Uttarakhand’s summer, from March to June, is prime time for trekking lovers. The snow is mostly melted from the lower trails, skies are clearer, and the Himalayas burst into life with blooming wildflowers, glacial lakes, and emerald meadows. For trekking lovers, this is the golden season to explore Garhwal and Kumaon, regions packed with spiritual legends, untamed wilderness, and jaw-dropping scenery.
Whether you’re dipping your toes into trekking or you’re a seasoned trail-chaser, these 10 summer treks in Uttarakhand cater to all types. This guide breaks down everything you need: difficulty level, duration, altitude, and trail vibes. These are the routes we’ve walked, guided, and loved. Ready to lace up? Let’s see.
1. Dayara Bugyal Trek
- Dayara Bugyal Trek Height: ~12,500 ft (3,810 meters)
- Dayara Bugyal Trek Distance: ~18 km (round trip from Barsu)
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: May to June, September to November & December to February (for snow treks)
- Dayara Bugyal Trek Temperature:
- Summer: Day 12-20°C, Night 0-7°C
- Winter: Day -2 to 10°C, Night -5 to -10°C
- Starting Point: Barsu
- Location: Uttarkashi District, Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Starting from either Barsu or Raithal village, both easily accessible from Uttarkashi, the trail winds through rhododendron and oak forests, with chirping birds and occasional mountain langurs for company. As you ascend gradually, the trees give way to open skies and undulating meadows stretching to the horizon. During the summer months, the trails are clear, the air is crisp, and the meadows are carpeted in green.
One of the highlights from Barsu is Barnala Tal, a small, serene lake nestled in the forest. Camp here and you’ll wake up to the peaceful jingles of grazing sheep and panoramic views of Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and other majestic Himalayan giants. In spring and summer, the bugyals (high-altitude meadows) come alive with wildflowers and fluttering butterflies. In winter, this same trail transforms into a snow-laden wonderland, making the Dayara Bugyal trek in December entirely different.
2. Brahmatal Trek
- Location: Chamoli District, Garhwal Himalayas
- Brahmatal Trek Height: 12,250 ft (3,735 meters)
- Duration: 5 to 6 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Brahmatal Trek Best Time: December to April
- Starting Point: Lohajung village (base camp)
- Brahmatal Trek Distance: ~24-28 km round trip
- Ideal For: Snow lovers, solitude seekers
Starting from Lohajung, the Brahmatal trek is a paradise of lakes, forests, and snowy Himalayan vistas, yes, even in spring. The mythology says Lord Brahma meditated here, and whether you’re spiritual or not, the vibe is tranquil and powerful. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti dominate the skyline from the summit. It’s a solid trek for those craving a quiet, moderately challenging route.
Your journey starts in Lohajung, a sleepy Himalayan village with postcard views of Mt. Nanda Ghunti right from the base camp. The first major stop is Bekaltal. After a cozy night camping near its banks, the real ascent begins. As you climb higher, snow blankets the trail (especially from December to March), turning the world into a white, whispering dream.
Eventually, you reach Brahmatal Lake, a serene, high-altitude lake steeped in mythology. It’s said that Lord Brahma meditated here, and standing by its icy shores, it’s easy to see why. The stillness feels almost sacred.
From the nearby Brahmatal summit, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of Mt. Trishul (7,120 m) and Mt. Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m). On a clear day, you can even spot parts of the Roopkund trail in the distance.
3. Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek
- Location: Rudraprayag District, Garhwal Himalayas
- Trek Altitude: 13,000 ft (3,962 m) at Chandrashila summit
- Duration: 3 to 5 days
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: April to June & September to November
- Starting Point: Chopta (also reachable via Sari village if extending from Deoriatal)
- Total Trek Distance: ~14–16 km (round trip)
- Ideal For: Beginners, weekend trekkers, nature lovers, and spiritual seekers
Your adventure begins in Chopta, often called the “Mini Switzerland of India” thanks to its rolling meadows and pine forests. This tiny hamlet is the base camp and a perfect place to acclimatize. From here, the trek gradually ascends through moss-covered trees and rhododendron blooms to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world, sitting pretty at 12,100 ft.
Whether or not you’re religious, the aura of Tungnath is calming, thick with silence, mountain breeze, and the scent of incense. After paying your respects or simply catching your breath, you’ll make the final push to Chandrashila summit, which literally means “Moon Rock.” It’s steep, about 1.5 km uphill from Tungnath but totally worth it.
At the top, you get a 360° view of some of the tallest peaks in India: Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and Kedarnath. If you’re lucky (and early), you’ll catch a sunrise that turns the snowcaps gold and floods the valleys with light.
