Triund Trek
The Triund Trek is ideal for a short Himalayan weekend break. Summers are usually the busiest months here, so October to December is an excellent 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 overnight to fully appreciate the vistas of Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar range. The trail is steep but the fact that it is short cannot be neglected. You’ll be able to catch your breath on simple, flat routes through rhododendron, pine, and coniferous forests now and again. The trek’s highlight is the breathtaking sunsets.
Kuari Pass Trek
The Kuari Pass trek offers some of the most spectacular Himalayan views. As you proceed south, they span from Trishul in the east to the peaks of Kedarnath, Chaukhambha, Nilkantha, Kamet, Nanda Devi, and Dronagiri. While the pass is only open for 10 months of the year (excluding July and August), it is an excellent choice for a winter hike. With the remainder of the Himalayas buried in snow, it’s one of the few passes accessible this time of year. After taking in panoramic views of snow-capped peaks on day seven, the walk takes you to Auli, India’s little Switzerland.
Markha Valley Trek
Markha Valley adventure is one of Ladakh’s most well-known summer treks due to its close proximity to Leh. If you’re looking for a quiet holiday with a chance of seeing the elusive snow leopard, go on a winter journey between January and February. It travels through the Indus River, Buddhist temples, mountain villages, the willow-lined Zingchen Gorge, and Hemis National Park. You’ll encounter amazing geological wonders and big rocks on your way to the highest point of the journey in Markha before heading down to camp in Thachungtse, where you can see herds of blue sheep scramble cliffs with great agility.
Dodital Trek
Dodital is named after the body (Himalayan trout) present in the lake and is thought to be Lord Ganesha’s birthplace. The trekking destination is supposed to be lovely all year, but especially so during the winter months (October-March) when it is blanketed with snow. The Garhwal Himalayas surround Dodital. The Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini mountains are on one side, and the Darwa is on the other. On day four, you’ll travel from Dodital to Darwa Pass (4,150m) to take in the vistas of these peaks. Relax with a soak in a natural water pool and dinner by the fire while descending.
Dayara Bugyal Trek
The Dayara Bugyal trek will take you across snow-covered meadows as far as your eyes can see. Because of the vastness of its meadows, the Dayara Bugyal is a sight to behold in the winter months. The trail is open eight months of the year (except during the monsoon months). It’s not easy to get to the open stretch. It is a long journey through dense woods and deep snow. Like the hike, the views will take your breath away. Mt Bandarpoonch and Black Peak, both 21,000 feet high, can be seen from 12,000 feet, as can Mt Srikanth, Draupadi ka Danda, and Mt Jaunli. It’s amazing to see.
Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek
Due to a ban on camping in Uttarakhand’s high-altitude meadows, the iconic Roopkund trek is now closed. The Bedni Bugyal is an excellent option. Visit Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti on this walk, and stay for the beautiful sunsets. On your way to the highest peak, 3,562m, you’ll pass through dense oak and rhododendron forests. With only a few hard and challenging sections, the track is ideal for novices. The hike is open all year (except from June to September during the monsoon season), but the winters add a different kind of splendor to the area.
