BeginnerEasy–Moderate
Uttarakhand
Surya Top Trek
Surya Top Trek is an easy-to-moderate trail in Chakrata, Uttarakhand, reaching ~2,700–2,900 m with panoramic Himalayan views, best done October–November or April-May.
3 days 2,900 mOct – Dec
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
Moderate–Difficult
Himachal Pradesh
Churdhar Trek
Churdhar Trek reaches 3,647 m (11,965 ft) — the highest outer Himalayan peak — from Nohradhar, Himachal Pradesh, in a ~32 km round trip over 3 days.
3 days 3,647 m (11,965 ft)Mar – Jun
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
BeginnerEasy
Himachal Pradesh
Tosh Valley Trek
The Tosh Valley trek is a 3–4 km hike from Barshaini to Tosh Village (2,400 m) in Himachal Pradesh's Parvati Valley, rated easy to moderate and best done April–June.
4 days 3,500 mMar – Jun
Moderate–Difficult
Uttarakhand
Milam Glacier Trek
The Milam Glacier trek is a 9-day, ~120 km round-trip trek in Uttarakhand from Munsiyari to a glacier snout at ~3,870 m, requiring an Inner Line Permit.
9 days 3,870 mMay – Jun
BeginnerEasy–Moderate
Himachal Pradesh
Prashar Lake Trek
The Prashar Lake trek is a 7–8 km, easy-to-moderate trail in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, reaching 2730 m (8,957 ft). Best time: April–June or October–November.
3 days 2730 m (8,957 ft)Oct – Dec
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
Uttarakhand
Kuari Pass Trek
The Kuari Pass Trek is a 36–40 km Easy-to-Moderate Himalayan trail in Garhwal, Uttarakhand, reaching 3,657 m (12,000 ft) with 270° views of Nanda Devi, Kamet &
6 days 12,000 ftSep – 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
Compare Summer treks
How the top summer treks stack up on difficulty, duration, season and altitude.
| Trek | Difficulty | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Surya Top Trek | Easy–Moderate | 3 days |
| Churdhar Trek | Moderate–Difficult | 3 days |
| Kheerganga Trek | Easy–Moderate | 3 days |
| Tosh Valley Trek | Easy | 4 days |
| Milam Glacier Trek | Moderate–Difficult | 9 days |
| Prashar Lake Trek | Easy–Moderate | 3 days |
| Phulara Ridge Trek | Moderate | 6 days |
| Kuari Pass Trek | Easy–Moderate | 6 days |
| Dodital Trek | Moderate | 5 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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