Winter + Trekking = Snow + Lot of fun.
If this were a chemical equation, it would be a perfectly balanced one.
As trekkers, we all know that there are very few options which are left open for us to trek during the winter months on the Himalayas. Deep within us though, we also know that winter treks are the dreamy treks which take you into the Himalayan wonderland. Just you and the peaceful colour white with occasional dashes of green meeting your eye.
There are around 6 to 7 winter treks to choose from. All of them have some uniqueness of their own, but who is the one hero amongst them all? Our team decided to weigh all the options and let the champion stand out.
Like any other award function, we have 6 nominations in this category, each with their own unique highlight, and of course, one winner.
Let the awards begin!
Drumroll, please!!!!
Here are our nominations
Presenting The Best Winter Treks In India
BRAHMATAL TREK
Region |
Uttarakhand |
Max Alt |
3810 M |
Trek Distance |
21 Kms |
Start Point |
Lohajung |
End Point |
Lohajung |
Trek Duration |
6 Days |
Brahmatal trek is one of the most beautiful treks of the country. It is an easy trek where the trekkers get a chance to camp at the beautiful glacial lake of Brahmatal itself. The trek offers stunning views of the mountain ranges of Uttarakhand. Along with these spectacular views, the treks also has some of the most interesting stories to offer.
This trek can rightly be called Dazzling Lake Trek.
GOECHALA TREK
Region |
Sikkim |
Max Alt |
4600 M |
Trek Distance |
61 Kms |
Start Point |
Yuksom |
End Point |
Yuksom |
Trek Duration |
9 Days |
Goechala trek is the only winter trek that falls under the moderate-difficult category and can be enjoyed by experienced trekkers. The trail of this trek gives the trekkers a chance to put their physical and mental abilities and learnings to test. The flora and fauna found on this trek are very diverse and unmatched in their beauty. The entire trail of this trek is quite picturesque.
This trek is the experienced trekker's paradise.
CHADAR TREK
Region |
Ladakh |
Max Alt |
11,150 Feet |
Trek Distance |
62 Kms |
Start Point |
Leh |
End Point |
Leh |
Trek Duration |
9 Days |
Chadar trek needs no introduction. This trek follows along the Zanskar Gorge and offers breathtaking views. The Chadar trek is one of a kind, considering it is the only trek in which you walk on ice. During the entire trail of this trek, you walk on a relatively flat sheet of ice, dazzlingly white, with no mountain ascents or descents. The sub-zero temperatures are the biggest challenge of this trek.
This trek is the most glamorous trek that the Himalayas have in their bounty.
NAG TIBBA TREK
Region |
Uttarakhand |
Max Alt |
3004 m |
Trek Distance |
19 km |
Start Point |
Pantwari |
End Point |
Auntar |
Trek Duration |
3 Days |
The Nag Tibba trek is perfect for those who have less time on their hands yet want a complete Himalayan trek experience. It can be a perfect weekend plan. The trail of this trek is phenomenal, and there will almost certainly be snow for your inner child to let loose with. You walk through the forests of deodar trees. The flora and fauna on this trail are unmatched, and the diversity will baffle you.
This trek is the most convenient trek.
KUARI PASS TREK
Region |
Uttarakhand |
Max Alt |
3876 M |
Trek Distance |
30 km |
Start Point |
Joshimath |
End Point |
Joshimath |
Trek Duration |
5 Days |
The Kuari Pass trek is what you could call an "every man's" trek, which is appropriate for beginners as well as experienced trekkers. It has the most majestic trail, best forest cover, untouched snow, beautiful views, diverse flora, and fauna, isn't crowded, has the best campsites and everything else that you can dream of. Each and every day on this trek is a new surprise.
This trek is the have it all trek of the winter Himalayas.
HAMTA CIRCLE TREK
Region |
Manali |
Max Alt |
11089 Feet |
Trek Distance |
14 Kms |
Start Point |
Manali |
End Point |
Manali |
Trek Duration |
4 Days |
The Hamta Circle trek is a Himalayan hidden gem. The trail of the trek goes through pristine forests and you find untouched snow all over the trail. The meadows which fall on the trail offer spectacular views of the Hanuman Tibba and other peaks in the Beas Kund region. This trek is a great option for those who want to be on an easy trek yet get the complete learning experience.
This trek is the hidden gem of the Himalayas.
KEDARKANTHA TREK
Region |
Uttarakhand |
Max Alt |
12,500 Feet |
Trek Distance |
23 Kms |
Start Point |
Sankri |
End Point |
Sankri |
Trek Duration |
5 Days |
The Kedarkantha trek is one of the most popular winter treks, especially amongst the beginners. The trek towards the summit is generally started at night with the target to see the sunrise from the top. This gives the beginners a chance to experience the style followed on tougher treks. On the trail of Kedarkantha trek, the winter snow sets in by the beginning of December and lasts till the middle of April. As soon as you cross the 10,000 ft mark on the trek, you are most likely to find snow. The beauty of the landscapes only intensifies with the clear snow shining like diamonds scattered all over the ground.
This trek is the beginner's summit.
All these nominations are special in their own manner. They all are of different difficulty level and one should have a certain level of skill set for each one of them.
But, there has to be one winner in this little award show of ours.
Hold your breath, the best winter trek award goes to
Chadar Trek
It should come as no surprise- there is a reason this is one trek that everyone aspires to do. It finds a place in the bucket list of all trekkers. It is also a very different trek as you walk on a sheet of ice along the frozen Zanskar river.
So, if you are experienced enough and have the confidence, then you must let the Chadar trek become the hero of your travel journal.
We have chosen our favourite here, now what's yours?