Top Winter Treks to Do in December: Best Snow Trails

“No camera can capture what your eyes can capture.” This is the truth that cannot be neglected; hence, the beauty and magic of the Himalayas in December can never be fully captured in any photograph, nor can they ever be fully explained in words.

December is that time of year when mountains are covered with the freshest coat of snow, the dense pine or oak forests get transformed into a majestic silver landscape, and all the campsites in the Himalayas start to look like a winter wonderland from a fairy tale.

So, if you wish to experience and spend your holiday season in some place that is a perfect blend of safe, scenic, and soul-stirring views, then you have come to the right place.

We have compiled a list of some of the best winter treks to explore in December, each with its own charm, challenges, and unforgettable memories waiting to be made.

Kedarkantha Trek

Considered one of the most popular winter trek destinations, Kedarkantha is the trek that offers everything that a trekker wishes to experience while being on a winter trek. It is a trek that is a perfect blend of snow-laden forest, mesmerising frozen campsites, thrilling summit push, and a perfect 360-degree view of the Himalayan mountains.

Why is December the perfect time to visit Kedarkantha Trek?

To witness the knee-deep snow and a golden sunrise from the summit, as well as at the Juda-Ka-Talab, while the temperature keeps dropping to -10°C, visiting the Kedarkantha Trek in December is the best destination to pick to experience all of it at once. There you will get an opportunity to experience things like-

• The mesmerising view of the frozen Juda-Ka-Talab lake.
• The fresh snowfall turns the trail into a white wonderland.
• 360-degree summit view of Black Peak, Bandarpoonch, and other Himalayan ranges.
• Golden sunrise and sunrise from the summit view.
• Opportunity to stargaze in the clear sky while surrounded by the mountains.

Who should visit the Kedarkantha Trek?

The Kedarkantha trek is a perfect choice for all the beginning trekkers, solo trekkers, and seasoned, experienced trekkers who wish to experience the beauty of the mountains in the snowy season.

What makes it memorable?

The best and most memorable part of this trek is reaching the summit at 12,500 ft and witnessing the sun rising from behind the Kedarkantha peak; that image is something that will be etched forever in your mind.

If you’d like to learn more about the Kedarkantha Trek package, just click on the link and plan your trip accordingly.

Brahmatal Trek

Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the Brahamtal trek offers stunning panoramic mountain views and an enchanting winter landscape that is equipped with a perfect mythology tale. Speaking of this palace, the ancestors used to say that the name” Brahmatal” was given because there was a time when Lord Brahma used to meditate here. Therefore, whenever you walk through the sacred trail of this route and stand beside the frozen lake, especially during December, a spiritual calmness can be felt there.

Why is December the perfect time to visit the Brahmatal Trek?

Although the Brahmatal trek looks absolutely breathtaking in all seasons but no season comes as near to the beauty of the winter season. In December, the trail of the Brahmatal trek tends to turn into a white paradise. As you keep walking, the forest surrounding the trail starts to look absolutely dreamy. Upon reaching the Tilandi view of the meadows looks so beautiful, and lastly, the Brahmatal lake near the summit, since it's frozen, the reflection of the giant mountain peaks surrounding it can be seen clearly.

In fact, to know about what Brahmatal has to offer you can check the complete seasonal guide of Brahmatal trek.

• A fresh snowfall covers the trail of the trek with a thick layer of snow.
• Mesmerising view of Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti as they shine under the rays of the sun.
• A view of a frozen alpine lake - Brahmatal lake that looks extremely magical at the top.
• Opportunity to take a quiet stroll through the beautiful Oak and Rhododendron forest, while enjoying camping in the snow during evening time.
• A perfect view of the golden sunrise and sunset from the Jhandi Top and Brahmatal Top.

Who should visit the Brahmatal Trek?

The Brahmatal trek is a perfect trek for those who love to experience the beauty of nature in solitude, are fond of capturing nature’s beauty in a photograph, and like to take a stroll in the deep forest.

What makes it memorable?

The trail, the panoramic views of Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, and most of all the sense of spirituality with a perfect blend of calmness and solitude, is what makes this trek a visual treat you won’t get anywhere else.

So, if you want to know more about the Brahmatal Trek package, just click on the link and plan your trip accordingly.

