India is home to some of the tallest mountains in the world, and these mountains provide ample opportunities for trekking and mountaineering. Winters are a favourable season to go on such treks, as one gets to relish the spectacular beauty of the mountains and valleys completely covered in snow. There are several treks in India which are most suitably visited during the winters. These are also one of the most sought after trekking destinations in the country, and visited by trekkers and hikers not only from different parts of the country but from all over the world. This article gives a brief introduction to some of the most popular and top winter treks in India.
List of Top Winter Treks in India
1. Chadar Trek, Ladakh
The Chadar trek in Ladakh is among the most challenging and difficult, and yet one of the best treks one can visit in winter. It involves trekking over the frozen Zanskar river set at an altitude of about 3,400 metres, and typically takes around 10 days to trek over a distance of about 65 kms.The Chadar trek is one of the most famous treks in the country because of its unique mountains and terrains.
The trek typically takes one through places like Tibb cave, Gyalpo, Bakula and Naerak. The trek will also lead one through numerous streams and glaciers, narrow and stiff cliffs, and the rugged terrains completely covered in snow. The Chadar trek is best known for the adventure and thrill that comes with it, and is not at all meant for the faint hearted. The rich and exotic flora and fauna of the region is another key attraction for nature lovers.
2. Kedarkantha trek, Uttarakhand
The Kedarkantha peak at the heart of the Nanda Devi Biosphere reserve in Uttarakhand is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the country, owing to its breathtaking views. Set at an altitude of about 4,100 metres, the Kedarkantha peak trek offers stunning views to some famous peaks, which include the Bandarpoonch, the Swargarohini peaks, Black Peak and the Ranglana peak in the Yamunotri and Gangotri ranges of the Garhwal Himalayas. A total of 13 Himalayan peaks are visible from the Kedarkantha trek, making it one of the best winter treks in India.
The Kedarkantha trek will lead one through numerous streams and waterfalls, dense forests of pine, oak and deodar, lush green valleys and open meadows, and the remote Garhwal villages sitting on the lap of the magnificent mountains. The rich diversity of flora and fauna of the region also adds to the charm and appeal of the trek, and is no less than a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
3. Brahmatal Trek, Uttarakhand
Set at an altitude of about 3,180 metres in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, lake Brahmatal is an alpine freshwater lake nestled among the magnificent mountains. best known for its jaw dropping scenic beauty, the Brahmatal trek offers panoramic views to some famous Garhwal Himalayan mountains, like the Mount Trishul and Mount Nanda Ghunti. Naturally, this trek is among the top winter treks in India, and visited by trekkers and mountaineers from all over the country.
The Brahmatal trek will take one through lush green valleys and grasslands, numerous streams and waterfalls, forests of oak and rhododendron, with the snow capped mountains in the backdrop adding to the appeal. A moderate trek in terms of difficulty, it can be traversed by both beginner as well as professional trekkers. The region is also bestowed with a rich natural diversity, and is an absolute treat for nature lovers.
4.Nag Tibba Weekend Trek, Uttarakhand
Located in the Tehri Garhwal region of Uttarakhand with an altitude of about 3,022 metres, the Nag Tibba peak is the highest peak in the Lesser Himalayas. Best known for its spectacular scenic beauty of the snow laden mountains and adjacent valleys and open meadows, the Nag Tibba trek is one of the most popular treks in the state. The summit offers stunning views to some famous peaks, like the Bandarpunch peak, the Swargarohini peaks, Black peak, the Gangotri peaks, the Kedarnath peak and the snow peaks of Changabang.
The rich diversity of flora and fauna is yet another attraction for tourists and makes it one of the best treks in India. The region is also home to some rare and endangered species of resident as well as migratory birds, and is a heaven on earth for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
5.Goecha la Trek, Sikkim
Set at an altitude of about 4,940 metres in the Himalayas, Goecha la in Sikkim is a high altitude mountain pass. Best known for its panoramic views to the Kanchenjunga peak (third highest in the world), the Goecha la summit offers stunning views to almost 14 mountain peaks in the Himalayas.
A moderate to difficult trek, the Goecha la trek is every adventurer’s dream. One can enjoy ravishing views of the valleys and meadows filled with all different types of wildflowers all along the way. An ideal winter trek, this trek has its admirers and visitors from all over the country. Naturally, the Goecha la trek is among the top winter treks in India.
6.Har ki Dun Trek, Uttarakhand
Located at an altitude of about 3,566 metres, Har ki Dun is a cradle shaped valley inside the Govind Ballav Pant National Park. Surrounded by the magnificent snow laden mountains and mostly alpine vegetation, Har ki Dun is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state.
The Har ki Dun trek is best known for its panoramic views to mountains like the Swargarohini group of peaks, Black peak, Bandarpoonch and many more along with the lush green valleys and open meadows. What makes the trek so special is that it can be visited during both summers and winters. Another special feature of the Har ki Dun trek is that it will lead one through some of the most secluded and isolated villages in the country.
7. Kuari Pass Trek, Uttarakhand
A high mountain pass at an altitude of about 4,265 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas, the Kuari pass is one of the most famous trekking destinations in the state. Alternatively known as Lord Curzon’s trail (because he discovered the trail), the Kuari Pass trek offers one of the closest views to Mount Nanda Devi- the second highest mountain peak in the country. The summit also offers breathtaking views to other famous peaks, like Mount Trishul, Dronagiri, Kamet, Chaukhamba etc.
One of the best winter treks in India, the Kuari pass trek has its admirers from all over the country. Though the trek is a little challenging, it is still visited by trekkers and mountaineers in large numbers, especially during the winters.
8. Sandakphu Trek, West Bengal
The Sandakphu mountain is located at the Singalila ridge inside the Singalila National Park with an altitude of about 3,636 metres. Despite its relatively insignificant height, the peak is known to offer panoramic views to some of the tallest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest. Other notable peaks which one can catch a sight of include the Kanchenjunga (third highest in the world), Mount Lhotse and Mount Makalu (the fourth and fifth highest peaks in the world respectively), the family of peaks of the Kanchenjunga, which consists of mountains like the Kumbhakarna and Kumbhakarna East, the Rathong peak, the Goecha peak and Mount Pandim to name a few, and Mount Chomo Lonzo. One of the most sought after treks in the country, the Sandakphu trek is visited by nature lovers and adventure seekers from all over the world in large numbers, every year.
9.Dodital Trek, Uttarakhand
An alpine freshwater lake set at an altitude of about 3,024 metres, the Dodital lake lies in the Uttarkashi district of the state. The lake has its significance in the Hindu mythology, as it is the origin of the Assi Ganga river which joins the Bhagirathi (another name for the Ganga river) river in Gangotri. One of the most beautiful treks in Uttarakhand, the Dodital trek will take one through numerous open meadows and valleys filled with different wildflowers, numerous streams and alpine forests. Best known for its spectacular scenic beauty and serenity, the Dodital trek has its admirers and visitors from all over the country.
10. Dzongri Trek, Sikkim
Located in the Great Himalayas with an altitude of about 4,200 metres, the Dzongri peak is best known for its panoramic views to the highest peak in the country and the third highest in the world- Mount Kanchenjunga. Apart from this, the peak also offers stunning views to some other famous mountain peaks, like Mount Pandim, Kabru, Rathong, Koktang and Narsingh etc. Walking through the beautiful forests of oak and rhododendron with the magnificent snow covered mountains in the skyline is what inspires trekkers and mountaineers to set out to explore this trek. The rich and exotic flora and fauna of the region also adds to the charm and appeal of the trek, making it one of the most visited treks in the country.
Also check, Low Budget Tourist Places in South India