17 Best Himalayan Treks in May and June
Are you searching for an unforgettable Himalayan journey this summer? These breathtaking treks provide everything from gentle meadow walks to more challenging high altitude crossings during May and June months.
This guide is perfect for adventurers of all kinds from families looking for their first mountain experience to experienced trekkers searching out remote wilderness. It can help them avoid crowds while taking in breathtaking mountain vistas.
As for treks, they range from moderately to easily strenuous Dayara Bugyal and Kedarkantha are excellent routes for novice trekkers; Surya Top provide seclusion; while Rupin Pass and Bali Pass present an exciting challenge to experienced trekkers. It will become evident that summer is an best season to traverse the Himalayas with blossoming flowers, lush meadows and perfect climate conditions!
Why Trek in May & June in the Himalayas?
1. Comfortable Weather: Temperatures range between 5degC and 20degC for most trekking areas.
May and June in the Himalayas is spectacular. After months of bitterly cold winter conditions, days no longer threaten to submerge you completely in ice or turn into water puddles most trekking routes offer temperatures ranging between 5degC in the mornings to 20degC during daylight hours!
At its best point, temperatures allow you to walk for hours without feeling either winter numbness in your hands or summer sweat pouring from your eyes. Layer a light jacket and few T-shirts as needed; nighttime is still cold enough to sit around a campfire with hot tea in hand in the mountains!
2. Accessibility: Treks that were closed due to snow have now reopened, making remote valleys and passes more accessible than ever before.
Winter in the Himalayas locks away an array of incredible treks beneath layers of snow. At the same time, spring brings padlocks which open again leading trekkers back onto high passes like Roopkund and Pin Parvati.
Roads leading to starting points have also been cleared no avalanche hazards or snow covered paths to worry about; local transportation resumes regular service, trek operators pack away their gear and valleys that were not easy to access in February become your playground in May.
3. Treks with snow and flowers typically feature mountain passes covered with snow while lower sections boast vibrant displays of wildflowers and greenery.
Consider thin just one day you could witness a carpet of wildflowers followed by breathtaking snowfields that’s the beauty of early summer Himalayan trekking!
Higher elevations (12,000 feet or above) still offer breathtaking snowy vistas best for snow photography without the frigid winter temperatures. In valleys below are botanical textbooks come alive Rhododendrons paint hillsides in red and pink while Alpine meadows blossom with blue gentians primulas as well as wildflowers you never imagined existed!
4. Cultural Immersion: Villages come alive during the summer months with festivals and farming activities that add an air of festivity when strolling around.
Summer brings Himalayan villages back to life after spending their winter hunkering down; local communities come alive once again as planting season starts, livestock return to higher altitude pastures, and numerous celebrations are scheduled throughout the summer months.
As you walk through the countryside, you may see farmers mowing fields with terraces, women weaving traditional textiles outside, or you might even be invited to an event such as a wedding or harvest celebration. Many communities host celebrations during summer months that feature traditional music, dance and religious rituals that tourists rarely experience elsewhere in the year.
Easy and Moderate Summer Treks Are Perfect for Beginners and Families
1. Dayara Bugyal Vast Meadows are easily accessible with minimal effort required to reach them.
Altitude: 12,100 ft
Duration: 5–6 days
Difficulty: Easy
Dayara Bugyal is an exceptional offbeat trek that delivers maximum returns with minimal effort. This trek boasts expansive meadows that stretch further than what one can see, creating stunning scenes straight out of an epic storybook. Campsites along the route provide restful spots with incredible mountain vistas and Dayara Bugyal particularly attracts families because its accessibility for children even as young as 7 can comfortably complete this trek! Dayara Bugyal makes the Himalayan experience accessible.
2. Phulara Ridge: Discovering Kedarkantha Base as its Starting Point
Altitude: 12,150 ft
Duration: 6 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Phulara Ridge provides an attractive alternative for trekkers familiar with Kedarkantha, starting from the same camp. The main draw of this trip is its three hour ridge walk that gives trekkers 360 degree panoramic views and snowcapped mountain peaks on one hand, and rolling green hills on the other perfect for families seeking something different without too much physical exertion! Phulara Ridge makes an excellent family adventure.
