Expert Only
Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
K2 Trek from India
Planning the K2 Base Camp trek from India in 2026? Complete guide covering route, permits, visa, cost (INR), itinerary & best time for Indian trekkers.
24 days 8,611 mJun – Sep
Season, May to June
Best Summer Treks in India
Summer is when the high Himalaya finally opens. As the snowline retreats through May and June, the high meadows turn a deep emerald, and the great alpine lake and pass routes of Kashmir, Himachal and Ladakh become walkable again. Long daylight makes for slow, unhurried days on the trail.
9
Treks in season
May to June
Peak months
3
Prime regions
2
Months covered
Alpine meadows and the high Himalaya opening up
Why trek in Summer?
With the snowline retreating fast and the whole country on holiday, summer is peak Himalayan trekking season. It is the time for the marquee high routes, from the Kashmir Great Lakes to Hampta Pass, Beas Kund and the early Valley of Flowers, when the meadows bloom and the high camps are clear of snow.
This is the flagship trekking window of the year and it draws trekkers from across the country and the world. Schools and offices are on break, the meadows are at their greenest, and the classic routes are all in condition at once. It rewards a little planning, because the best homestays, guides and permits get booked out well in advance.
Top Summer treks
Expert Only
Koshi Province, Nepal / Tibet, China
Mount Everest
The Mount Everest trek to Base Camp (EBC) is a 130 km, 14–16 day trek reaching 5,364 m, best done in spring or autumn.
16 days 5,364 mMar – Jun
Moderate
Himachal Pradesh
Sar Pass Trek
Sar Pass Trek is a 49 km moderate Himalayan trek in Himachal Pradesh, reaching 4,250 m, best done May–June over 5–6 days from Kasol to Barshaini.
5 days 4,250 mMay – Jun
Moderate
Uttarakhand
Phulara Ridge Trek
Phulara Ridge Trek is a moderate 45–50 km ridge walk in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, reaching ~12,000 ft with 360° views of Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, Kedarkantha, and Swargarohini. Best done May–June or October.
6 days 3,660 m (12,000 ft)Oct – Dec
BeginnerEasy–Moderate
Himachal Pradesh
Kheerganga Trek
The Kheerganga trek is a 12–13 km Easy–Moderate trail in Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh, reaching natural hot springs at ~2,960 m. Best time: May–June & Sep–Oct.
3 days 2,960 m (9,711 ft)Sep – Nov
Expert Only
Uttarakhand
Auden's Col Trek
Auden's Col trek is a 14–16 day extreme-grade glaciated crossing in Uttarakhand, connecting Gangotri to Ghuttu via a col at ~5,490 m.
15 days 5,490 mMay – Jun
BeginnerEasy–Moderate
Himachal Pradesh
Chanderkhani Pass Trek
The Chanderkhani Pass trek is a 4-day Easy-to-Moderate Himalayan trek in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, reaching 3,660 m (12,008 ft) — best done May–June or September
4 days 3,660 m (12,008 ft)Sep – Nov
Moderate
Uttarakhand
Dodital Trek
The Dodital Trek is a moderate 22 km trail in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, reaching a sacred Himalayan lake at 3,307 m altitude — ideal for fit beginners.
5 days 3,307 mMay – Jun
Moderate–Difficult
Himachal Pradesh
Friendship Peak Base Trek
The Friendship Peak Base Trek is a 5–6 day moderate-to-difficult trek in Himachal Pradesh, starting at Dhundi (2480m) near Manali and reaching base camp at 4800–5000m beneath the 5289m summit.
6 days 5289 m May – Jun
Compare Summer treks
How the top summer treks stack up on difficulty, duration, season and altitude.
| Trek | Difficulty | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| K2 Trek from India | Expert Only | 24 days |
| Mount Everest | Expert Only | 16 days |
| Sar Pass Trek | Moderate | 5 days |
| Phulara Ridge Trek | Moderate | 6 days |
| Kheerganga Trek | Easy–Moderate | 3 days |
| Auden's Col Trek | Expert Only | 15 days |
| Chanderkhani Pass Trek | Easy–Moderate | 4 days |
| Dodital Trek | Moderate | 5 days |
| Friendship Peak Base Trek | Moderate–Difficult | 6 days |
Summer month by month
| Month | Conditions |
|---|---|
| May | Snow melts fast, meadows begin to green and many routes stay quiet. |
| June | Peak meadow season and the warmest weather before the monsoon arrives. |
This is the busiest window, so book ahead, hydrate well and prioritise sun protection on the open meadows.
How to prepare
- Book permits, homestays and guides early because this is the busiest season
- Arrive with solid cardio fitness for long days and real altitude
- Give yourself acclimatisation days on the higher lake and pass routes
- Carry two litres of water capacity for dry, sunny days
What to pack
- High factor sunscreen, lip balm and UV sunglasses for intense glare
- Layers for warm days and cold high altitude nights
- A light rain shell for the first showers by late June
- A wide brimmed hat and a buff for sun on open meadows
Warm days of 15 to 25 degrees at base, cold nights at altitude, very strong sun, and the first showers by late June.
Summer trekking, frequently asked questions
The summer trekking window runs May to June. Warm days of 15 to 25 degrees at base, cold nights at altitude, very strong sun, and the first showers by late June.
Keep exploring
Related treks, regions and guides
Best regions this season
Other seasons
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