Top 5 Winter Treks in Uttarakhand

Winter trekking in the Himalayas is worth a try if you have never done it. The fresh snow, the enormous white meadows, dried maple, pine and oak leaves, and intense weather are unforgettable memories of winter treks in India. Moreover, it is an unmeasured fun to peg snowballs on your kith and kins.

The freezing weather is the best time to enjoy fritters and hot teas. After trekking for the day, having reached the campsites, soups allow you the most relishing time during the evenings. The gorgeous campsites offering reflecting views of snow and skies are breathtaking. Owing to the extreme weather conditions you should be well equipped with fundamental gear.

Himalayan trekking in India is indeed one of its kind. Treks broadly come under the wide category of winter treks in Himachal Pradesh, in Uttarakhand and Ladakh. However, trekking in Uttarakhand has its own beauty starting from curvy and daunting roads accompanied by ethereal views; to reaching villages and enjoying brief moments with the locals; to starting the trek and cutting across valleys, passes and river and finally reaching the destination blessed with the sights of peaks and glory. Uttarakhand’s landscape offers the best treks during the winters making the state a hub for the trekkers from the months of early December till early March.

If you wish to join us with one of our terrific Himalayan treks, check out the best five winter treks we offer in the state of Uttarakhand.

These are also the best winter treks for beginners!

1. Nag Tibba

Altitude: 3020 metres

Base camp: Pantwari

No. of Days: 2 to 3

Grade: Easy

Nag Tibba trek is a manageable terrain but offers one of the sumptuous and wondrous views. Nag Tibba is a low altitude peak located in the northeast of Mussoorie. Reaching Dehradun from Delhi, it is a 3 to 4 hours drive to the base camp of Pantwari. From Pantwari, we trek to fascinating Kathian campsite. The next day we head to summit this easier peak. The weather throughout the trek is cold while the temperature can drop below -10 degrees owing to the season.

Nag Tibba is the highest peak of the Nag Tibba range in Garhwal Himalaya. The other two ranges are Dhauladhar and PirPanjal. The summit of the peak offers a wholesome view of snow-capped and mighty peaks. The view comprises of the Dhauladhar range in the west to the Nanda Devi range in the east.

Nag tibba region is also very well known for the goat village. The area is called goat village because it undertakes goat farming and other agro practices in order to develop a sustainable livelihood for the locals.

2. Dayara Bugyal

Altitude: 3657 metres

Base camp: Barsu

No. of Days: 3 to 4

Grade: Easy

Dayara Bugyal trek is exclusively known for its elegant and expansive alpine meadows. The route offers one of the exotic Rhododendrons, Pine, Maple, and Oak forests. At the same time, during the winter, when the weather is cold and snowfall is wild, the same zone is covered in snow. It looks spooky snow-white. Moreover, it is altogether a pretty sight to click endless selfies and landscapes.

From Dehradun, reaching Barsu is an approximately 6 hours drive. One of the easy-moderate treks of Uttarakhand, Dayara Bugyal offers jaw-dropping views of fantastic peaks. Shrikanth, Draupadi ka Danda, Jaonli, Bhagirathi, Bandarponch and many more comprise the list. In addition, Dodital trek could also be coupled with Dayara Bugyal as the Dodital is located in the same region.

3. Kedarkantha

Altitude: 3810 metres

Base camp: Sankri

No. of Days: 5 to 6

Grade: Easy

Kedarkantha is one of the most popular treks in India. Owing to the extreme cold weather throughout the beautiful campsites, the trek definitely needs you to be well prepared with your gear. Kedarkantha trek not only delivers a thrill to summit the peak but also lets you enjoy the easy terrain until the Kedarkantha base. The first camp of Juda ka talab lends you to camp along this lake that could be fully or partially frozen during winters. The temperature drops until -15 degrees or more during the nights. Make sure you carry your thermals to keep you warm during the sleep.

The Kedarkantha height and terrain are easier at the beginning while the summit push is exactly the thrill that you are waiting to feel the rush. Moreover, the 7 to 8 hours drive from Dehradun to Sankri is experiential because of the exotic pine forest.

4. Chopta Chandrashila Deoriatal

Altitude: 3950 metres (Chandrashila Peak)

Base camp: Sari

No. of Days: 5

Grade: Easy

This is a power-packed Chopta Chandrashila Deorital trek that lets you worship the great Lord Shiva at the Tungnath temple. The temple is one of the highest located shrines. While you tread through the snowy terrains, you pass the Deorital, an amazing lake for a stopover, to summit the Chandrashila peak. The Chandrashila peak height makes it is an easy, enjoyable, and doable winter trek of Himalaya. At the same time, the Chandrashila temperature is pleasant in summers and extremely chilly during winters. Do not forget to pack your bags with gloves and mufflers.

The drive to quaint Sari village from Rishikesh or Dehradun is of 7 to 8 hours. After having camped at Deorital, we trek towards Rohini Bugyal and Chopta. From here one could have a glimpse of Chandrashila peak while basking in the mind-blowing white and pink rhododendrons zone. Although this trek is done throughout the year, you can undoubtedly join us for the winter.

5. Kuari Pass

Altitude: 3820 metres

Base camp: Joshimath

No. of Days: 6

Grade: Easy

Also popularly known as the Curzon trail, Kuari Pass trek will present you with incredible views of Nandadevi, Dunagiri, Chaukhamba massif, Neelkanth, Mana, Kameth, Trishul and many other Himalayan peaks. While you trek, you could also have glimpses of grand Nandadevi National park and Rishi Ganga gorge. In addition, to summit the Pangarchula peak, the comfortable terrain of the Kuari pass is chosen. The Pangarchulla peak height is 15,049 feet. The seasoned trekkers could opt for this trek!

Dehradun to Joshimath is a 9 hours long tenuous drive. As you trek up to the beautiful campsites, you will find ancient forests of Rhododendrons and Oak, en route. This is an easy trek and so very much recommended for the first-timers. What better than indulging your leisure time exploring the beauties of nature! Let it be Kuari pass winter trek then. Moreover, the pleasant and cold weather is all ready to welcome you to have an unforgettable adventure.

The Himalaya Shelter team will be glad to guide you through these stunning winter treks of Himalaya, this season. Pack your rucksack and embark on the most adventurous journey of your life!