35 Winter Treks in India
Embark on a journey of snow-kissed trails and breathtaking panoramas with Wanderin’Man Adventures. These 30 meticulously curated winter treks across the Indian Himalayas offer winter campers, seasoned mountaineers, and solo explorers the thrill of high-altitude adventure. This guide gives you quick insights—region, distance, duration, difficulty, and best time—for each memorable trek powered by Wanderin’Man Adventures.
1. Kedarkantha Peak Trek
A classic Himalayan winter trek, Kedarkantha is famed for its snowy campsites, dense pine forests, and mesmerising 360° summit views. The trail is beginner-friendly yet rewarding, offering a dawn summit climb that lights up surrounding peaks. Cozy campsites and clear winter skies make it an ideal first snow trek for families and novice trekkers.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttarakhand (Garhwal Himalayas)
– Distance: 23 km
– Duration: 5 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: December–March
– Maximum Altitude: 3,810 Mts (12,500 ft)
– Reporting Place: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
– Trek Start Point: Sankri
– Trek End Point: Sankri
2. Har Ki Dun Trek
Known as the ‘Valley of Gods’ Har Ki Dun is a cultural and natural jewel where wooden hamlets, snow‑covered oak forests, and broad alpine meadows create a soulful winter route. The valley’s amphitheatre-like setting frames the Swargarohini massif and offers calm, less-crowded winter walks with a generous dose of local Garhwali charm.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttarakhand
– Distance: 41 km
– Duration: 7 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: December–March
– Maximum Altitude: 3,566 Mts (11,700 ft)
– Reporting Place: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
– Trek Start Point: Sankri
– Trek End Point: Sankri
3. Dayara Bugyal Trek
Dayara Bugyal’s vast high-altitude meadows turn into a pristine white carpet in winter—an expansive playground for snow walks and photography. Gentle undulations, framed by rhododendron and oak woodlands, lead to sweeping vistas of Black Peak and Bandarpoonch, making it a peaceful, accessible winter escape.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
– Distance: 21 km
– Duration: 6 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: December to March
– Maximum Altitude: 3,658 Mts (12,000 ft)
– Reporting Place: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
– Trek Start Point: Raithal
– Trek End Point: Raithal
4. Dodital–Darwa Top Trek
This trek pairs the serenity of Dodital lake with the panoramic viewpoints of Darwa Top. Winter brings glassy frozen lakes, snow-laden ridges and quiet campsites beneath starry skies. The trail winds through conifer forests and meadows, offering a balanced mix of scenic beauty and moderate challenge.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttarakhand
– Distance: 40 km
– Duration: 6 days
– Grade: Moderate
– Best Time: January–March
– Maximum Altitude: 4,150 Mts (13,615 ft)
– Reporting Place: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
– Trek Start Point: Agoda
– Trek End Point: Agoda
5. Brahmatal Trek
Brahmatal is a photographer’s dream in winter—frozen lakes, pristine snowfields and crisp views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. Campsites sit beside icy tarns and clear nights reveal spectacular stars. The gradual climbs make it suitable for trekkers with basic winter experience.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttarakhand
– Distance: 35 km
– Duration: 6 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: December–March
– Maximum Altitude: 3,840 Mts (12,600 ft)
– Reporting Place: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
– Trek Start Point: Lohajung
– Trek End Point: Lohajung
6. Ali–Bedni Bugyal Trek
Ali–Bedni Bugyal offers wide, undulating meadows that become a snowy spectacle in winter. The open vistas provide uninterrupted mountain views and relaxed day hikes across soft powder. It’s an excellent option for trekkers seeking solitude and easy to moderate winter walking.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttarakhand
– Distance: 30 km
– Duration: 6 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: December–March
– Maximum Altitude: 3,354 Mts (11,000 ft)
– Reporting Place: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
– Trek Start Point: Lohajung
– Trek End Point: Lohajung
7. Kuari Pass Trek
Kuari Pass (Teri Fairholme) is famed for spectacular Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba panoramas, particularly striking in winter when ridges are snow-capped. The trail blends forest tracks with high ridgelines and is a classic choice for clear-sky summit views with moderate effort.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttarakhand
– Distance: 30 km
