Best Treks in Summers: Conquer the Trails and Beat the Heat
Summer is the perfect time to pack your bags and head out into the wilderness. The warm weather and clear skies offer an ideal setting for trekking, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner looking for your first adventure. The best summer treks combine breathtaking views, challenging trails, and a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to match. Here’s a list of some of the best treks to embark on during the summer season, including the renowned Sar Pass Trek.
1. Valley of Flowers Trek, Uttarakhand
The Valley of Flowers Trek in Uttarakhand is a mesmerizing journey into a floral wonderland. This trek is perfect for nature lovers and photographers, offering a riot of colors with hundreds of varieties of flowers in full bloom during the summer months. The trek starts from Govindghat and takes you through quaint villages, lush green meadows, and finally to the UNESCO World Heritage Site—Valley of Flowers.
The highlight of this trek is the stunning view of the valley covered in a carpet of vibrant flowers, set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. The Valley of Flowers Trek is considered moderate, making it accessible for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. The best time to embark on this trek is between July and September when the flowers are in full bloom.
2. Sar Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh
The Sar Pass Trek in Himachal Pradesh is a must-do for anyone looking to experience the beauty of the Himalayas during the summer. This trek takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the region, including dense forests, alpine meadows, and snow-covered trails. The Sar Pass Trek is ideal for adventure enthusiasts looking for a mix of challenges and stunning scenery.
Starting from the quaint village of Kasol, the trek takes you through lush green forests of pine and deodar, past the charming villages of Grahan and Min Thach, and finally to the Sar Pass, which is located at an altitude of 13,800 feet. The view from the pass is breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
One of the highlights of the Sar Pass Trek is the thrilling experience of sliding down a snow-covered slope, which adds an element of fun to the adventure. The trek is considered moderate to challenging, making it suitable for trekkers with some prior experience.
For those wondering about the Sar Pass Trek cost, it generally ranges from INR 7,000 to INR 10,000, depending on the tour operator and the inclusions such as accommodation, meals, and guide services. This cost is quite reasonable considering the experience and the memories that the trek offers.
3. Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh
The Hampta Pass Trek is another gem in Himachal Pradesh that offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and adventure. This trek is famous for its dramatic changes in landscape—from the lush green Kullu Valley to the barren, arid landscapes of Lahaul. The trek begins from Jobra and takes you through thick forests, beautiful meadows, and glacial valleys before crossing the Hampta Pass at an altitude of 14,100 feet.
The trek is relatively short but packed with variety, making it a favorite among trekkers. The highlight of the Hampta Pass Trek is the view from the pass itself, where you can see the contrasting landscapes of the Kullu and Lahaul valleys. The best time to undertake this trek is from June to September, when the weather is favorable, and the trails are accessible.
The Hampta Pass Trek is moderately difficult, making it suitable for beginners as well as seasoned trekkers. The thrill of crossing the pass and the ever-changing scenery makes this trek a must-do during the summer.
4. Roopkund Trek, Uttarakhand
For those looking for a trek with a touch of mystery, the Roopkund Trek in Uttarakhand is the perfect choice. Known as the ‘Skeleton Lake Trek,’ this trek takes you to the glacial Roopkund Lake, which is famous for the skeletal remains that are visible at its bottom when the snow melts. The trek is a perfect blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty.
The Roopkund Trek starts from Lohajung and takes you through dense oak forests, alpine meadows, and finally to the high-altitude glacial lake. The trail offers stunning views of the Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks. The highlight of the trek is the Roopkund Lake itself, situated at an altitude of 15,750 feet.
The Roopkund Trek is considered moderate to difficult, requiring good physical fitness and prior trekking experience. The best time to do this trek is from May to June and September to October.
5. Beas Kund Trek, Himachal Pradesh
The Beas Kund Trek is a short and relatively easy trek that offers spectacular views of the Pir Panjal range in Himachal Pradesh. This trek is perfect for beginners and those looking for a quick getaway into the mountains. The trek starts from the Solang Valley, famous for its adventure sports, and takes you through lush green meadows, alpine forests, and finally to the Beas Kund—a glacial lake that is the source of the Beas River.
The trek is steeped in mythology, as it is believed that the sage Vyas, who composed the Mahabharata, meditated here. The Beas Kund Trek is a perfect combination of natural beauty and historical significance. The best time to do this trek is from May to October, when the weather is pleasant, and the trails are clear.
6. Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh
The Markha Valley Trek in Ladakh is one of the most popular treks in the region, offering a unique experience of trekking in the high-altitude desert of Ladakh. The trek takes you through remote villages, ancient monasteries, and barren landscapes, with the majestic Kang Yatse peak towering in the background.
The Markha Valley Trek is a moderate to challenging trek, with the highest point being the Kongmaru La Pass at an altitude of 17,060 feet. The trek offers stunning views of the Zanskar and Ladakh ranges and a chance to experience the unique culture of the region.
The best time to do the Markha Valley Trek is from June to September when the weather is favorable and the trails are accessible.
7. Goechala Trek, Sikkim
The Goechala Trek in Sikkim is one of the most scenic treks in the eastern Himalayas, offering close-up views of the third-highest mountain in the world—Mount Kanchenjunga. The trek starts from Yuksom and takes you through rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude lakes before reaching the Goechala Pass at an altitude of 16,200 feet.
The highlight of the Goechala Trek is the panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga massif, which is truly awe-inspiring. The trek is considered moderate to difficult, making it suitable for experienced trekkers. The best time to do this trek is from April to June and September to November.
Conclusion
Summer treks offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore the beauty of the Himalayas and other mountain ranges, with clear skies and pleasant weather enhancing the experience. Whether you’re looking for a challenging adventure like the Sar Pass Trek or a scenic journey like the Valley of Flowers Trek, there’s something for every trekker to enjoy. So, lace up your boots, pack your gear, and get ready to conquer the trails this summer!
