Winter treks in India are synonymous with snow in abundance. From December onwards, trekkers embark on a journey to witness the magic weaved by winter snow. The Himalayan peaks embrace a white bliss and the coniferous forests are clad in fresh drapes of snow. Soft powdery snow replaces the lush green carpet of alpine meadows, and the clear weather simply enhances the winter trek experience.
Himalayan states safely boast of some of the best winter treks in India. While some of these treks are suitable for experienced hikers, there is no dearth of Himalayan winter treks tailormade for beginners.
Here are 10 best winter treks in India for the ultimate snow experience:
- Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek
- Kedarkantha Trek
- Sandakphu Trek
- Har Ki Dun Trek
- Brahmatal Trek
- Dayara Bugyal Trek
- Bagji Bugyal Trek
- Deoban Trek
- Deoriatal-Rohini Bugyal Trek
- Barnala Lake Trek
1. Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek
Location – Uttarakhand
Duration – 6 Days/5 Nights
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Altitude – 11,700ft./3,566m
Ali Bedni Bugyal trek is one of the most picturesque winter treks in Uttarakhand. The trek takes you to two of the high-altitude meadows of Ali and Bedni.
The vastness of the grassland piques you to find its end, and all you discover is undulated meadows, one after another. Walking barefoot on these soft grass-covered meadows is an experience of a lifetime.
Ali Bedni Bugyal trek is beyond meadows. During the winter, the meadows are covered in white-sheet of soft white snow.
Besides the vastness of the meadows, Ali Bedni offers a majestic view of towering Trishul Parvat standing like a guarding deity. One of the largest meadows in Asia, the Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek is perfect for beginners to start their outdoor journey.
2. Kedarkantha Trek
Location – Uttarakhand
Duration – 6 Days/5 Nights
Difficulty Level – Easy
Altitude – 12,500 ft./3,810 m
Kedarkantha is hands down one of the most popular winter treks in our country. As soon as the winter sets in, Kedarkantha is covered in colourful tents. One of the reasons for Kedarkantha’s popularity amongst the trekking community is its easy – comfortable trail suitable for beginners. Both beginners and experienced trekkers throng Kedarkantha starting in December to experience the snow to the fullest.
The trek offers you a snow experience in abundance right from the base camp. The trek is famous for its snow-covered campsites, frozen Juda ka Talab, and breathtaking view of the big mountains.
When you reach Kedarkantha Summit, you will enjoy stunning views of the arc-shaped chain of snow-capped mountains, including Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag, and Ranglana.
Kedarkantha season starts in December. However, the best of the trail is discovered from January to March as the trail will have a lesser crowd during these months.
3. Sandakphu Trek
Location – West Bengal
Duration – 6 Days/5 Nights
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Altitude – 11,950ft./3,642m
Sandakphu is one of the most culturally rich treks to experience in India. The trail that plays hide and seek in the villages settled between the India and Nepal border. Sandakphu offers the beauty of mystical villages, the rich culture of two countries and the beauty of Mt Kanchednzonga.
Winter in Sandakphu has just the right amount of snow. It is also the best time to witness the magical appearance of Sleeping Buddha. While the view of Everest mesmerizes you, Sandakphu is renowned for the magical view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and its peaks, popularly known as ‘Sleeping Buddha’.
Sandakphu offers you the view of the world’s tallest mountain, Everest, along with Lhotse and Makalu, the world’s fourth and fifth tallest mountains. This Himalayan sojourn unveils great views of four of the world’s highest mountains for an easy-to-moderate trek.
4. Har Ki Dun Trek
Location – Uttarakhand
Duration – 7 Days/6 Nights
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Altitude – 11,700ft./3,566m
Har Ki Dun is no less than a paradise in winter. The magic of winter spreads throughout the trail. You will witness the prettiest campsites on this trek. In winter, the clear weather rewards trekkers with mesmerising views of snow-studded Himalayan peaks. Mystical forest covered with pine and oaks, the solitary on the trail and the postcard-perfect views make Har Ki Dun a must-do winter trek in Uttarakhand.
5. Brahmatal Trek
Location – Uttarakhand
Duration – 6 Days/5 Nights
Difficulty Level – Easy
Altitude – 11,500 ft./3,505 m
Brahmatal, a universal favourite of trekkers, is touted as one of the best treks to experience winter. Brahmatal trek in Uttarakhand boasts high-altitude meadows, two high-altitude lakes, and glittering mountain peaks, making it one of the most loved winter treks in India. The route unravels hidden waterfalls, secluded campsites, and panoramic views of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti.
