Over the years, trekking in India has gained huge momentum. Thanks to companies like India Hikes, Trek the Himalayas and many others – the industry has discovered and popularised many trails. However not all trails are accessible during the freezing months in the Himalaya. Most of them get cut off due to heavy snowfall. In this blog, we recommend the winter treks which are easy, accessible and affordable. Brownie points to all the trek for offering majestic Himalayan views!
Here are 5 treks that are accessible throughout the year!
Contents
Dayara Bugyal Trek
Have you ever wondered what an alpine meadow surrounded by snow clad majestic Himalayan mountains would look like? Dayara Bugyal offers you a complete package of an alpine meadow hugged amongst the iridescent mountains, offering fantastic view of the Gangotri ranges.
This is an ideal place to ski in the months of January to March and for the rest of the year this is a comfortable and alluring trek. The trek passes through a majestic trail dotted with oaks, pines, rhododendrons and maples trees. The trek is open all year round with different hues taking over different seasons.
In the early season, flowers, of variety of colours, carpet the entire meadow. During autumn, the meadow turns yellowish and gold and, in the winters, the meadow is a white blanket covered heavily with snow. From the meadows of Dayara, you see grandeur views of Srikanth, Draupadi Ka Danda, Jaonli, Bhagirathi and Bandarpoonch.
Brief Itinerary –
Day1: Dehradun to Barsu to Barnala Tal
Day 2: Barnala Tal to Dayara Bugyal to Barnala Tal
Day 3: Back to Dehradun
Trek Distance – 9 km
Starting Point of the trek – Barsu
How to reach – Take a bus till Uttarkashi from Dehradun Railway Station bus stand. From Uttarkashi, you can hire a personal taxi or share a local taxi till Barsu via Bhatwari.
Temperature –
25°C Max/ 7°C Min – Summers
10° Max/ -5° Min – Winters
Maximum Altitude – 3,657 meters – Bakariya top at Dayara Bugyal
Kuari Pass
Have you ever thought of going on a trek which is relatively easy and offers great Himalayan views?
Well, Kuari Pass is the perfect blend of everything- it is easy, is open all year round and offers grandeur views! Kuari pass is also known as Curzon’s trail since the British viceroy, George Curzon attempted crossing it.
The trail takes you to the the pass from where you can spot so many peaks. You can see Nanda Devi (the second highest peak of India) and Kamet (the third highest) from the pass. Besides, one can also spot Chaukhamba massif, Neelkanth, Mana, Trishul, Nandaghunti, Nanda Devi and Dunagiri on a clear day.
Brief Itinerary –
Day 1: Rishikesh to Joshimath
Day 2: Joshimath to Tugasi to Guling
Day 3: Guling to Khullara
Day 4: Khullara to Kuari Pass and back to Taali
Day 5: Taali to Auli to Joshimath
Day 6: Back to Rishikesh
Trek Distance – 10km
Starting Point of the trek – Tugasi/Tapovan/Auli
How to reach – Take a bus from Rishikesh Bus Stand till Joshimath. From Joshimath, hire a cab to reach the starting point.
Temperature –
20°C Max/ 5°C Min – Summers
10° Max/ -10° Min – Winters
Maximum Altitude – 3815 meters at Kuari Pass
Chopta – Chandrashila
Hugged between Himalayan mountains is a beginner’s trek to Chandrashila top. The Chopta – Chandrashila trek involves crossing the Tungnath temple. Tungnath is the world’s highest Shiva temple at an elevation of 3400m above the sea level. Peaks like Chaumkhamba and Kedar are easily visible on clear days.
This trek is a paradise for it is blessed with oaks, pines and even rhododendrons, which are mesmerising to spot. The trek goes through thick forests surrounded by snow clad peaks will make your journey enchanting and captivating.
During summers, the entire trail is dotted with flowers while during winters, the entire region is blanketed under snowfall. As a part of an eco-zone, you can also spot variety of flora and fauna! and the state bird of Uttarakhand, Himalayan Monal, can also be spotted here.
Brief Itinerary –
Day 1: Rishikesh to Chopta via Ukhimath
Day 2: Chopta to Chandrashila via Tungnath and back to Chopta
Day 3: Chopta to Rishikesh
Trek Distance – 5 – 6 km
Starting point of the trek – Chopta
How to reach – Take a bus from Rishikesh till Ukhimath. From Ukhimath, take a cab till Chopta.
Temperature –
25°C Max/ 7°C Min – Summers
10° Max/ -5° Min – Winters
Maximum Altitude – 3950 meters at Chandrashila peak
Nag Tibba Trek
Nag Tibba Trek is a 1N/2D trek. It is the best recommended trek for beginners and the perfect weekend getaway trek from cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. The trail passes via Goat village before reaching the Kathian Basecamp. On the way, you can see the mountain life at its peak. You will see women carrying firewood, men rearing the cattle and children playing along.
Brief Itinerary –
Day 1: Dehradun to Pantwari to Kathian Basecamp
Day 2: Kathian Basecamp to Nag tibba Summit and back to Dehradun
Trek Distance – 9km
Starting Point of the trek – Pantwari
How to reach – Take a bus from Dehradun till Nainbagh. From Nainbagh, catch the local share taxi or hire a personal cab.
Temperature –
25° Max/ 10° Min – Summers
18° Max/ -5° Min – Winters
Maximum Altitude – 3,020 meters at Nag Tibba summit
To know more about Nag Tibba, click here.
Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarkantha Trek is undoubtedly the most famous winter trek in India. It has gained much fame over the years and for the correct reasons. It is a relatively easier trek. Camping spots like Juda Ka Talab add to its beauty.
The summit climb is challenging but is worth it when one reaches the top! The summit offers 360° views of the Himalayan ranges. One can see Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black peak, Ranglana among the Yamunotri and Gangotri ranges. It is the perfect winter wonderland!
Brief Itinerary –
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri
Day 2: Sankri to Juda ka talab
Day 3: Juda ka talab to Basecamp
Day 4: Basecamp to Summit and back to Sankri
Day 5: Sankri to Dehradun
Trek Distance – 8km
Starting Point of the trek – Sankri
How to reach – We recommend taking the early morning bus from Dehradun Railway Station bus stand to Sankri.
Temperature –
20°C Max/ 5°C Min – Summers
7° Max/ -15° Min – Winters
Maximum Altitude – 3810 meters at Kedarkantha summit
Also check out these Himalayan Trek Guides that we have shared on this website, and don’t forget to Pin this detailed guide about the 5 Popular Winter Treks in Uttarakhand for future reference.
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Ambika is an avid traveller and trekker who loves to hop from one mountain to another. She is extremely passionate about backpacking, mountaineering and adventure sports including skiing and surfing. Currently studying in Delhi University as a political science student, she jumps on a bus whenever possible and tries to find a story in every corner while travelling, penning down her thoughts.