Winter is one of the best seasons to trek in India if you want to experience trekking in snow. You can use this post as a guide to planning your winter treks!
Here is the list of best treks in December in India:
The Kedarkantha Peak Trek is full of beauty with falling snow amidst the tall pine trees. It is India’s most loved winter trek. You get to experience the thrill of trekking in the night to the summit. Once you reach the summit, the mountain welcomes you with amazing panoramic views of the mountains.
Kedarkantha Trek is an easy beginner trek that can be completed even if you have not trekked before. The Kedarkantha Peak is at a distance of 20 km from Sankri, Uttarakhand. Click here to read more about Kedarkantha Trek.
Many people confuse Kedarkantha with Kedarnath Trek. You can click here and read how they’re both different treks.
Since Kedarkantha Trek is a very popular trek, it can get very crowded, especially during Christmas and New Year’s time. If you want to experience peace and less crowded trails in December, keep reading for alternatives.
Nag Tibba is the trek for you if you want to take a break from your hectic work schedule and experience the peace and serenity of the mountains for a weekend. It’s a beginner trek near Mussoorie, and it’s known for spectacular sunsets from the campsite and fantastic summit views. The trail goes through dense Rhododendron and Oak forests, with some sections of snow-covered terrain that can be difficult to navigate.
The climb to the summit is steep and difficult, but it is rewarded with spectacular views of Himalayan peaks such as Swargrohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and Gangotri, among others. And it is for this reason that the Nag Tibba trek is unique.
It is a must-do winter trek in the Himalayas. December to March are the best months for snow on the Nag Tibba Trek.
Every trekker’s bucket list includes seeing snowfall in the mountains. A trek that is beautiful in both the winter and summer seasons is an added bonus. One such trek is Dayara Bugyal.
Dayara Bugyal is possibly one of India’s most beautiful alpine meadows. The meadow is large and offers amazing views. The bugyal becomes completely covered in snow, resembling small shining diamonds scattered across the ground. A sheet of white cover stretches as far as the eye can see.
Dayara Bugyal is ideal for beginners. At various points, the Dayara Bugyal trek passes through open stretches and dense forest.
The best time to go on the Dayara Bugyal trek is between the months of December and March when the trails are covered in fresh snow. During the night, temperatures can drop to -10 degrees Celsius. The forest floors are snow-covered in the winter. It’s a pure delight to walk through them.
Brahmatal Trek is one of the best treks in December in India because it offers a chance to trek to two high altitude lakes.
Lord Brahma is believed to have mediated at Brahmatal. It is snow-covered and set against the backdrop of the Himalayas.
The highlight of the trek is the amazing view of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti. This trek is suitable for beginners and less experienced trekkers due to its gradual ascend.
Lord Curzon explored this trail, which is why it is also known as the Curzon trail. The Kuari pass trek takes you through a beautiful Rhododendron, Oak, and Deodar forest that is blanketed in snow.
You can see views of mountains like Kamet, Dronagiri, Trishul, Bethartoli, Hathi Ghoda, Mana, and Neelkanth. The trek is easy and can be completed easily. The trail is not difficult, so even beginners can complete this trek easily. Although, you’ll need good fitness.
Most of the other trekkable passes in India are closed for trekking in December because of excess snow. But Kuari Pass can be trekked! The view from the Kuari Top is even better.
If you have enough time before or after the trek, you can even go to Auli and try skiing! Add another adventure to your bucket list
You will have a hard time finding better views than Sandakphu Trek. You can see Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Kumbhakarna, Mt. Chamlang, Mt. Baruntse, and Mt. Kanchenjunga. You can watch the surreal sunrise and sunset over the highest mountains in the world! And no, this trek is not Nepal. This trek is in India!
It boggles your mind, doesn’t it?
Moreover, on this trek, you will be switching borders between India and Nepal several times. It makes the trek completely worthwhile!
Then there’s the possibility of snowfall during the winter. Trekking in snow, this trek is simply magical. In addition, because there are few trekkers on the trail in the winter, there is a greater sense of solitude.
This is the 2nd trek from Sikkim on this list. If you’re a pro trekker and want to challenge yourself, Goechala Trek is for you.
Goechala trek, hidden deep within the jungles of Kanchenjunga National Park, brings you dangerously close to the world’s third-highest mountain range.
The best reason to do this trek is for the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. You will not only see the Kanchenjunga but also 14 other major peaks.
It’s no surprise that trekkers consider Goechala to be the most accessible of Nepal’s big mountain treks. In the winter, trekking to Goechala is extremely difficult. The slopes will be icy and steep.
For this trek, you will need prior experience and the appropriate equipment. In December, trekking the Goechala is both a harsh and unforgettable experience. With a beautiful sunrise and sunset, you get the best view of the mountains.
The winters are well-known for their crystal-clear mountain views. It starts to get cold at Dzongri and higher around the end of November. Furthermore, due to the high altitude, there is a high likelihood of snowfall. Under the dazzling blue winter sky, the trek almost looks like a misty, mossy forest.
Pangarchulla is another challenging trek in December. This trek is for pro and experienced trekkers who want to push their boundaries.
The summit climb is a highlight of this trek. That will be the first thing that anyone who has completed this trek will remember. The summit day lasts a long time. You climb over a lot of boulders that are covered in snow.
While the summit climb provides a strong adrenaline rush in and of itself, the mountain views from the top add to the experience. The trek is accompanied by spectacular views of a large portion of the Greater Himalayan Range.
