The winter months are beautiful in the Himalayas, with pine forests blanketed in tons of snow, white-capped peaks, and views that seems like winter wonderland. These snow treks are the perfect way to experience a true Himalayan winter and at the same time helps you to keep your adventure alive, which is long gone in city life.
We’ve made a list of easy to moderate snow treks that you can do if you’re looking for a fun winter experience, without any technical skills. These shorter itineraries will allow beginners to spend a few days in the snow-covered Himalayas, experiencing winter in the mountains, and camping at night in cosy tents. Here’s our list of top easy to moderate winter treks in India to book this year:
Moderate snow trek to Kedarkantha, Uttarakhand
Kedarkantha is considered one of the most scenic winter treks in India. It is a ridge peak, so you’ll be climbing along a ridge as you get to the top, with spectacular views of Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, and Black Pearl. You’ll also walk through pine forests, and have a chance to camp on the banks of Juda ka Talab, a gorgeous lake that lies in a clearing in the forest. In the winter, the snow at Kedarkantha is thick and pure, so its great fun to trek here.
Trekking Distance: 20 km
Maximum Altitude: 12,500 ft
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
Duration: 5N/6D days from Dehradun
Easy snow trek to Chopta-Chandrashila, Uttarakhand
The Chopta-Chandrashila trek has multiple highlights: the rolling meadows of Chopta, a night of camping at Deoriatal lake, the climb to Chandrashila Peak at over 13,000 feet, and a visit to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. It’s a scenic trek at any time of the year, but in the winter, it is truly gorgeous. The snowy views from Chopta are dramatic, and you’ll be able to see the impressive Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba peaks.
Trekking Distance: 10 km
Maximum Altitude: 13,000ft
Difficulty Level: The Chopta-Chandrashila winter trek is not difficult, and can be done by beginners, but the optional climb to Chandrashila Peak is challenging.
Duration: 2N/3D from Delhi | Click here to see all Chopta winter packages.
Easy snow trek to Nagtibba, Uttarakhand
If you’re looking for a short trek for a quick winter getaway, sign up for the overnight Nagtibba winter trek. This is the closest trek to Dehradun, so you won’t have to travel far to begin. Within a few hours of trekking, you’ll be far away from civilization, and enjoying your mountain escape. During the winter, the Nagtibba trek is very charming, with snowy vistas all around. Your campsite gives you great views, and you’ll enjoy a campfire and a night in tents. It’s perfect for beginners and families who can’t do longer treks.
Trekking Distance: 15 km
Maximum Altitude: 9,910 ft
Difficulty Level: The Nagtibba winter trek is easy and short in duration, so it can be done by beginners.
Duration: 1N/2D from Delhi | Click here to see all Nagtibba winter trek packages.
Moderate snow trek to Brahmatal, Uttarakhand
The Brahmatal snow trek offers the closest views of peaks over 22,000 feet, making it a great option for photographers or mountain-loving souls. You’ll start from Kathgodam, which is already high up, so you can expect lovely views from the first day itself. Brahmatal is a small alpine lake with a deep blanket of snow around it, and is rarely crowded. You’ll be able to see giants like Nanda Ghanti, Neelkanth, Chaukhamba and more at very close quarters, and will camp beside frozen lakes.
Trekking Distance: 22km
Maximum Altitude: 12,250 ft
Difficulty Level: The Brahmatal winter trek is moderately challenging, but can be done by fit beginners.
Duration: 6 days, from Kathgodam
Easy snow trek to kasol-Tosh,Himachal
Tosh, an increasingly popular tourist spot, is located at an altitude of 2,400 m in the Parvati Valley along the Tosh River.
This trek takes you through the ultimate trilogy in the Himalayas,enabling you to explore the three picturesque towns at a comfortable pace. The adventure also takes you through the splendid valleys of the Parvati Valley, letting you experience the hot springs of Kheerganga, the famous Israeli cafes in Kasol and camping in the beautiful mountains.
Trekking Distance: 6km
Maximum Altitude: 7,900 ft
Difficulty Level: The Kasol-Tosh winter trek is an easy one that is suitable for beginners.
Duration: 2N/3D from Delhi | Click here to check kasol-tosh packages.
Easy snow trek to Mcleodganj-Triund,Himachal
Trekking all over for 1100 meters high altitude, the Triund Hill offers scenic views of the captivating Kangra Valley. The winter months are the most favourable time to be a part of this trek as the cold weather does not hinder your trekking enthusiasm. Besides, the picturesque views of the snow-capped Kangra Valley are simply adoring. This is why most of the trekkers plan their Triund Trek in December.
The presence of a dense mist or fog may obstruct in capturing the picture-perfect view of the snow-capped mountain ranges. However, the stepper trekking spots and the unexpected road conditions will definitely test every single ounce of your stamina. In the end, sustaining this winter trek is worthy as you walk down the path laid with thick covers of forests of Oak and Rhododendrons.
Trekking Distance: 10 km
Maximum Altitude: 9,432 ft
Difficulty Level: Easy
Duration: 2N/3D from Delhi | Click here to check McLeod-Triund packages.
Easy snow trek to Auli Gurson Bugayal,Uttarakhand
If there’s one place you go this winter, let it be Auli. Some of the best skiing in India (second only to Gulmarg) takes place here. Auli is a beautiful meadow in the Garhwal Himalayas, surrounded by craggy snow-topped peaks. There are apple orchards all around Auli, and you’ll enjoy pleasant rambles through them. There’s also a cable car to ride in, and plenty of snowy adventures to try. Gurson meadow is about 4 kms away, and has spectacular views of Dronagiri, Nanda Devi, and Lampak Massif. The trek to Gurson meadow is a scenic one that winds upwards through charming Himalayan villages and forests, stopping by streams for lunch.
Trekking Distance: 3 km
Maximum Altitude: 11,500 ft
Difficulty Level: The Auli-Gurson winter trek is an easy one that is suitable for beginners.
Duration: 2N/3D from Delhi | Click here to check Auli-gurson trek packages.
When to go for an easy snow trek
Easy snow treks in India are possible from December onwards, or once the snowfall begins. You will find yourself in winter wonderland during snow treks.
What to carry for an easy snow trek
Make sure you’re fully equipped for your easy snow trek. You can check T3 things to carry on winter treks here .The most important item is your shoes – wear the wrong shoes and your whole experience could be ruined. You will need trekking boots that keep your socks dry even as you walk through snow. Most operators will provide you with gaiters when you do an easy snow trek, but do check before you leave. You will also need a thick winter jacket, and thermal underclothing. Dress in layers, so that you can adapt to the changes in weather during each day of trekking. Apart from that, you’ll need enough warm wear to protect your extremities: a woollen hat, gloves, woollen socks (you’ll wear these at night, not while trekking) and a scarf. Carry a thick moisturizer for your face, as well as lip balm and sunscreen. Sunglasses are a must, to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun on the snow.
