Top Winter Treks in India that you Should Explore this Winter

In winter, the trails of the Himalayan mountains turn into a wonderland and are covered in a layer of white ice. Hiking these snow-covered trails of the mighty Indian Himalayas is the dream of many adventure seekers. They attract all types of hikers and thrill-seekers for long and short hikes to enjoy the sublime beauty of the season. Driving through ancient forests, crossing icy streams, and enjoying the most breathtaking views of the snowy sky are just the basics that snow hikes in India offer.

Additionally, it’s about time you had your best friend on your back with a huge snowball. If you like winter, it’s time to start planning your winter hike for the upcoming season. The mountains enchant all nature lovers with their beauty, which increases in winter. So you know you want to go but you don’t know where to go for trekking this winter season?

If you are looking for a hiking adventure in the coming winter, here is a detailed list of the 16 best winter treks in India that promise a perfect package of excitement, adventure, and a memorable vacation experience. We have listed the best snow hikes that are a perfect combination of exploration and excitement and will help both beginners, as well as experienced hikers, add more destinations to their list.

1- Markha Valley Trek

• Difficulty Level- Moderate
• Best Time to Trek – Winter
• Region: Ladakh
• Altitude: 4,050 m
• Duration: 8 Days
• Price:32500/-

The Markha Valley Trek is one of the most popular treks in Ladakh region. It offers a rare mix of the barren landscape and breathtakingly beautiful valleys. The trek starts from the village of Chilling, which is about 75 kilometers from Leh, and goes up to the Markha Village.

Markha Valley trek can be challenging for those who are inexperienced in hiking, but it also has many points that make it worth every effort. The trek offers a rare mix of the barren landscape and breathtakingly beautiful valleys. One can also see villages where people live in typical Ladakhi style with their livestock and crops that they grow on steep slopes.

2- Nag Tibba Trek, Uttarakhand

• Difficulty Level- Easy
• Best Time to Trek Here- Between November and March
• Region: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
• Altitude: 3,022 m
• Duration: 2 Days
• Price:3200/-

Nag Tibba is nestled beautifully at an altitude of 9,915 feet in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, near Mussoorie. Locals often hike here to visit Nag Devta (serpent god) to protect the village. The expedition to the summit begins in Pantwari. The scintillating hike is known for its natural beauty that can be seen here.

Located in the lower Himalayas, hikers do not have to worry about altitude sickness and are quite easy for beginners and children. It takes a maximum of two days to complete this hike, making it perfect for a weekend getaway and attracting adventure seekers from across the country and abroad.

After a rocky start and a couple of hours on a trail, this hike takes you through oaks and rhododendrons. Winter walks to Nag Tibba welcome you with a wonderful blanket of snow all around you. You will pass the Nag Tibba temple and end the hike with a spectacular view of the Garhwal Himalayas.

3- Kedarkantha Trek, Uttarakhand

• Difficulty Level- Easy- moderate
• Best Time to Trek Here- Between December and April
• Region: Uttarkashi Garhwal, Uttarakhand
• Altitude: 3,810 m
• Duration: 6 Days
• Price: 8500/-

There is nothing much to introduce about this trek as everyone must be aware of this climb. The Kedarkantha Trek is considered to be one of the best trekking platforms for beginners. Blessed with heavy snowfall, it turns heavenly in winter, and only the peaks are visible, which are covered in a thick layer of snow. It is a great destination for fans to try the adventure of snow trekking and for nature lovers to immerse themselves in its pristine beauty. At an altitude of 12,500 feet, the trail stretches for approximately 20 km with a breathtaking panoramic view of the snow falling on the pine trees.

While it is quite easy, a basic physical condition is required, as you have to carry your backpack and get up in the air, which can be difficult for some. The wonderful campsites and the soul-soothing views along with the thrilling experience of the summit are something that enhances the glory of the Kedarkantha trek to the utmost level.

4- Dayara Bugyal Trek, Uttarakhand

• Difficulty Level- Easy
• Best Time to Trek Here- Mid- November to March
• Region: Uttarkashi Garhwal, Uttarakhand
• Altitude: 3,688 m
• Duration: 4-8 Days
• Price: 9200/-

If you ever ask a hiker or a mountaineer about the easiest hike in Uttarakhand, their answer will be very instant and obvious i.e. Dayara Bugyal Trek. In the winter season, the area is heavily snowed and, thanks to this hiking trail, it becomes a ski slope that extends over an area of ​​28 km². Dayara Bugyal Winter Trek is the perfect choice for hobbyists and showcases the best of Garhwal Himalaya in no time.

While covering this trekking trail, you will see stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas. The Best Time for the Dayara Bugyal Trek is from December to March to live the ultimate adventure. In winter, everything from the trails, to the peaks, to where everything is visible, lies under the glistening white snow. Nestled at a height of almost 12,303 feet, it is considered one of the most amazing alpine meadows in India.

