It is that time of the year again when everyone is in the celebrating mood. The weather is getting colder day by day. The preparations for arranging firewood stock and exotic dinner parties are going on. Some are planning for that long pending relaxing vacation while, some are planning to just chill around. Everyone is visibly excited.

Yes! You guessed it right. It is the time to thank the year gone by and to welcome, the new year which has come with new hopes, excitement, and promises. Let us embrace this year with open arms. Let us forget all the remonstrances and complaints. Let’s enjoy this time together with our family and friends.

Welcome this New Year with your loved ones in a little different way than you usually do, an unusual way, unique vacation destination. Celebrate this new year with the white carpet under your feet and snowy tops over your head on winter treks in the Himalayas. Here are some best winter trek in Uttarakhand to choose from.

1. KEDARKANTHA TREK

Region – Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
Ideal Duration – 5-6 Days
Trek Difficulty Level – Easy to Moderate
Maximum Altitude – 12,500ft
Best time to Visit – November – April

Kedarnath winter Trek is considered as one of the finest treks for beginners. This trek is for adventure lovers who are not avid or pro trekkers but want to get a feel of trekking. The memories you will gather from this summit will surely remain forever with you.
The trek starts from Sankri and as you climb up, you can witness snow-clad mountains ranges at your eye level. The sun shining over your head and the snow twinkling like stars all around, asking you to capture the breath-taking moment forever. Along the way, you will see some famous peaks like Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Bandarpoonch. You will surely get a thrilling experience while climbing up the mountains. This trek is considered as one of the best treks in India.

Highlights of this trek -
Beautiful Campsites
Snow-covered pine forests
360-degree view of the mountain
Chance to stand on the top

2. HAR KI DUN

Region – Garhwal Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Ideal Duration – 7 Days
Trek Difficulty Level – Moderate
Maximum Altitude – 12,000 ft.
Best time to Visit – September-December (Winter), March-June(Summer)

Har Ki Dun is known as a mythical stairway to heaven. It is believed that Pandavas from Mahabharata went through the Swarga Rohini peak on their ascent to heaven. It is also, one of the few places where Duryodhana (Eldest Kaurava from Mahabharata) is worshipped.
This Har ki dun winter trek is surely heaven if you belong to any of these three categories - nature lover, adventure lover or photo lovers. The magnificent valley is surrounded by dense pine forest and it is the only valley that provides coliseum views of Swargarohini – I, II, III, Bandarpoonch and Black Peak.
It also nests more than 2000 years old ancient villages situated on this cradle shaped Valley. The view from the summit is jaw-dropping and every single moment/frame is worth capturing and also it is a best treks in December.

Highlights of this trek -
Pretty campsites
Snow-covered pine forests
Coliseum view of the mountain
Witness the epic staircase for heaven

3. DODITAL TREK

Region – Garhwal Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Ideal Duration – 4-5 Days
Trek Difficulty Level – Moderate
Maximum Altitude – 13,612 ft.
Best time to Visit – September-December (Winter), March-June(Summer)


Dodital Trek is named after the lake Dodital or Dhudital which flows in the mountain ranges of Uttrakhand. As per our mythology, the lake is believed to be a birthplace of Lord Ganesha and is considered as one of the sacred lakes in the region. This lake is also famous as a home for Himalayan trouts. The trek is a paradise for bird watchers. You can witness different species of birds like Himalayan Monal, Woodpeckers, Robins, Finches, Magpies, Tailorbird, Grey Shrike, the Himalayan babbler, etc.
Though this trek is undertaken throughout the year but is more exhilarating during winters. You can feel like walking on the white carpet (read as red carpet feeling) especially laid for you by nature. The trek trail goes through dense deodar trees, glacier basins, ridges, and enduring villages. During the trek, you can witness peaks like Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, and the Dhaula Dhar range. The experience of this trek is simply delightful, out of the world.


Highlights of this trek -
Opportunity to walk on White carpet
Angling
Bird Watching
Breath-taking views of mountain peaks

4. KUARI PASS TREK

Region – Garhwal Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Ideal Duration – 5-6 Days
Trek Difficulty Level – Easy to Moderate
Maximum Altitude – 12,526 ft.
Best time to Visit – September-December (Winter), March-May(Summer)


Kuari Pass winter trek is also popularly known as the Curzon Trail, as it was traversed by Lord Curzon in 1905. This trek attracts thousands of adventure seekers from all around the world. It has become one of the popular treks due to the picturesque valley, alpine forests of oak, and Rhododendron trees. The entire trekking trail is covered with snow and the majestic peaks of Kamet, Dronagiri, Trishul, Bertholi, Hathi Ghodi Parvat, Mana, and Neelkanth. You can also spot leopard and Himalayan black bear pugmarks during your trek.
Though the Himalayan views are stunning during both the seasons (summers and winter). In summers the trees ablaze in yellow and orange look, while, in winters the trees are covered with white blankets. Both seasons have its own charm. But it is the winter trek that you will enjoy more. You will witness open skies with an impressive skyline just over your head and white salt crystals sparkling beneath you. Kuari pass trek in December will surely cherish the memories which you created and captured during this expedition.


