The 12 Best Autumn Treks in India
As the monsoon season makes way for autumn, say hello to clear skies and crisp mountain air — perfect for an adventure trek in India’s great outdoors. While summer and winter are typically the most popular trekking seasons, autumn brings with it good weather, low crowds and unbroken mountain views, allowing you to truly appreciate the beauty of the trek.
Here are the 12 best treks and tours in India; explore the diversity of landscapes in Himachal Pradesh, the sacred routes of Uttarakhand, the untouched beauty of Sikkim and the historic forts around Pune and Mumbai.
Trekking in Himachal Pradesh
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 4 days
The Beas Kund Trek is a popular trail just a few hours from Manali, taking you right to the source of the Beas River that flows through several cities and towns. The trail starts in Dhundi, through vast meadows and rugged mountain peaks, and rewards you with tranquil views at the emerald green Beas Kund lake. While this trail is a moderately easy one, the three-day Beas Kund trekking tour includes a professional trekking team and guide so you can tackle the trail with peace of mind.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 3 days
The Chandrakhani Pass is an easy trek that takes you through a diversity of landscapes, from forests, mountains and meadows to iconic ranges like the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. Apart from the beautiful scenery, get a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region, starting in the heritage village of Naggar and the traditional houses and temples along the way. Make the most out of your weekend with this Chandrakhani Pass trekking tour, which covers your accommodation and food over the three-day trip.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 6 days
Covering over 25km of wildly unique landscapes, the Hampta Pass Trek is one of the most dramatic crossover treks in the country. As you make your way through the narrow Hampta Pass valley, you’ll witness the drastic changes in landscapes, from the lush green valleys of Kullu you’ve left behind, to the stark deserts of Lahaul up ahead. This four-day guided Hampta Pass Trek tour will have you setting up camp at Balu Ka Gera, a scenic campsite along the river delta that overlooks the pass.
Trekking in Uttarakhand
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 6 days
The Valley of Flowers trek is one of the oldest — and prettiest — trails in India that passes through the UNESCO World Heritage Valley of Flowers National Park. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, this moderate trail will show you the changing colours of the native flora and fauna in the region. This Valley of Flowers tour package will set you up with beautiful accommodation befitting of the trail, from luxury cottage camps to quaint resorts.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 8 days
With the restrictions surrounding the popular Roopkund Trek, many adventure trekkers have been searching for an alternative to the iconic trail. Enter the Buran Ghati Trek. The trail features the best parts of the Himalayas, including the wide, open plains of the Dayara meadows, the majestic Buran Ghati Wall and the ancient villages of Janglik and Barua. The trail is recommended for experienced multi-day Himalayan trekkers, though the good folks at Bikat Adventures have some of the best trek leaders to guide you safely back to base.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 7 days
Another great crossover trek in India, the Rupin Pass promises surprises at every turn, from Dhaula in Uttarakhand to Sangla Valley in Himachal Pradesh. You will traverse every type of terrain, pay a visit to hanging villages, cut through lush forests and pass by crashing waterfalls. The road ahead will be challenging, so get all the help you need with this guided 8D7N Rupin Pass Trek which provides you with accommodation, meals, trek equipment, porters and mules, and is led by mountaineering-qualified trek leaders and guides.
Trekking in Sikkim
7. Dzongri Trek
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 5 days
Dzongri Trek is one of the shorter trekking routes in Sikkim, though it still gives you a great snapshot of the Eastern Himalayan region. Starting in Kanchedzongha National Park in Yuksom, you will hike through magnificent forests, past impressive mountain peaks, leading you to your final goal — the Dzongri La peak. Join a guided group to the peak with this six-day Yuksom Dzongri trekking package which includes everything you need for a safe and worry-free trek.
Difficulty: Difficult
Duration: 10 days
If you’re longing to explore more of Sikkim and its great peaks — 14 to be exact — push past Dzongri La and continue on your journey along the Goechala Trek. Get up close to the third highest mountain in the world, watch the sunrise on the Kanchenjunga Range and catch the reflection of Mount Pandim in the still waters of Samiti Lake. Embark on this epic trail with a local English-speaking guide with the 15-day Goechala Trek and tour, which covers all accommodation, meals, trekking permits and more.
Difficulty: Difficult
Duration: 13 days
The Green Lake Trek kicks off in Lachen, taking you along a tricky and unexplored trail in the Sikkim Himalayan belt. This high-altitude adventure trek takes you to many remote areas, including secluded tribal villages and monasteries perched atop hills, and the typically inaccessible Zemu Glacier. Your trek crescendos at Green Lake, where the imposing Mount Kanchenjunga towers over the surrounding landscape. Traverse these unchartered trails of Sikkim on this Green Lake trekking tour that picks you up right from Bagdogra Airport.
Trekking in and around Mumbai
10. Rajmachi Fort Trek
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 5 hours
Located in Maharashtra just a couple of hours away from Mumbai, the Rajmachi Fort Trek is a great day trek you can take from the city. Nestled amongst the lofty hills of the Sahyadri mountains, the forts are accessible via two trekking routes: the Lonavala route (the longer but easier trek) and the Kondhane route (the shorter but steeper climb). If you have the weekend to spare, you can even set up camp at the famous Pawna Lakeside Camping ground nearby that lies on the banks of Pawna Lake.
11. Kalsubai Trek
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4 hours
Trek to the highest peak of Maharashtra — at 5,400 ft — on this short 6.6km trail that’s easily accessible from Mumbai and Pune. Admire the breathtaking forests and waterfalls, grasslands and historic forts as you make your way to the top. There’s even a small temple at the peak waiting to be explored. Start your ascent at night so you can catch the brilliant sunrise from Kalsubai Peak, with the help of this guided night trek from Mumbai.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 9 hours
Adventure trekkers don’t have to journey to the Himalayas in search of a thrill — the Harishchandragad Trek is one of the most gruelling trails in Maharashtra that challenges the most experienced of trekkers. Venture through forests and paddy fields and climb rugged terrain to reach the historic Harishchandragad Fort and explore the Temple of Harishchandreshwar, Saptatirtha Pushkarni and Kedareshwar Cave at the top. There’s plenty of notable sites around Harishchandragad so make sure you catch them all with this guided tour.
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