Best Himalayan Treks for Winters

Winter is the season that magnifies the charm of the Himalayan treks and transforms them to an unparalleled delight to behold. Although the beauty of almost every trek varies with the seasons, there are some treks which attain their prime charisma after snow has covered the trail. So, here we have listed out some of the best Himalayan treks for winters that are worth a climb.

Kedarkantha trek

• Maximum Altitude: 12,500 ft approx.
• Duration: 6 days
• Grade: Easy to moderate
• Starting Point: Sankri, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
• Minimum temperature during winters: -5 to -10 degree Celsius

This is one of the best Himalayan treks that awaits your arrival during winters. Enwrapped in a blanket of snow, it delights the trekkers with stunning sunsets, panoramic view of Swargrohini and Bandarpoonch ranges as well as the Dhauladhar ranges, pristine beauty offered by the Juda ka Talaab, and the beautiful campsites. It is a moderately easy trek so even if you are planning for your first snow trek then Kedarkantha trek is surely the one.

Chadar Trek

• Maximum Altitude: 11,150 ft approx.
• Duration: 8-9 days
• Grade: Challenging
• Starting Point: Leh, Jammu & Kashmir
• Minimum temperature: -25 to -30 degrees Celsius

One of the most coveted and best Himalayan treks for the winter season, Chadar trek takes you on a ride of some exclusive adventures. As the term “Chadar” means ‘a blanket’, you trail atop the Zanskar river which gets blanketed with a sheet of ice during winters. It is a challenging trek and requires proper acclimatisation along with some experience in high altitude trekking. As it is located in the Ladakh region, you witness cultural as well as natural diversity. Moreover, walking over a frozen river with the gigantic mountains standing tall throughout the trail promises a once in a lifetime experience.

Prashar Lake trek

• Maximum Altitude: 8,900 ft approx.
• Duration: 2 days
• Grade: Easy to moderate
• Starting Point: Baggi Village, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
• Minimum temperature: 0 to -8 degrees Celsius

This is one of the lesser populated treks in Himachal Pradesh located around 50 km from Mandi. As the snow covers the region, the pristine vistas are sure to take your breath away. The temple beside the mysterious lake, whose depth hasn’t been measured yet, adds to the tranquillity of the region. Trekkers are welcomed with the stunning views of Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, and Kinnaur range accompanied by the cool breeze and the delightful locals.

 Read Also: Best Treks in Himachal Pradesh

Deoriatal Tungnath Chandrashila Trek

• Maximum Altitude: 13,450 ft approx.
• Duration: 5 days
• Grade: Easy to moderate
• Starting Point: Sari Village, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
• Minimum temperature: -5 to -10 degrees Celsius

Another most sought-after winter treks in Uttarakhand, Deoriatal Chandrashila trek starts at Sari leading you to the pristine Deoria Tal. As you proceed further, you will see that where there had been lush greenery, now rests the mystical charm of the snow along with the legends of Lord Chandra, the Moon-God, and Lord Rama. There is also located one of the Panch Kedar, Tungnath, which is also the highest located temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the world. As you reach the Chandrashila peak, you witness the best of the views of the Nanda Devi, Kedar, Trishul, Nandaghunti, Kamet, and Chaukhamba peaks.

Dzongri La Trek

• Maximum Altitude: 13,700 ft approx.
• Duration: 8-10 days
• Grade: Moderate
• Starting Point: Yuksom, West Sikkim
• Minimum temperature: -10 to -15 degrees Celsius

Cradled in the region of Western Sikkim, Dzongri trek leaves the trekkers mesmerized with the striking views of Kangchenjunga ranges from the Dzongri top. It commences from Yuksom, the first capital of Sikkim, and trails towards Dzongri and you find yourself trekking through a jungle which is covered in a snowy blanket. You also experience a pinch of excitement when you cross the swaying wooden bridge over the Prek Chu river. The trail ascends gradually, apart from some patches of steep ascend, and as you reach the Dzongri top, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Jhopuno, Mt. Kabru, Mt. Koktan, and Mt. Thenchinkhang.

Brahmatal Trek

• Maximum Altitude: 12, 250 ft approx.
• Duration: 6 days
• Grade: Moderate
• Starting Point: Lohajung, Chamoli, Uttarakhand
• Minimum temperature: -5 to -12 degrees Celsius

This is one of those treks which has somehow managed to stay away from the eyes of humungous crowds and hence acts as a wonderful host. Brahmatal trek is one of the best Himalayan treks to do in winter as the frozen glacial lakes, Bekaltal and Brahmatal, provide a scenic delight along with the ultimate thrill of walking through the woods over the sheet of snow. The views from the Brahmatal summit offer a feast for the eyes to devour on the sights of some of the highest mountain peaks of Uttarakhand in their snow-cladded glory.

Dayara Bugyal Trek

• Maximum Altitude: 12,000 ft approx.
• Duration: 5 days
• Grade: Easy to moderate
• Starting Point: Barsu/Raithal, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
• Minimum temperature: – 5 to -10 degrees Celsius

There is something special about this trek which makes the trekkers go gaga over it and that’s its allure and easy accessibility. During winters, the meadows of Dayara Bugyal get beautifully enwrapped in snow and as you trail your way, you witness the snow-covered mountains journeying with you. This is a favourable snow trek even for the beginners and camping in the snow is a pleasure in itself which is accompanied by the thriving views of Bandarpoonch and Srikhand Mahadev.

Kuari Pass Trek

• Maximum Altitude: 12,510 ft approx.
• Duration: 6 days
• Grade: Easy to moderate
• Starting Point: Dhak Village, Joshimath, Chamoli, Uttarakhand
• Minimum temperature: -5 to -12 degrees Celsius

Winter is the prime season to unravel the beauty of this trek as the environment becomes soothing and peaceful. Kuari Pass is a beginners’ trek which is famous for its splendid views of the peaks including Hathi Ghoda, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Mukut Parbat, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, and Nilgiri. The trail passes many remote villages and you also witness the Dhauli-Ganga river after you’ve reached Dhak which is located around 10 km from Lata. The erstwhile lush green meadows are snow-covered during winters and as you reach the Jhandi top, the spectacular panoramic views offer you the reward for all your efforts.

Dodital Trek

• Maximum Altitude: 9,900 ft approx.
• Duration: 6 Days
• Grade: Easy to moderate
• Starting Point: Sangam Chatti, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
• Minimum temperature: -5 to -10 degrees Celsius

This is yet another trek in the Himalayas which brims with ethereal beauty as winter arrives and the snow coats the region in pristine white. Favourable for beginners, Dodital trek is an absolute delight and has rest-houses on the way as well as a lodge at Dodital while many trekkers prefer to spend their nights in camps. The lake abounds in Fresh Water Golden Masheer, a freshwater fish, and one can also sight some birds in the region which is surrounded by pines and oaks. Legend has it that Lord Ganesha chose Dodital as His abode, hence, there is a temple dedicated to Him.

Auli Gorson Bugyal Trek

• Maximum Altitude: 10,330 ft approx.
• Duration: 6 days
• Grade: Easy
• Starting Point: Auli, Joshimath, Chamoli, Uttarakhand
• Minimum temperature: 5 to -5 degrees Celsius

Auli, the ski capital of Uttarakhand, proves to be an amazing host during winters. Gorson Bugyal is a beautiful meadow located at a distance of around 3 kms from Auli. It is an easy winter trail and encourages novices to walk in snow and gaze at the majestic grandeur of Nanda Devi Peak. The deodar and oak trees also enhance the trail and skiing at Auli is another major attraction offered by the place.