Best Winter Treks In India

Winter and its beauty never fail to mesmerize, and if you want to witness the true meaning of winter then you must not forget to put the Himalayas on your list. Himalayas, which have always been long hidden, begin to reveal their wonders the moment you set foot on their trails, and once you do, they just keep unfolding their secrets.

In this article, we've gathered a comprehensive list of the best winter treks in India, all in one place for convenience. If you are simply exploring your options in the best snow treks in India, this list will help you find the perfect winter trek that suits your interests, while also giving you insight into other incredible trails.

The Top best winter treks in India are:

• Kedarkantha Trek
• Brahmatal Trek
• Dayara Bugyal Trek
• Sandakphu Trek
• Chopta Chandrashila Trek
• Winter Kuari Pass Trek
• Chadar Frozen River Trek
• Nag Tibba Trek

1. Kedarkantha Trek

Altitude: 12,500 ft

Duration: 6 Days

Grade: Easy to Moderate

Fitness Required: Jogging or brisk walking 5 km in 35 min or 10 km in 90 min. Stairs climbing up and coming down at least 3 rounds of 100 with some bag load. Mountain climbers exercise at least 3 rounds of 20. Additional - Cycling, Swimming, Skipping and Squats.

Kedarkantha Trek, the classic winter trek located in the Uttarakhand region, provides an enchanting escape into winter’s embrace. The moment you lace up your boots and venture into this snow-clad paradise, you're greeted by a world where every step feels like a joy in a frosty wonderland. The trek begins at the charming base camp of Sankri, where the village life and the majestic Himalayan backdrop set the stage for your adventure. The summit, standing tall at 12,500 feet, rewards you with a breathtaking panorama of the Himalayan ranges such as Yamunotri and Gangotri peaks, along with the Black Peak, Bandarpoonch, and the Swargarohini range in sight. Each peak shimmers in the winter sun, which makes it the most mesmerizing snow trek in India. The trek is a celebration of winter’s beauty, a chance to connect with nature, and a memory etched in the snow. 

2. Brahmatal Trek

Altitude: 12,250 ft

Duration: 6 Days

Grade: Easy to Moderate

Fitness Required: Jogging or brisk walking 5 km in 35 min or 10 km in 90 min. Stairs climbing up and coming down at least 3 rounds of 100 with some bag load. Mountain climbers exercise at least 3 rounds of 20. Additional - Cycling, Swimming, Skipping and Squats.

The Brahmatal Trek is beloved for its snow-laden trails and panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas. Traversing through dense oak forests and wide-open meadows, this trek leads to the frozen Brahmatal Lake, which sits in tranquil isolation during winter. Along the way, trekkers are treated to spectacular views of towering peaks like Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, making it a popular choice for those seeking both adventure and peace.

3. Dayara Bugyal Trek

Altitude: 12,100 ft

Duration: 6 Days

Grade: Easy

Fitness Required: Jogging or brisk walking 5 km in 35 min or 10 km in 90 min. Stairs climbing up and coming down at least 3 rounds of 100 with some bag load. Mountain climbers exercise at least 3 rounds of 20. Additional - Cycling, Swimming, Skipping and Squats.

Situated at an altitude of 12,100 ft, the Dayara Bugyal trek is known for its vast, snow-covered meadows and provides a serene and peaceful escape, especially during winter when the meadows are blanketed in snow. The trail takes you through dense oak and pine forests, and quaint mountain villages, and finally opens up to the vast Bugyal, which seems to stretch endlessly. The gentle terrain and relatively easy grade make it an ideal winter trek for beginners, while the stunning landscapes and tranquil beauty leave a lasting impression on seasoned trekkers alike.

4. Sandakphu Trek

Altitude: 12,000 ft

Duration: 7 Days

Grade: Moderate

Fitness Required: Jogging or brisk walking 5 km in 35 min or 10 km in 90 min. Stairs climbing up and coming down at least 3 rounds of 100 with some bag load. Mountain climbers exercise at least 3 rounds of 20. Additional - Cycling, Swimming, Skipping and Squats.

