The Himalayas, with their awe-inspiring landscapes and diverse terrains, offer some of the most beautiful trekking routes in the world. For beginners, summer—especially from May to early July—is the ideal season to start exploring the mountains. With pleasant weather, snow-free trails, and blooming valleys, it provides the perfect introduction to high-altitude trekking without the risks that winter or monsoon treks may involve.
Unlike winter, when trails are often buried under snow and ice, or the monsoon, when landslides and slippery paths become common, summer offers clear and dry trekking conditions. Temperatures remain comfortable in the lower altitudes, ranging from 10°C to 20°C during the day—ideal for walking without the extreme cold or heat that can make trekking difficult. The snow begins to melt from mid-May, making popular beginner trails like Triund (Himachal Pradesh), Nag Tibba (Uttarakhand), Chopta-Tungnath, and Dayara Bugyal both accessible and safe.
The summer sun also brings alpine meadows to life. Beginner trekkers get to enjoy lush green landscapes, gurgling streams, and vibrant wildflowers, especially in regions like Uttarakhand and Sikkim. Visibility is excellent during summer, so trekkers can soak in stunning views of snow-capped peaks like Nanda Devi, Kedar Dome, and Trishul without cloud cover or fog.
Importantly, summer trails are also well-supported, with local guides, base camps, and medical assistance more readily available than in off-seasons. Trekking agencies often operate beginner-friendly group treks during this time, providing support with logistics, safety, and acclimatisation.
For those new to trekking, summer also allows for better physical adaptation. With gentler gradients, moderate distances, and fewer environmental challenges, beginners can focus on building stamina, learning pacing, and understanding high-altitude behavior without the risk of extreme exposure.
Whether you're chasing sunrise from a ridge or camping beside a high-altitude lake, summer in the Himalayas makes that first trekking experience not only achievable but unforgettable.