Seasons like Summer and especially monsoon hikes get all the attention, but there’s something irresistibly wonderful about having snow crunch beneath your feet. Falling asleep beneath some of the clearest skies of the year and waking up to enormous stretches of all-white landscapes that reach as far as the eye can see is a magical experience. However, the nicest part about winter treks is that you’ll be able to avoid the crowd for the most part. It would help if you visited these stunning mountain trails.
Dayara Bugyal Trek
Dayara Bugyal Trek takes on a whole new look in the winter, and it’s breathtaking. The trees, rocks, and grass are all covered with snow. The meadows, which add to the rich vegetation in other seasons, turn white in the winter, giving it a unique yet captivating appearance. This place has created a name for itself among the other trek destinations. It is known for being a simple walk, making it ideal for those attempting it for the first time. Climbing the rugged terrains of the mountains requires some level of physical fitness. Consider what you want to achieve before getting started.
Triund Trek
This trek in the Himalayas is famous for a quick weekend escape. Summers are usually the busiest months here, so October to December is a wonderful time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy some stargazing. It may be usually completed in 4-6 hours. However, it is often advised that you camp the night to fully appreciate the vistas of Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar range. This is a short trial, indeed steep. But you’ll be able to catch your breath now and again on easy, flat trails through rhododendron, pine, and coniferous forests. This trek’s highlight has stunning sunsets and starry evenings that decorate Himachal’s skies.
Markha Valley Trek
It is one of Ladakh’s most well-known summer treks. If one is looking for a holiday with a chance of seeing the elusive snow leopard, go on a winter journey between January and February. You’ll encounter amazing geological wonders and big boulders to the hike’s highest point in Markha before heading down to camp in Thachungtse, where one can see scramble cliffs. Due to its popularity, the Markha Valley trip is one of Ladakh’s most well-known summer treks.
Dodital trek
Dodital is named after the dodi (Himalayan trout) present in the lake and is thought to be Lord Ganesha’s birthplace. The trekking destination is supposed to be lovely all year, but especially so during the winter months (October to March) when it is blanketed with snow. The Garhwal Himalayas are home to Dodital. The Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini mountains are on one side, and the Darwa is on the other. On day four, you’ll travel from Dodital to Darwa Pass (4,150m) to take in the vistas of these peaks. Relax with a soak in a natural water pool and dine around a bonfire while descending.
Kedarkantha Trek
In Uttarakhand’s Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, the Kedarkantha is a six-day walk. Because Kedarkantha is a standalone mountain, there are multiple paths to the peak, each with its challenges. You can take the more popular route or, the quieter track.
The Kedarkantha trek is accessible all year but go in December and January if you’re looking for a challenge. The climb is difficult and steep in the cold, but it is also gratifying. The summit can be seen from the base camp, and the Himalayas can be seen as you ascend higher via snow-covered grasslands and woods. Along with some of the most spectacular sunsets, the trek gives you a taste of local culture and cuisine as you will be spending time there.
Sandakphu Phalut
Following the route of this trip will take you to the Singal Ridge, which marks the border between India and Nepal. It provides vistas of some of the world’s most iconic peaks, including Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu, which all stand above 8,000 meters. Apart from the Kanchenjunga, you may see peaks known as The Sleeping Buddha because of their shape. The hike is open all year except May to August, but trust us when we say you’ll want to view the towering peaks clothed in snow. This hike leads you to Singali Ridge, the dividing line between India and Nepal.
Brahmatal Trek
You can walk here all year, but in the winter (December to March), the Brahmatal trip takes you to a frozen alpine lake, where you’ll spend more than a few hours. You can even camp beside the lake if the weather cooperates and there isn’t too much snow. Admire the grandeur of the ice mirroring the majestic Mt Trishul and Mt Nandaghunti with a cup of tea in hand. As you descend, you’ll pass by Lake Bekaltal, which is worth seeing in the summer and usually freezes over in the winter. Each campsite has a different perspective of the forests and lakes on this journey. The nicest aspect is that taking in beautiful views does not require much effort. You can stroll along a ridge on the journey.