5- Dodital Winter Trek, Uttarakhand

• Difficulty Level- Easy to Moderate
• Best Time to Trek Here- Mid- November to March
• Region: Uttarkashi Garhwal, Uttarakhand
• Altitude: 3,024 m
• Duration: 6 Days
• Price: 9999/-

Dodital Trek is among one of the most exciting trekking trails for those adventurers who are trekking for the very first time in their life. The hike is however easy but challenging in winter as it is covered in snow. From Sangam Chatti, this hike leads through dense forest where you can see a variety of Himalayan birds flying freely in the sky. As hikers begin to ascend to the village of Agoda, they can see the western and eastern peaks of Uttarakhand insight.

The hike continues to the village of Bebra, an idyllic village famous for potato plantation, bean and Rajma plantations, and the Assi Ganga River. On the shores of the Assi Ghat River, hikers can relax at camp or enjoy Himalayan trout fishing.

6- Bedni Bugyal Winter Trek, Uttarakhand

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Best Time to Visit: Mid- November to March
• Region: Chamoli Garhwal, Uttarakhand
• Altitude: 3,354 m
• Duration: 5-6 Days
• Price: On Request

Commencing right from the holy city of Rishikesh, the trek leads to the various heights of the Garhwal region. After a long drive from Rishikesh and crossing the scenic trails of Karnaprayag, hikers head to the village of Wan. The action-packed trekking expedition begins in Wan Village, other hikers hike uphill to Bedni Bugyal. The journey from Wan Village to Bedni Bugyal is challenging, you have to go through thick forests and streams of water to reach the final destination.

There will come a point on this journey where you won’t even be able to see a single tree; all that will accompany you to the end are meadows. The flower-covered meadows welcome all tourists who come to Bedni Bugyal. But in winter the green pastures turn into carpets of snow, you can see the snow as far as the eye can see. In the middle of the meadows, you can see a sacred lake where the believers offer canvases. Mountains, deep valleys and high mountains, and above all the huge panoramic view of Trishul and the Nanda Ghunti Mountains are the highlights of Bedni.

Also Read: Top 25 Treks in Uttarakhand

7- Kuari Pass Winter Trek, Uttarakhand

• Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
• Best Time to Trek Here: Mid- September to early November
• Region: Chamoli Garhwal, Uttarakhand
• Altitude: 4,265 m
• Duration: 5 Days
• Price: 12200/-

Exploring the Kuari Pass Winter Trek is Lord Curzon’s best contribution to India. The trekking expedition begins in Joshimath, a city that has become a center for all hikers. The hike leads to the lesser-known passes and finally to the highest point of the hike, the Kuari pass. As soon as the hiker reaches the Kuari pass, he will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the adjacent peaks such as Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Hathi-Ghodi Parvat, and Dronagiri.

During the descent, tourists can enjoy one of the most beautiful ski resorts in India, Auli. It is one of the most exciting hiking trails in Garhwal and runs through the confluence of several books, alpine forests, green meadows or “bugyals” and rhododendron forests.

8- Brahmatal, Uttarakhand

• Difficulty Level- Moderate
• Best Time to Trek Here- Mid November to March
• Region: Chamoli Garhwal, Uttarakhand
• Altitude: 3,400 m
• Duration: 6 Days
• Price: On Request

Brahmatal offers different geography throughout the trekking trail. Begin with a few days of hiking through centuries-old oak and rhododendron forests, accompanied by views of magnificent mountains and many visible trails from the Roopkund Trek. Panoramic views can be seen at different angles at every corner during the hike. Snow Trek to Brahmatal is also famous for its fantastic campsites near frost Bekaltal and Brahmatal.

9- Auli Gorson Winter Trek, Uttarakhand

• Difficulty Level- Easy
• Best Time to Trek Here- November to March
• Region: Chamoli Garhwal, Uttarakhand
• Altitude: 3,519 m
• Duration: 6-8 Days
• Price: On Request

Auli Gorson Bugyal Winter Trekking is the trek that motivates beginners to take the first step towards trekking. From Rishikesh, the hike leads to Joshimath, Auli, and ends at Gorson Bugyal. The icing on the cake is the beautiful view of Nanda Devi and the Deodar and oak alpine trees. The unique part of the hike is walking on the snow, the energy put into getting through the hike is well worth it when all the beauties of the world fall into the tranquility of this place.

10- Dzongri Winter Trek, Sikkim

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Best Time to Trek Here: Between November and March
• Region: Sikkim
• Altitude: 4,250 m
• Duration: 7-9 Days
• Price: On Request

The Dzongri Trek is an enchanting trekking expedition for all adventure enthusiasts and novices alike. The Dzongri Winter Trek begins in the ancient capital Sikkim Yuksom and after that, the trail climbs on the road from Bakkhim to Tshoka and continues through Phedang to Dzongri, where you can see gorges, a forest adorned with Himalayan flowers. Also from Dzongri, hikers are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of neighboring peaks such as Mount Pandim, Mount Thenchinkhang, and Mount Jhopuno. Hikers follow the same route downhill to reach base camp.

