Why Winter Himalayan Treks Are Truly Magical

Himalayan winters’ charm is unexpectedly captivating. Plunging deep into this landscape at this time can give an experience that you just can’t remove from your memory ever. That said, winters bring a huge buzz and excitement in the trekking community because hiking lovers are eagerly looking forward to having a ball. For the same reason winter trekking in India is also going to see a profound weather transformation in the coming days.

So one wonders what’s there in winters in the Himalayas? Or why, in the first place, should we choose to plan our next expedition in this season.

It’s a well known fact that the natural attributes of this landscape are in epic proportions. At one instant you are spellbound by its ethereal beauty, the next moment you are stuck in challenging terrain. However, these cooler months unveil something magical in the Himalayan winter treks for sure.

The reasons for such astonishing winter months in the Himalayas are too compelling to pull yourself back.

Why you should plan your next Himalayan trek in winters:

Enhanced Snowy Landscapes

With the onset of winters, the great Himalayan region turns into a dreamy canvas of sparkling white color. The snow creates a peculiar magic in its own way and morphs the whole surrounding like a wonderland. This is the reason why many snow treks in the Himalayas become the centre of attraction during this period. Anywhere you run your sight, you will just find snow-draped landscapes.

The alluring snowy trails will create a picture-perfect scenery to your eyes. Also, the trees in the backdrop are extremely soothing so that you would want to cherish forever what’s in front of you. The surroundings get even more panoramic when you witness a fresh snowfall enroute your destination. In India, the Kedarkantha trek is one such trail where you witness a full display of a wide canopy of snow.

Majestic Mountain Visuals

Although mountain peaks are snow-clad in the Himalayas all year round, the fresh snow cover uplifts the magic all the way from bottom to top. So the Himalayan winter trekking is essentially incomplete without having been closer to these peaks. The clear skies with no polluted air provides an exceptional view of the surrounding mountains. Also, at certain areas the sharp elevation may pose some risk, but a sturdy Himalayan trekking gear can work wonders for hiking.

The mighty Himalayas are also known as “The Roof of the World” and this roof can surprise you in every possible way. The remarkable peaks of winter months become even more gleaming when the sunrays fall on them at certain angles. Quite obviously, this is a rare opportunity to experience for the rest of your life. In terms of these glaring features, Kuari Pass Trek is one of the best winter treks in India. This is a high-altitude breathtaking track widely known for its beauty and splendour.

Otherworldly Frozen Wilderness

The actual surreal beauty of the Himalayas emerges at far below zero degrees. That said, when you see everything frozen around you, it just gets more magical with every passing moment. When a thick layer of snow blanket solidifies, the beauty of various geographical figures and formations gets amplified. One such amazing landscape is Chadar Trek, also known as frozen river trek in the Himalayas. This famous trek is in Ladakh and is considered as one of the most captivating alpine water bodies.

The snow-draped vistas and icy riverbeds are some of the prominent attributes of winter months. At certain times of the day they will appear miraculously inviting to you. However, a little risk is also there whenever you roam around amidst frozen landscapes. Well, with strong grip shoes, warm winter trekking clothing, and walking poles, you can overcome these challenges.

Other magnificent frozen entities of winters are towering Himalayan glaciers. These are basically frozen rivers, which look like a true wonder to watch. Many adventurous souls are passionate about them and often go to visit and experience them.

Enchanting Sunrises and Sunsets

Nothing is so fulfilling as watching sunrise and sunset over the Himalayas. Catching these glorious moments must be on your bucket list for many reasons. The Himalayan treks with massive elevation are enchanting unto themselves, they become even more mesmerizing during sunsrise. With a squeaky clean atmosphere, snow-laden conifers, peculiar silhouettes, and outstretched meadows is truly incredible in winters. This spectacular display of nature renders the whole landscape a completely different realm.

Himalayan winter trekking is the holy grail of all the journeys that you can make into nature. Every path you cover, every slope you pass through, and every place you visit, has a timeless tale to tell. Himalayan sunrises and sunsets are an unforgettable experience for that matter. At one place, a majestic sunrise will lure you out of your sleeping bag, while the bright, golden sunset of another place will startle you like never before.