Brahmatal is a rare winter trek that takes you to an alpine lake. In winter, Brahmatal Lake freezes and the first rays of sun on the surface glisten the entire lake, offering you a majestic view.
6. Dayara Bugyal Trek
Location – Uttarakhand
Duration – 6 Days/5 Nights
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Altitude – 11,870 ft./3,617 m
Dayara Bugyal in Uttarakhand is an all season trek. In winter, the Bugyal adorns a white embrace. The forest gives an enchanting Christmas vibe as coniferous trees are draped in a fresh spell of snow. The meadow of Dayara is g as the first ray of sun falls on the snow-covered Bugyal. Due to its comfortable trail, Dayara Bugyal is one of the most loved winter treks in Uttarakhand.
Dayara Bugyal also rewards trekkers with breathtaking views of the Gangotri Range. Bandarpooch looms behind the vastness of undulated meadows captivating you with its mesmerising landscape.
The trek is suitable for people who wish to begin their trekking journey. Everything about Dayara Bugyal is wonderful and magical in winter.
7. Bagji Bugyal Trek
Location – Uttarakhand
Duration – 6 Days/5 Nights
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Altitude – 11,100 ft./3,383m
Best Time – Winter and Spring
Known to very few people, Bagji Bugyal is an exclusive trek and remains untouched by the maddening crowd. Situated at an altitude of 11,100 ft. above unending lush green meadows of Bagji transform into a winter wonderland.
Bagji Bugyal trail is secluded with only a few trekkers on the way. You traverse through unexplored forests, picturesque campsites, and a trail full of small streams flowing. The route is decorated with coniferous forests till the forest area concludes and the grassland opens.
The trek offers you an exclusive view of Mt. Satopanth (7075 m), Mt. Chaukhamba (7138 m), Mt. Trishul (7120 m), and Mt. Nanda Ghunti (6309 m).
The towering mountains, the sound of nature and the magical winter vibe offer an absolute wilderness to beginners. As other popular treks in Uttarakhand are swarmed by trekkers right when winter sets in, Bagji can be a perfect trek for beginners to experience the classic trekking culture.
8. Deoban Trek
Location – Uttarakhand
Duration – 2 Days/1 Nights
Difficulty Level – Easy
Altitude – 9,250 ft./2,819 m
Deoban Trek is one of the most accessible beginner-level treks near Dehradun. Its proximity to Dehradun and the nearby cities makes Deoban a perfect weekend trek.
Deoband Trek near Chakrata offers wilderness accompanied by a beautiful forest trail and grand summit views. Located around 100 km away from the capital city of Dehradun. Deoban Trek is a forest trail tucked away in the Jaunsar region near Chakrata. The trek is renowned amongst explorers for its mystical forest trails covered in deodar, oak, and pine trees.
Deoban is perfect for first-time trekkers who want to explore budget-friendly short treks.
9. Deoriatal- Rohini Bugyal Trek
Location – Uttarakhand
Duration – 3 Days/2 Nights
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Altitude – 9,020 ft./2,749 m
Trekkers love Deoriatal- Rohini Bugyal during the winter months when the Bugyal will be covered in snow. The trek is a favourite amongst trekkers for the amount of snow for an easy beginner-friendly trek. The trail gets covered in a white sheet of snow in winter. It starts snowing in December, and you will likely witness the snow till early March.
Deoriatal has all the right spots to enjoy the mountain views and soak in the serenity of nature. On a clear day, Mt Chaukamba’s reflection on the pristine lake of Deoriatal is awe-inspiring. To witness Mt Chaukamba looming in the background from your tent is worth every climb.
10. Barnala Lake Trek
Location – Uttarakhand
Duration – 4 Days/3 Nights
Difficulty Level – Easy
Altitude – 11,000 ft./3,352 m
Best Time – Winter and Spring
Barnala Trek near Dayara Bugyal in Uttarkashi is a perfect weekend trek for people who wish to embrace the absolute wilderness. Barnala is an easy and short hike from a village called Barsu, a perfect treat for beginners. In winter, this easy and short hike receives abundant snowfall to indulge in some snow fights with your trek partners.
From Barsu, a remote village in Uttarkashi, starts a short hike on a well-marked trail that takes you to Barnala Lake. The lake sits amidst dense pine and oak trees, while the mountain ranges peek from behind. Whether you yearn for solace in the wilderness or an adventurous break, Barnala Lake is an ideal place to be this winter.
On your way to Barnala, the Gangotri range keeps you company the whole time. You will also be bowled over by the mesmerising views of Draupadi Ka Danda, Neelkanth, and Shrikanth Gangotri 1, 2, and III.
