Across India, from mid March until April (Spring season), people are not really going on treks. Parents are overwrought with kids’ exams. Deadlines in offices somehow hang in the air.

Meanwhile, quietly on the side, a splendid season of trekking between Mid March and April slips by. 

But first, here is the Table of Contents to help you navigate to any of our 15 Best Spring treks of your choice:

In mid March, when winter starts to recede, snow is still around. A carpet of fresh grass sprouts around these snow patches. It makes meadows and clearings above 9,000 feet a delight. The lush grass with ankle-length flowers against the backdrop of snow is a visual treat.

Shaking off the harshness of winter, new leaves start sprouting on trees. Flowers bloom. The landscape is a riot of colours. Spring is in the air. 

Birds wake up from their winter slumber. Their voices spring through the forests. For those who love bird photography, Spring is the time of the year to do treks. 

Himalayan Monal - the state bird of Uttarakhand spotted on the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek. Picture by Ajit Hota.

If these were not Enough, there is the Magic of Rhododendrons

For me, the rhodos is a big reason to go trekking. What a sight they make! In spring, rhododendrons with their scarlet and pink flowers burst into bloom. It is as if the hills are on fire! When rhodos bloom they envelop trees. Sometimes it is difficult to spot leaves through the flowers! 

The blazing trail of rhododendrons on the spring trek. Picture by Jothiranjan B.

My favourite rhodos are, of course, the scarlet ones. They are not very common, so it is terrific to see if there is a scarlet playing hide and seek around a bend! Some slopes have the yellows and whites in between the pinks. Sunlight flirting through these blooms make trekking a joy!

Trekking in Spring is Great for the Crackling Summit Views

Let me explain. Two months later, in summer, when it is peak trekking season there is a smoky haze over the mountains. Forest fires, smog, heat and dust  contributes to this. Mountain views are disappointing. 

Worse, in summer when the sun heats up the earth, the forests transpire, releasing a lot of water vapour in the air. the cool air of the mountains quickly gather up these water vapour and turn them into clouds.

It is not uncommon to see a bright clear day patched with lots of clouds by 11 in the morning. The big mountains that you have been planning to see are now almost hidden. 

On the other hand in spring mountain views are worth dying for. You get clear blue skies that stretch from horizon to horizon. The air is crisp — the views crackling. 

The Chaukhamba massif as seen from the Chandrashila summit. Picture by Yusuf Serki.

I remember last year when I was trekking to the top of Chandrashila summit, I stood for a moment to take in what I was seeing around me. There they were, right in front of me, like a fan of playing cards, the entire range of eastern and western Gharwal mountains of India. I was seeing the greatest mountain ranges in India at their sharpest best. 

Another time, I took a short walk to the summit of Hatu Peak near Shimla. It was the second week of March. There too the sprawling summit views took my breath away. This time I was gazing at summits of eastern Himachal. So sharp they were that I could tick off almost thirty or forty summits in the horizon.  

When you walk into a tourist office and see a big landscape picture of mountain ranges — the photographs are almost always taken in early winter or in March/April. 

I share with you a list of the best treks to do in between Mid-March and April end. I have left out a few that I feel don’t make this list.

Here are the 15 best Himalayan treks to do in Spring:

You don't see such greener meadows in any other season than spring and summer. Notice Mt Chaukhamba looming in the background. Picture by Rupendra Yadav.

The best rhododendron trek of our country. And the best trek to do in Spring. And to damn everything, it also has the best mountain views from the summit.

Set in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand, the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is a treat for wildlife lovers. And it is also a great summit climb (12,083 ft)  for those who are beginning to start trekking in the Himalayas.

You see, summit climbs are rewarding, and trudge up a mountain for hours during the wee hours. You reach its highest point like the rays of the sun lighten the sky. Everything is below you — the clouds, the hills, the tiny specks of civilization. On a Himalayan trek, you usually see mountain ranges in the distance.

This is where Deoriatal Chandrashila is special. It is not a section of Himalayan ranges that you see. You see all the major summits of Western and Eastern Uttarakhand from the summit. By all, we mean all.

The meandering ridge walk gives grand views of Mt Bandarpunch and Mt Kalanag. Picture from the Indiahikes archives.

