Top 5 Winter Treks in India That You Need To Do

Top 5 Winter Treks in India That You Need To Do 1

Here’s a quick question – Do you enjoy winter trekking? 

If your answer to our question is ‘no’, then grant us this opportunity to be your guide this season. Let us show you the perks of trekking in these following mentioned places which, by the way, will not only leave you beaming with excitement as soon as you finish reading our article; but post-trekking when you sit atop an elevated space and gaze at the beautiful landscape, you’ll want to thank us for recommending the places we are shortly going to mention.

But before we get into revealing our shortlisted places, we would like to discuss why trekking is important. So you get more reasons to set out on a trekking journey with your companions this season!

As you may know already the climbs and descents not only strengthen you physically but emotionally and spiritually as well. Enhanced physical stamina, demolished mental blocks, and restored faith are an added bonus. To name a few reasons ‘why trekking is physically beneficial for your health’ are listed below:

  1. It enhances your musculoskeletal health.
  2. Controls body sugar and lose those extra kgs that you desperately wanted to shed since last festive season!
  3. It increases your heart and lung capacity.
  4. Trekking is an effective anti-depressant and mood swing counter.

Unfortunately, this is not a health blog so we’ll not get into details, but I’m pretty sure this was enough to pique your interest. Winter or no winter? Trekking should not be based on seasons. But it is our best advice that winters are the perfect season to get the ultimate experience of climbing those white landscapes. So without any further ado, here are 5 of our best-shortlisted trekking places in India for winter seasons –

Kedarkantha Trek, Uttarakhand

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Instagram/sudeepdhull

Kedarkantha is a place located in Western Garhwal in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 12,500 ft. Kedarkantha is one of the most coveted places during the winters in the Himalayas. Decorated with beguiling magnificence of falling snow and bordered with pine trees, the Kedarkantha peak is one of the best. 

Although it is a remote route, the drive to Kedarkantha takes you through Mussoorie and the scenic regions until you reach Sankri. The summit offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the snow-capped mountains. Additionally, the trek offers majestic sights of verdant greenery, lush landscapes, a myriad collection of flora and frozen water bodies. Kedarkantha trekking gives you the perfect trekking experience that you have been waiting for.

Kedarkantha Trek Itinerary:

Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri via Mussorie.

Day 2: It is from Sankri that your trekking tour commences. Trek your way from Sankri to Juda-ka-Talab and treat your initial climb with an exquisite vision of the region.

Day 3: The next intoxicating journey begins from Juda-ka-Talab to Kedarkantha base.

Day 4: This journey includes hiking from Kedarkantha base to Kedarkantha peak. After a pictorial view from the top, descend to Har Gaon camp.

Day 5: This next trip includes descending back from Har Gaon to Sankri.

Day 6: Drive back from Sankri to Dehradun to conclude your trekking trip.

Kedarkantha Trek Info:

Region – Uttarakhand.

Duration – 6 days.

Best time to visit – Late December to January; March and April. 

Temperature – Day: 8 C to 15 C; Night: – 5 C to 3 C

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Trekking distance – 20km

Maximum altitude – 12,500 ft.

Difficulty Level – Moderate to Difficult

Nearest Railway Station – Dehradun is the closest railway station.

Airport – Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.

Base Camp – Sankri (10 hours drive from Dehradun)

Nearest ATM – Purola has the last ATM point before trekking begins.

Har-Ki-Dun Trek, Uttarakhand

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Instagram/pahadi_insta._uk

It is tucked away in the bosom of Gharwal Himalayas. The Har-Ki-Dun trekking point is in the same vicinity as the Kedarkantha. This is the trekking point which not only dwells the winter trekkers but summer trekkers too. It has access to Govind National Park. Perched at an altitude of 11,675 ft, this trek consists of meadows, green patches of orchids, and dense jungles. This moderate trek takes you to the least explored regions of Gharwal regions where civilization has not affected the lifestyles of the hill folk.

What mesmerizes trekkers the most is the majestic sunrise and sunsets from the Osla and Sankri. During the trip, you will come across Swargarohini, the snow peak which bears bequest of the stairway to heaven. The drive from Sankri will take you through sprawling wild orchids, exotic flora and Himalayan wildlife. Also, visit the famous Duryodhana Temple while you are at Osla. It is the ideal trek to take your mind and body to explore verdant thickets, terraced fields, glaciers, and sprawling meadows.

