Monsoon Magic: 12 Best Himalayan Treks to Explore This Rainy Season

Indian monsoon is a season of both challenge and allure, spanning from June to September. Amidst the rhythmic patter of raindrops, the Himalayas unveil their mystical charm, offering trekkers an unforgettable trekking in India. Here is a list of popular Himalayan treks that you can take during monsoons. 

• Valley of Flowers Trek with Hemkund Sahib, Uttarakhand

• Hampta Pass Trek, Manali

• Beas Kund Trek, Manali

• Kashmir Great Lakes trek, J&K

• Tarsar Marsar Trek, J&K

• Bhrigu Lake Trek, Manali

• Stok Kangri Trek, Ladakh

• Triund Trek, Mcleodganj

• Indrahar Pass trek, Maclondganj

• Markha Valley trek, Ladakh

• Parashar Lake, Himachal Pradesh

• Pin Bhabha Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh

• Valley of Flowers Trek with Hemkund Sahib, Uttarakhand

Best Time to Visit: July to September

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Duration: 6-7 days

Route: Starting at Govindghat, advancing to Ghangaria, which serves as a base to explore the Valley and Hemkund Sahib.

The Valley of Flowers is a breathtaking display of blooming flowers set against a mountainous backdrop, accessible through a trek that weaves through lush landscape rich in flora and fauna. The valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its endemic alpine flowers and diverse wildlife and is included in the list of places for trekking in India. This trek also includes a visit to Hemkund Sahib, a significant pilgrimage site at 4,633 meters, featuring a serene lake and a Sikh gurdwara surrounded by seven majestic peaks.

• Hampta Pass Trek, Manali

Best Time to Visit: June to October

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Duration: 4-5 days

This Himalayan trek offers a dynamic landscape transition from the lush green Kullu Valley to the arid, stark vistas of Lahaul. The journey involves crossing rivers, walking through forests, and ascending the Hampta Pass, which presents dramatic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Route: The Himalayan trek begins in Jobra, then to Chika, followed by Balu Ka Ghera, over Hampta Pass, descending into Shea Goru, and finishing at Chatru.

• Beas Kund Trek, Manali

Best Time to Visit: May to October

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Duration: 2-3 days

Known for its historical significance related to Sage Vyas who meditated at s Kund, and its stunning alpine scenery. A relatively shorter and less strenuous Himalayan trek that leads to the Beas Kund, the origin of the River Beas. This popular Himalayan trek traverses meadows, streams, and a landscape dotted with large boulders and offers spectacular views of nearby peaks like Hanuman Tibba.

Route: Starts at Solang Nallah, progresses to Dhundi, continues to Bakarthach, and culminates at Beas Kund.

• Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Best Time to Visit: July to September

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult

Duration: 7-9 days

Known as one of the most beautiful and popular Himalayan treks in India, the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek allows you to explore a series of pristine, high-altitude lakes each with its unique setting. You'll traverse lush meadows, cross wooden bridges, and pass through quaint villages.

Route: Starts at Sonamarg, moves through Nichnai to Vishansar Lake, explores Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, and Gangbal Lakes, and finally ends at Naranag.

• Tarsar Marsar Trek, Jammu & Kashmir

Best Time to Visit: July to September

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Duration: 7 days

This Himalayan trek takes you to the twin lakes of Tarsar and Marsar, pristine and crystal-like, located in the majestic settings of Kashmir. The trek involves walking through pine forests, crossing beautiful streams, and trekking up to high-altitude grasslands with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.

Route: Begins in Aru village, progresses to Lidderwat, then to Shekwas, ascending to Tarsar Lake, and then over to Marsar Lake, with the trek ending back through Sonmasti.

• Bhrigu Lake Trek, Manali

Best Time to Visit: May to October

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Duration: 3-4 days

A relatively easy trek for beginners, the Bhrigu Lake Trek offers a chance to reach a high-altitude lake in a short period. The trek features picturesque meadows, known as ‘Bhrigu’s meadows’, where you can see a wide range of wildflowers during the trekking season. The main attraction is Bhrigu Lake, which according to legend, was the meditation ground of Maharishi Bhrigu. It remains frozen for most of the year, even in summer the edges get icy.

