Revered as “Dev Bhumi,” Uttarakhand remains a popular destination not only because of its spiritual essence but also because of its 100+ trekking locations. Many trail lovers seeking adventure are drawn to this state to experience a perfect blend of nature, spirituality, and thrill.
Filtering the best treks out of 100+ options could be strenuous. Don’t worry! We will acquaint you with Uttarakhand’s top eight winter treks, giving you a remarkable experience to cherish forever. The treks below have different difficulty levels so that you can select the best that matches your endurance.
Enjoy Reading The Top Treks In Uttarakhand:
We have compiled a list of the region’s top trekking locations to help you decide on your next trekking spot.
1. Deoban Weekend Trek
Altitude: 9,279 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Seeing the grandeur of India’s second-highest peak, Nanda Devi, by standing atop the Deoban summit will be a bewitching moment in your life. This trek will give you a chance to see 55 mountain peaks in just a weekend. The word “Deoban” is attached to the trek due to the clusters of deodar trees you can visit during the journey. The trek is easy for a beginner. However, like other treks, the Deoban Weekend Trek becomes quite difficult during the winter season in Uttarakhand.
Trek Overview:
Day 1: Arrive at Dehradun, then drive to Lokhandi, a small base village for the trek. After this, you will stay overnight at the Sarwaswati campsite, nestled in the heart of nature.
Day 2: Trek to Deoban by passing through a dense area of deodar, pine, and rhododendron forests and witness stunning views.
2. Nag Tibba Trek
Altitude: 9915 ft
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The Nag Tibba trek is famous for its short distance and mild difficulties. What makes this trek so popular? It is beginner-friendly and only a weekend long, which means you can cover it in just two days. The mountain peaks, including the Himalayan range, Bandarpoonch, Swarg Rohini, and many more, will surround you during the trek and become a part of your memory forever.
Trek Overview:
Day 1: The trek starts at a beautiful village, Pantwari, which is just 95 km away from Dehradun. You arrive at Basecamp, just five km from the town.
Day 2: Don’t miss the beautiful sunrise at the Nag Tiba summit. Start trekking at 3:00 a.m. to reach the summit. On the way, you will see an incredible devotional sight, the Nag Tiba temple. After capturing some beautiful moments at the summit, return to Pantwari village.
3. Chopta Chandrashila Trek
Altitude: 9,400 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Trekking to this summit seems like experiencing heavenly bliss. Shiva devotees will have an immensely exciting journey as they will get a chance to worship at the world’s highest Shiva temple, Tungnath Temple. The Chopta Chandrashila trek is one of the easiest treks, but physical fitness is still required to complete it successfully. The treks in Uttarakhand in December can be risky. Make sure to carry microspikes to prevent falling and slipping on the snow.
Trek Overview:
Day 1: Reach Chopta, a small peaceful village and campsite filled with meadows and evergreen forest.
Day 2: Book a cab from Chopta to arrive at the trek starting point. After walking through the narrow snow-filled roads, you reach the Tugnath temple within 6 hours. The immensity of the stunning mountains will encourage you to hike further. Rest at the temple and prepare for the steep climb of 1 km to the Chandrashila summit. This 1 km long journey is considered very tricky. Make sure to be brave enough to cover it.
4. Dayara Bugyal Trek
Altitude: 11,830 ft
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Get ready to be lost in the beauty of the sunset at the summits of the Gangotri and Great Himalaya ranges if you decide to do the dayara bugyal trek. You will spend some of the best moments here. During winter, you can miss the meadow covered with rare flowers, such as Himalayan blue poppies. However, the snow–covered meadow will give you a fantastic experience to carry in your heart forever.
Trek Overview:
Day 1: Arrive at Raithal or Barsu basecamp, both are amazing resting locations.
Day 2: After adapting to the climate overnight at the base village, you prepare to walk 4–5 km. Passing through oak and rhododendron forests to reach the Gui or Chilapada campsite will be no less than a thrilling adventure.
Day 3: Despite being tired, expansive meadows and the majestic Himalayas surrounding you will keep your excitement alive throughout your journey to Dayara Bugyal. Enjoy the view, return to the campsite for the overnight stay, and head back to the base towns.
5. Kedarkantha Trek
Altitude: 12,500 feet
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Leading yourself to a spot where peaks are coated with a golden glow makes it appear like you have entered another realm. Kedarkantha Trek allows you to experience such beauty when you reach here during sunset. Your every step moves you to unforgettable moments in your life.
