BeginnerEasy–Moderate
Himachal Pradesh
Triund Trek
Triund Trek is a 9 km Easy-Moderate Himalayan trail from McLeod Ganj (1,457 m) to Triund Top (2,875 m) in Himachal Pradesh, ideal for beginners.
2 days 2,875 mOct – Dec
Season, December to February
Best Winter Treks in India
Winter turns the lower ridgelines of Uttarakhand and Himachal white, and with them come India's most loved snow treks. Powder covered pine forests, frozen meadows and glowing sunrise summits make this the season that turns curious first timers into lifelong trekkers.
6
Treks in season
December to February
Peak months
3
Prime regions
3
Months covered
Snow treks and frozen trails
Why trek in Winter?
Winter is snow trek season. Accessible summits offer the full alpine experience of pristine white campsites and wide snow panoramas without any technical climbing. It is the most photogenic and the most beginner friendly way to walk on snow in the country.
The beauty of the Indian winter is that you can walk on snow without technical mountaineering. Summits like Kedarkantha, Brahmatal and Nag Tibba give you the full alpine experience, a pristine white campsite and a wide snow panorama, with nothing more than good gear and a guide. December is the gentle start, January is the deep cold, and February pairs deep snow with brighter, clearer spells.
Top Winter treks
BeginnerEasy–Moderate
Uttarakhand
Brahmatal Trek
The Brahmatal Trek is a 6-day easy-to-moderate winter trek in Uttarakhand reaching 3,682 m (12,090 ft), best done December–February for frozen lakes and Himalay
6 days 3,682 m (12,090 ft)Dec – Apr
Very Difficult
Ladakh
Chadar Trek
The Chadar Trek is a 10-day winter expedition on the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh, operating mid-January to mid-February, graded Difficult to Strenuous.
10 days 3,800 mJan – Mar
Moderate–Difficult
Ladakh
Snow Leopard Trek Hemis
The snow leopard trek in Hemis National Park, Ladakh, offers the world's best chance of spotting a wild snow leopard, with 70–80% guided sighting success rates
7 days 6,000 mJan – Mar
BeginnerModerate
Uttarakhand
Kedarkantha Trek
The Kedarkantha trek is a beginner winter trek in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, reaching 12,500 ft (3,810 m) in 4–6 days from Sankri village.
6 Days ~12,500 ft (3,810m)Dec – Apr
BeginnerEasy–Moderate
Uttarakhand
Nag Tibba Trek
Nag Tibba trek is a 16 km, 2-day Himalayan trek to a 3,022 m summit in Uttarakhand — the closest Himalayan peak to Delhi, ~300 km away.
3 days 3,022 m (9,915 ft)Oct – Dec
Compare Winter treks
How the top winter treks stack up on difficulty, duration, season and altitude.
| Trek | Difficulty | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Triund Trek | Easy–Moderate | 2 days |
| Brahmatal Trek | Easy–Moderate | 6 days |
| Chadar Trek | Very Difficult | 10 days |
| Snow Leopard Trek Hemis | Moderate–Difficult | 7 days |
| Kedarkantha Trek | Moderate | 6 Days |
| Nag Tibba Trek | Easy–Moderate | 3 days |
Winter month by month
| Month | Conditions |
|---|---|
| December | Early powdery snow makes this the gentlest month for first time snow trekkers. |
| January | Deep winter brings the heaviest snow and the coldest nights. |
| February | Deep snow pairs with clearer, brighter spells and stunning summits. |
Microspikes and gaiters are essential, watch for frostbite and altitude sickness, and never trek solo above the snowline.
How to prepare
- Rent or buy microspikes and gaiters before the trek for snow and ice
- Carry winter grade insulation and an insulated sleeping bag
- Trek December to February and pick December if you are new to snow
- Go with a registered guide and never head above the snowline alone
What to pack
- Heavy insulation including a down jacket, thermals and an insulated sleeping bag
- Microspikes and gaiters for snow and ice underfoot
- A waterproof outer shell and insulated waterproof gloves
- UV sunglasses because snow glare is severe
Snow on the trails, short days, and nights of minus 5 to minus 15 degrees at altitude, with bright clear days between snowfalls.
Winter trekking, frequently asked questions
The winter trekking window runs December to February. Snow on the trails, short days, and nights of minus 5 to minus 15 degrees at altitude, with bright clear days between snowfalls.
Keep exploring
Related treks, regions and guides
Best regions this season
Other seasons
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