The Himalayas have long been one of the most magnificent natural wonders in the Indian landscape. The mountainous range is full of stunningly high peaks, including the famous Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, and so many hundreds more. For people who love mountains and activities like trekking, there is no better place than the Himalayas. Whether it be a Himalayan glacier trek, a base summit trek to one of the famous Himalayan peaks or a more beginner-friendly trek, you will have views which will leave you stunned. The beauty all around you as you trek the mountainous paths is something that will forever remain unmatched. Be it the icy beauty of a Himalayan glacier trek or the bright colours of the forest, the rhododendrons, etc., the sheer beauty of the hills makes hiking in the Himalayas an activity everyone must indulge in at least once in their lifetime. It does not matter if you happen to be a first-timer or someone with trekking experience, hiking in the Himalayas will leave you overwhelmed in the best way possible. Read on to learn more about the best treks in the Himalayas for beginners.
Here are some of the best treks in the Himalayas for you to explore
1. Dayara Bugyal
It is one of the most recommended Himalayan treks for beginners, for the simple reason that this trek does not take too much effort, yet the views you enjoy on the journey are sublime. The best part about this trek is that you can go anytime in the year and have an amazing experience without fail, regardless of whether it is a colourful symphony of the hues of summer or a glittering winter wonderland. This trek is one of the easiest ways to experience the famous Himalayan adventure.
Duration of the trek: 6 days
Best time to visit: All year, excluding monsoon months
2. Hampta Pass
This trek is perfect for you if you are new to trekking. The trek gives you exquisite views of the never-ending valleys, sparkling rivers, glaciers, forests and the ever-present Himalayan mountains. Hampta Pass is one of the most famous parts of the Himalayan mountain trekking experience for its relative ease and the natural beauty all around as you trek.
Duration of the trek: 4 – 5 days
Best time to visit: June – September
3. Deoriatal-Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila
An alluring trek with views for days, this trek has it all. From the lush Chopta valley, the picturesque Deorital Lake, Tungnath temple and the majestic Chandrashila peak, you will be mesmerised for the entirety of the trek. Chandrashila Peak, which means ‘Moon Rock,’ is famous for its sweeping view of the Himalayas, making the trek worth every effort.
Duration of the trek: 6 days
Best time to visit: March-May and October – November
4. Sandakphu
If you love the spring colours of the Himalayas, especially the lovely rhododendrons, the Sandakphu trek is for you. It is one of the best Himalayan treks for nature lovers. You will have the famous view of the four peaks, Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu, with the yellow, scarlet, white and pink hues of the rhododendrons making you feel as if you are in heaven.
Duration of the trek: 6 days
Best time to visit: March – June
5. Brahmatal
Brahmatal trek is a famous trek not just among beginners, but also seasoned trekkers. Although it is most famous for its winter trek, the rest of the months are also equally beautiful. Embark on this fascinating trek for views of the famous frozen lakes in the winter months, vivid rhododendrons in spring and lush greenery in the summer months. With year-round natural beauty to boast of, this is truly one of the best Himalayan treks.
Duration of the trek: 6 days
Best time to visit: All year except monsoon
6. Kedarkantha
This trek is for people who dream of having the snowy Himalayan mountain trekking experience. While the Himalayas are beautiful any time you visit them, there is something about passing through snowy pathways with trees splattered throughout. Passing through charming villages and untouched snow terrains, the beauty of this trek will forever be one of your most precious memories. This trek is especially famous for having some of the most beautiful campsites, like the Juda ka Talab campsite, among many others.
Duration of the trek: 4-6 days
Best time to visit: December – April
7. Bhrigu Lake
The Bhrigu Lake trek is not only one of the most accessible treks, but it also holds a deep connection for many trekkers as the lake is holy for Hindus. Starting from Manali, you can enjoy the journey and the highlight of the trek and be back to base all in four days, compared to other longer treks, which usually take around eight days. This trek is perfect for everyone looking for a shorter trek as a beginner but with outstanding views nonetheless.
Duration of the trek: 4 days
Best time to visit: May – June and September – October
8. Valley of Flowers
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a trek to this famous valley is nothing short of a haven for nature lovers. The valley is home to some of the rarest flowers, plants, butterflies, animals etc., with the floral composition ever-changing. It is one of the best Himalayan treks for beginners because while it takes one through forests and valleys, they are still connected to civilisation. This proves to be a source of comfort for hesitant first-timers.
Duration of the trek: 6 days
Best time to visit: June – September
9. Tarsar Marsar
Such is the beauty of this trek that you will forever be addicted to trekking by the time you finish it. The valleys and lakes of Kashmir will make for some of the most memorable views as you cross mountain passes. One of the most beautiful treks in India, this trek will give you some of your best memories without exerting you too much.
Duration of the trek: 7 days
Best time to visit: July – September
10. Har ki Dun
Striking valleys, lush green forests and views to die for, this trek will give you all the thrills of the famous Himalayan adventure. It has everything from glaciers like Swargarohini and Jaundhar to the mighty Garhwal Mountains and flora and fauna, which make the trek even more captivating. Perfectly suited for beginners, this trek is a complete experience without going to a too remote or high-altitude place.
Duration of the trek: 8 days
Best time to visit: April – June and September – December