Top 5 best winter treks of India

How about a hot cup of coffee, with your loved ones at 13000 feet with snow all around. It's always like a dream to witness live snowfall, walk on knee-deep snow, make a snowman, and camp in wild with snow all around. But in India, such treks are very rare. Here I am going to present some of the most beautiful winter treks in India. If you are planning to trek this season then you can go on any of these treks. All trek has its own offerings and challenges for trekkers. But one thing is common on all these treks, and that is beautiful views.

Kedarkantha Trek

One of the most loved winter treks of India is the Kedarkantha trek. Located at an altitude of 12500 feet (3810 meters) in Pasuvihar National Park in Uttarakhand, India. This trek is most famous for its breathtaking view from the summit. 360-degree view of snow-capped mountains and carpet of snow all around give goosebumps to trekkers. This trek starts from a quint village Sankri which is located at an altitude of 6400 feet (1950 meters) and about 200km away from the nearest railway station Dehradun. From Sankri, we head toward our next base camp i.e. Juda ka Talab which is at an altitude of 8860 feet (24700 meters) and about 5 km away from base camp Sankri. On the first day, we start gaining altitude so it is recommended to go slow and let your body acclimatize properly. The next day we will head toward Kedarkantha base camp which is located at an altitude of 12000 feet (3660 meters). Second day onward views will be amazing, with every step you will start finding something new and interesting in this trek. The journey from the Kedar Kantha base camp to the Kedarkantha summit will start the next day at 2 am so that you can reach the summit before sunrise. This journey will give you the feel of a real summit. 

Difficulty:- Moderate

Duration:- 6 Days

Prior Experience:- No experience is required

Total trekking distance:- 22Km

Starting point:- Sankri, Uttarakhand, India

Nearest railway station:- Dehradun

Brahmatal Trek

Have you ever thought about camping around a frozen lake? If yes, then the Brahmatal trek has something similar to offer. Also known as Brahma ka Tal or Lord Brahma's lake, this pristine lake is a well-known trekking destination in India. This trek is mostly famous as a winter trekking destination. Camping at the frozen lake, with some mesmerizing views of Mt. Trishul, Megtoli, Nanda Gunti, and Meghtoli with a clear view of trails of Asia's largest Bugyal Ali & Bedni Bugyal make this trek most favorite destination for regular and new trekkers. 

The trek will start from the base camp Lohajung which is located at an altitude of 7550 feet (2300) meters above sea level and 216 Km away from base camp Kathgodam- the nearest railway station. On the first day, we will start our trek from Lohajung and will head toward Bekaltal.

Difficulty:- Moderate

Duration:- 6 Days

Prior Experience:- No experience is required

Total trekking distance:- 24Km

Starting point:- Lohajung, Uttarakhand, India

Nearest railway station:- Kathgodam

Sandakphu Trek

The trek located at an altitude of 12000 feet (3660 meters) is the highest peak in Sangalila ridge on India- the Nepal border. This trek is most famously known as the trekker's wonder because of its untamed natural beauty and mixed flavor of Indian and Nepali culture makes this trek. The breathtaking view of some of the world's highest peaks like Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Lhotse levels trekkers amazed. 

The Stunning Beauty of the mighty Himalayas and daring yet dazzling trails to Sandakphu will not only makes you relish it but also help you to collect some lifelong experience. In sense, the Kanchenjunga range looks like a sleeping Buddha and a river of clouds.

This trek can be considered difficult for beginners, not because it has a stiff gradient but it can be considered tough because of its long length. In this trek, one will cover 46 km in just 6 days which is more than many winter treks in India.

Difficulty:- Moderate To Difficult

Duration:- 6 Days

Prior Experience:- No experience is required

Total trekking distance:-  46 km

Starting point:- Lohajung, Uttarakhand, India

Nearest railway station:- Kathgodam

Laka Glacier Trek

It's always a wish to reach the origin point of a river but most of the time glaciers are located at very high altitudes and on tough terrains. So trekking to a glacier found at the lowest level in Asia is always thrilling. This trek starts from the Buddhist city Dharamshala and passes through Trind to reach the Laka glacier which is also known as the Snowline trek. The beautiful view of the Dhauladhar range, deep valley, and colorfully decorated huts makes this trek the most loved trek in India. 

Difficulty:- Easy

Duration:- 3 Days

Prior Experience:- No experience is required

Total trekking distance:-  26 km

Starting point:- Lohajung, Uttarakhand, India

Nearest railway station:- Kathgodam

Dayara Bugyal Trek

Have you ever seen a big ground of snow? I don't think so. but definitely, you wish to see something like this. If so then the Dayara Bugyal trek is just for you. A huge playground fully covered with snow and high peaks all around. Dayara Bugyal trek is deemed one of the prettiest meadow treks in the Himalayas. On the Dayra Bugyal trek, you trail through dense maple and oak forests and cut through several river streams, to discover the scrolling grassland in the Himalayas, surrounded by towering peaks of Mt Bandarpoonch, Mt Black peak, and others. On your way to Dayra Bugyal, you get a glimpse of the native culture of Himalayan tribes as they can be seen grazing their cattle in beautiful pastures spread all around or busy in their small yet beautiful world.

Difficulty:-Moderate

Duration:- 6 Days

Prior Experience:- No experience is required

Total trekking distance:-  15 km

Starting point:- Raithal, Uttarakhand, India

Nearest railway station:- Rishikesh