12 Best Winter Treks in India You Must Undertake

Winter treks in India open up the opportunity for thrilling adventure along with memories of a lifetime. Winter in India brings an abundance of snow to the Himalayas, which heightens the fun of undertaking difficult winter treks in India. In this blog, we introduce you to the 12 Best Winter Treks in India.

Embark on some of the most memorable journeys, such as those that one reads about only in fables and adventure stories. The scenery above all is full of exotic meadows, magical oak forests, refreshing and majestic waterfalls, lakes, remote villages, and more.

Here are the 12 best winter treks in India

• Chadar Trek – Frozen River Zanskar Trek
• Kuari Pass Trek
• Nag Tibba Trek
• Prashar Lake Trek
• Kedarkantha Trek
• Dodital Trek
• Chopta Chandrashila Trek
• Sandakphu Trek
• Har ki Dun Trek
• Chamba – Dalhousie Trek
• Dzongri Trek
• Dayara Bugyal Trek

Chadar Trek – Frozen River Zanskar Trek

The Chadar Trek in Ladakh is one of the most challenging, picturesque, and exciting winter treks in the Himalayas though also one of the toughest and most adventurous.

Surrounded by massive and steep mountainous walls, the weather is severely cold, and therefore requires thorough preparation for the excursion.

The entire stretch approximately spans 100 km, which takes about 8 days on one side depending upon the conditions.

Also, you will spend nights in caves or in spaces provided by the locals and eat the local Ladakhi food. However, despite the harsh conditions, it is one of the most memorable journeys you will ever undertake.

This Indian winter trek attracts a number of local and international tourists every year. The path of the expedition is over the frozen Zanskar River (a tributary of the Indus), which is an adventure of a lifetime, making the Chadar Trek one of the most difficult winter treks in the world.

• Maximum Altitude: About 10,900 ft. above sea level.
• Duration: Take approximately 7-9 days to complete.
• Difficulty Level: Moderate Difficulty owing to the sub-zero temperatures.
• Distance Covered: Approximately 70-100 kilometers.

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Kuari Pass Trek

Kuari Pass is an amazing trek that affords the traveler one of the most incredible sights of majestic Himalayan peaks. Marvel at Chaukhamba Range, Mana, Kamet, and Abl Gamin, stretching as far as the Tibet border. In addition, peaks such as the Changabang, Dunagiri, Nanda Ghunti, Dronagiri, Rishi Pahar, and Neelkanth are also visible.

The Kuari pass trail is also called Lord Curzon Trail in the honor of the former British Viceroy of India, who first hiked through it. Start from the village of Dhak, after you arrive at Joshimath from Haridwar by road. The trek approx. takes about 5 days to complete. A tent, a permit, a guide, and food supplies are important for a trekker to keep with them, which can be organized at the Joshimath itself.

• Maximum Altitude: About 12,763 ft. above sea level.
• Duration: Takes about 4-6 days to complete.
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate.
• Distance Covered: Approximately 33 kilometers.

Nag Tibba Trek

Nag Tibba or serpent’s peak is the highest peak in the Nag Tibba range, which is one of the three principle ranges of the Lower Himalayas besides Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal.

Perched at a height of approximately 9,924 feet above sea level, this is one of the best winter treks in India for beginners. One can see the beautiful Bandarpoonch peak as well as the Gangotri group of peaks, Kedarnath peak, snowy crests of Chanabang, and Doon valley.

The place is said to be the mythological abode of Nag Devta. The trek is full of mesmerizing flora. It passes through a mix of Deodar and Oak forests humming with a rich diversity of birds and animals. While natural beauty, in essence, the trek also offers a wonderful opportunity to observe the Garhwali way of life closely.

• Maximum Altitude: About 9,924 ft. above sea level.
• Duration: Takes about 2-3 days to complete.
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate.
• Distance Covered: Approximately 16 kilometers.

Prashar Lake Trek

Prashar Lake Trek is located at a distance of nearly 50 km from Mandi and is one of the most peaceful and offbeat treks in Himachal Pradesh. The place gets literally wrapped up in snow in winters and offers a majestic view of golden rays.

The destination of the trek is a beautiful lake with deep blue waters, held sacred by the local people. Here visit the three-storied pagoda, located just along the lake. The shrine is dedicated to the sage Prashar, who is said to have meditated here.

