BEST WINTER TREKS IN THE HIMALAYAS

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INTRODUCTION:

Mountain trails in India assume subliminal beauty, especially during the winter season. As we cross the frozen streams, wintry grasses and snow-covered trails during winter trekking in India, we experience plenty of adventure and excitement while seeing a side of nature that seems to lift our spirits!

If spring is the time when nature shows its colourful side, then the winters showcase its playful side. Winters are the time of the year when the gargantuan mountain peaks are covered in blankets of snow, enticing trekkers from around the world to visit the Himalayas once. Though most of the treks in the Himalayas remain open for the public from Mid-May till October, there are some trekking options in Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Himachal and Sikkim Himalayas that one can be chosen for throughout the year. Be it an easy trek or a challenging one, the beauty of these trails in winter will make us thrilled in every way. Some of the best winter treks in the Himalayas are listed below.

Kuari Pass

This is a beautiful place to be witnessed in Uttarakhand. This trek gained popularity around the 1900s when some great personalities of the British era undertook this route. Some names of those British enthusiasts include Eric Shipton, Bill Tilman, and the famous Lord Curzon. It is also important to note that the trail of this trek is called the Curzon Trail. The Kuari Pass trek is one of the most beautiful treks of winter. The temperature there usually does not go below -8C, thus making it a moderate trek. It is an opulent walk through Himalayan meadows. The beauty is so picturesque that one forgets the toughness of the trek. Several peaks grab anyone’s attention – like Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Neelkant, and Mukut Parbat. This trek also allows trekkers to walk through the jungles of Oak and Deodar trees. This jungle is also home to many wild animals like Leopards, Himalayan Black bears, and a few others. Rhododendron flowers are also seen there abundantly. These bright-coloured flowers are even used for soft drinks and are known for some medicinal use as well. The highest point of this trek, Kuari is at 13990 ft and offers an amazing view of the world. The trek also lets one visit Auli which is a famous skiing destination.

Kedarkantha Peak Trek

This is quite possibly the most pursued snow journeying route in India. With falling winter snow, it’s a hypnotising pictorial view and what’s more captivating, is the perspective on the Mighty Himalayas which is from the path right to the top. Settled at a stature of 3810 metres which is around 12,500 feet this is a perfect journeying trail which covers a merged distance of 20 km. The list of any best winter trekking is incomplete without mention of this classic winter trek. This trek is a perfect blend of scenic views, walks through remote Garhwal villages and of course, the joy of trekking on snow. It will be surprised too to know that the winter snow sets in by mid-December and usually stays up until mid-April. Situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park in Uttarkashi, Kedarkantha is one of the easiest winter treks available.

Brahmatal Trek

For those who have never been on a winter trek, Brahmatal Trek is a must-to-do on the list for this winter. Located in Uttarakhand, the trek offers numerous opportunities to experience winter like never before. This is a wonder of winter with just the right amount of snow to tease the trekkers and give them a taste of what winter trekking is like. This trail seamlessly binds adventure with ease to present an experience that is a magnet to avid trekkers.

Dayara Bugyal Trek

It is a well-known fact that the winter season comes with unbearable cold and snow on the path brings additional challenges. Yet, no one can deny the fact that the dove-white snow also brings immense adventure with beautiful mountain views. The huge meadows and pastures cover themselves with a blanket of white snow to protect their creatures from the shivering cold. Walking on this white carpet seems like walking on a frozen sea with beautiful alpine trees and flowers around.

Sandakphu Trek

Every trekker wishes to get to the top of the world someday. High above the clouds such that the other mountains start to look like an island floating between the ocean of the clouds. Sandakphu makes this wish of anyone come true for every mountain lover. The highest peaks of the Earth, Makalu, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, and Everest are clustered together soring up stand tall as one tries to capture their glimpses. The snow gets filled in the cracks and gullies from the cap to the land with the cold season.

For centuries people have undertaken strenuous travels into the Himalayas. Some people have gone there in search of beauty or truth, some on a pilgrimage, some with a sense of adventure, and others probably simply to have a good time. Anyway, the Himalayas has something or the other to offer to its guests.