Top 5 Winter Treks in India
The peak trekking season in the Himalayas starts from mid may and ends in October but with these winter treks options for trek in the Himalayas one can trek in Himalayas through out the year. These winter treks are at lower altitude and shorter in distance but that doesn’t mean they are the easy treks, some of them are demanding because extreme weather conditions in winters.
Winter may not be best months to venture high into the Himalayas, but for the rewards are high too the 360 degrees views of snow clad peaks and pristine wilderness makes it hard to resist.
Here are 5 winter treks in India where you can Enjoy Snow !!
Chadar trek or the Frozen River Trek in Ladakh is the world famous trek over the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh during the winter months of January and February. Chadar Trek Temperature during the trek regularly drop below -20 Celsius. This ancient trek in the Himalayas was the only way during the winter months for locals Zanskar Region to commute to only market of Leh City. Chadar trek is one of the most famous winter treks in India and is now the most glamorous and exotic trek in the Himalayas.
Max. Altitude: 3300 m
Duration in days: 8 -12 days
Grade: Moderate to Difficult
Winter Trek best time: Jan Feb
Distance: 70 – 100 KMs
Must to do: Selfie with Frozen Waterfalls
Kuari Pass trek winter treks is the most famous trek in Garhwal region of India. This trek was discovered by Lord Curzon, the Viceroy in India, and since than it has come to be known as Curzon’s trail amongst the trekkers from Europe and America. During winter this trek offers the clear views of some of the highest peaks in India including Mt Kamet (7756m), Mt. Chaukhamba (7128 m), Mt. Trishul (7120 m) and the famous twin peak of Nanda Devi (7817 m).
Max. Altitude: 4268 m
Duration in days: 4 -6 days
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Winter Trek best time: Dec to Feb
Distance: 27 KMs
Must to do: Capture first sunlight on 7000 m peak
Kedarkantha peak lies in the Govind Wild life Sanctuary and National Park in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The drive to Sankri (From where the Kedarkantha trek starts) is one of the most picturesque drives in the Himalayas through Mussoorie, Barkot, Purola, Mori, Netwar, Motwat along the Tons River Kedarkantha peak trek is one the easiest treks in the Himalayas to enjoy thick snow cover.The Kedarkantha trek campsite is great for birding and surrounded by beautiful snow peaks.
Duration in days: 4 -6 daysMax. Altitude: 3500 m
Grade: Easy
Winter Trek best time: Dec to April
Distance: 20 KMs
Must to do: Make your first Snowman
Dodital is situated at an elevation of 3050 metres surrounded by oak woods, pine, and rhodendron forests. The lake is home to the famous Himalayan Golden Mahseer fish and its an ideal beginner’s trek in the Garhwal Himalayas. This trek includes camping alongside the beautiful Dodital (Dodi Lake) before traversing the Darwa Pass. The pass affords impressive views of the mighty Bandarpunch peak and the snowy ridges of the Dhaula Dhar. After heavy snowfall crossing Darwa pass becomes technical and requires special equipment. There are interesting side trips, including a foray to Yamunotri and the Bandarpunch Base Camp from this trek.
Duration in days: 5 – 7 days
Grade: Easy
Winter Trek best time: Dec to Jan
Distance: 27 KMs
Must to do: Feed the fish in Dodital Lake
Bugyal in the local mountain dialect means “High Altitude Meadow”. The Dayara Bugyal trek is one of the most beautiful treks in Uttarakhand, situated at an elevation ranging from 10,000 – 12,000 ft. The vast meadow of Dayara Bugyal is second to none in natural beauty in Uttarakhand. There is an immense possibility for Nordic as well as Alpine skiing on these 28 sq km meadows. During winters you can stay in vacant shepherd huts which provide great warmth.
Max. Altitude: 3600 m
Duration in days: 5 – 7 days
Grade: Easy
Winter Trek best time: Dec to Feb
Distance: 27 KMs
Must to do: Stay for a night in Shepherd’s hut