15 Best Treks in India: Month-by-Month Guide with Costs

The best treks in India are Kedarkantha (winter snow), Valley of Flowers (monsoon flowers), Hampta Pass (the Kullu-to-Lahaul crossing), Har Ki Dun (a valley of old villages), Brahmatal (frozen lakes) and Kashmir Great Lakes (alpine lakes). Beginners can start with Triund, Kheerganga or Nag Tibba, which cost under ₹4,000 with us. Below are 15 treks with the best month, difficulty, days, altitude and cost of each.

Looking for village and temple routes instead? See our cultural treks in India.

Best Treks in India: Comparison Table

Prices are per person from our package pages, plus 5% GST. Many operators charge ₹10,000–15,000 for week-long Himalayan treks such as Kedarkantha, Dayara Bugyal and Hampta Pass.

Best Trek for Every Month

Use this calendar to pick a trek for your travel month. For snow treks in detail, see our guide to the best winter treks in India.

Travelling over the Diwali holidays? See our Diwali trekking destinations.

Quick Picks

• Best first trek: Triund, Kheerganga or Nag Tibba (2 days); Kedarkantha for a first multi-day snow trek
• Best weekend trek from Delhi: Nag Tibba, Triund or Kheerganga; more in our weekend treks near Delhi
• Best snow trek: Kedarkantha and Brahmatal
• Best for flowers: Valley of Flowers (July–August)
• Best high pass: Hampta Pass
• Best for lakes: Kashmir Great Lakes
• Best mountain views: Goechala (Kanchenjunga) and Kuari Pass (Nanda Devi)
• Toughest on this list: Goechala and Gaumukh–Tapovan
• Best for solo trekkers: see our best solo treks in Uttarakhand
• Best on a budget: Triund from ₹1,100 and Kheerganga from ₹1,500; see more budget treks in India

Treks by Region

Choosing between the two big trekking states? Read Himachal vs Uttarakhand treks, the top trekking destinations of Uttarakhand, and our winter guides for Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

1. Kedarkantha Trek, Uttarakhand

Best first snow trek

• State: Uttarakhand
• Duration: 5 days (Dehradun to Dehradun)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Max altitude: 3,810 m (12,500 ft)
• Distance: About 20 km over 4 trekking days
• Best time: December–February for snow; March–April for spring snow; October–November for clear views
• Base: Sankri, Uttarkashi
• Cost: from ₹5,500 per person with Manchala Mushafir (+5% GST)

Why go: A pre-dawn summit climb ends on a rounded snow top with views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Black Peak. On the way you camp by Juda Ka Talab, a small lake that freezes in winter, and walk through pine and oak forest above Sankri village.

Good to know: Summit day starts around 2 AM and takes 7–9 hours; microspikes and gaiters are needed from December to February.

→ View the Kedarkantha Trek package · Read: how hard the Kedarkantha trek really is.

2. Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib Trek, Uttarakhand

Best monsoon trek for flowers

• State: Uttarakhand
• Duration: 6 days (from Rishikesh)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate; the Hemkund Sahib climb is the hardest day
• Max altitude: About 4,632 m (15,200 ft) at Hemkund Sahib
• Distance: About 40 km over 4 trekking days
• Best time: Mid-July to mid-August for peak bloom; September for clear skies (open 1 June to 31 October)
• Base: Ghangaria, Chamoli
• Cost: from ₹9,500 per person with Manchala Mushafir (+5% GST)

Why go: A UNESCO World Heritage valley that turns into a carpet of wild flowers in the monsoon, with waterfalls and glacier streams on every side. The second trekking day climbs to Hemkund Sahib, one of the highest gurudwaras in the world, beside a glacial lake.

Good to know: You cannot camp in the valley; everyone stays at Ghangaria and walks in and out on day visits.

→ View the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib Trek package · Read: best time to visit Valley of Flowers.

3. Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh

Best summer crossover trek

• State: Himachal Pradesh
• Duration: 5 days (Manali to Manali)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Max altitude: About 4,270 m (14,000 ft) at Hampta Pass
• Distance: About 26 km of trekking over 3 days
• Best time: Mid-June to October
• Base: Jobra, near Manali
• Cost: from ₹6,600 per person with Manchala Mushafir (+5% GST)

Why go: In one crossing you go from the green, forested Kullu side to the bare, high-desert Lahaul valley. Our itinerary adds a drive to Chandratal lake from Chatru on Day 4, weather and road permitting.

Good to know: In June and early July, snowmelt makes the river crossings near Balu Ka Ghera knee-deep; follow your trek leader at every crossing.

