These are the best Himalayan treks in Himachal Pradesh, chosen for Canadian hikers. From easy day hikes to serious high-pass crossings, Himachal offers trekking for every level.
Best treks
1. Triund
The classic first Himalayan hike, ending on a ridge facing the Dhauladhar range. Max altitude 2,850 m; 1–2 days; easy–moderate; best Mar–Jun, Sep–Dec. See our Triund trek guide.
2. Kareri Lake
Forest, streams, a Gaddi village and a glacial lake below the Dhauladhar. Max altitude 2,934 m; 2–3 days; moderate; best May–Jun, Sep–Oct. See our Kareri Lake trek guide.
3. Hampta Pass
A dramatic crossover from the green Kullu valley to the stark, desert-like Lahaul valley, often combined with Chandratal. Max altitude 4,270 m; 4–5 days; moderate; best Jun–Sep. Read our Manali guide.
- Getting there: 12–14 hours by road (about 540 km) from Delhi; by air: Kullu–Manali (Bhuntar) airport is 50 km away, with limited flights; Chandigarh is the more reliable alternative.
- Best time: March to June for pleasant weather; December to February for snow; avoid the monsoon (July–August)
- Don’t miss: Hadimba Devi Temple, Old Manali, Vashisht
- Where to stay: The Himalayan, Span Resort & Spa (mid-range from ₹5,000 (about C$75) a night)
- Time needed: 4–5 days
4. Bhrigu Lake
High alpine meadows above Manali leading to a small sacred lake that stays frozen into early summer. Max altitude 4,235 m; 3–4 days; moderate; best Jun–Oct. Read our Manali guide.
- Getting there: 12–14 hours by road (about 540 km) from Delhi; by air: Kullu–Manali (Bhuntar) airport is 50 km away, with limited flights; Chandigarh is the more reliable alternative.
- Best time: March to June for pleasant weather; December to February for snow; avoid the monsoon (July–August)
- Don’t miss: Hadimba Devi Temple, Old Manali, Vashisht
- Where to stay: The Himalayan, Span Resort & Spa (mid-range from ₹5,000 (about C$75) a night)
- Time needed: 4–5 days
Our trekking gear picks
- Outdoor gear guides Buyzello
Headlamps, multi-tools and camping kit for treks and road trips. - Best smartwatches for hiking and travel VerdictFox
A watch with GPS, an altimeter and SpO2 readings is genuinely useful on high Himalayan passes. - Our Wildcraft Hypadura review BuyrSkip India
Wildcraft is a popular Indian outdoor brand; see how its 35-litre pack performs.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
5. Beas Kund
A short trek from Solang to the glacial source of the Beas river, under the peaks of Hanuman Tibba and the Seven Sisters. Max altitude 3,700 m; 3 days; easy–moderate; best May–Oct. Read our Solang Valley guide.
- Getting there: 12–14 hours by road (about 540 km) from Delhi; taxi from Manali (30–45 minutes); in heavy snow, roads may be limited to 4x4s.
- Best time: December to February for snow sports; May to June for paragliding
- Don’t miss: Solang ropeway, Ski slopes, Paragliding
- Where to stay: resorts on the Solang road (mid-range from ₹4,000 (about C$60) a night)
- Time needed: 1 day
6. Kheerganga
A 12 km walk from Barshaini through the Parvati Valley to a meadow with natural hot springs. Max altitude 2,950 m; 1–2 days; easy–moderate; best Apr–Nov. Read our Kasol guide.
- Getting there: about 12 hours by road from Delhi; bus from Delhi to Bhuntar, then local bus or taxi (1 hour).
- Best time: March to June and September to November
- Don’t miss: Parvati river, Chalal, Manikaran Sahib
- Where to stay: riverside guesthouses, camps and boutique stays (mid-range from ₹3,000 (about C$45) a night)
- Time needed: 2–3 days
7. Hatu Peak
A forest climb above Narkanda to a carved wooden temple and wide Himalayan views. Max altitude 3,400 m; 1 day; easy–moderate; best Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. See our Hatu Peak trek guide.
8. Serolsar Lake and Raghupur Fort
Two gentle day hikes from Jalori Pass to a sacred lake and the ruins of an old fort. Max altitude 3,100 m; 1 day; easy; best Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. See our Serolsar Lake and Raghupur Fort trek guide.
9. Prashar Lake
A lake with a floating island and a three-tiered pagoda temple in Mandi district. Max altitude 2,730 m; 1–2 days; easy; best Year-round (snow in winter). Read our Kullu guide.
- Getting there: about 10–11 hours from Delhi; fly to Bhuntar or take a Volvo bus from Delhi.
- Best time: March to June and September to November; October for Kullu Dussehra
- Don’t miss: River rafting, Bijli Mahadev, Kullu shawl factories
- Where to stay: riverside resorts, homestays (mid-range from ₹3,000 (about C$45) a night)
- Time needed: 2 days
10. Chandrakhani Pass
From Naggar over a meadow pass to the isolated village of Malana, with views of the Parvati and Pir Panjal ranges. Max altitude 3,660 m; 3–4 days; moderate; best May–Oct. Read our Naggar guide.
- Getting there: about 12 hours from Delhi; taxi from Manali (45 minutes) along the left bank of the Beas.
- Best time: March to June and September to November
- Don’t miss: Naggar Castle, Roerich Art Gallery, Tripura Sundari Temple
- Where to stay: HPTDC Castle Naggar, boutique homestays (mid-range from ₹3,000 (about C$45) a night)
- Time needed: 1–2 days
11. Indrahar Pass
An extension beyond Triund and Lahesh Cave over the Dhauladhar ridge, with views as far as the Pir Panjal and Kishtwar peaks. Max altitude 4,342 m; 3–4 days; difficult; best May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Read our McLeodganj guide.
- Getting there: 10–12 hours by road from Delhi; fly to Kangra (Gaggal) airport, then taxi (about 45 minutes).
- Best time: March to June and September to November
- Don’t miss: Tsuglagkhang Complex, Lingkor kora, Bhagsunag temple and waterfall
- Where to stay: Chonor House, Glenmoor Cottages (mid-range from ₹3,000 (about C$45) a night)
- Time needed: 3 days
12. Great Himalayan National Park trails
Multi-day guided routes through a UNESCO World Heritage park rich in birds and wildlife. Max altitude up to 4,000 m+; 3–8 days; moderate–difficult; best Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Read our Great Himalayan National Park guide.
- Getting there: about 11–12 hours from Delhi; drive to Gushaini (Tirthan) or Sainj; treks start from road heads.
- Best time: April to June and September to November
- Don’t miss: Western tragopan, Rolla and Shilt huts, Sainj and Tirthan valleys
- Where to stay: homestays in Tirthan and Sainj (mid-range from ₹2,500 (about C$37) a night)
- Time needed: 3–8 days
13. Buran Ghati
Remote Shimla-district villages, Chandranahan lakes and a snow wall descent near the pass. Max altitude 4,575 m; 6–8 days; moderate–difficult; best May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Read our Rohru guide.
- Getting there: about 11–12 hours via Shimla from Delhi; bus or taxi from Shimla via Theog and Kotkhai (about 4 hours).
- Best time: March to June and September to November
- Don’t miss: Pabbar river, Shikru Devta Temple, Apple belt
- Where to stay: simple hotels, orchard homestays (mid-range from ₹2,500 (about C$37) a night)
- Time needed: 2–3 days
14. Pin Parvati Pass
A serious crossing from the lush Parvati Valley to the cold desert of Spiti’s Pin Valley, for experienced trekkers only. Max altitude 5,319 m; 10–11 days; difficult; best Jul–Sep. Read our Kasol guide.
- Getting there: about 12 hours by road from Delhi; bus from Delhi to Bhuntar, then local bus or taxi (1 hour).
- Best time: March to June and September to November
- Don’t miss: Parvati river, Chalal, Manikaran Sahib
- Where to stay: riverside guesthouses, camps and boutique stays (mid-range from ₹3,000 (about C$45) a night)
- Time needed: 2–3 days
15. Pin Bhaba Pass
A trek from green Kinnaur to the barren Pin Valley of Spiti, with dramatic changes in landscape. Max altitude 4,915 m; 6–8 days; difficult; best Jul–Sep. Read our Kalpa guide.
- Getting there: about 2 days via Shimla from Delhi; drive or bus from Shimla via Rampur and Reckong Peo (10–12 hours from Shimla).
- Best time: April to June and September to November
- Don’t miss: Kinner Kailash views, Suicide Point, Roghi village
- Where to stay: hotels and homestays (mid-range from ₹2,500 (about C$37) a night)
- Time needed: 2 days
Treks compared
| Trek | Max altitude | Days | Difficulty | Best months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Triund | 2,850 m | 1–2 | Easy–moderate | Mar–Jun, Sep–Dec |
| Kareri Lake | 2,934 m | 2–3 | Moderate | May–Jun, Sep–Oct |
| Hampta Pass | 4,270 m | 4–5 | Moderate | Jun–Sep |
| Bhrigu Lake | 4,235 m | 3–4 | Moderate | Jun–Oct |
| Beas Kund | 3,700 m | 3 | Easy–moderate | May–Oct |
| Kheerganga | 2,950 m | 1–2 | Easy–moderate | Apr–Nov |
| Hatu Peak | 3,400 m | 1 | Easy–moderate | Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov |
| Serolsar Lake and Raghupur Fort | 3,100 m | 1 | Easy | Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov |
| Prashar Lake | 2,730 m | 1–2 | Easy | Year-round (snow in winter) |
| Chandrakhani Pass | 3,660 m | 3–4 | Moderate | May–Oct |
| Indrahar Pass | 4,342 m | 3–4 | Difficult | May–Jun, Sep–Oct |
| Great Himalayan National Park trails | up to 4,000 m+ | 3–8 | Moderate–difficult | Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov |
| Buran Ghati | 4,575 m | 6–8 | Moderate–difficult | May–Jun, Sep–Oct |
| Pin Parvati Pass | 5,319 m | 10–11 | Difficult | Jul–Sep |
| Pin Bhaba Pass | 4,915 m | 6–8 | Difficult | Jul–Sep |
Trekking tips
- Hire registered guides.
- Acclimatise properly.
- Check insurance altitude limits.
- Pack layers and rain gear.
Planning your trip from Canada
Air India runs a daily nonstop between Toronto and Delhi on a Boeing 787-9 (from August 2026 schedules), taking roughly 14–16 hours depending on routing. From Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and other cities, most travellers connect through Europe (London, Frankfurt, Paris or Amsterdam), the Gulf (Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi) or Istanbul. Schedules have shifted because of airspace restrictions, so check the current timetable before you book. Door to door, plan for 20–24 hours from Toronto and 24–30 hours from western Canada. Fares: round-trip economy fares from Toronto to Delhi often range from about C$1,300 to C$2,200, and more from Vancouver or around Diwali, Christmas and the summer holidays. Read our guide to getting to Himachal from Canada for the full journey.
Canadian citizens need an Indian visa, and most holidaymakers use the e-Tourist Visa, applied for online at least four days before travel; our India visa guide explains the process step by step. Provincial health plans such as OHIP and MSP cover very little outside Canada, so buy a policy with medical and evacuation cover (see our travel insurance guide). For cash, cards and UPI, see our money guide, and for staying online, our SIM and internet guide.
What it costs
Typical daily spend per person on the ground, excluding international flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day (INR) | In Canadian dollars | Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹2,500–4,000 | C$37–60 | hostel or guesthouse, local food, buses |
| Mid-range | ₹6,000–10,000 | C$90–149 | good hotel, café meals, some taxis |
| Luxury | ₹20,000–45,000 | C$299–672 | 5-star or heritage stay, private car, fine dining |
Prices are converted at about ₹67 to C$1 and rise in peak season (May–June, Christmas and New Year). Our Himachal trip cost guide has a full breakdown.
Travelling responsibly in the Himalaya
Himachal’s mountain communities and ecosystems are fragile. Carry a refillable water bottle (plastic waste is a growing problem on popular trails), stay in locally owned guesthouses and homestays, hire local guides and drivers, and buy crafts directly from makers. Respect village and temple customs, keep noise down at night, and never leave rubbish at campsites or viewpoints. In the monsoon, follow local advice about landslide-prone roads rather than pushing on.
Health and safety basics
Drink bottled, boiled or filtered water, eat freshly cooked food and carry a small medical kit with rehydration salts and motion-sickness tablets for winding roads. Above 3,000 m, gain height gradually and descend if headaches or nausea get worse. The emergency number throughout India is 112. Global Affairs Canada advises Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution in India, with stronger warnings for some border areas, including Jammu and Kashmir.
Gear up for the trail
- How to choose a trekking backpack in India BuyrSkip India
Buying a rucksack locally? This guide covers the brands and sizes Indian trekkers use. - Outdoor gear we recommend VerdictFox
Honest reviews of the outdoor kit that earns its place in a Himalayan duffel.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest trek?
Triund or Serolsar Lake.
What is the hardest?
Pin Parvati Pass.
Do I need a guide?
Recommended for anything beyond popular day hikes: guides know the routes, weather and camping spots, and some areas require them.
When is the best time?
May–June and September–October.
Do I need permits?
Some routes require forest or park permits.