Best Treks in May in India to Escape the Summer Heat and Embrace the Himalayas
Best Treks in May in India to Escape the Summer Heat and Embrace the Himalayas
Article Published On - 08-05-2026
During the month of May, as the plains start to sizzle under the summer sun, the Himalayas call out with cold breezes and stunning flora and fauna (and even some snow-kissed trails!). If you’re looking to beat the heat and be in the fresh mountain air for some time, May is one of the best times to go trekking in India. From lush meadows to high-altitude passes, the mountains are alive and welcoming, and there’s a perfect trail for every type of trekker.
Here’s a guide to India’s top May treks, carefully selected for breathtaking views, nice weather, and an experience never to forget.
Buran Ghati Trek – Himachal’s Hidden Jewel
While discussing the top treks to do in Himachal during May, the tranquil Buran Ghati takes everyone by surprise. The trek offers everything from thick pine forests, old villages, alpine lakes, and snow bridges from an adrenaline-pumping rappel on the Buran Pass.
Due to melting snow and flowering meadows, May is the best time to embark on this adventure. It’s a whole package for variety-seekers packed into one trail.
Highest Elevation gained: 15,000 ft.
Duration: 6 Nights, 7 Days
Best Time to visit: May to June; September to October
Difficulty Level: Moderately challenging
Base Camp: Janglik village
Goechala Trek – Experience Sikkim in all its Glory
If you’re looking for adventure, thrill, and stunning landscapes, the Goechala trek is a no-brainer. May is the last month before the trek closes during the monsoon season, and the views of Kanchenjunga and its surrounding giants are breathtakingly clear.
Add to that the blooming rhododendrons and cold temperature, and you’ve got one of the most rewarding treks in May in India.
Highest Elevation gained: 15,100 ft.
Duration: 10 Nights, 11 Days
Best Time to visit: April to May; September to October
Difficulty Level: Moderate-difficult
Base Camp: Yuksom
Dayara Bugyal Trek – Meadows that Stretch for Miles
Imagine walking on lush green carpets of grass, with snowy peaks like Bandarpoonch towering in the background. That’s Dayara Bugyal in May—peaceful, picturesque, and soul-calming.
It’s a simple trek, so one of the best Himalayan treks in May for families or first-time trekkers who still want those postcard-perfect views of mountains.
Highest Elevation gained: 12,090 ft.
Duration: 3 Nights, 4 Days
Best Time to visit: January to June
Difficulty Level: Easy
Base Camp: Raithal village
Har Ki Dun Trek – Into the Valley of Gods
With its rich mythological past and picturesque villages, the Har Ki Dun trek provides a lovely combination of culture and nature. The valley comes alive in May with colourful flowers, crystal-clear streams, and gentle patches of residual snow.
This is one of the more leisurely treks in May that still provides spectacular alpine beauty. It is perfect for those who want to take it easy and enjoy the scenery.
Highest Elevation gained: 12,000 ft.
Duration: 6 Nights, 7 Days
Best Time to Visit: April to June; September to November
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderately challenging
Base Camp: Sankri village
Chopta Tungnath Chandrashilla Trek – Sunrise worth every step
The Chopta Tungnath trek is a relatively short but phenomenally rewarding hike that crams spiritual energies, spectacular summit panoramas, and tranquility that you can only get in such rare places. During May, the weather is bright and the rhododendrons bloom, and thus it is one of the best treks with clear skies in May in India.
The trek to Chandrashilla provides you with panoramic vistas of prominent Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba, a sight that is unforgettable, particularly at sunrise. If you want a weekend trek with a high return, this one’s difficult to surpass.
Highest Elevation gained: 12,100 ft.
Duration: 2 Nights, 3 Days
Best Time to visit: December to May
Difficulty Level: Easy
Base Camp: Sari village
Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek – Meadows Straight Out of a Dream
If pristine alpine meadows and postcard-like mountain scenery are your delight, the Ali Bedni Bugyal trek should be at the top of your list. The trek passes through two of the most stunning high-altitude grasslands in India, Ali and Bedni, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and ancient oak groves.
May is the best time for this trek with good weather, wildflowers bursting all around, and long day hours to indulge in the scenery. It’s really one of the finest Himalayan treks in May if you want peace, beauty, and a dash of magic at every step.
Highest Elevation gained: 12,557 ft.
Duration: 5 Nights, 6 Days
Best Time to visit: April to June; September to October
Difficulty Level: Easy
Base Camp: Lohajung
Conclusion
It doesn’t matter if you’re an avid trekker or someone who has just been introduced to it, treks open during May offer the best combination of nice weather, colourful paths, and mesmerizing views. From the stunning charm of the meadows of Dayara Bugyal to the grand landscapes of Goechala and Buran Ghati, there’s something truly unique waiting for you in every corner of the Himalayas.
So, get your boots buckled, set your bags ready, and have the mountains enchant you. Head out this May, beyond those familiar getaways and opt for the road not taken.
Anoop has worked for 5 years as a Trek Leader with TrekUpIndia, leading numerous treks across the diverse and challenging terrains of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. He holds a degree in Geology with a specialization in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from UPES Dehradun. During his academic years, he actively applied his classroom knowledge in the field—most notably by contributing to a glacier research project on the Jundar Glacier in the Har Ki Dun Valley, Uttarakhand.
And now, Anoop is a trekking content writer with TrekUp India, specialising in seasonal Himalayan trekking guides, winter safety content, and trek planning resources. His work is informed by field research, trek leader inputs, and real trail conditions across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and Kashmir.
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