Trek Overview:
Day 1: The expedition starts at Sankri, the base village with breathtaking views. Staying here overnight helps you adapt to the climate.
Day 2: You will then be led to Juda Ka Talab, a beautiful campsite beside a frozen lake in winter.
Day 3: And then, to the next campsite, Kedarkantha.
Day 4: To get a fantastic view of the crests at dusk, you must start ascending Kedarkantha peak in the morning. I have appreciated Mother Nature for some time and will begin returning to the base camp.
6. Kuari Pass Trek
Altitude: 12,516 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
The 55 km long perfect winter trek may not require fundamental trekking experience, but unquestionably requires a fitness level. The difficulty status is average when it snows here. Your efforts to successfully venture through the ancient oak and rhododendron forests will lead to the snow-draped Gorson Bugyal and Chitrakantha. Hiking to the summit will be no less than experiencing a winter adventure in a snowy wonderland.
Trek Overview:
Day 1: Arrive at Joshimath and stay overnight here.
Day 2: To begin your trek, you reach Auli, where you’ll witness the mind-blowing views of the Nanda Devi peaks. Then, reach the Tali campsite and rest.
Day 3: Proceed to Kuari Pass by crossing Khullara. After appreciating the view from the summit, begin descending to the campsite.
7. Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
Altitude: 14,203 ft
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
The word Gaumukh reminds one of the immaculateness of the Ganges. This is what the expeditioners to the Gaumukh Tapovan trek experience. The tranquility, the scenery, and the snow will give you a sense of heavenly bliss. In addition, you will also see the lovely Bhagirathi Stream and crests, making your journey more mind-blowing.
Trek Overview:
Day 1: Gangotri serves as an essential location. The trekker must stay here to acclimatize.
Day 2: Reach the beautiful campsite of Bhojwasa. The walk to the camp offers staggering views of the Bhagirathi Peaks.
Day 3: From there, journey to Gaumukh, where you’ll witness the serene Gaumukh Glacier. At last, reach Tapovan to appreciate the breathtaking views of the mountains.
Day 4: Rest at the Tapovan and do not forget to capture astonishing moments in pictures.
Day 5: Disembark from Tapovan to reach Bhojwasa.
Day 6: Proceed to descend to Gangotri to reach Dehradun/ Rishikesh.
8. Kalindi Khal Trek
Altitude: 19,495 ft
Difficulty: Difficult
Those seeking expertise in winter trekking are well aware of the Kalindi Khal Trek, which is recognized as one of the most challenging treks in India. It is an expedition for courageous hearts; the trekkers will test their endurance throughout their journey. Their successful venture through the rugged terrains and challenging situations gives them a sense of pride that stays with them forever.
Trek Overview:
Day 1: You arrive at Gangotari, a marvelous mountain town, take rest, and get ready for the challenging journey.
Day 2: From Gangotari, you walk ahead to the Bhojwasa, where you will see the wonderful roaring stream, Bhagirathi secretly cheering for you, along the path.
Day 3: After resting at Bhojwasa overnight, you move to Tapovan via Gaumukh. Here, the trekkers will witness the Bhagirathi emerging from the Gangotri Glacier at Gaumukh.
Day 4: Continue to proceed to Nandanvan.
Day 5: From Nandanvan, you start heading towards the Vasuki Tal, a basecamp for Mt Satopanth and Mt Vasuki Parbat.
Day 6: The Trek stretches to Khara Pathar. Rest here and acclimatize.
Day 7: After this, there is a challenging trek to Shweta Glacier, which is around 4-5 km long but might take around 6 hours due to its challenging nature.
Day 8: After passing through the Sweta Glacier, you traverse the Suralaya glacier to reach Kalindikhal Base.
Day 9: Cover the challenging trek with a steep climb to Kalindi Pass. Spend some time here, then descend to the Rajaparav for an overnight stay at the camp.
Day 10: From Rajaparave, you start moving to Arwatal to see the beautiful scenery of the Arwa Glacier’s moraine fields.
Day 11: The next destination is Ghastoli, where you will cross rivers.
Day 12: You reach Mana from Ghastoli and then reach Badrinath to complete the trek.
Conclusion
Amazement, adventure, endurance, and peace are the essence of a fully lived life. Trekking to the above locations surely lets you experience a blend of all these. So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip with your friends, connect with the best trekking guide, and have a fantastic experience.