Surya Top is an extension of our much-loved Dayara Bugyal trek. Trekkers often get teary-eyed upon reaching Dayara meadows on the Dayara Bugyal trek. But Surya Top is a real deal when it comes to experiencing the grandeur of Dayara meadows in its entirety. You trek on the meadows not just for a couple of hours but for two full days! At Devkund, you are at the end of the Dayara meadows. Right behind you are endless stretches of perfectly manicured meadows that extend as far as your eyes can reach. You explore all that Dayara Meadows has to offer. This is only possible when you do the Surya Top Trek.

Spring in the Surya Top Trek starts in mid-March and goes on until the end of April. The snow starts to melt in the upper reaches, while the grass begins to turn green in the lower meadows. Tiny flowers make their heads out of the grass, while rhododendrons bloom on the trees.

The upper reaches of the Surya Top trek are usually covered in snow until mid-April.

Spring is a great time to experience colour contrasts on the meadows and the ridge walk. You see snow, greenery, and the colour of flowers altogether.

Your campsite at Chofu is very unique. You camp on a slope with open views of the valley and the entire Garhwal mountain ranges in front of you. Photo by Nitesh Kumar.

View of Mt Trishul from Tilandi campsite. Picture by Guhanesan Sivalingam.

On the Brahmatal trek, you walk on a high-point with the mountain dropping on either side. This is called a ridgeline. A ridgeline often gives the feeling of an extended summit.

What’s delightful is that you also get to camp on the ridge – at Tilandi. From here, you get to see the Himalayan landscape rolling out on both sides.

As you are on a high point at Tilandi, you get to witness the sunset and sunrise from the same campsite. And being at the high-point also makes it the windiest campsite of the trek.

To top it all, you get to see Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti up close from Brahmatal Top!

Alpen glow on sleeping buddha during sunset as seen from Sandakphu campsite. Picture by Kartik Vasan.

The Sandakphu – Phalut trek, with views of four of the tallest mountains in the world – Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu and Mt Kanchenjunga, this is one trek to keep a tab on if you’re going in spring.

Not only do you get crisp views, but you also trek through wonderful forests of the Singalila National Park. The colours in these rhododendron, bamboo and pine forests are stunning!

Being up in the mountains in such clear, clean air is a blessing. Everything seems more enhanced – the colours, the smells, the scale… They say an uncluttered home can bring clarity to the mind; an uncluttered trek in the Himalayas can do just that a 1000 times over.

Mt Kanchenjunga as seen from viewpoint 1. Picture by Suraj Cjepyala.

The biggest reason to do the Goechala trek is the grand views of big mountains that you see. You don’t just see one summit — the Kanchenjunga — but 14 other big summits. That’s a lot for any trek — especially as close to the eyes as on the Goechala trek. It is no wonder that trekkers consider Goechala to be the closest to the big mountain treks of Nepal.

The trail to Goechala is blessed with rhododendron forests. And come spring-summer months of April and May, they burst to life with pink and red flowers! It’s an enormously pleasing walk through the wooden-log trails of these jungles!

The Samiti Lake is another big attraction on the Goechala trek. The view of the still waters, and the reflection of Mt Pandim in the lake, especially in the early hours, is a visual treat.

 Mt Nanda Devi, India's highest mountain as seen from Kuari Pass trek. Picture by Avijit Jamloki.

Kuari Pass is a trek that blows everyone’s brains out with its terrific views of the India’s highest mountain. It is one of our most “complete” treks with few of the best forests, campsites, ridge walks and mountain views.

Irrespective of you being a seasoned trekker or a beginner the Kuari Pass is a trek you need to do. It is a must-do for the views of some of India’s most celebrated mountains – Mt Nanda Devi (25,673 feet) and Mt Dronagiri (23,182 feet) – in any season.

Mt Trishul during golden hour on the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek. Picture by Raghavendra S N.

Out of all the meadow treks in our country, Ali Bedni Bugyal has the grandest mountain views. Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti are an arm’s distance away from Bedni Bugyal.

The Ali and Bedni meadows are themselves an attraction, as they span as far and wide as your eyes can see. They are one of the largest high altitude meadows of our country!

Not just that, the unforgettable sunrises and sunsets while camping at Abin Kharak and a unique experience of trekking through ancient and dense forests makes this trek a treasure in itself.

You can find patches of snow at the beginning of the spring. Picture by Vasudev Sharma.

There are many reasons why it is a very popular trek to do in the Indian Himalayas. The most important of them is this — the summit climb.

