Top 10 Treks for The Month of December

 The top 10 treks to endure during the magical snowy white month of December are listed here -

1. 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 the Kuari 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!

Kuari Pass Trek Package Overview:

● Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate

● Duration: 6 Days

● Location: Uttarakhand

● Best time: November-March

● Minimum age: 10

2. 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!

Kedarkantha Trek Package Overview:

● Difficulty level: Easy

● Duration: 6 Days

● Location: Uttarakhand

● Best time: October-April

● Minimum age: 10

3. 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!

Brahmatal Trek Package Overview:

● Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate

● Duration: 6 Days

● Location: Uttarakhand

● Best time: November-April

● Minimum age: 10

4. Devkyara Trek

The Picture Perfect and Unknown Valley Trek of Uttarakhand, India, the heavenly Devkyara trek is a peaceful heavenly trail. It has two of the most beautiful valleys of Supin and Obra including the cultural villages of Uttarakhand with the warm and welcoming set of inhabitants. One can ponder through the Untraveled roads of the trail which makes this trek even more exciting. The fact that very few people have actually hiked through these ranges makes it even more fascinating. Devkyara Trek has pretty mountain flowers, wild strawberries, and mushrooms, with a mesmerizing natural setting. Devkyara Trek is considered to be the perfect choice of a trek for beginners as well as seasoned trekkers. This beautiful place is located in between the two valleys of Rupin and Supin and in itself is a large, fresh meadow that runs 4 km wide.

This trek is considered as refined as Har ki Dun Valley. If one wishes to go for a little more adventurous hike than that of Har ki Dun Valley, they must pretty well consider packing up for this thrilling trek. It also lets one explore the most explored paths of the Garhwal Himalayas with the greatest views of the Kedar Dome, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, Ranglana, Daowdu, Swargarohini. The Devkyara Trek one a pretty taste of the rich culture that resides in the Obra Gad Valley and the Devkyara Bugyal. The gently running Dibra Gad river that ragingly runs through the dense oak and pine forests give you the needed natural boost. As one walks along with the gushy forests, they will revive and refreshen themselves from the chaos of daily life.

The best time to visit this trek is from the pre-monsoon months of March to June as the rain is not really a good companion of trekkers. The same goes for the post-monsoon months of September to November. It is an advice to avoid the months of July and August as heavy rainfall is expected during these months which might increase the dangers of accidents. Since this trek takes us through meadows that blooms out flowers and gives ways to the greenery, you will enjoy this trek the most from April to June. For a snow lover as well, this is considered to be the best time as the peaks are covered with snow. This trek has such a heavenly trail that one will be fascinated by its warm beauty and will be eager to return to this wondrous place again!

Devkyara Trek Package Overview:

● Difficulty level: Moderate

● Duration: 10 Days

● Location: Uttarakhand

● Best time: All Year

● Minimum age: 12

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 travelers 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 monsoons, especially a place best for trekking in July is none other than 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!

Har Ki Dun Trek Package Overview:

● Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate

● Duration: 7 Days

● Location: Uttarakhand

● Best time: March-May, July-August, October-December

● Minimum age: 10

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!

Dayara Bugyal Trek Package Overview:

● Difficulty level: Easy

● Duration: 6 Days

● Location: Uttarakhand

● Best time: September-May

● Minimum age: 12

9. Pangarchulla Summit Trek

A mesmerizing peak near to Kuari Pass at the height of 15,069 ft. the Himalayan Peaks is the Pangarchulla in Uttarakhand. Pangarchulla trek elevation is encircled around 15,070 feet. It incorporates a total distance of approximately 38 kilometres and demands around 7 days to comfortably complete the trek along with acclimatization

Filled with adventure, serenity, and beauty, the Pangarchulla trek lures in herds of trekkers every year. Witness the mesmerizing forests and blooming rhododendrons, the trek climbs up to views of some of the tallest mountains in the Garhwal Himalayas. The initial trail winds through lush forests which house numerous enchanting floral species crisscrossing the ground, while oneclimbs higher up, they can treat themselves to a pristine carpet of snow. The undulating terrain of the trek trails through dense oak forests and high-altitude pastures that fill you with instant joy! The thrilling summit climb is truly wondrous and sets one’s heart racing as they hustle through toil through boulders and deep snow. Marvelous views of the grandest Himalayan peaks await one at the end of the challenging climb.

