That first step out in the snow as you hear that crunch…. The silence enveloped you and wrapped around the world peacefully in white. The mountains, once so high and aloof, look almost cuddly, bracing themselves for winter. Snow trek in India is magical — an adventure that awakens the soul and tests your endurance. I think of my first winter trek and how it made me feel like a speck that was struggling to find balance on every bent branch. If you are someone whose dream is to walk through snow burden forests, gazing at snow-capped peaks or would just want to feel that frigid air of Himalayas than my friend… this complete guide is for you.
Discover the 11 best winter snow treks in India, perfect for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. These treks offer stunning snowy landscapes, thrilling trails, and unforgettable experiences. Highlights include the Chadar Trek in Ladakh, where you walk on a frozen river, the Kedarkantha Trek in Uttarakhand, known for its breathtaking summit views, and the Nag Tibba Trek, ideal for beginners. Other must-visit treks include the Brahmatal Trek for serene frozen lakes, the Dayara Bugyal Trek for vast snow-covered meadows, and the Kuari Pass Trek, offering majestic Himalayan panoramas. Best experienced from December to February, these treks promise adventure, pristine beauty, and a memorable winter escape. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a beginner, there’s a perfect trail waiting for you.
India Winter Treks – Where Adventure Meets Serenity
For winter trekking in India, highest peak is not the only reason; it also lies on the way that leads you to untouched snows silent forests and blue skies. In winter, the mountain air carries something special with it; there is a bite to how crisp and cold it is all at once—a promise of adventure. Winter treks in India are another world for nature lovers wherein the experience you get on summer treks are far behind. It is a journey that pushes your endurance levels to unprecedented heights, still air; and thus, creates memories that you will carry along with you for the rest of your existence.
11 Best Winter Snow Treks in India
If you’re wondering where to start, here’s a list of the best winter treks in India that will leave you breathless (in more ways than one).
1. Rupin Pass Trek (15,250 feet)- Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh
Starting in the quaint villages of Uttarakhand, you pass through ancient forests, cross hanging bridges, and climb icy waterfalls. Rupin Pass Trek is one of those fantastic experiences that introduce the trekkers to a diverse range of landscapes with each being more mesmerizing than the previous. You would climb up to 15,250 feet at the summit. The sight of that snow-covered pass is still vivid in my memory, as if I had stepped into a dream. Rupin Pass Trek is best trekking in winter.
- Best time to visit Rupin Pass Trek: May to June, September to October
- How to reach Rupin Pass Trek: Dehradun by road
- Trek difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Highlights: The majestic snow-clad Rupin waterfall and the breathtaking views from the pass.
2. Buran Ghati Trek (15,000 feet) – Himachal Pradesh
Buran Ghati is one of those treks where you feel like you’re in a fantasy world. Located in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the finest snow treks in India, I would say Buran Ghati is an adventure in itself. This trek is a package with meadows, forests, snow walls and adventurous descents. The Batanghari Trek at 15,000 feet is the highest amongst them all and considered to be a trek for the steady hearted.
- Best time to visit Buran Ghati Trek: May to June, September to October
- How to reach Buran Ghati Trek: Shimla to Janglik by road
- Trek difficulty: Moderate to tough
- Highlights: The adventurous snow slide down the Buran Pass.
3. Har Ki Dun Trek (11,675 feet) – Uttarakhand
Har Ki Dun Valley is the best December treks lies in the heart of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand and is a place of legend. It is also called the” Valley of Gods” where you will pass by dense forests, heritage villages with some centuries-old temples & meadows covered in snow. There is something special about the place… It feels like a step back in time. Walking through this snowy landscape, you really feel an unreal peace. It casts a beautiful view of the adjoined peaks; very high like Swargarohini and closely you understand why this valley is so famous for mythological significance. Har Ki Dun Valley is one of the winter treks in Himachal Pradesh.
- Best time to visit Har Ki Dun Trek : March to June, September to December
- How to reach Har Ki Dun Trek: Dehradun to Sankri by road
- Trek difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: Stunning snow-covered valley views and ancient Himalayan villages.
