Introduction
A vast expanse of white, with two feet of snow touching your knees and marking your steps through incredible nothingness; these are the impressions that will be etched in your memory forever if you went trekking on a snowy peak.
Kuari Pass
The starting point of the trek: 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 picturesque views of the bugyals (meadows) of Garhwal, which is one of the best winter treks in India. Gorson, Chitrakantha and Khullara are some of the amazing campsites on this trek which prove to be the main attractions of the trek.
Fitness: Although the Kuari Pass is billed as a moderate 6-day trek, the constant climbing on the route increases the level of difficulty. The steep climb each day is made even more challenging when the temperature drops below freezing at night. Hikers are advised to climb stairs and run about 5 km every day for a month to prepare for this trek.
Har Ki Dun
Trek starting point: Sankri
Number of days: 8 days
Why this trek: The Har Ki Dun trail offers a revision of Indian mythology, taking hikers along the route chosen by the Pandavas in their ascent to heaven. Hikers are guided along the Supin River into the Har Ki Dun Valley through some of the ancient Himalayan villages that have been inhabited for over 3000 years. Amazing views of Swargarohini – I, II, III, Bandarpoonch, Black peak and Ruinsara peaks add charm to this trail.
Fitness: It is a fairly easy to moderate trek with a gradual ascent, but the trek still requires you to walk 9-10 km on the trail each day.
Sandakphu – Phalut Trek
The starting point of the trek: Jaubari
Number of days: 7 days
Why this trek: The Sandakphu Phalut trail takes you along a scenic route that leads to and from India and Nepal. The famous Himalayan peaks Makalu, Everest and Lhotse can be seen in the distance. The stunning presence of Kanchenjunga in the distance complements the view of the sleeping Buddha on the horizon.
Fitness: It is a moderately difficult trek and the key to walking the Sandakphu Phalut trail is to cover long distances every day. On this 7-day trek, more than 10 km will be covered per day, and 5 trekkers will cover 21 km per day.
Brahma Valley Trek
Trek starting point: Lohajung
Number of days: 6 days
Why this trek: Brahmatal has a special place on this list as it is one of the few winter treks available in India during the peak winters of January and February. At the top of Brahmatal, hikers get the closest view of majestic Mt Trishul and Nanda Ghunti.
Kedarkantha trail
Trek starting point: Sankri
Number of days: 6 days
Why this trek: If you are intrigued by the idea of a snow trek, 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 the plans of even a serious procrastinator. You climb almost 2000 feet every day and the stunning en-route campsites like Juda Ka Talab add to the charm of staying on this trail.
Fitness: The trek starts at an altitude of 6000 feet and you climb steadily in the following days of the trek. It’s a challenge to your body’s strength.
Nag Tibba
Trek starting point: Pantwari village
Why this trek: Nag Tibba trek can be a perfect trek for beginners. The trail allows you to reach the highest peak (9915 ft) in the Nag Tibba range. The amazing view of Bandarpooch Peak, Gangotri Peaks, Kedarnath Peak, Doon Valley and Chanabang from the top inspires every trekker to start their love affair with mountains.
Several days: This 2-day trek can be an introduction to steep or gentle hill slopes for any newbie.
Parashar Lake in the Kullu Valley
Trek starting point: Baggi village
Number of days: 2 days
Why This Trek: If you’ve moved down that far and started wondering if hiking is even your cup of tea, give Parashar Lake a chance to trek. The lake in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh is also ideal for a family trek. A short trek will give you a majestic 360-degree view of the Kullu Valley and the hilltop Parashar Temple is a unique piece of Himachali architecture.