3. Ali Bedni Bugyal Meadow India's Largest High Altitude Meadow
Altitude: 11,686 ft
Duration: 6 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Ali Bedni Bugyal boasts some of the most breathtaking mountains in the Himalayan range, offering trekkers breathtaking views of Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti from close quarters. What truly sets this trek apart are its highest altitude meadows in India which create wide open spaces, leaving trekkers completely amazed and speechless! Additionally, you will pass ancient forests filled with an array of species, both flora and fauna, that make this experience unforgettable. Sunsets and sunrises provide truly magnificent experiences, painting vibrant hues across the sky that reflect off the peaks of snow, making for unforgettable family pictures and lasting memories.
4. Kedarkantha: Most Rewarding Summit Climb for Beginners
Altitude: 12,500 ft
Duration: 5–6 days
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Kedarkantha has earned its popularity among novice trekkers for good reason providing what many new trekkers crave, an enjoyable summit experience without technical climbing obstacles. Attaining the Kedarkantha summit gives trekkers who have never gone before an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and achievement; from its peak, you’ll experience breathtaking views of the main Himalayan ranges spread out before you; making this challenging trek particularly appealing to families with teenagers or those looking to expand their trekking skills.
Lesser Known Summer Treks Offering Serenity and Subtle Beauty
1. Surya Top: Bright Green Meadows Under Summer Sunlight
Altitude: ~13,100 ft
Duration: 6 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Surya Top stands out as an undiscovered gem among Himalayan summer treks, distinguished by lush green meadows that shimmer under the warm summer sun and maple and oak trees lining its trek, creating a distinctive summer scent which makes this trek irresistibly attractive in June and May.
Warm summer months make this trek more accessible, without the challenges associated with its winter counterparts. Without the threat of icy paths or snow covered temperatures to contend with, even novice trekkers can enjoy stunning landscapes in peace; plus its lush greenery makes a beautiful photo backdrop!
2. Har Ki Dun, with Ruinsara Tal Ancient Villages and Mythological Legends
Altitude: 12,000 ft
Duration: 7 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Trekkers who take this(Har Ki Dun) cultural gem on their trekking journey will find themselves immersed in both natural splendor and rich history. You will travel through old wooden villages that appear frozen in time, each boasting mythological tales that have been passed down from generation to generation. What truly sets this trek apart is its blend of cultural knowledge with natural marvels.
On your journey to Ruinsara Tal, one of the most captivating features is its constantly morphing landscapes. Every day offers new scenes, from dense forests to open valleys that keep trekkers engaged. Your trek culminates with Ruinsara Tal itself a picturesque alpine lake encased by towering mountains.
3. Borasu Pass Trek India's Most Exciting High Altitude Trek
Altitude: 17,800 ft
Duration: 8–9 days
Difficulty: Difficult (technical sections, glacier crossings)
Borasu Pass trek provides solo trekkers an unforgettable high altitude experience. Although lesser known than some popular routes, this strenuous trek offers incredible perspectives of Garhwal mountain ranges much like Ranthan Top’s unique campsites with expansive valley views; Borasu Pass offers trekkers striking viewpoints that showcase Himalayas at their summer best!
Spring and summer bring this area alive with vibrant hues of green covering valleys, while wildflowers bloom abundantly along your journey. Trekkers can admire clear mountain views without monsoon clouds or winter mist obscuring them and appreciate all of nature’s wonder while climbing to reach them making their effort worthwhile both as an adventure experience as well as natural beauty.
Challenging High Altitude Adventures for Experienced Trekkers
1. Gaumukh Tapovan the Source of Ganga River With Views Of Mt Shivling
Altitude: 14,202 ft
Duration: 7–8 days
Difficulty: Moderate–Difficult
Gaumukh Tapovan trek provides an unforgettable Himalayan experience for those with solid backgrounds and who desire an adventurous Himalayan journey. This strenuous trek leads you directly to Gaumukh glacier where India’s holiest river, Ganga, begins its journey. Along this incredible trek are stunning closeup views of Mount Shivling from base to summit that can only be experienced on this particular adventure. Additionally, amazing sights of Mount Meru and the Bhagirathi sisters add a visual spectacle that makes every challenging step worthwhile.
