Uttarakhand, with its snow-capped mountains, pristine landscapes, and majestic views, is an adventurer’s paradise in winter. These treks offer a chance to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty, experience the thrill of hiking through snow-laden trails, and witness the serene charm of Himalayan winters. Let’s explore five of the best winter treks in Uttarakhand in greater detail.
1. Kedarkantha Trek
The Kedarkantha trek is perfect for those looking for a quintessential winter trekking experience. It is one of the most popular and accessible treks in Uttarakhand, located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. The trail starts from Sankri, a quaint village that serves as the base camp. The trek takes you through dense forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron trees, which, in winter, are covered in a thick blanket of snow. Along the way, you’ll encounter picturesque clearings like Juda Ka Talab, a small frozen lake surrounded by pine trees, adding to the trek’s charm.
As you ascend higher, the snow deepens, and the landscape becomes even more mesmerizing. Upon reaching the Kedarkantha summit at 12,500 feet, you are rewarded with panoramic views of some of the most iconic Himalayan peaks, including Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Bandarpoonch. The summit climb is relatively steep but manageable, making the experience incredibly rewarding for both first-time trekkers and seasoned hikers. The trek is also famous for its beautiful campsites, especially at the base of the summit, where the snow-covered surroundings create an ethereal atmosphere.
Details:
- Difficulty: Moderate – suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
- Max Altitude: 12,500 feet
- Trail Length: 20 km round trip
- Best Time: December to April (ideal for deep snow experiences)
- Duration: 5days
2. Gulabi Kantha Trek
For trekkers who love to explore offbeat trails, the Gulabi Kantha trek is an undiscovered gem in the Tehri Garhwal region. Known for its solitude and untouched beauty, this trek offers breathtaking vistas without the usual crowds. It starts from the village of Belak and takes you through dense forests, alpine meadows, and stunning viewpoints that showcase the grandeur of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and Trishul.
During winter, Gulabi Kantha is transformed into a snowy wonderland. The snow-covered meadows stretch out for miles, and as you trek through the peaceful landscape, you will likely not encounter many fellow trekkers. The beauty of the trek lies in its simplicity – vast open fields, panoramic mountain views, and a trail less traveled. This makes it ideal for those seeking peace and quiet in the lap of nature.
Details:
- Difficulty: Moderate – best for trekkers looking for a quieter, offbeat experience.
- Max Altitude: 12,500 feet
- Trail Length: 20 km round trip
- Best Time: December to February
- Duration: 6 days
3. Kuari Pass Trek
Kuari Pass is one of Uttarakhand’s classic trekking routes and holds historical significance. Famously known as the “Lord Curzon Trail,” this trek was first traversed by Lord Curzon, a former Viceroy of India, in the early 1900s. Situated in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, the Kuari Pass trek offers one of the most stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas. During winter, the trail is covered with snow, transforming the forests, meadows, and high-altitude passes into a wonderland.
The trek takes you through forests of oak, deodar, and rhododendron, which provide ample opportunities for wildlife sightings, including Himalayan black bears and langurs. The trail ascends gradually to Kuari Pass at an altitude of 12,516 feet, where you are greeted with unobstructed views of towering peaks like Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet, and Chaukhamba. The beauty of Kuari Pass lies not only in its scenic vistas but also in the peaceful, untouched terrain that few trekkers venture into during winter.
Details:
- Difficulty: Moderate – recommended for trekkers with some prior experience.
- Max Altitude: 12,516 feet
- Trail Length: 33 km round trip
- Best Time: December to March (best for snow trekking)
- Duration: 6 days
4. Brahmatal Trek
Brahmatal is a winter trek like no other, taking you deep into the heart of the Himalayas. The trek is famous for its two pristine lakes, Brahmatal and Bekaltal, both of which remain frozen during winter, surrounded by snow-draped forests and meadows. The serene and spiritual atmosphere of Brahmatal, combined with the thrill of hiking through knee-deep snow, makes this trek a must-do for winter trekking enthusiasts.
The trek starts from the village of Lohajung and gradually ascends through rhododendron and oak forests until you reach Brahmatal Lake. On clear days, the Brahmatal summit offers awe-inspiring close-up views of towering peaks like Trishul (7,120 m) and Nanda Ghunti (6,310 m). The trek is ideal for adventure seekers who want a moderately challenging trek with fantastic mountain vistas and frozen alpine lakes.
Details:
- Difficulty: Moderate – best for trekkers seeking adventure and scenic beauty.
- Max Altitude: 12,150 feet
- Trail Length: 24 km round trip
- Best Time: December to March
- Duration: 5 days
5. Dayara Bugyal Trek
Dayara Bugyal is a trek known for its vast snow-covered meadows, which make it one of the most picturesque winter treks in Uttarakhand. Bugyal in the local language means “high-altitude meadow,” and Dayara Bugyal offers some of the most expansive and scenic meadows in the region. During winter, the meadows are completely covered in snow, creating an enchanting landscape.
The trek starts from the village of Barsu and gradually leads to the alpine meadows of Dayara. As you ascend, the views of peaks like Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and Srikanth become more prominent, offering trekkers a grand Himalayan panorama. The slopes of Dayara Bugyal are gentle and make for an excellent spot for winter activities like skiing or snowboarding. The trek is perfect for families, beginners, or those looking for a relaxing yet visually stunning winter trekking experience.
Details:
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – suitable for beginners and families.
- Max Altitude: 12,000 feet
- Trail Length: 18 km round trip
- Best Time: December to February
- Duration: 4 days
Each of these winter treks offers a unique experience, whether it’s summiting snow-covered peaks, trekking through frozen alpine forests, or walking across serene meadows blanketed in snow. With expert guidance from Parvat Exploration, these treks promise to be safe, exhilarating, and unforgettable. Embark on a winter adventure to witness Uttarakhand’s untouched beauty at its best.