Best Winter Treks To Do In the Himalayas

Trekking in the winter season has to be one of the best experiences for a trekker. Conquering the summit, hustling your way up to the trail, and the sense of accomplishment that follows. 

The Himalayas and Winter treks go hand-in-hand, with the glory of the majestic mountain ranges becoming tenfold when covered in snow. It is indeed irresistible to miss out on the best winter treks to do in the Himalayas. In addition to unpacking your rucksack full of clothes after coming back from a trek, you will have a lot of beautiful memories to unpack and cherish. 

With a long list of things to do before going on this memorable experience and adventure, deciding a destination is at times the most difficult task you may encounter. To make things easy with our best efforts, we carefully curated a list of the Best Winter Treks to do in the Himalayas. 

Best Winters Treks in the Himalayas that every Trekker would love:

1. Kedarkantha Trek 

Overview of the Kedarkantha Trek: 

About Kedarkantha Trek: 

Nestled in Uttarakhand at a steering elevation of 12,500 ft is the exhilarating Kedarkantha Trek. It is among the most popular treks and attracts numerous beginners as well as experienced trekkers towards itself. The name literally translates to “The throat of Lord Shiva”. 

In the winters, this majestic peak gets showered with beautiful snow that covers the entire trail like a thick blanket. The most aesthetically pleasing view from the summit, and the picturesque trails are not the only highlights of Kedarkantha. In addition, the folklore that popularly surrounds Lord Shiva and this peak makes this experience both adventurous as well as spiritual. 

This 20 km long trail goes around the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, adorned with beautiful pine trees and lush green meadows. Additionally, the Black peak, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Swargarohini ranges are some of the most prominent peaks and ranges visible from the summit. 

The Kedarkantha Trek is beginner friendly as it comes under the Easy to Moderate category when it comes to the difficulty level. The Kedarkantha Trek allows you to take a glance at captivating Himalayan villages, fragranced coniferous trees, serene rivers, and a heavenly sky. Needless to say, this trek will leave imprints on your soul and will be a soothing experience that you will cherish. 

Best Time To Do the Kedarkantha Trek: 

Heading for a Kedarkantha Trek is a thrilling experience in itself. In addition, going for the trek in the months of December, January, February, and March double-up this thrill and fun. Even though this trek is cold throughout the year, these months receive extra love in form of snowflakes making it breathtakingly beautiful. The best time for Kedarkantha Trek is these winter months as the thrill and scenic beauty that you get to experience is unparalleled. 

Recommended Read: Best Post-Monsoon Treks to do in the Himalayas

2. Brahmatal Trek

Overview of the Brahmatal Trek:

About Brahmatal Trek: 

A relatively offbeat trek that traverses through unexplored trails, Brahamatal is perfect for all those who seek solitude in the mountains. This trek is stretched to 24 km and has the most mesmerizing trail filled with snow.

Interestingly, it is the only trek in winter that leads to an alpine lake along with providing a stunning view of the majestic Himalayan Ranges. This is just one of the reasons why it is one of the best winter treks to do in the Himalayas to experience the frozen alpine lake. 

Sunsets are indeed one of the most beautiful natural phenomena but when you are on a trek to Brahmatal, this is the one thing you can’t miss out on. The majestic colors that seem to paint the sky make for an extraordinary experience. 

As adventurous as this trek gets, it also, in addition, offers mesmerizing viewpoints which makes it an all-around trek. With the opportunity to have a glance at the centuries-old forest of Oak and Rhododendron. A stunning view of the Himalayas including Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti and a visualization of the magnificent Roopkund Trek are the highlights of the trek. 

In addition to being a trekker’s paradise, it is a photographer’s paradise as well. With the stunning view, and ample opportunities to capture the beautiful snow-covered trek.

Best Time To Do Brahmatal Trek: 

To explore this exquisite trail, and unravel what it has in store, the best time to do the Brahmtal trek is the months from December to February for the white snow and panoramic beauty. In addition, the spring months such as March and April are popular choices of months to climb up this beautiful trek as the last snow starts to melt, and the trail is accessorized with Rhododendron and other blooms. 

Top Read: Best Summer Treks to Do in 2022

3. Kuari Pass Trek 

Overview of Kuari Pass Trek: 

About Kuari Pass Trek: 

Curled up in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas is the stunning Kuari Pass trek, which is yet another popular winter trek.  

Also known as the Lord Curzon trail, the story behind it is as interesting as the name. It is designated after the first individual to accomplish this hike in 1905, a former viceroy of India during the British Raj. The history behind this makes it a popular attraction not only to people in India but to foreigners as well. 

At an altitude of 12516 ft, Kuari Pass Trek offers a rare glance at Mount Nanda Devi which is India’s second-highest peak. The beautiful trail is naturally crafted in a way that the trekkers get to witness tucked away nearby hamlets such as Dhak, Guling, and Khullara where you would get to have a better look at Uttarakhand’s local culture and traditions. 

In addition, you have the opportunity to camp in spectacular locations. Be it in the Chitrakantha forests or in the Khullara meadow in the silhouette of Mt Dronagiri, thus every campsite will leave you in wonderment of the scenery. It is among the top choices of trekkers from the best winter treks to do in Himalayas. 

Best Time To Do Kuari Pass Trek: 

When deciding to go for a Trek to Kuari Pass, make sure to peek into the months of autumn as they are considered ideal to do this trek. The months from September to early November are the best time to do the Kuari Pass Trk. The greenery tinged with colors of autumn and pleasant weather makes the trek an easy and memorable one. In addition, the winter months of late November to February bring the adventure that experienced trekkers seem to enjoy and get the most out of. 

