The 10 Best Himalayan Trekking Routes [From a Local Guide]

In this post we are going to explore ten of the best Himalayan Trekking Routes in India.

Himalayan landscapes can be incredibly diverse and they never stop surprising and inspiring us.

Almost the entire Himalayan mountain range is accessible to travellers through the treks that we cover every year at Moxtain. The green meadows slowly turn into snow-covered glaciers as we move towards the summit. While the landscape offers some of the picturesque views you’ll ever witness, the local culture will also astonish you.

While all the treks are not easy, you can complete the toughest treks with years of practice and dedication. Himalayan treks can give you all the experiences you need through the diverse types of summits available. Here are ten such treks that are a must for your adventurous soul.

EDITORS NOTE: Thanks to Meenakshi from Moxtain for putting together this piece for the site. This post is written from her perspective, which allows us to get an inside view on Himalayan trekking routes. Ben

1. Hampta Pass Trek

• Altitude: 14010 ft
• Duration: 5 Days
• Trekking distance: 28 km
• Starting and End Point: Manali
• Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Best Time To Visit: Mid June to Mid October

Located between the greenery of Kullu Valley and the deserts of Chandra Valley, Hampta Pass is one of the best Himalayan treks.

The diverse landscape of this region makes this cross-over trek a visual delight. The trekking route comprises vibrant meadows, dense forests, water streams, glaciers, moraines, waterfalls, and lofty peaks.

The challenging vertical walls of rock with some of the most stunning campsites- Balu ka Gera, Shea Goru, and Chatru are what this trek has to offer. En route, you can also spot the Bandarpooch peak, Deo Tibba, Pir Panjal, and Indrasen.

When you reach the highest point of this trek, the crescent Lake Chandratal greets you. The lake reflects the colour of the sky during daytime, turns into a deep emerald at dusk, and glistens all black at night. Hampta Pass Trek is perfect for both beginners and seasoned trekkers. 

2. Rupin Pass Trek

• Altitude: 15250 ft
• Duration: 8 Days
• Trekking distance: 52 km
• Starting and End Point: Dhaula, Uttarakhand and Sangla, Shimla respectively
• Level of Difficulty: Difficult
• Best Time To Visit: Mid April to July

The Rupin Pass lies in the mountain range of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand and stretches across Dhaula to Sangla. It is one of the best Himalayan hikes that you can experience. This trek never fails to amaze us with its landscape variations – snowfields, bridges, rocky terrains, green meadows, habitations, mountain folds, pilgrimage sites.

The trek takes you through green fields and ends in snow-covered lands of lofty peaks. It also offers you an insight into the local cultures of the two surrounding states- Himachal and Uttarakhand.

The view of the ridges of Charang Ghati and Kinnaur Kailash range from the Rupin Pass makes the hike even more worth it.

3. Har Ki Dun Trek

• Altitude: 11700 ft
• Duration: 7 Days
• Trekking distance: 47 km
• Starting and End Point: Dehradun
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• Best Time To Visit: April to June

The hanging valley or Har Ki Dun is one of the best Himalayan treks and is also known as the “Valley of Gods.” It is connected to Baspa valley through the Borasu Pass and lies at the base of Fateh Parvat.

The trekking experience includes passing through alluring meadows, dense forests, meandering rivers, and scintillating views of mountain summits. The cradle-shaped Har Ki Dun is also home to many ancient hamlets, so the local culture is equally diverse. The region is rich in flora and fauna, and you can spot many animals like langur, black bears, and wild boars. Maninda Taal is also a major attraction of this trek. If you are a spiritual person, you will like this trek for its rich history like no other.

4. Bali Pass Trek

• Altitude: 16240 ft
• Duration: 8 Days
• Trekking distance: 64 km
• Starting and End Point: Sankri and Jhan ki Ghatti, respectively
• Level of Difficulty: Difficult
• Best Time To Visit: May, June, September and October

The Bali Pass connects the Har ki Dun Valley to the Yamunotri and offers a beautiful trekking experience for travellers. The central part of the trek includes walking through Dev Thach and enjoying the diverse landscape that comes with mesmerizing view of the peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpooch, and Kala Nag.

En route, you will also find the divine Yamunotri Shrine and the pristine Ruinsara Lake.

This trek is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the best of the trekking world and does not shy away from difficulties. 

5. Pangarchulla Peak Trek

•  Altitude: 14700 ft
• Duration: 6 Days
• Trekking distance: 40 km
• Starting and End Point: Haridwar
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• Best Time To Visit: April and May

Located in the Garhwal Himalayas, Pangarchulla Peak Trek is the most adventurous trek of the region.