A short 2.5 km hike from Sari village, near Chopta, leads you to Deoriatal, a tranquil lake nestled at 2,400 meters. Surrounded by Deodar and oak forests, its crystal waters reflect the towering Chaukhamba peaks, creating a postcard-perfect scene. This easy 1-2 hour trek is a peaceful escape, ideal for soaking in Himalayan serenity before or after the Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek climb.
4. Kedarkantha Trek
- Location: Sankri, Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand
- Kedarkantha Trek Height: 12,500 ft (3,800 m)
- Duration: 6 days
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Kedarkantha Trek Best Time: December to April
- Starting Point: Sankri
- Kedarkantha Trek Distance: 20–24 km round trip
- Ideal For: Beginners and families
Kedarkantha trek might be famous as a winter wonderland, but visit in early summer, and you’ll see a whole new side of its personality. When the snow starts to melt, the trail transforms into a mosaic of pine forests, sunlit clearings, and meadows dotted with early wildflowers.
Starting from the picture-perfect village of Sankri, where wooden houses perch along the hillside and the scent of pine lingers in the air, your journey takes you through peaceful trails lined with tall deodars. Campsites like Juda Ka Talab make great experiences in themselves.
And then comes summit day. You rise before the sun, bundled up, headlamps glowing, breath visible in the icy air. The final ascent is steep but steady, and once you crest the top, the world opens up. Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Bandarpoonch stand tall, bathed in a golden morning light that seems to pause time. For first-time trekkers or families with adventure in their hearts, this is as unforgettable as it gets.
5. Har Ki Dun Trek
- Location: Uttarkashi District, Garhwal Himalayas
- Har Ki Dun Trek Height: 11,675 ft (3,559 meters)
- Duration: 7 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Har Ki Dun Trek Best Time: March to June
- Starting Point: Sankri
- Har Ki Dun Trek Distance: ~47 km round trip
- Ideal For: Culture explorers, long-distance trekkers, and those seeking deep immersion in nature
If trekking had a fairytale, it would begin in Har Ki Dun Trek. Also known as the “Valley of Gods,” this is a place where mythology, raw Himalayan beauty, and untouched culture meet in perfect harmony. Your trail begins in Sankri and traces the path of the Supin River, through valleys so lush and green they seem painted, and past villages where life hasn’t changed in generations.
The wooden homes of Osla village lean gently into the wind, and the local smiles are as warm as the afternoon sun. The trail continues with gentle inclines, over rustic wooden bridges and past terraced fields where wildflowers bloom.
Wildlife lovers, take note: Har Ki Dun trek runs through the Govind Pashu Vihar Sanctuary, so you might spot the Himalayan monal flashing its brilliant feathers, or catch a glimpse of a mountain fox disappearing into the woods. By the time you reach the snowy fringes of the Jaundhar Glacier, surrounded by the towering peaks of Swargarohini, it no longer feels like a trek, it feels unreal.
6. Nag Tibba Trek
- Location: Tehri Garhwal District
- Nag Tibba Trek Height: 9,915 ft (3,022 meters)
- Duration: 2–3 days
- Difficulty: Easy
- Nag Tibba Trek Best Time: April to June
- Starting Point: Pantwari Village
- Nag Tibba Trek Distance: ~16 km round trip
- Ideal For: Weekend wanderers, beginners, quick adventurers
Don’t let its short duration trick you. Nag Tibba Trek may be a weekend trek, but it delivers like a full-fledged Himalayan escape. Just a few hours from Dehradun or Delhi, it’s a haven for those who want mountains without long leaves or logistics. The trek kicks off from Pantwari village and gently winds through dense oak forests and meadows where shepherds graze their flocks.
As you ascend from Nag devta Temple, the view begins to open, first slivers, then sweeping panoramas of Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath, and even Swargarohini on a clear day. You’ll reach the summit with lungs full of pine-scented air and a heart full of wonder.
Camping along the trail is cozy and quiet, perfect for stargazing and sharing stories with fellow trekkers. It’s the kind of trip that resets your system, especially if city life has been too loud for too long.
7. Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek
- Location: Uttarakhand, India
- Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek Height: 12,550 ft
- Duration: 6 days
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek Best Time: Spring (March-April), Summer (May-June), Autumn (September-November)
- Starting Point: Rishikesh
- Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek Distance: 27.2 km
- Ideal For: Ages 8 to 62, nature lovers, families, first-time trekkers
The Ali Bedni Bugyal trek is a 6-day journey through Uttarakhand’s most spectacular alpine meadows. You’ll start from Rishikesh and trek through ancient oak and rhododendron forests, where sunlight dances through the leaves, leading to the lush, carpet-like Ali Bugyal meadow. The highlight is the beautiful sight of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti, their massive 6,000-7,000 ft faces rising dramatically before you, especially glowing at sunset from Bedni Bugyal.
Climbing Bedni Top gives you views of the Chaukhamba range, while the cozy Abin Kharak campsite offers unforgettable sunrises. The trek wraps up with a descent to Wan, where you’ll visit the serene Latu Devta temple, surrounded by towering Cyprus trees, a cultural gem tied to the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra.
8. Kuari Pass Trek
- Location: Chamoli District, Garhwal Himalayas
- Kuari Pass Trek Height: 12,763 ft (3,890 meters)
- Duration: 5–6 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Kuari Pass Trek Best Time: May to June
- Starting Point: Joshimath
- Kuari Pass Trek Distance: ~33 km round trip
- Ideal For: Landscape lovers, history buffs, and panorama hunters
Kuari Pass Trek is the path once walked by Lord Curzon himself. It’ll make you understand why the Kuari Pass trek has been a favorite for over a century. This trail combines everything we love about Himalayan trekking with a sense of timelessness you won’t find on every route.
From the mountain town of Joshimath, you begin your ascent through ancient oak and rhododendron forests. Campsites like Khullara and Tali are peaceful havens under starlit skies.
But it’s the view from Kuari Pass that steals the show. On a clear morning, the horizon is a canvas of Himalayan giants like Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet, all standing tall like guardians of the sky. It’s a view that stays etched in memory long after your boots are off.
9. Pindari Glacier Trek
- Location: Bageshwar District, Kumaon Himalayas
- Pindari Glacier Trek Height: 12,300 ft (3,749 meters)
- Duration: 7–8 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Pindari Glacier Trek Best Time: May to June
- Starting Point: Khati Village
- Pindari Glacier Trek Distance: ~90 km round trip
- Ideal For: Glacier seekers, solitude lovers, offbeat travelers
Some treks pull crowds. Others call quietly to those seeking something deeper. Pindari Glacier trek is firmly in the latter camp, a long, beautiful walk through Kumaon’s lesser-travelled paths that ends at the icy heart of the Himalayas.
The trail begins at Khati, a peaceful village where stone houses nestle into the hills and the sound of rushing water is never far. From there, the route passes through ancient forests, cliffside paths, and flower-filled valleys. You’ll share the trail with mules, herders, and fellow wanderers, but it never feels busy.
Eventually, after days of calm and connection with nature, you arrive at the base of Pindari Glacier. Towering ice walls, crystalline air, and the echo of distant avalanches welcome you. It’s humbling, haunting, and wholly unforgettable.
10. Phulara Ridge Trek
- Location: Uttarakhand, India
- Phulara Ridge Trek Height: 12,345 ft
- Duration: 6 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Phulara Ridge Trek Best Time: Summer (May-June), Autumn (September-November)
- Starting Point: Dehradun
- Phulara Ridge Trek Distance: 26 km
- Ideal For: Ages 11 to 62, adventure seekers, nature lovers, beginner to experienced trekkers
The Phulara Ridge Trek is a one-of-a-kind adventure in Uttarakhand’s Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and its famous for its thrilling day-long ridge walk that feels like strolling along a mountain’s edge. Starting from Dehradun, you’ll drive to Kotgaon, the basecamp, and trek through dense pine, oak, and rhododendron forests, with Himalayan birds like the colorful Monal.
The star of the trek is the Phulara Ridge, where you’ll spend hours surrounded by a 250-degree panorama of snow-capped peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Kedarkantha, with meadows and valleys dropping away on both sides.
The trail weaves through vibrant meadows bursting with wildflowers like Brahmakamal in summer, and the serene Pushtara Bugyal offers a perfect camping spot under starry skies. This moderate trek, discovered by Indiahikes in 2018, blends adventure with breathtaking views and a touch of local culture, passing quaint villages like Taluka.
Final Words
Uttarakhand in summer offers a trek for every kind of explorer. The snow retreats, the skies clear up, and the Himalayas breathe life into every trail. From beginner-friendly route to soul-stirring journeys, this sacred land invites you to feel the mountains.
What makes these treks special is the rhythm of mountain life, the untouched culture, and those moments at sunrise or under starlit skies when the world feels perfectly still.
So if your heart is restless and your boots are itching for adventure, it might be time to pack your backpack, grab your trekking poles, and head for the hills. Because up there, beyond the last village, beyond the tree line, is where the real stories begin.
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