“In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous” -Aristotle

Looking for the most ideal time to go for trekking? Not a very hot or too cold weather. It’s post-monsoon for you. There’s no doubt that what you experience in this season won’t be there anytime else. Here’s everything you need to know about trekking in Himalaya after monsoons. The Indian Himalayas shrug off their snow jackets and come to life, awaiting you with a new, refreshing and warm side of theirs. The rain and snow leave by the month of September, after which the Himalayas prevail the finest weather until the start of December.

What is post-monsoon?

Post-monsoon is usually the transition period from hot rainy weather to cold winter seasons. Astounding views, clear skies, and warm weather, post-monsoon gives you clear and beyond comparison views of the Himalayas. Starting from September and retreating by November, the Himalayan trek is safest during this season of the year.

What are the prominent features of this season?

The best part of the Himalayan trek during post-monsoon is that a lot of dormant waterfalls get activated. Once the monsoon rain ends, the drape of flowers and different vegetation come alive blooming the place with colours. There are pure lush greenery, fresh air, and the most captivating forms of nature seen. Monsoon ending is like a new bright start for nature. Once the post-monsoon starts retreating and the winter season arrives, a lot of waterfalls freeze mid-falls or leave ice clinging to the overhangs. The Indian Himalayas are not only about mountains dipped in snow but also the greenery and nature.

What is post-monsoon like in the Himalayas?

Once the post-monsoon season starts, the treks wrapped up in the snow, come out of their shell making every inch of the trail shine. There’s freshness everywhere, new fragrance coating up the beauties with brilliant colours unleashing their magic.

For one, there is no haze. It’s almost like you have wiped your lens clean like the monsoons have wiped the sky clear. The majestic mountains stand tall with a clear sky giving you the perfect HD view of everything.

If you’re into photography then this season leads you to a paradise. You will be exposed to the fascinating side of trekking in the Himalaya which will be dipping in a range of colours. The lush green meadows, deep blue skies, from every fusion colour of flowers to sparkling white streams.

If you are a stargazer then there is no season better. The sight of the stars glinting in the night sky is almost intoxicating and unreal.

Trekking does get challenging at every step during monsoons and winters. Adding to that is fear of landslides, obstacles, slippery path, and sudden weather changes. But post-monsoon make Himalayan treks a lot easier and risk-free.

Let’s understand this with the example of the Roopkund trek and see what difference it holds when trailed during post-monsoon and in winter. In post monsoons, the forests are completely dense, the meadows are brimming with nature and greenery and the skies are completely wiped clean. On top of that, the weather isn’t that extreme and you can enjoy every bit of the trek without the worry of rains or snowfalls. But in winter, because the lake itself is in the middle of the mountains, there is snow everywhere. It is said that the lake which is frozen gets a little spooky because of the mysterious history. Though winter has its own feel, the skies will be fogged up and the views won’t be that clear. You’ll have to be prepared for snowfalls and temperature dropping till negative. Nature might start wrapping itself in a cover of snow giving you stark differences between both these seasons.

Best Himalayan trek after Monsoons:

Roopkund: Exploring the Mystery Lake

 

• Altitude: 16,470 ft.
• Temperature: 21 degrees to 1 degree Celsius
• Location: Uttrakhand

The home to the Mystery Lake this trek will be adorned with rock-clad glaciers and snow-peaked mountains. This trek is advised for experienced trekkers and also gifts you with a destination of Crater Lake with ancient bones and various other relics. A high altitude glacial lake in Uttrakhand, the area around the lake is uninhabited with serene beauty.

The dense forests, the stretch of meadows, the lake, and the sight one finds in these treks are worth it.

Everything about this trek is special. It happens in summers and then post-monsoon. Post-Monsoon is advisable because the paths and views are all clear. The season has fewer chances of snowfall so one can have a clear view of the Trishul right there. The sight is so captivating and worth every steep hill.

This is considered as one of the best Himalayan treks in September till November, it is like summertime in the mountains and the entire view is like a riot of colours.

