Winter treks in India allow you to experience the most picturesque and thrilling trails of snow-clad and lush green mountains. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, there’s always an opportunity for you to explore the serenity of the Himalayas or the gorgeous Western Ghats with several treks of varying difficulty levels present there.
Along with adventure, let yourself immerse in the silence of the snow-dusted forests and frozen lakes. Suitable for exploring the country’s winter landscapes, these treks do come with physical challenges but also promise a deeper connection with nature’s tranquility that makes it worth it. If you’re already interested, check out some of the best winter treks in India for an unforgettable winter.
6 Best Winter Treks In India
- Brahmatal Trek, Uttarakhand
- Horsley Hills, Andhra Pradesh
- Perumal Trek, Kodaikanal
- Zanskar Trek, Leh
- Chembra Peak, Kerala
- Manali Kaisdhar Trek
1. Brahmatal Trek, Uttarakhand
The Brahmatal Trek is one of the best treks in the country, especially during winter, because you get to witness the enchanting frozen Brahmatal Lake. It’s a circular trail which means the start and end points of this trek are the same. The trek also includes camping at various points along the route, offering stunning views of peaks like Nanda Ghunti, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
Brahmatal Trek is ideal for novice trekkers but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s not challenging. Although the terrain is mostly plain, it gets covered in deep snow, making it quite demanding to cross. But that’s the fun! You can experience the untamed side of the Himalayas that are paradoxically engulfed in the loud wind sounds in sheer silence.
Best time for the trek: Between October and March
No. of days: 6 days
Distance: 24 kilometers
Altitude: 3733 meters
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
Base camp: Lohajung
2. Horsley Hills, Andhra Pradesh
Perched several meters above sea level, Horsley Hills in Andhra Pradesh is a trekker’s paradise. The trek to this little hamlet is an easy but memorable one because of the picturesque wonders of nature and the intriguing legends of the place. The friendly locals are eager to share the many stories that the hills hold, all you have to do is lend an ear (and a hand to your friend who’s trekking alongside you).
Ideal for a winter escape, Horsley Hills offers cool, crisp air and lush green trails, providing a refreshing break from the usual urban hustle. You can have a funner experience with a cozy, heartwarming campfire under the stars. Accessible and serene, these hills set a high standard for winter treks in India, blending natural beauty with cultural charm.
Best time for the trek: Between December and March
No. of days: 1 day
Altitude: 1,265 meters
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
Base camp: Horsley Hills
3. Perumal Trek, Tamil Nadu
Take a slight detour from Andhra Pradesh to Tamil Nadu and you’ll come across yet another destination that’s considered popular for winter treks. Nestled in the hill station of Kodaikanal is the Perumal Peak, which is largely visited by trekkers and tourists during the colder months of the year. This spot lies in the Western Ghats with rare animals and flowers that bloom only during the winter.
When you reach the top after an easy-peasy uphill trek, you’re bound to be mind-blown by the stunning views from here. To live in the lap of these pretty vistas for a little longer, you can spend a night camping on this peak. If camping is too wild an option for you, choose to stay in the homestays and hotels here.
Best time for the trek: Between December and May
No. of days: 1 day
Distance: 7 km
Altitude: 2,440 meters
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
Base camp: Kodaikanal
4. Zanskar Trek, Leh
Another unmissable adventure to the country’s highest point is the Chadar Trek. It’s also called the Zanskar Trek because it crosses the river and valley of the same name in Ladakh.
This is one of the toughest winter treks in India because of the rocky terrains and the freezing temperatures during that time. But you ought to go for it for two main reasons. One is that this trek is possible only during winter when the river is frozen. And second, this season reveals to you a side of Ladakh that’s untouched and replenished with nature. An instance of how demanding this adventure can get is the fact that temperatures go as low as -30°C during the night! Needless to say, only the most experienced trekkers must participate in this.
Also, by participating in this trek, not only can you flex one of your life’s greatest moments, but also boast about walking on a frozen river! As you cross the Zanskar River, you can interact with the villagers settled in this valley and witness the marvelous frozen Nerak Waterfall and Tibb Cave.
Best time for the trek: December and January
No. of days: 8 days
Distance: 64 kilometers
Altitude: 3383 meters
Difficulty level: Difficult to very difficult
Base camp: Leh
5. Chembra Peak, Kerala
When you think of winter treks in India, only the ones up north in the snow-clad mountains come to mind. However, that’s far from true—India’s diverse geography also offers amazing yet underrated trekking trails through the lush greenery of the southern states. One such trek is to the Chembra Peak in Kerala.
This is a good trail in Wayanad. During the pleasantly cold winters, the lush beauty of Chembra peak hidden amongst the sparse flora and fauna comes to life. It’ll treat you to some excellent panoramic views but before that remember, prior permission is required from the Meppady Forest Office. The best part about this trek is crossing the famous heart-shaped lake named Hridhayathadakam.
Best time for the trek: Between September and February
No. of days: 1 day
Distance: 4.5 kilometers
Altitude: 2,100 meters
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
Base camp: Wayanad
6. Kais Dhar Trek, Himachal Pradesh
Bid farewell to winters with this final adventure in the cold, scenic mountains of Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Kais Dhar is ideal for beginners making it a favorite winter trek in India. As you proceed, you’ll witness the breathtaking waterfalls, scenic vistas, and an altogether perfect spot to unwind in the midst of winter glee. In the evenings, it becomes outright magical with bonfires, music, and a starry firmament illuminating the night sky.
Both summers and winters are a great time to go on this trek. While summers let you experience a pleasant climate, winters let you experience the fresh and freezing snowfall in this region. Even though the trek is pretty easygoing with hardly any steep climbs, it can get challenging enough for first-timers who are looking for an adventure-packed trek in India during winter.
Best time for the trek: Between November and March
No. of days: 2 days
Distance: 19 kilometers
Altitude: 2,529 meters
Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
Base camp: Peej Village
Summing Up
Winter treks in India offer an unparalleled experience, combining the excitement of exploring the cold with breathtaking landscapes. With trails catering to all difficulty levels, there’s an adventure waiting for everyone. So gear up, step out, and create unforgettable memories on your next winter trek!
FAQs
Which Is The Toughest Trek In India?
Some of the toughest treks in India are Kalindi Khal Trek, Auden’s Col Trek, Traill’s Pass Trek, and Lamkhaga Pass.
Which Trekking Is Best In January?
Some of the best treks to go on in January are the Chadar Trek, Kuari Pass Trek, and Kedarkantha Trek.
Is It Good To Trek In Winter?
Yes, it’s good to trek in winter. The season lets you experience a side of India that you won’t get to see usually – snow-clad mountains, lush-serene forests, and unique flora and fauna. Winter treks are also preferable as the weather isn’t as troublesome or sweaty when you trek with all your gear.
Which Trek Is On Frozen River In India?
The Chadar Trek also known as the Zanskar Trek is undertaken on the Zanskar River that freezes during winter. In this, you cross over the frozen river in Ladakh, traverse through the Zanskar Valley, and get to interact with the villagers there. It’s considered one of the most challenging treks in the country.
