Think of Himalayan treks and you almost instinctively imagine walking through a blanket of snow or navigating the lush green forests and meadows on the foothills. But the Himalayas are too diverse to be painted with strokes of green or white alone. The autumn season is the best time to experience the many hues of this magnificent canvas of nature. Trekking enthusiasts venture out during summer, monsoon and even winter to experience the Himalayan trails in different avatars. However, one stunning window of opportunity to explore these regions when they are perhaps at their most beautiful gets missed out because the idea of autumn treks hasn’t fully caught on. At Anthill Adventures, we believe Himalayan treks in autumn can be a spectacular experience in its own right. Here’s why:
1. The Landscape is Beautiful
The forest landscape at this time of the year is an absolute treat to the senses. Trees take on earthy hues of orange, yellow and brown, and shafts of sunlight piercing through add a crisp crunch to fallen leaves. The maples, pines and oaks are washed in golden brown or orange hues, the meadows turn to a honey-tinged shade and Rhododendron forests are a unique shade of red what with the ground covered with fallen flowers and leaves turning crimson. From Hampta Meadows to Dayara Bugyal and even GHNP, there are just so many trekking destinations that can hold you in their thrall during the autumn season. It’s an unmatched experience that’ll make you want to stay on forever.
2. The Views Are Majestic
The skies are at their clearest at this time of the year, which means Himalayan treks in autumn offer you unparalleled views. With no clouds, haze or fog obstructing visibility, you not only get to appreciate the beauty of the setting you are in but also soak up distant, panoramic view of majestic mountains, as well as expansive valleys from different vantage points. Being in the mountains with such clear blue skies is a blessing. Every experience – the scale, the sights, the smells – seems enhanced by this clarity.
If day time is about soaking up the enormity of raw natural beauty around you, the clear autumn skies also present the perfect setting to spend your time gazing at the stars at night. The Milky Way never seems clearer and more vast than it does from a clear meadow somewhere in the Himalayas during autumn months.
3. Weather Conditions are Conducive
Autumn is the time when there is a slight nip in the air but the bone-chilling winter is still some time away. This is especially true for beginner-level treks that take place at relatively low altitude. You do not need to pack on multiple layers of clothes neither do you end up sweating excessively from hours of walking.
4. Calmer Streams
Clear, freshwater streams meandering down winding hills are one of the most refreshing encounters on a trek. These streams often swell up during summer due to ice melting on glaciers and higher mountain reaches and remain in spate during the monsoon. Autumn is the one time of the year when these streams exhibit a calmer form, flowing full to the brim yet gentle and welcoming in their demeanour. It is the only time of the year when crossing these rivers and stream becomes a revitalising experience and not a major hurdle in your journey.
5. Better Chances of Spotting Wildlife
While the weather conditions may be pleasant at lower altitudes, autumn is the time when it starts snowing on high peaks. A lot of animals descend from the higher mountain reaches into the forest at this time of the year, giving you the opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. In places like the Great Himalayan National Park, you have a good chance of spotting wild boars, Barasingha, black bears on an autumn trek. In the eastern part of the country, exotic animals such as the elusive red panda can be seen in the forests in autumn months on trekking trails such as Sandakphu in Sikkim.
6. Spectacular Photography Opportunities
With all the natural beauty, breathtaking views, star gazing and wildlife sighting opportunities, Himalayan treks in autumn present a great opportunity for some spectacular photography. If you are a nature and wildlife lover who is passionate about viewing the world around you from a unique lens, an autumn trek must definitely feature on your bucket list.
7. Perfect Escape from the Crowds
As trekking goes mainstream, the number of people signing up for beginner and moderate level treks is on the rise. During peak season, some of the popular trekking trails such as Hampta Pass, Kareri Lake or Nag Tibba can seem as crowded as any other tourist destination. With autumn treks still a lesser-known possibility, this is the perfect window to escape the crowds and enjoy the tranquillity of being in nature – just the way it is intended.
Think a Himalayan trek in the upcoming autumn season will be right up your alley? Here are our top recommendations:
Short Treks (3-4 days)
Longer Treks (5-7 days)
Found your perfect autumn trekking destination? Reach out to us and we’ll customise the experience for you.
Or look over at our Fixed Departures to join a group of max 9 trekkers: