Explore spectacular mountain peaks in an adventurous winter trekNo matter how long you have been trekking, you will always have an urge to explore more beautiful places. Blessed with natural beauty, India has innumerable places to explore all through the year. The adrenaline rush to climb a peak and the breathtaking views of the mountain on the top are beyond words. It gets more adventurous when your trekking journey is covered with now. If you are one of those who love to hike in the snow-covered mountains, you should try a winter trek.
Winter treks in India are always special to avid trekkers. Every trek is unique with a mix of adventure, challenges, and experience.
We have hand-picked the top ten winter treks in India that every trekker should check out.
Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarkantha trek is one of the most chosen winter treks in India because of its mesmerising landscapes, exciting trails, and snow-white meadows. This is an easy trek and hence lots of first-timers are delighted by the beautiful trails and perfect campsite by the snow. The trek presents a majestic view of the Himalayas, as you travel through calm villages giving a soothing experience. Enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna when you visit the Govind National Park.
Starting Point: Sankri, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Altitude: 12500 feet
Best Time: December to April
Peaks to spot: Panoramic view from Kedarkantha summit
Kedarkantha Trek
Chadar Trek
The entire trail of this trek is remarkable in its journey. If you have craved for winter treks, just be prepared to withstand extreme chillness throughout this trek. Popularly known as the Frozen River Trek or the Zanskar Valley Trek, you will be trekking entirely on the ice, in fact, a frozen river. While you go on this thrill-chilling trek, the beauty of the mountains around you will leave you speechless. Chadar Trek, for its unique trekking experience, is a lifetime journey for travelers.
Starting Point: Leh, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Altitude: 10900 feet
Best Time: December to April
Peaks to spot: Stok Kangri, and Shingra Koma,
Chadar Trek
Deoria Tal Chandrashila Trek
Known for its adventurous forest trails and grandeur, Deoria Tal and Chandrashila trek is one of the best winter treks in India. Nature enthusiasts and also wildlife lovers can spot a variety of rare birds during the journey. Deoria Tal is a gorgeous place that has dense forests with thick trees and beautiful forest trails. You will see rhododendrons, maple, oaks and pine trees all over. This place will look like a perfect dream world with white landscapes, forest trails, and the breathtaking views of top peaks.
Starting Point: Sari, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Altitude: 12083 feet
Best Time: All through the year, December to April for a winter experience
Peaks to spot: Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Kedar Dome.
Image Source Himalaya Destination (Flickr
Deoria Tal Chandrashila Trek
Har Ki Dun Trek
Har Ki Dun is a popular trek in the Himalayas and is ideal for beginners. It is located near the border between Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh offering the beautiful stretch of greeneries. You trail will take you through some of the unexplored regions of Uttarakhand where you will see verdant greenery, glaciers, fragrant orchids, and beautifully spread meadows. Enjoy watching the horses and cows that graze around. The trek is a heaven for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and bird watchers offering abundance of beauty and wildlife.
Starting Point: Sankri, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Altitude: 11675 feet
Best Time: December to April for a perfect snowfall
Peaks to spot: Swargarohini peak
Image source by Paramvir Thakur (Flickr)
Har Ki Dun Trek
Nag Tibba Trek
Situated in the amazing foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas, Nag tIbba trek is one of the easiest winter treks that gets you closer to nature. Trekkers from all over the world enjoy the journey because of its popular scenic landscape. You will travel through the thick deodar forests where the sounds chirping birds will sound as though nature welcomes mankind. Those who love silence will have a great time trekking through quaint villages with trails of an unexplored beauty. Amidst beautiful forest, you will enjoy a perfect campsite gazing at the stars in the night.
Starting Point: Pantwari, Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand
Difficulty Level: Easy
Altitude: 9910 feet
Best Time: November to March
Peaks to spot: Kedarnath peak, Bandarpoonch peak, the Gangotri group of peaks, and Doon valley, etc.