The summit climb of Kedarkantha is a very rewarding one.  Right from the base camp of the trek, the summit looms large.  As you start your trek in the early hours of the morning and steadily climb up the steep slope, the world opens up around you.

The climb is not easy.  The entire stretch is steadily steep.  As you get closer to the summit, it gets tricky as well.  But the big mountains of the upper Himalayas keep you company until you finally reach the summit.

As you stretch yourself and take in the views of the Himalayas from the summit, you feel a strong sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. This is an unparalleled feeling.

Very few treks offer the same adventure, making it popular among beginners for its finest summit climb.

The entire forest section takes new form during spring. They become so colorful. Picture by Deep Thakkar.

Dayara Bugyal is one of the best meadow treks of our country, with powdery snow still on them. The views of Mt Bandarpoonch from the meadows can flatten anyone.

Very few trekkers have set foot on the Dayara Bugyal trek, even though it lies very close to the Gangotri region.

Dayara Bugyal is one of those off-beat treks which takes your breath away! It is so rewarding for very little effort.

The vast meadows, beautiful campsites and stunning mountain views make Dayara Bugyal an ideal summer trek. Especially if there are kids aged 7 years and above, because it makes for a perfect family trek.

The thrilling summit climb to Pangarchulla peak. Picture by Satyen Dasgupta.

If you are looking for a power packed thrilling summit climb, climbing all the way till 15,069 ft, then Pangarchulla Peak trek offers it in spades. It’s a difficult trek with a small window when it is accessible to trekkers, that’s only in April. If you are fit, and are looking for an adrenaline rush, go for it.

While the summit climb in itself leaves you with a strong adrenaline rush, what adds to this experience is the mountain views you get from the top. All along the trek you are accompanied along with grand views of a big part of the Greater Himalayan Range. And at the summit, you are surrounded by them and they all stand so close to you.

Mt Swargarohini seen from Ruinsara valley. Picture by Subhash.

The Har Ki Dun trek is a cultural favourite — in the early part of the trek you pass through ancient wooden villages that still stand the same despite being many centuries old. The stories and legends of these villages date back to the mythologies. Later, the astounding scenery changes every day can leave anyone breathless.

And then Ruinsara Tal pulls all possible expectations from under our feet. Such places exist in our country?

The stunning mountain views as seen from the Khopra ridge. Picture by Krunal Patel.

The panaroma of snow capped mountains as you see from Nag Tibba summit. Picture by Bharat Monga.

We all know summit climbs are incredibly rewarding in a trek. This is why we have trekkers flocking to treks like Kedarkantha or Deoriatal – Chandrashila. In a trail like Nag Tibba, you get to experience the thrill of a summit climb in just a weekend! And it is one of the best short treks to do in Spring.

Resting at 9,915 ft, the summit of this trek is the highest in the Nag Tibba range of Garhwal Himalayas. From here, you see a 100-degree view of snow-capped Himalayan ranges such as Swargrohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, Srikantha, and Gangotri.

You also see Kedarnath peak in the north, Doon valley and the snow peaks of Changabang. With views like this and a climb to make you earn them, this weekend trek may be one of the best.

A lone rhododendron tree in the full bloom. Picture by Jothiranjan.

A new addition to our trek roster, the Chirbatiya weekend trek’s highlight is its campsites. It offers a 270 degree view of the greatest mountains of the Greater Himalayas — Mrigthuni, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Chang-Bang, Dronagiri, Neelkanth, Chaukhamba, Kedarnath — just to name a few.

Even though this is a short trek, it has the charm of certain longer Himalayan treks. For example, a break-point you cross enroute the Patangnia meadows will remind you of Bekaltal from Brahmatal trek.

| Also Look out for Exclusive Treks for Families in Spring

In the same season, we also have exclusive family treks to Kedarkantha and Dayara Bugyal. We organise the trek specially for families with children, to enhance their learning from the outdoors.

Find dates and details of exclusive family treks here.

Most of the groups already have registrations going up, though not full yet. It’s best to sign up now if you want the luxury of choosing dates that suit you. 

If you have any thoughts or questions, drop in a comment below. One of us from Indiahikes will get back to you.

Here are the 15 Best Himalayan Treks to do this Spring. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced trekker, there's something for everyone!