Suggested Read: Himalayan Trek Essentials – Things to carry

4. Dayara Bugyal Trek 

Overview of Dayara Bugyal Trek: 

• Altitude: 12100 Ft.
• Trek Length: 22 Km
• Duration: 4 Days
• Difficulty Level: Easy To Moderate
• Base Camp: Raithal
• Nearest Town: Uttarkashi
• Pick and Drop: Dehradun To Dehradun
• State: Uttarakhand

About Dayara Bugyal Trek: 

Dayal Bugyal and beautiful meadows are like synonyms. This trek feels like a breath of fresh air, with splendid scenery all around. At an elevation of 12,100 ft, this trek comes in the category of easy-to-moderate treks you can do. 

Bugyal is the local name for meadows or green pasture land at higher elevations. When covered with snow during the winters, it is indeed a sight to behold. This trek brings all the beauty packed with adventure.

If you are someone who is just beginning their trekking journey in the snow and are looking for a trek with just the right amount of adventure that doesn’t exhaust you, then, Dayal Bugyal trek is indeed a perfect match for you. With the beautiful views that feel too good to be true, this adventure would be as delightful as it can be. 

In addition to this, you get to take a gander at Bandarpoonch which is also closely linked with this trek. Along with this, Draupadi ka Danda and John Lee are also visible from the base camp. 

Best Time To Do Dayara Bugyal Trek: 

Trek to this mesmerizing place will be one of your core memories of life. The best time to make these memories while being on a trek to Dayara Bugyal is the months from May to November as you get to experience this trek with comparative ease and the beauty is unmatched. Additionally, during the winter months, it is on the receiving end of pure white snow which attracts many trekkers. 

Recommended Read: Hampta Pass Trek Guide

5. Har ki Dun Trek 

Overview of Har ki Dun Trek: 

• Altitude: 11700 Ft.
• Trek Length: 53 Km
• Duration: 7 Days
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Base Camp: Sankri
• Nearest Town: Mussorie
• Pick and Drop: Dehradun To Dehradun
• State: Uttarakhand

About Har ki Dun Trek: 

Perched compactly on the Gharwal Himalayas’ hinges is this oldest Himalayan trek. At a staggering elevation of 11700 ft, Har Ki Dun is a popular trek among the community. Along with this authentic and exquisitely raw trail, you get to have a closer look at villages that are even 2,000 years old. 

The name literally translates to the “Valley of Gods’’. It is considered to be the path that the Pandavas took on their way to heaven. Hence, Har Ki Dun Trek route along with aesthetically pleasing views also has a spiritual history. It is quite interesting to think about how you could be walking on the same trail as Pandavas. 

Being the oldest Himalayan Trek, the trail greets you like an old friend. There is an adventure with comfort. The route also leads you to experience the Swargarohini group of peaks, Bandarpoonch, as well as the Black peak. 

One of the lesser known facts is that it is also known as a hanging valley owing to its cradle-shaped mountains. Going for a trek here is indeed a must among the best winter treks to do in the Himalayas. You can never have a bad time in this gorgeous place, with the most stunning views. 

Best Time To Do Har ki Dun Trek: 

Trek to this valley of Gods is an experience like no other. The best time to dwell on this adventure is from April to Mid-June as the gates get reopened after the heavy snow. Along with this, even the months from October to Mid-November are the best time to do the Har Ki Dun trek because of less harsh snowing, and pleasant chill weather in addition. The trail is beautifully covered with snow making it appear to be a true paradise. 

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6. Chadar Trek

Overview of the Chadar Trek: 

About Chadar Trek: 

Chadar Trek is the most popular and difficult winter trek of all time. This is what makes the experience a thrilling one. Chadar means ‘Blanket’, adn this trek is named so because of the trail of this trek consists of walking on the frozen Zanskar river which is covered in a thick blanket of ice.

At an elevation of 11,100Ft, this trek in Ladakh offers you to witness a frozen waterfall that is Nerak Waterfall, which makes for a breathtaking experience. The thick glass-like structure of the frozen river acts like a mirror, with the reflection of the sky along with the majestic mountains on either side, providing a dramatic view to the onlooker.

In addition to the adventure and thrill of trekking on this one-way Chadar Trek, you also get to know and experience the Zanskari and Ladakhi cultures. The experience itself is worth all the hardships that come along on this trek. There is a high possibility to encounter some rare animals such as snow leopards, blue sheep, and Ibex.

Trekking on Frozen Zanskar Lake is nothing less than feeling that you are trekking on the North Pole. With the harsh winters, arranging food, and walking on a thick layer of frozen snow, it is indeed a complete package filled with adventure and thrill. To note, in addition to being the most popular and difficult trek, it is also the longest trail to trek on.

Best Time To Do the Chadar Trek: 

Undoubtedly winter is the best time to go for a trek to this frozen lake in Ladakh. With the temperature going up to -25 degrees Celsius, this freezing weather is best suited. January and February are the best months for the Chadar Trek. Trekkers from all around the world patiently wait for this adventurous trek. Indeed because of the harsh winter, the Chadar trek is the toughest winter trek in India and among the best winter treks to do in the Himalayas. 

Recommend Read: Things To Pack For Leh Ladakh – Travel Essentials

If merely reading about the best treks to do in the Himalayas has got you all excited for the adventure, then experiencing the adventure that awaits will be stored in your folder of best memories. Come along with us!