Image source by Ravi Kothari (Flickr)
Nag Tibba Trek
Kuari Pass Trek
If you are starting your trekking journey, then Kuari Pass is an ideal beginner's trek in the Himalayas. You will see nature's beautiful lush green forest with snow-covered meadow through ancient forest trails. The trek is full of rhododendrons and oak tree making it a perfect adventurous path for first-timers. The scenic beauty, outstanding campsite and a beautiful exploration make it an ideal winter trek in India.
Starting Point: Haridwar, Haridwar district, Uttarakhand
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Altitude: 12516 feet
Best Time: April to mid-June
Peaks to spot: Mt. Nanda Devi, Dronagiri
Image source by Gill and Mark
Kuari Pass Trek
Dayara Bugyal Trek
Dayara Bugyal is one of the breathtaking treks in the Uttarakhand region. If you are planning for a perfect winter trek in India, Dayara Bugyal highlights great landscape with snow-covered meadows. You will get a magnificent sight of snow-peaked mountains and the stunning lake of Barnala Tal spread across the alpine green grassland. Starting from Barsu in the Haridwar-Gangotri road, the trail takes you through gorgeous oak forests, lush Greenland, and fresh flowing water along the streams.
Starting Point: Barsu, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Altitude: 12000 feet
Best Time: May to October, November to February for winter treks
Peaks to spot: Jaonli, Draupadi ka Danda I & II, Srikanth, Rudregaira, Gangotri I, II & III, Black peak, Bandarpunch
Image source : Mike Prince (Flickr)
Dayara Bugyal Trek
Brahmatal Trek
If you are looking for a winter trek in January or February, Brahmatal is your perfect choice. While trekking in the snow, you will have an unmatched hiking experience during a winter summit. Freezing climate, and the thrills involved in snow trekking will pump up your adrenaline. The forest trails of this trek are one of the least explored paths; with a dreamy blanket of snow on the meadows and over the trees. It seems as though the entire forest has been decorated for a grand celebration. If you are in the quest for a peaceful snow trek, Brahmatal is your ideal choice.
Starting Point: Kathgodam, Nainital district, Uttarakhand
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Altitude: 12100 feet
Best Time: December to Mid-March for winter treks
Peaks to spot: Hathi Parvat, Ghori Parvat, Maiktoli, Nandaghunti, Trishul, Mrigthuni, and Nanda Devi, etc.
Image source by Padmanabhan Raman
Brahmatal Trek
Dzongri Trek
Dzongri trek promises a captivating experience for beginners and seasoned trekkers. For those looking for snow treks in India, Dzongri trek does not disappoint. Offering panoramic view of peaks and mountain passes, the trek is a real adventure for nature enthusiasts. You will be blissed out on seeing the forest decorated with Himalayan flowers. It is a moderate trek in the Sikkim Himalayan region that offers a perfect frame of natural beauty and the wilderness. Do not miss the majestic view of sunrise glittering the Kanchenjunga peak.
Starting Point: Yuksom, Sikkim
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Altitude: 13185 feet
Best Time: March to Mid-June; September to November
Peaks to spot: Mt. Khangchendzonga, Mt. Kabru, Mt. Kumbhakarna, and Mt. Goecha peak, etc.
Image source by Naturalholidyasindia Assam
Dzongri trek
Pin Parvati Trek
Pin Parvati trek is one of the best snow treks for experienced trekkers. This trek has one of the most enthralling routes with steep slopes, barren mountains, broken terrains, and snow-capped peaks. In spite of all challenges, you will feel energized when you reach Pin Parvati pass, the trek’s major point of interest. With stunning landscapes of Spiti Valley, surrounding picturesque beauty, and a challenging trail, Pin Parvati trek will be your lifetime experience.
Starting Point: Manali
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Altitude: 17500 feet
Best Time: July to September
Peaks to spot: Parvati South, Kullu Eiger, Kangla Tarbo, Kullu Makalu and West Horn
Image Source by Sandeep Janardan
Pin Parvati Trek
Experience the limitless beauty of nature
A trek in the snow offers an adventurous journey, chilling climate, and lots of extraordinary places to explore. We are gifted with countless places of natural beauty to see. Nature remains a hidden treasure so long as mankind does not disturb it. Let us explore lots of mesmerizing places, challenge our capabilities, and embrace the nature.