The best time to scale the Pangarchulla Trek is from March to May and then again before the start of winter i.e., from September to October. This is because, during winters, we can envisage heavy snowfall, which will make the trek even more difficult. During summers (April — May), the temperatures will fall between 12 to 20 degrees, while it can drop as low as -5 degrees in the night. There will be an accumulation of snow on the meadows at high altitudes and on the Pangarchulla summit as well. 

The melting of snow takes place in the month of May. So, people visiting it during the months of April and May must be aware and prepared for the snow conditions. Pangarchulla in summer months is considered to be quite relieving if you live somewhere in the plains where the temperature tends to hit half-centuries. Pangarchulla Trek is not preferable during the monsoon months from July and August because of steep slopes and slippery terrain which makes it very difficult to ascend with the rain pouring downwards. Post monsoon months of October and November see a further 3 to 5 degrees drop in the temperatures.

The level of this trek leans more towards difficult, which naturally demands exceptional physical fitness, stamina, and endurance. It is strongly advisable to have prior trekking experience of scaling at least 11,000 feet before one approach this trek, which means beginners should stay away. The risk of developing altitude sickness is also high because of the high altitude. This is why teenagers can easily opt for this trek. Also, proper acclimatization is key for the successful completion of the trek.

PangarchullaSummit Trek Package Overview:

● Difficulty level: Moderate

● Duration: 7 Days

● Location: Uttarakhand

● Best time: April-May, September-December

● Minimum age: 12

10. Sandakphu Trek

Considered to be one of the best winter treks in the Himalayas, Sandakphu 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!

Sandakphu Trek, as compared to the western Himalayas, lies at a lower latitude. The sun in winters along with the height of the eastern Himalayas makes a great backdrop for glaring dusk and dawn skies. One candiscover the old Silk route and enjoy the view of the world’s tallest and majestic mountains while experiencing Nepalese and Sikkim people hospitality. Introduce yourself to the beauty of orchids and magnolia while discovering the Himalayas wilderness at Singalila National Park. Enjoying the early morning tea admiring the Kanchenjunga peaks and witnessing the eye-catching famous and glorious sleeping Buddha structure carved out of the Kanchenjunga peaks brings much needed peace to the lives of everyone.

The highest point in West Bengal within the Darjeeling district that meets Nepal at the border is Sandakphu at an altitude of 11,926 ft. The trek to this peak opens into the famous Singalila Ridge, which lies at the southern end of a long crest running down from the Kanchenjunga massif; a prominent spur of high land. The Singalila ridge currently forms the boundary between India’s Sikkim/Darjeeling and Nepal because of which the Sandakphu trek is also sometimes referred to as the “Singalila Ridge Trek’’.

The heavenly views from the top are one of the inevitable pleasures of trekking in the Himalayas. The trail along the ridge also passes through small remote villages which are some of the most hidden scenic places of the Himalayas. The Sandakphu Trek is also an ideal trek for beginners who seek adventure. However, despite the ease even experienced trekkers continue to choose this trek time and again for the overall pleasure and adventure that is found here. Also, one cannot afford to miss out the stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas of Nepal, the range of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Jannu (Kumbhakarna), Chamlang, Baruntse and some other peaks of Sikkim.

Although the highest altitude on this trek is much lower than the high mountainroads (as you get to witness in Ladakh and some western Himalayan regions), the gradient followed by sharp curves tends to be much steeper. The total distance accounts to 33km which stretches from the Maneybhanjung to the Sandakphu elevating you to an altitude of 5,500ft. The trekking trail consists of terrains and landscapes which give a different experience altogether. Overall, the trekking to Sandakphu is interesting, adventurous and enchanting!

Though most people usually do not face acclimatization problems on this journey, the probability of facing issues nonetheless still exists. Mountain sickness is common in areas of high altitude. Even though you can reach Sandakphu in 7 to 8 hours you might still face some minor symptoms such as severe headaches, breathing difficulties, cold, low blood pressure etc. These occur primarily due to a sudden increase in altitudes. However, they can be avoided using supplements such as diamox.

Sandakphu remains accessible for a good duration of 8 months throughout the year, however, it remains closed throughout the monsoon season, from May to August due to unfavourable climatic conditions.Sandakphu trek is recognized for its sunrises and sunsets. One can view a vast variety of flora and fauna from seasons to seasons.The inherent romance in snowfall also adds value to the overall winter trekking experience that everyone dreams to witness once in their lifetime. The Snowfall here is mild and just about the perfect texture.

Sandakphu Trek Package Overview:

● Difficulty level: Moderate

● Duration: 5 Days

● Location: West Bengal

● Best time: October-May

Happy and Safe Travels!