10 Incredible Himalayan Treks That Must Be On Your List This Summer

Days are getting longer and temperatures are soaring; summer is upon us. Frustrating as the scorching heat is, summers offer a great opportunity to trek the mighty Himalayas. Whether you want to simply escape the heat or soak in some nature and solitude or get adventurous with your friends, the Himalayas offer something for everyone. So, get ready, put on your trekking shoes and pack your sacks for a thrilling trek in the Himalayas. To help you decide, here are 10 incredible Himalayan treks for beginners and expert trekkers to take this summer.

Difficulty: Easy (Ideal for beginners with moderate fitness levels)
Duration: 5-6 days
Best time to go: May to October

Easy and convenient, Hampta Pass trek is perfect for a rookie. Connecting the beautiful valleys of Kullu and Lahaul, this trek offers dramatic variations in landscapes taking you from lush green meadows to semi-arid craterous valleys. These changing landscapes throughout the trek will surely make you marvel at nature’s spellbinding beauty.

The pristine beauty of Chandratal Lake © Shiraz Ritwik / Flickr

The trek starts from Jobra near Manali and ends at Chatru in the Lahaul Valley. From Chatru you can drive down to the astounding crescent shaped Chandratal Lake. The pristine blue waters of the lake surrounded by the majestic mountains of Spiti makes this a perfect spot for photography and some quiet introspection.

Difficulty: Easy (Ideal for beginners with moderate fitness levels)
Duration: 7-8 Days
Best time to go: June to September

Imagine unending stretches of serene grasslands and forests, mighty snow-capped mountains, and tucked in between them an unspoiled, fantastically blue lake. This is a view you will wake up to, TWICE, on the Tarsar Marsar trek as you camp on the shores of two scenic lakes. This easy-peasy trek takes you to the almond-shaped twin lakes of Tarsar Marsar in the Aru region of Kashmir. While the aquamarine lakes are a highlight of this trek, the trail is equally breathtaking meandering through meadows dotted with alpine flowers and lush forests.

Difficulty: Easy (Ideal for beginners with moderate fitness levels)
Duration: 7-8 Days
Best time to go: April to June, September to November

Har Ki Dun trek is a great introduction to trekking in the Himalayas for first-timers. Considered one of the most stunning valleys in the Garhwal Himalayas, this valley is steeped in mythology. On this trek, you can take the same trail the Pandavas took on their journey to heaven through the Swargarohini peak. It is no wonder that Har Ki Dun literally translates to the ‘Valley of Gods’! During this trek, you will pass along ancient, isolated villages that offer a wonderful glimpse in the Pahari (Himalayan) life. As you walk along dense pine forests, keep an eye out for the rare and sacred Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata) flower.

Difficulty: Easy (Ideal for beginners with moderate fitness levels)
Duration: 6 days
Best time to go: April to May, October to December

Situated on the border of India and Nepal, Sandakphu is the highest peak in West Bengal. On this trek, you will walk through forests full of blooming rhododendrons, giant magnolias, and wild orchids. But the biggest reasons for trekkers to go on this trek are the ethereal views of some of the world’s tallest mountains in a single 180 degree stretch that form the famous ‘Sleeping Buddha’ – Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Janu, Chamlang, and Baruntse. Feast your eyes folks, this is a sight to behold!

Difficulty: Moderate (Ideal for trekkers with good fitness. Preparation required.)
Duration: 8-9 Days
Best time to go: May to June, August to September

Challenging, breathtaking, and mysterious – are three words that perfectly describe Roopkund trek. Located in the outer periphery of Nanda Devi National Park in Uttarakhand, this trek is considered a must-do by avid trekkers. On this trek you will walk through miles of the spectacular Ali and Bedni bugyal (alpine meadows) and verdant forests, pass by gurgling rivulets, and climb up steep, adrenalin raising slopes to reach the enchanting Roopkund Lake.

Snugged cozily in the lap of the Trishul Massif, at the bottom of this shallow and untouched glacial lake mysteriously lie skeletons dating back to the 9^th century. On your way up to the lake, don’t forget to ask your guide about the amusing local legends about this lake. This is certainly a trek for adventure seekers!

Difficulty: Moderate (Ideal for trekkers with good fitness levels. Preparation required.)
Duration: 8 days
Best time to go: June to September

One of the most sought-after treks in Ladakh, this trek explores the green oasis of the Markha Valley formed by the Markha River in Central Ladakh. The trek through the Markha valley will take you across vast moonscapes, sculpted canyons, mighty snow peaks, remote traditional Ladakhi villages and Buddhist monasteries. En route this trek, you will venture high into the Himalayas ascending two of the highest passes in Ladakh – Gandala La and Kongmaru La. As the trail passes through the Hemis National Park, you will have a chance to spot plenty of indigenous wildlife. The Markha Valley trek is best for trekkers wanting to explore the scenic splendor of Ladakh.

Difficulty: Moderate (Ideal for trekkers with good fitness levels. Preparation required.)
Duration: 8 days
Best time to go: June to September

Taking you to 7 surreal glacial lakes in a span of just 8 days, the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek never fails to impress. This trek lets you experience Kashmir’s beauty in its full glory as it takes you through thick alpine forests, unhindered grasslands, and ultimately to crystal clear lakes nestled between snow-covered peaks. After completing this trek, you will know exactly why the famous poet Amir Khusro remarked about Kashmir:

Agar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast,

Hameen ast-o hameen ast-o hameen ast

(If there is a paradise on earth,
It is this, it is this, it is this)

Difficulty: Moderate (Ideal for trekkers with good fitness levels. Preparation required.)
Duration: 8 days
Best time to go: April to October

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is sought by both adventure lovers and spiritual seekers. Trailing along the course of Bhagirathi River, this trek takes you right up to the Gangotri glacier, the source of the holy River Ganges. From there, the trail continues further towards Tapovan, the legendary meditating ground of sages, situated at the foot of Mt Shivling. The imposing beauty of the Himalayas and bewitching Gangotri glacier coupled with its rich spiritual and mythological background always leaves a deep impact on trekkers.

Difficulty: Difficult (Only for experienced trekkers with high fitness levels)
Duration: 8 days
Best time to go: July to August

Standing tall at 6,000 meters, Stok Kangri in Ladakh is one of the world’s highest climbable mountains. Challenging both physically and mentally, this trek takes you across the hauntingly beautiful rugged Ladakhi landscape. Along the way, you walk across precarious ridges and pass by several glacial lakes. At the summit, you will be rewarded with outstanding views of the Karakoram and Zanskar mountain ranges.

Difficulty: Difficult (Only for experienced trekkers with high fitness levels)
Duration: 10 days
Best time to go: April to June, September to October

Goechala Trek in Sikkim offers the perfect blend of adventure and beauty. On the way up, you will pass by several remote monasteries, hike through enthralling rhododendron forests and lush pastures, and walk along the extraordinary Samiti Lake. But what draws most trekkers to this trek is the up close and personal view of Mt Kanchenjunga that the summit offers.

So, pump up your Adrenalin this summer and make some unforgettable memories with these thrilling Himalayan treks.