Recommended Treks for the Summer Season in the Himalayas

Why Trek in the Summer Season ?

The summer season in the Indian Himalayas will make you fall in love with the mountains all over again. Almost all treks across the region open between May and June, even the high-altitude ones in Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir. During this time, the weather is at its best, the skies are clear, and the views are simply breathtaking, making trekking an absolute pleasure.

Thanks to the stable weather, summer is also the perfect time for beginners to hone their skills and get a taste of Himalayan adventure. With countless trekking routes to choose from, even first-time trekkers are spoiled for choice. For seasoned adventurers, summer brings new challenges as high-altitude trails and passes, such as the iconic Kalindi Khal, become accessible once again.

Summer trekking in the Indian Himalayas also offers some of the most exciting crossover routes. The Hampta Pass Trek, for instance, connects two contrasting valleys: the lush Kullu Valley and the arid Lahaul Valley. The Rupin Pass Trek links Uttarakhand's picturesque Uttarkashi district to Himachal's stunning Kinnaur Valley, while the Bali Pass Trek connects the scenic Har Ki Dun valley with Yamunotri, offering a thrilling mix of landscapes and adventure.

What truly stands out about summer treks in India is how close you can get to the mighty Himalayan peaks. Ali Bedni Bugyal, for instance, offers some of the grandest mountain views, with Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti appearing almost within arm's reach. The Gangotri-Gaumukh Trek, the only one in the country that lets you witness Mt. Shivling from base to summit in a single, awe-inspiring frame, also opens in summer. On the Goechala Trek, you don't just see one summit, the majestic Kanchenjunga, but as many as 14 others. And for those seeking a challenge, the Kedartal Trek brings you face-to-face with towering giants like Mt. Thalaysagar and Mt. Bhrigupanth.

Summer is indeed the ideal trekking season in India, and it offers you the very best of the Indian Himalayas.

Summer Season Weather & Climate Conditions

Summer in the Himalayas, lasting from May to June, is undoubtedly the best time for trekking. Average temperatures range between 15°C and 25°C, making it pleasantly warm during the day. The skies stay mostly clear, the days are longer, allowing trekkers to cover more distance, and the sunrises and sunsets of summer are nothing short of magical.

In Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, treks like Dzongri, Goecha La, Kuari Pass, Har Ki Dun, Buran Ghati, and Hampta Pass become accessible during this season, bursting with vibrant rhododendron blooms and offering clear mountain views. While high-altitude routes in Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir remain out of reach early in the season, many of them gradually open by the end of June.