→ View the Hampta Pass Trek package

4. Har Ki Dun Trek, Uttarakhand

Best valley trek for spring and autumn

• State: Uttarakhand
• Duration: 7 days (Dehradun to Dehradun)
• Difficulty: Moderate; fit beginners can do it
• Max altitude: 3,566 m (11,700 ft)
• Distance: About 47 km round trip from Taluka over 5 trekking days
• Best time: April–June and September–November
• Base: Sankri, Uttarkashi
• Cost: from ₹11,200 per person with Manchala Mushafir (+5% GST)

Why go: A glacial valley below Swargarohini peak inside Govind National Park, reached by a trail along the Supin river. It passes Osla, an old village of wooden houses with the Someshwar temple, which makes it one of the best treks for village life.

Good to know: Daily walking is 9–10 km (5–6 hours), so build stamina with long walks before you go.

→ View the Har Ki Dun Trek package · Read: Sankri village guide and other treks from Sankri.

5. Brahmatal Trek, Uttarakhand

Best winter trek for frozen lakes

• State: Uttarakhand
• Duration: 6 days (from Rishikesh)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Max altitude: 3,734 m (12,250 ft) at Brahmatal Top
• Distance: About 22 km over 4 trekking days
• Best time: December to March
• Base: Lohajung, Chamoli
• Cost: from ₹8,000 per person with Manchala Mushafir (+5% GST)

Why go: Two lakes, Bekaltal and Brahmatal, freeze over in winter, and the ridge above them looks straight at Mt Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. It is a good alternative to Kedarkantha when you want fewer crowds.

Good to know: Heavy snow falls from late December to February, and fresh snow can be knee-deep or more on the ridge; carry gaiters and good waterproof boots.

→ View the Brahmatal Trek package · Compare: Kedarkantha vs Brahmatal.

6. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, Jammu & Kashmir

Best trek for alpine lakes

• State: Jammu & Kashmir
• Duration: 7 days (Sonamarg to Naranag)
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• Max altitude: About 4,200 m at Gadsar Pass
• Distance: About 70 km
• Best time: July to September
• Base: Sonamarg
• Cost: not sold by Manchala Mushafir

Why go: The route links a chain of turquoise lakes, including Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and the twin lakes of Gangbal and Nundkol, across three high passes: Nichnai, Gadsar and Zaj. Many trekkers call it the most beautiful trek in India.

Good to know: There is an army check-post on the route; carry original photo ID.

7. Dayara Bugyal Trek, Uttarakhand

Best easy meadow trek, all year

• State: Uttarakhand
• Duration: 4 days (from Dehradun)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Max altitude: About 3,639 m (11,938 ft)
• Distance: About 15 km over 3 trekking days
• Best time: All year: December–March for snow, April–June for green meadows; August for the Butter Festival
• Base: Natin village (Raithal), Uttarkashi
• Cost: from ₹6,900 per person with Manchala Mushafir (+5% GST)

Why go: Dayara is one of the largest high-altitude meadows in Uttarakhand: a wide, open grassland with views of Bandarpoonch and the Gangotri peaks. In winter the same slopes turn into a snowfield, so it is a good snow trek for first-timers.

Good to know: The campsite at Gui sits at about 2,950 m, so the climb to the meadow is gentle and short.

→ View the Dayara Bugyal Trek package · Compare: Dayara Bugyal vs Brahmatal.

8. Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila Trek, Uttarakhand

Best short trek from Delhi with a big view

• State: Uttarakhand
• Duration: 4 days (Delhi to Delhi)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Max altitude: 4,000 m (13,123 ft) at Chandrashila
• Distance: About 9 km round trip from Chopta
• Best time: October to June
• Base: Chopta, Rudraprayag
• Cost: from ₹6,000 per person with Manchala Mushafir (+5% GST)

Why go: A short, paved trail climbs to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world and one of the Panch Kedar, then on to Chandrashila peak for a 360-degree view of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba.

Good to know: Tungnath temple closes for winter (usually November to April); the trek stays open and gets snow.

→ View the Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila Trek package · Read: Chopta–Tungnath packing list.

9. Kuari Pass Trek, Uttarakhand

Best trek for views of Nanda Devi

• State: Uttarakhand
• Duration: 6 days (from Rishikesh)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Max altitude: About 3,890 m (12,760 ft)
• Distance: About 40 km
• Best time: December–March for snow; April–June and September–November for clear weather
• Base: Pipalkoti, Chamoli
• Cost: from ₹8,600 per person with Manchala Mushafir (+5% GST)

Why go: Known as the Curzon Trail, this trek crosses oak forest and open meadows to a pass with a wide view of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri and the Garhwal peaks. It is one of the best winter treks for big-mountain views.

Good to know: The minimum age is 7, which makes it a good choice for fit families.