15 Best Treks to do this Spring in the Himalayas in 2024

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Across the world, tourists and travellers make a beeline to see blooming flowers, whether it is cherry blossoms in Japan, or tulips in Amsterdam, or even closer home, the Valley of Flowers. Yet, most trekkers miss out on one of the grandest experiences in India: blooming rhododendrons! 

These flowers bloom only at certain latitudes, between 80°N and 20°S, in a few parts of the world. But their largest presence is in the Indian Himalayas, spread across Himachal, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Nepal. 

In mid-March, just as the spring season swirls its way into the Himalayas, rhododendron buds begin to shake off residual winter snow. Over the next two months, until early summer, rhododendron flowers set the mountainsides ablaze with striking hues of scarlet, pink, purple, and red. It’s a sight that you’ll rarely see, yet, it’s a sight that you’ll never forget.

There are a total of 187 species of Rhododendrons in the Indian Himalayan Region. A pathway surrounded by rhodos on the trek from Deoriatal to Syalmi. Picture by Yogesh Shinde

However, not on every Himalayan trek will you experience the splendours of rhododendrons. Only some of our treks display this once-in-a-year phenomenon. You need to know which trek to go on, and how to time your trek. You also need to plan your trek well in advance, because these groups get full in no time. 

This is why this blogpost is about the Best Treks to Experience Himalayan Rhododendrons. 

I’ll tell you which treks to choose, when to time them, and which sections of the trail to watch out for.

Let’s first start with how to time your trek to experience rhododendrons in India.

Rhododendrons bloom only between late winter and early summer, which means they bloom between late-February and until late-April. 

You’ll see rhododendrons in full bloom anywhere between late Feb and early May, based on the region you’re trekking in. In this picture, you see a rhododendron tree in full bloom on the Sandakphu trek. Picture by Sharat Kolke

In the Uttarakhand region, you’ll see rhododendrons blooming from late Feb until the middle of April. The flowers are at their peak between mid-March and mid-April.

In Sikkim, Nepal and North Bengal, you’ll see blooms from early April until early May. They are at their peak in the last two weeks of April and early May.

Based on these timings, these are your 4 greatest treks to see Rhododendrons in our country. 

Which are the Top 4 Rhododendron Treks of India?

It’s no secret. Goechala is a trek that is known for its rhododendrons. “People come from all over the world to see the rhododendrons on the Goechala trek. It’s a huge attraction,” says Arjun Majumdar, the founder, CEO of Indiahikes. 

Yellow rhododendrons with a monastery in the backdrop at Tshoka. Picture by Sourav Mukherjee

What’s special is that it is not a fleeting section of rhododendrons on the Goechala trek. “You’ll start seeing your first rhododendrons after the Bakhim campsite. 

“But the gem of it is after Tshoka. The stretch between Tshoka and Phedang, between 9,000 ft and 11,000 ft, is THE rhododendron belt. You see pink, yellow, scarlet and red rhododendrons. There are stretches where you’re walking in a tunnel of rhododendrons. Sunlight diffuses through these flowers magically, forming unreal colours in the forests. It’s the most remarkable rhododendron experience,” says Arjun. 

A dark-rumped rosefinch perched on a rhododendron on the Goechala trail. Picture by Sahana

The Eastern Himalayas of Sikkim and North Bengal are well-known for their rhododendrons, but not so much the Western Himalayas. Which is why the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek with its abundance of rhododendrons is a trekkers delight. We call it “The Goechala of the West.”

And the trek lives up to its Eastern sister to the T. Right off the bat, you enter a beautiful rhododendron forest, which delights you with trees heavily laden with rhododendrons. Within 2-3 hours, you are welcomed by the Deoriatal Lake, which is a fairytale in spring. The lake is surrounded by rhododendron trees that stand out in shades of crimson, magenta and bright pink. 

Rhododedron trees painting the mountains pink, below a towering Mt Chaukhamba on the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek. Picture by Manasa Gollapinni

“There’s a quiet trail that circumambulates the lake, taking you through a drooping canopy of rhododendrons. You’ll see flowers above you, on either side of you, and even below you. The trail is a carpet of fallen rhododendrons. It’s one of the most beautiful hours you’ll spend by the lake,” says Vivek Saini, Slope Manager at Indiahikes, who has spent the longest time serving as our slope manager in this region. 

You would think it is hard for the trek to match up to its Day 1, but the forests from Deoriatal to Rohini Bugyal and further onto Chopta will leave you weak in the knees. Rhododendrons come at you in surprising clusters. 

