In this post, I'm sharing the best winter treks in 2020.
Now is when you should start planning your winter trek - you'll get to the dates you want (although our popular winter treks are already down to their last slots) and your flight tickets will be least expensive now. You'll also have enough time to physically and mentally prepare for your winter trek.
Further, to keep trekking safe, we have put in a 31-point safety check in place, which will be strictly followed on all treks.
Use this as a guide to choose your winter trek. Watch out for a few pro tips that accompany these treks as well.
Here are the top 5 winter treks in India you must do in 2020
1. Dayara Bugyal Winter Trek
This is a trek I love simply because it's such a relaxing climb and yet gives you such grand returns. You never expect such views and experiences on such an easy trek! And in winter, it's even prettier (if that's possible) with the meadows blanketed in shimmering white snow.
Given the ease of the climb, this trek is especially good for families and beginners in winter. But don't let that stop you if you are an experienced trekker - you can go on this trek ten times and you won't tire. I would also recommend it to those who have already seen it in another season. It's a completely different trek in winter.
Difficulty in winter: Easy-ModerateHighest altitude: 11,978 ftDuration: 6 daysAvailable in: November, December, January, February, March
2. Brahmatal Winter Trek
This is our co-founder Sandhya's favourite trek. When she went last year. she stood at the summit, with a riveting view of two most celebrated mountains - Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti. She also saw the entire Roopkund trail laid out before her - literally a bird's-eye view. I would highly recommend reading this personal note she wrote after her Brahmatal trek to get an idea.
Choose this if you want a grand snow experience. Most trekkers come back raving about the snow here. Also, be physically prepared because it has some good climbs.
Difficulty in winter: ModerateHighest altitude: 12,250 ftDuration: 6 daysAvailable in: November, December, January, February
3. Deoriatal Chandrashila Winter Trek
This is a trek we dearly missed in winter last year. It used to be one of India's most popular winter treks. The popularity died down when the forest department closed some crucial campsites. But now new alternative campsites have come up. So we're back to running this grand trek. The trail, of course, remains as charming with its vibrant forests, the lake and the climb to the Tungnath temple and Chandrashila summit.
This trek gives a highly unfair reward for the amount of effort you put in. You get to see almost all the most magnificent peaks in Indian Himalayas including Mt Nanda Devi, India's highest summit. And you get to experience snow in winter. If the dates suit you, don't think twice, just go for it.
4. Mukta Top Winter Trek
If you're looking specifically to get away from crowds, pick this one. Rarely do we come across a spectacular trek that has enchanting forests, meadows, superb mountain views and a very satisfying summit climb. Mukta Top is one of them.
The seclusion at Mukta Top comes at a cost though. It's mildly tougher than all other winter treks because it starts a good 2000 ft lower than all others. So make sure you're extra fit for this one!
Difficulty in winter:Highest altitude:Duration: 6 days Available in: November, December, January, February
5. Kedarkantha Winter Trek
Do I need to introduce this trek? This trek exploded in terms of popularity when we opened it up in winter 2011. It has endearing campsites, a thrilling summit climb, and one of the best winter experiences in the Himalayas. Most trekkers treat it as a bucket list trek, and they're completely justified because it's not every day you come across such a perfect winter trek.
We are doing this trek from the Kotgaon route, and not from Sankri. This new trail is isolated and it bypasses the crowd. I have to say it is a lot prettier than the older route as well. Read all about this route here .
Difficulty in winter:Highest altitude:Duration: Available in: October, November, December, January, February, March, April
6. Sandakphu Winter Trek
Choose this trek if you are looking for a strong cultural experience. You get a peek into what the Nepali trekking culture is like.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">It's a trek on the border of India and Nepal, constantly weaving in and out of the two countries (feels very international, I tell you!). It also gives you views of four of the tallest mountains in the world - Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu and Mt Kanchenjunga. No other trek gives you that.
Not many trekkers know this, but on this trek, you stay in tea houses for a few days, and you also get the Indiahikes camping experience for 2 days. It's a great way to experience the best of both worlds. While you get snow on this trek, it is not as much as our Uttarakhand or Himachal treks. So do keep that in mind.
Difficulty in winter:Highest altitude:Duration: 7 Available in: September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April
So those are the good winter treks to explore this year. Just remember, any time from mid-December to the end of March will give you a good snow experience!
We have also opened up the dates all the way till April. If you like to plan early, you can get started here.
If you need help making a decision, drop in a comment below.
We'll help you out!