Har-Ki-Dun Trek Itinerary:

Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri, the origin point of the following trek.

Day 2: It is from this point that you need to start journeying from Sankri to Taluka by road. And after you reach Taluka, trek towards Osla through Siyan Gad bridge to reach Dhatmir village and cross Ton River.

Day 3: The day entails trekking from Osla to reach Har-Ki-Dun. Throughout the journey, you can expect pleasant views of the valleys, plains and towering mountains.

Day 4: Embark on the trekking journey from Har-Ki-Dun to Juandhar glaciers. Feast your eyes with picturesque views of the glacier and valley post and return to Swargarohini campsite.

Day 5: Trek back from Har-Ki-Dun to Osla village. And when you descend from Har-Ki-Dun to Osla, relish in the beauty of the region once again.

Day 6: Travel from Osla to Sankri.

Day 7: Drive back from Sankri to Dehradun. 

Har-Ki-Dun Trek Info:

Region: Uttarakhand.

Duration: 7 days.

Best time to visit: Late December to early January; between March and April.

Temperature: 10 to 15 degrees in the morning and 2 to 5 degrees at night.

Trekking distance: 44 km.

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult.

Maximum altitude: 11,675 ft.

Nearest Railway station: Dehradun is the closest railway station.

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.

Base Camp: Sankri (10 hours drive from Dehradun).

Nearest ATM: Purola has the last ATM point before the trekking begins.

Deoriatal-Chandrashila-TungNath Trek, Uttarakhand

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Instagram/tikki_singh

In late December, when the first bout of snow has fallen, this trekking place specifically grows popular among adventurers. It is held by one of the beautiful lakes which are partially frozen. The 6-day journey which begins from Haridwar revels in utmost beauty as you travel through Sari passing by rivers like Ganga and Alakananda to passing through pilgrim centres of Rishikesh, Devprayag and Rudraprayag. The Mandakini Valley, which comes before reaching Kund, is a beautiful site.

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The trek might be short but it has one of the most spellbinding peaks in Gharwal district. Relish in the beauty of Deoria Tal and lose yourself in the majestic beauty of Bandarpoonch, Kedar and Chaukhamba. The spectacle offered here comprises snow-capped peaks and the undulating green valleys. Additionally, feel enthralled watching bewitching sections of forests, pastures enveloping the beautiful villages and Himalayan wildlife. 

Chandrashila-TungNath Trek Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive at Haridwar Railway station. From Haridwar Railway Station book private cars or bus to reach Sari village.

Day 2: Trek from Sari in the morning and reach Deoria Tal by afternoon.

Day 3: Start your trek from Deoria Tal, ascending trails and come across forests of pine, oaks and Rhododendrons. Following the trail, you should reach Chopta by afternoon. 

Day 4: Ascend from Chopta to Tungnath to Chandrashila Peak, and from this point trek down to the base camp at Chopta.

Day 5: Drive back from Chopta to Haridwar.

Chandrashila-TungNath Trek Info:

Region – Uttarakhand.

Duration – 6 days.

Best time to visit – Late December; March and April. 

Temperature – Day: 8 C to 15 C; Night: – 5 C to 3 C

Trekking distance – 30km

Maximum altitude – 12,083 ft.

Difficulty Level – Moderate to Difficult.

Nearest Railway Station – Haridwar is the closest railway station.

Airport – Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.

Base Camp – Sari village (7-8 hours drive from Haridwar)

Nearest ATM – Ukhimath has the last ATM point before 13 km trekking begins from Sari village.

Sandakphu Trek, West Bengal

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Instagram/souravdhali

Now, if you want to try North-east, then Sandakphu is just the place for you in winters. Sandakphu Trek, also known as ‘Trekkers Wonderland’, is one of the most beautiful treks in India which will take you through some of the most unexplored parts of West Bengal, Sikkim, and Nepal! Sometimes, it so happens that you don’t even recognise the country you are walking on. The best part is – you don’t even need a passport.

What makes Sandakphu one of the popular trekking destinations is the fact – it lets you come across four of the tallest mountains in the world: Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse, and parts of Nepal Himalayas. The sight is particularly mesmerising in the winter when the sky is free of haze.

