10 Best winter treks in Uttarakhand- Trekking Winters across Uttarakhand

Are you one of the winter trekkers? Is trekking on your New Year’s bucket list? Do you want to trek across Uttarakhand? If your answer is yes to any of these questions or you just feel like trekking in winter, this blog is for you! We’ve curated a detailed guide to the top 10 Best winter treks in Uttarakhand. This is where you will find everything you need to know and more!

Let’s begin with understanding the highlights and challenges of Trekking Uttarakhand during the winters. Let us also quickly make it clear, this blog is not to scare you but to prepare you. After all, unprepared is the last thing a trekker wants to be.

Highlights of Winter Treks in Uttarakhand:-

●   The Snowy landscapes and the frost make a fairytale view 360 degrees. Winter treks in Uttarakhand are snow-covered. It is only once a year the snow falls and the snow-covered mountains make the difficulty worth it sometimes.

●   The routes are less crowded which gives trekkers more space and peace to enjoy while mother nature has got some rest.

●   Winter treks provide an opportunity to witness rare flora and fauna that are not in bloom for the rest of the year.

Now that you have a heads-up about what to expect, Let’s share with you the

list of the 10 Best winter treks in Uttarakhand.

1. Kedarkantha Trek:

One of the most popular winter treks in India, the Kedarkantha trek, easily makes it to the top of the list. The reward summit climb of Kedarkantha is what makes and keeps it at the top. The trek route is along Govind National Sanctuary and mighty snow peaks like Swargohini and Bandarpooch. Kedarkantha is situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The Kedarkantha trek is G days long and is moderately difficult. Even beginners can do this trek with proper training and fitness levels.

kedarkantha trek, one of the 10 Best winter treks in Uttarakhand
View of Mount. Swargarohini and Black Peak from Kedarkantha Summit

Chandrashila Peak in Winter

2. Chandrashila Trek:

This Trek is one of those treks that has gates open to trekkers all year long. This route is blessed as the famous Tugnath Mandir is situated on the way to Chandrashile/Chopta Top. Chandrashila is located in the Rudrapayag region of Uttarakhand and is a three-day trek. This is one of the Easy winter treks of Uttarakhand.

deoriatal chopta chandrashila trek, one of the 10 Best winter treks in Uttarakhand
Chandrashila Peak in Winter

3. Har Ki Dun Trek:

The Valley of Gods, also known as Har Ki Dun, is a popular winter trek in Uttarakhand, located in the Uttarkashi district. It is only reachable by trekking, which makes it isolated and untouched. The trek length is 57 km and the tour duration is seven days.

har ki dun trek
View of Mount. Swargarohini from Har ki Dun Valley in October

4. Gulabi Kantha Trek:

This is one of the easy winter treks in Uttarakhand. The reason is, that its low-altitude trek at 3,78U meters is perfect for families, beginners, and school tours. Gulabi Kantha is situated in the Yamnuotri Valley of Uttarakhand, the trek length is 30km and is a 5-day tour. Gulabi Kantha has a very beautiful trail alongside Lake Dodital.

gulabi kantha trek
View of Mount. Bandarpunch from Gulabi Kantha Peak

5. Nag Tibba Trek:

You’ve heard about the Nag Tibba Trek. Even Brad Pitt has. As seen in ‘7 Years in Tibet’. Nag Tibba is situated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is one of the shorter and easy winter treks in Uttarakhand one night and two days. This is one of the best on the list.

nag tibba Trek
Campsite view of Nag Tibba

4. Auli Trek:

This is one of the most famous snow, ski, and trekking spots in Uttarakhand. The fairytale view we were talking about in the start, is where we guarantee you will find it. Auli trek is about 4-5 days and starts from Joshimath. This trek is again, an excellent winter trek in Uttarakhand both for seasoned trekkers and beginners.

trek in auli in winter
Auli in Winter

7. Gomukh Tapovan Trek:

This trek is comparatively one of the most challenging winter treks in Uttarakhand. The Gomukh Tapovan trek is full of surprises! It leads to the source of the holy river Ganges and offers breathtaking views of the highest peaks in the entire world like Shivling, Meru, and Bhagirathi. It is an 8-day long journey to reach 14, 600 feet.

gaumukh tapovan tre
Towards the Shivlink Peak- Gaumukh Tapovan

8. Brahmtal Trek:

One of the lesser-known treks in Uttarakhand is the Brahmtal Trek. Ideal for winter, not so difficult but very adventurous.

Trekkers climb an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet in around six days. The trail passes through the Roopkund lake (potentially frozen during winters) and the Trishul Peak.

brahmatal trek
Bramhatal Top in Winter

9. Dayara Bugayal Trek:

This is one of the most popular and liked Winter treks in Uttarakhand. The reasons behind it are that is a short weekend trek, it is one of the best Easy winter treks and it is truly rewarding. On the way, you’ll witness the beautiful Barnala Lake which also might be frozen. The cherry on the cake is, Dayara Bugalayal is also a great place to go skiing in India.

Dayara Bugyal in Winter

10. Kuari Pass Trek:

Another name for Kuari Pass is Lord Curzon Trail as The Kuari Pass was discovered by him. Lord Curzon was the former viceroy of India. It is a breathtakingly beautiful trek offering views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet, Trishul, and other significant Peaks. The trek is a week long and the trek length is 28km.

View of Mount. Nada Devi from Kuari Pass

These are the 10 Best winter treks in Uttarakhand! Are you itching to slip into your trekking boots and get out there? Now, it’s up to you to pick the trek that suits you the best. Consider all factors before making your choice, don’t forget to pack right, be very careful on the snow, and make sure to have a lot of fun.

Challenges:-

●   The routes can be slippery and tough to navigate due to snow and ice.

●   The lower the temperatures, the harsher the cold. Extreme cold can be very rough on the body, make one sick, and need proper protection.

●   Proper protection includes heavy layered clothes and gears which leads to heavier luggage. It becomes difficult to carry heavy loads on the back while on foot.

●   Days are shorter, which means less daylight and longer nights.

●   The potential risk of landslides and avalanches increases.

How to navigate through these challenges?

It is not fair to tell you the challenges and share the way to navigate through them. so here is your quick guide to protecting yourself and your fellow trekkers when it is super cold.

●   The most important is to have the right gear and warm clothing. Sturdy waterproof boots, layering, and a few extra pairs of socks might be helpful.

●   Take frequent breaks, don’t remain empty stomach, and beware of any symptoms.

●   Keep the weight of your luggage in check.

●   Start your trek early, reach the campsite early, and carry a flashlight or a headlamp just in case.

For information on trekking packages or related images, check out our website. Stay safe, happy trekking!

Uttarakhand Treks | treks in Uttarakhand | Treks from Dehradun | trekking in Dehradun | Trekking companies in Dehradun | Har Ki  Dun trek | Bali Pass trek Phulara Ridge Trek | Kedarkantha TrekDayara Bugyal trek Gaumukh Tapovan  trek Kashmir Great Lakes  trek | Valley of Flowers trek Nag Tibba Trek

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *