Winter Trekking is Back! Here’s All You Need to Know!

Winter treks in the Himalayas in India are much more than just an adventure for hikers and adventurers. They are a natural dose that keeps their hearts pounding and prepares them for greater challenges. Only physically and psychologically fit people should do this.

As you may already be aware that people have started trekking and traveling again. In fact, we recently launched three new trails in the North East that are running from October 2021 – May 2022. These new treks are:

1. Goecha La & Dzongri Trek
2. Sandakphu & Phalut Trek
3. Sandakphu Short Trek

Over the past two weeks, we observed that seats for our October departures are filling up fast and we wanted to give you an update regarding what people are considering when it comes to trekking in the winters in India.

We know that you are probably thinking that it’s still mid October, but this is actually an ideal time to start planning your winter trek — you’ll get to choose the dates you want and your flight tickets will be the least expensive for your departure dates. You’ll also have enough time to physically and mentally prepare for your winter trek.

Interestingly, we notice that about 75% of our Himalayan trekking participants choose winter treks over autumn or summer treks due to the sheer charm that trails exude during the winters.

Despite the high altitude and negative temperatures, it is possible to trek in the Himalayas in winter. In fact, trekkers look forward to walking for miles on fresh snow and getting into snow fights with each other. Campsites often look as if they’re right out of a fairytale.

If you like everything about winters, the time has come to plan your winter trek for the coming season. The mountains summon all nature-lovers with their beauty, something that only increases in the depths of winter.

Here’s a quick guide to winter trekking in India:

So you know you want to go, just not sure where you should go trekking this winter season? This quick guide is here to help you:

Best months for winter trekking in India:

1. Last week of November
2. December
3. January
4. February

Some of India’s most favorite Winter Treks:

If you’re a beginner Himalayan Trekker:

Trek to Kedarkantha Peak:

• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Region: Gaichawan Gaon, Uttarakhand
• Duration: 9 Days
• Details: https://www.treknomads.com/kedarkantha

Brahmatal Winter Trek:

• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Region: Raithal, Uttarakhand
• Duration: 9 Days
• Details: https://www.treknomads.com/brahmatal

Kuari Pass Trek: 

• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Region: Tapoban, Uttarakhand
• Duration: 9 Days
• Details: https://www.treknomads.com/har-ki-dun

Sandakphu Short Trek:

• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Region: Jaubhari West Bengal
• Duration: 8 Days
• Details: https://www.treknomads.com/sandakphu-trek

Recommended Reading: Winter trekking preparation guide

If you’re an experienced Himalayan Trekker:

Sandakphu Phalut Trek:

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Region: Jaubhari West Bengal
• Duration: 10 Days
• Details: https://www.treknomads.com/sandakphu-phalut-trek
• Fixed departure led by our Founder Naveen Mallesh: 6 to 15 November 2021

Goechala Dzongri Trek:

• Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• Region: Singalila, West Sikkim
• Duration: 12 Days
• Details: https://www.treknomads.com/goechala-dzongri-trek
• Fixed departure led by our Founder Naveen Mallesh: 13 to 23 November 2021 & 20 November to 1 December 2021

Chadar Frozen River Trek:

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Region: Zanskar, Ladakh
• Duration: 9 Days
• Details: https://www.treknomads.com/chadar-frozen-river-trek

Our three new treks in the North East (Goechala, Sandakphu Short Trek & Sandakhphu + Phalut trek) will be lead by our Founder & Trek Captain Naveen Mallesh who successfully summitted Mt. Elbrus on 17 September 2021 which is one of the seven summits in the world.

Recommended Reading: A detailed guide to Winter trekking preparation guide

He dedicated this climb to all the COVID warriors who have laid down their lives in the fight against COVID-19. His climb was also covered by various news channels. Here’s a glimpse below: