availability) (3) Every place you turn to is crowded, including trekking trails. 

I'd like to elaborate a bit on the third point. 

A study that we did revealed that more trekkers go to the mountains in December than in the classic summer months of May and June! 

The crowd is so concentrated in December that the graph is staggering! 

The above graph shows you a huge spike in crowds in December, dwindling down dramatically in January and February. This is four years’ worth of data. 

To me, this concentration of trekking in December is the biggest tragedy! 

It completely removes the fun and serenity of trekking. Where there must be peace and quiet, you have music blaring on loudspeakers. Where there must be calm nights, you have campfires, alcohol and unruly behaviour. Campsites are strained for resources — space, water, toilets (campsites often become minefields of human waste). If it’s a summit climb, the crowd gets heavy on top, with queues and long build-ups, and hundreds of people standing at the summit. I don’t know what summit experience that is.

A camping experience loses any sense of serenity when you're surrounded by a large crowd, which is always the case in December. Picture by Hardik Patel

Outside the crowd, why trekkers must shift focus to January and February (The Big Snow Season): 

I admit, the crowd in December can put off any discerning trekker, but frankly, the real reason to go trekking in January or February is something else. 

January and February (until mid March) are the real big snow season. It is not December. December is the mere beginning of winter. It’s when the first winter snow comes in. However, this is still just the beginning. 

Real winter sets in only in January and February in our country, forming a luxuriant blanket of snow on all Himalayan treks. January and February are what we term as the “Big Snow Season” at Indiahikes.

I recollect speaking to a meteorologist, Akshay Deoras, who has been a forecaster for the past 12 years. “What we consider early winter (Oct-Dec) is officially post-monsoon. Only January and February are officially considered winter,” he had said. You can read my entire interview with him on snowfall in India here. 

Here’s where I want to reiterate my advice to you. 

Most of us go to the mountains in winter to isolate ourselves from the clutter and noise of the city or to trek in a beautiful snowy setting. 

And there’s no better time than the Big Snow Season to experience these. Here’s why: 

1. There’s more snow deposit on the trails compared to December. As you may know, winter snow is brought to our country by western disturbances. While there is usually one wave of western disturbance in December, there are at least 2-3 waves in the Big Snow Season. These are usually stronger waves and leave behind larger deposits of snow — so much so that it is this snow that lasts all the way to the end of April. 

This snow deposit is what gives you a true snowy experience. Right from Day 1, when you’re in the forests, you see fairy-tale-like snowy settings. The boughs of trees are beautifully laden with snow. The tree tops are drizzled with frost. As you climb higher, you see meadows and clearings covered in a vast white blanket. The ground below you is a soft powdery carpet. Our camps are usually in the heart of this snow deposit.

Frankly, most winter photos of Himalayan treks that you see are taken in this Big Snow season, and not in December. 

The snow deposit on all treks is the highest in the months of Jan and Feb, the Big Snow Season. Picture by Dhaval Jajal shot on the Dayara Bugyal trek

2. There are greater chances of snowfall in the Big Snow Season: More WDs = more probability of snowfall. I know this is something trekkers dream of experiencing! So if you want to have an adventurous experience with high chances of snowfall, the Big Snow Season is your best chance at it. 

Here, I know some of you may think that the presence of high snow might stop you from completing your trek. What I have noticed is that successful completion of the trek depends a lot on the technical team who goes along with you. At Indiahikes 92% of our trekkers completed their treks successfully (in the past two seasons). Only those who ran into the middle of a snowfall could not complete the trek. On such occasions we call off the trek (and sometimes the forest department does so too). 

Note: At Indiahikes, if you do not complete your trek, you are welcome to come back and finish the trek. We do not charge you for it. Did you know this?

With more western disturbances, there are much higher chances of snowfall in Jan and Feb. Picture by Vishnu Sivanandan

Consider this a reminder because now is the right time to start planning. Our December dates for all winter treks have thoroughly run out. And we now have January and February dates available. 

If you plan now, you’ll have the luxury of choosing dates that suit you. Very soon, you’ll have to adjust your schedule to the leftover dates. I hope you make use of this reminder.

Top 6 Himalayan Treks to do in the Big Snow Season (January and February):

1. Dayara Bugyal trek - Our Only Winter Trek with the Biggest Snow Expanse

Dayara Bugyal is superbly rewarding at any time of the year. But the snowscape in winter is a world on its own. 

The biggest reward, though, are the meadows of Dayara — the biggest snow expanse you’ll see. Miles and miles of undulating snow, like a field of vanilla ice cream, with not a single tree or a plant or a rock that obstructs the snow. It’s just velvety snow for as far as your eyes can see.

Ever since we first opened it in winter 2017, trekkers have fallen in love with the other wintry charm of this trek — the lovely snow-draped oaks and maples, the soft glow of early morning sun on the white meadows, the icy lakes and ponds, the towering Gangotri ranges… 

You’re not likely to see this much snow on any other winter trek. Add to it the number of snow slides while descending, it’s the most fun you’ll have on a winter trek! 

My tip for you: Catching the sight of Mt Bandarpoonch from the white expanse of the Dayara meadows is a highlight of the trek. Camping at the delightful Nayata campsite is another big reason. 

Duration: 6 days 
Suitable for: Beginners with no prior experience

View Dayara Bugyal Trek Dates and Details

The forests of Dayara Bugyal in winter. Picture by Dhaval Jajal

2. Brahmatal trek - The Only Trek In Winter That Goes To An Alpine Lake

Brahmatal as a winter trek has become almost as popular as Kedarkantha. And I’m not surprised. The best experience on this trek is getting to see the frozen Brahmatal lake in winter. Almost no other trek takes you to an alpine lake in winter. On this trek, you see two of them: the Bekaltal and the Brahmatal. In addition, it’s a stunner in winter with the snowscapes and the snowy forests. 

My tip for you: The views of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti once you touch the ridges is the reason to do the trek. Did you know Mt Trishul is the first 7,000 metre summit to be climbed by man? And on this trek it is so close that nothing separates you from where you stand and the summit. 

Duration: 6 days
Suitable for: Fit beginners

The frozen Brahmatal Lake in peak winter. Picture by Ashish Bhatt

3. Sandakphu-Phalut trek - See Four Of The Tallest Mountains In The World

Sandakphu is one of the few treks that has been done in January and February for a very long time. It’s a trail that dates back to the 40’s with a lot of historical and cultural significance. It’s different from ALL our other treks, because it’s on the border of India and Nepal. Sometimes on the trek you don’t know if you are in Nepal or in India! At some camps your dining tent is in Nepal and your camping tents in India! But it is the Indo-Nepal-Tibetian culture that you will find mesmerising on the trek. You find the same trekking culture on the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp treks. 

My tip for you: Do this trek to experience the famous tea house culture of Nepal. It is warmer too!

Duration: 7 days
Suitable for: Fit beginners

View Sandakphu-Phalut trek dates and details

Sandakphu is one of those few trails where you have the luxury of staying in a warm tea house despite the chilly weather outside. Picture of the Molley camp by Dwaipayan Purkait

4. Kedarkantha trek - The Finest Summit Climb In Winter

This is India’s most popular winter trek. The good news is the crowd completely dies down by January. And in February, there are almost no signs that this is a popular trek at all. 

Do this trek for the summit climb. The alpine views (and settings) from the Kedarkantha summit are unmatched anywhere. 

My tip for you: For us at Indiahikes, we love the forests and the clearings of the Kedarkantha trek more than the summit climb. We have not found an equivalent of these anywhere else!

Peak winter in Kedarkantha is a challenging experience. But every bit of effort rewards you manifold. This picture was taken in late December. Picture by Dhaval Jajal

5. Deoriatal-Chandrashila - The Only Winter Trek With The Best Mountain Views

Seeing great mountain views on a trek is not easy. In winter, most such vantage points are rare and even if accessible, they are usually buried under deep snow. 

The Chandrashila summit is unparalleled among our treks. From the top of the summit, you see perhaps the greatest mountain views of our Indian Himalayas. It is like a grand feast of mountain views — From your left are the Gangotri range of peaks, Mt Thalaysagar, the Kedarnath and the Kedar dome. Mandani Parbat and Janhukut. The imposing Chaukhamba is right in front. Most of them are over 7,000 metres tall. 

On your right are the Gauri Parbat, Hathi Parbat and Dunagiri. And then right ahead standing against the skyline is India’s tallest mountain, Mt Nanda Devi. Trekkers find it hard to believe that they are seeing Mt Nanda Devi. If that’s not enough, to Mt Nanda Devi’s right, etched against the skyline are Mt Nanda Ghunti and Mt Trishul. Two of the most beautiful mountain summits in our country. 

My tip for you: Do this trek for three reasons: for the terrific Mt Chaukhamba view from the shores of Deoriatal. For the mountain views from the Chandrashila summit and the chance to see Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in our country. And yes, the trek has great trails through the forests as well. One of my favourites. 

Duration: 6 days
Suitable for: Beginners with no prior experience in trekking

View Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek dates and details

The Deoriatal Lake in winter, surrounded by snow, with the Chaukhamba massif in the background. Picture by Avijit Jamloki

6. Kuari Pass - The Only Trekkable Mountain Pass In Winter

Getting to a mountain pass is always adventurous and thrilling. Doing it in winter is almost impossible. Yet, there is only one trek in our country where this is possible — the Kuari Pass.

Apart from its splendid views and forests, Kuari pass is a mountain lovers’ delight. You have an unending vista of the biggest mountains in India opening up right from day one. You even get to see the clearest view of the full south face of Mt Nanda Devi, India’s highest mountain.  

More than this, Kuari Pass is a near-perfect trek. You go through ancient layered forests, hopping from one layer to another. The section above the tree line is fascinating with its many twists and turns over ridges and flanks to get to the pass. 

My tip for you: If you want to see the tallest mountains of the Indian Himalayas, Mt Nanda Devi, and one of the most aesthetic peaks, Mt Dronagiri, choose this trek. It is one of those treks that spoils you with incredible views right from the first day of the trek.

The oak forests of Kuari Pass covered in snow. Picture by Sandhya UC

That’s the list of our peak winter treks. 

Given that it’s a small list, the dates are likely to run out soon. So plan as soon as possible. 

If you have any questions, head over to our FAQ page to find detailed answered. If you still don't find answers, drop in your question in our Trekker Forum, where you will get valuable help from experienced trekkers. 

Winter treks in India are better done in January and February. Here's why, along with a list of 6 best winter treks in the Himalayas

Why Winter Treks Are Better in January And February Than December (Includes 6 Best Snow Treks) - 2023

jan feb january february december winter snow trek big snow

Why Trekking in Jan and Feb is Better than December 

Our first group has started trekking towards Sandakphu-Phalut. This marks the beginning of the autumn season for this trek. The Sandakphu season will now continue through the winter and into Spring, till the last week of April. 

The first group is expected to climb to Phalut (11,810 ft) on Oct 2nd and to the highest point of the trek, Sandakphu (11,930 ft) on Oct 3rd. They will be back to the base in Sepi on Oct 5th. 

The team started the trek in good weather but may experience light showers on the trail today. 

We are constantly in touch with our teams on the trek and will keep updating all relevant updates right here.

The autumn season of Sandakphu-Phalut trek begins!

We’ve come to the end of a successful trekking season in Kashmir. And our team is right now in the process of packing and transporting all the trekking equipment from Kashmir. 

“We started our equipment movement from Srinagar to Doon on September 5th. This is the first batch of equipment to be moved. There will be two more batches of equipment moving by September 13th,” shares Nandana Kamasani, Head of Experience Coordination at Indiahikes, who was present at Srinagar and helped with the packing after completing her Warwan Valley trek. 

This equipment serves as the foundation for the Indiahikes Experience. It includes your camping gear like tents, cooking equipment like stoves, and utensils, and safety equipment like microspikes. At the end of every season, all this equipment undergoes a careful cleaning and packing process before being transported to another trekking region. 

Yesterday, loading the equipment into the truck bound for Dehradun took over two hours. It is scheduled to reach the Head Office in Dehradun in the next two days. 

Packing and moving trekking equipment is a tough task. Our team members in Kashmir are working around the clock to ensure that it’s done effectively. 

This was an insider’s peek into how the backend of Indiahikes moves once a season ends. We will share more behind-the-scenes updates right here in the coming days.

It’s a wrap for a successful Kashmir season!

Dayara Bugyal was covered in a few centimetres of snow after the first snowfall of the season on 29th and 30th December. 

“Most of the snow at Dayara Bugyal will remain due to low temperatures”, says Trek Leader Diptarka Gupta, noting that it is currently very cold with temperatures dropping to -10°C. 

Trekkers must be ready for anything: Proper planning is crucial for winter treks, especially in the face of extreme conditions. 

The serene beauty of Dayara Bugyal during winter, where the snow-covered meadows create a magical landscape! 

Diptarka shares winter trekking essentials, “Be prepared for the trek with proper layering. Carry your rain jackets or poncho. Don’t forget to pack multiple pairs of socks, as they keep your extremities warm”. 

He says, “As of January 3rd, Dayara Bugyal is experiencing mostly clear and sunny weather, with no immediate snowfall in sight.”

However, if you're planning a trek to Dayara Bugyal in the coming weeks, be ready for snow – January and February are the snowiest months there. 

The tranquility of Dayara Bugyal during winter, where the snow-covered landscapes, the footprints and the Himalayan peak views create an unforgettable experience!

The current amount of snow is perfect for a thrilling trek. Don’t miss the chance to learn more about snow. Find expert tips and advice on winter trekking on our website! 

Experience the beauty of Dayara Bugyal like never before with a snowy winter trek. Temperatures drop to -10°C, offering a unique and challenging adventure. Explore the Indian Himalayas and witness the stunning vistas covered in snow. Book your Dayara Bugyal trek now and have an unforgettable winter escapade!

Dayara Bugyal Covered in Snow, Temperatures Drop to -10°C

Dayara Bugyal, Snow, Winter, Temperature drop, Trek, Adventure, Hike, Mountains, Snowfall 

Like every year, trekkers are again making a rookie mistake this winter. 

They are completely missing out on trekking in early December and choosing the peak holiday season (late December) for a winter experience. They are under the impression that late December is what makes for the best winter experience. 

Not many trekkers know this, but early December offers one of the most unique winter experiences.

I understand that many are concerned about the lack of snow and not getting leaves from office. 

While you cannot do much about the leaves, for other issues, you have your answers. Read on. 

It’s a myth that you do not find snow in early December. 

"Though not much, we start getting the first bouts of snow in mid-November. In early December there is a good deposit of snow, especially in the upper reaches above 10,000 feet, but not the thick heavy blanket. In these settings it is better to go on a trek in early December," shares Akshay Upreti, who has been a slope manager in many of our winter expeditions.

Explaining the thought he adds, "Waiting for peak winters means risking instances of heavy snowfall which could disrupt your trek. If you ask me, I would prefer to trek in a period where there has been a basic amount of snowfall and chances of getting a clearer sky are higher. And for me, late-November and early-December is that period."

Last year, the Kuari Pass trek received its first snowfall as early as October. The frequency of snowfall gradually increases by December. By early December, most treks have a good dusting of snow in the higher reaches.

But this snow is not deep. Between snowfalls the snow melts quickly exposing the vibrant colours of autumn. And that makes for some of the most beautiful and unique sights in the Himalayas.

Winter treks are popular for sprawling white landscapes. But on the flip slide, too much snow makes it difficult to complete the trek.

Heavy snowfall can disrupt the trek. And it could take days to open the route again. Unfortunately, chances of a heavy snowfall increase post-mid-December. This is because the Western Disturbances start to take a more defined shape in the later part of December. 

Under circumstances when it snows heavily, it is normal to change routes and campsites, moving to a more compatible route. Sometimes trekkers even have to return to the base camp without completing the trek. 

But the situation is not so in early December when winter is just beginning to set in.

A slight dusting of snow in early December at the Khorurai campsite of Brahmatal. Photo by Nitesh Kumar

“The probability that you would complete the trek in early December is much higher. You don’t get big amounts of snow on the ground. This doesn’t hamper your trek,” says Arjun Majumdar, Founder-CEO, Indiahikes. 

In fact, early December offers a perfect introduction to winters in the Himalayas if you are new to trekking. 

Reason 3: The weather is drier, more comfortable

Another aspect that works in favour of early December is the precipitation. “There is almost no, or very low precipitation in early December. This means no overcast skies or wet terrain. This is much more comfortable for someone who is just starting to trek in the Himalayas,” shares Sandhya UC, Co-Founder and COO, Indiahikes. 

“Late November and early December is my favourite time to lead a trek. At this time, you can see a transition between seasons on the same trek. At the lower campsites you see the orangish hues. The last touch of autumn is still there. But as you climb higher, you also get the feeling of winter,” shares Shachi Tripathi, Trainer and Slope Manager at Indiahikes.

Treks become much more challenging during peak winters. There's deep snow everywhere around, often seeping into your shoes. Shoes become wet and a nightmare to trek in. 

It’s also more comfortable to trek in early December because temperatures are still manageable. “In early December, the minimum temperature you encounter is around -2 degree Celsius. There is a sharp, delicious chill in the air which you enjoy in early December.

A star-lit sky captured during the Collaborative Leadership Program that took place in early December 2021 at Dayara Bugyal. Photo by Izzat Yaganagi. 

Later in December the temperature drops to -8. And many trekkers don’t realise that this difference is huge. It’s four times colder,” shares Arjun. 

"In early December the cold is not as annoying. It’s just the right amount of cold, which is very refreshing!" says Shachi remembering the days she had spend on treks in early December.

6 Himalayan Treks you must experience in early December

If you are planning a trek in early December, these six treks should be on top of your list

Truth is, this is a very narrow window -- between autumn and peak winter -- and very few trekkers get a chance to see it this way. 

During this time, you have higher chances of experiencing the first snowfall, and that too in comfortable weather. Lesser snow on the trail also increases your chances of having a successful winter trek. That's the beauty of trekking in early December. 

early december; treks in december; less crowded treks; 

Why Early December is better than Late December for Trekking

Today, I want to share some secrets about the Valley of Flowers that nobody will tell you. This kind of insight comes only if you spend months, year after year in the valley, like our Trek Leaders do.

I was talking about the Valley of Flowers Trek with our Slope Manager, Gourab Nandy. Gourab is one of our most charismatic slope managers—you may have met him; he’s hard to miss!

I asked him what was the best time to visit Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand. This is the top question of every trekker who emails me. And it’s a valid one—knowing the best season to visit Valley of Flowers can make a huge difference to your experience.

Gourab gave me some insights that even most Trek Experts don’t know! I thought it was a treasure trove of information, and I’m sharing it with you today.

So what really is the best time to visit Valley of Flowers?

So what is the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers?

Gourab spent three months in 2018 leading trekkers on the Valley of Flowers Trek. Based on his experience, here's a breakdown of what to expect in July, August, and September.

So, what about Valley of Flowers in July?

July is traditionally when the Valley of Flowers Trek opens to trekkers, tourists, and pilgrims.

"In the beginning of July, the valley is lush green. The flowers start budding in the first week. By mid-July, flowers start blooming," says Gourab.

To this, our co-founder, Sandhya UC adds, “You’ll even experience snow bridges and melting patches. Since the trek climbs to an altitude of around 14,107 ft, some snow lingers until the end of July.”

“There aren’t too many flowers until mid-July. But the greenery in the valley won’t make you feel like you’re missing out. The flowers start to bloom in abundance from mid-July onwards. The valley turns extremely colourful after that,” says Gourab. I would say this is the best time to trek here.

There are fewer crowds in the month of July as compared to August. Utilise this time to trek if you enjoy lesser crowds on trail. Picture by Jothiranjan

July is when the monsoon is just about beginning in our country. “The first half of July doesn’t see much rain. So it’s a very pleasant experience trekking in the valley,” shares Gourab. But after mid-July, expect rain, much like August. 

“A good thing about trekking in July is that the valley is least crowded in this month. Tourists and trekkers usually spill in from month of August. So in July, you don’t see too many other people. It’s a big bonus on such a popular trek,” says Gourab. In case you didn’t know, Valley of Flowers is one of our most crowded treks.

If you’re looking for fewer people, some snow, and the beginning of the bloom—mid-July to end-July is a great time.

Flowers start blooming abundantly from mid-July onwards, plus the valley is beautifully lush. Picture by Harsh Kulkarni

The Valley of Flowers in August is the best time to see flowers

“In my observations during my time there, the first 15 days of August see a huge number of flowers — the most I’ve seen in the three-month period. By the last week of August, I have seen flowers wilt and shed their petals. Trekkers will still see lots of flowers, so they won’t be disappointed. But ask any Trek Leader and they’ll tell you what the Valley of Flowers is like in the first few weeks of August,” he says.

If you want to see the valley in full bloom, early August is the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers and do the trek.

Walking in the flowery valley on a well laid-out stony path feels like taking the stairway to heaven. Balsam flowers are one of the most beautiful blooms of the season, primarily in August. Photo by Kent Pawar

 “Expect a good amount of precipitation, but it’s fun to trek in the rain,” says Gourab. Then he adds a zinger, “Though I have noticed a good amount of rain at Govindghat, at higher altitudes, it’s not always heavy. You might experience a good drizzle, and your rainwear can easily protect you in these drizzles.” Now, that was something I didn’t expect to hear!

This is one of the downsides of trekking in this month is the huge number of crowd that you see on the trail. If you time your trek during weekdays, then you find lesser crowds. 

August is the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers if your main goal is seeing the flowers. But what if you can’t in August? Don’t worry, we’ve got that covered as well.

Bonus of trekking in August: “This is not related to the trek, but the Badrinath temple is near-empty during this time. Though the road beyond Govindghat is unpredictable because of the Lambagad landslide zone, the Badrinath temple is near empty. You can spend more than an hour in the main part of the temple in front of the deity. You can see the aarti without disturbance. Usually, when there’s a crowd, you can hardly stand there even for a minute,” shares Gourab.

If seeing flowers is your top priority, the best time to visit Valley of Flowers is from the last week of July to August 15.

The best time to visit Valley of Flowers is in the first half of August, if your main aim is to see flowers. Picture by Gourab Nandy taken in August.

What if I wanted to do the Valley of Flowers in September?

“This would be my last recommendation,” says Gourab. And our co-founder, Sandhya seems to agree. “That’s why,” Sandhya adds, “we never run the trek after the second week of September.” 

“There’s no quality in the flowers in September,” frowns Gourab. “Most of the flowers have wilted away and there are very few left. Again, trekkers will not be very disappointed because the valley itself is picturesque and lush, but if they are coming just to see the flowers, then September is definitely not the time,” says Gourab.

September is not the best time to do the Valley of Flowers trek if you want to see flowers on the trail. But there’s something else, that is unique about the trail in September.

“It rains a lot less in September. The monsoons are retreating and almost die down by mid-September. So that’s a bonus of trekking to Valley of Flowers in September,” says Gourab. Ironically, as rain disappears, it takes away the flowers with it too.

Hemkund Sahib is the highest Gurudwara in the world. The trek to Hemkund Sahib is a steep ascent but has a serene religious feel to it. You see people of all ages praying. It's a surreal feeling. Photo by Nagasai Anudeep

“The valley becomes a lot more crowded, especially because pilgrims come in large numbers to visit the gurdwara at Hemkund Sahib in September. This is more pronounced over the weekends. If you’re going to the mountains to get away from crowds and have some alone time, then again, September is not the time,” says Gourab.

We also made an ultimate guide to do the Valley of Flowers trek on your own. You can watch the video below. 

Does the best time to trek to Valley of Flowers change with change in climate?

I caught up with our Trek Leader Akshay Upreti, who spent three months in the valley in 2019. His observations were very similar to Gourab’s. 

“In 2019, I observed the same trend — the flowers peaked from the last week of July to around August 15. After that, they slowly wilted,” says Akshay.

So even with changing climate, early August remains the most reliable time to see the valley in bloom.

Another common misconception about the Valley Of Flowers trek

As I was speaking to Akshay, he brought about another misconception that trekkers have. 

“It’s well known that in the Valley of Flowers, there are more than 500 varieties of flowers. Many a time, trekkers come expecting to see all 500 varieties of flowers. They are often crest-fallen when they don’t see that many flowers,” he says. 

“It is true that there are around 500 varieties of flowers in the Valley of Flowers. But they don’t bloom at the same time. These flowers bloom in the valley throughout the year at different times, not necessarily in July, August or September. So when trekkers come in these months, they can expect many varieties, but not all. Yet, this season is when the valley is at its best, in full bloom,” he clarifies. 

So there you are, some inside information about the Valley of Flowers that no one will tell you about.

To sum it up, if you really want to see lots of flowers, time your trek from the last week of July to the middle of August. Expect quite a bit of rain during this period, but it’s nothing you cannot manage without these expert monsoon trekking tips. 

On the other hand July and September give you a lush valley, there are still flowers but not as many. But it’s a good time to trek with lesser rainfall. Of the two, July is better than September.

There are over 500 varieties of flowers at Valley of Flowers. But they bloom in phases throughout the year. July, August and September are when you see a large number of these flowers. Photo by Gourab Nandy

What is the Valley of Flowers trek distance?
The trek covers around 34 km from Poolna to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib and back.

What is the Valley of Flowers trek altitude?
The highest point on the trek is around 14,107 ft (4,300 m).

What’s the Valley of Flowers temperature like?
The average temperatures for the months of July, August and September are very similar. Day time temperature ranges between 10 °C to 18 °C, based on precipitation and cloud cover and night time temperature drops to almost 3 °C to 5 °C. 
If you want to read a learn more about the temperature and the number warm clayered clothing you should take, click here.

This article helps you plan and rightly time the Valley of Flowers trek. This is a secret nobody tells you.

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