Trekking in itself is a challenging journey on foot to scale the altitude
of mighty mountains. Add to it the ambience offered by winters, and the challenge increases
multifold. TopWinter Trek in India in the Himalayas is usually from November till the end of March. It
is not a favourite season for lethargic trekkers. But it is a golden
opportunity for the energetic souls and adventure buffs, who seek adrenaline
rushes with every breath. The difficulty bar is raised quite a bit due to
higher altitudes and lower temperate. It’s a unique wilderness experience
that offers breathtaking views of mighty mountain peaks veiled with pure,
white snow.
Winter Treksoffer abundance when it comes to quiet, expansive snowscapes. Trekkers
often lose the sense of time, while treading the footsteps left in the
snow. For a few, Winter Treks are an excuse to step out of their
comfort zones while for others it’s an escape from monotonous, cacophonous
city life.
Kuari Pass Trek is a beautiful place in Uttarakhand. This trek gained popularity
around the 1900s when some eminent personalities of the British era undertook
this route. Some names of British enthusiasts include Eric Shipton, Bill
Tilman, and the very well-known Lord Curzon. It’s important to note that the
trail of this trek is called the Curzon Trail. “Kuari Pass is one of the most beautiful treks of winter. The temperature usually
does not go below -8C, making it a moderate trek,” says Rakesh Pant, ”It is a luxurious walk through Himalayan meadows. The beauty is so
picturesque that you forget the toughness of the trek. Several peaks grab your
attention – like Nanda Devi, Neelkant, Dronagiri, and Mukut Parbat. You get a
chance to have a close look at these famous peaks during this trek. This trek
also allows you to walk through the jungles of Oak and Deodar trees. This
jungle is home to many wild animals like Leopards, Himalayan Black bears, and
a few others. Rhododendron flowers are also seen abundantly. These
bright-coloured flowers are used for soft drinks and are known for some
medicinal use as well. The highest point of the trek, Kuari is at
13990 ft and offers an extraordinary view of the world. The trek also lets you
visit Auli, a famous skiing destination. “What mesmerised me was the pure
white carpet of snow that covered every inch of what my eyes could capture.
Sheer bliss,” says Neha Mohta travel blogger and a trekker with Trek the
Himalayas.
2. Kedarkantha Trek - Uttarakhand
Region:
Uttarakhand
Duration:
06 Days
Grade:
Easy to Moderate
Max Altitude:
12500 Ft.
Approx Trekking:
22 km.
Best Time to Go:
December to April
Best Moment to Capture:
The sight of being dwarfed by mountain
peaks
Kedarkantha Trek is quite possibly the most pursued snow journeying route in India. With
falling winter snow it’s a hypnotising pictorial view and what’s more
alluring, is the perspective on the Mighty Himalayas from the path right to
the top. Settled at a stature of 3810 metres which is around 12,500 feet this
is an ideal journeying trail which covers a merged distance of 20 km. The list
of best winter trekking is incomplete without mention of this classic winter trek. It is a perfect blend of scenic views, walks through remote Garhwal
villages and of course, the joy of trekking on snow. It will be surprising to
know that the winter snow sets in by mid-December and usually stays up until
mid-April. Located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park in
Uttarkashi, Kedarkantha is one of the easiest winter treks.
3. Brahmatal Trek - Uttarakhand
Region:
Uttarakhand
Duration:
06 Days
Grade:
Easy to Moderate
Max Altitude:
12000 Ft.
Approx Trekking:
22 kms.
Best time to go:
November to January
The best moment to capture:
The sight of being dwarfed by mountain peaks
For someone who has never been on a winter trek, Brahmatal Trek is a must on the list for this winter. Situated
in Uttarakhand, the trek offers ample opportunities to
experience winter like never before. It is a wonder of winter with just the
right amount of snow to tease the trekkers and give them a taste of
what winter trekking is like. The trail seamlessly
binds adventure with ease to present an experience that is a magnet to avid
trekkers. This unique trail passes through vast forests with high peaks
following you wherever you go. With a few peaks touching 7000 metres, the
experience of treading the path is truly an enchanting one.
“I have been part of many trekking but this one is beyond describing in words.
It’s a real fantasy. It’s like I am beholding paradise with my open eyes.
Every click is arresting,” says Vaibhav, a photographer and trekker
with Trek the Himalayas. Thesewinter treks, along with a few others amp up your trekking experience in the cold times.
The beauty of these trails can rival some of the best trekking trails in the
world. No matter how much we write about this trekking, it can only be felt
once you trek these expenses personally. And if you’re lucky, you can peep
into the lives of the locals as they live and breathe the Himalayas every
single day. Truly, time stands still, as you walk on the snowy paths,
following the footsteps of trek leaders. And when you look up, it’s as if the
moment is frozen in time. Just for you.
4. Dayara Bugyal Trek - Uttarakhand
Region :
Uttarakhand
Duration :
6 Days
Grade :
Easy To Moderate
Max Altitude :
12,100 Ft.