The trekking trail includes walking through Bugyals into the forests and finally arriving at snow-capped peaks. The terrain is a mixture of steep and rugged terrain and thick layers of snow in certain areas.

Owing to the high altitude, many neighbouring peaks like Hathi Ghori Parbat, Mount Dronagiri, Chaukhamba, Dronagiri, Kamet and Mana, are easily visible on this trek. If luck favours you, you may also find footprints of leopards and the Himalayan bear.

All of this makes the Pangarchulla Trek one of the best Himalayan hikes that one can experience.

6. Kedarkantha Trek

• Altitude: 12500 ft
• Duration: 6 Days
• Trekking distance: 20 km
• Starting and End Point: Dehradun
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• Best Time To Visit: December to March

The Kedarkantha Trek is one of the best hikes in the Himalayas as it exposes you to the lesser-known mountain trails of Uttarakhand. It is within the territory of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park and is a trekker’s paradise.

The trail comes with snow-clad mountains, breathtaking campsites, meadows, blooming wildflowers, rivers, and quaint hamlets. You can also enjoy a 360-degree view of peaks like Dhauladhar, Gangotri, Bandarpooch, Swargarohini, Yamunotri, Kalanag, and others.

Juda ka Talaab is also an attraction of this trek. If you are a food lover, you will enjoy the local delicacies here. 

7. Kuari Pass Trek

• Altitude: 12516 ft
• Duration: 6 Days
• Trekking Distance: 22 km
• Starting and End Point: Rishikesh
• Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Best Time to Visit: October to December, February to April.     

Located in the Garhwal Himalayas, the Kuari Pass trek is one of the best treks of Uttarakhand. The region is home to the Pancha-Prayag and has vast expanses of thick forests of rhododendrons and oaks. The trek has a perfect balance of rugged and smooth terrain and comes with traces of snow everywhere.

Several peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Mukut Parbat, Hathi Ghoda Parbat, Neelkanth, Mana, and others are easily visible in this trek. You can also visit Tali Lake on this trek.

The campsites here will allow you to pause and rediscover nature and, if you are lucky, you can come across leopard paw prints and Himalayan black bears.

8. Bhrigu Lake Trek

• Altitude: 14010 ft
• Duration: 4 Days
• Trekking distance: 25 km
• Starting and End Point: Manali
• Level of Difficulty: Easy
• Best Time To Visit: May to October

Located in the district of Kullu, the Bhrigu Lake trek is an easy Himalayan trek.

It falls to the east of Rohtang Pass and is only 6 km away from Gulaba village. The trekking trail consists of thick coniferous forests, alpine meadows, and views of Seven Sister peaks and Hanuman Tibba.

Bhrigu Lake changes colour every season and never totally freezes, but the lake is also famous for the views of Pin Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. The lake is also popular among Hindus for its mythological connection. 

The campsite at Rola Kholi makes the trek even better as it has mountain ranges enclosing it from three sides and a water stream nearby.

9. Gomukh Tapovan Trek

• Altitude: 14600 ft
• Duration: 8 Days
• Trekking distance: 46 km
• Starting and End Point: Gangotri
• Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Best Time To Visit: May to October, except July

Gomukh is the source of the holy river Ganga and Hindus often consider it as a place of worship. It is also one of the best Himalayan treks.

There are two routes to reach Gomukh. The pilgrims use the more accessible trail that reaches Gomukh via Gangotri, while seasoned trekkers prefer the Gangotri-Gomukh trail. But if you want to get the best essence of the Bhagirathi peaks, trek from Brojwassa to Gomukh. Chirbasa’s gorgeous orchards of pine trees, Bhojbasa’s birch trees, Gomukh National Park, and scintillating view of the Gangotri glacier are some of the highlights of this trek. If you enjoy stargazing, you can also camp at Mt. Shivling’s base.        

10. Dayara Bugyal Trek

• Altitude: 12000 ft
• Duration: 6 Days
• Trekking distance: 24 km
• Starting and End Point: Dehradun
• Level of Difficulty: Easy
• Best Time To Visit: September to June

The lofty Himalayas surround this beautiful wild-flower blooming grassland. The trekking experience includes a walk through alpine forests, views of peaks like Bandarpooch, Mount Srikanth, Jaonli, Draupadi ka Danda, and a fantastic camping experience. You can also visit the Harshil and Gangotri Temple located on the banks of the river Bhagirathi.

But the highlight of this trek is the Bakariya Top that gives a panoramic view of the exotic mountains and the Bugyal itself.

What makes it better?

The trail has gradual hikes, and easy descents, making it the perfect choice for trekkers who are first-timers. It exposes you to the beauty and grandeur of the Himalayas without having to exert your body too much.

So if you are looking for an easy Himalayan trek, look no further.