Reaching here one can get clear and magnificent sights of the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, and Kinnaur ranges. The trek takes about 2-3 days to cover if started from the Baggi village.

• Maximum Altitude: About 8,477 ft. above sea level.
• Duration: Take about 2-3 days to complete.
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Distance Covered: Approximately 8 kilometers from Baggi village.

Kedarkantha Trek

One of the top winter treks in India, the Kedarkantha winter trek is a beautiful trail that takes you through remote villages, expansive pastures and meadows, snowy courses, and majestic views of the great Himalayas. Kedarkantha Trek starts with a small village called Sankari. Kedarkantha is one of the easiest treks of the lot and is easily traversable by first-timers.

The destination is situated in the hills of the Tons Valley and the trail takes you through the rich and protected flora and fauna of the Govind National Park. Reaching the target, one can find the most spectacular views of great mountain ranges such as Swargrohini, Bandarpoonch, Black peak, etc. Also, the locals are extremely friendly and helpful making the journey easy and comfortable as well as an unforgettable one.

• Maximum Altitude: About 12,500 ft. above sea level.
• Duration: 5-6 days
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate. No prior experience in trekking is required.
• Distance Covered: Approximately 20 kilometers.

Dodital Trek

A dramatic and picturesque trail located at an incredible height, the Dodital trek is among the best places to trek in December in India. The hike is essentially a forest trek and it passes through some of the most beautiful thickets of Oak, Rhododendron, Fir, and Deodar.

In winters, the landscape gets entirely capped in snow. However, the campsites are relatively easy to access. Dodital is a sacred lake and home to the famous Himalayan Golden Mahseer Fish and the surrounding area is believed to be the abode of Lord Ganesha. After reaching Uttarkashi, the trekker may take a short jeep excursion to Sangamchatti, from where the real hike begins.

One can take this route via Agoda to Dodital and Darwa pass and return by the same route. Another alternative path is through Hanumanchatti through Yamunotri road to Kandola.

However, there is no facility for hikers on this route. The trek includes camping along the mesmerizing Dodital Lake as well as affording incredible views of Bandarpoonch peak and the magnificent snowy peaks of Dhauladhar. Moreover, this beautiful jungle pathway is a route between the Gangotri and Yamnotri regions.

• Maximum Altitude: About 13,615 ft. above sea level.
• Duration: Takes about 5-6 days to complete.
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult.
• Distance Covered: Approximately 27 kilometers.

Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Chopta Chandrashila trek is one of the most famous treks in the Himalayas. Located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, travel to Tunganath, the highest situated Shiva temple in India, also one of the five Kedar temples revered in Hinduism.

The hike begins beyond the temple. The trail lets you pass through stunning sights as there is little to refute, the title given to Chopta as the “Mini Switzerland of India”. Situated at the maximum altitude of 12,877 ft. above sea level, this is an all-season hike that affords you the most beautiful vision of Nanda Devi, Kedar, Trishul, and Chaukhamba peaks and an amazing all-embracing view of the Garhwal Himalayas.

Chandrashila is a short but arduous trek. However, there are fences through the path which makes walking a bit easy.

• Maximum Altitude: Approximately 13,200 ft. above sea level.
• Duration: Takes about 3-4 days to complete.
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Distance Covered: Approximately 5 kilometers.

Sandakphu Trek

Known widely as the “Trekker’s Wonderland”, Sakdakphu is the highest point in West Bengal from where you can catch some of the most unforgettable sights of the world’s highest mountain peaks of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. With some of the most fertile regions of rich flora comprising rhododendrons, magnolias, primulas, orchids, and ferns of distinct varieties, describing the path, the hike is picturesque and thrilling.

However, most of the trek lies along the India-Nepal border, therefore making the trekker move in and out of both countries. Another major highlight is the Kalapokhri or the Black Pond. It is a curious pond whose water never freezes, be it any season or weather. This is the reason why the Buddhists consider this water holy.

In addition, marvel at The Valley of Poison, known as the Bikhey Bhanjyang en route. As a matter of fact, a poisonous flower called Aconite grows here from where the valley derives its name. While the trek varies from moderate to difficult along the route, the trekker is nevertheless rewarded with beautiful sights and stunning experiences when reaching the summit.

