Best Treks in October & November 2026: Autumn in the Indian Himalayas
Autumn Trekking · Uttarakhand
Quick answer: The best treks to do in October and November 2026 are Chopta–Chandrashila, Har Ki Dun and Kuari Pass in Uttarakhand. Autumn (post-monsoon) brings the clearest Himalayan views of the year and forests turning gold and red, with dry, easy trails and little or no snow until late November. Chopta–Chandrashila is the best short autumn trek, Har Ki Dun the most scenic valley walk, and Kuari Pass the one for wide panoramas.
We’re a Dehradun-based trekking company, so the autumn treks below all start within a day’s drive of our base. October and November are a short, beautiful window: the rains have cleared, the air is sharp, and the mountains are at their most photogenic before the deep-winter snow arrives.
| Trek | Max altitude | Duration | Difficulty | Best autumn window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chopta–Chandrashila | ~12,083 ft | 2–4 days | Easy–Moderate | Oct–mid-Nov |
| Har Ki Dun | ~11,700 ft | 6–7 days | Easy–Moderate | Sep–Nov |
| Kuari Pass | ~12,500 ft | 5–6 days | Easy–Moderate | Sep–Nov |
What are the best treks to do in October and November?
1. Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila — the best short autumn trek
Chopta–Chandrashila is the standout October–November trek in India. The Chandrashila summit sits at about 12,083 ft, the trek runs just 2–4 days, and it’s easy-to-moderate — making it the most accessible Himalayan summit you can do in a long weekend. In clear autumn weather it delivers unobstructed views of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba, and you pass Tungnath, one of the highest Shiva temples in the world, which stays open until around mid-November.
See dates and the full itinerary on our Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila page.
2. Har Ki Dun — the Valley of Gods in autumn colour
Har Ki Dun, the “Valley of Gods,” reaches around 11,700 ft over 6–7 days from the base village of Sankri. It’s an easy-to-moderate valley trek through ancient Garhwali villages like Osla, along the Supin river, ending below the Swargarohini massif. Autumn (September to November) is the finest window — the forests glow gold and orange, and the post-monsoon air gives the clearest views of the season.
Explore the route on our Har Ki Dun Trek page.
3. Kuari Pass — the widest Himalayan panorama
Kuari Pass, the historic “Lord Curzon Trail,” climbs to roughly 12,500 ft over 5–6 days from Joshimath. Autumn is one of its two best seasons, with the pass framing Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet and Chaukhamba in a single sweep. It’s easy-to-moderate and suits trekkers who want big mountain views without a technical climb — and it carries straight into the winter snow season.
See our Kuari Pass Trek page for details.
Is October a good time for trekking in the Himalayas?
October is arguably the best all-round trekking month in the Indian Himalayas. The monsoon has withdrawn, so landslide and rain risk drops sharply, skies are crisp, and daytime temperatures sit around 10–15°C. Trails are dry and snow-free, which keeps even high treks easy underfoot. It’s the ideal month for a first Himalayan trek or for photography.
What changes in November?
November is the transition month. Early November keeps the clear autumn skies and golden forests; by late November the first snow dusts the higher camps and the big winter treks begin to open. Nights get colder — expect roughly 0 to −5°C at altitude — so November rewards you with a mix of autumn colour and the season’s first snow.
Planning the move from autumn to winter
If you’re reading this in October or November, you’re also in the planning window for December’s snow treks. Once the autumn trails close, the focus shifts to Kedarkantha, Brahmatal and Kuari Pass in full winter. For that, see our guide to the best winter treks in India for 2026–27, and our beginner-friendly snow summit, the Kedarkantha Trek.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best treks to do in October and November in India?
The best autumn treks are Chopta–Chandrashila, Har Ki Dun and Kuari Pass in Uttarakhand. October and November bring clear post-monsoon skies and golden forests, making them ideal for Himalayan views before winter snow sets in.
Is October a good time for trekking in the Himalayas?
Yes. October is one of the best months for Himalayan trekking — the monsoon has cleared, skies are sharp, and temperatures are pleasant at around 10–15°C in the day. Chopta–Chandrashila and Har Ki Dun are top picks.
What is the difference between autumn and winter trekking?
Autumn (October–November) offers clear views and golden forests with little or no snow, so trails are dry and easy to walk. Winter (December–February) is a snow experience with colder nights, better suited to treks like Kedarkantha and Brahmatal.
Is it cold trekking in October and November?
Daytime temperatures in October–November stay around 10–15°C on most Uttarakhand treks, with nights dropping to roughly 0 to −5°C at higher camps. By late November the first snow can appear at higher altitudes.
Which autumn trek is best for beginners?
Chopta–Chandrashila is the best autumn trek for beginners — short (2–4 days), easy-to-moderate, and it reaches a 12,083 ft summit with wide Himalayan views. Dayara Bugyal and Nag Tibba are good gentler options.
