10 Must Do Winter Treks in Uttarakhand 2024-25

Are you an adventure enthusiast eager to experience the magic of snow treks? If so, Uttarakhand is your paradise! Uttarakhand, with its snow-clad mountains and scenic landscapes, offers some of the best winter treks in India. Whether you are a seasoned trekker or a beginner, these treks in December provide the perfect mix of thrill and beauty. From pristine snow-covered trails to breathtaking views of the Himalayas, winter treks in Uttarakhand promise an unforgettable journey through nature’s winter wonderland. In this article, explore the 10 best winter treks that should be on your bucket list this season. 

• Chopta Chandrashila trek
• Dayara Bugyal
• Kuari pass trek
• Brahmatal trek
• Kedarkantha trek
• Nag Tibba trek
• Chirbatiya trek
• Deoban weekend trek
• Bagji bugyal trek
• Binsar trek

Chopta Chandrashila Tungnath Trek - Trek to the Highest Shiva Temple

Altitude: 12100 Ft.

Duration: 5 Days

Grade: Easy to Moderate

TheChopta Chandrashila Trek is where breathtaking beauty meets spiritual serenity, it is nestled in the hearts of the Himalayas and tops the list of best winter treks in Uttarakhand. It offers a stunning view of the Garhwal and Kumaon ranges. Before reaching Chandrashila the summit, you will cross Tunganath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world, that provides not only a spiritual experience but also a sense of accomplishment like no other.

With TTH you get to experience the beauty of Deoriatal along with chopta and Tunganath. Deoriatal is surrounded by pristine snow in winter and transforms into a winter wonderland with reflections of the Chaukhamba peaks on the frozen lake, offering a picturesque location. Even if you are a seasonal trekker the Chopta Tunganath trek promises an exhilarating journey full of beauty, making it a must-visit destination for a winter trek.

Major Attractions- The highest Shiva temple, Tunganath is one of the major attractions of the trek. Many people come here to seek blessings of Lord shiva, or also as a part of the Panch Kedar Trek. Another major attraction is the serene views throughout the trek. The trek has beautiful meadows that remain covered in snow during winters and the view from the Chandrashila summit is the highlight of the trek, you get a 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. 

Dayara Bugyal Trek

Altitude: 12,100 ft

Duration: 6 Days

Grade: Easy

Experience the enchanting beauty of Dayara Bugyal, situated at an altitude of 12,100 ft in the Uttarakhand Himalayas. It is one of the most scenic winter treks in Uttarakhand and one of the best treks in December. It takes you through vast snow-covered meadows that seem to stretch endlessly. It provides a serene and peaceful escape, especially during winter when the meadows are blanketed in snow. As you ascend the trail through dense forests of oak and pine, it offers you a serene escape from the city hustle.

Highlight of the trek- The highlight of the trek is the breathtaking panoramic view from Dayara Bugyal, where you can witness majestic snow-capped peaks. Dayara Bugyal provides a gradual yet rewarding climb suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. Whether you seek adventure, peace, or a chance to capture stunning photographs, the Dayara Bugyal trek is a must-do snow trek in December

Kuari Pass Trek- The Curzon Trail 

Altitude: 12,750 ft

Duration: 6 Days

Grade: Moderate

Kuari Pass Trek also known as the Curzon Trail, is a beautiful winter trek in Uttarakhand that takes you through the heart of the Himalayas. The trek is renowned for its awe-inspiring views of snow-capped peaks and snow-loaded trails that allow you to soak yourself in the snowy beauty of the Himalayas. As you make your way through the pass, you will feel the beauty and thrill of adventure with every step while you cross an ever-changing landscape of snow-covered forests and serene meadows.

The trek takes you through ancient oak forests, across frozen rivers, and to the breathtaking point of Kuari Pass, where the panoramic views of Mt Nanda Devi, Mt. Dronagiri, and other towering peaks are simply spellbinding. Perfect for both seasoned and beginners, the Kuari pass promises a momentous experience, blending the beauty of nature with the joy of exploration.

Specialty of the Trek- The trek is known for its breathtaking views. It is one of the best winter treks in Uttarakhand, it will keep you entertained with changes in terrains and scenery, and it has well-defined trails and perfect spots for camping.

Health Requirements- The trek is moderate in difficulty grade, but the well-defined trails make it a beginner-friendly trek. The trekker should be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 35 minutes without stress. He/ she should be able to carry a 10-15 kg backpack. 

Brahmatal Trek- Trek to the Spiritual Lake 

Altitude: 12,250 ft

Duration: 6 Days

Base Camp: Lohajung

Grade: Easy to Moderate

About the Trek: Brahmatal offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and spiritual serenity, perfect for a winter trek in Uttarakhand. It is known for its snow-laden trails and panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas. Taking you through dense oak forests and wide-open meadows, this trek leads to the frozen Brahmatal Lake, a stunning glacial lake that reflects the surrounding mountains, creating a magical atmosphere.

Winter in Brahmatal is from December to February and is the prime season for the Brahmatal Trek. During this period, the region is blanketed in snow, offering a surreal and picturesque setting for the adventure. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned trekkers, the Brahmatal Lake is a peaceful escape that leaves you with lasting memories.

Brahmatal Lake Significance- The Brahmatal Lake along with being a perfect offbeat destination for winter trekking also holds mythological significance in Hindu Mythology, it is believed that lord Brahma meditated here. 