2. Kedartal 16,000ft Lake Trek with Close Mountain Encounters
Altitude: 16,110 ft
Duration: 6–7 days
Difficulty: Difficult (steep ascent, high altitude challenges)
Kedartal Trek will put your endurance through its paces! Climb to an impressive altitude of 16,000 feet before reaching Kedartal Lake on this challenging route that winds its way along an alpine lakeshore. Experience long trekking days and rugged terrain while discovering stunning Himalayan giants such as Thalaysagar and Bhrigupanth which create an atmosphere of reverence and splendor during this trek.
3. Goechala Presents 14 Summit Views Including Kanchenjunga
Altitude: 16,207 ft
Duration: 10–11 days
Difficulty: Moderate–Difficult
Goechala is one of the premier high altitude trekking routes for those in search of breathtaking mountain vistas. This challenging trek boasts fourteen major summits Kanchenjunga being its highest. Many trekkers compare Goechala to Nepal’s legendary mountain treks an accolade indeed! In the summer months, the trek becomes even more captivating as vibrant red and pink flowers of the Rhododendron forests bloom along its trek. Additionally, Samiti Lake adds natural beauty to this path.
4. Bali Pass Crossing Experience Raw Himalayan Pass Crossing Experience
Altitude: 16,207 ft
Duration: 8–9 days
Difficulty: Difficult
Passing Bali Pass for those searching for an authentic Himalayan experience. Soaring to an elevation of 16,207 feet, this challenging pass links Har Ki Dun Valley with Yamunotri through beautiful landscapes such as breathtaking confluences of rivers, tranquil valleys, and lush meadows before culminating in stunning 360degree views from Bandarpoonch as well as Kalanag. Trekkers exploring this route experience both physical challenge and natural beauty at its finest!
Classic Treks Are Popular with People Who Promise Adventure
1. Rupin Pass an Orchestra of EverChangeing Scenery and Waterfalls
Altitude: 15,250 ft
Duration: 7–8 days
Difficulty: Moderate–Difficult
The Rupin Pass trek offers a fantastic series of changing landscapes that evolve with every step. A classic Himalayan adventure, this trek allows trekkers to witness nature at its finest: starting from the gentle Rupin River which guides your trek, to hanging villages perched atop cliffs offering glimpses into traditional Himalayan life.
As you traverse pine forests that offer both cool shade and the sweet fragrance of conifers, the path will gradually open into vast glacial meadows blooming with alpine plants during the summertime. One of the most thrilling aspects of this trek involves crossing natural snow bridges carefully crossing these icy structures while keeping an eye out for rivers rushing below you!
The highlight of Rupin Pass trek are its stunning waterfalls, which adorn its path like an orchestra of flowing waters that accompany your journey. Each falls offers an opportunity to stop, rest and admire nature’s power and beauty.
2. Hampta Pass Trek Cross from Lush Valleys to Spiti's Desert Environment
Altitude: 14,100 ft
Duration: 5 days
Difficulty: Moderate–Difficult
The Hampta Pass trek offers one of the most breathtaking landscape changes in the entire Himalayan range. Beginning in Kullu’s lush valleys amidst dense forests and bubbling streams, gradually ascending through changing terrain until reaching Hampta Pass to be surprised when suddenly entering Spiti Valley’s harsh terrain!
3. Sandakphu Phalut Trek (West Bengal Sikkim)
Altitude: 11,930 ft
Duration: 6–7 days
Difficulty: Moderate
The Sandakphu Phalut trek spans the borders of West Bengal and Sikkim, offering breathtaking panoramic views that few other treks can match. This trek is famed for providing incredible panoramas of all five of the world’s highest peaks as you pass through rhododendron forests that bloom spectacularly during certain seasons and mountain communities where you can experience Nepali, Bengali, and Sikkimese culture in its full glory.
4. Buran Ghati offers the best combination trek of 15,000 vertical feet of Rappelling and Trekking for adventure seekers.
