Best Himalayan Winter Treks In India You Must Do

India is home to some of the most beautiful mountainous terrains. The mountains are even more special in the winter. With the peaks almost touching the clouds, the fog descending on you and the surroundings alive with greenery. Hence there are a few winter treks in India, that offer great opportunities to trekking enthusiasts.

With the cold wind in your hair and all of nature’s glory to soak in, these treks are the experience of a lifetime. Here are some of the top winter trek destinations in India:

Chopta Chandrashila

Duration: 3-5 days difficulty level- Easy to moderate

This is certainly the most popular winter trek in India. You walk through the pristine lakes and remote villages along your trek. Shri Tungnath Shiva temple (third Kedar among five Kedars) is a prime attraction in this area. Some of the most spectacular species of birds such as the Golden Eagle and Lammergerier have been spotted here.

Kedarkantha

Duration: 6 days Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

The campsites of Kedarkantha in Uttarakhand are located in the most serene snow-covered pine forests. You have a panoramic view of the mountains at Kedarkantha. The last trail of the trek is an enchanting forest that lives in your heart forever.

Har Ki Dun

Duration: 7 days difficulty level: Moderate

This is one of the least explored winter treks in Uttarakhand. The ancient Himachali villages with their unique architecture add to the magical experience. This trek makes you feel like you are in a mystic land, straight out of any fairy tale. You pass through the Govind National Park which is home to some of the richest and most protected species of plants and animals.

Nag Tibba

Duration: 3-5 days difficulty level: Easy

The Nag Tibba or the Serpent’s peak is scaled by several locals and visitors to offer prayers to the Snake god. You are surrounded by the Gangotri Peaks, the Kedarnath Peaks and the Bandarpoonch Peaks and have unhindered views of the Doon and Chanabang valleys. It is believed that this place is the holy abode of the Nag Devata or Snake God. This is one of the best treks for a beginner and offers beautiful views of Oak forests that are home to some of the most diverse species of animals and birds.

Kuari Pass

Duration: 6 days difficulty level- Easy to moderate

The Kauri Pass in Uttarakhand is one of the best winter treks in India. This is your route to Mt. Nanda Devi, the tallest mountain in the country. The most beautiful thing about this trek is the light and shadow that is created by the angle of the sunlight hitting the forests. After you have crossed the forest, you enter meadows that are covered in snow. From there you get to see the only full flank view of a mountain on the globe.

Roopkund Lake

Duration: 5 days Difficulty level: Medium to Difficult

Scattered on the edges of this lake in Uttarakhand are several human skeletons. During the winters, the skeletons look eerier under the snow. This route is thronged by some of the most beautiful oak trees and also forests laden with gorgeous Rhododendron flowers.

Sandakphu

Duration: 8-9 days difficulty level: Easy to moderate

This is the highest point in West Bengal and is often referred to as a “Trekker’s Wonderland”. You get to witness some of the most beautiful sights of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain peak. This is a very fertile area that is home to rare species of flowers that simply brighten up the ambience. The black pond or the Kalapokhri is a mysterious lake that never freezes. You will also pass by the Valley of Poison where a poisonous flower named Aconite grows.

Frozen River Chadar Trek

Duration: 8-10 days difficulty level: Difficult

This is an extremely challenging trek that is located in Ladakh. The river Zanskar lies frozen and is surrounded by some of the steepest and largest mountains in the range. This place gets extremely cold and those who wish to trek here require extensive training. The name Chadar trek comes from the local word that means blanket. The lake is covered by a blanket of snow that is used as the trail. You get to spend nights in the caves and enjoy local delicacies.