Best Winter Season Treks in India

Trekking is an adventurous and rewarding activity to go for regardless of the season and reason. However, some treks serve the best trail, weather, landscape, and vistas at certain seasons and that becomes the main attraction of the destination. Frozen rivers, charming forests, snow-capped mountains, bone-cold weather, challenging but fulfilling summit climb, and whatnot. If you are planning to headstart your backpacker journey from the approaching winter season, here we present you with the list of Top 5 Winter Treks that you should add to your bucket list to plan the best for your next vacation.

Best Trekking Destinations in India in Winter Season

Chadar Trek

If you call yourself a thrill chaser and a biker then this trek is for you! It presents serene lakes, majestic mountains, and an irresistible trail for the backpackers. Chadar Trek dares you to cross the frozen river with the bloodcurdling sounds of ice-breaking just below your feet! Chadar Trek is a feast for the adventure seeker, which remains open to trekkers in the winter months of January and February. This trek is located at the Zanskar river. Zanskar, a small district, is found at about 105 km distance from Leh in Kargil and is the largest town of the union territory of Ladakh, India. Zankar river freezes and gets masked by a thick layer of snow. Chadar Trek is also popular as one of the toughest treks to do in India among backpackers.

Kedarkantha Trek

Kedarkantha trek is one of the most admired winter treks of the Indian Himalayas that is enjoyed by beginners as much as adept trekkers, photography enthusiasts, and adventure chasers. Famous for its bewitching summit climb, unique campsites, and clearings along with the charming forests and aesthetic sunsets, Kedarkantha Trek is a splendid experience with a great elevation of 12,500 feet. This trek takes you over the remotest villages in the bone-cold weather in the winter season. Perched at the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, it boasts unworldly beauty with stunning lakes, mountains, rivers, and majestic Himalayan peaks. Kedarkantha trek difficulty is moderately easy trek difficulty. The temperature stays around 8°C to 15°C during the day and drops to  -5°C to 3°C at nighttime, a perfect winter pack!

Deoriatal-Chandrashila Winter Trek

In Uttarakhand, resting at the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is a trek at a high altitude of 12,083 feet. It is best defined by its wilderness, a great summit, wildlife, and as one of the best winter treks in India for its thickly layered snow landscapes during winters. It offers travelers to capture the charm of winters and enthralling sight from its summit that covers views of not only one but breath-taking vistas of Mt Trishul, Mt Nanda Ghunti, Mt Kamet, Mt Dunagiri, Mt Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome, Mt Kedarnath, Mt Thalaysagar, Mt Nanda Devi which is the highest mountain in India, and others. That’s a whole pack in a trek! Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek stretches for approximately 6 days offering a moderately easy journey that excites many.

Kuari Pass Trek

Kurai Pass is celebrated by backpackers for awarding sight of India’s most extraordinary mountains altogether, namely, Mt Nanda Devi (25,673 feet) and Mt. Dronagiri (23,182 feet). What’s more, the Kuari Pass welcomes trekkers all year round! However, this trek is best preferred during the winter season for the enthralling views of snow beautifully decorating the forests and trees, covering the region with a white carpet. Kuari Pass is a moderately easy trek that stretches for good 4 days or could be extended to 6 days if introduced from Rishikesh. Well, the trekking starts from Tapoban, which is a small village near Joshimath in the Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand.

Goechala Trek

Another very admired trek that submits a close-up view to the third giant Mt Kanchenjunga and the Singalila range from the Dzongri top. The Goechala trek is popular and is often found highly recommended for the distinguished views it offers. Elevated at an astounding height of 16, 207 feet, it grabs the attention of thrill chasers with a whole pack offering panoramic views, attractive flora and fauna, a challenging ascent, and the Kanchenjunga National Park with ultimate serenity and raw beauty. Goechala’s big summits are surely not meant for the faint-hearted. Post a tough climb it presents relaxing sunsets and the mornings with the pleasing sunrise. The magical view of Samiti lake is the highlight of this trek, surrounded by the much-needed peace and calmness that is beyond the words to explain. Goechala is a 10-day trek with a difficult trek to the summit. One must put work on health and fitness before unlocking this experience.

Triund Trek

One of the easiest and most sought-after treks in the state by both beginner and experienced trekkers; the Triund trek has its admirers from all over the country. Best known for its mesmerizing views of the Kangra valley and the mountains of the Dhauladhar ranges, the Triund trek is also a paradise for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is ideally visited during the months from May to October.