The Sandakphu Trek is a legendary journey that takes you to the highest peak in West Bengal, standing at an altitude of 12,000 ft. This remarkable trek spans 68 km and offers some of the most spectacular mountain views in the region. The trail weaves through lush rhododendron forests, charming mountain villages, and pristine landscapes. As you ascend, you'll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the world's tallest peaks, including Mt Everest, Mt Kanchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt Makalu. The trek is renowned for its stunning sunrise views, where the mountains are bathed in a golden glow. Winter adds an extra layer of beauty, with snow-dusted trails and amazing views. It’s an adventurous trek that provides trekkers with the rare chance to witness the majesty of these peaks in one panoramic sweep.

5. Chopta Chandrashila Trek with Deoriatal

Altitude: 12100 Ft.

Duration: 5 Days

Grade: Easy to Moderate

Fitness Required: Jogging or brisk walking 5 km in 35 min or 10 km in 90 min. Stairs climbing up and coming down at least 3 rounds of 100 with some bag load. Mountain climbers exercise at least 3 rounds of 20. Additional - Cycling, Swimming, Skipping and Squats.

The Chopta Chandrashila Trek, including the enchanting Deoriatal, is one of the best-known winter treks in India, providing an extraordinary Himalayan experience, and offers a perfect mix of beautiful forests, frozen lakes, and snowy trails. This trek combines spirituality and adventure, taking you to the Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world before reaching the summit of Chandrashila. The summit shows the stunning 360-degree views of the Garhwal and Kumaon ranges, especially magical in winter when the snow adds to the trek's beauty.

6. Winter Kuari Pass Trek

Altitude: 12,750 ft

Duration: 6 Days

Grade: Moderate

Fitness Required: Jogging or brisk walking 5 km in 35 min or 10 km in 90 min. Stairs climbing up and coming down at least 3 rounds of 100 with some bag load. Mountain climbers exercise at least 3 rounds of 20.  Additional - Cycling, Swimming, Skipping and Squats.

Often referred to as the 'Curzon Trail,' the Winter Kuari Pass Trek is like stepping into a pristine winter wonderland, where the Himalayas unveil their beauty under a blanket of snow. Once you are there, you'll find yourself immersed in an ever-changing landscape of snow-covered forests, serene meadows, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas. The trek leads you through ancient oak forests, across frozen rivers, and to the breathtaking vantage point of Kuari Pass, where the panoramic views of Mt Nanda Devi, Mt. Dronagiri, and other towering peaks are simply spellbinding. The mountain air, the crunch of snow beneath your boots, and the serene silence of the Himalayan wilderness create an unforgettable winter trek experience that soothes the soul and ignites the spirit of adventure.

7. Chadar Frozen River Trek

Altitude: 11,100 ft

Duration: 8 Days

Grade: Difficult

Fitness Required: Jogging or brisk walking 5 km in 35 min or 10 km in 90 min. Stairs climbing up and coming down at least 3 rounds of 100 with some bag load. Mountain climbers exercise at least 3 rounds of 20. Additional - Cycling, Swimming, Skipping and Squats.

One of the most thrilling and best winter treks in India, the Chadar Trek takes you along the frozen Zanskar River. During winter, the river becomes a solid sheet of ice, creating a surreal pathway through a remote and breathtakingly beautiful region. Walking on ice, surrounded by frozen waterfalls and towering cliffs, this trek is an extraordinary experience and the best snow trek in India for those who seek adventure in extreme winter conditions. It's a challenge that tests your endurance while providing an unmatched frozen wilderness experience.

8. Nag Tibba Trek

Altitude: 9900 Ft.

Duration: 2 Days

Grade: Easy

Fitness Required: Jogging or brisk walking 5 km in 35 min or 10 km in 90 min. Stairs climbing up and coming down at least 3 rounds of 100 with some bag load. Mountain climbers exercise at least 3 rounds of 20. Additional - Cycling, Swimming, Skipping and Squats.

Located in Uttarakhand, the Nag Tibba Trek is a journey that leads you to the revered Nag Tibba Temple, dedicated to the serpent god Nag Devta. This sacred site is a highlight of the trek, adding a spiritual touch to your adventure. From the summit of Nag Tibba, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan peaks, including Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, and the Gangotri range. The trek’s snowy landscapes, dense forests, and panoramic views offer fantastic opportunities for photography, allowing you to capture the serene beauty of winter in the Himalayas. Every step of this trek brings you closer to nature and provides a chance to create unforgettable life memories.