Backpacking Travel Guide Travel News & Facts

Top 10 treks to do with friends

Written By Harish Rawat & Jaikant Negi

27 August 2025

In the Himalayas, the mountains hide both peace and beauty. Along the trails that lead to snowcapped peaks, you discover the silent joy of being part of Mother Nature. Far from the fast-paced life of cities and towns, the Himalayas offer a rare stillness.

What makes exploring these mountains even more special is sharing the journey with people you care about—and who care about you. Trekking through these majestic landscapes with friends turns the adventure into a memory that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Whether you're seasoned trekkers or just looking for a meaningful getaway with your closest companions, the Himalayas offer countless trails that are perfect for group adventures. From breathtaking views to unforgettable bonding moments, these treks promise more than just scenic beauty—they offer shared experiences that bring people closer.

Here are the Top 10 Treks to Do with Friends that combine adventure, challenge, and camaraderie:

1. Rupin Pass Trek - Uttarakhand/Himachal Pradesh

The Rupin Pass is a high-altitude trek that offers dramatic sceneries like dense pine forests and snowfields along with ancient hanging villages. As you move on the trail that takes you to the beautiful mountain pass you also find cascading waterfalls and thrilling gully ascents. The trek is the perfect balance between beauty and adventure.

Duration: ~7–9 days

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Best Time: May–June and September–October

Temperature: Day: 8–16°C | Night: –4 to 4°C

Altitude: 4,650 meters (Rupin Pass)

Terrain: Waterfalls, hanging villages, alpine meadows, snowfields, steep ascents, and a dramatic mountain pass crossing.

Why It’s Great with Friends: The ever-changing landscapes—from dense pine forests to icy mountain passes—keep the adventure alive. Sharing the thrill of crossing the high-altitude Rupin Pass and camping under starry skies makes for unforgettable bonding.

2. Har Ki Dun Trek – Uttarakhand

A Har Ki Dun trek is known as the "Valley of Gods". This trek is rich with mythology and scenic beauty. Every bend of the trail brings you closer to jaw dropping beauty.

Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows, it's great for beginners.

Ideal for exploring ancient Himalayan villages and lush pine forests.

Duration: ~6–8 days

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Best Time: April–June and September–December

Temperature: Day: 12–20°C | Night: –3 to 5°C

Altitude: 3,566 meters (Har Ki Dun Valley)

Terrain: Ancient villages, pine forests, valley trails, alpine meadows and panoramic mountain views

Why It’s Great with Friends: A perfect mixture of culture and nature, this trek lets you experience village hospitality, mythical legends and pristine beauty. Ideal for slow meaningful journeys with friends who enjoy both storytelling and scenery.

3. Roopkund Trek – Uttarakhand

The Roopkund Trek takes you to the mysterious glacial lake filled with ancient human skeletons. The lake is surrounded by tall snowcapped peaks that stand as silent witnesses and guardians of the ancient mystery of the lake. The trek offers majestic views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks and is noted for its alpine meadows (Bedni Bugyal) and challenging high-altitude climb.

Duration: ~7–9 days Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult Best Time: May–June and September–October Temperature: Day: 5–12°C | Night: –5 to 2°C Altitude: 5,029 meters (Roopkund Lake) Terrain: Dense forests, high-altitude meadows (Bugyals), glacial terrain, and the eerie Skeleton Lake.

Why It’s Great with Friends: The mystery of the skeletal lake and the dramatic landscape keep conversations alive and curiosity high. A trek that mixes ghost stories, challenges, and camaraderie at every turn.

4. Bali Pass Trek – Uttarakhand

The Bali Pass Trek is a challenging crossover trek connecting Har Ki Dun valley to Yamunotri. The trek is filled with adventures and takes you through alpine meadows, glacial basins, and the majestic Swargarohini peaks. The high point of the trek is the Bali Pass summit that stands at a daunting 16,200 ft — not for the faint-hearted.

Duration: ~8–9 days

Difficulty: Difficult

Best Time: May–June and September–October

Temperature: Day: 8–14°C | Night: –5 to 2°C

Altitude: 4,950 meters (Bali Pass)

Terrain: Alpine meadows, steep climbs, narrow trails, snowfields, and a high mountain pass.

Why It’s Great with Friends: For thrill-seekers in your group, Bali Pass delivers adrenaline and breathtaking views. Navigating the tricky pass together builds trust and leaves everyone with a story to tell.

5. Gaumukh Tapovan Trek – Uttarakhand

A spiritual and scenic trek to the source of the Ganges and the Gaumukh glacier. Tapovan offers stunning views of Mt. Shivling and Meru and has been at the centre of Indian spirituality since ages. Devotees and sages walk these trails in search of higher truths . The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek combines glacier trekking, spiritual sites, and meadows in one journey.

Duration: ~6–8 days Difficulty: Moderate Best Time: May–June and September–October Temperature: Day: 10–15°C | Night: –3 to 3°C Altitude: 4,463 meters (Tapovan) Terrain: Glacial moraines, river trails, open meadows, and close-up views of Shivling and Bhagirathi peaks.

Why It’s Great with Friends: Walk along the Ganga’s origin and share moments of quiet awe. The spiritual energy and vastness of Tapovan make this a grounding experience for any group.

6. Gulabi Kantha Trek – Uttarakhand

A hidden gem near Yamunotri, known for vibrant bugyals and blooming flowers, the Gulabi Kantha Trek is one of the lesser known treks in the Himalayas that offers clear views of Bandarpunch and Black Peak ranges. The trails of this trek are not over crowded with people, giving you an opportunity to relax and reflect. Gulabi Kantha Trek is an offbeat and easy-to-moderate trek perfect for solitude seekers.