– Duration: 5 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: January–March
– Maximum Altitude: 3,800 Mts (12,467 ft)
– Reporting Place: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
– Trek Start Point: Joshimath
– Trek End Point: Joshimath
8. Khaliya Top Trek
Khaliya Top is a quiet ridge trek that rewards trekkers with sweeping views and a close look at Kumaoni culture. Winter casts the top in soft snow, turning the path into a peaceful ridge walk with occasional panoramic clearings of nearby peaks.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttarakhand
– Distance: 16 km
– Duration: 4 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: December–March
– Maximum Altitude: 3,450 Mts (11,320 ft)
– Reporting Place: Kathgodam, Uttarakhand
– Trek Start Point: Munsyari
– Trek End Point: Munsyari
9. Dhakuri Pass Trek
Dhakuri Pass traverses remote high-country and uncrowded valleys—ideal for trekkers seeking offbeat winter routes. Snow fields and ridge traverses create a challenging but rewarding winter experience with raw Himalayan scenery and solitude.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttarakhand
– Distance: 22 km
– Duration: 5 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: January–March
– Maximum Altitude: 3,300 Mts (10,827 ft)
– Reporting Place: Kathgodam, Uttarakhand
– Trek Start Point: Dhoor village
– Trek End Point: Loharkhet
10. Ranthankharak Trek
Ranthankharak is a peaceful winter trek into quiet snowfields and remote hamlets—perfect for those who prefer solitude. The route offers gentle climbs, open meadows and scenic camps beneath clear winter skies, making it an accessible yet soulful outing.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttarakhand
– Distance: ~38 km
– Duration: 7 days
– Grade: Moderate
– Best Time: December–March
– Maximum Altitude: 3,927 Mts (12,887 ft)
– Reporting Place: kathgodam, Uttarakhand
– Trek Start Point: Gogina
– Trek End Point: Gogina
11. Chopta–Chandrashila Trek
A compact winter classic, Chopta–Chandrashila combines forest walking with a short but steep summit push to Chandrashila for panoramic Himalayan views. In winter, the ridge and summit are snow-dusted, offering dramatic sunrise vistas over Trishul and Nanda Devi.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttarakhand (Tungnath)
– Distance: 30 km
– Duration: 5 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: December–February
– Maximum Altitude: 3,690 Mts (12,100 ft)
– Reporting Place: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
– Trek Start Point: Chopta
– Trek End Point: Chopta
12. Mukta Top Trek
Mukta Top is a less-crowded winter route that winds through pristine forest and offers panoramic viewpoints. Snowy camps and crisp alpine air characterise the experience, making it a serene alternative to busier treks.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttarakhand
– Distance: 28 km
– Duration: 6 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: January–March
– Maximum Altitude: 3,603 Mts (11,820 ft)
– Reporting Place: Dehradun
– Trek Start Point: Kuflon
– Trek End Point: Kuflon
13. Nag Tibba Trek
Nag Tibba is a short, accessible winter ridge trek near Mussoorie offering sweeping views of the Garhwal Himalaya. Its gentle trails and short duration make it perfect for quick winter escapes and for newcomers to snow trekking.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttarakhand
– Distance: ~19 km
– Duration: 3 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: December–February
– Maximum Altitude: ~3,004 Mts (9,855 ft)
– Reporting Place: Dehradun
– Trek Start Point: Pantwari
– Trek End Point: Pantwari
14. Deoban Trek
Devban is a quiet forested winter trek culminating in a scenic summit with wide Himalayan views. The route mixes village approaches with higher alpine tracks, offering a gentle winter experience away from crowded trails.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttarakhand
– Distance: 15 km
– Duration: 2 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: January–March
– Maximum Altitude: 2,829 Mts (9,279 ft)
– Reporting Place: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
– Trek Start Point: Lokhandi
– Trek End Point: Chakrata
15. Binsar & Kaisar Devi Trek
Binsar’s winter trails thread through oak and rhododendron forest inside the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, opening to wide views of the Kumaon Himalaya. It’s an easy, scenic winter trek with a mix of wildlife, culture and mountain panoramas.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttarakhand
– Distance: ~22 km
– Duration: ~4 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: December–February
– Maximum Altitude: 2,500 Mts (8,202 ft)
– Reporting Place: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
– Trek Start Point: Binsar
– Trek End Point: Binsar
16. Benog Tibba Trek
Benog Hill delivers gentle winter hikes with extensive Himalayan vistas—ideal for those wanting relaxed winter walking and panoramic viewpoints without long distances. Snow adds a magical hush to the hilltop camps.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttarakhand
– Distance: 8 km
– Duration: 2 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: December–February
– Maximum Altitude: 2,274 Mts (7,460 ft)
– Reporting Place: Dehradun, Uttrakhand
– Trek Start Point: Clouds End Forest Mussoorie
– Trek End Point: Clouds End Forest Mussoorie
17. Chirbatiya Trek
Chirbatiya leads into remote, snow-laced hamlets and birch woodlands—a winter route that emphasises solitude and cultural encounters. The trail’s rustic charm and quiet campsites make it a rewarding offbeat winter choice.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttarakhand
– Distance: 13 km
– Duration: 3 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: December–March
– Maximum Altitude: 2,530 Mts (8,300 ft)
– Reporting Place: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
– Trek Start Point: Chirbatiya
– Trek End Point: Kund
18. Bagji Bugyal Trek
Bagji Bugyal’s sweeping alpine meadows become a snow-bound panorama in winter—ideal for long, peaceful walks and landscape photography. The wide-open spaces and gentle gradients suit trekkers seeking calm and scenic simplicity.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttarakhand
– Distance: 30 km
– Duration: 6 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: December–June
– Maximum Altitude: 3,535 Mts (11,598 ft)
– Reporting Place: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
– Trek Start Point: Lohajung
– Trek End Point: Lohajung
19. Futta Saur Lake Trek
Fatta Saur offers a magical winter camp by a frozen alpine lake, surrounded by rugged peaks and silent snowfields. The route is peaceful and ideal for trekkers who want lake‑side winter camps and crisp, clear skies.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Manali (Himachal)
– Distance: 27 km
– Duration: 4 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: December –March
– Maximum Altitude: 3200 Mts (10,499 ft)
– Reporting Place: Patlikulh (Himachal Pradesh)
– Trek Start Point: Patlikulh
– Trek End Point: Kullu
20. Triund Trek
Triund is a short and scenic winter ridge trek near Dharamshala, offering dramatic Dhauladhar views. Its easy access, short duration and sweeping panoramas make it an unbeatable quick winter getaway.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Himachal Pradesh
– Distance: 28 km
– Duration: 2 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: December–June
– Maximum Altitude: 3,300 Mts (10,826 ft)
– Reporting Place: Dharamshala/McLeod Ganj
– Trek Start Point: McLeod Ganj
– Trek End Point: McLeod Ganj
21. Kareri Lake Trek
Kareri Lake is a picturesque winter trek through deodar forests, leading to a tranquil frozen lake nestled below snow-dusted peaks. The trail offers quiet camps and clear reflections on calm winter mornings.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Himachal Pradesh
– Distance: 26 km
– Duration: 3 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: December–February
– Maximum Altitude: 2,934 Mts (9,626 ft)
– Reporting Place: Dharamshala/Kangra
– Trek Start Point: Kareri village
– Trek End Point: Kareri village
22. Chandranahan Lake Trek
Chandranahan Lake is a high-altitude circuit that becomes otherworldly in winter with frozen shores and dramatic ridgelines. The remote location and rugged approach reward experienced trekkers with stark alpine beauty.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Himachal Pradesh
– Distance: 21 km
– Duration: 6 days
– Grade: Moderate
– Best Time: December–june
– Maximum Altitude: 4,200 Mts (13,780 ft)
– Reporting Place: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
– Trek Start Point: Janglik
– Trek End Point: Janglik
23. Markha Valley Winter Trek
The Markha Valley in winter is a study in stark Ladakhi beauty—frozen river passages, high desert silence and fluted canyon walls. It’s a demanding winter route best attempted by experienced high‑altitude trekkers seeking solitude.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Ladakh
– Distance: 63 km
– Duration: 10 days
– Grade: Moderate
– Best Time: December–March
– Maximum Altitude: 4,050 Mts (13,287 ft)
– Reporting Place: Leh, Ladakh
– Trek Start Point: Chilling/Markha
– Trek End Point: Leh (or trek circuit end)
24. Sumda Chey Winter Trek
Sumda Chey offers a tranquil Ladakhi winter trek through ancient hamlets, frozen fields and isolated monasteries. The route is culturally rich and peaceful, giving trekkers an authentic taste of Ladakh’s winter solitude.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Ladakh
– Distance: 52 km
– Duration: 9 days
– Grade: Difficult
– Best Time: January–March
– Maximum Altitude: 4,541 Mts (14,917 ft)
– Reporting Place: Leh, Ladakh
– Trek Start Point: Sumda Chey village
– Trek End Point: Sumda Chey village
25. Chadar Frozen River Trek
The Chadar Trek is a legendary winter walk over the frozen Zanskar River—an otherworldly experience of walking beneath towering canyon walls on a sheet of ice. Extremely cold and logistically complex, it’s reserved for hardened winter adventurers.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Ladakh (Zanskar)
– Distance: 62 km
– Duration: 9 days
– Grade: Difficult
– Best Time: January–February
– Maximum Altitude: 3,399 Mts (11,152 ft)
– Reporting Place: Leh, Ladakh
– Trek Start Point: Shingra Koma/Chilling
– Trek End Point: Shingra Koma/Chilling
26. Marchoi Valley Trek
The Marchoi Valley Trek in Kashmir is a beautiful 4-day journey starting from the historic village of Naranag. The trail passes through lush pine forests, flowing streams, and peaceful walnut tree campsites. The trek’s highlight is the summit at Marchoi Top, offering stunning panoramic views of snow-capped peaks like Mt. Harmukh. With a mix of serene jungle walks, snow bridges, and alpine meadows, this trek is perfect for beginners and adventure lovers seeking a peaceful winter escape in the Himalayas.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Kashmir
– Distance: 18 km
– Duration: 4 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: Dec–March
– Maximum Altitude: 3,215 Mts (10,548 ft)
– Reporting Place: Srinagar (Kashmir)
– Trek Start Point: Srinagar
– Trek End Point: Srinagar
27. Dzongri La Trek
Dzongri La is a high Sikkim route under the gaze of Kangchenjunga, providing spectacular winter panoramas and high alpine meadows. Winter treks here are remote and require careful planning for snow and cold conditions.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Sikkim
– Distance: 47 km
– Duration: 8 days
– Grade: Moderate
– Best Time: December–May
– Maximum Altitude: 4,020 Mts (13,189 ft)
– Reporting Place: Siliguri, West Bengal
– Trek Start Point: Yuksom
– Trek End Point: Yuksom
28. Bajre Dara Trek
The Bajre Dara Trek in West Sikkim is a peaceful journey through lush forests and alpine meadows, leading to the stunning Bajre Dara ridge with panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range. Trekkers experience serene Buddhist monasteries and the mystical Khecheopalri Lake along the way. This easy-to-moderate trek offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and tranquility, making it ideal for those seeking a quiet Himalayan escape.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Sikkim
– Distance: 22 km
– Duration: 5 days
– Grade: Moderate
– Best Time: September–February
– Maximum Altitude: 3,352 Mts (11,000 ft)
– Reporting Place: Siliguri, West Bengal
– Trek Start Point: Yuksom
– Trek End Point: Yuksom
29. Sandakphu–Phalut Trek
Sandakphu–Phalut is a dramatic winter ridge walk on the West Bengal–Sikkim border offering unparalleled views of four 8,000 m peaks. In winter, the ridge’s crisp skies and panoramic vistas make it a bucket-list trek for ridge lovers.
Quick Facts:
– Region: West Bengal–Sikkim border
– Distance: 81 km
– Duration: 7 days
– Grade: Moderate
– Best Time: September–April
– Maximum Altitude: 3,627 Mts (11,900 ft)
– Reporting Place: Siliguri, West Bengal
– Trek Start Point: Jaubhari
– Trek End Point: Sepi
30. Snow Leopard Trek _Ladakh
The Snow Leopard Trek in Ladakh is a unique winter wildlife expedition that takes adventurers into the heart of Hemis National Park, a prime habitat for the elusive snow leopard. This moderate-level trek covers rugged terrain at altitudes between 3,300 and 4,500 meters. The best time to embark on this trek is from January to March, when snow leopards descend to lower elevations in search of prey. Participants experience remote Himalayan landscapes, traditional Ladakhi villages, and potential sightings of other wildlife such as blue sheep and Tibetan wolves. The trek demands good physical fitness to endure cold temperatures that can drop below -20°C. Acclimatization and patience are key for successful wildlife spotting on this unforgettable Ladakh adventure.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Ladakh
– Distance: 40 km
– Duration: 10 days
– Grade: Moderate
– Best Time: January-March
– Maximum Altitude: 4,400 Mts
– Reporting Place: Leh
– Trek Start Point: Leh
– Trek End Point: Leh
31. Snow Leopard Trek-Spiti Valley
Snow Spiti Snow Leopard Winter Trek is a raw high-altitude wildlife adventure in the frozen wilderness of Spiti Valley, where you hike through snow-covered ridges in search of the elusive “ghost of the Himalayas.” This experience combines snow trekking, homestays in remote villages like Kibber and Chicham, and long patient stake-outs at vantage points to try and spot snow leopards, ibex, red fox, and other high-altitude wildlife against dramatic white mountains.