A rhododendron tree in full bloom on the Deoriatal Chandrashila trail. Picture by Amandeep Singh

In fact, from the Baniya Kund campsite to the summit, you see a few of the best pink rhododendrons. “Given that this section retains snow all the way till late-April, you’ll see a glorious contrast of pink flowers against white snow,” says Vivek. It’s truly a photographer’s delight.

If you are lucky enough, you’ll also get to spot the ultra colourful Himalayan Monal scampering about in the rhododendron shrubs.

The forest section is an absolute visual treat with treetops sprinkled with snow. In early March, rhododendrons are in full bloom. Picture by Yogesh Shinde.

Sandakphu is a trek that has so many great things going on, but when you trek in the Rhododendron season, everything else takes a backseat. It is hard for other treks to compete with the arresting view of the Kanchenjunga range and the Everest range in front, with a canopy of rhododendrons below.  

Very similar to Goechala, the Sandakphu trail’s rhododendrons is an experience that is well-documented. It is something that the Singalila National Park is known for.  

A walk in the flower-strewn forests on the Sandakphu trek. Picture by Shayak Ray Chaudhuri

“The best rhododendron sections are between Samanden and Molley. The last stretch of this walk is entirely through rhododendron forests. The flowers are completely red and pink here. If you time your trek right, you’ll be trekking in a sea of pink,” says Akshay Upreti, Slope Manager at Indiahikes, who has spent several months in the Sandakphu region. 

The initial section from Aal to Gurdum is also a rhododendron forest. Not only do you see dark pink and scarlet flowers, but you also see light pink, white and yellow flowers on this trek. 

Rhododendrons spread across the hills on the Sandakphu trek. Picture by Nikhil Jain

The Brahmatal trek is our latest rhododendron love. And with good reason. The basecamp of the trek, Lohajung, with its neatly planted rhododendron trees along your sitting area, gives you a small peek into what is in store for you on the trail. 

“You are treated to the best rhododendron experience on the very first day of this trek as you climb towards Gujrani. This is one of the densest rhododendron forests I’ve seen. Our Gujraini campsite is also in the heart of rhododendron forests. It makes for a terrific setting in April,” says Gourab Nandy, Slope Manager at Indiahikes, who spent the entire rhododendron season in 2021 in the Brahmatal region. 

Trekking under a canopy of rhododendrons on the Brahmatal trek. Picture by Gourab Nandy

“If that was not enough, one of the most magical rhododendron experiences is at Bekaltal. Even though the density of the flowers isn’t too much, the entire lakeside is strewn with pink petals. Trekkers love sitting by this lake and sharing stories,” he adds.

Trekkers sharing stories sitting by the Bekaltal lake. A rhododendron tree blooms lusciously in the foreground. Picture by Gourab Nandy

The rhododendron experience carries on until the last day on this trek, where you see the last of the rhododendrons towards Khorurai. 

Experiencing rhododendrons is rare in our country. Given that they grow only at certain altitudes, specific latitudes and weather conditions, they are hard to find, not just in our country but anywhere in the world. They are a protected species everywhere. 

So when you have a chance to see them in such resplendent forests, in their natural habitat, and in such abundance, it’s an opportunity you must not let go. 

And if you’re a birder or a photographer, then more so. With flowers come birds and butterflies, and as our bird expert says, it’s one of the best seasons for bird watching. 

A grey hooded warbler rests on a rhododendron tree on the Deoriatal trek. Picture by Expert Birder and photographer, Ajit Hota

If you’d like to trek during the rhododendron season, plan now, in January. Even February is too late. 

If you have any questions, drop in a comment below. We’ll get back to you.  

Read to find out which are the best rhododendron treks in the Indian Himalayas, when to time them and which sections to watch out for.

Top 4 Rhododendron Treks in the Indian Himalayas

Deoriatal-Chandrashila is one of the newest treks to do in peak winters. It was opened only in the winter of 2022. Yet, in this short time frame, it has captured the imagination of trekkers. 

This photo story gives you a glimpse of how winters look on the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek. 

The Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is in the heart of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is heavily forested. 

Here you see the trail, after a snowfall, going towards Tungnath. Photo by Chandrasekhar.

This trek is also known for its rhododendron trees. Snowflakes settle lightly on the leaves of these rhododendron trees. This lends a Christmassy feel to the entire setting.  Photo by Chandrasekhar.