• Maximum Altitude: About 11,500 ft. above sea level.
• Duration: Takes about 8-9 days to complete.
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate.
• Distance Covered: Approximately 45 kilometers.

Har ki Dun Trek

Har ki Dun is one of the most popular treks in India in the Garhwal region and is relatively moderate enough to let the trekkers with no prior experience slog through its paths. The trail passes through some of the most remote and least explored regions of the Garhwal region. The natives of Garwal are simple-hearted, warm, and friendly towards outsiders. Along with the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, the forested path is abundantly blessed. In fact, it is a kind of heaven for nature lovers and bird watchers.

Situated at the base of Fateh Parvat, Har ki Dun is believed to be the same site from where king Yudhisthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, ascended to heaven with a dog. During winters, the place gets completely covered with snow and offers an excellent spot for the snow trek.

• Maximum Altitude: About 11,000 ft. above sea level.
• Duration: Takes approximately 6-8 days to complete.
• Difficulty Level: Medium Difficulty. However, no prior experience in trekking is required.
• Distance Covered: Approximately 90 kilometers.

Chamba – Dalhousie Trek

With a wealth of deodar forests, the Chamba – Dalhousie trek is amazing throughout. Rendering excellent sights of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, the maximum altitude you scale is nearly 8,000 ft. above sea level.

While the path is relatively easy, the views are difficult to find anywhere else. Pass through dense forests of Kalatop – Khajair wildlife sanctuary. Experience the bliss of the Dhauladhar mountain range while you trek.

Also Read: Best Time to Visit Chamba

With its wonderful sights, cool weather, and picturesque forest path, it is very popular with regular hikers. Moreover, children also embark upon the easy trail. In addition, Khajjiar, one of the important spots is also called Mini Switzerland by the locals and tourists.

Suggested reading: Things to do in Chamba

• Maximum Altitude: Approximately 8,000 ft. above sea level.
• Duration: Takes about 3-4 days to complete.
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate.
• Distance Covered: Approximately 35 kilometers.

Dzongri Trek

Set high in the Himalayas between the imposing peaks of China, Bhutan, and Nepal, Sikkim,is the Yuksom-Dzongri pass. Blessed with unmatched beauty, the Dzongri trek is one of the most challenging treks in India.

First, you pass the forests of Rhododendron, then the valleys wrapped with lichens and moss, ultimately to might peaks. The route also offers an exciting chance for birdwatching in India. In fact, the trek is also known as the “walk through paradise”. However, it does offer a fairly difficult gradient and exertion.

• Maximum Altitude: About 13,800 ft. above sea level.
• Duration: Takes about 9-10 days to complete.
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Distance Covered: Approximately 60 kilometers from Yuksam, one way.

Dayara Bugyal Trek

When you think of the easiest treks in India, Dayara Bugyal is the first name on the list. It is perfect for beginners. Trek through scenic landscapes, dense oak forests, and lush green meadows.

In addition, climb the stunning height of approximately 10,000 ft. above sea level. Dayara Bugyal, meaning ‘meadow’ in the local language spans 28 sq. km. Besides trekking, it is also an excellent arena for skiing. Winters in India bring heavy snow to the meadow.

The trek begins from Barsu village, 45 km from Uttarkashi. Moreover, enjoy views of beautiful mountains along with a view of Barnala Tal. Also, Dayara Bugyal is among the most beautiful treks. In fact, it is particularly a favorite for many seasoned hikers.

• Maximum Altitude: About 10,000 ft. above sea level.
• Duration: 5-7 days
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate.
• Distance Covered: Approximately 27 kilometers.

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Wake up the adventurer in you and embark on one of the popular winter treks in India. Book customizable packages with Indian Holiday to Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and more places that are known for several winter treks.

Also Read:

• 16 of The World’s Scariest and Most Terrifying Skywalks
• Top 10 Ideas for Adventurous Family Vacation in India
• 16 Best Places for Camping in Uttarakhand
• Top 10 Adventure Sports in Uttarakhand
• How to reach Chamba
• Chamba Tour Package

Debashree Chakraborty

A travel writer by profession and self-professed addict to literature and travelling. Go through her penned down travel experiences on indianholiday.com