4. Goechala Dzongri Trek (16,200 feet) – Sikkim
Goechala Dzongri is a trek that brings you face-to-face with the Eastern Himalayas. Goechala Dzongri trek in Sikkim will take you to a height of 16,200 feet and one of the best views of Kanchenjunga (8598 mt/28169 ft)-the third highest mountain in the world. There, I stood gazing at the vast peaks, small yet deeply connected to the atmosphere.
- Best time to visit Goechala Dzongri Trek : March to May, September to November
- How to reach Goechala Dzongri Trek: Yuksom by road (Sikkim)
- Trek difficulty: Tough
- Highlights: Close-up views of Kanchenjunga and other snow-covered giants.
5. Sandakphu Phalut Trek (11,930 feet)- West Bengal and Nepal Border
The Sandakphu Phalut Trek is truly unique because it straddles the border of India and Nepal. As you trek through the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, you’ll find yourself gazing at not just one but four of the five tallest mountains in the world—Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. This is an incredible trek to the eyes. The Sandakphu Phalut Trek at 11,930 feet holds the most unmatched 360-degree panoramic view of Everest, Kangchenjunga and other towering peaks. This great winter trek in India for those who want see the giant Himalayas can do this trek.
- Best time to visit Sandakphu Phalut Trek : October to May
- How to reach Sandakphu Phalut Trek: Darjeeling to Manebhanjan by road
- Trek difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: The only trek where you can see four of the world’s highest mountains.
6. Chadar Trek (11,150 feet) – Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir
Chadar Trek is unlike any other trek. Set in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, this trek takes you over the frozen Zanskar River, where the ice forms a sheet—or “chadar”—that you walk on. Imagine strolling on frosted running water, ice below your ft and towering cliffs surrounding you. The trek at 11,150 feet is one of the most challenging treks in India but to be able to trek in minus temperatures gives an experience which you wouldn’t easily forget.
- Best time to visit Chadar Trek : January to February
- How to reach Chadar Trek : Leh by air
- Trek difficulty: Very tough
- Highlights: Walking on the frozen Zanskar river.
7. Brahmatal Trek (12,200 feet) – Uttarakhand
The Brahmatal Trek is set in the serene mountains of Garhwal, Uttarakhand. This region is known for its peaceful beauty, and during winter, it transforms into a quiet snow-covered paradise. If you are beginners and willing to try snow trekking without venturing too high, the 12,200 feet Brahmatal Trek is for you. One of the best winter treks in Uttarakhand, the views of Mt. Trishul and snow laden Nanda Ghunti are seen here.
- Best time to visit Brahmatal Trek : December to February
- How to reach Brahmatal Trek : Kathgodam to Lohajung by road
- Trek difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Highlights: The frozen Brahmatal Lake and snow-capped mountain views.
8. Kedarkantha Trek (12,500 feet) – Uttarakhand
The Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most accessible winter treks in India, set in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand. The Kedarkantha Trek is one of the popular snow treks in India and considered as beginner’s delight. The hike to 12,500 ft. is not as arduous and offers beautiful views of the Himalayan snowline. Like I said earlier, on the peak, I felt a big sense of accomplishment staring at everything down there.
- Best time to visit Kedarkantha Trek : December to April
- How to reach Kedarkantha Trek: Dehradun to Sankri by road
- Trek difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Clear skies, snow-covered forests, and the panoramic view from the summit.
9. Dayara Bugyal Trek (12,000 feet) – Uttarakhand
The Dayara Bugyal Trek takes you to one of the most beautiful high-altitude meadows in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. A Snow Hike At 12,000 Ft. This snow place in India has the iconic large open meadows which are layered with a blanket of white enchantment. For those of you that have not seen the magic of winter and are looking for a beginner trek, this trek has everything beautiful you can get.
- Best time to visit Dayara Bugyal Trek : December to March
- How to reach Dayara Bugyal Trek : Dehradun to Barsu by road
- Trek difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: The snowy meadows and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
10. Kuari Pass Trek (12,516 feet) – Uttarakhand
The Kuari Pass Trek offers some of the best views of Nanda Devi, India’s second-highest peak, along with a host of other snow-covered giants, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. During winter, the region turns into a snow-covered fairy tale, with every turn revealing a new and beautiful view. Standing at 12,516 feet at the pass, you can see the entire Nanda Devi Sanctuary stretched out in front of you. The mix of beautiful oak and rhododendron forests and snow-capped mountains sets the scene for a trek that is favorite for winter thrill-seekers.
