10 Best Himalayan Treks To Do In Winter

 The top 10 best Himalayan treks that are splendid, magical and worth witnessing during the winter are listed below -

1. Brahmatal Trek

2. Kuari Pass Trek

3. Sandakphu And Phalut Trek

4. Kedarkantha Trek

5. Nag Tibba Trek

6. Har Ki Dun Trek

7. Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

8. Dayara Bugyal Trek

9. Prashar Lake Trek

10. Hampta Circle Trek

1. Brahmatal Trek

Brahmatal Trek is known as one of the most captivating treks and is a great and classic winter trek for the nature lovers and adventure seekers.The summit spills a heavenly facet when the snow gently falls on its slopes; most of the Brahmatal trek is on the snow, which makes it exciting.

Apart from the uneven terrain, the trek is filled with beautiful scenery, lush forests, mighty Garhwal mountains stretch across the high skies and everywhere around you will be the white heavenly snowfields. Never-ending ridgelines, sprawling Bugiyals, High altitude lakes, snow on the trail and majestic peak views make it a compelling proposition for a winter trek.

 Brahmatal is a hidden and secluded lake amidst the ridge, where Lord Brahma meditated according to the mythology. The frozen blue lake with the mighty snow-capped Himalayan peaks overlooking it creates a fabulous and an unmatched experience. The most amazing part of the trek is the view of Mt. Trisul and Nanda Ghunti peaks from such proximity. The 360-degree view from the summit is mesmerizing. This winter snow trek is just heavenly.

The best time to scale the Brahmatal Trek is in the winter months of January and February. This is because, during winters, we can envisage heavy snowfall. getting the privilege of walking on a blanket of snow during this trek is just wholesome. Brahmatal trek, being a winter trek, the weather is mostly sunny during the daytime while it tends to get very cold during the night. This six-day trek is simple and heavenly and one must join in for this trek at least one in their lifetime!

2. Kuari Pass Trek

The Kuari Pass Trek is one of the most wondrous winter treks in Uttarakhand. For a beginner, a trek that would be just the right step to start with is theKuari Pass Trek. Kuari means “doorway” and this trek can literally be a doorway into one’s inmost heart and soul. Evolved as a hub for trekkers and pilgrims,this trek lies south of the Tibetan border begins from Joshimath, in the Chamoli district of Himalayas. Trekking in Himalayas would be incomplete without visiting the gorgeous Kuari Pass Trek!

Kuari pass trek is a high-altitude Himalayan trek., which demands physical fitness, stamina, and endurance. A beginner friendly trek, the duration is 6 days and it is around 33 kilometres altogether. The trail is covered with beautiful forests. The walkthrough the jungles of oak and deodar will also lead to the closest view of mt. Nanda Devi.

It might get a bit difficult during the winter when the snow starts to play its part because the trail gets submerged in the snow, otherwise, it is considered to be an easy trek all around the year. The view of this trail is majestic, stunning and 360 degrees. Just getting a view of sky-high mountains and the pleasant walks through the forests where the warm scattered light of the sun hugs one through the trees is pleasing for the soul!

3. Sandakphu Phalut Trek

Considered to be one of the best winter treks in the Himalayas, Sandakphu Phalut Trek is a moderate and simple trek to start with. This trek is best suitable for beginners as well as regular trekkers especially for all mountain lovers!

This trek is an enthralling trekking in the Nepal portion of the Himalayas and is done along the border between India and Nepal. During this trek one can experience the various cultures of the Nepal as well as Sikkim. Discover the old Silk route and enjoy the view of the world’s tallest and majestic mountains while experiencing Nepalese and Sikkim people hospitality. Sandakphu is known as a wonderland for trekkers. Being the highest point in West Bengal offers views of the world’s tallest and exotic peaks. one constantly moves in and out of Nepal during the trek. One can never miss the sleeping Buddha view too!

The heavenly Sandakphu trek is considered to be one of the best winter treks in the Himalayas and is snow-clad from the middle of February to the middle of April. There will be a lot of snow in February and March, but in the later season, rhododendrons bloom and the view in there is just mesmerizing! Sandakphu and Phalut trek elevation is encircled around 12,000 feet and is approximately forty-six kilometres in length. It requires around 7 days to comfortably complete the trek. This interesting trek takes across the dense forest as well. Magnificent view of Mt Everest from Sandakphu Peak is one of the wondrous experiences for trekkers.

4. Kedarkantha Trek

An Easy and simple trek to start with kedarkantha trek is one of the best treks for beginners and the magical views of the peaks covered with snow makes it a perfect trek for winters!

The Kedarkantha Trek has some of the prettiest campsites in the Himalayas. The setting includes lush forests with abandoned broken huts. Witnessing the jaw-dropping sunrise and sunset standing on one of the rocks by the campsite is something a trekker here should never miss. The view from the top of the summit will take one to fairyland. The mighty Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges along with Black Peak, Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch ranges can be seen during the trek.

Although Kedarkantha trek is mesmerizing all year round, the best time to do the Kedarkantha trek is in the month of December and January and then again from March and April because during this part of the year there will be plenty of snow which will make the Kedarkantha trek experience even more magical. This six-day trek will take one to a magical journey where the snowy trail and marvellous views of nature there will leave one spellbound!

5. Nag Tibba Trek

Nag Tibba Trek is an easy and simple trek to start with and is beginner friendly. This trek remains snow-clad from the middle of December to the middle of March. At this point in time, the weather remains very cold. Getting a chance to witness amazing landscapes with snow-capped mountains all around, makes the mundane life standstill and freshens up one’s soul. An ambient temperature exists during the rest of the season which brings in a lot of travellers and hikers from all over India.

The sunrise and sunset in this trek are amazing and worth witnessing. The warm sun rays falling on the peaks in the surrounding will leave you in complete amaze.This trek is a perfect mix of easy and difficult trails.

Nag Tibba Trek is one of the best treks to escape the chaotic life of cities and be in nature for a while. Trekking may sound difficult but the two-day Nag Tibba trek is quite easy and just perfect for a person who wants to go trekking for the very first time!

6. Har Ki Dun Trek

A trek highly recommended for snow lovers, especially a place best for trekking inwinter, is none other than the Har Ki Dun trek. This valley welcomes each trekker with rhododendrons and a variety of flowers and the view is just breath-taking!

Har Ki Dun trek or Har Ki Doon trek is situated in the foothills of Garhwal Himalayas and lies in Har Ki Dun valley. This trek is accessible through the famous Govind National Park which is known for its tremendous variety of flora and fauna. The trail covers alpine meadows, glacier basins, ridges, old villages, dense pine forests and gushing rivers.

Har Ki Dun Trek’s Height is at a toppling altitude of 12,000 ft and Har-Ki Dun Trek distance is about 56 km which is covered in approximately in a week.

The temperatures in Har Ki Dun Trek range from 2-degree Celsius to -2 degree Celsius in the months of December and mid-January, and -5 degrees Celsius to -10 degrees Celsius in February. In summer between the months of May and June, the day temperature is 25 to 30 degrees Celsius and at night the temperature is 10 to 5-degree Celsius.

It is easy to moderate trek; therefore, one can think of doing this even if they are a beginner. But if one chooses this to be their first trek, then there might be some problems for them on the trek, so they need to be mentally and physically prepared for it.

For experiencing a thrilling and adventurous trek yet calming, the Har ki dun trek is a must for all the trekkers! 

7. Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

Being one of the best treks for beginners, Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek is also one of the most convenient treks to start with in winters!

Chandrashila summit is a rock face above and beyond the temple of Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. The trail can be tricky with its abrupt climbs and sudden changes in the terrain. The beautiful trail is surrounded by a magnificent forest of oak, deodar, and rhododendron that shadow a rich bed of flowering plants. This trek provides a 360-degree view of some of the most beautiful and surprising views of the Garhwal Himalayas.

Chandrashila Trek is snowy during the winter months from December to the middle of March. At this point in time, the weather remains very cold.

Along with beautiful Sunrise and sunsets that are worth seeing, the landscape in the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is heavenly. This beautiful overhang at 13,123 ft., five-day trek is extremely refreshing and the heavenly nature here ensures to rejuvenate and bring back positivity in one’s life!

8. Dayara Bugyal Trek

Dayara Bugyal Trek begins through the forests of pine, oak, maple, and also the famous wildflower, rhododendrons. This trek is best suited for the first-timers. The height of Dayara Bugyal Trek is at such perfect altitude, that it experiences a subtle coldness and springing aroma, all year.

Dayara Bugyal is called Uttarakhand’s winter wonderland is called so for a reason. Although its meadows remain a tourist attraction throughout the year, during winters, the beauty of this place gets to its extremes. Skiing is one of the doable sports during the winters through these bugyals, due to smooth slopes and tops. During summers, that is during the months of March and April, the meadows of Barnala and bugyals of Dayara are green and filled with gorgeous bedding of various flowers. During autumn, during the months of September, October, and November, the smooth and green pastures are transformed into shades of yellow, and golden.

The place becomes extremely gorgeous, and heart-warming, as the winters arrive. During the months of December, January, and February the meadows are embraced with a blanket of white, due to snow. This short-trailed 6-days treks will surely refreshen and make one’s life more enchanting than ever before!

9. Prashar Lake Trek

Easy, relaxing and best suitable for winters, Prashar Lake trek is a perfect weekend trek from Delhi! Prashar Lake Trek is one of the easiest hidden gems in the magical trails of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, leading up to the revered Prashar Lake.

The trek is situated 45 km north of Mandi, frozen in winters and otherwise a visual spectacle. Prashar Lake is a secret well-kept in the Himachal district. Perfect for first-time trekkers, the lake is located at a height of 8,900 ft. above sea level. This trek is surrounded by snow-topped mountains, the treks offer a 180-degree view of the Kinnaur, Pir- Panjal and Dhauladar ranges. The lake is surrounded by tall Cedar trees and has a small floating island in the middle. The depth of the lake remains unknown while it is considered sacred because masses believe that sage Prashar meditated there, giving the lake its name. That is probably the reason the locals have been spotted saying ‘no man can live there; it is a place for the gods!’.

10. Hampta Circle Trek

Suitable for winters, an easy alternative to the slightly challenging Hampta Pass trek is the Hampta Circle trek. The Hampta Circle trek lets one experience the beauty of the Hampta Pass trek through offbeat trails and a relatively easier slop with mesmerizing views of the nature.

The Hampta Circle trek is a short trail yet equally beautiful trek that has mesmerizing views of Hanuman Tibba, along with Dhauladhar, Bara Bhangal, and Pir Panjal Ranges. Placed in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh, the trek takes one into the beautiful forests of pine, oak and deodar, lush meadows and through some of the most beautiful mountain villages.

The trail begins from Jagatsukh and ends at Prini village. This 4-days trek is enjoyed best when done during the months of May and June when a blanket of pristine snow shrouds the trails. If one is unable to take out time for the required days for the Hampta Pass trek, or just wish to dip toes into an easy Himalayan trekking, they should really consider the heavenly Hampta Circle trek!