Winter Treks in India

Winter trekking in India can be a breathtaking experience. With varied landscapes such as snowy meadows, icy peaks, frozen lakes and even green forest trails, the Indian winter terrain is no less than a buffet for trekkers. From the powdery slopes of Himachal and Uttarakhand to the stark, frozen beauty of Ladakh and Kashmir, every region offers its own version of magic. Beyond the adventure, winter treks also bring moments of quiet introspection – sunrise over snow peaks, star-filled skies that feel within reach, and the simple joy of a warm cup of tea after a long day’s climb. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or a curious beginner, India’s winter trails promise both challenge and serenity in equal measure.

The last few years have seen a surge in the number of people signing up for these treks. Trekkers want to explore the different ways in which winter unfolds in different parts of the country and here are some popular treks that have made it to the ‘must-do’ list in the past few years.

Kedarkantha Trek, Uttarakhand

Grade: Easy-moderate | Altitude: 12,500 ft.

Credits: Nayan Badolla

Known as the ‘Queen of Winter Treks’, this trail passes through frozen lakes that are settled between the oak, pine and rhododendron trees. Kedarkantha is a perfect blend of adventure and beauty and transports you to the stories of the fairytale winter forest that we all grew up hearing. Surrounded by the panoramic views of snow capped peaks, you can witness the beauty of the frozen ‘Juda ka Talab’ and get some adrenaline kicking while climbing the snowy summit. You can also catch stunning sunrise and sunset views on this trek as the golden sunlight glistens on the snow-covered slopes, and there are high chances of witnessing snowfall, especially if you go during December or January.

While this trail is open to trekkers throughout the year (except July and August), the best time to experience snow is from December to February.

Brahmatal Trek, Uttarakhand

Grade: Easy-moderate | Altitude: 12,250 ft.

Credits: Bikat Adventures

While most Himalayan treks shut during December and January, the Brahmatal trail remains open to trekkers during this time. Trekking through this snow-covered path feels like stepping into a Game of Thrones set. You’ll get to walk amidst frozen oak and rhododendron forests and get to see two beautifully frozen lakes – the Bekaltal lake, which is surrounded by snow covered trees and the Brahmatal lake, which is a standalone frozen lake in the middle of the forest. On this trek, you will also get to see the panoramic views of major Himalayan peaks like Mt Trishul, Nanda Ghunti and Hathi Ghoda and these views keep you going as you climb to Jhandi Top.

If you’re looking for snow, you will find it from the base camp towards the end of December.

Dayara Bugyal, Uttarakhand

Grade: Easy-moderate | Altitude: 11,830 ft.

Credits: Wikipedia

Offering vast meadows and forested slopes, covered in blankets of white snow, this trek is the talk of the town amongst both beginners as well as for seasoned trekkers. The visual palette of Dayara Bugyal is dominated by the winter sky and the snow, with the mountain peaks overlooking the meadows. Because the landscape is open, weather and light play a big role on this trek. On a clear day, you’ll have beautiful sunrise/sunset glow on snow; on overcast or windy days, snow may glisten or blow across the plain, creating a very “winter wilderness” feel.

The best time to experience snow is from the end of December, when the entire trail from the base camp is covered in white.

Deoriatal Chandrashila, Uttarakhand

Grade: Easy-moderate | Altitude: 12,000 ft.

Credits: Avijit Jamloki

With the most dramatic peak views and lake reflections, the scenery on Deoriatal Chandrashila offers a variety of terrains such as forests, lakes, and alpine meadows. This is one trek where you’ll find picturesque sceneries from day one. In winter the skies are often clearer which enhances the mountain silhouettes and the snow-covered ridges. Perfect for snow fights and building dreamy snowmans, this trail never disappoints. You can also witness the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Himalayas, including peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. Moreover, the sunrise from the Chandrashila peak is majestic and makes every step to the climb worth it.

If you’re looking to experience snowfall, January is the best time to visit.

Sandakphu Phalut Trek, West Bengal

Grade: Moderate | Altitude: 11,930 ft.

