In India, winter is the favourite season for snow lovers and has heaps of opportunities for those seeking excitement and adrenaline. The winter trekking season typically lasts from November to March. The level of difficulty for climbing mountains magnifies during this season because snow is slippery. Not if you equip yourself with snow boots that are crafted to give you the perfect grip.
The sight of vast expanses of all-white landscapes stretching all the way to the horizon after a peaceful night’s sleep under some of the clearest skies of the year is magical. For a few, the winter trek is just a pretext to break the rules and do something new and adventurous, while for others, it’s an escape from the monotonous routine of their city life.
Take off on some of the most beautiful journeys, like the ones you have read In adventure fables and stories. Exotic meadows, mesmerising dense oak forests, refreshing and majestic waterfalls, lakes, remote villages, trekking in snow and more, are the highlights of a trekking holiday.
10 Best Places For Trekking In India During Winter
#BeALittleMore explorative and indulge your inner Vasco Da Gama by planning a trek to at least one of these magnificent trekking destinations in India.
1. Kasol-Kheerganga Trek
Known as one of the most popular trekking places among adventurers, the Kasol-Kheerganga trek will let you relax in the lap of nature. Kheerganaga trekking in January offers a heart-piercing journey into the woods and lets you witness an enchanting view of the Parvati River.
- Region – Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh
- Duration – 3 days
- Altitude – 3962.4 m
- Approx. Trekking Distance – around 12 – 13kms
- Level of difficulty – easy to moderate
- Best time to go – January to June, September and October
- Highlights – Rudra Naag Waterfall, Shiva Temple, fascinating rock formations
2. Brahmatal Winter Trek
Bramhatal trekking offers a unique geography. It begins with a few days of hiking through ancient forests of oaks and rhododendrons. Brahmatal trekking is accompanied by spectacular views of the mountains and the countless trails of the Roopkund trek. It is also famous for its great campsites near the frozen Bekaltal.
- Region – Uttaranchal
- Duration – 7 days
- Altitude – 3,270 m
- Approx. Trekking Distance – 12km
- Level of difficulty – easy to moderate
- Best time to go – Mid January–February
- Highlights – Brahmatal lake at the mountain top, frozen Bekaltal, and terrific panoramic views
3. Kedarkantha Winter Trek
The Kedarkantha winter trek is known for its picturesque campsites surrounded by giant pines. Kedarkantha trek in December is an excellent destination for amateurs to indulge in snow trekking adventures and for nature lovers to soak in the untouched beauty. The climb & descent through the enchanting forest ends with an icing. The Kedarkhantha trek in December is easy and serves as a pleasant winter trek in the Himalayas.
- Region – Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarakhand
- Duration – 6 days
- Altitude – 3,500 m
- Approx. Trekking Distance – 16kms
- Level of difficulty – Easy
- Best time to go – Last week of December – Mid April
- Highlights – Juda-Ka-Talab & Hargaon campsites surrounded by giant pines and a 360-degree view of famous mountain summits, Kempty falls, Tons Valley, and Sankri
4. Dayara Bugyal Trek
Bugyal in the local dialect means “High Altitude Meadow”. One of the easiest winter treks in the Himalayas takes you through some of the most scenic areas in Uttarakhand. It also offers Nordic and Alpine skiing options. Winter offers cosy accommodation options in the vacant shepherds’ huts.
- Region – Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
- Duration – 6 days
- Altitude – 3,600 m
- Approx. Trekking Distance – 24kms
- Level of difficulty – an easy trek
- Best time to go – Mid December to February
- Highlights – Barnala Lake, meadows, ski valleys, and shepherds’ huts
5. Har Ki Dhun Trek
Har ki Dun Trek takes you back in time as you visit the cradle-shaped valley. Passing through ancient villages over 3,000 years old, you trek through enchanting alpine meadows and pine forests. Along with the excursion, you get to know more about the culture of the locals of the valley.
- Region – Govind Ballabh Pant National Park, Uttarakhand
- Duration – 9 days
- Altitude – 11,811 ft
- Approx. Trekking Distance – 47 kms
- Level of difficulty – Moderate
- Best time to go – is November – April
- Highlights – stunning views of Swargarohini – I, II, III, Bandarpoonch, Black peak and Ruinsara Peak.
