Local Expertise — Not Agency Staff
Every guide is from Kashmir, Ladakh or the Khumbu. Born in these mountains. Not sourced through an agency for the season.
For 15 years we ran Kashmir Treks. Summit Routes is that same operation, extended — because our clients kept asking us to take them further. Every guide grew up in these mountains. Not sourced through an agency. Not hired for a season. Born here.
We now cover the full sweep of the Himalaya — from Kashmir and Ladakh to Nepal and Bhutan — with no middlemen, no outsourced logistics, and a maximum of 10 trekkers per group.
Treks from $495 · Expeditions from $1,250 · Cultural Tours from $465
Every guide is from Kashmir, Ladakh or the Khumbu. Born in these mountains. Not sourced through an agency for the season.
Pulse oximeters, satellite phones and acclimatisation rest days are built into every route above 4,000 m — not optional add-ons.
Every expedition supports local communities. We follow strict leave-no-trace principles across all three regions.
Choose Your Region
From Kashmir’s alpine meadows to Bhutan’s sacred highlands — guided by people who live here.
Most Requested Treks & Expeditions
Handpicked routes across all three regions. Each one personally guided, fully permitted, and limited to 10 per group.
Seven alpine lakes above the treeline. The single most iconic Kashmir trail.
The world's most storied trek. Guided by a team who knows every teahouse.
Nepal's most dramatic restricted-area circuit. Raw, remote, unforgettable.
Twin glacial lakes beneath Harmukh peak. An ideal first Himalayan trek.
Ladakh's most accessible 6000 m peak. Crampons, ropes, summit views forever.
Tiger's Nest, Punakha Dzong and a culture that has protected itself for centuries.
Register a free account before you book and your first trip is automatically discounted 10%. Returning trekkers get 15% off every subsequent booking — no code required, applied at checkout.
No credit card. No commitment. Just better pricing on every route.
Why Summit Routes
Kashmir Treks operated in the valley for over a decade before Summit Routes made its first booking. We did not expand by hiring new staff. We expanded because we already knew the right people in every range — from Srinagar to Kathmandu to Paro.
The guides who led treks in 2011 are still leading treks today. That continuity is the product. When you book with Summit Routes you are booking direct with the people who will walk the trail beside you.
Previously operating as Kashmir Treks (est. 2011) — same founders, same guides, same standards. Summit Routes is the natural expansion of a 15-year legacy.
Explore by Category
Multi-day guided treks — from gentle Kashmir valley walks to remote high-altitude crossings.
Not sure which trek to choose? Answer four quick questions and we'll recommend the best journey from our curated Himalayan routes.
📅 Kashmir: Jun–Sep · Nepal: Year-round · Bhutan: Sep–Nov
Client Reviews
15 years of operations. Every review is from a real client on a real route.
“Our guide knew every shepherd family along the route — this was his 3rd trek of the season. By day 4 it felt less like a trek and more like being introduced to the valley’s people.”
“You can feel how hard-working these local guides are. Their knowledge of the terrain, their safety instincts, their connection to the mountains — no outside operator can replicate this.”
“From the first email to the last day in Kathmandu, everything was seamless. The acclimatisation schedule showed how seriously they take safety — nothing felt improvised.”
“Tiger’s Nest with Summit Routes was next level. The cultural context our guide brought made every dzong and monastery genuinely meaningful. Logistics were completely flawless.”
From the Himalayan Field Notes
Season guides, gear lists, route comparisons and destination deep-dives written by the guides who actually run these routes.
The three most iconic Himalayan destinations — but which one is right for your first (or next) trip?
Everything a first-time visitor to Ladakh needs — from acclimatisation to permits to packing.
12 guides covering Kashmir, Nepal, Bhutan and Ladakh — written by people who run these routes every season.
FAQ
Do I need prior trekking experience to join a Kashmir Great Lakes trek?
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is rated moderate. You do not need technical climbing experience, but a base level of fitness is important — 5 to 6 hours of daily walking on uneven terrain over 7 days. We recommend 4 to 6 weeks of cardio preparation beforehand. Our guides adjust pace for the group and no trekker is left behind. If you are unsure, contact us and we will honestly assess your readiness.
What is the best time of year to trek in Kashmir and Ladakh?
The primary trekking window in Kashmir is mid-June to mid-September. Ladakh has a longer season — June through October — due to its rain-shadow position. Winter expeditions in Ladakh during January and February are possible but technical. Our Ladakh Travel Guide covers seasons in full detail, and our trip planning tool helps you match a route to your travel dates.
How do I choose between India, Nepal and Bhutan?
In short: Kashmir and Ladakh for a Himalayan experience very few outsiders have; Nepal for the world’s most iconic high-altitude trails; Bhutan for deep cultural immersion alongside trekking. Our article India vs Nepal vs Bhutan gives a full honest breakdown. If you are still unsure, our trip planner asks the right questions and recommends the best route for you.
What is included in the trek price?
All Summit Routes prices include: a licensed local guide, all permits and restricted-area fees, camping and accommodation along the route, all meals during the trek, safety equipment including pulse oximeters and first aid kit, and transport on the route. International flights, travel insurance and personal gear are not included. Full inclusions are listed on each individual route page.
How small are your groups, and can I book a private trek?
Our maximum group size is 10 trekkers — a deliberate policy, not a capacity constraint. Private treks for individuals, couples or custom groups are available on any route, on any date within the season. Contact us to discuss dates and pricing for a private departure.
How does the first-timer discount work?
Create a free account on summitroutes.com before you book. Your first booking will automatically receive a 10% discount applied at checkout — no code required. Clients who have completed at least one route with us receive a 15% returning-client discount on all subsequent bookings, also applied automatically. Register here →
Create a free Summit Routes account. Your first booking is automatically discounted 10%. No code. No minimum spend. Just the best price on the best routes in the Himalaya — before you’ve even packed.
Already have an account? Returning clients receive 15% off automatically. Log in →