The trek is terrific even without snow. Walking through such a dense Himalayan forest filled with oak and rhododendron trees is an unforgettable experience. Photo by Indiahikes staff photographer Jothiranjan.

Walking just above the forests of Brujgali on the way to the Chandrashila Summit

This is another highlight of the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek. At 7,800 feet in the Garhwal Himalayas, this lake has a unique story of its own.

As the legend goes, four brothers of the Pandava clan once visited the pristine lake during their exile. The lake was then a bathing spot for gods, guarded by a crane -- Yaksha. Despite Yaksha’s warnings, the brothers decided to sip the water of the lake. As a consequence, Yaksha punished them, leading to their immediate death.

The four brothers were then resurrected back to life, only when the fifth brother, Yudishtir, arrived and apologized to the crane.

For trekkers, the view of Mt Chaukhamba towering over the lake is what stuns them.

Trekkers love watching the reflection of mountain summits on Deoriatal. Mt Chaukhamba on the right towers over the setting. Photo from Indiahikes Archive. 

The view of Chaukhamba, just as you turn towards Deoriatal lake is a shocker. "It takes literally just 2 hours of climbing from the base camp to come up close with mountains like Kedarnath, Kedar Dome, the ever-looming Chaukhamba massif, Sumeru Parbat, Mandani Parbat and more. From Deoriatal, the view is absolutely breath-taking!" says Swathi Chatrapathy, Head of Digital Content at Indiahikes.

The jaw-dropping view of Mt. Chaukhamba from Deoriatal. Photo Milind Tambe

Trekkers love the exhilirating climb on snow towards the Chandrashila Summit

The fairy tale setting of trekking on snow can captivate any trekker

The Chandrashila summit is a vantage point that stands unparalleled among our treks. From Chandrashila you see the greatest mountain views of our Indian Himalayas.  

From the summit you get a 360-degree view of the mountains of Garhwal and Kumaon. Mt Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Kamet, Dunagiri, Chaukhamba, Kedar dome, Thalaysagar, Gangotri ranges, Jahanukut and also Mt Nanda Devi, India's highest summit.

Mt Kedarnath and Kedar Dome from Chandrashila summit

The other grand mountain view from the Chandrashila summit

On the other side you see the entire range of Garhwal Himalayas, including Mt Nanda Devi, India's highest mountain. 

In winters, the entire face of the Chandrashila summit is covered in deep, white snow. Photo from Indiahikes Archives

It's not easy to reach the summit of Chandrashila in peak winters. Fresh snow makes it tricky. The experience is like being on an expedition.

Snow adds to the thrill of the summit climb. The challenges make it feel like an expedition. Photo by Sumanth Thaduru.

Campsites on the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek

You start the trek from the Indiahikes Community Campus at Sari at 6,560 ft. We built this campus in 2020. We love the campus setting. The design of the campus makes trekkers interact with each other much before the trek starts. 

The Indiahikes Campus at Sari. Photo by Jothiranjan.

The Baniakund campsite on snow. Trekkers love the setting.

It can be very overwhelming for trekkers once they reach the summit. Trekkers most often break down and cry when they reach the summit. The setting and magnitude of the occasion is immense. 

It can get overwhelming at the top of the Chandrashila summit, at 12,083 ft. This is why many trekkers break into tears after reaching the summit.  Photo by Vivek Saini.

At the summit, a shrine of Shiva. It is believed that Lord Ram built this temple to atone for his sins of killing Raavan in the war. Photo by Bhargavi N. 

At the foot of Chandrashilsa, is Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world.  It is one of the Panch Kedars, and people from across the country flock to this temple to pay homage. 

This temple is famous because according to the legend, after the war of Mahabharata, Lord Shiva was upset with the Pandavas for their gruesome killing. The Pandavas found a way to please, venerate and celebrate Lord Shiva; they built the Tunganath temple.

The Pandavas were thus freed from their sins.

In winters the deity moves from Tungnath temple to Makkumath. It returns to the temple only in April. Photo from Indiahikes Archives.

Not many talk about Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek in winter. Yet, it is gaining popularity very quickly since its opening. It is best done in the months of January and February. Trekkers must not miss out on this small window of experiencing this trek in winter.