It is a well-known fact that with the winter season comes the unbearable cold
and snow on the path brings additional challenges. Yet, no one can deny that
the dove-white snow also brings immense adventure with alluring mountain
views. Dayara Bugyal Trek is the best choice, which is comparably
easy plus offers sublime highlands. The huge pastures and meadows cover
themselves with a blanket of white snow to protect their creatures from the
shivering cold. Walking on this white carpet seems like walking on a frozen
sea with beautiful flowers and alpine trees around you. “We have purposefully
planned a trail passing through Barnala Lake. It is a flawless mirror
reflecting the mesmerising beauty around it,” says Rakesh Pant. As you rise you will find clear views of the snow-laden Bandarpoonch,
Gangotri, and Shrikanth peaks. Hiking and camping under the snow-coated alpine
forest cover under the glistering dark sky will rejuvenate you for upcoming
surprises. Dayara Bugyal Trek is suitable for all age groups of trekkers. “We get positive reviews
from kids. They are true admirers of nature. Dayara has become a
favourite amongst them,” says Sandeep Rawat.
5. Sandakphu Trek - West Bengal
Region :
West Bengal
Duration :
6 Days
Grade :
Moderate
Max Altitude :
12,000 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km :
46 kms.
Every trekker wants to get to the top of the world someday. High above the
clouds such that the other mountains look like an island floating between the
ocean of the clouds. One must appreciate and feel the beauty of the top from
the low before getting to the high.
Sandakphu Trek makes
this wish come true for every mountain lover. The highest peaks of the Earth,
Makalu, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, and Everest clustered together stand tall as you
try to capture their glimpses. With the cold season, the snow gets filled in
the cracks and gullies from the cap to the land. One cannot stop guessing
about climbing up them to get to the mountaintop. “We are excited to introduce
Sandakphuthis season. I am eager to see the happiness
our trekkers would experience on this unique trail”, says Rakesh Pant. The entire trek route passes to and fro the Indo-Nepal border, presenting a
blend of cultural and geographical variations of the Nepalese and the Indian
land. “This trek is worth it in all the seasons. Just to see how Sleeping
Buddha formed by Kanchenjunga range changes its colour in the early sunlight,”
remembers Pooja, a TTH trekker. The trail also takes you to the Singalila
National Park, which is flooded with flora and fauna, cheering you up at every
step. Unexpectedly, one can also witness the alpine lake Kalapokhri Lake,
seamlessly merging with the white wonderland.
6. Chopta Chandrashila Tungnath Tal – Uttarakhand
Region :
Uttarakhand
Duration :
6 Days
Grade :
Easy
Max Altitude :
13,100 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km :
30 km.
A compelling winter trek, Chopta Chandrashila Trek will take you through snow-filled highlands, camp by a pristine icy
lake, meandering forest trails, stop at an ancient temple filled with myths,
and finally, present a jaw-dropping summit vista. Some of the mightiest peaks
of the Garhwal Himalayas—Chaukhamba, Bandarpunch, and Kedar Range rise to
vision on this trek from early on and maximise your chances of awe-inspiring
peak photography. This trail gets especially inviting in the winter because
light pours down upon the enchanting Himalayan scene with the quality of the
liquid diamond and the clear blue skies provide the perfect backdrop. Trekking
to Chopta Chandrashila Trek in the winter, you will find no dearth
of snow and all the peculiar challenges that come with it. Nevertheless, The
trek remains a most recommended one, graded easy and okayed for beginning
trekkers even in the peak of a snowy winter. “I passed through Rohini Bugyal
two years ago in spring when the trail was overcome with the red of
rhododendrons but winter has transformed the path into a canvas of sparkling
snow. The experience of winter deepened as we went further and climaxed at the
summit of Chandrashila after a truly challenging climb.” relates Anuran a
regular Himalayan explorer who trekked with TTH one winter.
7. Chadar Trek
Region:
Ladakh
Duration:
9 days
Grade:
Difficult
Max Altitude:
11,123 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km:
75 kms.
Best Time to Go:
Mid-January to mid-February.
The Best Moment to Capture:
Trekkers in awe of frozen waterfalls
This is a dream of every avid trekker – from India and across the world. It
derives its name from the thin layer of ice formed over the Zanskar River
in Winter. “Chadar is one of the most challenging treks. The temperatures
at the trail can go as low as -30C, which calls for ample physical and mental
endurance,” says Rakesh Pant, founder-partner
of Trek the Himalayas. At an altitude of 11,123
feet, you need to be ready for some frozen surprises. The 9-day trek covers a
distance of approx 75 km – most of which is on the ‘Chadar’.
Continual walking on the ice makes the icy layer thin down a bit or in some
places, even break. The sweet gurgling sound of the river is music to ears and
a hint towards an adventure lying ahead. Emily Bridger, a
trekker with Trek the Himalayas says, “The Chadar trek is an unforgettable experience. I have travelled worldwide but here I
have witnessed some of the best natural views. The experience has made a mark
on life.” “The difficulty level of the Chadar trek is quite high. We recommend it only to seasoned trekkers who have built
good stamina and high fitness levels,” says Sandeep Rawat, founder-partner Trek the Himalayas.