Altitude: 15,000 ft
Duration: 7 days
Difficulty: Difficult
Buran Ghati trek is widely recognized as an exceptional combination trek, incorporating elements of various Himalayan adventures into one unforgettable journey. The trek’s breathtaking beauty includes sections of forest with pine and oak trees casting their shade across the forest floor and creating dappled light. As you progress further you’ll reach Dayara meadows lush grasslands covered with vibrant wildflowers stretching to distant mountains of snow where wildflowers make for breathtaking sights.
Camping spots on this trek are iconic, located in picturesque spots that provide stunning sunset and sunrise views. But Buran Ghati pass stands out as being particularly unforgettable situated at 15,000 feet, trekkers tackle an adrenaline pumping climb down its snow covered walls at Buran Ghati; here they take up the thrilling challenge of rappelling down them for an adrenaline rush climb that offers both beauty and technical difficulty an irresistibly engaging adventure!
Best Months and Seasonal Benefits for Summer Himalayan Trekking
Your Himalayan trek experience is heavily dependent upon when and where it occurs. May and June offer distinct advantages that make them the best times for summer trekking adventures.
1. May Advantages Decreased Snow Levels and Moderate Temperatures
May is an excellent month for Himalayan trekking, with significantly reduced snow levels compared to previous months and comfortable temperatures that allow trekkers to traverse treks without difficulty easily. Furthermore, its moderate temperatures strike an best balance warm enough during daytime treks without intense winter temperatures yet cool enough in lower elevations to limit intense heat exposure; thus creating perfect conditions for longer treks without stress caused by weather related issues.
2. June Benefits Optimize Greenery and Snow Coverage Solutions for Best Performance
June offers trekkers an exquisite visual feast with its perfect balance of lush landscapes and snowcapped mountain peaks. As you climb to different levels, forests transform into verdant green while higher elevations maintain their snowy glory creating excellent photo opportunties and offering diverse trekking experiences along one journey. June marks a distinct transition between winter and summer when grasslands emerge from under their blanket of snow to add vibrant textures to mountain terrains and enhance trekking experiences alike.
3. Wildflower Blooming Season and Lively Mountain Colors
Trekking in the summer brings breathtaking mountainous displays of color with wild flower covered Himalayas. In June, meadows become transformed as wildflowers cover grasslands and transform meadows into breathtaking natural displays of hue against mountains with lush green grasslands filled with yellow flowers creating breathtaking landscapes everywhere you look. Rhododendron forests can also provide incredible sightings, particularly on treks such as Goechala, where red and pink flowers can take over until early June (typically lasting until the beginning). This natural blooming process adds something truly unforgettable to summer treks not available during other seasons!
Additional Family Trek Options with Increased Learning Experiences
Exclusive Family Departures for Popular Treks
TrekUp India provides exclusive family departures for popular treks such as Ali Bedni Bugyal, Kedarkantha and Dayara Bugyal. These journeys have been carefully tailored to provide children with learning opportunities in nature, offering thrills and adventures alongside educational experiences for younger trekkers. This creates an opportunity to connect with nature while learning new skills! The meticulously planned itineraries allow these trekkers to connect with nature while developing life skills!
Child Friendly Routes Appropriate for Ages 7 and Beyond
Planning a family friendly trek requires selecting the appropriate trek. TrekUp India offers numerous routes suitable for children aged 7 and above, including Dayara Bugyal and Phulara Ridge, which are best family options. These routes offer suitable difficulty levels and exciting environments that stimulate kids while providing safety and comfort.
1. Dayara Bugyal Trek (Uttarakhand)
Altitude: 12,100 ft
Duration: 5–6 days
Difficulty: Easy
Dayara Bugyal is an best trek for families with young adventurers aged 7 or above, offering gorgeous meadows and gentle slopes that are easy to access yet stunning in terms of visual beauty. The moderate difficulty level makes this trek best for newcomers to Himalayan trekking particularly young adventurers taking their first steps into adventure travel! Children especially enjoy roaming freely across its vast grasslands while learning more about mountain ecosystems.
