Snow-dusted trees, warm sunlight, serene landscapes, and frosted leaves, what’s not to love about the crunch of snow under your shoes? Trekking during summer is an absolute delight, but the mighty mountain peaks, capped in snow, are an impression that will forever be etched in your memory. On these snow treks in India, you will encounter meandering streams, snow-capped peaks, and thick forests filled with diverse flora and fauna.
If you’re unsure where to start looking, keep reading further as we have compiled a list of the ten best snow treks in India, which are a perfect blend of adventure and thrill.
A frosty trail in the heart of the Garhwal region, Kuari Pass offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Himalayas. They range from Trishul in the east to the peaks of Kedarnath, Chaukhambha, Nilkantha, and Dronagiri as you move toward the South. Located at an elevation of 13,990 ft, the Kauri top is ideal for beginners.
The trails through the old forests of Oak and Rhododendron become more scattered, then dense again as you go along, providing various landscapes for a phenomenal experience. While the pass is accessible for ten months throughout the year (except in July and August), it’s an excellent option for a winter trek. After you’ve soaked in panoramic views of the mountains, you can also dwell in the campsite of India’s little Switzerland—Auli.
Situated at an elevation of 12,303 ft, the Dayara Bugyal in Uttarakhand is considered one of India’s most remarkable alpine meadows. It is ideal for visiting the Dayara Bugyal through December and March if you’re looking for a gripping adventure. During your trek, you will see heart-stirring panoramic views of the Himalayas, and camping under the snow-coated alpine forest cover under the glistering dark sky will rejuvenate you for forthcoming surprises.
The trek is accessible for eight months throughout the year except for the monsoon months. The Dayara Bugyal is a spectacle in the winter due to the mere vastness of its meadows. You can also view Mt Bandarpoonch and Black Peak towering at 21,000ft, Mt Srikanth, Draupadi ka Danda, a sight to behold.
The list of best snow treks in India is incomplete without mention of this classic winter trek. If you’re fascinated by the idea of trekking in the snow, Kedarkantha is a safe bet. The Kedarkantha trail is approximately 20 kilometers long and offers stunning panoramic views of snow-capped pine trees. Located at an altitude of 12,500 feet, this popular trail is a must-visit for nature lovers.
Since Kedarkantha is a standalone mountain, several paths exist to reach the summit. The trek is accessible year-round, but if you’re up for a challenge, you can visit during the winter months of December and January. The climb is arduous and steep in the cold, and the summit is visible right from the base camp as you climb higher through snow-covered grasslands and forests.
Located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Kedarkantha is one of the easiest winter treks and is considered one of the best climbs for beginners. The area sees a lot of snowfall each winter, which creates a picturesque scene of various peaks blanketed in white.
Kedarkantha is a perfect blend of scenic views, walks through remote Garhwal villages, and the joy of trekking on snow is undoubtedly a feeling unmatched.
Located at an elevation of around 12,000 feet, Brahmatal is one of the few accessible winter treks in India during the peak winters of January and February. During April and March, scarlet and pink rhododendrons bloom alongside the trail, making for an ideal spring trek. This unique trail passes through vast forests with high peaks following you wherever you go.
With a few peaks grazing at 7000 meters, the experience of striding the path is truly an enchanting one. From all angles, trekkers will see picturesque views. The Snow Trek to Brahmatal is especially popular because of the prime camping locations near Bekaltal and Brahmatal lakes, which are frozen over. Situated in Uttarakhand, the Brahmatal trek offers abundant opportunities to partake in trekking like never before.
As we see it, the trail seamlessly binds adventure with comfort to deliver an experience that attracts trekkers worldwide.
The Chadar trek in Ladakh emanates its name from the thin layer of ice formed over the Zanskar river during winter. Resting at 11,123 feet, trekkers must be ready for frozen surprises as the ice is thin. The charming cackle of the river is music to ears and a hint towards an adventure ahead.
No other Himalayan trek in India can compare to this unique and beautiful experience. The ideal time to go on this particular trek is January when the Zanskar river usually starts to freeze over.
Starting from the village of Chilling, you can also talk to locals that stay near the camps and learn more about the uninhabitable regions in the world. Filled with adventures and spectacular views, the Chadar Trek is the perfect choice for those looking for a thrilling experience.
The trek to the highest point on the border of India and Nepal offers incredible views of some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, including snow-capped mountains. On the right of the Sandakphu peak, one can view the world’s third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga.
This trek leads you to Singali Ridge, the border that separates India from Nepal. It offers views of some of the most famous peaks that tower above 8,000 meters, including Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and the Makalu ranges. Besides the Kanchenjunga, you can also view peaks called The Sleeping Buddha.
Standing at 15,100 ft on Goecha La in Sikkim, the Goechala trek offers grand views of big mountains and Himalayan ranges. With a trek through the beautiful alpine forest, you will also catch views of the tear-shaped Goecha Lake, The Samiti Lake, and various other stunning peaks visible from the Dzongri top. You can also notice unique wildflowers, lush oak plantations, and dense rhododendron forests.
Trekking in Sikkim during winter is a different experience than trekking in the North. The trial of the Goecha La trek is one of its kind. From the lush green forests to the snow-laden campsites, this trek gives you a chance to experience nature at its finest.
Located in Uttarakhand, Har ki Dun s a paradise for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Dense Pine forests surround the valley and offer views of smothering mountain peaks. The Har ki Dun Trek is located in the Govind Ballabh Pant National Park and will make you feel like you have been transported back in time. The valley is shaped like a cradle, which only adds to the uniqueness of this experience.
The untouched valleys of Uttarakhand offer several excursions and are a haven for trekkers in winter. You can pass through ancient villages as you trek through the enchanting alpine meadows and pine forests.
The Buran Ghati trek in Shimla offers a perfect snow trekking experience for adrenaline junkies. You will pass by scenic village routes with Himachali homes untouched by civilization and offer the perfect break from life. The trek includes an uphill climb towards dense vegetation of oak and pine before it opens up to the Dayara meadows.
The road leading to the trek climbs alongside pretty villages and mixed forests until it gets to the pine forests around Tonglu. The trail climbs out of Janglik, goes into a delightfully deep forest, and then spreads into Dayara meadows.
The Rupin Pass is one of the renowned snow treks in India for a good reason—it’s stunning. The scenery changes at every turn, and the river flows beside you as you hike, providing an incredible natural soundtrack.
The hanging villages and the deep pine forest are awe-inspiring. Another iconic stop is Dhanderas Thatch or Lower Waterfall campsite, where you can camp at the base of a roaring 1,500 ft Rupin waterfall.
You wouldn’t want to miss India and its vast cultures and panoramic views. Glacial valleys, meandering meadows, and astounding views of the snow-capped mountains are what make India the perfect destination for your next snow-trekking adventure.