Have you done the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek in winter> Write to me on latika@indiahikes.com to share your thoughts :)

Let the entire trek unfold in front of you here

Deoriatal-Chandrashila is the only winter trek that offers the greatest mountain views. It has a thrilling summit climb and beautiful forest sections. On top of that spring time makes it the best trek for bird enthusiasts.

17 Stunning Winter Photos from Deoriatal-Chandrashila Trek

Deoriatal Chandrashila trek, Best trek in Winter, Best trek in January and February 

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Why Deoriatal - Chandrashila Trek is terrific in Jan-Feb

At Indiahikes, we believe that trekking is among the best outdoor activities you can do. Our treks are meticulously crafted experiences. They are designed to help you discover a new you. Our outdoor leaders conduct sessions that weave mindfulness into your adventure. So, whether it's for that reflective pause by a mountain stream or a contemplative moment at the summit, here are some of the best treks for you to do in 2024. 

It wasn’t easy for us to choose the best Indian treks for this guide, as every trek is beautiful in its own way. In addition to the best hiking trails in India, we have added some international treks that we think you should not miss.

Treks like Dayara Bugyal, Brahmatal and Kedarkantha are often termed the best hiking trips in India as they are perfect for beginners and can be done all year round, except in the monsoon.

In the months of monsoon, between July and September, Indiahikes suggest treks like Hampta Pass, Valley of Flowers, Kashmir Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar.

For those who wish to trek in the snow, the months between December and April offer the best experience. Here’s what we recommend as the best treks in December to February. March is the best month to trek Everest Base Camp, following which one can opt for springtime treks until April. Sandakphu Phalut, Khopra Ridge and Goechala are some of the best summer treks in the Himalayas.

Best Himalayan Treks 2024 Guide: 44 Best Treks in India

The above-mentioned treks are examples of the best treks as per months and seasons. However, to zero in on the best hiking trips, trekkers must evaluate their fitness level. To help you understand better, we have divided the treks into four categories of difficulty:

(Click here to read what our difficulty ratings mean)

Now, when you know which type of trek to choose based on season, difficulty level, and the month of your choice, check out our Upcoming Treks page to not miss out on dates that suit you. But before that, refer to the below-mentioned list of the best hiking tours to make a wise choice.

Benog Tibba Trek

Mussoorie is one of the best hiking destinations in India. One of the region’s popular short hikes, the Benog Tibba Trek, takes you through the 1993-established Mussoorie Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to the nearly extinct Mountain Quail.

The best hike in Mussoorie begins at the Cloud End Forest Resort. Starting in the wilderness, you trek through lush green forests with the captivating sounds of birds, which makes this a perfect trek for beginners. The long forest protects you from harsh sunlight and reduces the fatigue of an otherwise steep trail. All this makes Benog Tibba the best trek for beginners.

Channarayana Durga Trek

Channarayana Durga Trek is one of the best treks around Bangalore. We at Indiahikes love this gem of a trek hidden near the Madhugiri Fort in the Tumkur district of Karnataka. The start of the trek is close to the SH 9 state highway, which connects Madhugiri with Dabaspet.

It is one of the most beautiful treks, as walking through the majestic fort transports you to mediaeval times, when it was a strategic fortress. A part of the Navadurgas around Bangalore, this fort is divided into multiple layers and sections.

Dayara Bugyal Trek

The mountains of Utarakhand offer the best trekking trips in India. Dayara Bugyal Trek is one of the perfect Himalayan treks in the region, thanks to mesmerising forests, campsites, ancient villages, thrilling climbs to high points, wonderful mountain views and a few of the best alpine meadows. 

It is one of the best hikes for winter, as one gets to see the vast meadows blanketed in snow. The easy-moderate trek is truly nature’s gift to all trekking enthusiasts.

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

Best time to do the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek: All seasons except monsoon

The Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek could undoubtedly be one of the 10 best hiking trails in India. The 6-day trek offers you enchanting views of all the major summits of western and eastern Uttarakhand from the Chandrashila summit.

The full-bloomed rhododendrons during the spring months make Chandrashila Trek one of the best destinations for hiking. One gets to see different species of birds on the trail, as it is also known as a paradise for bird watchers.

Kedarkantha Trek

Best month to visit Kedarkantha: December to April, (accessible all seasons, except monsoon).

Put on your trekking shoes and welcome the new year with our list of the best treks in India and abroad, which helps you focus on mental and physical health in 2024.

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