Instead of shying away from the cold this winter, why not embrace it on an exciting trek? If you’re a fan of the adrenaline rush that treks give you, winter is just the time to head off on one of them. The wintry air can be good for a great trek because it won’t leave you sweating in the scorching sun, and most of India is breath-taking during this time of the year. So, get ready to hike up to some snow-capped peaks and choose your next trek from these handpicked destinations in India.
Nag Tibba, Uttarakhand
One trail that we’re particularly fond of (and you should be too!) is Nag Tibba. You won’t necessarily encounter too much winter hassle, which is great but you will still get to see snow-capped mountains, camp under a starry sky and see sights such as the Serpent’s Peak, the Bandarpoonch peak and the Gangotri group of peaks. It’s quick enough for a weekend trip. The best part is that you will be trekking through a forest filled with beautiful sights.
- Getting There: It’s a three-day trek from the famous hill station, Mussoorie.
- Region: Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- Duration: 2 Days
- Altitude: 3,022 m
- Grade: Moderate-Easy
Kuari Pass, Uttarakhand
This is one of those treks whose beauty is beyond explanation. If you want to take a trek that’s also a slice of history, this one at the altitude of 4,264 mts is perfect. Not only will you get to see the peaks of Mt. Kamet, Chaukhamba and Trishul on your way, you will also be staring over the peaks the same way that Lord Curzon (a Viceroy in India during the British Raj) did way back then. Oh, and did we mention the gorgeous skyline, dominated by the twin peaks of Nanda Devi?!
- Getting There: Head to Joshimath in the Himalayas, in Uttarakhand and walk through the villages to get to the pass.
- Region: Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- Duration: 6 Days
- Altitude: 4,265 m
- Grade: Easy-Moderate
Chadar Trek, Ladakh
There’s a reason why so many people love Chadar Trek and it’s because of the famous, frozen Zanskar River – which is why it’s a popular winter trek. It’s not the easiest trek to get past and it can get really, really cold! However, the scenic beauty and exotic views of the mountain ranges in the Himalayas, make it worth the hard work.
- Getting there: Take a flight to Leh, drive to Gyalpo and then past Tibb Cave to the destination.
- Region: Zanskar, Ladakh
- Duration: 7 Days
- Altitude: 4,595 m
- Grade: Difficult
Kopatty, Karnataka
What would you say if we told you, we know of a trek that includes coffee plantation so you could enjoy a cup of Joe on your trail? Called Kopatty, the trek is short, you can complete it in just a day – but that doesn’t mean this winter trail is less impressive. Forget the mountains and spend your winter exploring the land instead – don’t worry though, you will reach a summit where you will get to sit by a stream and soak in the sights.
- Getting There: Take a bus from Bangalore to Coorg, and then start your trek. Book a jeep to take you to the start of the trail and pick you up at the end.
- Region: Coorg, Karnataka
- Duration: 2 Days
- Altitude: 1,375 m
- Grade: Moderate
Pindari Glacier, Uttarakhand
We’re big fans of the Himalayas. After all, where else would you get to see beautiful, snow-capped peaks, natural beauty that stretches for miles, and glaciers that are definitive of a good winter? A trek that has all this and more is the Pindari Glacier trek, perfect to attempt during winter and nestled between the Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot mountains. Although it’s just a 90km trek, but you can still take days to cover it. It’s not necessarily that difficult so don’t worry even if you’re an amateur. From waterfalls to snow-capped peaks, this is one you shouldn’t miss.
- Getting There: Take a train from Delhi to Kathgodam and then head to Bageshwar by road, from where you can start your trek.
- Region: Kumaon, Uttarakhand
- Duration: 7 Days
- Altitude: 4,150 m
- Grade: Moderate
Sandakphu Trek, West Bengal
If you’re planning to head over to West Bengal, you should definitely squeeze this winter trek into your itinerary. A trek up to Sandakphu, in this season will help you make the most of the magical land, full of lush greenery and enthralling trails. It will take you through two days of high-summit views, where you can see places such as Phalut and Tonglu as well. The weather gets really chilly here, so carry your best winter gear!
- Getting There: In West Bengal, rent a car to Manebhanjan, from where you can trek up to Sandakphu.
- Region: Darjeeling, West Bengal
- Duration: 7 Days
- Altitude: 3,636 m
- Grade: Moderate
Araku Valley Trek, Andhra Pradesh
There is nothing as fulfilling as a trek to this valley in Andhra Pradesh during the winter. The colourful valley is a really great place to visit if you’re looking for a rich experience. The valley is well-known but not crowded, which you will love, since that makes it serene and silent. It also has great weather. Most of the natural beauty blooms at the end of the year, so this place is perfect for trekking during December and January. You can also make a pit stop in the village to see some of the local art, craft and get steeped in the colourful culture before you leave. Don’t forget to see the Borra caves when you’re here.
- Getting There: Araku Valley is quite accessible from Visakhapatnam. Take a two day trek upto the valley or choose to drive.
- Region: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- Duration: 2 Days
- Altitude: 910 m
- Grade: Easy
Kodachadri, Karnataka
If you are not comfortable with exploring colder places these winters then there definitely are places down south to visit. We suggest Kodachadri- it’s a tourist hotspot, but you will be able to get some gorgeous views from the peak, once you reach. The mountain peak has abundant forest cover, and has also been declared a natural heritage site! So, walk through the Shola forests and trek up the hills for an ultimate trekking experience this winter.
- Getting There: From Shimoga, near Bangalore, take a bus or taxi to Nagodi village to start your trek.
- Region: Shimoga, Karnataka
- Duration: 2 Days
- Altitude: 1,343 m
- Grade: Moderate
Chopta Chandrashila, Uttarakhand
This is perched high in the Himalayas and offers breathtaking views. Remember to take a camera with you! The name translates to Moon Rock, and there’re temples and religious spots to visit. The altitude, combined with the clean air, make it a great place to visit during winter. Remember to gawk at the musk deer, a popular animal in the protected sanctuary region.
- Getting There: You can take a train to Haridwar, drive 266 kms to Sari village and then trek to the top from there.
- Region: Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- Duration: 6 Days
- Altitude: 4,000 m
- Grade: Easy-Moderate
Remember that high altitude combined with harsh weather can wreck havoc on your health, so do stay light, but don’t forget to carry waterproof jackets, lots of fluids and GPS devices to help you reroute in case of bad weather or blocked roads.
