Best Winter & Snow Treks in Uttarakhand

Winter trek in the Himalaya is a wonderful destination and is a different level of beauty altogether. Winter trek is the best time to enjoy the snowy slopes of the Indian Himalayas. It’s something that you won’t get to see anywhere else in the world. If you really want to enjoy snowfall in its full bloom then these winter trek in Himalaya are an excellent choice for you. With white carpet below your feet and the mighty mountains in chilling temperatures, you will fall in love with the Himalayas. Below is the detail of Top 5 Winter Treks in Uttarakhand

1. Brahmtal Trek

About BrahmaTal: There are indeed similar routes in the Himalayas with comparing beauty but definitely found at much higher altitude. Never ending ridge lines, sprawling Bugiyals, High altitude lakes, majestic peak views and snow on the trail make it an compelling proposition for a winter trek. Brahma Tal is a hidden and secluded lake amidst the ridge, where Lord Brahma meditated according to the mythology. The peak view from the route is captivating, from east to west one can see the High Himalayan ranges. From right to left on one side we can see Mrigthuni, Trishul, Bethartoli Himal and Nandaghunti. On the other side we can see the massive Chowkhamba, Nilkanth, Kamet, Hathi and Ghoda peaks. This is just the opposite ridge of the famous Roopkund trek and offers a Birds-eye view of the route including Ali Bugiyal, Bedni Bugiyal, Roopkund and Junargali including far poised the famous Ronty saddle.

How To Reach
Nearest Railway Station:  Kathgodam Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
Nearest Bus Station : Haldwani Bus Station

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2. Kedarkantha Trek

Fringed with pine trees and adorned with the beauty of snow, the Kedarkantha Peak is one of the most sought after snow-trekking destinations in the country. Situated at a height of 3,800m above the sea level, the trek to this mountain pass in Uttarakhand offers various levels of challenges to the trekkers. Offering an enthralling trekking experience, Kedarkantha winter trek usually originate from Sankri; which can be easily reached from Dehradun and takes the trekkers through the immaculate beauty of the vicinity. From snow-capped Himalayan peaks to a frozen pond, meadows covered with snow to some of the other mesmerising peaks, this trek offers all the marvels, a trekker can wish for! Not just for the trekkers, Kedarkantha winter trek is also an ideal trek for the nature lovers, shutterbugs and other classes of travellers as well. Within the 6 exciting days of this expedition, the trekkers are rewarded with magical views, exhilarating experiences and delightful moments!

• Region :-  Uttarakashi (Garhwal)  Days :- 6   
• Total Trekking :- 20 Km
• Altitude:- 12,500 Ft.
• Grade:- Easy to Moderate
• Temperature:- Day time: 8°C-15°C; Night time: -5°C-3°C 
• Best Season:- Mid Nov to Mid March
• Snow :- Mid Dec to Mid March
• Starting point & End Point :- Dehradun to Dehradun

How To Reach:

Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport
Nearest Bus Station : Dehradun  ISBT Bus Station

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3. Kuari Pass Trek

The Kuari Pass trek is known as The Curzon Trail (named after the former British Viceroy Of India “Lord Curzon”). The Kuari pass trekking can be organised from three different starting points of Ghat, Joshimath and Tapovan. Kuari Pass is situated in Garhwal Himalayas. Kuari which means “doorway” is a Himalayan high mountain pass situated in the Garhwal region of northern India, south of the Tibetan border and on the western rim of the “Nanda Devi Sanctuary” Biosphere Reserve and falls in the Chamoli district. The Kuari Pass Trek found fame in the early 1900’s when intrepid adventurers and mountaineers such as Lord Curzon, Eric Shipton and Bill Tilman used the passage in their pioneering explorations of the region. Winter Kuari Pass trek is also can be undertaken to enjoy the snow trekking. Kuari Pass top looks like a peaceful scene with great views of some of the most magnificent Himalayan Peaks, a few amongst them include Mt. Kamet (7756m), Mt. Trishul (7120m), Chaukhamba (7128m), and the most majestic Himalayan Peaks  Nanda Devi (7817m). more than a few  peaks present an equally picturesque view include – Nanda Ghunti, Dronagiri, Neelkanth, Hathi Ghoda Parbat, Mana, Mukut Parbat, etc. The Kuari Pass trek route is short yet amazing in the sense it takes in three lesser passes and five major rivers of the region – Pindar, Kaliganga, Mandakini, Bheriganga and the Dhauliganga. Kuari Pass trekking can be best enjoyed during winter months. 

• Region:- Chamoli(Garhwal)               
• Days :- 6                   
• Total Trekking :- 24 Km
• Altitude:- 12,763 Ft.
• Grade:- Easy to Moderate
• Temperature:- Day time : 3 C to 10 C. Night: 3 to -4 C. 
• Best Season:- Mid Nov to Mid March
• Snow :- Mid Dec to Mid March 
• Starting point & End Point :- Haridwar  to Haridwar

How to Reach

Nearest Railway Station:  Haridwar Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport
Nearest Bus Station : Haridwar Bus Station

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4. Chopta Chandrashila Trek

The Chopta Tungnath trek is one of the easier treks in the Himalayan region.The peaks of  Chakhamba, Nanda Devi, Nilkanth and Kedarnath are all clear during the course of the trek and make for a majestic sight. This trek encompasses a large area starting from Haridwar and ending at Chandrashila with a number of other interesting areas falling on the way. It is a perfect opportunity for first-timers who are looking to get a hang of the general basics of trekking in the Himalayan region and is recommended highly by us for the same. The major attractions of this trek are the Tungnath Temple and the Chandrashila peak which provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the valleys below. Chopta is the best winter trek in uttarakhand

