Winter season brings a different mood to different people. Some of whom love to cuddle up in a warm blanket all day long and binge watch movies, others seek and yearn for adventure and fun. While we cannot do anything for those who are planning to spend their winters tucked in the coziness of blankets, we can, however, provide insight into things to do for the latter kind of people.
The opportunity of thrilling adventures and bucket loads of fun is something you’d not want to miss these winters. Trekking is the ultimate adrenaline-boosting activity to do in winters. Now the real question arises, which places will be the best for winter treks? Worry not, as we bring you the top winter trekking destinations in India that are bound to satisfy your soul. Here are the best winter treks you must consider before venturing out haphazardly. Gather your wits and be ready to hike through snow-clad mountains of the Himalayas, narrow pathways and dense hedges.
Stok Kangri Trek
Deserted surroundings, ridges, lofty mountain, thick snow, picturesque views, green patches, chilling water bodies and steep valleys will welcome you when you trek to Stok Kangri Trek. It’s a perfect trekking destination for first-time trekkers who wish to foray into the mountaineering world. Climbing the mountain is a tiring and enduring task that requires a good amount of stamina, both mentally and physically. The key hurdle of trekking in this trail is presence of low oxygen that can make give you headaches, nausea and altitude sickness. The view of Zanskar valley and Indus valley will cast a magical spell on you.
Facts to Know
- Trekking distance: 40 Km
- Trekking duration: 2-5 days to reach base camp (might vary depending upon schedule and fitness level).
- Maximum altitude: 20,000 Ft (approx).
- Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult
- Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh
- Approx temperature: -20 to 10 degree centigrade
Malana Village Trek
Malana is a solitary village tucked in Malana Nala, a side valley of Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh that is known for its distinctiveness. The village has its unique dialect that is called raksh (language devils used when they resided here) and exemplary customs that make it all more special. Hashish is the main source of income of the villagers earning it the moniker of ‘hashish village’ of the nation. Wrapped in mystery, a trek to this village is something you won’t be able to resist. In the chilliest winters, trekking Malana is a challenging activity yet soul-satisfying one. The view of the valley is something you will never forget in this lifetime. Interestingly, the villagers think that they are the descendants of Alexander the great’s soldiers. Want to join them in this conversion? Head to Malana and know by yourself.
Facts to Know
- Trekking duration: 2-4 days
- Maximum altitude: 8000 Ft (approx).
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport
- Approx temperature: 0.5 to 10 degree centigrade
Chadar Trek
The frozen Zanskar river trek ‘Chadar Trek’ is the most sought-after trekking trail in the country that is meant for adventure freaks who love challenges and are physically and mentally fit for it. Walking on the frozen bed of ice is enough to give you chills and adrenaline rush you seek. Spend the night in caves or with locals and eat Ladakhi food to make your journey a memorable one. While trekking, the mesmerizing beauty of the mountains is going to make you lose yourself in nature. The trek is extremely dangerous yet full of fun and excitement and deserves to be taken once in this life.
Facts to Know
- Trekking distance: 62 Km
- Maximum altitude: 11,000 Ft (approx).
- Difficulty level: Difficult
- Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh
- Approx temperature: -5 to -15 degree centigrade (day) and -20 to -30 degree centigrade (night).
Kedarkanth Trek
Kedarkanth trek is another popular winter trek in India that boasts of incomparable picturesque views of the mountains, lush pastures and meadows, snowy trails, remote villages and giant pine trees. Even though the trek is available round the year, but winters enhances the fun and frolic of climbing the ascent. Rare views of the campsites wrapped in the warmth of nature will never leave your eyes.
Facts to Know
- Trekking duration: 4-5 days
- Maximum altitude: 12,000 Ft (approx).
- Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport
- Approx temperature: 8 to 15 degree centigrade (day) and -5 to 3 degree centigrade (night).