Chopta Chandrashila Tungnath Trek With Deoriatal

Located in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas, the Chopta Chandrashila Trek is a perfect trek to enjoy the scenic beauty and visit a place that holds spiritual significance while surrounded by the mountains. It is a sacred summit that is often shrouded in heavy snow during the winter season. If many of you are not aware, the word Chandrashila means “Moon Rock”, referring to it being a sacred place.

Why December is the perfect time to visit the Chopta Chandrashila Tungnath Trek with Deoriatal?

December is the perfect month of the year to visit Chopta Chandrashila, as:

• This month, the dense forest that surrounds the trail of this trek turns the path into a dreamy atmosphere.
• While a high spiritual spirit can be felt around the Tungnath Temple, as the soft snow surrounds it.
• The climb to Chandrashila’s top offers a breathtaking sunrise view that will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty.
• The clear 360-degree view of the Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamb, can be witnessed.
• Lastly, the stunning reflection of the mountain peaks can be seen in the frozen Deoriatal Lake.

Who should visit the Chopta Chandrashila Trek?

This trek is a perfect choice for beginners, families who wish to experience snow in the mountains without going to high altitudes, and lastly, those who want to visit some easy yet incredibly rewarding winter treks.

What makes it memorable?

Watching the first light of the day fall on Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba peak, and then getting an opportunity to offer prayers at the highest temple of Lord Shiva.

If you’d like to learn more about the Chopta Chandrashila Trek package, just click on the link and plan your trip accordingly.

Dayara Bugyal Trek

Located in the district of Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. The Dayara Bugyal is a trek that offers one of the most majestic and scenic views of alpine meadows and magnificent peaks, including Bandarpoonch and the Gangotri range. As winter approaches, the region transforms itself into a serene snowfield perfect for beginners and photographers.

Why is December the perfect time to visit the Dayara Bugyal Trek?

A few things that make the month of December the perfect time to visit the Dayara Bugyal trek are:

• The view of the Dayara region turning into a pristine white wonderland with a thick layer of fresh snow.
• A clear and grand view of peaks such as Black Peak, Srikant and most of all the Gangotri ranges can be seen clearly.
• Opportunity to take a stroll through the dense forest of the Oak, Maple and pine forests as the snow has covered the trail of the trek.
• The gentle slope of the trek makes it ideal for first-time trekkers as the route is well-guided and includes fewer ups and downs.

Who should visit the Dayara Bugyal Trek?

The Dayara Bugyal trek is ideal for individuals who wish to experience the beauty of the Himalayas with their families, those who are new to trekking, and lastly, those who want an “easy yet unforgettable” winter experience.

What makes it memorable?

The perfect 360-degree panorama view from the top, and a clear view of the entire Gangotri range standing tall before you, is what makes this trek so mesmerising and unforgettable.

If you’d like to learn more about the Dayara Bugyal Trek package, just click on the link and plan your trip accordingly.

Sandakphu Trek

Located in the Eastern Himalayas of the West Bengal-Nepal border at 12000 Ft. The trek is considered one of the unique trekking wonderlands because you will witness the famous “Sleeping Buddha” range, and apart from that, it's the only trek from whose trail four major peaks are easily and clearly visible. This once-in-a-lifetime view is equipped with a chance to take a walk through the rhododendron and magnolia forest of the Singalila National Park, with a trail shrouded in a thick layer of fresh snow.

Why is December the perfect time to visit the Sandakphu Trek?

In December, the Sandakphu trek has so much to offer to witness and admire the beauty of nature, such as:

• Panoramic view of some of the tallest peaks, like Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.
• Then, the majestic view of the "Sleeping Buddha" as it glows golden at sunrise.
• The trails get transformed into a white paradise of snow.
• It's a trek that offers perfect trekking weather without making trekkers go through high-altitude treks.
• On this trek, you will get an opportunity to experience the unique culture of the Nepali, Sherpa, and local Himalayan traditions throughout the trail of this trek.

Who should visit the Sandakphu Trek?

The Sandakphu trek is perfect for those trekkers who wish to explore the mountains, and while exploring, they want to learn about new, different cultures, want to gain long ridge walk experience and last of all, witness the grand, perfect view of the mountains.

