Summer and monsoon hikes get all the attention, but there’s something irresistibly wonderful about having snow crunch beneath your feet. Falling asleep beneath some of the finest views of the year and waking up to enormous stretches of all-white scenery that reach as far as the eye can see is a magical experience. However, the nicest part of cold weather treks is that you’ll be able to avoid the throng for the most part. Get your hiking boots on and hit the trails on these stunning mountain trails.
Har Ki Dun Trek
Har ki Dun Valley provides breathtaking vistas of unspoiled valleys in the Garhwal Himalayas. The hike from Taluka to Har Ki Dun is moderately difficult. This walk passes through some of India’s most remote communities, which have remained untouched by civilization. The inhabitants of this area are really friendly and hospitable. Shepherd’s flock to this area in search of moths to graze their livestock on the lush grass.
This hidden valley appears to be a landscape painting on canvas at first look. It’s no surprise that it’s one of Uttarakhand’s most popular trekking destinations, both in the summer and winter. From December to March, the valley is completely covered in snow. This week-long trip through the valley is one of Uttarakhand’s most beautiful. Jaw-dropping views of huge Himalayan Peaks such as the Swargarohini Group of Peaks, Kala Nag (Black Peak), Bandarpoonch, and others are among the highlights of the Har ki Dun Trek. Har ki Dun is located in the Swargarohini Peak Valley.
Markha Valley Trek
Because of its proximity to Leh, the Markha Valley adventure is one of Ladakh’s most well-known summer treks. If you’re looking for a tranquil holiday with a chance of seeing the elusive snow leopard, go on a winter journey between January and February. It passes through the Indus River, Buddhist temples, mountain communities, the willow-lined Zingchen Gorge, and Hemis National Park. You’ll encounter amazing geological wonders and big boulders on your way to the highest point of the hike in Markha, before travelling down to camp in Thachungtse, where you can see herds of blue sheep scramble steep cliffs with great agility.
Dayara Bugyal Trek
On this hike, you’ll be able to see snow-covered meadows for as far as your eyes can see. The Dayara Bugyal is a wonderful sight in the winter months due to the overwhelming expanse of its meadows. While the walk is feasible for eight months of the year (except during the rainy months), the Dayara Bugyal is a beautiful sight in the summer months due to the sheer vastness of its meadows. It’s not easy to get to the open stretch. It entails a long trip through dense woodlands and deep snow. The views, like the hike, will leave you breathless. Mt Bandarpoonch and Black Peak, both towering at 21,000 feet, as well as Mt Srikanth, Draupadi ka Danda, and Mt Jaunli, can all be seen from 12,000 feet. It’s a beautiful sight to behold.
Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek
The iconic Roopkund trek is now closed due to a prohibition on camping in Uttarakhand’s high-altitude meadows. The best option you have is Bedni Bugyal. On this walk, come to visit Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti, and stay for the lovely sunsets. You’ll pass through deep oak and rhododendron forests on your way to the highest peak at 3,562m. Despite this, the track is ideal for novices, with only a few difficult portions. The hike is open all year (except from June to September during the monsoon season), but the winters add a distinct kind of splendour to the area.
Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek
The Chandrashila Summit offers some of the most breathtaking Himalayan views. The Gangotri peaks, Mt Thalaysagar, Kedarnath and the Kedar dome, Mandani Parbat, and Janhukut are all to the left. The Gauri Parbat, Hathi Parbat, and Dunagiri are on the right, and Nanda Devi is in front. This landscape takes on a different flavour with each season. The winters, on the other hand, are enthralling. Even in December, you’ll be able to observe rhododendron trees blooming. Birdwatchers will enjoy the hike as well. If you’re lucky, you might even see a Himalayan monal. You may possibly be able to camp on frost plains in Baniya Kund.
Sandakphu Phalut
This trip leads you to the Singali Ridge, which marks the border between India and Nepal. It provides vistas of some of the world’s most iconic peaks, such as Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu, which all stand above 8,000 metres. Aside from the Kanchenjunga, you may see peaks known as The Sleeping Buddha because of their shape. The Everest cluster can only be seen on day four of the trip, although the Sleeping Buddha peaks may be seen from day one. As a result, you can expect stunning views from beginning to end. The hike is open all year except from May to August.
Triund Trek
The Triund Trek in the Himalayas is ideal for a quick weekend escape. Summers are usually the most busy months here, so October to December is a wonderful time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy some stargazing. It may be completed in 4-6 hours, however it is recommended that you camp the night to fully appreciate the vistas of Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar range. But you’ll be able to grab your breath every now and again on simple, flat paths through rhododendron, pine, and coniferous forests. The trek’s highlight is the stunning sunsets and starry evenings that decorate Himachal’s skies.