Route: The Himalayan trek typically starts from Gulaba near Manali, ascends to Rola Kholi, continues to Bhrigu Lake, and then either returns the same way or continues down to Vashisht.

• Stok Kangri Trek, Ladakh

Best Time to Visit: July to September

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Duration: 9-10 days

The Stok Kangri Trek is one of the most challenging Himalayan treks in India, culminating at the summit of Stok Kangri, over 6,000 meters above sea level. The trek provides spectacular views of the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges and involves crossing glaciers and steep slopes.

Route: Starts in Leh for acclimatization, then moves through Chang Ma, Mankorma, and Base Camp, leading up to the summit attempt and then descending back the same route.

• Triund Trek, Mcleodganj

Best Time to Visit: May to June, and September to November

Difficulty Level: Easy

Duration: 1-2 days

The Triund Trek is a short hike from Mcleodganj and offers breathtaking views of the Kangra valley and the Dhauladhar ranges. It's an excellent trek for beginners and families.

Route: The trek starts from Mcleodganj or Dharamkot, ascending through a trail lined with rhododendron and oak trees, to reach the Triund ridge.

• Indrahar Pass Trek, Mcleodganj

Best Time to Visit: May to October

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult

Duration: 4-5 days

This trek takes you through the Dhauladhar range, offering stunning views of sacred peaks like Mani Mahesh Kailash and the Pir Panjal Range. The route includes steep ascents through rocky terrains and high-altitude meadows.

Route: Starts from Mcleodganj to Triund, continues to Lahesh Caves, then ascends to Indrahar Pass, and optionally extends to Chamba via the Chatta Parao.

• Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh

Best Time to Visit: June to September

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult

Duration: 7-8 days

The Markha Valley Trek is known for its stunning landscapes, crossing through arid deserts, small villages, high-altitude pastures and ancient Buddhist monasteries. This popular Himalayan trek offers views of the Ladakh and Zanskar ranges and crosses through two high passes.

Route: Starts at Spituk, progresses through Zingchen, Ganda La base, Skiu, Markha village, then crossing over the Kongmaru La pass to reach Shang Sumdo.

• Parashar Lake, Himachal Pradesh

Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November

Difficulty Level: Easy

Duration: 1-2 days

This trek leads to the mystical Parashar Lake, which is set in a soft meadow and surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The lake is known for its floating island and a three-storied pagoda-like temple dedicated to the sage Parashar.

Route: The trek typically starts from Baggi village, which is a few hours drive from Mandi, and follows a well-marked path through a dense forest and several rivulets.

• Pin Bhabha Pass Trek

Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to Mid-October

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult

Duration: 8-9 days

This trek is known for the dramatic contrast in landscapes. Starting from the green orchards and thick forests in Kinnaur, the trail moves into the barren and rugged terrain of Spiti. As you traverse the pass, you witness a phenomenal change in the scenery from lush Kinnaur to the desolate mountain desert of Spiti, with spectacular vistas throughout the journey. The trek is famous for its "Shepherd's trail," as it is often used by the local shepherds for grazing cattle in the high pastures.

Route: The trek typically starts from Kafnu in Kinnaur, moving through Mulling, Kara, Phustirang, and then crosses over the Bhabha Pass to reach Mudh in the Pin Valley of Spiti. From Mudh, trekkers usually drive to Kaza, which is a hub in Spiti Valley.

Quick tips for monsoon treks in the Himalayas:

1. Check the weather forecast.
2. Pack waterproof gear and hiking essentials.
3. Stay hydrated and use trekking poles.
4. Watch out for slippery trails and unstable terrain.
5. Respect nature and follow Leave No Trace principles.
6. Stay informed about trail conditions and regulations.
7. Consider hiring a local guide for safety.
8. Stay flexible with your plans.

Experience traverse mist-shrouded trails, traverse roaring rivers, and discover the verdant beauty hidden within these majestic mountains. It's time to embrace the magic of the monsoon and embark on the best Himalayan treks in India.