11- Frozen River Chadar Trek, Ladakh

• Difficulty Level: Moderate- Challenging
• Best Time to visit: Mid-January to February
• Region: Zanskar Region, Ladakh
• Altitude: 3000-6000 meters
• Duration: 8-9 Days
• Price: 17500

Talking about one of the best hikes in winter, the frozen river, also known as Chadar, is one of the most per contenders for it. True to its name, the Frozen River Chadar Trek turns into a blanket of snow during the winter season. Hikers will start their expedition from Tilat Sumdo, then continue to Naerak Pullu, Tsomo Paldar, and finally finish in Chilling. Apart from the imposing and picturesque peaks, here you can see frozen waterfalls and monasteries.

The trail offers the most unique trekking experience of any Himalayan trek in India. At the top of the adrenaline junkies’ list of hikes, walking the frozen Zanskar River will put his fitness and willpower to the test. The hike starts as soon as the Zanskar River starts to freeze and the preferred time for this hike in February.

12- Har Ki Dun Trek, Uttarakhand

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Best Time to visit: Between mid-November and mid-March
• Region: Garhwali Himalaya, Uttarkashi
• Altitude: 3,566 meters
• Duration: 12 Days
• Price: On Request

Located in the middle of the cradle-shaped valley, just below the summit of Har ki Dun, the Har Ki Dun Winter Trek is one of the most alluring in the western Himalayas. The beautiful Har ki Dun Trek exists in the seductive land of Uttarakhand. The hike starts in Dehradun and continues to Sankri, the gateway to Har ki Dun. From Sankri the hike is well marked and goes through dense forest with stunning views of the valley.

The village of Taluka will be the next destination after Sankri. Taluka can be reached from Sankri by trekking or jeep, depending on which option is best for hikers. This winter wonderland is a heaven for trekkers as the beautiful and unparalleled valley offers several trekking excursions.

13- Roopkund Lake Winter Trek, Uttarakhand

• Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult
• Best Time to Visit: Mid- April to June and then September and October
• Region: Chamoli Garhwal
• Altitude: 4,900 meters
• Duration: 8 Days
• Price: On Request

Imagine wandering the streets with human skeletons at your side. Hundreds of skeletons will be found on the edge of Lake Roopkund. During the winter season, the skeletons under the blanket of snow make the place even scarier. The Roopkund Lake winter hike starts in the beautiful village of Didna towards Ali Bugyal, Ghora, Lotani and ends in Bhagwabasa. The route along the hike is an exhilarating experience to witness the pristine form of oak trees and flowering rhododendron forests.

 14- Chopta Chandrashila Winter Trek

• Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
• Best Time to Visit: Mid- November to March
• Region: Chamoli Garhwal, Uttarakhand
• Altitude: 3,690 meters
• Duration: 8 Days
• Price: On Request

One of the most famous and convenient hikes in Uttarakhand, the Chopta Chandrashila hike, leads through the pristine lake, the highest temple in Shiv, and remote villages, which are hugely illuminated against the beautiful backdrop of the Chopta Valley. The trekking expedition starts in Ukhimath and continues through Sari village to Deoriyatal. Chopta is considered a true paradise for bird watchers where you can see different Himalayan birds like Himalayan Monal, Hill Prinia, Lammergeier, Golden Eagle, etc. In Tungnath, hikers will experience the highest Shiv temple in the world.

The hike offers a pleasant view of the magnificent surrounding peaks of Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba. Forgetting the camera at home for this hike can cause hikers regret.

15- Sham Valley Trek, Ladakh

• Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
• Best Time to Visit: In July and August
• Region: Ladakh
• Altitude: 3,900 meters
• Duration: 4-5 Days
• Price: On Request

Nestled impressively in the charming Ladakh region, Sham Valley Trek is known for its apricot blossoms that bloom in the valley during the winter season. The walk is also known as the “baby walk” because it is the best option for beginners. The hike passes through small mountains, cascading streams, contrasting landscapes, and remote villages. The trekking expedition starts in Leh and drives through Yangthang through Chagatse La, Hemis Shukpachan through Tsermangchan La (3750 m), a village through Mebtak La and Nurla, before ending in Leh.

There are also several attractions to visit, such as the Likir Monastery, the original Sham Kingdom, and the Indus Valley.

16- Singalila Sandakphu Winter Trek

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Best Time to Trek Here: Between September and November
• Region: Darjeeling
• Altitude: 3,636 meters
• Duration: 2-3 Days
• Price: 12500/-

Get ready for a great extravagant hike to one of the stunning Himalayan villages. The trekking expedition begins in Tonglu. After crossing the forest in search of Red Panda and Tragopan, hikers arrive at Garibas. Continue to Sandakphu, from where you can admire the peaks of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Baruntse, Chomolonzo, Machapucchare, Chamling, Lhotse, and other peaks of the Annapurna Mountains. The moderate-level trek ends at Rimbik, the last stopover of the Singalila Sandakphu Winter Trek.

The list of magnificent winter treks in India doesn’t end here and there are many others to be discussed in our next post. For those looking to hit the road and get an adrenaline rush, it’s a sin to miss out on these 15 iconic winter trails. An impeccable infusion of exploration and adventure, winter hiking in India is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.