Top 7 Winter Treks in Uttarakhand

Introduction

Trekking is the most adventurous activity, especially in winter. Uttarakhand is a paradise for those who are adventure enthusiasts, as it offers various trekking sites to explore the stunning and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Some popular winter treks are the Chopta-Chandrashilla trek, the Kedarkantha trek, the Brahmatal trek, the Dayara Bugyal trek, the Har ki doon trek, the Kari pass trek, and the Nag tibba trek. These trekking sites are nestled in the lap of the Himalayas at a very high altitude, and they are renowned for their stunning beauty and experiences. These are popular winter trekking sites, as they have turned into a winter wonderland in the winter season and offer an opportunity to experience the magic of snow. These treks are surrounded by snowy landscapes and snow-peaked mountains. If you are planning to do a thrilling adventure in the winter months, here are some famous winter treks in Uttarakhand to add to your winter vacation bucket list.

The Kedarkantha trek:  A perfect site for winter trekking

The Kedarkantha trek is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, and is also part of the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. The trek is popular as a perfect winter trek with its easily accessible trails. The Sankari village is the starting point of the trek, and Juda ka Talab and Kedarkantha are the main campsites of the trek. The trek passes through the deep valleys, dense oak forest, and lovely landscapes and High Himalayan peaks, which offer 360-degree views of the peaks such as Mt.Bandarpooch and Swargrohini. The trek to Kedarkantha Summit is about 20-22 km round-trip, and it takes 4-5 days to complete. The trails are easy to challenge at the Kedarkantha summit peak, and it is suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The frozen lakes, Deep valleys, snowy landscapes, and diverse flora and fauna of Govind Pashu Vihar park are the major highlights of the trek. 

The Brahmatal Trek: Another perfect winter trekking site 

The Brahmatal trek is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 12,251 feet above sea level. The trek is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including frozen alpine lakes, snowy landscapes,  and snow-capped mountain peaks. 

The trek route is about 24-26 km from Lohajung, and it takes 5-6 days to complete. The Bekal tal and Brahmatal lakes serve as the base camps for the trek. The Brahmatal Lake holds huge mythological significance; it is believed that the Lord Brahma meditated at this lake. Trek to Brahmatal is recognized as a beginner-friendly trek with its easy-to-challenging trails. It passes through the dense oak forest, alpine frozen lakes, and high mountain ranges, which offer panoramic views of the peaks such as Mt. Nanda Ghunti and Mt. Trishul. The lovely landscapes, frozen lakes, and clear night skies at the campsites are the major attractions of the trek. 

Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashilla trek

The Chopta-Tungnath trek, which leads to the highest Shiv temple, Tungnath, and  Chandrashilla peak, is a perfect winter spot located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Chopta (“mini Switzerland of India”) serves as the base camp for the trek, situated at an altitude of 8,790 feet. The route from Chopta to Tungnath (located at an altitude of 12,073 feet) is about 3.5 km, and it is 1.5 km from the Tungnath temple to Chandrashilla peak, and it takes 5-6 hours to complete. It passes through the lush meadows and dense forest. The Tungnath temple and the Summit peak of Chandrashilla are the Main highlights of the trek, which offers panoramic views of the peaks such as Mt. Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba, and it also offers an opportunity at scenic Chopta valley. 

Dayara Bugyal Trek 

The Dayara Bugyal trek is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 12,400 feet above sea level. It is renowned for its alpine meadows, which spread over 28 square kilometers. It is a popular winter trekking site and is surrounded by lush meadows, dense forests, and snow-capped mountains. The trek is around 20 km, and it starts from Raithal Village. It also offers beginner-friendly trails and passes through the picturesque villages, lush oak forest, and the Grassy field. 

Har Ki Dun Trek: Valley of God

Har ki dun, also known as “Valley of God,” is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, situated at an altitude of 3,566 meters above sea level. Har Ki Dun holds huge significance for its stunning natural beauty and mythology. It is the most popular trekking site, as it is suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. Major attractions of this dun are the Jaundar glacier and Maninda Tal. The trek is about 47 km, and it starts from Sankari Village. Taluka, Gangad, and Osla serve as the base camps for the trek. This valley offers you the chance to explore the natural beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas. 

Kauri Pass Trek: “ Lord Curzon Trails”

The Kauri Pass trek is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 12,516 feet above sea level. It is also called the “ lord curzon trail” as the British Viceroy lord Curzon was the first person who explored and revived this trail in 1905. The trek is about 33 km from Josimath, and it takes 4-5 days to complete. The trails are suitable for Beginners and experienced trekkers, as it is considered a moderate to challenging trek.  The trek passes through the lush meadows and dense forest, and it offers the picturesque views of the Himalayan peaks. It also allows you to immerse yourself in the glimpse of local culture. 

Nag Tibba:   A shortest winter trek

The Nag Tibba trek is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 9,915 feet above sea level. The trek route is about 16-20 km round trip, which starts from Pantwari village and takes 2-3 days to complete. The trails are considered easy to moderate, and it is suitable for both Beginners and seasoned trekkers. The Nag Tibba peak, known as “serpent peak,” offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The Nag Devta temple, diverse flora and fauna, dense forest, and serene meadows are the main Highlights of the trek. 

Best time to visit these trekking sites:  

October to March is the best time to visit these sites, as they are popular as Winter trekking sites, and they turn into winter wonderlands, which offer an opportunity to experience the magic of snow in the winter months.

Conclusion 

Winter trekking is a thrilling activity, especially in Uttarakhand.  The Himalayan region of Uttarakhand offers various popular winter trekking sites, including Kedarkantha, Brahmatal, Dayara Bugyal, Har ki Dun, and more, which offer an opportunity to experience the picturesque views of the Himalayas, and they also allow trekkers to immerse themselves in the magic of snow. These treks are also popular as beginner-friendly treks with their easy-to-moderately difficult trails. Things to consider while going for these are Stay-Hydrated, Be prepared physically and mentally, staying connected with your family of friends, and staying updated about the weather conditions.