Har Ki Dun trek provides families with an adventure through beautiful valleys and ancient villages, making this trek best for family exploration. Though not explicitly mentioned as age appropriate, TrekUp India includes it among their family friendly choices due to its gradual ascent and cultural diversity perfect opportunities to teach young travelers about local customs and mountain lifestyle.
2. Deoriatal to Chandrashila Trek in Uttarakhand
Altitude: 12,083 ft
Duration: 4–5 days
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek provides another great family adventure packed with educational value. This trek combines breathtaking lake views from Deoriatal with the thrill of reaching Chandrashila summit perfect for families wanting an educational yet adventurous trek experience! As with our other family treks offered by TrekUp India, this journey is designed to teach children about mountain ecosystems while remaining pleasant and safe.
Why choose TrekUp India for summer treks?
Carefully curated safety first itineraries
Have you ever wondered why some trekking companies don’t understand? Pushing people up mountains without proper acclimatization, or covering too many miles each day are among the worst mistakes a company can make. Not so with us. We don’t operate like that!
At TrekUp India, security is of paramount importance. Our itineraries are carefully planned with altitude gain rest days and escape routes in mind; and have been trekked repeatedly until finding a best balance between challenge and safety.
As summer nears in the Himalayas, weather patterns change quickly which is why our treks include buffer days and camping spots that offer flexibility. From flash floods to unexpected snowfall, our treks include protection.
Experienced local guides and trek leaders are at their service when trekking.
What makes an Himalayan adventure truly memorable are its guides.
Our trek leaders are not only experienced; they’re certified first responders in the wilderness. With years of experience under their belts and many trips under their belts under them all, these trek leaders know when and how much pressure should be applied.
What sets our guides apart are their local knowledge these mountain people were born and raised in these valleys, showing you waterfalls not visible elsewhere as well as sharing stories about peaks not mentioned in guides.
Sustainable trekking methods that preserve fragile Himalayan ecosystems.
Our summer thaw has revealed an overwhelming amount of trash left behind by trekkers an eyeopener. That is why we are taking measures to tackle it head on.
At our campsites, we strictly abide by the carrying and carryout policies. Our teams return more garbage than we produce! In addition, we have implemented proper waste management processes and trained our staff on minimal impact camping practices.
Conserve water? Absolutely. We teach responsible use and strive to avoid polluting our precious water resources.
Treks for groups and individuals of all ages and levels of ability.
Summer in the Himalayas isn’t limited to mountaineers alone. Even casual visitors to this beautiful region can take part in its captivating summer beauty and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Whether you’re travelling with teens or solo, looking to push your limits, or retired and seeking adventure, we have something exciting and thrilling planned just for you. Our easy treks offer beautiful views without challenging ascents, while for those wanting an adrenaline rush, we provide challenging routes that even experienced trekkers might find challenging!
Need some guidance as a newcomer to trekking? No worries; we will help you locate the appropriate trek and provide all the assistance you need throughout.
Conclusion
The Himalayas in summer offer an indescribably amazing trekking experience for adventurers of all skill levels. Be it solitude of lesser known treks like Ranthan Top or Surya Top, family friendly meadows of Dayara Bugyal, or challenging heights such as Kedartal and Bali Pass; whatever you seek there’s sure to be something unforgettable here for everyone May and June offer best conditions with blooming wildflowers as well as lush landscapes and breathtaking mountains that make every trek worth every step
Are You Planning an Himalayan Trek This Summer? Don’t delay planning, as more groups are gathering quickly. With TrekUp India’s expert guides and specially curated experiences including exclusive family treks with enhanced learning opportunities you will experience not just spectacular landscapes, but also their transformative powers! Choose your trek, bring along a backpack full of supplies and get ready to experience an unforgettable season in the Himalayas!
About Author
Anoop Rawat (Admin TrekUp India)
Anoop has worked for 5 years as a Trek Leader with TrekUpIndia, leading numerous treks across the diverse and challenging terrains of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. He holds a degree in Geology with a specialization in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from UPES Dehradun. During his academic years, he actively applied his classroom knowledge in the field—most notably by contributing to a glacier research project on the Jundar Glacier in the Har Ki Dun Valley, Uttarakhand. Write Anoop at anoop@trekupindia.com
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