Uttarakhand is a very popular destination for trekking in India, especially in the winter. When the mountains are covered with snow and the forests fall quiet and magical, it is an adventure seeker’s paradise! If you plan to travel in the winter this year, it should be at the top of your bucket list to check out winter treks in Uttarakhand. The treks offer phenomenal views and are suitable for beginner and advanced trekkers.
In this blog, we will discuss the best treks in Uttarakhand for winter and provide helpful information to make your trek safe and memorable.
Top 5 Winter Treks in Uttarakhand
Kedarkantha Trek: The Queen of Winter Treks
Kedarkantha is one of the most famous winter treks in Uttarakhand. It is an ideal trek for a winter adventure for beginners and for families; at an altitude of 12,500 feet, this trek provides the perfect introduction to the Himalayas. Located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, the trek provides a magnificent 360-degree view from the summit and stunning campsites. The trek passes through beautiful forests of pine and oak trees, which in winter are completely covered with snow, making the trek a striking visual experience.
This trek strikes a great balance between adventure and accessibility to winter treks, ensuring the Kedarkantha Trek is one of the best treks to visit in Uttarakhand for a winter journey. If you’re heading out on a first winter trek, the Kedarkantha Trek is one of the best treks you can take in Uttarakhand.
- Best time: December to March was the best time to visit this winter treks in uttarakhand.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Duration: 5-6 Days
- Trek: pine forests covered with snow, sunrise summit view and easy route makes this winter trek one of the best winter treks in uttarakhand.
Dayara Bugyal Trek: Expansive Snow Meadows
Dayara Bugyal is well-known for its vast, rolling alpine meadows. As soon as winter arrives, these meadows will become a huge blanket of pure snow and will create a great view of nature. It is situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. If you want an easy and snowy trail, Dayara Bugyal is one of the best winter treks in Uttarakhand.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trek: It has gentle slopes and is good for families and for beginner trekkers to experience some high snow without the effort of a steep climb. There are beautiful views of the Garhwal Himalayas, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak.
- Best time: Plan to visit this winter treks of Uttarakhand in December to February.
Nag Tibba Trek: The Perfect Weekend Snow Hike
Nag Tibba is one of the easiest and most popular winter treks in Uttarakhand, best for beginners and weekend adventurers. Close to Mussoorie, this trek is perfect if you are looking to make a three-day thrilling and snowy experience, without needing to take too many days off.
The best thing about Nag Tibba is that you can finish it in an easy two-day or three-day trek. The trek is not overly challenging, even with a fair amount of snow on the ground. So if you are searching for the best short winter treks in Uttarakhand, Nag Tibba is best for you.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 2 Days (or 3 days with a slower pace)
- Trek: From the top of Nag Tibba, you can enjoy a beautiful view of high-peaked Himalayan mountains, including Bandarpoonch, the Gangotri Group of Peaks, and the Kalanag peak. Trekking through snowy deodar and oak forests in the winter is a unique and quiet experience that allows you to enjoy a peaceful outing. For city dwellers, it’s a chance to enjoy and view the glory of snow-covered Himalayas without spending a week off from work.
- Best time: If you are planning to visit Nag tibba for trekking then December to February is the best time to visit this trekking place.
Kuari Pass Trek: The Viewpoint of Giants (Lord Curzon’s Trail)
For those looking for amazing mountain views while trekking, the Kuari Pass Trek is something you must do! This trek is also known as the Lord Curzon trek, as this trail was explored by “lord Curzon in 1905. It is located in the Chamoli district at an altitude of around 12,516 feet (3,815 meters). Kuari Pass is one of the best winter treks in Uttarakhand because you cannot find a panorama like this anywhere! From the top, you get a wonderful view of some of the highest and most worshipped Indian peaks.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Duration: 5-6 Days
- Trek: The trek will give you a wonderful view of mountains that include the massive Mt. Nanda Devi (the second-highest peak in India), Dronagiri, Trishul, Kamet, and Chukhamba! The trail winds through ancient oak and rhododendron forests with a thick layer of snow in winter, resulting in great campsites like Khullara and Tali. The trek is a great choice for winter treks in Uttarakhand because of its accessibility and outstanding views.
Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek: A Spiritual Snow Climb
If you are looking for a unique combination of spiritual relevance and raw natural beauty, then the Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek is a must-do treks for Uttarakhand in winter. Chopta, popularly known as the ‘Mini-Switzerland of India’, is the base for this trek and is completely draped in snow from December to March.
The trek leads to Tungnath – the world’s highest Shiva temple (at an altitude of 12,073 feet). Although the temple is closed during the peak winter months, the trek is still worthwhile for the snow and the spiritual atmosphere. From Tungnath, there is a steep 1.5 km climb to Chandrashila Peak at nearly 13,000 feet.
- Difficulty: Moderate (This trek is easy in summer, but the steep slopes covered in snow make it more difficult and adventurous in winter).
- Duration: 4 Days (Including a visit to Deoriatal Lake for a wider experience).
- Trek: Witness the beautiful 360-degree panoramic view from the summit of Chandrashila, of giants Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedar Peak, and Chaukhamba, all looking white with snow in winter. The joy of trekking deep in the snow on a winter trek is what makes this one of the best winter treks in Uttarakhand
Read this also: Madmaheshwar Trek की सम्पूर्ण जानकारी , stay, food, travel जाने सबकुछ
Why Choose Winter Treks in Uttarakhand?
The various reasons for going on winter treks in Uttarakhand are not limited to just snow. The air is crisp and clear, and the visibility of the mountain ranges is better than in summer. The stillness of the mountains is deep and soothing during this time of year. Walking on the snow beneath your feet and breathing in the fresh, dust-free air near towns offers a calm and a sense of connection with nature that is nothing short of mesmerizing.
Choosing a winter treks in Uttarakhand, whether it’s the popular Kedarkantha, the Kuari Pass, or the more challenging Chopta-Chandrashila trek, this winter will offer memories for a lifetime. Bring your gear, get fit, of course, and get ready to experience one of the magical winter landscapes of the Indian Himalayas covered in snow!
FAQs About Winter Treks in Uttarakhand
What are the best winter treks in Uttarakhand for beginners?
The best winter treks in Uttarakhand for a beginner are the Kedarkantha Trek, Dayara Bugyal trek and Nag Tibba trek.
Is December good for winter treks in Uttarakhand?
Yes, December is one of the good months for winter treks in Uttarakhand. The most popular winter trekking tourist trails of Uttarakhand (Kedarkantha, Nag Tibba, Kuari Pass, and Chopta-Chandrashila) are all fully covered in snow.
Is the Dayara Bugyal Trek suitable for first-time trekkers during winter?
Yes, Dayara Bugyal is one of the best options for winter treks in Uttarakhand for first-time trekkers. During the winter, the meadows experience deep snowfall which is very beautiful, unique, and great for a safe winter trekking experience.
Is winter trekking in Uttarakhand safe?
Yes, winter trekking in Uttarakhand is generally a safe trekking destination if you select the appropriate trek based on your fitness, and trek with a qualified and experienced guide or trekking company.
How challenging is the Nag Tibba Trek in winter?
The Nag Tibba trek is an easy winter trek for first-timers to trekking or weekend warriors. The Nag Tibba trek is one of the shortest and most satisfying winter treks near Mussoorie.