Rupin Pass: Trailing the trans-Himalayans

 

• Altitude: 15,250 ft.
• Temperature: 13 degrees to 3 degree Celsius
• Location: Uttrakhand-Himachal Pradesh

One of the high range trekking expeditions in India, this is a trans-Himalayan trek between Uttrakhand and Himachal. From terrains to lush green forests, from famous villages to steep and flat trails this trek keeps getting adventurous and spectacular in every step one takes. Once the rains retreat, the extravagant meadows are dotted with flowers making it a sight you wouldn’t want to miss.

This trail is cutting through mountain glaciers and deep forests. Passing through the Hamlet, it gives you a snippet of the villages, the culture, and the growing beauty.

Being one of the best treks in September and October, the majestic view of Kailash Peak right in front of you gives you enough challenge to add this trek to your bucket list.

Goecha la Trek: The mirror of Mt. Kanchenjunga

 

• Altitude: 4,940 meters
• Temperature: 12 degrees to -3 degree Celsius
• Location: Sikkim

A mountain pass in Sikkim, this trek gives us a small snippet of one of the most famous Nepal Himalayas which is Mt. Kanchenjunga. If you have one of the old Rs 100 note, I want you to flip it and look at the mountain printed on it. That is the Goecha la. The pre-monsoon seasons are dramatic, with clear weather and misty clouds that string your imagination. If you are a nature lover and adventure enthusiast, the Goecha La trek is a dream and desire fulfilled. No doubt that the Goechala Trek is one of the never-to-miss Himalayan treks from mid-September to October as it welcomes autumn giving the best view of Mt. Kanchenjunga.

This trek during post-monsoon gives you sunrises and sunsets worth dying for. Goecha La trek is also considered as one of the best treks in October because you get to see the lush oak and the peaceful nature. One can also explore the rich and traditional culture of Sikkim at the start of this trek.

Sandakhpu: The lens to view 4/5 top mountains of the world

 

• Altitude: 11,930 ft.
• Temperature: 10 degrees to 0 degree Celsius
• Location: West Bengal

While Goechala offered us the most stunning view one can have of Mt. Kanchenjunga, this trek is the highest peak in West Bengal, which gives us views of four out of five highest peaks in the world from its summit. You’ll be blessed with peak views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu all in one trek.

A famous paradise for adventure lovers, after trekking to the highest point you will see the views of the Himalayan ranges. One reason to do this trek in October is that you can see the unhindered view of the famous ‘Sleeping Buddha.’ Post monsoon also lets you enjoy the magnificent River Teesta which also offers various adventure sports activities. What makes this trek completely unique are the Indo-Nepal borders, the villages, and the tea houses there.

Har-ki-Dun: The Valley of Gods

 

• Altitude: 11,811 ft.
• Temperature: 17 degrees to 3 degree Celsius
• Location: Uttrakhand

When you arrive here post-monsoon you will find stunning ancient culture, sparkle clear mountain views, forests, and rivers. To top this there is the alpine lake in its natural beauty, Ruinsara Lake. Har-ki-dun is one of the most famous treks in India. The deeper you go into the pine trees, the more the beauty you see. This place is almost like a surprise gift wrapped in different layers. It’s you and the mountains on this trek.

The isolation grips you so tight, it’s serene. This trek is known for its cradle shaped valley in one of the most isolated villages. Covered in wildflowers, alpine meadows, and glacier basins, mythological this trek was the same one that the Pandavas took to heaven. Nature lovers and peace finders will find this lake heaven.

Har-ki-dun is also home to the Marinda Tal. Once you’ve reached the valley, this lake is a beautiful high altitude lake located at 3970 mts overlooking in the background is the Swargarohini peak with countless Bharhmakamal floating in the lake. Filled with pine and oak trees, the trail to this lake is filled with small wooden houses, shepherds, and smiles of innocent children.

While doing these from September till early December, the days are warm and peaceful but the nights get chilly.

Kuari Pass: The beginning of your trek diaries

 

• Altitude: 12,516 ft.
• Temperature: 15 degrees to 5 degree Celsius
• Location: Uttrakhand

For beginners, this is one of the best treks in October; this trek gives you the most primitive campsites. This trek takes you through the holy destinations of the Himalayas including Haridwar and Joshimath among various other pilgrimage spots. The Kuari Pass trek will give you the most exotic views allowing you to enjoy the magical natural beauty of it. You are transfixed from meadows to ancient forests, leaving you in a spell of nature. The Kuari Pass trek is famous as one of the best Himalayan trek in September till mid-October.