→ View the Kuari Pass Trek package

10. Triund and Laka Glacier Trek, Himachal Pradesh

Best weekend trek in Himachal

• State: Himachal Pradesh
• Duration: 2 days (Triund) or 3 days (Laka Glacier) from McLeodganj
• Difficulty: Easy (Triund); easy to moderate (Laka Glacier)
• Max altitude: 2,850 m at Triund; about 3,200 m at Laka Glacier
• Distance: About 6 km one way to Triund from Gallu Devi temple
• Best time: March–June and September–December
• Base: McLeodganj, Dharamshala
• Cost: from ₹1,100 (Triund) / ₹3,400 (Laka) per person with Manchala Mushafir (+5% GST)

Why go: Triund is a grassy ridge right below the Dhauladhar range, with the Kangra valley spread out below. Continue past the Snowline café to Laka Glacier for snow even in early summer. McLeodganj, with its Tibetan monasteries and prayer flags, is the base.

Good to know: Laka Glacier can be snowbound and risky in January–February; go in spring or autumn.

→ View the Triund and Laka Glacier Trek package · See also our Triund and Laka Glacier trek and the Triund trek guide.

11. Kheerganga Trek, Himachal Pradesh

Best short trek with hot springs

• State: Himachal Pradesh
• Duration: 2 days from Barshaini or Kasol; 4 days from Delhi
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Max altitude: About 2,960 m
• Distance: About 12 km one way from Barshaini
• Best time: March–June and September–November
• Base: Barshaini, near Kasol (Parvati Valley)
• Cost: from ₹1,500 per person with Manchala Mushafir (+5% GST)

Why go: The trail climbs through Parvati Valley past Kalga and Pulga villages and the Rudranag waterfall to a meadow with a natural hot spring, Parvati Kund. You can add a visit to Manikaran Sahib on the way back.

Good to know: Overnight camping on the Kheerganga meadow is not allowed; organised groups camp lower down, at Rudranag.

→ View the Kheerganga Trek package

12. Nag Tibba Trek, Uttarakhand

Best weekend snow trek near Delhi

• State: Uttarakhand
• Duration: 2 days (from Dehradun)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with a steep final climb
• Max altitude: 3,022 m (9,915 ft)
• Distance: About 6 km to base camp, then the summit
• Best time: October–November for views; December–February for snow; March–June for spring (avoid July–August)
• Base: Pantwari village, Tehri Garhwal
• Cost: from ₹3,900 per person with Manchala Mushafir (+5% GST)

Why go: The nearest real Himalayan summit from Delhi: a two-day trek to the top of the Nag Tibba range, with views of Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini and Kedarnath peak. In winter it is the quickest way from Delhi to walk on snow.

Good to know: Leave Dehradun at 7 AM on day one; the drive to Pantwari takes 3.5–4 hours via Mussoorie.

→ View the Nag Tibba Trek package

13. Gaumukh–Tapovan Trek, Uttarakhand

Toughest trek we run: the source of the Ganga

• State: Uttarakhand
• Duration: 8 days (from Dehradun)
• Difficulty: Moderate to hard
• Max altitude: About 4,460 m at Tapovan
• Distance: About 40 km round trip from Gangotri
• Best time: May–June and September–October
• Base: Gangotri, Uttarkashi
• Cost: from ₹14,850 per person with Manchala Mushafir (+5% GST)

Why go: The trail follows the Bhagirathi from Gangotri to Gaumukh, the snout of the Gangotri glacier where the Ganga begins, then climbs over moraine to Tapovan, a high meadow at the foot of Shivling peak.

Good to know: Entry needs a Gangotri National Park permit and daily numbers are capped, so book early.

→ View the Gaumukh–Tapovan Trek package

14. Goechala Trek, Sikkim

Best trek for a close view of Kanchenjunga

• State: Sikkim
• Duration: 9–11 days (Yuksom to Yuksom)
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Max altitude: About 4,600 m at Viewpoint 1
• Distance: About 90 km round trip
• Best time: April–May and October–November
• Base: Yuksom, West Sikkim
• Cost: not sold by Manchala Mushafir

Why go: Goechala ends face to face with Kanchenjunga, the highest mountain in India, after passing Dzongri, rhododendron forest and Samiti Lake. The sunrise on Kanchenjunga from the viewpoint is the reason people come.

Good to know: The trek lies in Khangchendzonga National Park; permits are needed and you must go with a registered guide.

15. Kudremukh Trek, Karnataka

Best trek in the Western Ghats

• State: Karnataka
• Duration: 1 day (2 days with travel)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Max altitude: 1,894 m
• Distance: About 20 km round trip
• Best time: October to February
• Base: Mullodi, Chikkamagaluru
• Cost: not sold by Manchala Mushafir

Why go: Rolling grassland and shola forest climb to the “horse face” peak of Kudremukh National Park, one of the best day treks in South India. It is the pick for trekkers who cannot reach the Himalaya.

