A common mistake trekkers make is to rush adventure. Winter is not a short season in the hills. In fact, it is longer than summer. It lasts from November till March and snow piles all through. While summer is the season to chill out in the mountains to escape Delhi heat, winter is when the most beautiful views become available for shutterbugs. Nothing beats warm Maggi with the view of snow-capped peaks, except the view from those peaks. Be careful of Weather Warnings in Himachal Pradesh though!
1. Dayara Bugyal
This trek is perfect for beginners and families. It’s the emblem of low risk high returns because the views on this trek are easily achieved. The path is covered with white meadows in the winter. The snow truly makes this a one of a kind experience. Summer here feels like a completely different trek altogether. If Trekking Is The Only ‘High’ You Like, Here Are 10 Best Treks From Mumbai
Where: Taknaur Renge, Uttarakhand
Difficulty in winter: Easy-Moderate
Highest altitude: 11,978 ft
Duration: 6 days
Available in: November – March
2. Brahmatal
This is famously known as one of the most beautiful treks in India. Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti proudly paint the skies at the top of this trek with the Roopkund trail laid below at bird’s eye view. Pro tip: skip this one in December because the crowds might hamper your experience. Enjoy A Cup Of Coffee At The World’s Highest Cafe In Nepal
Where: Uttarakhand
Difficulty in winter: Moderate
Highest altitude: 12,250 ft
Duration: 6 days
Available in: November – February
Also read: Uttarakhand Bans Pan Masala And Gutka
3. Kedarkantha
This trek has major bucket list vibes. The thrilling summit climb comes after crossing fantastical campsites. The trail is always bustling with people. Go the OG way if you want to meet and bond with people who left everything behind for 6 days just like you. If some peace and quiet is what you’re looking for then check out new trails to old ways and take Kotgaon instead of Sankri. Kedarnath Temple Opens For Uttarakhand Pilgrims
Where: Singtur Range, Uttarakhand
Difficulty in winter: Moderate
Highest altitude: 12,500 ft
Duration: 6 days
Available in: October – April
4. Har Ki Dun
This trek is shaped like a cradle! It’s on a hanging valley by the riverside for maximum awestruck aftertaste. People who have conquered this trek always think of it as their best living experience. It’s the perfect way to close the year and start the next. Escape Delhi into this challenge which we have to say requires physical strength and schedule flexibility due to snow. Uttarakhand To Have India’s First Snow Leopard Conservation Centre And Six City Forests.
Where: Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand
Difficulty in winter: Moderate
Highest altitude: 11,811 ft
Duration: 9 days
Available in: October – April
5. Kuari Pass
Pristine oak and deodar trees line the way dressed in white. This winter trek is extremely popular among trekkers. The view from the top ranges tall and wide. Adjacent peaks like Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Hathi-Ghodi Parvat and Dronagiri grace climbers with their presence. The downward climb is just as rewarding with the view of India’s favourite ski trails in Auli. Uttarakhand’s Gorgeous Valley Of Flowers Now Open To Tourists.
Where: Uttarakhand
Difficulty in winter: Easy-Moderate
Highest altitude: 13,990 ft
Duration: 8 days
Available in: December – April
Also read: Rohan Tyagi Paraglides With His Dog, Nawab In Himachal Pradesh At 3,500 Feet
6. The Sainj Valley Trek
This is the perfect getaway for adrenaline junkies. Your next summit is just a weekend away. Pine trees covered in snow makes this trek look like a scene from a movie. The path is split into clearings and grasslands, so you can dip your toe in different landscapes but in the winter all you’ll step on is magical white grains. Experience The World’s Deepest Aqua Trek Experience Now In Dubai
Where: Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Difficulty in winter: Easy-Moderate
Highest altitude: 6,890 ft
Duration: 2 days
Available in: January, February, March
7. Snow Leopard Trek
It’s all about sighting snow leopards on this tough trek. There are a few endangered species of birds and animals that pass through this trek too. Tibetan wolves, horned sheep, blue sheep and Eurasian Brown Bear are some of the animals that make this trek worthwhile. The rich Rumbak Valley is visible from viewing point on the way! Go Backpacking In Himachal And Live In A Camp For Rs 899 Only!
Where: Ladakh
Difficulty in winter: Moderate-Challenging
Highest altitude: 13,451 ft
Duration: 13 days
Available in: January – February
8. Parashar Lake
This one is for the first timers and hiking groups. It’s a short trip with a huge payout. Guides and porters still wait at the beginning of the trail to guide families and youngsters. Dhauladhar mountain range proves to be a great before and after spot with Kangra and Dharamshala there. The Prashar Lake itself makes for a beautiful view. Prashar Lake: Mini Switzerland In Himachal Pradesh
Where: Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
Difficulty in winter: Easy
Highest altitude: 8,860 ft
Duration: 1 day
Available in: December – February
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All kinds of treks and trails line up in winter for Delhi to flee the smog. Go on New Year’s Eve if you really want some alone time or avoid December crowds and pick another time. Snow lasts until April. It’s up to you to decide how much you want to commit to the wild!
First Published: August 25, 2020 6:56 PM