Top 5 Winter Season Treks

Overview

Uttarakhand is one of the states of the Indian Subcontinent.It offers one of the best winter trekking destinations. It is in the northern region with its highest elevation (Nanda Devi) of 7816m above sea level. Uttarakhand is one of the beautiful and serene places that the Indian subcontinent proudly nurtures- with snow-clad mountains like Nanda Devi, Panchachuli, Kedarnath, Dunagiri; has sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna; has pilgrimage site like Rishikesh which attracts many Hindus each year.

The view of snow-covered peaks is one of those views which no one can resist. This is the reason why winter treks are most loved by adventure trekkers.  A Few of the top winter treks are as follows.

Brahmatal Trek

The Brahmatal trek starts with basecamp Lohajung. This will be the best trek if you are claiming solitude, away from the everyday chaos of your life. With the highest altitude of 12250 ft, the summit offers a breathtaking view from the top. At the height of 3400m above sea level, you will encounter Brahmatal lake. Though you will also come across various glacier-covered lakes. The trek is covered with forest, meadows, lakes, and mountain ranges all around 360 degrees. The locals believe that this is the origination ground of lord Brahma.

Dayara Bugyal Trek

The Dayara Bugyal trek is located in Raithal, Uttarakhand. The trek will take 6 days to complete. It is considered one of the best treks for beginners. The trek is open for almost 8 months a year except for the monsoon. The trek has an average elevation of 3639m. The lush green grasses give an excellent destination for skiing. While trekking you catch the sight of the lake of Barnala Tal strewn. The area is rich in flora and fauna.

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

A combination of two treks Deoria Tal and Chandrashila is one of the most loved trekking destinations of adventurous trekkers. Touching the maximum height of 12083 ft, it is a moderate level trek-good for a beginner.

The trekking can be done in 3 seasons- spring (between mid March to mid April), Autumn (Between mid September to mid October), and winter (between December to January.)

While initiating your journey towards the trek, you will encounter a huge variety of Himalayan birds and trees like Oak, Rhododendron blooming in spring and snow-capped in winter. After you reach Tungnath temple, at a walking distance, there is Deoria Tal lake. The sight of Mt Chaukhat from Deoria Tal lake is an unforgettable lifetime experience. You have to walk to Chanfrashila summit from here. From Chandrishila summit you can grab the view of all major summits of the Himalayas like Mt Jogin, Mt Sumeru, Bhagiratais.

Kuari Pass Trek

The Kuari Pass trek is also known as the Curzon trail. The trek is accessible for 10 months of the year except for the monsoon. The trek is famous for Tali lake, variety of flora, and fauna. You can enjoy the view of Uttarakhand’s highest elevation Mt Nanda Devi. While trekking you will encounter an oak forest all dipped in snow, which will make you feel that you are in the wonderland of Narnia. Oak forest merges with meadows-The Gorson Bugyal which stretches for about 12000 sq km.  

Chadar Trek

Chadar is one of the wonders of Ladakh and the trek is on the frozen river. This is a difficult level trek as it is challenging to walk on ice, temperature is very low even during the day time. The trek starts with the base camp at Leh where one has to stay for three days. One the third day after clearing the medical test you will head towards the frozen river trek. It is a 9 day long trek where you will experience the stay in caves, camping bestie the river, frozen waterfall, the wildlife and many more. 

Savandurga Hills

The hill is located in Karnataka. The top view of the peak is worth watching as it looks amazing with lush green forest.  It is advised to spend a few hours to get a 360 scenic view of the surroundings and observe the pounds of nature and prepare your body to descend down the same way you came up. 

Descent is the most challenging aspect of the entire trek because of the steep path and single rock. Walking down requires patience and calm. Trekkers have to walk carefully and they must use the indentation in the rock to assist them. The journey from the summit will take about 2 hours to get back to base.