What are the best snow treks in India?

By reccytravel October 13, 2021 Blog, Nature, Nature Scenery, Photography, Travel, Vacation 0 Comments

Each winter, nature dresses in white and offers travelers the joy of exploring snowy wonderlands. Frozen streams, snow-capped mountain peaks, pastures covered in white, and frigid air bring a magical stillness to the atmosphere. The scenery becomes more revitalizing – a perfect set-up for rejuvenating the mind and body.

It’s believed snow brings out the child in us. Playing with the snow, doing snowball fights, building a snowman, and noticing nature with lucidity – connect us to the latent innocence in ourselves.

However, some people want to explore the adventurers and adrenaline junkies hidden inside them. Snowy landscapes pose a lot of challenges and sometimes present near-death scenarios. Perhaps this is why snow trekking has become an exceptional feat for adventure enthusiasts from around the world.

Trekking in snow comes with its own set of challenges and uncertainties. It’s both relishing and demanding to plan a trek in winter. The trek route, elevations, proper planning, comprehensive trek gear, available accommodations, resilience to endure dynamic weather conditions – each of these contribute equally to your trekking experience in the snow.

Various places that offer snow treks in India

In India, snow trekking has emerged as a fascinating adventure for those willing to take risks and meet challenges head-on while picturing nature at its aesthetic best.

Most of the places in India have higher temperatures across the year. However, snow treks offer a chance to experience frigid temperatures. This drop in temperature allows people to reconnect with nature with a refreshing perspective.

Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and various other places in India offer a remarkable winter trek experience to explorers worldwide.

This experience becomes even more exotic as the Himalayas get covered in a thick blanket of snow. The panoramic view of the Himalayas while trekking feels like a warm companion while you tread on the snowy winter trails.

What are the various snow treks in Uttarakhand?

Uttarakhand, also called the ‘Land Of Gods’, offers some of India’s best snow trek experiences. The winter trek season in Uttarakhand begins from end-October to end-February. It gives a generous amount of time to people to indulge in the scenic winter beauty of Uttarakhand.

Approximately there are around 17 snow treks in Uttarakhand – including Brahmatal Trek, Chandrashila Trek, Kuari Pass Trek, Nag Tibba Trek, and others.

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek:

The Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek is one of the most rewarding treks of Uttarakhand. The total trek distance is 27 km that can be covered within 5-6 days. The best time to plan a visit is either December or March. Being a rather easy trek, it’s a delight for both beginners and pro-trekkers.

Budget:

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek costs around USD 98 – USD 123 (INR 7,250 – INR 9,150).

Highlights:

Witness spectacular views of mountains like Mt Chaukhamba (7,138 m), Mt Nanda Devi (7,816 m), and Mt Trishul (7,120 m).
Experience camping amidst snow-laden peaks.
Discover as many as 30-40 exquisite varieties of birds.
Feel a deeper connection with nature in various oak, pine, and rhododendron forests.
Visit Tungnath temple.

Kuari Pass Trek:

Kuari Pass Trek, which intersects with the Curzon’s Trail, is one of the most scenic treks of Uttarakhand. The trek begins from Tapabon, a village in Joshimath. The total trek distance is 33 km that can be covered within 6-7 days. The best time to plan a Kuari Pass Trek is September to December. The trek difficulty is moderate. However, it’s popular among beginners as well.

Budget:

Kuari Pass Trek costs approximately USD 223( INR 16,500).

Highlights:

A mesmerizing view of Mount Nanda Devi (7,434m), the second-largest peak in India.
Breathtaking views of frozen lakes and snow-shrouded grasslands.
Experiencing close encounters with rare Himalayan fauna.
Scenic view of Gorson Bugyal, one of the most beautiful alpine meadows.
Enjoy skiing in Auli.

Nag Tibba Trek:

Nag Tibba is regarded as the abode of ‘Nag Devta.’ At an elevation of 3,050 meters, it’s considered one of Uttarakhand’s most magnificent snow treks. The trek starts in Dehradun. The total trek distance is 16 km that can be covered within 2-3 days. The best time to plan a visit is September and November. The trek difficulty is easy to moderate. It is a fantastic snow trek for both beginners as well as pro trekkers.

Budget:

Nag Tibba Trek is a budget-friendly trek that costs approximately USD 30 ( INR 2,250).

Highlights:

Enjoy mesmerizing views of Swargarohini (6,252 m), Kala Nag Peak ( 6,387 m), Bandarpoonch (6,316 m).
Indulge in bird watching amidst beautiful meadows.
Savor the experience of camping in the presence of spectacular snow ranges.

Brahmatal Trek:

Brahmatal Trek is one of the most adventurous treks of Uttarakhand. At an elevation of 3,400 m, the Brahmatal trek offers a rather exciting trek experience. The trek starts at Lohagunj, a village in Chamoli. The total trek distance is 30kms which can be covered within 6-7 days. The best time to plan a visit is October to March. The trek difficulty is easy to moderate, which makes it enjoyable for beginners as well.

Budget:

Brahmatal Trek costs around USD 94 – USD 135 ( INR 7,000 – INR 10,000).

Highlights:

Mesmerizing views of Mt Trishul (7,120 m) and Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m).
A chance to savor spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Breathtaking view of frozen Bekaltal Lake.
Stunning view of Roopkund trail.
Explore oak and rhododendron forests.
Proximity to different Himalayan mountain ranges.
Refreshing views of snowy landscapes.

What are the best snow treks in Ladakh?

Ladakh, one of the northernmost plateau regions in India, also known as the ‘Land Of Passes,’ has been attracting tourists globally. Known for its beautiful landscapes, lush green grasslands, and a variety of adventure sports, including motorbiking, quad biking, ice skating, etc., it has managed to earn a special spot in the heart of explorers.

Besides being beautiful, it’s also immersed in Tibetan Buddist culture and bespeckled with appealing monasteries.

And, to explore Ladakh as a winter wonderland, there is nothing better than the snow treks it offers.

Chadar The Frozen River Trek:

Chadar The Frozen River Trek is one of the best treks in Ladakh. At an elevation of 3390 meters, it’s a rather challenging trek. The total trek distance is 62 km that can be covered in 8-10 days. The best time to plan a trek is January and February. Although a rather difficult trek, it could be a profound experience if planned properly.

Budget:

Chadar River Trek costs approximately USD 290 ( INR 21,500).

Highlights:

Breathtaking view of frozen Chadar Lake.
Experience nature in a spellbinding frozen state.
Spectacular valleys, frozen lakes, frozen waterfalls, and gorgeous winter sky.
A mesmerizing view of the Zanskar river and Zanskar valley.
Explore ancient forts.

Conclusion:

The layers of snow on beautiful landscapes, meadows, and mountains are a treat to the eyes. While being picturesque, it can be challenging too. The climate can shift from easy to harsh in the blink of an eye. With decent preparation and the resilience to overcome the challenges, they will be enriching. Snow treks might be chilling, but the plethora of memories you make will stay warm in your heart. So, if you’re a chionophile or want to be one, explore nature in its winter glory.