Are you planning your summer trek? You’re not alone. Every year, from May to early July, thousands of Indian trekkers head to the mountains searching for snow patches, green meadows, and that unbeatable high-altitude feeling.
If you’re looking for the Best Summer Treks in India — whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate trekker, or someone chasing a serious high-altitude challenge — this guide is for you.
Why Summer Is the Best Time for Trekking in India
Summer is not just “good weather season. If you ask any mountain lover, they’ll tell you that the Himalayas have “moods.” Summer is when the mountains are in their most welcoming, vibrant, and accessible state.
Weather Conditions in the Himalayas During May–June
In most Himalayan regions:
- Snow starts melting on mid-altitude trails
- Day temperatures stay pleasant (not extreme cold)
- Skies remain clearer compared to monsoon
Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh offer some of the most stable trekking windows during this period. Nights are cold at higher camps, but manageable with proper layering.
You won’t face the harsh winter closures or the unpredictable monsoon downpours. That’s why many trekkers consider summer trekking.
High-Altitude Trails After Snow Clearance
Many famous passes open only after winter snow clears.
Routes like:
- Bali Pass
- Rupin Pass
- Hampta Pass
- Buran Ghati
become accessible during late May and June. Early summer often gives you the best of both worlds — snow sections plus green valleys below.
Why Summer Is Ideal for Beginner Trekkers
Beginners often struggle with the “survival mode” of winter trekking. In summer, the focus shifts from surviving the cold to enjoying the view. The trails are dry, the oxygen levels feel slightly higher due to the lush greenery, and the days are longer, giving you plenty of time to reach camp without rushing.
Best Summer Treks in India 2026
Let’s break down the top Himalayan summer treks region-wise and difficulty-wise.
1. Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek – The Meadow King of Uttarakhand
Ali and Bedni Bugyal are among the most beautiful alpine meadows in India. In summer, the entire landscape turns into rolling green carpets with Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks dominating the skyline.
Route: Lohajung → Didna → Ali Bugyal → Bedni Bugyal → Return
Difficulty: Moderate
Maximum Altitude: ~3,600–3,700 meters
Duration: 5–6 days
Best Time: May–June, September–October
Package Cost: ₹7,900 – ₹12,000
Why It’s Famous:
- Massive open meadows
- Stunning Himalayan panorama
- Ideal for beginners stepping into moderate trekking
- One of the best summer treks in Uttarakhand
2. Har Ki Dun Trek – The Valley of Gods
Har Ki Dun is a scenic valley trek inside Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. It combines rivers, forests, snow peaks, and ancient Himalayan villages.
Route: Sankri → Taluka → Seema → Har Ki Dun → Return
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Maximum Altitude: ~3,566 meters
Duration: 6–7 days
Best Time: April–June, September–November
Package Cost: ₹8,500 – ₹13,000
Why It’s Famous:
- Mythological connection to Mahabharata
- Gradual ascent (good acclimatization)
- Ideal for families and first-timers
3. Roopkund Trek – The Legendary Skeleton Lake
Roopkund Trek is a high-altitude glacial lake known for ancient skeletal remains found near its edge. The trek passes through stunning meadows before a steep summit climb.
Route: Lohajung → Didna → Bedni Bugyal → Bhagwabasa → Roopkund → Return
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Maximum Altitude: ~5,029 meters
Duration: 7–8 days
Best Time: May–June, September
Package Cost: ₹12,000 – ₹18,000
Why It’s Famous:
- Mystery of Skeleton Lake
- High-altitude challenge
- Snow sections in early summer
4. Valley of Flowers Trek – India’s Floral Paradise
Valley of flowers trek is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this trek takes you through a valley filled with rare alpine flowers during bloom season.
Route: Govindghat → Ghangaria → Valley of Flowers → (optional Hemkund Sahib)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Maximum Altitude: ~4,329 meters (Hemkund Sahib)
Duration: 5–6 days
Best Time: Late June–August
Package Cost: ₹6,900 – ₹14,000
Why It’s Famous:
- Rare Himalayan flora
- Beginner-friendly trail
- Ideal family-friendly summer trek
5. Chopta Tungnath Trek – Short Himalayan Summit
Chopta tungnath is one of the easiest Himalayan treks with huge rewards. It combines spirituality and panoramic mountain views.
Route: Chopta → Tungnath Temple → Chandrashila Summit → Return
Difficulty: Easy
Maximum Altitude: ~4,000 meters
Duration: 2–3 days
Best Time: April–June, September–November
Package Cost: ₹4,000 – ₹8,000
Why It’s Famous:
- Highest Shiva temple (Tungnath)
- Perfect beginner summit
- Weekend-friendly
6. Kedarkantha Trek – The Beginner’s Summit
Although famous as a winter trek, Kedarkantha remains accessible in early summer and is ideal for first-time trekkers.
Route: Sankri → Juda Ka Talab → Kedarkantha Base → Summit → Return
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Maximum Altitude: ~3,800 meters
Duration: 5–6 days
Best Time: Winter primarily, early summer also possible
Package Cost: ₹5,400 – ₹10,000
Why It’s Famous:
- 360° summit views
- Well-marked trail
- Great first summit experience
7. Nag Tibba Trek – The Weekend Himalayan Escape
Nag Tibba trek is the perfect short trek near Dehradun and Mussoorie.
