Best Time for Himalayan Treks: A Month-by-Month Guide

There's a good trek in the Indian Himalaya almost every month — it just changes where. Here's the short version; each month has its own page with the treks that are in season.

Kedarkantha, Brahmatal and Dayara Bugyal in Uttarakhand are the classic winter treks — deep snow, frozen lakes, clear skies and very cold nights. Nag Tibba is a quick snowy weekend from Delhi. The high Himachal passes are closed.

Snow melts from lower trails and rhododendron forests bloom red and pink. Kuari Pass, Har Ki Dun, Triund and Kheerganga are lovely. From May, Himachal's high lakes — Bhrigu Lake and Beas Kund — and Sar Pass open.

The last dry month before the monsoon is the best time for Hampta Pass and the Himachal lakes, and the Valley of Flowers season begins.

Valley of Flowers is at peak bloom in late July and August, and the Sahyadri forts are at their greenest. Elsewhere, trails are slippery and landslides can close roads — keep a buffer day.

The rain eases, skies clear, and almost everything is open. October has the best mountain views of the year. By November the high passes are closing, but Kedarkantha, Dayara Bugyal and Kuari Pass are excellent, often with the first snow.