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. Here are 5 best winter trek options 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 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 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.
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 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 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 their own charm. But it is winter trek that you will enjoy more. You will witness open skies with impressive skyline just over your head and white salt crystals sparkling beneath you. You 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.
The trail 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
Conclusion
Imagine, the feeling of standing at the top of a hill, a sense of achievement which you will have, that unbreakable level of confidence. All these experiences from this adventure will be indescribable, exceptionally out of the world.
So, what are you waiting for? Make your this new year memorable with winter trek in Uttarakhand.
