August is the prime month of India’s monsoon season and is the time of the year when most of the Himalayas expect heavy rains. But it is also the perfect time for venturesome explorers, seeking thrill and excitement, to view nature in its purest forms. It is a delight for adventurers and photoholics to witness this raw beauty, making even the most challenging treks worth it!
The alluring landscapes and vibrant colours of nature paired with a heavenly earthy smell, courtesy of the rain and foliage, will mesmerise you.
Here is a list of the best treks in August; it doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker; we’ve got you covered:
There’s a lot more to Kashmir than endless serene snow-covered landscapes. During the monsoon, Kashmir Great Lakes Trek offers you not one, not two, but seven turquoise alpine lakes, each with unique indescribable beauty.
The rugged mountains and verdurous grasslands dotted with bright flowers provide the panorama of a lifetime. It is a moderate trek and can be enjoyed by both beginners (with appropriate fitness) and experienced hikers.
Kashmir is home to the most beautiful and picturesque treks in the Himalayas. Tarsar Marsar Trek is arguably the prettiest of them. Situated at the colossal altitude of 13,201 ft, this trek encompasses splendid trails and three pristine alpine lakes of Tarsar, Marsar, and Sundarsar.
Every hiker’s dream is to witness the sunset, sitting several feet above the elusive lakes, surrounded enveloped in a shroud of clouds. It is truly the perfect description of heaven on earth.
Valley of Flowers “Foolon ki Ghati” is a dreamy trek perfect for the monsoon season. Admirably nestled in the West Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, this valley lies at a soaring height of 3600 m above sea level.
It is bestowed with the diverse and exotic Himalayan flora and fauna in the lush green meadows. The trail encompasses dense forests and banks of the Pushpawati river with several scenic bridges, glaciers, and waterfalls.
Hampta Pass Trek is well-known for its rugged mountains and astounding visuals during the monsoon months. This trek offers you bewildering contrast of landscapes- lush green valleys with pine forests and waterfalls of Kullu to the arid and barren landscapes of Lahaul.
The trek entails emerald Chandratal Lake, cascading waterfalls, and turbulent streams leading to the Sangam of three passes Hampta pass, Rohtang pass, and Spiti.
Markha is an alluring river valley in the monochromic cold desert of Ladakh. The trek involves hiking on dry terrains to various glacious streams like Markha and the Indus alongside the Hemis National Park and Rumbak Valley. It is home to diverse and rare fauna species, including mountain sheep, Red fox, Argali, lynx, Ladakhi Urial, mountain hare, Tibetan wolf, Marmot, Blue sheep, and snow leopards.
The life of this isolated beauty lies in the rewarding view of Kang Yatse peaks from the top of Kongmaru La Pass, Buddhist monasteries, and rocky canyons.
Pin Parvati Pass Trek of a whopping 5300m trail is an alternative route leading to the mesmerising trans-Himalayan region of the Spiti valley(Jibi). It is a potentially thrilling challenge for even practiced trekkers with spectacular traverses and dramatic landscapes. Rich in culture and biodiversity, this trek is a sight to behold, especially in the monsoons with gushing streams.
Several days of trekking among the wind-carved rock formations lead to rewarding the hot springs of Kheerganga and the flowery alpine meadows of Odi Thatch.
Nag Tibba, also known as the “Serpent’s Peak”, is a perfect trek for beginners, families and children. It is a gradual terrain excluding a few steep locations with a maximum altitude of a humble 9,914 ft that leads up to The Nag Mandir.
It offers the magnificent visuals of Bandarpuch ranges and Garhwal Himalayas, with diverse flora, including the mighty Deodar trees, quirky wildflowers and other wildlife. The trek comprises Cross dense forests, clearing, and ridge walks paired with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks.
Bhrigu Lake in Himachal Pradesh is situated about 20km north of Manali and east of the famous Rohtang Pass. This isolated trek compromises vast green pasture lands, cedar and silver oak virgin forests, vast carpets of alpine flowers, and gushing water streams leading to the breathtaking views of the ‘Deo Tibba’ and ‘Seven Sister’ peaks in the Pir-Panjal ranges.
Rich in biodiversity, this region is home to various wildlife species, including Himalayan Monal, Snow Cocks and Pheasants. During the monsoon months, you will be welcomed by the drug-like earthy scent leaving you mesmerised.
Beas Kund is a top-rated trek around Manali. It is believed that Rishi Vyas, writer of the Mahabharata, took his daily bath in this lake, hence the name. The monsoon may make the trek challenging, but the view is worth the sweat.
Luscious green grasslands with a view of the majestic mountains like The Friendship Peak, Hanuman Tibba, Shitidhar, and jagged mountain peaks of Pir Panjal range. The Seven Sisters range also looks upon the emerald lake. It is a sight you will cherish lifelong. This emerald lake branches off into shimmering streams and breathtaking waterfalls, where it then converges into the boiling Beas river.
The climb from around 8000 ft at the beginning of the trek to over 12,000 ft will leave thrill-seeking adventurers satisfied.
Situated in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, Stok Kangri is one of the highest trekkable summits in India(6,153m). This peak has gained tremendous recognition worldwide, especially in recent years. Completing this trek is no ordinary feat, and you need to spend some time acclimatizing to the beauty and weather.
The trek subsumes several ridges, drastic scenery changes, and an awe-inspiring landscape, completely embracing the deserted and serene surroundings. Stok Kangri Peak allows a magnificent view of Zanskar and the Indus Valley. It perfectly depicts the exquisite cultural beauty alongside exotic water bodies and flourishing trees of the Himalayan ranges.
If you are convinced and all ready to go on a trek in this monsoon season, we have a few valuable tips that can make this adventure stress-free and more enjoyable for you:
The first and foremost thing to do is to check the weather conditions of your planned destination. The climate in the Himalayas can be very unpredictable, so it is always better to be prepared for any situation.
While packing your bags, carry extra clothes that can help you keep warm and dry. Also, don’t forget to pack a good quality raincoat, trekking shoes, and sunscreen lotion.
If you are a beginner, it is advisable to choose an easy or moderate level trek. There are many beautiful treks that offer stunning views without being too challenging.
It is always a good idea to start your trek early in the day. This will help you avoid bad weather and reach your destination for the day safely.
During the monsoon season, rivers are usually swollen and can be dangerous to cross. So, it is important to be extra careful while crossing any river on your trek.
Last but not least, it is always a good idea to trek with an experienced guide. They are familiar with the terrain and will be able to help you in case of any emergency.
So, these were some of the best treks that you can go on in August. Make sure to follow the tips given above to have a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.
Happy Trekking! 🙂
