Can you trek during the monsoon?

Yes, but change ranges. Skip the Himalaya in July and August and head to the Maharashtra Sahyadris, where the monsoon is the main trekking season with green forts and waterfalls.

When is snow trekking season in India?

December to March. Kedarkantha, Brahmatal and Dayara Bugyal hold reliable snow, and the Chadar trek on the frozen Zanskar river runs in January and February.

Seasons

The best season to trek in India

India trekking runs all year if you follow the calendar. Each season opens a different part of the country. Pick a season to see the treks that are actually in condition, the weather to expect and what to pack.

5 trekking seasons Snow: Dec – Mar High passes: May – Jun

🌸 Spring

Mar – Apr

Rhododendron forests bloom and the lower Himalaya thaws. Trails are green, crowds are thin.

Top picks: Kedarkantha (late), Nag Tibba, Valley trails opening up

Spring treks

☀️ Summer

May – Jun

The high passes open. This is the window for Ladakh, Kashmir and the big alpine crossings.

Top picks: Hampta Pass, Kashmir Great Lakes, Markha Valley

Summer treks

🌧️ Monsoon

Jul – Sep

The Himalaya mostly closes, but the Sahyadris come alive with waterfalls and mist.

Top picks: Valley of Flowers, Rajmachi, Kalsubai, Harishchandragad

Monsoon treks

🍂 Autumn

Oct – Nov

The clearest skies of the year. Post monsoon visibility makes this peak Himalayan season.

Top picks: Roopkund, Kuari Pass, Sandakphu, Rupin Pass

Autumn treks

❄️ Winter

Dec – Feb

Snow season. Graded snow treks in Uttarakhand and Himachal, plus the frozen Chadar.

Top picks: Kedarkantha, Brahmatal, Chadar, Chopta Tungnath

Winter treks

Match the season to the region

Season and region are two halves of the same decision. Ladakh and Kashmir only make sense in summer and early autumn. Uttarakhand and Himachal carry a long snow season into spring. The Sahyadris are the monsoon exception. Cross check with the regions guide so your dates, your fitness and the mountains all line up.

Not sure where to start? The trip planner takes your month and experience level and returns treks that are actually in condition.

Trekking seasons, frequently asked questions

Autumn (October to November) offers the clearest skies and the widest choice of Himalayan treks. Winter is best for snow treks, and summer is the only window for Ladakh and Kashmir's high passes.