Best time to go to the Great Himalayan National Park
Select the best time for the best experience of the GHNP
The weather conditions play a crucial role in determining the quality of your experience at GHNP (Great Himalayan National Park), especially when it comes to trekking.
Typically, visitors tend to avoid the monsoon months due to the impact it has on the park area. Enduring heavy rainfall during your trekking expedition is something you should definitely steer clear of. However, July could be considered as a viable option since the monsoon’s activity is relatively subdued during this period. On the other hand, the winter months are often skipped by many adventure enthusiasts due to the intense cold and the snow that blankets numerous trekking routes. Nevertheless, if you possess an interest, we extend a warm invitation for a winter trek.
It’s important to note that GHNP remains accessible throughout the year. Our top-notch camping equipment and the exceptional mountaineering skills of our trekking staff empower you to explore the park at any time, even if it means braving challenging conditions.
Beyond the monsoon and winter seasons, selecting the most suitable dates depends on your personal schedule and preferences. For instance, you might opt for May or June to escape the scorching heat of the Indian plains, select April to witness the wildlife seeking refuge at lower altitudes, or target October to immerse yourself in the vibrant hues of autumn.
Best time to trek in Great Himalayan National Park
JAN
VERY COLD
Avoid
FEB
VERY COLD
Avoid
MAR
COLD
You may go
APR
TEMPERATE
Good to go
MAY
PLEASANT
Best time to go
JUN
PLEASANT
Best time to go
JUL
HUMID
You may go
AUG
HUMID
Avoid
SEP
PLEASANT
You may go
OCT
PLEASANT
Best time to go
NOV
TEMPERATE
Best time to go
DEC
COLD
You may go
Weather during the recommended months
March
You may go
In March, the snow line is quite low in altitude and you may have snowfall above 2500m. The minimum temperatures are still very low. Most of the animals and birds take refuge in the lower forests; so if you are wildlife enthousiast this could be the best time to go. We won’t suggest you to go for a long trek in March. You can select a low altitude trek in the GHNP or hikes in the ecozone.
April
Good to go
April is a nice month for trek, it is springtime ! All the mountains are still covered by snow. There are a lot of wildlife and birds in the lower forests, and there are a lot of flowers. It is not yet hot and the night temperatures might be still minus zero above 3000m. Sky is clear in April, so you will definitively enjoy getting warmed up in the sun during the day. Most of the trek routes open during this month but you might not be able to trek in the highest altitude (above 3500m) because of snow.
May & June
Best time to go
These are the summer months for India. Excellent months for trek. The summer makes the Park and its ecozone a very pleasant haven for all those who suffers from extreme heat in the plain of India. It is the best time for spending nights under tents and stay late outside under the stars. Nevertheless, during the day, walking for hours in the sun could be troublesome for the most sensitive. Bring your hat ! You can do almost all the proposed treks during these two months.
September
You may go
After the Monsoon no snow remains on the mountains, only the ice and the glaciers on highest peaks have kept the fascinating shining white of the Himalayas. The monsoon rains lasts at least till mid-September and the clouds may still hide the Park peaks even when there is no rain. It is better to go at the end of the month although the dates of the withdrawal of the monsoon are unpredictable. Temperatures are comfortable.
October & November
Best time to go
October is a very pleasant month. The monsoon has left, the fields are very green and the forests start wearing the colors of autumn. Temperatures are still pleasant. November is colder but the colors of autumn are just stunning contrasting with a deep blue sky! So you can still enjoy GHNP in November. Some of the higher peaks may receive some fresh snow, just for the pleasure of your eyes. You can do all the proposed treks during these two months.
December
You may go
You may consider also coming in December but get yourself ready for very cold nights. It should not be a problem with our special camping equipment. Check with us the latest weather forecast, snowfalls may happen in December.
Average temperatures
Need to do a bit of calculation –
See the temperature chart for Kullu / Manali below for reference. These are not the temperature you will have in the Park. Since the temperature drops with altitude you need to adjust the temperatures mentioned in the chart according to the altitude of the camps you will be staying during your trek
Reduce the temperature given in the chart by the amount given in the table.
For instance if you plan a trek in April with a night at 3000 m, you can expect the night temperature to fall at 11°C-12°C = -1°C (temperature given in the graph – correction given in the table = actual expected night temperature).
Average rainfall
Treks and hikes in the GHNP
Multi-day treks
Meet the mighty Himalayas and explore GHNP’s wilderness on our 2- to 10-day treks.
Day hikes
Enjoy the Himalayan nature and quaint villages in one day with one of our day hikes.