Good to know: The forest department caps daily numbers and requires an online booking and a local guide.

For monsoon treks in Maharashtra, see our Sahyadri treks guide, and compare Himalayan vs Western Ghats treks.

Winter Special: Chadar Trek, Ladakh

The Chadar trek follows the frozen Zanskar river in Ladakh from mid-January to February, with night temperatures of -20°C or lower. It is very difficult and runs only when the Leh administration confirms that the ice is stable, so treat it as a once-in-a-lifetime extra rather than a fixed plan.

How to Choose the Right Trek

Fitness checklist

• Start training 4–6 weeks before the trek.
• For easy and moderate treks, aim to jog 5 km in about 35 minutes; for difficult treks, in about 30 minutes.
• Climb stairs or hills with a 5–6 kg backpack two or three times a week.
• Break in your trekking shoes on long walks before the trip.

Full plan: how to get fit for a high-altitude trek. On the trail, follow these trekking safety guidelines.

Planning a trek as a woman or in an all-women group? Read our treks in India for women.

What a Trek Package Should Include

Before you book any trek, check that the price covers:

• Transport from the base city (Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh or Manali) to the trailhead and back
• Stay in guest houses and tents, with sleeping bags and mats
• Meals from the first dinner to the last breakfast on the trek
• Permits and forest fees
• A trained trek leader, with a first-aid kit, oxygen and an evacuation plan
• Group size: small groups are safer and quieter
• GST and the cancellation policy, stated clearly before payment

Each of our package pages lists exactly what is included and excluded. To compare operators, read how to choose the best trekking company in India.

Leave No Trace

• Carry all plastic, wrappers and batteries back to the road head.
• Stay on the trail; short cuts erode meadows.
• Do not light fires outside fire pits, and never on meadows.
• Use the toilet tents, or dig a pit at least 60 m away from water.
• Keep noise low at campsites and do not feed animals.

FAQs on the Best Treks in India

1) Which is the best trek in India?

There is no single best trek; it depends on the season. Kedarkantha is the best winter snow trek, Valley of Flowers the best monsoon trek, Hampta Pass the best summer crossover, Har Ki Dun the best spring and autumn valley trek, and Kashmir Great Lakes the best trek for alpine lakes.

2) Which is the best trek in India for beginners?

Triund, Kheerganga and Nag Tibba are the best 2-day treks for beginners. For a first multi-day trek, choose Kedarkantha, Dayara Bugyal or Chopta–Tungnath: all three are easy to moderate and take 4–5 days.

3) Which is the most beautiful trek in India?

Kashmir Great Lakes, Valley of Flowers and Goechala are most often called the most beautiful treks in India, for their alpine lakes, monsoon flowers and close views of Kanchenjunga.

4) Which trek is best in which month?

December to March is best for snow treks such as Kedarkantha, Brahmatal and Kuari Pass. April to June suits Har Ki Dun, Dayara Bugyal and Gaumukh–Tapovan. July and August are for Valley of Flowers and Kashmir Great Lakes, and September to November for Hampta Pass, Har Ki Dun and Chopta–Tungnath.

5) What are the toughest treks in India?

Kalindi Khal, Auden’s Col, Pin Parvati Pass, Bali Pass and the Chadar trek are among the toughest treks in India. On this list, Goechala and Gaumukh–Tapovan are the hardest.

6) How much does a Himalayan trek cost in India?

With Manchala Mushafir, treks cost from ₹1,100 (Triund), ₹1,500 (Kheerganga), ₹3,900 (Nag Tibba), ₹5,500 (Kedarkantha), ₹6,600 (Hampta Pass) and ₹6,900 (Dayara Bugyal) up to ₹14,850 (Gaumukh–Tapovan) per person, plus 5% GST. Many operators charge ₹10,000–15,000 for week-long Himalayan treks.

7) Which is the best trek near Delhi for a weekend?

Nag Tibba (2 days from Dehradun) and Moila Top in Chakrata (from ₹2,800) are the closest, followed by Triund and Kheerganga with an overnight bus from Delhi.

8) What should a trek package include?

A trek package should include transport from the base city, stays and tents, sleeping bags, meals on the trek, permits and forest fees, and a trained trek leader with a first-aid kit and oxygen. Check the GST and cancellation policy before you pay.

Book a Trek with Manchala Mushafir

We run small-group treks with trained trek leaders on Kedarkantha, Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib, Hampta Pass, Har Ki Dun, Brahmatal, Dayara Bugyal, Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila, Kuari Pass, Triund and Laka Glacier, Kheerganga, Nag Tibba, Gaumukh–Tapovan. Call or WhatsApp us on 9311052232 to pick the right trek and date.