Winters are not meant to put yourself to bed, wrapped in a warm blanket and sipping a cup of coffee. It’s time to enjoy the best winter treks in India instead.
The hiking trails might seem difficult but trust me, you’ll not regret climbing up all the way in the freezing weather.
Nature has the best gift for you there, which you can never experience while staying in the room.
So, pack your back and get ready for the adventure and thrill. We also have a trekking route map for these winter treks so that you don’t get lost there.
Best & Easy Winter Treks in India
1. Kedarnath Trek, Uttarakhand
Hiking is the best way to get the closest view of Uttarakhand. For this, start your journey from Gaurikund.
After trekking for 16 kilometers you will reach the holy site of Kedarnath. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
The terrain here is not difficult and has gentle ascent which makes it easier for even beginners to trek.
Moreover, you won’t have to climb for the whole day, it takes only 5-6 hours. And if you get tired on the way, horse rides are available there.
The trekking route map:
The journey begins from Sonprayag and ends at Kedarnath temple passing through Gaurikund, Jungle Chatti, Bheembali, and Linchauli.
Best time- September to October as the crowd is less during this time.
However, if you can’t bear the chilling weather plan your trip during April and June. The weather is warm during that time.
Also Read: Trekking Preparation Tips For A Perfect Set Off To Your Dream Adventure Trails
2. Kuari Pass Trek, Uttarakhand
A perfect view is waiting for you at the top of 12,716 ft altitude. Surrounded by the Bhagirathi, Neelkantha, Chaukhambla, and Mt. Kamet, this trek gives vibes of heaven.
You will almost forget all your worries and tension here. But for this kind of peace, you need to spend 4-6 days.
It starts from Dhak village of Uttarakhand in Garhwal region taking you through Karchi, Akhrotghetta, Khullara, Tali to Kuari Pass.
Hikers cannot cover this in one day, also a lot of stamina and endurance is required to complete the Kuari Pass trek iternary.
Kuari Pass trek route map
Drive from Haridwar to Joshimath of Chamoli district. Dhak is the next stop from where the trekking route begins.
It crosses through the Rhododendron forest, Renok campsite in Kullara, broken bridge, to Kuari Pass.
Best time– The trek is accessible during the year round and each season offers a different view. For the best experience, come during the winter season.
It is when Kuari Pass is covered with snow and powdery snowflakes on the trees.
3. Triund Trek, Himachal
Triund trek is one of the easy winter treks in India for first-timers especially.
You can come here anytime and enjoy the stunning views of the valley at the daytime and the star-filled sky at the night.
There are two starting destinations to reach Triund. First is Dharamkot which passes from Galu Devi temple and another one is McLeod Ganj.
Both are safe however pick the first trail as it offers the scenic forest view as you climb up to the Triund.
It is only a 10 km trail that can be easily covered within 4-6 hours a day.
The trekking route:
- Start from Dharamkot or Mcleodganj
- Either take a route passing from Galu Devi temple or Bhagsu Naag temple
- After walking for a few hours you will reach Black Swan Camps Triund where you can relax and have some snacks
- Keep moving to reach Devi Mandir following which you will reach the destination
Best time- Prefer coming during September and October month
Food and drink facilities are available throughout the route. There is even a rest house to spend the night.
Still carry your own food and drink supply, warm clothes, and camping essentials for emergency.
4. Chandrashila Trek, Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand has the best winter treks in India. Chandrashila peak which starts from Haridwar is worth trying for everyone.
It is a 2-day journey where you will get to see Maa Ganga and Alaknanda rivers during the journey.
The breathtaking valleys, snow-clad pasturelands, holy site of Tungnath, and gorgeous lake of Deoria Tal will make your day further.
As you cover the entire trail of 11-12 miles and reach the destination, your heart and mind will fill with a sense of peace.
The trekking route map:
Best time- Though Summer is the perfect time to trek Chandrashila peak, hikers can prefer the winter season too.
However, one must check the weather before going to this best hiking place in India.
If you are lucky, you would get to see The Himalayan Monal on your way to Chandrashila. It is the state bird of Uttarakhand and is full of shining colors just like a peacock.
Also Read: 6 Out-Of-The-Park Trails For Trekking In Munnar
5. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh also has one of the best hiking places in India. It is surrounded by thick greenery and plenty of white waterfalls.
The Araku Valley, one of the famous valleys of India, defines this scene very beautifully.