- Best time to visit Kuari Pass Trek : December to March
- How to reach Kuari Pass Trek : Joshimath by road
- Trek difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Views of Nanda Devi and other Himalayan giants.
11. Triund Trek (9,350 feet) – Himachal Pradesh
The Triund Trek is one of the most popular treks in Himachal Pradesh, especially for those looking for a short and easy winter trek. Set in the Kangra Valley, near McLeod Ganj, this region is famous for its beautiful views of the Dhauladhar Range. The Triund Trek in Winters is best if you would like to go on a trek that is super easy yet very scenic.
It is not that high and leaf fall floor view awakes you in the morning on a height of 1835 meters (9350 feet) which is enough to experience snowfall during late December till March end also offers beautiful views. The best part? Even during winter this trek can be accessed which makes it one of the best treks in India for December.
- Best time to visit Triund Trek : March to June, September to December
- How to reach Triund Trek : Dharamshala by road
- Trek difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range and the charming snow-covered trail.
Things to Carry for Snow Treks
- Clothing: Thermal wear, fleece jackets, waterproof pants, and down jackets.
- Footwear: Sturdy trekking boots with good grip for snow.
- Backpack: A strong backpack (50-60 liters) with rain and snow cover.
- Other Essentials: Trekking poles, gloves, sunglasses, woolen socks, sunscreen, and lip balm.
- Document: Govt. ID Proof in original and Photocopy both with passport size photo.
Medicines to Carry for Winter Treks
- Altitude Sickness Medicine: Like Diamox, essential for high-altitude treks.
- Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or paracetamol.
- First Aid Kit: Band-aids, antiseptic cream, and blister protection.
How to Reach These Treks
By Road– Most of these treks begin from well-connected towns like Dehradun, Dharamshala, and Joshimath, accessible by bus or taxi.
By Air– Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport and Leh Airport are the major points for accessing these treks.
By Rail– Kathgodam, Haridwar, and Dehradun are the key railway stations to reach many of these trekking destinations.
Your Winter Wonderland Awaits
Each of these winter treks in India have their own mystical touch. Be it the time you stand on top of Kedarkantha, negotiate through the frozen Zanskar River or watch the sunrise over Kanchenjunga, these treks leave you with memories that shall be etched forever. The unspoilt, wintery scene can hold a quiet beauty so I’d safely bet you will want to keep coming back year after year.
Now you’re all set for your next snowy adventure! Happy trekking!
FAQ
Which are the best snow treks in India?
Treks like Kedarkantha, Brahmatal, and Chadar are among the best snow treks in India.
What’s the best time for winter treks in India?
The best time for winter treks in India is from December to February.
Are there any treks in December in India?
Yes, Kedarkantha, Dayara Bugyal, and Triund Trek in winters are great treks in December in India.
Which are the best winter treks in Uttarakhand?
Kedarkantha, Kuari Pass, and Brahmatal are among the best winter treks in Uttarakhand.
What are the top 10 toughest treks in India?
Chadar and Goechala Dzongri are considered some of the top 10 toughest treks in India.
Can I trek in January?
Yes, trekking in January is possible in places like Kedarkantha and Chadar Trek.
Is the Chadar Trek difficult?
Yes, the Chadar Trek is one of the most difficult treks in India.
What’s the altitude of the Kuari Pass trek?
The Kuari Pass Trek reaches an altitude of 12,516 feet.
Which trek is best for beginners?
Triund and Dayara Bugyal are excellent for beginners.
Can I see snow in September in India?
Snow in September in India is rare, but some high-altitude places may have leftover snow.
Which winter trek in Himachal Pradesh is popular?
Triund Trek in winters is very popular in Himachal.
How cold is the Kedarkantha summit?
The Kedarkantha summit can be extremely cold, with temperatures dropping to -5°C or lower.
Which trek offers the best snow experience in Uttarakhand?
The Kedarkantha Trek offers a fantastic snow experience in Uttarakhand.
How can I prepare for trekking in February?
Prepare by carrying warm clothes, waterproof boots, and altitude sickness medicine.
What is the best trek in North India for snow lovers?
Brahmatal and Kedarkantha are some of the best treks in North India for snow lovers.
