TOP 6 WINTER TREKS IN INDIA

The trails of mountains in India are so scintillating that it gives pleasure to the eyes to witness ethereal beauty during the winter season. You will be crossing through the frozen streams, snow-capped mountains. Trekking in India is one of the biggest challenges among the trekkers. Tourists across the world come to witness this grandeur. The treks to Himalaya never fail to amaze with dainty landscapes, exquisite hamlets, mouthwatering delicacies and warm hospitality. Winter is the perfect month for adventure junkies because it is the time of the year where across every corner of the country people want to experience the adventure of a lifetime. Here are some of the top 6 Winter treks in India

Photography Ashish Bhatt

1.CHOPTA CHANDRASHILA TREK–  TO THE WORD’S   HIGHEST SHIVA TEMPLE

Considered as one of the easiest treks of India, Chopta Chandrashila trek passes through beautiful villages, holy lakes behind the tremendous backdrop of Chopta Valley. The trek is very famous in Uttarakhand. The trekkers will start from Ukhimath and tread through Deoriyatal via Sari Village. The valley is adorned with various wildflowers, plants, and animals. Witness the world’s highest Shiva Temple in Tugnath with breathtaking views of the Himalayas especially Chaukhamba, Trishul and Nanda Devi.

 Altitude: 4090 mts (13415 ft)

Duration: 5-6 days

Route : Ukhimath – Deoriatal- Sari – Chopta – Tungnath – Chandrashila

Temperature : 10 °c to 30°c ( summer ) & (-10)°c to 10°c (winter)

Best Time To Visit: Mid November to March

Highlights: Chopta, Deoriatal lake

Grade: Easy to moderate

How To Reach:

Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar Railway Station

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

For More Info: Deoriatal Chandrashila

Photography Ganga Rana

2.Dodital Trek – The abode of Lord  Ganesh

Dodital trek is one of the best treks for beginners. It starts from Sangamchatti and passes through thick forests, oak trees. In winters it becomes difficult because the meadows are covered with a blanket of snow. The views are very surprising as one moves ahead and enjoy the enchanting backdrops of Garhwal Himalayas. On the Assi Ghat river, trekkers can halt and do overnight stay and indulge themselves in trout fishing. The next base camp is Manjhi where the paths are not well defined. The trekkers will be welcomed by Dodital Lake (known as Dodi in the local language). It is a pristine lake where the lake is known to be the abode of Lord Ganesh. The lake is one of the most elegant lakes in North India. The trekkers will head towards Darwa Pass on the final day. It is meant for those like extreme adventure and wants to feel the adrenaline rush.

Altitude: 3307 mts (10847 ft)

Duration: 5 -8 days

Route: Sangamchatti– Agoda  –Bebra – Manjhi –  Dodital  – Darwa Pass

Temperature :  10 °c  to 15°c (Summer) & (-2) °c to 10°c (winter )

Best Time To Visit: Mid November to March

Highlights: Sangam Chatti, Assi Ganga River, Himalayan Trout Fish, Dodital Lake

Grade: Easy to moderate

How To Reach :

Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar Railway Station

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

For More Info: Dodhital Trek

Photography- Ganga Rana

3 Dayara Bugyal Trek

How about waking up to verdant meadows of Dayara Bugyal? Dayara Bugyal is one of the most loved treks in India. During winters, the area receives heavy snowfall and becomes a perfect postcard. The trek can be done by amateurs in a short period, where you will come across stunning landscapes of Garhwal Himalayas. The trek starts from Barsu or Raithal crossing quaint villages, alpine forests, oak trees passing through a serene lake called the Barnala Lake. The next day, trekkers will reach Dayara surrounded by verdant meadows and pristine oak trees. The final destination is Bakariya after crossing Dayara Bugyal.

