Best Winter Treks To Do In India
Overview
India being diverse in almost every possible way is a wonder in itself. Right from different languages, cultures, religions, landscape, weather etc., is unique in itself. The trekkers of this country are blessed with almost every kind of treks one could imagine. The north is blessed with the Himalayas while the south west is blooming with Western Ghats. Some of them last for a few days which results in camping in the wild.
Kedarkantha Trek
Believed to be India’s favorite winter trek, Kedarkantha offers some of the most stunning views of Singtur ranges. The entire region is covered in white snow with freezing temperatures. The trek lasts for four days where you will camp on the snowy ground, frozen lake of Juda Ka Talab and pine trees. The summit view is a game changer. The neighboring peaks of Bandarpoonch, Gangotri, Swargarohini, Jaonti etc are like cherry on the top for this trek. The snow clad peaks shine in their full glory as the golden sun touches the surface. The trek is fairly easy as families with children often complete this hike smoothly.
Chadar Trek
One of the obvious names that comes to our minds when it comes to winter treks in India. Chadar Trek displays an extreme face of nature as well as the Himalayas to the world. The conditions are freezing at this high altitude trek. The highlight of this trek is the beauty of trekking in the barren Zanskar valley and the frozen river. The temperatures drop below zero degrees at night making it the coldest nights you will ever have. The views you will witness on the trek will be worth every step.
Dayara Bugyal Trek
This is an endless snow covered meadow you will ever encounter. The Dayara Bugyal is an all season trek, however the winters are breathtaking here, the base village is Barsu which takes you through dense forest, river and waterfall. There are no facilities like restaurants, homestays, beyond the base village hence you will need to cook your own meals. The trek is easy for beginners as well. The winters are freezing so carry extra warm clothes and a good warm sleeping bag.
Kumara Parvatha Trek
When it comes to Western Ghats, Kumara Parvatha truly is a symbol of tropical beauty and pleasant atmospheres. The winters in this part of India are a little different than what we see in the Himalayas. The temperatures are pleasant, the forests are lush green rich with all kinds of flora and fauna. The monsoons change the entire outlook of the hills and cover them with green carpets, waterfalls, streams and open fields. The Kumara Parvatha is the most scenic and the most beautiful trek in the state of Karnataka. Located in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, not so far from Kodagu district, Kumara Parvatha trek is a blissful experience.
Tadiandamol Trek
The quaint little town of Coorg, also known as Madikeri, is a lovely hill station established since Tipu Sultan’s reign and British Raj. The hill station is famous for its cool and soothing ambience and exquisite coffee plantations. Tadiandamol is the highest peak in the district and a wonderful trekking spot. This one day winter trek is approximately 10-15 kms long both ways and reveals forest walks, waterfalls, open meadows enroute to the summit. The summit views are occasionally interrupted by mist and eventually reveal the lush green rolling hills and valley. The trek is moderate and it requires permission from the forest office to enter the premises. Make sure you do not litter the surroundings or carry any plastic materials.
Triund Trek
Triund is an all season trek but the winters are something else in Triund. This short distance trek is popular among all tourists due to its painting- like summit views and trek trails. The trek takes you from dense forests to open ridges and patches of slopes. The trek is opted by many trekkers during winters for its snowfall and white paradise look. The camping at the base village of Dharamkot adds value to your experience. The villagers are friendly , also the place where you will have meals, refreshments, bonfire nights under the starry sky with your friends, and the camping experience of this freezing cold.
Winters are extreme in the Himalayas, often leading to heavy snowfall. The northern Himalayan states are prone to receiving tourist traffic during the early winter months and early spring months of October, November and March-April. The weather in these months is pleasant, cold, with a clear sky also with some snow sticking to the ground.