Planning a snow trek? The ideal time to start planning a winter expedition is in November. During winter, the mountain trails of the Himalayas are covered with snow. Treks in winter on the snow-covered trails are the dream of every adventure seeker. Imagine sipping chai, drooling over hot Maggi in your tent, and playing your Spotify playlist while enjoying gorgeous vistas. This is like a dream come true! Snow treks in winter offer a variety of thrills, involving trekking through lush forests, and frozen rivers as well as admiring the stunning sunrise and sunset.

In this blog, we will share the best winter treks in winter that you can undertake that are the perfect blend of explorations and thrill. These treks are suitable both for novice and experienced trekkers.

1. Dayara Bugyal

Why this trek – Winter treks to Dayara Bugyal trek offer ravishing views of many peaks like Rudregaira, Gangotri I, II, and III, Jaonli, Draupadi ka Danda I and II, Black Top, and Bandarpoonch. This trek receives the most snowfall from December to February. Dense forests and lush green meadows are crafted to perfection. I find this a special trek because as you move close to the peak, the alluring peaks open their arms to you. It is quite a favourite place for skiing when the region receives heavy snowfall. Dayara Bugyal trek is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and the snow-covered meadows are an impressive sight to capture. It is a great place to get the taste of snow trekking adventure with the gorgeous sunrise from the peak, which stands at 11, 181 feet high.

Fitness: Dayara Bugyal is a moderate trek located in Uttarakhand. This trek is ideal for novices because it is less challenging to manoeuvre than other challenging treks. Prepare your body in shape for the trek at least a month beforehand so that you can enjoy the beauty without exerting too much effort.

2. Brahmatal Trek

Why this trek –Brahmatal is one of the best winter treks in the Himalayas because the trek doesn’t require much effort to witness the fantastic vistas. The trek starts from Lohajung village, located in Uttarakhand. In the winter, you will camp next to frozen lakes amidst the surreal environment. The patches of snow that greeted us almost make our hearts skip a beat. The sounds of deep cracks beneath our snow boots make us feel alive. Walking through deep snow as you ascend will make the experience more unreal. Even the mighty trails of the Roopkund trek are visible from here.

Blessed with abundant snowfall, the views become so heavenly as everything is covered in white.  The trails traverse through vast expanses of meadows and give trekkers a taste of a winter trek with the perfect amount of snow. You will feel at ease in this paradise once you become one with nature. In the winter, this trek is much prettier, contending with many snow treks.

Fitness: Anyone with prior experience or those eager to commence their trekking journey can enroll for the Brahmatal winter trek because it is an easy-level trek. Since some of the trail’s stretches are steep, physical fitness is essential.

3. Chadar trek

Why this trek – Located in the most remote region in Ladakh, the snow trek to Chadar trek in winter is no less than a bone-chilling experience. Ladakh is situated between the majestic Karakoram Range and the mighty Himalayan Range. The term “Chadar” refers to the ice blanket, and the ideal season for this trek to be accessible is from January to February. During the day, the temperatures vary from -5 to -15 degrees, and at night, it falls as low as -30 degrees along the entire trek.

Chadar trek in Ladakh has a maximum altitude of 11,123 feet and a stretch of about 62 kilometres. Trekkers may encounter numerous obstacles throughout the 9-day journey, but the breathtaking vistas of this region make the experience unforgettable. The path to the frozen river is unmatchable, it is like an adventure of a lifetime. Therefore, Chadar trek is considered one of the most difficult treks in the world and the best snow trek to get the adrenaline rush. Here the unique attraction is the chance to see freezing waterfalls that are covered in a thin layer of ice. Chadar trek is all about surviving the harsh terrain at sub-zero temperatures in the most inhabitable regions in the world. 

Fitness: For experienced hikers who wish to trek in cold weather, this trek is suitable. Chadar trek is completed in mind-numbingly cold weather. Both physical and mental endurance is required. It is recommended to plan before beginning this trek.

4. Sandakphu Trek

Why this trek – Sandakphu trek begins inside Singalila National Park, a hotspot for biodiversity that is home to unique flora and fauna. The climb is also known as the Singalila Ridge since it serves as the border between Nepal and India’s Sikkim/Darjeeling region. The trek to Sandakphu is surrounded by nature at its most pristine, and the view from the summit is worth every hardship encountered along the way. 

November to January is the ideal time to go on the Sandakphu phalut trek. Sandakphu offers an incredible panorama of the world’s highest snowline. Magnificent peaks, including Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse, and Makalu, surround it. The iconic “Sleeping Buddha,” which is a marvel to see from the trail, is formed by several Sikkim peaks that you will get to witness in one stretch. If you are looking for a beautiful, isolated winter trek, then take no time and choose this trek. However, this trek is gradually gaining popularity among hikers in the modern era of technology and social media.

Fitness: Snow trek to Sandakphu is a moderate-to-difficulty level trek. Trekking in snow here is less challenging than it is in Uttarakhand and Himachal. However, one must exercise regularly before going on this trek. You should better prepare yourself much in advance if you intend to conquer the Himalayas’ demanding climbs. However, if you have experience, it is appreciated. First-timers can also apply for this trek.

Let us know in the comments below, which is your favourite snow trek and why?