• Region :-  Rudraprayag   (Garhwal)           
• Days :- 5                     
• Total Trekking :- 24 Km
• Altitude:- 12,763 Ft.
• Grade:- Easy to Moderate
• Temperature:- Day time : 3 C to 10 C. Night: 3 to -4 C. 
• Best Season:- Mid Nov to Mid March
• Snow :- Mid Dec to Mid March   
• Starting point & End Point :- Haridwar  to Haridwar

How To Reach
Nearest Railway Station:  Haridwar Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport
Nearest Bus Station : Haridwar Bus Station

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5. Dayara Bugyal Trek

Dayara bugyal is the best winter trek in uttarakhand. Dayara Bugyal is often placed at the top position only to be hotly contested and pushed to the next best. But there is no debate amongst trekkers that Dayara Bugyal would fall within the two most beautiful high altitude meadows in India. It is not difficult to see why. For hundred of years shepherds from far have been taking their flock to graze at Dayara. They have come back with stories of the abundance of grass and splendor of the mighty Himalayan mountain peaks cradling the meadows. They described the place with such intensity that soon word about Dayara Bugyal reached explorers. When the explorers got back from their treks to Dayara Bugyal, they came back profoundly affected. The meadows were exactly as the shepherds had described them – but only more beautiful. The mountains they talked about were the Bhagirathi peaks, Bandarpoonch, Black peak and scores of other peaks they could not name. They discovered clear water bodies strewn across the green meadows – in whose reflection the peaks looked even more beautiful. Flowers sprung up around streams and brooks that ran across the meadows. Dayara Bugyal along with its twin Gidara Bugyal is perhaps one of the most beautiful alpine meadows in India. The meadows stretch out far and wide and all around the meadows are the many towering snow peaks. The trek showcases some of the best scenery the Himalayas have to offer. The Bugyals and the sky around with their every changing hue can show you new scenery at every season of the year. The trek starts from the tiny village of Barsu tucked away on the Haridwar 

• Region :-  Uttarakashi (Garhwal) 
• Days :- 6                            
• Total Trekking :- 20 Km
• Minimum Age: 8 Years
• Altitude:- 12,057 Ft.
• Grade:- Easy to Moderate
• Temperature:- Day time: 18°C-13°C; Night time: 0°C-5°C. 
• Best Season:- Nov to Mid March
• Snow :- Mid Dec to Mid March      
• Starting point & End Point :- Dehradun to Dehradun

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6.Har Ki Dun Trek

Har Ki Doon Valley is a cradle shaped hanging valley in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is surrounded by snow-covered peaks and alpine vegetation. It is connected to Baspa Valley by the Borasu Pass This valley is at an altitude of approx 3500m above mean sea level and is snow-covered during October to March. The valley is around 25 km from Taluka. The actual trek to the valley starts from Taluka village and passes through Gangaad, Osala, and Seema. It is a 2-day trek usually done in two stages. First stage is from Taluka to Seema/Osla, and second stage is from Seema/Osla to Har Ki Dun. Return route is the same. Har ki dun is the best winter trek in uttarakhand

• Region :-  Uttarakashi (Garhwal) 
• Days :- 7                         
• Total Trekking :- 44 Km
• Minimum Age: 10 Years
• Altitude:- 12,000 Ft.
• Grade:- Easy to Moderate
• Temperature:- Day time: 18°C-13°C; Night time: 0°C-5°C. 
• Best Season:- Nov to April
• Snow :- Mid Dec to Mid March   
• Starting point & End Point :- Dehradun to Dehradun
• Base Camp :- Sankri

How To Reach:

Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport
Nearest Bus Station : Dehradun  ISBT Bus Station

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7.Pangarchulla Trek

• Region:- Chamoli(Garhwal)     
• Days :- 7                                   
• Total Trekking :- 36 Km
• Minimum Age:– 15 Years
• Altitude:- 14,700 Ft.
• Grade:- Moderate
• Temperature:- Day time: 14°C-18°C; Night time: -3°C-6°C 
• Best Season:- Mid Nov to Mid March
• Snow :- Mid Dec to Mid April     
• Starting point & End Point :- Haridwar  to Haridwar
• Base Camp :- Joshimath

How to Reach

Nearest Railway Station:  Haridwar Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport
Nearest Bus Station : Haridwar Bus Station

8. Dodital Winter Trek

Dodital is a  high altitude lake at a height of 3307 mts/10847 ft. Situated amidst pine forestswith the backdrop of Darwa Bugyal, a high altitude meadow; Dodital has a sereneeffect on the mind and body. Dodital gets its name from Dodi, the local namefor trout, which are found inlarge numbers in the lake. The another name forthis lake is Dhundital. Dhundital means Ganesh – ka – tal. In Sanskrit Dhundiis synonymous with Lord Ganesha. There is a temple which is devoted to lordGanesha.

• Region :-  Uttarakashi (Garhwal) 
• Days :- 7         
• Total Trekking :- 26 Km
• Minimum Age: 08 Years
• Altitude:- 13615. Ft.
• Grade:- Easy to Moderate
• Temperature:- Day time: 18°C-10°C; Night time: 0°C-4°C. 
• Best Season:- Nov to April
• Snow :- Mid Dec to Mid Feb              
• Starting point & End Point :- Dehradun to Dehradun
• Base Camp :- Samgamchatti

How To Reach
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station 
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport
Nearest Bus Station : Dehradun  ISBT Bus Station