Best Treks in Summers: Explore the Wilderness
Summer is the perfect season to embark on a trekking adventure. With the snow melting, the trails become accessible, offering breathtaking views of lush landscapes, blooming flowers, and clear skies. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a beginner, summer presents an ideal opportunity to explore some of the most stunning trekking destinations. Here are some of the best treks to consider during the summer months, each offering a unique blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural experiences.
1. Valley of Flowers Trek, Uttarakhand
The Valley of Flowers trek in Uttarakhand is a dream come true for nature lovers. Located in the heart of the Himalayas, this UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its vibrant meadows filled with an array of colorful flowers. The trek, which is moderately challenging, takes you through dense forests, along with the Pushpawati River, and into a valley that comes alive with a riot of colors during the monsoon season, making it an ideal summer trek.
The Valley of Flowers is also home to rare and endangered species like the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, and blue sheep. The trek typically starts from Govindghat, and it takes around six days to complete. Along the way, you can also visit the sacred Hemkund Sahib, a Sikh pilgrimage site nestled at an altitude of 4,329 meters.
2. Chadar Trek, Ladakh
Although the Chadar Trek is traditionally known as a winter trek, it’s important to mention it here because of its growing popularity and the changing conditions that have extended the trekking season into the early summer months. The Chadar Trek takes you on an exhilarating journey across the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh. The term “Chadar” translates to “sheet,” and during the winter, the river forms a thick sheet of ice, which serves as the path for trekkers.
During the early summer months, the ice begins to melt, revealing a more challenging, yet equally rewarding trek. The landscape transforms, offering trekkers a glimpse into the raw, untamed beauty of Ladakh. The trek is known for its extreme conditions, with temperatures dropping to as low as -30 degrees Celsius in winter. However, in summer, while the temperatures are more manageable, the trek becomes more challenging due to the melting ice and the need to navigate through patches of water.
The Chadar Trek is not just about the physical challenge; it’s also a cultural journey. Along the way, you’ll encounter remote villages, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and local people who have adapted to the harsh environment. The trek usually takes around nine days to complete, with the highlight being the majestic Nerak Waterfall, which remains partially frozen even in summer.
3. Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh
The Hampta Pass Trek is one of the most popular summer treks in Himachal Pradesh, offering a perfect blend of diverse landscapes. The trek starts from the lush green valleys of Kullu and takes you to the stark, barren landscapes of Lahaul and Spiti. This contrast in scenery is what makes the Hampta Pass Trek so unique and appealing to trekkers.
The trek is moderately challenging, making it suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers. Over the course of five days, you’ll pass through dense forests of oak and pine, cross rivers, and climb up to the Hampta Pass at an altitude of 4,270 meters. From the pass, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
One of the highlights of the Hampta Pass Trek is the visit to Chandratal Lake, a stunning high-altitude lake located in the Spiti Valley. The lake’s crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks, creating a picture-perfect setting. Camping by Chandratal Lake under a star-studded sky is an experience that you’ll cherish forever.
4. Markha Valley Trek, Ladakh
The Markha Valley Trek is another fantastic trekking option in Ladakh, offering a blend of adventure, culture, and stunning scenery. Often referred to as the “Tea House Trek,” the Markha Valley Trek takes you through remote villages, ancient monasteries, and rugged mountain landscapes.
The trek starts from Chilling and follows the Markha River, passing through villages like Skiu, Markha, and Hankar. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the local people, stay in traditional Ladakhi homes, and visit monasteries that are centuries old. The trek is moderately challenging, with the highest point being the Kongmaru La Pass at an altitude of 5,200 meters.
The Markha Valley Trek is best done in the summer months when the weather is pleasant, and the trails are clear. The highlight of the trek is the stunning view of Kang Yatse, a 6,400-meter peak that dominates the skyline. The trek typically takes around 8 to 9 days to complete, offering a perfect blend of adventure and cultural immersion.
5. Roopkund Trek, Uttarakhand
The Roopkund Trek, also known as the “Skeleton Lake Trek,” is one of the most intriguing and challenging treks in Uttarakhand. The trek is named after Roopkund Lake, a high-altitude glacial lake located at an altitude of 5,029 meters. The lake is famous for the skeletal remains of humans and animals that are visible at its bottom when the snow melts.
The trek to Roopkund takes you through dense forests, alpine meadows, and snowfields, offering stunning views of peaks like Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. The trek is challenging, with steep climbs and high altitudes, making it suitable for experienced trekkers.
The highlight of the Roopkund Trek is reaching the lake itself, where you can witness the mysterious skeletons and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The trek typically takes around 8 days to complete, with the best time to go being between May and June, when the snow has melted, and the weather is favorable.
6. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, Jammu & Kashmir
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is often described as one of the most beautiful treks in India. As the name suggests, this trek takes you through a series of stunning alpine lakes, each more beautiful than the last. The trek is set against the backdrop of the rugged Himalayan ranges, with lush green meadows, dense forests, and snow-capped peaks.
The trek starts from Sonamarg and takes you through Nichnai, Vishansar, Gadsar, and Satsar, among other beautiful locations. The highlight of the trek is the breathtaking views of the lakes, each surrounded by towering mountains and offering mirror-like reflections of the sky.
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is moderately challenging, with several steep ascents and descents. The trek takes around 7 days to complete, with the best time to go being from June to September, when the weather is pleasant, and the trails are accessible.
Conclusion
Summer treks offer a perfect escape into the wilderness, allowing you to reconnect with nature and experience the beauty of the mountains. Whether you’re trekking through the colorful meadows of the Valley of Flowers, crossing the frozen river on the Chadar Trek, or exploring the stunning lakes of Kashmir, each trek offers a unique adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories. So, pack your bags, lace up your boots, and get ready to embark on a summer trekking adventure of a lifetime!