Credits: Jacob Subba

Cradled between India and Nepal, this trek offers a rich variety of landscapes ranging from rhodo-and-oak forests, high-altitude meadows, ridgelines and open vistas. Because of it’s strategic location between the two countries, you can experience the beauty of two countries together. At Sandakphu, the winter sun and the altitude of the eastern Himalayas create stunning colours in the sky at dawn and dusk. Few treks can match the beauty of these twilight views. There’s mild snowfall on this trail, making it perfect for those who want to experience snowfall but also want a clear path for trekking. With beautiful sunsets and clouds descending down, this trail passes through tea houses and trekking villages giving trekkers a cultural experience.

Pench Tiger Trail

Grade: Easy

Credits: IndiaHikes

Said to have inspired the Jungle Book, this trek in central India gives you more of an explorer’s feel rather than a trekker's feel. You’ll get to walk along the river streams, under the forest canopies and dense green trees, and right in the middle of the habitat of so many wild animals. With one-of-a-kind camping areas and a much gentler terrain than a Himalayan trek, the Pench trail makes you fall in love with its forests. On this trek, you might even come across the tracks of tigers, leopards, or wild dogs roaming freely in their natural habitat. If you’re lucky, you might also come across dragonflies and fireflies.

Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

Grade: Easy

Credits: IndiaHikes

Nestled inside the Guru Ghasidas National Park of Chhatisgarh, this trek is perfect for trekkers who are looking to immerse themselves in nature. The scenery is similar to the Pench Tiger Trail, where you’ll walk along river streams surrounded by dense green forests. There’s not much wildlife in this forest but if you take unbeaten paths, you might come across tribal settlements. This is a beginner friendly trek as distances are moderate and terrain is less extreme.

Chadar Trek, Leh

Grade: Difficult | Altitude: 11,123 ft.

Located in one of the coldest regions of the country, the Chadar Trek is a winter trail in the Zanskar Valley region of Ladakh. ‘Chadar’ meaning ‘blanket’ refers to the ice sheet that is formed over the Zanskar river during the winter months. You’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you get to walk on the river’s frozen surface and will get a chance to set up your tents in remote camps. To survive well on the Chadar trek, you have to have some resistance to cold and are also advised to acclimatize before starting the trek. Alternatively, you can also do the Markha Valley Trek for a similar experience.

Kuari Pass, Uttarakhand

Grade: Moderate | Altitude: 12,516 ft.

Credits: Bikat Adventures

Known as one of the best mountain ranges of Uttarakhand, the Kuari Pass trail is a beautiful mix of forest, meadow, ridge, and snow. Like all winter treks, the forests along this route are blanketed in white, while sunlight filters gently through the misty branches of tall oak and rhododendron trees. The Kuari path takes you through some of the most scenic stretches of the Garhwal region and offers panoramic views of several famous Himalayan peaks. At the summit, a vast 360-degree view of the snow-laden peaks unfolds, making all the effort worthwhile. Whether you go for the thrill of adventure, the beauty of nature, or the quiet of the mountains, Kuari Pass promises an experience that stays long after the trek ends.

You will find snow from the base camp towards January, while the entire landscape and valley will be in white from December to the end of March.

Snow Leopard Trek, Ladakh

Grade: Difficult | Altitude: 12,979 ft.

Credits: Storytrails

Nestled in the Rumbak valley of the Hemis National Park, this trek is one of the few treks that can be done in winters and is perfect for wildlife lovers. Many ridges and slopes have snow cover, icy patches, or frozen ground. Snow-leopard tracking season leverages that the prey animals come down when snow is heavy higher up. The Snow Leopard Trek of Ladakh also offers a cultural experience where trekkers pass through small settlements, homestays, remote camps, Buddhist monastery touches, yak/horse presence, and prayer flags. The landscape is partly natural, partly human-adapted to high altitude.

India’s winter tells many stories, but what ties them together is the spirit of trekkers and the beauty that they find in these varied landscapes. No matter which trail you choose, each promises a journey through one of India’s many faces of winter.