Loaming around you are mountains everywhere. From Nanda Devi which is the second-highest mountain in India to Dronagiri, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Hathi Godhaand Kamet which is the second-highest mountain in Uttrakhand among few. One will also come across the Tali Lake. On top of that one can also behold the site of Abi Gamin (7355 mts) which extends all the way to the Tibet border. Another attraction is the campsite called Gulling which is a paradise of pine and walnut trees. Then there’s Gorson Bugyal with its golden oak trees.

What makes the Kuari Pass trek special is that you get the finest quality views of the mountains since the first day. Usually, you have to wait for some days but in this trek, you begin with the Mountain View almost pulling you towards it.

Everest Base Camp: Trek Under the umbrella of Everest

 

• Altitude: 5600 m
• Temperature: 20 degrees to 7 degree Celsius
• Location: Kathmandu

The reason post-monsoon is the best time to do this trek is that there is less chance of snowfalls, clear skies, and better weather to do the trek. You are the closest to Everest, giving you unbeatable views of the highest mountain peak in the world. If you want adventure, adrenaline rush, challenges, and accomplishment this is the choice for you.

Now you’ll be wondering what is so special in this trek. If the name Everest isn’t enough then there are difficult terrains, high altitudes, and the most spectacular landscapes you would ever lay your eyes on. You will need mental and physical preparation because this trek is called the mother of all Himalayan treks. Along with having a close encounter with the Everest Summit you will almost be trekking along with the legendary trekkers like Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary. One will also come across challenging trails like ‘Kala Patthar’ which gives the most accessible close-up view of Everest and also spites of the Lhotse. The world’s highest webcam: Mount Everest Webcam was located here as well. You will also come across the Nangkartshang peak which will give you a serene view of the Everest Base camp trail and also a wonderful show of the Dingboche valley view. You can also visit the school laid by Sir Edmund H and learn about the culture and tradition of Kathmandu as well.

This is considered as one of the best Himalayan treks in November as it is the last month before winter so you can expect the perfect weather.

Annapurna base camp trek: Bliss from the beginning

 

• Altitude: 4130 m
• Temperature: 18 degrees to -5 degree Celsius
• Location: Nepal

Very few treks gift us the view of the peaks even before we start climbing and that is why this trek should be done after monsoons. Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli greet us right from the first step of the trek. Another great thing about this trek is the Annapurna Sanctuary which is oval-shaped surrounded by the Annapurna Mountains. This trek has an aura that makes you full of enthusiasm and readily falls in love with it. The Annapurna base camp trek has a trail of rice paddies, lush rhododendron forests, and the high ranges of Annapurna. One also comes with thick trees called Daphne which the locals use to make paper. The best time to do this trek is October to November. This time is preferred because the weather is ranging between hot and warm and depending on the altitude, cold at the nights.

The trek is a classic tea house trek and one will be served with a lot of Nepali dishes on the way. The forests are so thick that hardly any sunlight reaches the trail, making everything an experience you never had before.

Buran Ghati Trek: Hike the Himachal

 

• Altitude: 15,000 ft
• Temperature: 5 degrees to 3 degree Celsius
• Location: Himachal Pradesh

If you want mountains, snow trails, grasslands, and forests that pump up your adrenaline then this is your trek. While every trek has something special and different about it, this trek has it all. Not one imperfection or one view that doesn’t leave you stunned. One of the highlights in the Buran Ghati trek is the Chandranahan Lake, nestled at a high altitude of 13,900 ft and is considered sacred by many locals. This trek gets even more challenging at the last bit when you’ll need ropes to climb up offering you a view of some remote peaks peeking out of each other. Once at the top, you’ll also get a panoramic view of the Kinner-Kailash peaks.

This trek is a hidden gem in Shimla. The peak this trek offers is best seen between September and October.

India is a never-ending beauty of mountains and posts monsoon makes you see the real deal of it all.