6. Chadar Trek
Chadar Trek is one of the best places for trekking to experience the Himalayas. For adrenaline junkies, trekking on the frozen Zanskar River tests your fitness and willpower. Starting from the village of Chilling, during the trek, you get a chance of meeting locals that stay near the camps. Furthermore, you will learn about the challenges they face living in one of the most uninhabitable regions on earth.
- Region – Ladakh
- Duration – 9 days
- Altitude – 3850 m
- Approx. Trekking Distance – 105 km
- Level of difficulty – Difficult
- Best time to go – Mid January – February
- Highlights – Shanti Stupa and Walk on the frozen river
7. Goechala Trek
Goechala is one of the trekking places that offer grand views of imposing mountains. There is nothing more beautiful than watching the sunrise and sunset over snow-covered peaks in the Himalayas. Along with your adventurous trek, you will also get to view a wide range of flora and fauna that will surely add charm to your overall experience.
- Region – Sikkim
- Duration – 10 days
- Altitude – 4937.76m
- Approx. Trekking Distance – 90 km
- Level of difficulty – Difficult
- Best time to go – April – June
- Highlights – Magnificent Kanchenjunga, sunrises and sunsets, beautiful orchards
8. Sandakphu Trek
The world’s third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga, can be seen along with other mountains to the left of the Sandakphu peak. Despite being one of the few high-altitude Himalayan treks, it passes through villages that depend on tourism, as well as offering comfortable accommodations to tourists and trekkers.
- Region – West Bengal and Nepal
- Duration – 7 days
- Altitude – Moderate
- Approx. Trekking Distance – 14kms
- Level of difficulty – Moderate
- Best time to go – October and November
- Highlights – Monasteries, snow-capped mountains, Tiger Hill, and views of Kanchenjunga, Everest, Makalu, & Lhotse
9. The Snow Leopard Trek
The Snow Leopard Trek offers a chance to see some of India’s most endangered species while nestled among the Himalayas in Ladakh. Additionally, the scenic views add to the list of rewards for completing the strenuous hike.
- Region – Ladakh
- Duration – 13 days
- Altitude – 4,100 m
- Approx. Trekking Distance – 15.7 km
- Level of difficulty – Moderate to Difficult
- Best time to go – Mid January to February
- Highlights – Snow Leopard, Tibetan wolves, horned sheep, blue sheep, and Eurasian Brown Bear
10. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region. On this incredible trek, you will encounter rhododendron forests, picturesque mountain views, and the spectacular. You will have the opportunity to take in the beauty of rhododendron forests, picturesque mountain views, and the Annapurna Range. Since the trek lets you witness various floral and faunal species, it is also referred to as the sanctuary trek.
- Region – Nepal
- Duration – 10-11 days
- Altitude – 4130.04 m
- Approx. Trekking Distance – 60 km
- Level of difficulty – Moderate
- Best time to go – February to May
- Highlights – Buddhist culture, interaction with locals, flora and fauna
12 Essentials To Carry For Your Winter Trek
Just imagine, you’re in the middle of the white land with nothing else around you, and you realise you’re missing something you simply cannot do without? It is unlikely that we can control the weather on top of the mountains, but we can certainly ensure that you are prepared and have everything you need. Everything from the essential things to carry to basic things that make a huge difference when you are climbing through the snow. Here’s a your list of essentials:
- Trekking Shoes
- Walking Pole
- Backup with Raincover
- Head Torch
- Water Bottle/Thermos
- Snacks
- Personal Medical Kit
- Headgear
- Comfortable Clothing
- Footwear & Feet Protection
- Toiletries
- Cutlery
5 Safety Tips To Keep In Mind During Your Winter Trek
Trekking in winters is definitely one of the most beautiful experiences. However, it comes with its own set of challenges. Don’t rely on luck when you’re hiking through the trail. Be prepared for unexpected weather conditions. To help you stay safe on the trail, we’ve compiled some useful tips.
- Avoid going out alone and if you really want to make sure someone around knows where you are.
- Always carry a headlamp, the visibility in these trekking places is very low and the days are shorter too. Thus, carry a torch on you at all times.
- Wearing proper footwear is an unsaid precaution that one needs to take. Do not take a new pair of shoes for a trek, always carry something that you have worn before and that you know you’re comfortable in.
- Look out for hypothermia – The best remedy is to dress in layers of warm clothing and always keep a pair of warm clothes as a backup.
- Stay hydrated at all times!
We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know for your upcoming trek. Now it’s time to pack your bags and hit the road. Happy trekking y’all!
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