With the arrival of winter season and recent snowfall all across Himalayas; nature of vacations and trips has now turned towards chasing snow. Catching a live snowfall or being at a place buried deep under the ice is indeed an experience. Some people, especially if traveling with family, would visit places like Shimla and Manali to enjoy the winter. A lot of people however would like to visit a less crowded and offbeat place; with a little challenge added to the journey. For such an experience, there cannot be a better way to plan the trip other than to go on a winter trek. There are plenty of places that you can go trekking of which, I will list down below some easy winter treks in Uttarakhand in this article.
Trekking beyond any doubt is fun but is not everyone’s cup of tea. It will after all involve walking up and down the hills, on a dirt trail and through the forest. Depending on how long the trek is, you will be required to stay at camps, sleep at uncomfortable places and eat food not so delicious. In the end however, it will leave you with an experience like no other. It will either scare you off completely; never wanting to do it again or it may just become an addiction; with you starting to plan your next trek the moment you return from the existing one.
For anyone who has been into trekking, has enough time and knows the basics; the list is endless. There are numerous trails in our country that you can venture out on. But for someone thinking of going on their first trek; or looking for a quick and slightly different trip; or wanting to get a taste of how trekking is; the biggest question is of where to go. If you too fall in the same category, then listed below are a few easy winter treks in Uttarakhand that you may consider going on.
Word of caution though, no matter how easy the trek maybe; some things however will always remain a challenge. First and foremost is of the cold. You will be walking through snow and sleeping out in the tents. If you are someone who is not comfortable with cold environment or tends to fall sick easily, it is best to not take the risk. Second is to always go out with proper planning and possibly a guide so that you do not get lost or run into an troublesome situation. Last but not the list, if you suffer from some medical conditions like Asthma or a heart disease, maybe you should consider whether or not trekking is your thing. If you still want to go, please do consult a doctor first.
Easy Winter Treks in Uttarakhand
Chandrashila / Tungnath
This is one of the best places that you can consider as your first or quick winter trek. The trek starts from the small village of Chopta in Uttarakhand, climbs up to Green Valley, then to Tungnath temple and finally ends at the top of Chandrashila peak. In winters however, it will be nearly impossible to go all the way to the top of Chandrashila or even Tungnath. How far can you trek will depend on the month of your visit. In December and March, you may be able to reach Tungnath but in January and February, several kilometers before Chopta gets buried in snow. At this time, you will possibly have to reach Ukimath, take your car to get as close as you can to Chopta; and then walk from there.
- Start Location: Chopta
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Maximum Altitude: 2,680 Meters at Chopta and 3,680 Meters at Tungnath
- Trek Length: 10-13 kilometers round trip from Chopta depending on how far you are able to go
- Guide and Porters: Available at Chopta and Ukimath
- Best Time to Visit: December to March
- Route: Delhi > Haridwar – Devprayag – Rudraprayag – Ukimath – Chopta – Tungnath – Chandrashila
If you are trekking beyond Chopta then it will be a 1 day trek but if you are only trekking till Chopta then it will be a few hours of leisurely walk through snow.
Deoriataal
My favorite and one of the best winter treks in all of Uttarakhand. If you were not able to go towards Chandrashila or Tungnath then Deoria Taal is where you should head. The small village of Saari is where the trek starts from and it is about 3 kilometers from Chopta by road. Leave your car parked at the village, hire a porter or guide from there; walk up to Deoria Taal; spend the night there at a camp and trek down to Saari the next day. If you are short on time then you can start the trek early morning and climb down the very same day.
- Start Location: Saari Village
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Altitude: 2450 Mtrs at Deoria Taal
- Trek Length (Round trip): 5 Kilometers round trip from Saari Village
- Guide and Porters: Available at Chopta, Ukimath and Saari Village
- Best Time to Visit: January and February
- Route: Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Ukimath – Saari village – Deoria Taal
Har ki Doon
If you have about 4 to 5 days in hand then Har ki Doon is the best trek to consider. This trek will take you through some remote village of Uttarakhand as you walk through snow covered Har ki Dun Valley; getting a stunning view of Swargrohini peaks and Jaundar Glacier.
- Start Location: Taluka Village
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Altitude: 3500 Mtrs
- Trek Length: 54 Kilometers round trip from Sankri Village
- Best Time to Visit: December to March
- Route: Delhi – Dehradun – Mussoorie – Naugaon – Purola – Mori – Sankri – Taluka – Trekking (27kms) to Har ki Doon
Nag Tibba
Nag Tibba is another stammeringly beautiful trek to take in winter season. The route goes through thick deodar forest, covered in snow. The trek provides awe-inspiring views of the Banderpunch peaks, the Gangotri group of peaks, Kedarnath peaks in the north, Doon Valley and the snow-clad Chanabang peak.
- Start Location: Devalsari / Pantwari
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Altitude: 3004 Meters
- Trek Length: 26 Kilometers round trip from Devalsari Village
- Best Time to Visit: December to February
- Route: Delhi – Dehradun – Chandrashila – Mussoorie – Devalsari Village – Pantwari Village
Dayara Bugyal
Dayara Bugyal is another amazing trek that you can venture upon. In winters, the entire region is covered under snow presenting a feast for the eyes. The valley, sprawling over an area of approximately 28 kilometers, is among the most beautiful meadows in the world. The 9 kilometer trek is perfect for a begininer and starts from Barsu village; which also serves as the base camp for Dayara Bugyal.
- Start Location: Barsu/Raithal
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Max Altitude :- 10,000 Ft. approximately
- Approx Trekking Km :- 18 Kilometers round trip from Barsu village
- Best Time to Visit: December to February
- Route: Delhi – Rishikesh – Uttarkashi – Barsu/Raithal you can reach Uttarkashi via Dehradun as well
Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarkantha is a 12 kilometers trek from Sankri village and presents with stunning views of Swargarohini, Banderpooch, Black, and Ranglana peaks once you are at the top. It passes through Govind National Park and meadows that are covered with snow in winter and lush green in other months.
- Start Location: Sankri Village
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Max Altitude: 12,500 Ft.
- Approx Trekking Km: 24 Kilometers round trip from Sankri village
- Best Time to Visit: December to February
- Route: Delhi – Dehradun – Sankri vllage (Uttarkashi) Kedarkantha
Brahma Taal
Brahmatal is gaining popularity in recent days as a classic winter trek. You walk through some thick forests to reach the lake and get greeted by up close views of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti; and Bakaltal and Brahmataal peaks. The 12 kilometers long trek starts from Lohajung village and involves walking through snow for most part of it.
- Start Location: Lohajung Village
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Maximum Altitude: 10,440 ft to 12,250 ft
- Trek Length: 12 Kms round trip from Lohajung
- Guide and Porters: Available at Lohajung
- Best Time to Visit: December to March
- Route: Delhi – Nainital – Almora – Kausani – Gwaldam – Lohajung – 12 Kilometers trek to Brahmatal
Conclusion
I hope the list above of easy winter treks in Uttarakhand was of help. I have also put together a list of some Easy Winter Treks in Himachal that you can also take a look at. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below; or at our Community Forum; and I will be glad to answer.