Moderate–Difficult
Uttarakhand
Rudranath Trek
The Rudranath Trek is a 24 km one-way trail in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, reaching the most remote Panch Kedar shrine at 3,600 m (11,800 ft).
6 days 3,600 mSep – Nov
Season, July to September
Best Monsoon Treks in India
When the monsoon closes most of the Himalaya, the Western Ghats come alive. Through July, August and September the Sahyadri forts of Maharashtra run with waterfalls, the forests of Karnataka and Coorg turn a brilliant green, and, tucked away in the rain shadow of the main range, Ladakh and Spiti stay dry and walkable.
9
Treks in season
July to September
Peak months
3
Prime regions
3
Months covered
Waterfalls, emerald forts and rain shadow deserts
Why trek in Monsoon?
The high Himalaya is prone to landslides and leeches in the rains, but the Sahyadris are at their dramatic best, and the rain shadow deserts of Ladakh offer the only reliable high altitude trekking of the season. It is the time to trade snow for green and to walk historic fort trails in the cloud.
Monsoon trekking is a completely different country. Instead of snow peaks you get misty ramparts, roaring waterfalls and cloud pouring over basalt cliffs. It calls for good rain gear and respect for fast rising water, but it delivers some of the most atmospheric and affordable trekking of the year, all within a few hours of Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru.
Top Monsoon treks
Moderate–Difficult
Jammu & Kashmir
Kolahoi Glacier Trek
The Kolahoi Glacier Trek is a moderate-to-challenging 6-day route from Aru Valley near Pahalgam to Kashmir's largest glacier at 4,100 m.
6 days 5,425 mJul – Sep
Expert Only
Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
K2 Trek from India
Planning the K2 Base Camp trek from India in 2026? Complete guide covering route, permits, visa, cost (INR), itinerary & best time for Indian trekkers.
24 days 8,611 mJun – Sep
Expert Only
Koshi Province, Nepal / Tibet, China
Mount Everest
The Mount Everest trek to Base Camp (EBC) is a 130 km, 14–16 day trek reaching 5,364 m, best done in spring or autumn.
16 days 5,364 mMar – Jun
Moderate–Difficult
Ladakh
Markha Valley Trek
The Markha Valley trek is a 65–80 km trail in Ladakh crossing Kongmaru La (5,200m), passing remote villages and Hemis National Park over 7–9 days.
8 days 5,200 mJul – Sep
BeginnerEasy–Moderate
Himachal Pradesh
Beas Kund Trek
The Beas Kund trek is a 22 km round-trip trail in Himachal Pradesh, climbing from Dhundi (2,830 m) to a glacial lake at 3,700 m in 3–4 days. Rated Easy–Moderate and ideal for beginners
4 days 3,700 mSep – Nov
Very Difficult
Ladakh
Stok Kangri Trek
The Stok Kangri trek is a high-altitude mountaineering route in Ladakh, India, reaching a summit of 6,153 metres — one of India's most accessible 6,000m+ peaks.
8 days 6,153 mJul – Sep
BeginnerModerate
Himachal Pradesh
Hampta Pass Trek
Plan your Hampta Pass trek with our 2026 guide covering route, permits, cost, packing list, best time & day-wise itinerary. Altitude 4,270m | 5 days | Moderate.
6 days 4,270 m (14,009 ft)Sep – Nov
Very Difficult
Ladakh
Lamayuru to Chilling Trek
The Lamayuru to Chilling trek is a 75–80 km, 6–7 day high-altitude route in Ladakh crossing three passes up to 4930m, best trekked July–September.
7 days 4,930 mJul – Sep
Compare Monsoon treks
How the top monsoon treks stack up on difficulty, duration, season and altitude.
| Trek | Difficulty | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Rudranath Trek | Moderate–Difficult | 6 days |
| Kolahoi Glacier Trek | Moderate–Difficult | 6 days |
| K2 Trek from India | Expert Only | 24 days |
| Mount Everest | Expert Only | 16 days |
| Markha Valley Trek | Moderate–Difficult | 8 days |
| Beas Kund Trek | Easy–Moderate | 4 days |
| Stok Kangri Trek | Very Difficult | 8 days |
| Hampta Pass Trek | Moderate | 6 days |
| Lamayuru to Chilling Trek | Very Difficult | 7 days |
Monsoon month by month
| Month | Conditions |
|---|---|
| July | Peak monsoon in the Ghats with full waterfalls, heavy rain and leeches out. |
| August | Deep green everywhere, with slick basalt and active leeches in the Sahyadris. |
| September | The rain tapers off and the Sahyadris are at their greenest and finest. |
Avoid the main Himalaya for landslide and leech reasons, and in the Ghats focus on waterproofing, grip and stream safety.
How to prepare
- Skip the main Himalaya during the rains and choose the Ghats or the rain shadow
- Waterproof everything inside your pack with a liner and dry bags
- Carry leech protection such as salt, tobacco or leech socks
- Never attempt to cross a swollen stream in spate
What to pack
- A genuinely waterproof jacket and pack cover, not just water resistant
- Quick drying clothing and a spare set sealed in a dry bag
- Leech protection for the Western Ghats
- Shoes with aggressive grip for wet, slippery basalt
Heavy, persistent rain and leeches in the Western Ghats, and dry, cool, sunny weather in rain shadow Ladakh and Spiti.
Monsoon trekking, frequently asked questions
The monsoon trekking window runs July to September. Heavy, persistent rain and leeches in the Western Ghats, and dry, cool, sunny weather in rain shadow Ladakh and Spiti.
Keep exploring
Related treks, regions and guides
Best regions this season
Other seasons
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