Top 7 Treks You Can Complete in Under a Week

You don’t need weeks off to experience the magic of the Himalayas. Some of the most beautiful treks in India can be done in under 7 days giving you a real taste of the mountains without a long commitment. Whether you're a beginner or just short on time, these treks offer stunning landscapes, manageable trails, and unforgettable experiences, all within a week.

1. Dayara Bugyal Trek – Uttarakhand

• Duration: 3–4 days
• Altitude: 12,000 ft
• Distance: 22 km (round trip)
• Base Camp: Raithal, Uttarkashi

The Dayara Bugyal trek is one of the best short treks in India for those looking to walk through open alpine meadows with spectacular Himalayan views. Starting from the peaceful village of Raithal, the trail gradually winds through oak and maple forests before opening up into endless green pastures. These bugyals (meadows) are breathtaking, especially in summer and post-monsoon, when they come alive with wildflowers.

The Dayara Bugyal trek is a 22 km round trip that’s beginner-friendly and perfect for families or first-time trekkers. You'll be treated to panoramic views of Mt. Bandarpunch, Black Peak, and the Gangotri range. The trail isn’t too steep or technical, and affordable homestays in Raithal make it a budget-friendly choice too. In winter, the meadows turn into snowfields making it a year-round favorite.

2. Kedarkantha Trek – Uttarakhand

• Duration: 5–6 days
• Altitude: 12,500 ft
• Distance: 20 km
• Base Camp: Sankri

Kedarkantha is a classic Himalayan snow trek that's ideal for those who want the thrill of a summit in under a week. Starting from the charming village of Sankri, the trail passes through pine forests, frozen lakes, and snowy clearings, eventually leading to a stunning 360° view from the summit. On a clear day, you can spot Swargarohini, Black Peak, and even glimpses of Bandarpoonch.

This trek is especially popular in winter, thanks to its dreamy snow-covered scenery. Though moderately challenging, it’s suitable for fit beginners and offers well-managed campsites along the way. You can complete the trek in five to six days, including travel time, making it perfect for a winter holiday escape.

3. Triund Trek – Himachal Pradesh

• Duration: 1–2 days
• Altitude: 9,350 ft
• Distance: 14 km (round trip)
• Base Camp: McLeod Ganj or Dharamkot

If you're looking for a quick and rewarding trek, Triund is a great choice. Located above McLeod Ganj in Himachal, this short trek offers some of the best views of the Dhauladhar range. The trail is well-marked and includes forest sections, gentle climbs, and open ridgelines — making it suitable for almost anyone, even kids and first-timers.

You can complete the trek in a day or camp overnight under the stars for a magical experience. Food stalls are available en route during peak season, and the accessibility from Dharamshala makes this trek one of the easiest to plan. It’s a great choice for solo travelers, couples, or spontaneous weekend plans.

4. Nag Tibba Trek – Uttarakhand

• Duration: 2 days
• Altitude: 9,910 ft
• Distance: 16 km
• Base Camp: Pantwari

Nag Tibba, also known as the "Serpent’s Peak," is the highest peak in the lower Garhwal range and a fantastic trek for weekend adventurers. The trail starts from Pantwari, a short drive from Mussoorie, and takes you through charming villages, dense forests, and beautiful campsites. The summit offers clear views of Bandarpunch, Kedarkantha, and the Doon Valley.

Despite being a relatively short trek, Nag Tibba offers a real mountain experience, complete with summit views and the joy of camping. It's ideal for beginners or those trekking with limited time. Plus, you can easily do it with minimal gear and still have a rewarding adventure.

5. Kareri Lake Trek – Himachal Pradesh

• Duration: 3 days
• Altitude: 9,650 ft
• Distance: 20 km
• Base Camp: Kareri Village

The Kareri Lake trek is a hidden gem in Himachal Pradesh. Set in the Dhauladhar range, this alpine lake is fed by glacial meltwater and sits in a grassy, open valley surrounded by pine trees and rugged cliffs. The trek starts from Kareri village and includes scenic walks through forests, quaint bridges, and small streams.

What makes this trek special is the peaceful setting and the sense of discovery it offers. It’s not as crowded as other trails, and the moderate difficulty level makes it a great choice for beginners looking for something offbeat. Camping near the lake is an unforgettable experience, especially under a star-filled sky.

6. Brahmatal Trek – Uttarakhand

• Duration: 5–6 days
• Altitude: 12,250 ft
• Distance: 24 km
• Base Camp: Lohajung

Brahmatal is one of the few Himalayan treks you can do in winter, and it’s absolutely stunning when blanketed in snow. The trail takes you through oak forests, past frozen lakes, and offers wide-angle views of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti. It’s moderately challenging but accessible for fit first-timers and those looking for a beautiful winter escape.

With well-marked trails and organized campsites, Brahmatal has become increasingly popular, especially between December and March. It's a great choice if you’re looking for a slightly longer trek that combines scenic variety, snowy landscapes, and manageable difficulty.

7. Sandakphu Trek – West Bengal/Sikkim

• Duration: 6 days
• Altitude: 11,930 ft
• Distance: 47 km
• Base Camp: Manebhanjan

Sandakphu is a unique trek along the India-Nepal border that offers something rare — views of four of the world’s five highest peaks: Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. The trail winds through charming villages, dense forests, and open ridges, giving you a culturally rich and visually spectacular journey.

Though slightly longer than others on this list, Sandakphu remains doable within a week and offers the bonus of staying in tea houses rather than tents. This means you can trek light and enjoy basic comforts along the way. It’s an ideal trek for those who enjoy ridge walks, sunrises, and a touch of international flavor on the trail.

Travel Tips for Under-a-Week Treks

• Choose treks near major towns to reduce travel time
• Travel overnight by bus/train to save time and money
• Avoid overpacking stick to essentials for short treks
• Book homestays or tea houses early during peak seasons
• Stay hydrated and acclimatize if crossing 10,000 ft

Conclusion

If you're short on time but still crave the magic of the mountains, these under-a-week treks offer the perfect balance of adventure, accessibility, and beauty. From the snowy charm of the Dayara Bugyal to the ridgeline wonders of Sandakphu, each trail brings something unique to the table without needing a long break from your routine.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned trekker looking for a quick getaway, these routes prove that unforgettable experiences don’t always require weeks of planning. Just pick your trail, pack light, and let the Himalayas do the rest.