India is home to some of the most breathtaking trekking destinations in the world, and here we will list the best winter treks In India. Winter months are the perfect time to explore them. With snow-capped peaks, frozen lakes, and crisp mountain air, these treks offer a unique and memorable experience. Here are three of the best winter treks in India:
Chadar trek – One of the Best Winter treks in India!!
This trek takes place on the frozen Zanskar River in the Himalayas and is considered one of the most challenging treks in India. The trek begins in the town of Chilling, located on the banks of the Zanskar River, and follows the river as it winds its way through the remote and rugged Zanskar Gorge.
The trek is approximately 105 km long and takes around 9 days to complete. The trail is covered in thick ice and snow, making it a challenging and treacherous trek, but the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and frozen river make it well worth the effort.
How to reach the chadar trek?
Leh is the closest town to the starting point of the chadar trekking trail.
By Flight:- You can directly take a flight to Leh, which will give a glimpse of snow-capped mountains and Leh covered completely in the snow!! We suggest you take a flight to Leh if you are planning this trek in winter.
By car:- You can drive by car but it will take you almost 8 days from Manali which will be exhausting for the upcoming chadar trek.
Suggestion: Plan for chadar trek from tour operators because no one will allow you to do this trek solo or without a guide/tour operator. Keep 2 government ids, and a medical certificate handy before planning one of the best winter treks in India!!
Also read :- Chadar trek – Trek the himalayas
Kedarkantha trek –
Kedarkantha Trek: Located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, the Kedarkantha Trek offers beautiful views of snow-capped peaks and frozen lakes. The trek is approximately 12 km long and takes around 4 days to complete.
It starts from the village of Sankri and goes through dense forests, meadows, and snowy peaks. The summit offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a perfect destination for photography enthusiasts.
How to reach Kedar Kantha trek?
Sankri is the closest village to the Kedar Kantha base camp. the only way to reach Sankri is by Dehradhun through private cabs/ public and private buses. You can do this trek solo without any tour operators. But a guide is compulsory for the Kedarkantha trek.
You can hire a guide and rent a few equipments like tents, sleeping bags, gaiters, and a benzene stove for your stay in the base camp. There are charges for putting our personal tents on the base camp which you will have to pay upfront while getting the Permit for Kedar Kantha(In Sankri). Kedarkantha is one of the best winter treks in India no doubt!!
Reach Dehradun:-
- By flight:– There are connecting flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore to Dehradun’s jolly grant airport.
- By trains:– Many trains leave from NLDS Delhi Station and Hazrat Nizamuddin station to Dehradun. This will be a cheaper option wrt to flights. One of the best options is KOTA DDN EXP (12401) which is an overnight train to Dehradun. you will reach Dehradun by 6:00 AM from where you can take private or public buses to Sankri. Most of the buses depart from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Kuari pass trek –
Kuari Pass Trek: This trek is located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and is considered one of the most popular winter treks in India. The trek is approximately 20 km long and takes around 7 days to complete. It starts from the town of Joshimath and goes through dense forests, meadows, and snow-capped peaks.
The Kuari Pass, which is the highest point of the trek, offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains including the famous peaks of Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba. The trek is considered to be moderate and is perfect for beginners. Kuari pass is one of the best winter treks in India for moderate trekkers!!
How to reach Kuari pass trek?
By Flight:– You can fly to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is the nearest airport to the trek. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to the starting point of the trek, which is typically the village of Auli.
By Trains:– You can also take a train to Rishikesh /Haridwar/Dehradun and then take a bus or taxi to Auli. It’s also possible to drive to Auli from Dehradun or Rishikesh. The trek itself is also called as “Curzon trail” or “Lord Curzon trail” and starts from Auli and ends at Joshimath.
Related :- Treks in Maharashtra
Overall, these three treks offer a diverse range of experiences for trekkers of all levels. The Chadar Trek is considered one of the most challenging treks in India, while the Kedarkantha and Kuari Pass treks are more moderate and perfect for beginners. All three treks offer stunning views of snow-capped peaks, frozen lakes, and beautiful valleys. If you’re looking for a winter adventure, these treks are definitely worth considering. Here we end our list of the 3 best winter treks in India!!
Please note that these treks are not for the faint-hearted, it is important to be well-prepared with proper gear, and also to be aware that it is not a walk in the park, but with the right mindset, preparation and respect for nature, it can be a life-changing experience.