Route: Pantwari → Nag Tibba Summit → Return
Difficulty: Easy
Maximum Altitude: ~3,022 meters
Duration: 2 days
Best Time: Year-round (avoid heavy monsoon)
Package Cost: ₹1,500 – ₹4,000
Why It’s Famous:
- Budget-friendly
- Ideal for beginners
- Quick Himalayan getaway
9. Hampta Pass Trek – From Green Valleys to Cold Desert
This trek dramatically shifts from lush Kullu valley to barren Spiti landscape.
Route: Jobra → Chika → Balu Ka Ghera → Hampta Pass → Chatru
Difficulty: Moderate
Maximum Altitude: ~4,270 meters
Duration: 5–6 days
Best Time: June–September
Package Cost: ₹7,500 – ₹14,000
Why It’s Famous:
- River crossings
- Snow bridges
- Landscape contrast
9. Beas Kund Trek – Glacier Source Trek
A short trek leading to the origin of the Beas River.
Route: Solang → Dhundi → Bakarthach → Beas Kund → Return
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Maximum Altitude: ~3,700 meters
Duration: 3–4 days
Best Time: May–June, September
Package Cost: ₹6,000 – ₹10,000
Why It’s Famous:
- Glacier views
- Short duration
- Good for beginners
10. Bhrigu Lake Trek – High Meadows Near Manali
A short but steep trek leading to a sacred alpine lake.
Route: Gulaba → Rola Kholi → Bhrigu Lake → Return
Difficulty: Moderate
Maximum Altitude: ~4,300 meters
Duration: 3–4 days
Best Time: May–June, September
Package Cost: ₹4,500 – ₹8,000
Why It’s Famous:
- High-altitude meadows
- Quick ascent experience
11. Bali Pass Trek – The Expedition Experience
A tough Himalayan pass connecting Har Ki Dun and Yamunotri.
Route: Sankri → Ruinsara Tal → Bali Pass → Yamunotri
Difficulty: Difficult
Maximum Altitude: ~4,950 meters
Duration: 8–9 days
Best Time: May–June, September
Package Cost: ₹18,000 – ₹25,000
Why It’s Famous:
- Glacier crossings
- Remote terrain
- Technical high pass
12. Buran Ghati Trek – The Ice Wall Adventure
Known for its steep snow descent in early summer.
Route: Janglik → Dayara Meadows → Buran Pass → Barua
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Maximum Altitude: ~4,550 meters
Duration: 7–8 days
Best Time: May–June, September
Package Cost: ₹14,000 – ₹20,000
Why It’s Famous:
- 400 ft snow wall descent
- Diverse terrain
13. Goechala Trek – In the Shadow of Kanchenjunga
A demanding trek in Sikkim offering dramatic Himalayan views.
Route: Yuksom → Dzongri → Thansing → Goechala Viewpoint → Return
Difficulty: Difficult
Maximum Altitude: ~4,940 meters
Duration: 9–11 days
Best Time: April–June, September–October
Package Cost: ₹20,000 – ₹30,000
Why It’s Famous:
- Close view of Kanchenjunga
- Rhododendron forests
14. Rupin Pass Trek – Waterfalls & Hanging Villages
A visually diverse trek crossing from Uttarakhand to Himachal.
Route: Dhaula → Jhaka → Rupin Pass → Sangla
Difficulty: Difficult
Maximum Altitude: ~4,650 meters
Duration: 7–8 days
Best Time: May–June, September
Package Cost: ₹15,000 – ₹22,000
Why It’s Famous:
- Hanging village (Jhaka)
- Waterfalls
- Snowfields
Who Should Avoid High-Altitude Summer Treks?
The mountains are beautiful, but they don’t care about your ego. You should reconsider or opt for easier trails if:
- Heart or Lung Conditions: If you have asthma or hypertension, consult a doctor. The air at 15,000 feet has roughly 40% less oxygen.
- The “Zero-Prep” Group: If you haven’t walked more than 1 km in the last month, a trek like Rupin Pass will be a nightmare, not a vacation.
- Young Children/Elderly: While many do it, treks above 12,000 ft can be risky for those who cannot communicate symptoms of Altitude Sickness (AMS).
If unsure, start with:
- Chopta
- Nag Tibba
- Har Ki Dun
Then gradually move higher.
Essential Tips for Summer Trekking in India
Here’s practical advice from real Himalayan experience.
1. Train at Least 4–6 Weeks Before
Focus on:
- Stair climbing
- Brisk walking or jogging
- Strength training (legs + core)
Trekking is endurance, not just enthusiasm.
2. Respect Altitude
Above 3,000 meters:
- Walk slow
- Hydrate regularly
- Avoid alcohol
- Inform your trek leader about headaches or nausea
Never ignore AMS symptoms.
3. Pack Smart, Not Heavy
Essentials:
- Good trekking shoes
- Sun cap + sunscreen
- Sunglasses (snow glare is real)
- Layered clothing
Avoid overpacking.
4. Book Early for 2026
Summer slots fill quickly, especially for:
- Ali Bedni Bugyal
- Har Ki Dun
- Hampta Pass
Early booking ensures better logistics and smoother planning.