In peak winter, Spiti turns into a stark, silent desert of snow with crystal-clear skies, sub-zero temperatures, and frozen rivers, making every short hike or day-trek feel like a true expedition. Evenings are spent warming up in local homes, sharing hot meals and stories with Spitian families, giving this trek a deep cultural touch along with the thrill of tracking one of the world’s rarest big cats
Quick Facts:
– Region: Himachal
– Distance: 10 km
– Duration: 09 days
– Grade: Moderate
– Best Time: January-March
– Maximum Altitude: 4,400 Mts
– Reporting Place: Shimla
– Trek Start Point: Shimla
– Trek End Point: Shimla
32. Aancha Top Trek
Aancha Top Trek in Uttarakhand is a stunning and lesser-known adventure located in the Yamunotri region. The trek ascends to about 12,500 feet (3,810 meters), offering remarkable views of the Garhwal Himalayas including peaks like Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, and Gangotri. Starting from the quaint village of Ranachatti, the trail passes through dense oak, pine, and rhododendron forests before opening into expansive alpine meadows scattered with glacial lakes.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttrakhand
– Distance: 24 km
– Duration: 6 days
– Grade: Moderate
– Best Time: December–June
– Maximum Altitude: 3,810 Mts
– Reporting Place: Dehradun
– Trek Start Point: Ranachatti
– Trek End Point: Ranachatti
33. Panwali Kantha Trek
Panwali Kantha Trek in Uttarakhand is a serene and scenic winter trek that blends expansive alpine meadows with dense rhododendron and oak forests. Perched at about 3,500 meters, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic Char Dham peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Kedarnath. The trail is moderate in difficulty, making it accessible for experienced beginners seeking solitude away from crowded routes.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttrakhand
– Distance: 40 km
– Duration: 5 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: December–June
– Maximum Altitude: 3,700 Mts
– Reporting Place: Dehradun
– Trek Start Point: Ghuttu
– Trek End Point: Ghuttu
34. Gulabi Kantha Trek
The Gulabi Kantha Trek is a serene 5-day trek in Uttarakhand, reaching an altitude of around 4023 mts. Known for its peaceful and less crowded trails, it takes you through oak and maple forests, alpine meadows, and vibrant wildflower blooms during warmer months. In winter, the landscape transforms into a pristine snow-covered wonderland, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Himalayan peaks like Bandarpunch, Chaukhamba, and Swargarohini. The trail ends at the Gulabi Kantha summit, where panoramic mountain vistas and tranquil silence create an unforgettable Himalayan experience. This trek perfectly blends natural beauty, solitude, and moderate adventure for thoughtful travelers and nature lovers.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttrakhand
– Distance: 24 km
– Duration: 5 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: December–June
– Maximum Altitude: 4,023 Mts
– Reporting Place: Dehradun
– Trek Start Point: Hanuman Chatti
– Trek End Point: Hanuman Chatti
35. Dudhatoli Trek
The Dudhatoli Trek is a beautiful 5-day trek in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas, offering an easy adventure through lush oak, deodar, rhododendron, and pine forests. It takes you to serene high-altitude meadows like Binsar and Udayaramun Kharak, culminating at Dudhatoli peak at around 3043 mts. The trek is perfect for beginners and nature lovers seeking solitude, with peaceful villages, ancient temples like Binsar Mahadev, and untouched natural beauty along the trail. In winter, the trek transforms into a snowy paradise with crisp mountain air and starry nights. Dudhatoli offers a raw Himalayan experience away from crowded trails, blending scenic landscapes, wildlife sightings, and cultural immersion into Garhwali mountain life.
Quick Facts:
– Region: Uttrakhand
– Distance: 33 km
– Duration: 5 days
– Grade: Easy
– Best Time: December–June
– Maximum Altitude: 3,043 Mts
– Reporting Place: Dehradun
– Trek Start Point: Peethsain
– Trek End Point: Bhararisain