Har Ki Dun Trek
In the bosom of Uttarakhand, lie numerous trekking trails that are no less than dream-come-true for many adventure admirers. One such amazing winter trek is Har-Ki-Dun treks that take you to some of the most appealing alpine meadows, pine forests, and snow-clad mountains and soothe your eyes. This deserted land is enriched with lush biodiversity and home of some of the rare and endangered birds and animals. The view of untouched regions of Garhwal from the peak is absolutely a rewarding experience. The trek is ideal for both novice and professional trekkers.
Facts to Know
- Trekking duration: 4-5 days
- Maximum altitude: 12,000 Ft (approx).
- Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport
- Approx temperature: 10 to 15 degree centigrade (day) and 2 to 5 degree centigrade (night).
Dayara Bugyal Trek
Wish to trek a place with heavy snowfall? Then you must plan for Dayara Bugyal trek right now. The picturesque view when climbing the mountain will make you spellbound. The trek is ideal for all even the ones who are new to the trekking world. The rich meadows make it the most ideal sport for skiing. Barnatal Lake, alpine prairies, speck of huts, rhododendron flowers, grazing sheep is likely to make you nostalgic of the bygones era when everything simple looked the most sophisticated. The tranquility that you feel here is second to none in terms of ethereality.
Facts to Know
- Trekking duration: 4-5 days
- Maximum altitude: 12,000 Ft (approx).
- Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport
- Approx temperature: 10 to 15 degree centigrade (day) and 2 to 5 degree centigrade (night).
Brahmatal Trek
The uplands of Uttarakhand attract thousands of tourists to trek its gorgeous alpine trails. One of the most sought-after treks is of Brahmatal that offers an exquisite view of the land and that of glacial lake with the Himalaya overlooking it. You will encounter oak trees, narrow paths, tiny houses scattered around the region thereby creating a too-good-to-be-true ambience. The warm glow of sun will make you forget about the freezing climate when your trek the place.
Facts to Know
- Trekking duration: 4-5 days
- Maximum altitude: 12,000 Ft (approx).
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport
- Approx temperature: 8 to 15 degree centigrade (day) and 0 to 7 degree centigrade (night).
Deoriatal and Chandrashila Trek
Talk about offbeat winter treks, we have Deoriatal and Chandrashila trek that is all about adventures and adrenaline rush. No matter if you a wildlife enthusiast, nature lover or adventure junky, the path to Chandrashila peak is going to imprint your heart. This wintery wonderland is undoubtedly the perfect winter treks in India that attract thousands of tourists towards it. The magnetic charm of the place loaded with lush forest, snow-capped peaks, teeth-rattling climate and ice-cold river gives unusual calm to the equally haunting land.
Facts to Know
- Trekking duration: 4-5 days
- Maximum altitude: 12,000 Ft (approx).
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Approx temperature: Varies day and night (bone-chilling cold at night)
Sandakphu Trek
If you wish to experience cultural differences and distinct traditions, then Sandakphu is your ideal winter trek destination. On the border of India and Nepal, the trek blesses you with the magnificent views of four of the tallest mountains in the world (Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu and Mt. Kanchenjunga). The clear sky, crisp air, rich flora are bound to make you fall in love with the place so much so that you won’t be able to resist visiting it. Don’t forget to capture the black pond (whose water never freezes no matter the season) on your camera as it is considered holy by Buddhists.
Facts to Know
- Trekking duration: 4-6 days
- Maximum altitude: 12,000 Ft (approx).
- Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
- Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
- Approx temperature: 8 to 15 degree centigrade (day) and -5 to 5 degree centigrade (night).
Dzongri Trek
Rugged terrain of Sikkim calls out to the heart of travel enthusiasts from across the country. Dzongri trek is a noted trekking destination known to be one of the most beautiful trekking trails in the country that gives competition to the most challenging ones. Standing atop the peak, you get glimpses of monasteries, tea plantations, sunrise, and popular places in the land. The hiking route is extremely safe to take and is likely to steal your heart within a matter of time. The trek dips in and out of Nepal so you might get confused in which country you are hiking. Overall, it’s a great winter trek in India to enjoy and unleash the adventure enthusiasts inside you.
Facts to Know
- Trekking duration: 3-4 days (based on your schedule and fitness level)
- Maximum altitude: 13,000 Ft (approx).
- Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
- Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
