Top Winter Treks of India and the Himalayas

Trekking is one of the best ways to experience nature at its best. Apart from promoting physical activity, a trek can provide you with moments of self-reflection. Fortunately, there are many great treks for the winter season in India, with the difficulty level ranging from moderate to extreme.

Following are the five great winter places to visit in India trekking routes you must undertake to experience the joy of trekking: 

• Brahmatal Trek

• Sandakphu Trek

• Chadar Trek

• Laka Glacier Trek

• Kedarkantha Trek

1.  Brahmatal Trek

Route:- Starts from Kathgodam to Brhmatal via Loharjung and Bekaltal-and back

Duration:- 7 days

It is one of the best treks in December and yet grossly underrated than the more famous Roopkund trek. Right from the first day of the trek, you are greeted with the lush green forest. At Wan, you get to see some of the oldest Oak trees in India; some are centuries old. 

Another attraction is the dedicated Rhododendron forest section outside Bekaltal on your way to Brahmatal. Finally, you can see the riveting view of Mt Nanda Ghunti and Mt Trishul.

Also Read: 5 Trekking Places in South India

2.  Sandakphu Trek

Route:- Starts from Dhotrey to Sandakphu via  Tonglu and Garibas-and back via Phalut, Gorkhey, Rammam and Rimbik before finally ending in Darjeeling.

Duration:- 7-8 days

One of the best winter treks in India, the Sandakphu trek is moderately difficult and can be ideal for beginners. It’s the only trek in India where trekkers can see four of the tallest mountain peaks in the world- Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makau.

Most of the trek goes through the Singalila National Park. If you’re lucky enough, you can spot the elusive Red Panda during the trek.

3.  Chadar Trek

Route- Begins at Chilling in Leh, and then trekkers go to Zaribago village. Next, go to Deepyokma village. After that, another 6 hours trek to Naerak Pullu. From here, a 4-hour trek finally to Lingshed. On the way back, the pitstops are Nyarakpulu, Tso Mopoaldar and Tilatdo before finally reaching Chilling.

Duration:- 9-10 days

This snow trek in India has been made famous by countless social media pictures of people crossing the frozen river. In Laddakh, the temperature goes down well below -30°C in the winter, freezing the Zanskar river, a major tributary of the Indus river.

Crossing the frozen river on foot across the barren Ladakh landscape is an experience of a lifetime. The trek poses numerous challenges in the form of ice rocks and boulders that you need to climb in freezing cold. It is advisable to have enough acclimatisation before proceeding on the trek.

Also Read: 5 Activities You Must Tick Off from Your Winter Checklist

4.  Laka Glacier Trek

Route:- Start trekking from Mcloedgunj to Triund before finally reaching Laka Glacier and back through the same route.

Duration:- 2-3 days

This short winter trek in India can be ideal for beginners. The fascinating trek provides an ample view of the enticing Dhauladhar mountain range dotted with Oak, Deodar and exotic Rhododendron trees. Finally, you can camp at the graceful Laka Glacier and enjoy the night alongside the bonfire with friends and fellow trekkers.

5.  Kedarkantha Trek

Route:- Start at Sankri in Dehradun and reach Kedarkantha base via Juda ka Talab. Nex trek to Kedarkantha peak and finally trek down to Sankri via the same route.

Duration:- 6 days

The Kedarkantha trek is one of the most popular winter trekking places in India, liked by both beginners and seasoned trekkers. The 6-day long trek in Uttarakhand’s Govind Pashu Vihar National Park takes you through beautiful high-altitude forests dotted with clearings, rest spots, and campsites.

The steadily steep climb during the entire stretch can be challenging for many. But, once you reach the summit, the unparalleled view gives you a strong sense of accomplishment and closure.

Also Read: 5 Top Winter Treks in Uttarakhand

Life is nothing but a trek. Pack your bags, put on your trekking shoes, and set out on a winter trek for an unbelievable trekking adventure through the narrow ridges. The mighty snowcapped Himalayas await you.