The winter period is a time when the Himalayas assume a somber and serene mood. It is also the time when the mountains adorn themselves in their beautiful frozen attires, becoming a landscape of pure white vibrance, beckoning the adventure seekers and adrenaline-junkies.
Best treks in winter which can be completed within 4-6 days:
In this article, we will be looking at some trekking routes in India, which can be covered within a few days. So pack your bags and put on your trekking boots, and embrace the mighty Himalayas!
Chadar The Frozen River Trek
Why should you opt for this trek?
The mountainous province of Ladakh in northern India is home to many beautiful and unique locales, offering unique trekking experiences. One of the chief attractions for adventure seekers in Ladakh is Chadar the frozen river trek.
This particular trek occurs along the Zanskar river, a tributary to the mighty Indus. During the winter, temperatures plummet down to negative 35 degrees Celsius, freezing the river and creating a sheet of ice on its surface.
Due to the special circumstances required for this trek to take place, it is essentially a trek meant for quick winter getaways.
Trek route and duration
This phenomenal trek has a trail length of about 100 km from Chilling (approx. 3000 m) to Padum, navigable on foot. The entire distance takes about 2 weeks to trek through, but for those with time constraints, there is a shorter route one can opt for, which can be completed within a few days. This route ends at the frozen waterfall of Nerak, located at the height of about 4000 m, offering stunning views of the frozen, snow-covered landscape and the adrenaline rush of trekking over the dangerous frozen river surface.
Kuari Pass Trek
Why should you opt for this trek?
While talking about treks to embark on in winter, one absolutely cannot ignore the Kuari Pass Trek, which can be embarked upon in the Garhwal area of Uttarakhand.
This trek will be attractive, especially to those who share a fondness for snow and snow-covered forest landscapes. During the winter months, starting from November, temperatures descend to negative 15 degrees Celsius, covering the ancient oak forests of the region under a layer of heavy snow, giving the whole region a dreamy, magical ambiance.
This trek is also perfect for those who do not have much time on their hands and want to have a short, week-long getaway to the mountains.
Trek route and duration
At 33 km, this trail, also known as the Lord Curzon Trail, is easily covered within 4 to 5 days. Starting from Joshimath, the route takes one through enchanting snowy forests of Guling and Upper Guling while offering breathtaking views of mighty peaks such as Dronagiri (7,066 m) and Nanda Devi (7,816 m). Finally, it ends at the Kuari pass located at an altitude of 3,810 m, from where one can trek down to Auli, passing through the green foliage of the Gorson Bugyal region, and commence the return journey to Joshimath.
Brahmatal Trek
Why should you opt for this trek?
This next trek on our list will take you exploring through the alpine meadows of Uttarakhand, known locally as the Bugyals.
The Brahmatal trek is ideally taken during winter because of the clear weather conditions prevailing during those months. Because of this, visibility is excellent, providing a crystalline view of peaks like Chaukhamba (7,138 m), Trisul (7,120 m), Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m), and many more. The snowclad landscapes are a bonus.
Trek route and duration
The trek can be started from the small mountain town of Lohajung, perched at a modest height of 2,320 m. From there, the trail leads to Bekhal Tal, about 6 km away. From there, walking a farther distance of 6 km through the rhododendron forests, one reaches the Brahma Tal lake within 4 or 5 more hours. This medium-sized lake, cradled amidst the mountains at an altitude of 3,400 m, is mythologized by the Indians as a place where the deity called Brahma meditated. Whether you prescribe to the legend or not, it is a beautiful place worth visiting. From there, the last leg of the trip to the Jatropani peak (4,070 m) can be undertaken.
To commence the return journey, one must trek back down to Lohajung and catch a ride.
Dayara Bugyal Trek
Why should you opt for this trek?
The alpine meadows of Uttarakhand, known locally as the Bugyals, are beautiful stretches of green pastures known for their rich ecosystems and breathtaking beauty.
The Dayara Bugyal Trek is a short 25 km hike through the Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand. The meadows, spreading over a height of 3,352 m, offer an unmatched experience of walking through a snowclad forest in pristine weather conditions during the winter season. Lasting only a few days, it is still packed with experiences to be cherished for a lifetime!
Trek route and duration
The trek begins by traveling to the base at Raithal from Dehradun by vehicle. From there, the initial phase of the trek commences by hiking a distance of 4 km to Gui and then moving on to Chilapada, enjoying the beauty of the Bugyal on the way. One can choose to stay the night at Chilapada. The next day one may continue the trek to reach the Bakariya top vantage point, about 12 km away and at the height of 3,657 m. This point provides visitors an incredible 360° view of the surrounding Gangotri region and Bhilangana ranges. Many peaks such as the Bandarpoonch (6,316 m), Rudragaira (5,819 m), parts of the Chaukhamba, and much more are visible from here. The return journey begins by trekking back 5 km to Barsu and driving to Dehradun from there.
Bagini Glacier Trek
Why should you opt for this trek?
Of all the trek routes listed here, the Bagini glacier trek perhaps requires the most investment of time. It is a comparatively longer trek lasting for around 6 days. However, the experience to be had on this journey is one not to be missed!
Trek route and duration
The trek begins by reaching the small village called Jumma. It is a pleasant 3 km hike from Joshimath filled with wonderful views. From Jumma, the trail continues to Ruing village, where the trekkers can rest at night. The next day it is time to trek a distance of 8 km from Ruing to the Dronagiri village, perched at an altitude of 3,610 m. One may choose to stay for a day here or continue onwards to reach Longatulli, 6 km away. It is a short 5 km hike from here to the Bagini glacier base camp, from where the meat of the journey begins. The walk from the base camp to the frozen mass of water sliding from the incredible height of 3,601 meters is otherworldly, sure to leave a lasting impression on your memory.
To return, one only needs to hike back to Ruing, from where it is possible to drive 45 km to Joshimath or trek 3 km to reach it. At Joshimath, transportation back to the urban landscape is readily available.
Conclusion:
The human spirit longs for new experiences and adventures to embark on to feed our inner sense of wonder. However, it often becomes hard to find adequate time to explore new, unknown frontiers in our daily grind.
The grace to be found amidst the regal Himalayan peaks are sure to elevate even the most downtrodden soul. So take note of the best short-term winter treks in the Himalayas and experience the thrill of a lifetime by setting foot on these majestic trails.