Located at an altitude of 11,941 ft in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, this trek offers the best sights of a diverse range of flora and fauna, contrasting views of snow-clad peaks and evergreen forests. The towering cluster of Kanchenjunga forms the upper body and is popular among the people as The Sleeping Buddha. Stop for a while and meet the friendly locals of villages and learn about their lifestyle. You will also have the chance to camp under the brilliant night sky and that too with a bonfire! 

Sandakphu Trek Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in New Jalpaiguri railway station (NJP). Drive from NJP to Manebhanjan (also known as Chitrey).

Day 2: Start your journey from Manebhanjan towards Tumling. It is one of the spectacular peaks in the Singalila Range.

Day 3: Trek from Singalila Range to walk past Singalila National Park and finally reach Kalipokhri.

Day 4: From the highest point of Kalipokhri, enjoy the panoramic view of Mt Kanchenjunga and Mt Everest. You might even get the chance to witness the majestic sunrise!

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Day 5: Start your descending trek from Sandakphu to Gurdum and finally to Srikhola.

Day 6: From Srikhola return to New Jalpaiguri railway station.

Sandakphu Trek Info:

Region – West Bengal

Duration – 6 days.

Best time to visit – Early October until April.

Temperature – Day: 8 C to 15 C; Night: – 5 C to 5 C

Trekking distance – 47 km

Maximum altitude – 11,941 ft.

Difficulty Level – Moderate.

Nearest Railway Station – New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the closest railway station.

Airport – Bagdogra Airport, Bagdogra, Siliguri.

Base Camp – Sankri (10 hours drive from Dehradun)

Nearest ATM – ATMs are available in the vicinity when at the city, but the number of ATMs becomes scarce with the descent of altitude. It is advisable to withdraw money at NJP before setting out on your trekking journey.

Brahmatal Trek, Uttarakhand

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Instagram/shreygadiya

There are not many treks in India which can be possible with dollops of snow posing as a hindrance. But not Brahmatal. It is one of the enchanting treks; exclusively suitable for adventure seekers. A blend of challenges and the picturesque beauty, the trek starts at Kathgodam and takes you exploring through the sprawling forests and the frozen lake.

Feast your eyes gliding through small hamlets and crystal clear streams. Gift yourself with the possibility to camp under the twinkling constellations and enjoy a bonfire with your friends. Tread along the tricky pathways through Chota Jhandidar and Baba Jhandidar and taste the local cuisine of the region. With the magnificent glimpses of Nandhaghunti and Mt Trishul, we assure you this trek will be one of the satisfying journeys. 

Brahmatal Trek Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at Kathgodam. From that point drive to Lohajung.

Day 2: The next day begins with trekking from Lohajung to Bekaltal. En route, you will notice the inspiring views of Nandaghunti.

Day 3: Trek from Bekaltal and finally reach Brahmatal or Khabekhal Lake.

Day 4: Revel in the glimpses of the Himalayas as you make your from Khabekhal to Bhramatal. Proceed to Daldum which will be your next campsite.

Day 5: Engage in a descending trail from Brahmatal to Lohajung.

Day 6: Conclude your journey as you drive back from Lohajung to Kathgodam.

Brahmatal Trek Info:

Region – Uttarakhand.

Duration – 6 days.

Best time to visit – January and February. 

Temperature – Day: 8 C to 15 C; Night: 0 C to 7 C

Trekking distance – 22km

Maximum altitude – 12,150 ft.

Difficulty Level – Moderate to Difficult

Nearest Railway Station – Kathgodam is the closest railway station.

Airport – Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.

Nearest ATM – Dewal has the last ATM point before your trekking begins. It is advisable to withdraw money in Kathgodam itself.

We believe these 5 trekking sites are enough to convince you to start your packing. Trekking is one of the popular exercises, but we suggest – consider trekking as a fun activity rather than an exercise. And even though winters are not exactly cooperating to climb the high slopes, but the exquisite view at the end of the journey will be worth the climb. So start packing because winter is coming!

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2 thoughts on “Top 5 Winter Treks in India That You Need To Do

  1. I was planning a winter trek along with my friends this year but I didn’t really know a lot about trekking so I started my research on winter treks in India and came across this article. The article is really well made and had all the information I needed and gave me a clear idea about the various treks mentioned, thanks a lot for this article, was really helpful.

  2. Hello Manoj ! Glad to know that, if you want we can help you plan your chosen trek hassle free. You can connect with us on Whats App with your requirements.
    Once this corona effect is normalised, you are good to go.

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