Duration: ~4–6 days Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Best Time: June–October Temperature: Day: 10–18°C | Night: 0 to 5°C Altitude: 3,789 meters (Gulabi Kantha) Terrain: Meadows, wildflowers, forest trails, and panoramic views of Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini ranges.

Why It’s Great with Friends: The wide open meadows provide ample space for group fun—playing games, relaxing in nature, and sharing stories. Whether blanketed in snow or bursting with green, the tranquil beauty of Dayara is best enjoyed side-by-side with friends who make every moment more memorable.

7. Kedarkantha Trek – Uttarakhand

The Kedarkantha Trek is easily one of the most popular winter treks in India, perfect for first-time trekkers, the trek is known for its snowy trails, 360° summit views, and picturesque campsites . You climb the trail, walking through alpine meadows and pine forest to reach The Kedarkantha summit at 12,500 ft, offering a rewarding panorama.

Duration: ~4–6 days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Time: December–April (Winter trek)
Temperature: Day: 8–15°C | Night: –5 to –10°C
Altitude: 3,800 meters (Kedarkantha Summit)
Terrain: Snow-covered trails, pine forests, open ridges, and summit climbs.

Why It’s Great with Friends: One of the best winter treks in India—camping in snow, making snowmen, and catching the golden sunrise from the summit is best enjoyed with your closest crew.This trek is rich in local legends and natural beauty, making it ideal for shared storytelling, cultural discovery, and breathtaking views.

8. Kuari Pass Trek – Uttarakhand

The Kuari Pass, also called the "Curzon Trail", is a trek ideal for Himalayan view lovers. The trek offers clear panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and other giants and is a relatively easy trek perfect for first timers. The mild ascent of the mountain trail is covered with thick forests of pine and rhododendron.

Duration: ~5-6 days Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Best Time: March–June and September–November Temperature: Day: 10–15°C | Night: –2 to 5°C Altitude: 3,658 meters (Kuari Pass) Terrain: Forests, grasslands, ridge walks, and views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and more.

Why It’s Great with Friends: Known for some of the best Himalayan panoramas, Kuari Pass gives your group that perfect “on top of the world” moment. Great for both beginners and seasoned trekkers. Short, scenic, and rewarding—this trek offers everything a group of friends could want.

9. Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek – Uttarakhand

Ali and Bedni Bugyal Trek is a scenic trek through twin meadows — Ali and Bedni — among the best in India. Known for expansive grasslands, views of Trishul, and the rich flora-fauna, the trek offers a complete himalayan experience. Ali and Bedni Bugyal Trek can be termed as an easy to moderate trek, great for nature photography and peaceful getaways.

Duration: ~6–7 days Difficulty: Moderate

Best Time: May–June and September–October Temperature: Day: 10–16°C | Night: 0 to 5°C Altitude: 3,540 meters (Bedni Bugyal) Terrain: Vast alpine meadows, oak forests, mountain views, and high-altitude campsites.

Why It’s Great with Friends: This offbeat trek is peaceful and less crowded, making it a perfect getaway for a close group. The quiet beauty of the meadows and forests lets friends reconnect with each other and nature, while shared campsites and stargazing create lasting group memories far from the noise of everyday life.

10.Kedartal Trek – Uttarakhand

The Kedartal Trek is a tough trek that takes you to a glacial lake nestled beneath Thalay Sagar and Bhrigupanth. The Trail will take you through steep, rocky trails demanding endurance but also the reward of getting close to the raw alpine beauty. Kedartal Trek is truly one of the most dramatic lake treks in Uttarakhand, less explored.

Duration: ~6-7 days Difficulty: Difficult Best Time: May–June and September–October Temperature: Day: 5–10°C | Night: –5 to 2°C Altitude: 4,750 meters (Kedartal) Terrain: Rocky terrain, steep climbs, glacier crossings, and close-up views of Mt. Thalay Sagar.

Why It’s Great with Friends: Trekking along a ridge for hours with your friends and endless mountains all around is a surreal, shared experience. The sense of space, openness, and perspective makes it feel like you're walking on air together. With fewer crowds and dramatic views, it’s the perfect trail for uninterrupted connection, group laughter, and deep conversations along the way.

Tips for Trekking with Friends

Trekking with friends isn’t just about reaching the summit—it’s about the laughter, teamwork, and shared memories made along the way. Here are some simple tips to help make your group trek smooth, fun, and unforgettable.

1. Know Everyone’s Fitness Level

Choose a trek that matches the collective fitness of the group. Not everyone will have the same stamina, so it’s important to select a route that is inclusive and enjoyable for all. Moderate challenges are great—but avoid picking a route that pushes someone too far.

2. Set a Group Pace, Not a Race

Stay together. Trekking is about shared experiences, not who reaches the top first. Let the slowest person set the pace when needed and take regular breaks so everyone stays comfortable and positive.

3. Share the Load

Distribute group gear like tents, cooking supplies, or snacks evenly. If someone’s pack is heavier due to shared items, others can pitch in. Fairness makes a big difference on long days.

4. Pack Games, Music & Conversation Starters

A deck of cards, a speaker for low-volume music at camp, or a journal to pass around can add lots of fun. Nighttime stories and shared laughs are some of the best parts of trekking with friends.

5. Respect Nature — and Each Other

Stick to trails, don’t litter, and keep noise levels down where it matters. Respect everyone’s trekking style—some may want to chat, while others may enjoy silent moments. Give space, physically and emotionally.

Conclusion

Trekking with friends becomes even more special when the journey is well-planned, meaningful, and filled with shared moments of wonder. With expert guidance, thoughtfully crafted itineraries, and a deep love for the mountains, Himalayan Daredevils ensures your group adventure is not just a trek—but a memory of a lifetime.