INTRODUCTION
The Winter Treks are becoming more popular due to the exotic nature of the winter trails in the Himalayas. Ranging from frozen lakes and rivers, heavyset snow glistening like diamonds, snow-covered peaks, white carpeted trails, frozen waterfalls to the serene beauty of a white Christmas like landscape, a Winter Trek in the Himalayas is the complete experience of a lifetime. You will be pleased to choose from some of the most famous Himalayan winter treks like Kedarkantha, Chadar and Brahmatal. The comparatively less popular yet amazing treks like Markha Valley Winter Trek, Spiti Homestay Winter Trail, and Panwali Kantha to stunning summit winter treks like Pangarchulla and Nag Tibba.
The winter laden sceneries and trails bring a unique side of the Himalayas, one that is different from all else. With everything under a thick blanket of snow, the valleys have a surreal appearance. Every step you walk on the trek on the crisp white snow sends echoes that shatter the solitude of the Himalayas. That’s how stunning it is. Frozen waterfalls, rivers and lakes make you witness how everything just bolsters the beauty as they add to the background so gracefully. The trees are seasoned with snow showing the vivid green and white colours that just so perfectly stands out in the oceans of white snow spreading across the big winter landscapes and peaks.
With that let’s jump into the top winter treks to do in India.
Ali Bedni Bugyal
Its difficulty level is easy to moderate. It is located in Lohajung, Uttarakhand. The duration is 6 days. Ali Bedni Bugyal is a trek that’s hard to find. This gives it any season, and it will have something to surprise trekkers with. In summer, it’s the vivid colours of the meadows. In winter, it is the thick forests covered with snow and the clearings in them. Also, the up-close views of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti, are two of the most famous mountains among trekkers.
Some to keep in mind would be: This is an extremely unique trek that hardly some people trek out on. If you’re looking for a beautifully secluded experience, choose this.
Dayara Bugyal Winter Trek
The difficulty level is easy to moderate. It is located in Raithakal, Uttarakhand. The duration is 6 days. This is a trek everyone simply loves because it’s such a serene climb and this gives you such great returns. You never expect to find such views and experiences on such an easy trek. In winter, it’s even prettier with the meadows blanketed in glittering white snow.
One thing to keep in mind is: Given how easy it is to climb, this trek is especially good for families and beginners in winter. Don’t let that stop you if you have experience in trekking. You can go on this trek multiple times and you won’t feel bored. It is also recommended to those who have already seen it in another season. It’s completely different in winter.
Brahmatal Winter Trek
The difficulty level is easy to moderate. It is located in Raithakal, Uttarakhand. The duration is 6 days. This is every trekker‘s favourite. You can stand at the summit, with a riveting view of the two most celebrated mountains, Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti. You can see the panoramic view of the Roopkund trail laid out before you, literally a bird’s-eye view. It is highly recommended for grand snow experiences. Most trekkers can’t shut up about the snow here. Also, be mentally prepared because it has some tough climbs.
Deoriatal – Chandrashila Winter Trek
The difficulty level is easy to moderate. It is located in Sari, Uttarakhand. The duration is 6 days. This is a trek everyone loves. It used to be one of India’s most widely known winter treks. The rage died down when the forest department shut down some crucial campsites. However, now new alternative campsites have come up. So we’re always jotting this on our list as this is a great trek.
The trail, of course, remains serene with its vibrant forests, the lake and the climb to the Tungnath temple and Chandrashila summit. One thing to keep in mind is: This trek is a highly unfair reward for the amount of effort you put in. You get to see almost all the most stunning peaks in the Indian Himalayas including Mt Nanda Devi, India’s highest summit. Also, you get to experience snow in winter.
Kedarnath Trek
The Kedarnath trek difficulty level is moderate. That means it is suitable for beginners. The Kedarnath trail is filled with Dense pines and Oak forests, open meadows & snow during winters. It is located in Uttrakhand. The base camp is located in Sankri, 200 km from Dehradun. The trek altitude is about 6,000 ft at Sankri to 12,500 ft. at Kedarkantha Peak. The Kedarnath trek distance is about 25 km. The trek will span up to 4 days. The best season to do this trek is December to April.
The Kedarkantha trek commences from the small village of Sankri in Uttarakhand located at a height of 6,000 feet. With wide-set views of snow-covered peaks almost throughout the trail, the Kedarkantha trek takes one path through dense pine and oak tree forests, frozen lakes and snow-filled trails towards the Kedarkantha peak located at a rise of 12,500 feet. The complete trek takes around 4 days commencing from Sankri and back, apart from extra days for travelling from Dehradun and more.
That’s all folks! Make sure to try all our suggestions. Until next time.