What makes it memorable?

The mesmerising view of the “Sleeping Buddha” while watching the sky turned into a perfect shade of red and orange during the sunrise and a little shade of pink at sunset time is what makes this trek memorable.

If you’d like to learn more about the Sandakphu Trek package, just click on the link and plan your trip accordingly.

Winter Kuari Pass Trek

The most beautiful trek, which turns into a winter wonderland, is the Winter Kuari Pass Trek. The beauty of the pristine, snow-covered trek at such an altitude is unparalleled. This trek is the perfect blend of beauty, rich biodiversity, enchanting snow-covered forest and some of the most scenic panoramic views of the mountain peaks.

Why is December the perfect time to visit the Winter Kuari Pass Trek?

The beauty of the Winter Kuari Pass trek is absolutely unmatched in December as

In fact, to know about what Winter Kuari Pass Trek has to offer you can check the detailed guide of kuari pass trek.

• The meadows around the Gorson transform into perfect, rolling white slopes.
• The Oak forest is completely covered with snow, while the peaks get a thick layer of snow over them.
• Clear and grand view of Nanda Devi, Hathi Ghoda, and Kamet peaks.
• You will be able to do the camping while surrounded by the blanket of stars and snowy landscapes.
• Breathtaking golden hour view of the sunrise and sunset from the top of the campsite.

Who should visit the Winter Kuari Pass Trek?

This trek is perfect for those who want to and can manage an ideal balance of facing moderate challenges, while witnessing open landscape views and having an understanding of the Himalayan history.

What makes it memorable?

As you will be standing at the Winter Kuari Pass, you will be viewing a panoramic arc of giant mountains before you, and in that moment, you will feel so alive, so close to nature and will feel so humble that the memory of it will always be etched in your mind.

If you’d like to learn more about the Winter Kuari Pass Trek package, just click on the link and plan your trip accordingly.

Conclusion

Trekking during December, which is also the prime month of the winter season, is so much more than just reaching the summit point. In reality, the trekking journey is all about those moments you spend on the trek to reach the summit point is what matters the most.

The feeling of hearing the crunching sound of fresh snow under your boots, sharing warm meals with strangers who become friends and capturing the moment when a ray of sunlight shimmers upon the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas is what makes treks in the Himalayas. Standing in solitude, surrounded by the mountains, will help in finding a calmer version of yourself.

So pack your layers, lace your boots, and choose one of these winter wonderlands, as the Himalayas get ready to welcome you to witness their beauty in December.

FAQs

1. What are the main safety concerns to do treks like- Winter Kuari Pass or the Kedarkantha Trek?

The main safety concerns a trekker might experience during the Kedarkantha trek or the Winter Kuari Pass trek are an extreme drop in temperature, or the trail of the trek will be covered in such a thick layer of snow that walking will be difficult and exhausting too.

So, to prevent yourself from such situations, firstly, make sure to wear warm layers of clothing and secondly, to maintain your balance and grip on the snow, make sure to wear trekking shoes and equip them with micro spikes.

2. Are winter December treks suitable for trekking beginners?

Absolutely, many of the winter treks like the Kedarkantha Trek, Dayara Bugyal Trek and Brahmatal trek offer a perfect easy to easy-to-moderate route to the beginners, their routes are rather safe as compared to other winter treks. Although good physical preparation and carrying a set of proper gear will still be required for the trekker's safety.

3. Which are the top Himalayan treks to do in December?

The most popular treks to do in December to experience the beauty of the Himalayas are -

1. Kedarkantha Trek
2. Dayara Bugyal Trek
3. Brahmatal Trek
4. Chopta Chandrashila Trek
5. Sandakphu Trek
6. Winter Kuari Pass Trek

4. Among the Kedarkantha Trek and the Brahmatal Trek, which trek experiences heavy snowfall during winter?

As compared to the Kedarkantha trek and the Brahmatal trek, it’s the Kedarkantha trek that receives heavy snowfall during winter, as compared to the Brahmatal trek that receives deep snowfall. This is because Kedarkantha’s summit is more exposed and catches direct western disturbance. While the Brahmatal trek’s summit is located in a much sheltered zone, resulting in less snow deposition naturally.