Highlights of this trek -
Beautiful mountain view from day 1 of the trek
Outstanding Campsite
Ancient Forest Trails
Snow Hiking

5. CHOPTA – TUNGNATH – CHANDERSHILA PEAK

Region – Garhwal Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Ideal Duration – 5 Days
Trek Difficulty Level – Easy
Maximum Altitude – 13,300 ft.
Best time to Visit – September-December (Winter), March-June(Summer)


Popularly known as Chandrashila Trek, is one of the most beautiful and less explored treks by the trekker in the region. The enchanting lake Deoriatal is one of the biggest attractions for shutterbugs. There is an interesting mythological story behind it. It is believed that the five Pandavas from Mahabharata were thirsty and they came to Deoriatal for water and there faced a test of wisdom.
Chopta in winter is jampacked with snowy peaks – Nanda Devi, Panchuli, Bandarpunch, Kedarnath, Neelkanth, Chaukhamba on one side, and Garhwal valley on the other side. It is full of scenic views of lush green meadows and waterfalls all over. This trek has something for each one of you – Mountain Lover, Photo Lover, Bird Watcher, Nature Lover, Peace watchers. Like the slang of Bollywood “picture is full of masala and drama”. In all this trek is an experience in itself. Totally mind-boggling.


Highlights of this trek -
Enchanting Lake
Rich flora and fauna alongside
Waterfalls, Lush Green Meadows
Magnificent mountain views

6. Nag Tibba Winter Trek -

Region – Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Ideal Duration – 2/3 Days
Trek Difficulty Level – Easy
Maximum Altitude – 9,915 ft.
Best time to Visit – September-December (Winter), March-June(Summer) (except July-August)

Nag Tibba a popular weekend & winter trek in the Mussoorie region known for its easy trail and exceptional view of Garhwal Himalayas. This trek is quite popular among those who mostly travel on weekends. The enchanting view of snowcapped peaks from the Nag Tibba Summit makes trekker amazed. There is also a Nag Deta Temple before the summit, locals have great belief in this Nag Devta Temple.
The peaks visible from the Nag Tibba are – Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba, Bandarpoonch range, Mt. Kalanag, etc. This Nag Tibba winter trek is full of scenic views of lush green meadow in summer which covered with snow during winters.


Highlights of this trek -
Scenic Villages
Outstanding Campsite
Forest Trails
Snow Hiking
Magnificent mountain views


7. Dayara Bugyal Winter Trek -

Region – Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Ideal Duration – 4/5 Days
Trek Difficulty Level – Easy
Maximum Altitude – 11,181 ft.
Best time to Visit – September to November & February-May (Summer)

Dayara Bugyal in winter is one of the most lovely alpine meadows treks in India. The picturesque landscape of the Himalayas from Dayara Bugyal is breathtaking especially in winters when the entire region is covered with the sheet of white snow. The campsite on the trail of this trek is extremely beautiful and scenic. The Bakriya top offering a magnificent 360° panoramic view of the magnificent view of mighty Himalayas. Gangotri region peaks, Bandarpoonch, Bhilangana range, Jaonli, Rudragaira, Srikanth, etc are the peaks that are visible on a clear day. This enchanting, adored trail is an easy winter trek which is not very crowded and is a great option for beginners/ first-timers.
This trail also suits well for those who want an outdoor experience with family and children. This experience will give the scope to learn from the local culture and lifestyle of the region.

Highlights of this trek -
Beautiful Meadow
Outstanding Campsite
Forest Trails
Snow Hiking
Magnificent mountain views


8. Brahmatal Trek -
Region – Chamoli, Uttarakhand
Ideal Duration – 6 Days
Trek Difficulty Level – Moderate
Maximum Altitude – 12,250 ft.
Best time to Visit – 2nd week of September to April

Brahmatal Trek is a natural lake winter trek located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The lake is on the name of Lord Brahma, according to the mythology it is said that - this is the place where Lord Brahma meditates. This is a lake nestled deep into the mountains of Uttarakhand which offers an alluring view of nature at its tranquil environment. The difficulty level of the Brahmatal Trek is a bit moderate but it is fit for less experienced trekkers and beginners. The Brahmatal trek in December and January the temperature fall below 0 degrees and the region receives high snowfall. If you ask me which is the best winter lake trek then I will suggest you Brahmatal Trek. It has a view that beats all the other majestic treks.


Highlights of this trek -
Outstanding lake view
Forest Trails
Snow Hiking
Magnificent mountain views