Altitude: 3950 mts (12956 ft )

Duration: 5- 6 days

Route:  Barsu / Raithal Village – Barnala Bugyal – Deyara Bugyal – Bakariya  Top

Temperature :   10°c to 25°c  (Summer) & (-4)  °c to   10°c (winter)

Best Time To Visit: Mid November to March

Highlights:  Barnala Lake, Meadows, oak Forest, Deyara

Grade: Easy

How To Reach:

Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar Junction

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

For More Info: Dayara Bugyal Trek

4: Nag Tibba Winter Trek – Gateway to Nag Debra’s Abode

The Nag Tibba is for the extreme adventurers, nature, overs, and tourists across the corner of the country come to do this magnificent trek. It has a spiritual essence and people pay a visit to Nag Devta(Snake God) for the protection of the village The trek starts from Pantwari passing through natural vistas and small hamlets near Pantwari, Nagtibba, and Devalsari and finally ends at Thatyur. The trekkers will witness the gorgeous peaks like Swargarohini and Nand Devi. It is one of the finest weekend treks. Walkthrough the beautiful meadows, flora and fauna and scintillating landscapes. The main attraction of Nag Tibba is the camping experience. Not only this, their thick jungles that pass along the trail. The lush majestic views of the Himalayas will keep you busy with the camera. To witness such views, one must be physically and mentally prepared. The trek will take you to an altitude of 3000m and hike amidst the most regions of Uttarakhand

Duration: 03-05 days

Route :  Dehradun – Pantwari – Nagtibba – Devalsari- Thatyur

Temperature:  8°c to 25°c (Summer) & 6°c to 22°c (Winter)

Best Time To Visit: November to March

Grade: Easy

Highlights: Temples, Remote Villages, Landscapes

How TO Reach :

Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport

For More Info: Nag Tibba Trek

 

Photography – Ganga Rana

5: Kedarkantha Winter Trek – in the fairyland

Undoubtedly the best winter treks of India. The trek starts from Sankri crossing Juda Ka Talab, an awe-inspiring lake amidst the oak trees and alpine forests. The next day, trekkers will be headed towards Kedarkantha then to the Kedarkantha peak. You will be welcomed by the beauty of the Himalayas which has a 360-degree view of the Garhwal Himalayas. A perfect fairytale isn’t it? Situated in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarkantha trek is easily accessible at any time of the year. You will be starting from the journey from Govind National Park passing through beautiful flora and fauna. The park is blessed with a variety of plants and animals such as Leopards, bears, musk deer and many birds. In winter the route becomes a bit challenging because of the snow. The nights are young and cold and the adventurers might have to watch out for the Sub-Zero temperatures. It provides an expansive view of the peaks. Every day is a fairytale because of the surroundings and aura it creates while trekking.

They say Heaven is a myth, but the real heaven is Kedarkantha trek. Agree?

Kedakantha is arguably the best trek which brings so much adventure even for the first-timers and experienced trekkers as well. The vistas of Himalayas are so amazing that people can’t resist themselves and feel the quintessence of the trek. Even the trek is open all throughout the year but the winter is the best time because the trek is known as the Winter Fairyland. During summers, one will get to see the verdant meadows, lush green landscapes, and multicolored flora and fauna.

Altitude : 1828.8- 3810- m (6000 ft -12500 ft)

Duration: 5- days

Route: Sankri – Juda-ka-Talab – Kedar Kantha Base – Kedarkantha Peak – Hargaon Camp – Sankri

Temperature : 8°c to 25°c (Summer) & (-10)  °c to (-15)°c(winter)

Best Time To Visit: December to April

Grade: Easy

Highlights: Mussoorie, Kempty falls, Tons Valley, Sankri

How To Reach :

Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport

For More Info: Kedarkantha Winter Trek

 

Photography – Ashish Bhatt

6 Brahmatal winter Trek

Steeped in mythos, the Brahmatala is a lake located in the depths of the Uttarakhand Himalayas.  Brahmatala is made one of the Himalayan sites available for trekking in December, January, February, and March.

The Brahmatal trek route is considered suitable for beginners and less experienced trekkers.  A special outcry for this trek leads to shutterbugs – diverse frames, from snow-clad forests to high white-gold peaks in Alfenglo, and a desolate alpine mountain-scape of a lone tree standing on the icy shores of Lake Brahmatal.  The composition of this trek.

Altitude : 12,200 Ft.

Duration:  6 days

 Railhead: Kathgodam is the nearest railhead to the base camp

Night Temperatures: Brahamtal trek– 3°C to – 5° C

Day  Temperature:  Brahamtal trek+5° C to +20° C

Best Time To Visit: Mid November to March

Grade: Easy

Base Camp: Lohajung

How To Reach :

Kathgodam is well connected to Delhi

Airport  Joligrant airport is near the airport from base camps

For More Info: Brahmatal winter Trek