September is a great time for many Himalayan treks in India. It has many options for all trekkers or hikers. You can visit from Kashmir to Sikkim whichever is your preferred destination, some are better choices than rest. This month can produce a wonderful trekking experience with the caveat that you choose the right Himalayan region and the right time of the month.

This article will help you to go through region by region/state in the (Indian) Himalayas and should help you learn about which trekking alternatives in September are ideal for you.

Is September a Shoulder Season for trekking in the Indian Himalayas?

The monsoon ends by early to mid-September in the Himalayas, with the exception of Sikkim and the Darjeeling region. It is a good idea to limit your trekking in the Western Himalayas, i.e., from Kashmir to Uttarakhand, including Himachal Pradesh. Showers or some rain are common. Temperatures remain modest, or a bit on the warm side. Chances are fair to get some crystal and translucent views. The surroundings are green in general. As September has some overlap with the monsoon, it may not be a bad idea to understand the monsoon and read about the best monsoon treks in the Indian Himalayas.

The month is also a typical good time to visit your high altitude treks in India, in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The treks which go fairly high, around 5000 m or so, negotiate glaciers and cross high passes. At the same time, it is also the onset of autumn in some regions of the Himalayas. These areas will become cold and turn yellow.

So let’s go through region by region within the Indian Himalayas first and understand how it possibly could look like or turn in September.

Kashmir trekking in September:

• September is towards the end of the season.
• Rains are rare, maybe a few showers.
• Day time temperature is cool and night time a bit cold.
• Very less crowd on the routes as compared to August including the popular routes.
• Ideally you should complete the trek by mid September to make the most out of Kashmir. Valley still remains green. Shepherds start getting down to the villages.
• During the latter half of the month the valley will turn more yellow than green and some chances of snowfall around 4000 m.

Ladakh – Zanskar trekking in September

• September is towards the end of the season. Earlier is better.
• Region remains arid and patches of natural green dissappear.
• Complete the high remote passes or trekking peaks by mid of the month. Late Sep is cold and snowfall can be a spoiler.
• Night temperatures will be pretty cold in mid to high altitude.
• Better to avoid trans-himalayan passes especially after mid of the month.

Himachal treks in September:

• Monsoon ends by the end of Aug. Post monsoon treks start.
• A few light rain or showers in during early half of the month in some areas like the treks in Kullu -Manali valley or in Kinnaur.
• Some popular trails have less crowd in Sep.
• Rain-shed regions like Lahaul or Spiti treks or trans-himalayan treks are suitable.
• Nights will be cold in the later half of month.
• High passes are better during early to mid Sep. Chances of snowfall increases in late Sep.

Uttarakhand treks in September:

• Monsoon recedes by early Sep and the Post Monsoon season starts usually by mid of the month. Later is better.
• Some rain or showers, especially in the day time/afternoon or in the evening/night.
• Valleys and alpine meadows are charming green.
• Most of the mid to high altitude passes are suitable throughout the month. It is probably the best time for treks going around or above 5000 m. Leave the first 10 days and then start.
• Snow and ice on high passes are fairly low and conducive conditions to cross.
• Day time temperatures are pleasant and nights are cool.

Sikkim – Darjeeling trekking in September

• Rain usually continues till mid or late Sep. Later is better.
• Its probably the greenest time in Sikkim and Darjeeling region.
• Usual foggy or rainy weather with some views of mountains in the morning.
• Day times are warm to pleasant and nights are cool.

Climate change advisory:

Climate change is posing a fairly high risk when you plan for a trek in September. E.g. in recent years heavy rainfall is a spoiler in multiple occassions. Check wather forecast, and get information from your organiser or tour operator regarding a region or a particular route.

15 great treks in September for beginners to advanced

Here is our top 15 picks of the month. We have included all the regions in the list for those who have already planned a visit in that particular region or state.

Tarsar Marsar Trek – Kasmir region –  Moderate grade  – 5 to 6 days walking  (~ 50 km) – 4000 m/ 13120 ft (highest point)

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek – Kashmir – Moderate grade  – 6 to 7 days walking  (~ 70 km) – 4200 m/13775 ft (highest point)

Markha Valley Trek – Ladakh – Moderate grade and strenuous  –  6 to 7 days walking  (~ 80 km) – 5260 m/17250 ft (highest point)

Pin Parvati Trek – Himachal Pradesh – Difficult grade – 8 to 9 days walking (~ 100 km) – 5300 m/17400 ft (highest point)

Hampta Pass trek – Himachal Pradesh – Moderate grade – 4 days walking (~ 30 km) – 4270 m/14005 ft (highest point)

Kaliheni Pass  & Bara Bhangal Trek –

Lamkhaga Pass Trek – Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand – Difficult grade – 7 to 8 days walking (~ 75 km) – 5300 m/17400 ft (highest point)

Bali Pass Trek – Uttarakhand – Moderate to difficult grade – 7 days walking (~ 55 km) – 4880 m/16005 ft (highest point)

Kalindi Khal Trek – Uttarakhand – Difficult grade – 10 to 12 days walking (~ 100 km) – 5945 m/19500 ft (highest point)

Auden’s Col Trek – Uttarakhand – Difficult grade – 12 to 14 days walking (~ 100 km) – 5945 m/19500 ft (highest point)

Panpatia Col Trek – Uttarakhand – Difficult grade – 8 to 10 days walking (~ 80 km) – 5200 m/17050 ft (highest point)

Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek – Uttarakhand – Easy to Moderate grade – 4 days of walking (~ 35 km) – 3800 m/12500 ft (highest point)

Dzongri trek in Sikkim – Sikkim – Moderate grade – 5 to 7 days of walking ( ~ 60 km) – 4150 m/13612 ft (highest point)

Sikkim Monastery trail in Homestays – Sikkim – Easy hiking – 2 to 4 days of walking (~20-25 km) –

Chitrey Tonglu Dhotrey Trek (on Singalila Ridge) in Darjeeling – Darjeeling (West Bengal) Easy grade – 2 to 3 days of walking (~ 20 – 25 km) – 3000 m/10000 ft (highest point)

So if you ask our recommendations, September is the best time to go for  medium or high altitude treks in Uttarakhand or Himachal Pradesh.

To summarise, you have all the options of trekking serene valleys in Kashmir to high rugged passes in Uttarakhand or crossing a trans-Himalayan pass in Himachal in September. Now that you have a good awareness of the regions and conditions, choose a trek that primarily suits your prior trekking experience or is based upon you being a beginner and upon the duration of your holidays.

Need more information or have further queries? Feel free to reach us.