Kedarkantha Trek - The Queen of Winter Treks 

Altitude: 12,500 ft

Duration: 6 Days

Grade: Easy to Moderate

Kedarkantha, also known as the "Queen of Winter Treks", is one of the most popular winter treks in Uttarakhand. It is in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand and provides an enchanting experience of mountain life. The trek is well known for its breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and enchanting alpine meadows. The easy endurance of the trail makes it one of the Best Treks for Beginners in Uttarakhand and seasoned trekkers. It is a must-do snow trek in December or January.

The highlight of the Trek- The main attraction of the trek is the stunning Kedarkantha summit, standing tall at 12,500 feet, that 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. For both experienced and beginner, the trek is a memory etched in snow, a beautiful experience of winter’s beauty, and a chance to connect with nature.

Kedarkantha Trek Difficulty Level- The trek is considered as easy to moderate in difficulty level, however, it is suitable for beginners too. To complete the trek, you should be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 4 km of distance in 35 minutes without stress. You should be able to carry a 10-12 kg backpack.

Nag Tibba Trek

Altitude: 9900 Ft.

Duration: 2 Days

Grade: Easy

Nag Tibba Trek, a beautiful gem in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, offers an incredible experience of snow trek for beginner and experienced trekkers. The trek takes you through dense forests and lush meadows leading to the sacred Nag Tibba Temple, dedicated to the serpent god Nag Devta. Winter in Nag Tibba brings an abundance of snow, making it a serene and refreshing escape from city life.

In winter, the entire region transforms into a winter wonderland, with snow-laden trees and trails whitewashed with snow offering you a fantastic opportunity to capture the serene beauty of winters in the Himalayas. At 9,915 feet, the summit offers an unbeatable sunrise view, adding to the trek's appeal. Easy accessibility from Dehradun and Mussoorie makes Nag Tibba an ideal winter weekend getaway for adventure enthusiasts.

Health Requirements for the Nag Tibba Trek – It is an easy-grade trek and does not require a lot of fitness, however, you should be fit enough to cover 3 km of distance in 35 minutes without stress. Also, you should be able to carry a backpack of 10-12 kg. 

Chirbatiya Trek- The Lesser-Known Trail

Altitude: 9100 Ft.

Duration: 3 days

Grade: Easy

Chirbatiya is a quiet and scenic winter trekking location, in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Nestled amidst the towering Garhwal Himalayas, the trek in winter is covered with snow, offering you a mesmerizing view of snow-capped peaks like Chaukhamba and Mt. Trishul. The tranquility of Chirbatiya, combined with the vibrant local culture and breathtaking landscapes, makes it a perfect spot for a rejuvenating winter weekend getaway.

Trek Difficulty Level- It is an easy-grade trek that can be done in 3 days, it requires a basic level of fitness, you should have sufficient stamina to cover 3 km of distance in 35 minutes without stress and be able to carry a 10-12 kg backpack. 

Deoban Weekend Trek

Altitude: 9850 Ft.

Duration: 2 days

Grade: Easy to Moderate

The Deoban Weekend Trek is an ideal escape for those looking for a short and delightful winter trek in Uttarakhand. The trek is nestled in the picturesque landscape of the Himalayas and offers a panoramic view of the majestic Himalayas. In winter, the Deoban trek offers a beautiful opportunity to experience the serene beauty of the snow-covered forested trails. During the winter months, it is a treat for snow enthusiasts, being an ideal place to enjoy a short but memorable adventure in the snow-clad Himalayan forests.

The Highlight of the Trek- Being at 9,850 feet, Deoban offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views and a perfect chance to witness the beauty of winter in the mountains. Deoban is known for its diverse bird population, and during the winter trek, you can spot various bird species like the Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, and more. Birdwatching enthusiasts will find this trek particularly appealing. Its proximity to Dehradun makes it a perfect short trek for those seeking snow. 

Binsar Trek

Altitude: 8100 Ft.

Duration: 2 days

Grade: Easy

The Binsar Weekend Trek is a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, situated in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. It is a remote yet accessible destination, making it ideal for a weekend getaway. The short trek is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway, the trail immerses you in the serene beauty of nature while offering glimpses of local wildlife and bird species.

The best time for the binsar weekend trek is from November to February when the region is full of snow. At night, the winter temperatures can drop up to sub- zero levels. The trek in winter offers a unique opportunity to explore the beautiful Binsar wildlife sanctuary, that gives wildlife enthusiasts the opportunity to spot animals like barking deer, leopards, and various bird species.

Trek Difficulty Level- The trek has easy terrains that make it ideal for both beginner and seasoned trekkers. The trek is an easy-grade trek and requires basic fitness you should be able to cover 3 km of distance in 35 minutes without stress with a 10-12 kg backpack.

Bagji Bugyal Trek

Altitude: 11100 Ft.

Duration: 6 days

Grade: Easy

Bagji Bugyal is a lesser-known treasure in Chamoli, Uttarakhand. It is a winter paradise because of the views it offers in the winter. According to locals, the meadow was inhabited by tigers or Bagh, as they are locally known, which is how the trek derived its name. Now the tigers are no longer there, but the bugyal still remains a serene meadow waiting to be explored.

Located at an elevation of 1,11,000 feet, the trek presents an awe-inspiring view of beautiful virgin forests, untouched by commercialization and spellbinding views of snow-capped peaks like Mt. Nanda Ghunti and Mt. Mrigthoni. Bagji bugyal is a peaceful snow trek offering a serene escape into nature’s untouched beauty and a refreshing break from city life.

Trek Health Requirements- It is an easy 6-day trek and requires you to be in fit condition. You should have sufficient stamina to cover 3 km of distance in 35 minutes without stress. You should be able to carry a 10-12 kg backpack.