Five Must Do Winter Treks in India

Oh Yeah! It is that time of the year for Adventure Travellers…

 

Everything about winters is so magical; the snow-capped mountains sparkled by the sun, frozen lakes, trees covered with icy mist; all this is no less than a winter wonderland. If you are one of those who love winter, the mountains are calling offering all the beauty that increases in the depths of winter. With all the Global warming fiasco, we mark the onset of winters from January rather than December month. This makes the holiday season, which is the end of December the best time to trek. You can encounter snow but not thick enough to prevent trekking. Trekkers will be welcomed by the all-white landscapes perfect to experience. 

Winter treks open up the opportunity of thrilling adventure for backpackers with memories of a lifetime. End December is the perfect time for these treks, having said that they can still be done in January and February.

Here are top 5 must-do winter treks to go for in India:

1. Chadar trek

Chadar Trek, also known as Frozen River Zanskar trek is the most sought-after trek in Leh. Though it is the most challenging, intricate and adventurous winter trek, it is also the most picturesque and breathtaking. This trek draws various local and international tourists every year offering an adventure to walk on the frozen river, the captivating views of the Nerak Falls surrounded by massive and steep mountain ranges. The trek is a perfect amalgamation of tranquillity and adventure.

Difficulty Level: Moderate-Difficult

Trek Duration: 7-9 days

Key Highlights:

  • Walking on Frozen Lake
  • Approximately 10,900 ft. above sea level
  • Sub-zero temperatures
  • Approximately 70-100 kilometres

 

2. Goechala Trek

Goechala Trek is a trail in the Yuksom region of North Eastern India in the state of Sikkim. Unlike other treks in northern India, the encounter here is different. Here the trail is one of its kind offering lush green forests, snow-laden campsites etc. Goechala winter trek allows you to experience nature at its best. Another attraction of this trek is the eye-catching flora and fauna.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Trek Duration: 9 days

Key Highlights:

  • Approximately 16,207 ft. above the sea level
  • Region: Yuksom, Sikkim
  • Peaks visible: Mt. Pandim and the entire Kanchenjunga range

 

3. Chamba Trek

The Chamba-Dalhousie trek is astonishing, showering the trekkers with a wealth of Deodar forests. The trek offers mesmerizing views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. These views are quite difficult to find during any other trail. The path is relatively simple, the maximum altitude to be scaled is around 8000 ft above sea level. The Chamba trek takes you through the dense forests of Kalatop- Khajair wildlife sanctuary. Khajjiar is also well-known as a tourist destination in India, also known as Mini Switzerland. This trek is very successful among backpackers and hikers to endure the Dhauladhar mountain range, incredible sights, cool weather, picturesque forest path. 

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Trek Duration: 3-4 days 

Key Highlights:

  • Approximately 35 kilometres
  • Approximately 8,000 ft. above sea level
  • Beautiful sights of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges visible
  • Popular among beginners and even children that embrace this path

4. Chopta Chandrashila Trek

One of the most famous treks in the Himalayas is Chopta Chandrashila Trek. The trail takes you to the highest situated Shiva temple in India, Tungnath Temple. This temple is one of the five Kedar temples revered in Hinduism. Almost by the end of December month, the snow has fallen and this path transforms into wintertime. During this period the lush, verdant valleys of the region are coated with heavy snow and extend awesome views. The hike begins beyond the Shiva temple. Situated at an altitude of about 13000 ft above the sea level, it offers the most gorgeous views of the Garhwal Himalayas. This all-season hike offers you the most beautiful views of Nanda Devi, Kedar, Trishul and Chaukhamba peaks. Chandrashila is a short but strenuous trek. However, there are fences throughout the trail which makes cruising a bit easy.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Trek Duration: 3-4 days

Key Highlights:

  • Approximately 13,200 ft. above sea level.
  • Approximately 5 kilometres
  • Peaks Visibile: Nanda Devi, Kedar, Trishul and Chaukhamba
  • All season trek

 

5. Kedarkantha Trek

Kedarkantha Trek is a popular choice for Winter Treks among the trekkers in India. This 4 days trek in western Uttarakhand leaves you in a winter wonderland. The perfect campsites are a highlight for this trek, you will be fascinated with beautiful landscapes. A stay amidst pine trees, 360 views of the landscapes when you pitch your tent on vast meadows. There is a reason why it is called the ‘Queens of Winter Treks’. The mesmerizing views along with the experience of the summit is only found on the trail of Kedarkantha. It is a great choice for those who wish to venture in the world of winter trekking.

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Trek Duration: 4-5 days

Key Highlights: 

  • Beautiful landscape
  • Best time to visit end December; March and April
  • Peaks visible: Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Black Peak and Gangotri, Yamunotri and Kinner Kailash mountain ranges.
  • Offers options for the prettiest campsites compared to any other winter trek
  • Highest Altitude is 12,500 ft. above the sea level

 

If this article has sown the trekking seed and you are on your way to plan your winter trek, know about these treks essential that you should carry:

  • Backpack: A good backpack can act as a perfect travel partner for you during the trek. However choosing a right backpack is a bit tricky as per the need.
  • Sleeping Bag: If you plan to camp and save yourself well, for a good night sleep a comfortable sleeping bag is essential.
  • Trekking Shoes: The most important part of your adventure is trekking shoes. The right kind and fit of shoes can help you conquer the world well.
  • Jacket: With snow in the picture, it is always advisable to carry a good pair of jacket that saves you from the cold.
  • Trekking Pole: A trekking pole acts as helping hands over those trails, this makes the walk easier and comfortable.