What's so special about winter treks in India, you ask.
The vast expanse of white cover with two feet high snow cover touching your knees and marking your footsteps over the incredible nothingness; these are impressions forever etched in the memory if you've trekked on a snow-clad peak.
But if you're a first-timer, the incredible winters in India might just become the reason to plan your first trek, or may I say, YOUR FIRST SNOW TREK.
Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming winter treks in India and this is just the right time to plan it all.
1. Explore the virgin peak at Kuari Pass
Trek start point: Auli
Number of days: 6 days
Why this trek: The Kuari Pass trek is located in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and the magical route takes you through the scenic views of the bugyals (meadows) of Garhwal and is one of the most popular winter treks in India. Gorson, Chitrakantha and Khullara are some of the stunning campsites on this trek, which prove to be the main attractions of the trek. Watch this video to know how Kuari Pass got its name.
Fitness: Although Kuari Pass is termed as a moderate 6-day trek, but the constant ascent on the route raises the difficulty level. The steep ascent each day is even more challenging when the temperature falls below zero at night. Trekkers are advised to climb the stairs and jog for about 5km every day for a month to prepare for this trek.
2. Trek to the Valley of Gods at Har Ki Dun
Trek start point: Sankri
Number of days: 8 days
Why this trek: The Har Ki Dun trail offers a revision to Indian mythology, taking trekkers along the route chosen by the Pandavas while ascending to heaven. Trekkers are led along the Supin River to Har Ki Dun valley crossing some of the ancient Himalayan villages that have been inhabited for more that 3,000 years. The stunning views of Swargarohini – I, II, III, Bandarpoonch, Blackpeak and Ruinsara peaks add to the charm of this trail.
Fitness: It's a fairly easy to moderate trek with gradual inclines, but the trek still demands you to walk 9-10 km every day on the trail.
3. Experience the holy grail of Indian trekking with the Sandakphu – Phalut Trek
Trek start point: Jaubari
Number of days: 7 days
Why this trek: The Sandakphu Phalut trail takes you along a scenic route that goes in and out of India and Nepal. Renowned Himalayan peaks of Makalu, Everest and Lhotse can be spotted at a distance. The overwhelming presence of Kanchenjunga in the distance completes the view of the Sleeping Buddha on a horizon.
Fitness: It's a moderately difficult trek and the key to walking the Sandakphu Phalut trail is to cover long distances each day. On this 7-day long trek, more than 10 kms are covered everyday and on the day 5 trekkers cover 21 kms.
4. Get the best of this year's winters on the Brahmatal Trek
Trek start point: Lohajung
Number of days: 6 days
Why this trek: Brahmatal holds a special place on this list since it's one of the few accessible winter treks in India during peak winters of January and February. During April and March, scarlet and pink rhododendrons bloom along the trail. At the Brahmatal summit, trekkers get the closest view of the majestic Mt Thrishul and Nanda Ghunti.
Fitness: It's a moderate level trek that has also been many first-timer's first trek experience.
5. Trek to the Garhwal Himalayan Mountains on the Kedarkantha Trail
Trek start point: Sankri
Number of days: 6 days
Why this trek: If you're intrigued by the the idea of snow trekking, Kedarkantha is a safe bet. The trail that starts from Sankri is usually covered with fresh winter snow from December to April and can fit into even a serious procrastinator's plans. You ascend almost 2000 ft each day and the stunning campsites on the route, such as Juda Ka Talab, add to the charm of being on this trail.
Fitness: The trek starts at an altitude of 6000ft and you constantly ascend on the next few days of the trek. It's a challenge to your core body strength.
Read more: How to get fit for Kedarkantha Trek.
6. Go for your first trek at Nag Tibba
Trek start point: Pantwari Village
Why this trek: The Nag Tibba Trek can be a perfect trek for a first timer. The trail gives you an opportunity to reach the highest peak (9915 ft) in the Nag Tibba Range. The stunning views of Bandarpooch Peak, Gangotri Peaks, Kedarnath Peak, Doon Valley and Chanabang from the peak inspires every trekker to start their love affair with the mountains.
Number of days: This 2-day trek can be every rookie's introduction to steep or gradual inclines on the hills. Snow can make the trail even more challenging during January and February.
Fitness required: Nag Tibba is considered an easy to moderate trek and is an ideal first-timer's trek.
7. Trek to the hidden Parashar Lake in Kullu Valley
Trek start point: Baggi Village
Number of days: 2 days
Why this trek: If you've scrolled down so far and you've begun wondering whether hiking is your cup of tea at all, give yourself a chance through the Parashar Lake trek. The lake located in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh is ideal for a family trek too. The short trek gives you a majestic 360 degree view of the Kullu Valley and the Parashar Temple at the hilltop is a unique piece of Himachali architecture.
Fitness required: This fairly easy trek is ideal for a first-timer and family.
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