Trekking is one of the best ways to free the mind from all the worries and to unwind from the routine. But, it is also important that you choose the right trek to begin with as it might become a deciding factor for your future pursuits. Instead of going for a certainly famous or challenging trek, select the one that you think you are capable of doing and then gradually increase the level of your treks. Below is a compilation of best Himalayan treks for beginners.
You can choose one of the following treks to embark upon your journey as a trekker and discover the adventure enthusiast inside you.
Valley of Flowers Trek
- Highest altitude: 12,650 ft
- Duration: 5-6 days
- Best time to visit: July to September
- Grade: Easy to Moderate
Nestled amidst the mountains of Uttarakhand, Valley of Flowers makes for one of the best treks for beginners as it both delights the trekkers with its kaleidoscopic vistas and makes them acquainted with the basic trekking experiences. It is very important to time this trek during monsoon as that is exactly when the entire valley is blanketed by a myriad of flowers.
Prashar Lake Trek
- Highest altitude: 9,180 ft
- Duration: 2 days
- Best time to visit: December to May
- Grade: Easy to Moderate
As you climb through some steep patches, walk through the small meadows, and contemplate the marvellous nature, Prashar lake will be conspiring to entice you to make you return to the place over and over again. The stunning views from the sunset point, the presence of a beautiful lake beside a temple dedicated to Rishi Prashar, and the perfect campsite are sure to make this trek a memorable one for you.
Read Also: Best Himalayan Treks for Winters
Kheerganga Trek
- Highest altitude: 10,000 ft approx.
- Duration: 2 days
- Best time to visit: October to June
- Grade: Easy
It is located in the Parvati valley, mostly famous for its hippie culture, and comforts the trekkers with a comparatively less strenuous climb. You pass some gorgeous cascading waterfalls and walk under the thick forest covers. It is a popular trek in Himachal Pradesh and you are sure to make some friends during your stay. Stargazing is a must and waking up to the stunning views of the mountains standing tall in front of the campsite is an awe-inspiring experience.
Hampta Pass Trek
- Highest altitude: 14,000 ft approx.
- Duration: 6 days
- Best time to visit: June to Mid-October
- Grade: Moderate
This trek is famous for the dramatic contrast presented by it as it connects the emerald green Kullu valley with the desert-like slopes of the Lahaul valley. This is one of the best treks in Himachal Pradesh and is even a favorite one of many of the avid trekkers. The cultural contrast that one gets to witness during the trek is also a very unique experience.
Dayara Bugyal Trek
- Highest altitude: 12,050 ft approx.
- Duration: 5 days
- Best time to visit: August to February
- Grade: Easy to Moderate
Dayara Bugyal trek is one of the famous high-altitude meadow treks in India and is largely popular amidst the trekkers. During summers, the meadows are carpeted with green grass and are surrounded by forests of rhododendrons and oaks, while during winters, the trek is enhanced by a blanket of snow. You also witness some majestic peaks like Bandarpoonch, Kala Naag, and Gangotri I, II & III during the trail.
Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek
- Highest altitude: 13,450 ft approx.
- Duration: 5-6 days
- Best time to visit: April to June, Mid-November to Mid-March
- Grade: Easy to Moderate
Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is a beautiful one that you can choose to begin with your journey as a trekker. Loaded with the bounties of nature and some far-off villages, it presents a picture that is accompanied with the chirping of birds, grandeur of the snowclad mountains, soothing spiritually, a stunning lake, and also has rhododendrons to add colours to it. As you reach the Chandrashila peak, you get a panoramic view of some of the tallest summits in India.
Read Also: Best Treks in Himachal Pradesh
Bhrigu Lake Trek
- Highest altitude: 14,000 ft approx.
- Duration: 4 days
- Best time to visit: June to September
- Grade: Moderate
Starting from Gulaba, this trek is popular for its vast stretching meadows which are present almost throughout the trail and make it one of the best meadow treks in India. While on your way to the glacial Bhrigu lake, you will also come across shepherds and their cattle grazing around. The lake is famous as it changes its appearance very often. Sometimes the water seems clear blue while the other times it has a hint of green. The lake freezes during winter and makes the landscape a scenic delight.
Dodital Trek
- Highest altitude: 10,000 ft approx.
- Duration: 5 days
- Best time to visit: April to June, September to December
- Grade: Easy
Also known as Dhundital, i.e. lake of Lord Ganesha, Dodital trek is a pleasant trek for beginners. The lake is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand and the trek starts from Sangamchatti. It is an easy trail and comprises of meadows and forests of pines and oaks along with many species of birds like Himalayan Monal, Busk Robin, and Himalayan Whistling Thrush. There is also a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha near the lake.
Nag Tibba Trek
- Highest altitude: 9,910 ft approx.
- Duration: 2 days
- Best time to visit: April to June, November to January
- Grade: Easy to Moderate
This is an easy trek near Mussoorie which can be done by beginners even without any major guidance. Starting from Panthwari village, the trail comprises of forests, diverse flora and fauna, and an easy climb. The campsite is also picture-perfect with a backdrop of a series of mountains. The sunset is very beautiful and you also get a stunning view of peaks like Kedarkantha and Bandarpoonch from the summit.
Kareri lake Trek
- Highest altitude: 9,600 ft approx.
- Duration: 2 days
- Best time to visit: March to December (Except Monsoon)
- Grade: Moderate
One of the best weekend getaways, Kareri lake trek is perfect for beginners. It is not a very crowded trek so you get to enjoy the trek as well as the serenity of the place. As you reach the lake, you will spot a temple dedicated to Shiva and Shakti on a hilltop. There are a variety of birds whose chirpings keep the music of the mountains alive and the views offered by the pristine lake are also breath-taking.