Tranquility and Serenity

The Himalayas are already known for their pristine and divine atmosphere. To this day, the landscape hasn’t lost this magical charm. People want to experience the Himalayan tranquility because it gives them a sense of belonging. The spiritual peace is so obvious that there are moments when silence speaks louder than words. This is among those few places in the world where you make a deeper connection with nature.

The winter wilderness greets you with a uniquely refreshing environment with crisp, cool air and crystal skies. So if you want to take a break, move to a well-isolated place and go through spiritual healing, the Himalayan winters are the right choice for you to do the trek.

More Fun and Adventure

Although winter months in the Himalayas are challenging, the experience they give you back is rewarding in equal proportions. There are people who only seek comfort throughout their trekking journey, but there are some who crave for thrills during the winter adventure in the Himalayas. So the winter season provides you with a unique and fulfilling experience in these highlands.

Beautiful winter landscapes usually have towering peaks and serene valleys, which are instantly mood-lifting. People have more ways to have fun and enjoyment while hiking. Some are so obsessed with thrill activities that they just can’t wait for winters to arrive. Activities such as skiing and snowboarding are becoming common as a way to have fun.

Top 7 Himalayan Winter Treks that You Must Do:

Now that you are well-understood how amazing winters are for trekking and sightseeing, you must also be aware of some of the exceptional treks to enjoy during the season.

Kedarkantha

A perfect destination for winter trip, Kedarkantha is located in Uttarakhand at an altitude of 12,500 ft. Many experienced trekkers consider this trail a must-do in winters because of the way it combines natural beauty with adventure.

The journey of the trek starts with great fun - winding paths by local villages, through lush green meadows, and vast snowy ascents. The frozen ambience of Kedarkantha also amplifies the beauty of attractions like Jadu Ka Talaab, Swargarohini peak, Bandarpunch etc. It’s an easy to moderate trek for beginners as well as seasoned hikers.

Brahmatal Trek

Yet another extremely captivating trek for winters in the Himalayas is Brahmatal trek. It is situated in Uttarakhand at an altitude of 12,300 ft. With a pleasant 6-day, 26 Km journey, this trek turns into a mythical land during winters.

This frozen alpine lake appears really incredible during this time, whereas the view of mountains from a distance seems like postcards. The other cool attractions that you can see on the Brahmatal trail are Mt. Trishul, Mt. Nanda Ghunti, and Mrigthuni.

Dayara Bugyal

Dayara Bugyal trek is an enchanting place in Uttarakhand that is located at a height of 12,000 ft. This is an easy trek absolutely suitable for beginners and families. There are a few Himalayan places that truly glow in the freezing weather of winters. Dayara Bugyal is undoubtedly one of them.

The scenic wonders that are visible on this trek during the winters look like a traveller’s dream. It is surrounded by many other prominent places like Bandarpoonch, Srikanth, Jaonli, Gangotri Range, and Draupadi ka Danda 2.

Winter Kuari Pass Trek

Kuari Pass is a mesmerizing winter trek in the Himalayas that has been fascinating tourists all over the world. It lies in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and is located at an altitude of 12,750 ft. It is a moderate trek that is generally visited by beginners. But during the winter season, this trail looks so hypnotising that it doesn’t disappoint anyone.

The forests and meadows are swept under the blanket of snow, making them even more riveting. The other visible attractions of this trek are: Nanda Devi sanctuary, Curzon trail, Tali lake, Dronagiri peak etc.

Sandakphu Trek

If you want to immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the typical Himalayan winter terrain, Sandakphu trek will be the right choice for you. It is located in the beautiful mountainous region of West Bengal at an altitude of 12,000 ft. This is a moderate trek for beginner as well as experienced hikers, which requires to walk 68 Km in 7 days.

Sandakphu trek is also metaphorically known as Sleeping Buddha because of a certain way Kanchanjunga Mountain range is formed. Seen from the trek, the peaks are aligned in such a way that they resemble a sleeping Buddha. The head and face of the shape are formed by Mt. Kumbhkarna, while Kanchanjunga forms the torso and feet. In addition to increasing the beauty of the landscape, this meditative figure has a great spiritual significance to it. The natives believe that Buddha protects the world in this posture of meditation. This breathtaking extended view is thoroughly visible from different parts along the trek.

It’s a must-do trek in winters because you will get to see a range of other attractive landscapes. For example, you can see Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu from the same spot.

Bajre Dara Trek

Bajre Dara trek is a marvellous trek that gives the feeling of a magical journey because time seems to have stopped at this place. Bajre Dara is located in the Indian state of Sikkim at an altitude of 11,000 ft. It is a moderate trail that promises you with an unexplored treasure straight from the Himalayas.

Among many attributes, this trek allows you to see Dubdi Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt Pandim etc. Also, during the whole journey you will enjoy a majestic display of sunrise and sunset.

Chadar Frozen Trek

If you truly want to enjoy the magic of winter ambience in the Himalayas, Chadar Frozen trek is among the best ones to go to. Located at an altitude of 11,100 ft in Ladakh, Chadar trek is mindblowingly beautiful. Although deemed as a difficult trek, it can be comfortably completed by beginners as well.

This place is widely known for its unique features like frozen waterfalls, narrow gorges, crystal clean ice sheets, and soaring high cliffs. This place offers an enigmatic view of the Zanskar River, ancient monasteries and distinctive local culture.

Tips for First Time Trekkers going on a Winter Trek

So far so good! You know winters have an extraordinary magic to explore the Himalayas. You may now have an idea of some of the prominent Himalayan destinations in winter. But as a beginner, are you fully prepared to go on this winter hike?

For a safe, sound, and enjoyable journey, you must be thoroughly familiar with and prepared for the Himalayan terrain.

So here are some crucial tips, dos, and don'ts for the first time trekkers on a winter trek:

Physical Fitness

Any journey or travel requires a minimum physical fitness level in order to complete successfully. If you are a beginner and looking forward to trekking in the Himalayas, you have to strengthen your physical caliber.

• Focus on enhancing your cardiovascular health.
• Increasing the power of your leg muscles and core muscles.
• Put efforts towards making your body more robust and flexible.
• Do activities like running, cycling, squats, lunges, and stretching well in advance.
• Breathing exercises could also be extremely helpful in order to adjust to the high-altitude Himalayan conditions.
• Do some meditation and Yoga.

Packing List

Apart from enhancing your physical stamina, your other companion is the gear you are carrying. You need to be completely covered and protected from tip to toe. So your packing list should include the following supplies:

• Backpack with a sufficient storage capacity of 50 - 60 Ltrs.
• Walking sticks/Trekking poles
• Water bottle, Lunch box
• Personal first aid kit
• Warm clothes, thermals, waterproof gloves, fleece accessories
• Sunglasses, headlamps/flash lamps
• Navigation devices or maps
• High energy foods and hot drinks
• Trekking shoes, woollen socks, micro spikes.
• Personal utilities like sunscreen, moisturizer, lip cream, hand sanitizers, quick-dry towel.

Choose the Right Trek

Before embarking on your enjoyable winter journey to the Himalayas, you need to choose a trek that’s the right fit for you. Here are the tips to find the perfect trek for you:

• First of all you need to be amply clear what you want to watch on the trail. You should know what your idea of a perfect getaway is and how a particular trek fits into that mould.
• Do a thorough research on the region’s geographical features. Know about the trajectory of weather conditions of the area.
• Factor in your experience and fitness level because sometimes it matters whether you are a beginner or a seasoned trekker.
• Decide whether you need to go to an isolated, less-crowded place or a more cheerful and boisterous one.

You can also explore our “Suggest me a trek” section and you will be personally assisted by one of our trek coordinators.

Conclusion

Himalayas have always intrigued and fascinated people from all over the world. This is the place where they can establish a deeper connection with nature and attain inner peace. However, as enchanting and alluring these landscapes seem, they are equally challenging and daunting. Himalayan winters can especially test the grit and determination of a true hiker. With all the above distinctive aspects, the Himalayan treks turn truly magical in the winters.