Within the spread of a 36 km area, the valley has everything to satisfy an avid adventure enthusiast.
You can see caves, waterfalls, and amazing trees, and meet the ethnic tribes of Andhra during the journey.
Best time- From September to February, you can explore this anytime.
Must see places here:
- Vizag
- Borra Caves
- Katiki waterfalls
- Galikonda viewpoint
- Tribal museum
- Padmapuram gardens
6. Chadar Trek, Ladakh
Rightly named, this trek in Ladakh has ice bedding that gives it a heavenly look. Chadar trek is, thus, one of the best winter treks in India.
However, the slopy terrain and harsh weather make hiking a big challenge.
Even experienced trekkers face difficulty while hiking the Chadar trek. The 82 km trail is the icing on the cake to exhaust you completely.
So, go only if you are confident, trained, and can walk 15-17 km per day.
Best time– January and February
The trekking journey:
Follow the yellow routes on the map to reach the chadar trek and the blue line for returning.
The entire trip will require at least 13 days assuming you are not taking enough breaks during the journey.
7. Goecha La Trek, Sikkim
One of the best winter treks in India is in the kingdom of Buddha. Goecha La is full of big summits like Kanchenjunga and takes you to the wonders of nature.
Watching sunset or sunrise scenes at the end of the journey is the main reason trekkers take this challenging route.
To soothe your eyes, rhododendron forests are here which are usually filled with beautiful pink and red flowers.
The next big attraction is Samiti Lake.
Goecha La Trek route map:
Although the trekking route begins from Yuksom, you should first reach New Jalpaiguri to reach Yuksom.
Then follow the routes mentioned in the map.
Best time- April and May is the preferable month to capture the beauty of rhododendron trees. You can also visit during the winter season.
The Goechal trek itinerary will take 11 days during which you will cover 90 km of trail route.
Camping sites and guest houses are available for accommodation.
8. Prashar Lake Trek, Himachal
Route to Prashar lake offers perfect adrenaline pumping to the trekkers. It is one of the easy winter treks in India for beginners.
The route stretches only 45 km from Mandi to Prashar Lake which is 8,900 ft above sea level.
At the top, you will get a stunning view of snow-capped mountains and a 180-degree view of the Dhauladar ranges.
Cedar trees around the lake seem like green fencing and the lake captures the beauty of the surrounding mountains in its water.
The trekking itinerary:
- Mandi
- Baggi village
- Prashar Lake
Best time- January and February are the best months to see Prashar Lake and experience the beautiful snowfall here.
9. The Hampta Circuit Trek, Kullu
The circuit takes you through colorful orchards, gentle meadows, and snowfields.
And as you stop by the camping sites, you get a chance to absorb the beauty of the panoramic Dhauladhar ranges.
The breathtaking snow-covered Bara Bhangal range is a highlight of the Hampta Circuit trek.
To see all these natural wonders, you have to cover 35 km of total trek distance. It will take around 5 days to complete this circuit.
The trekking route map
Start your trip from Manali going through main stopping points- Chika, Balu ka Ghera, Hampta Pass, Chandratal lake, and Rohtang pass.
Best time- Late May is the time when trekkers take this exciting journey. However, snow lovers can come during mid-October as well.
[ Tip- Do not prefer late winters as snowfall is heavier during December and the trek becomes dangerous.]
10. Roopkund Trek, Uttarakhand
Roopkund trek is filled with mystery and adventure as there is a skeleton lake at the altitude of 16,499 ft.
This is the only reason why trekkers take a deep interest in this 53 km long moderate to difficult trail.
However, the route is not straight and takes you on a zig-zag journey while giving the best view of the Neelganga river.
Kalu Vinayak temple is a must-see attraction where a black idol of Lord Ganesha is resting inside a rock temple.
The trekking route map
Trek starts from Lohajung passing through Didna village, Ali Bugyal, Bedni Bugyal, Pathar Nachauni, Bhaguabasa, and Roopkund lake.
Best time- October
These best winter treks in India are no less than a feast for your eyes. They are as gorgeous at night as during the daytime.
And for most of the easy treks, winter is the best season when the surroundings are filled with bright natural colors.
You can get some unusual views of nature here. So, pack everything you need for trekking and begin this adventurous expedition.
Book local traveling agents for getting complete route assistance and camping facilities if this is your first time.