Uttarakhand, the land of divine beauty and Himalayan wonders, transforms into a snowy paradise during winter. For adventure lovers, this is the perfect season to explore some of the most breathtaking trekking trails tucked away in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. From snow-draped pine forests to panoramic summit views, winter treks in Uttarakhand offer a magical blend of challenge and charm. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a curious beginner, these treks promise an unforgettable experience of crisp mountain air, serene landscapes, and cozy camps under starry skies. In this blog, we bring you the Top 10 Winter Treks in Uttarakhand that will ignite your wanderlust and lead you into the heart of the snow-laden Himalayas.
Here are the list of Top 10 Winter Treks in Uttarakhand
1.Kedarkantha trek
Kedarkantha Trek is one of top 10 winter treks of Uttarakhand, earning the title “Queen of Winter Treks.” Nestled within the pristine Govind Wildlife Sanctuary near Sankri, it peaks at 12,500 ft (3,810 m) Over five to six days, trekkers cover about 20 km through laden pine and oak forests, picturesque meadows, and frozen alpine lakes
Starting from Sankri, the trail ascends to Juda Ka Talab—a stunning, semi-frozen lake surrounded by pines—then continues to base camp and the summit The route is graded easy to moderate, making it perfect for beginners seeking a snowy Himalayan adventure
At dawn, the summit rewards trekkers with a surreal 360° panorama of Himalayan giants including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and Gangotri peaks . Beyond the thrilling climb, Kedarkantha offers cultural enrichment—legend links Shiva’s meditation here, adding spiritual significance .
Best undertaken between December and April, especially January–February, this trek offers deep snow, golden sunrise skies, and crisp winter nights (down to −10 °C) . Whether witnessing frozen lakes, camping under millions of stars, or traversing pristine trails, Kedarkantha is a breathtaking, memorable Himalayan experience for all skill levels
2. Brahmatal Trek
Brahmatal Trek is a mesmerizing winter trek in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, blending adventure, spirituality, and scenic grandeur. Beginning in the quaint village of Lohajung (about 2,320 m), the trail weaves through rhododendron and oak forests before opening onto snow-covered meadows. By day two, you’ll reach Bekaltal—a secluded, frozen alpine lake perfect for a serene campsite. Ascents continue to the majestic Brahmatal Lake at around 3,240 m, believed to be where Lord Brahma once meditated, giving the trek its name .
The summit climb takes you to approximately 3,700 m (12,100–12,250 ft), offering spectacular views of Himalayan giants—Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Kamet. The panorama from Jhandi Top or Telendi ridge is unforgettable, especially when the sunrise paints the snowfields in golden hues
Covering roughly 22–26 km over 4–6 days, the path is graded easy to moderate—suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. Winter treks between December and March transform the landscape into a snowy wonderland, with temperatures at night dropping to –10 °C and daytime highs around 0–8 °C .
Highlights include camping by frozen lakes, starlit Himalayan nights, and vibrant forest trails. Brahmatal offers a soulful and accessible winter adventure defined by pristine beauty, cultural lore, and Himalayan majesty.
3. Chopta Chandrashila
Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, the Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila trek is a stunning 4–5‑day journey showcasing alpine meadows, dense deodar and rhododendron forests, and snow-cloaked peaks. Starting from Chopta, known as “Mini Switzerland,” hikers reach Tungnath—the highest Shiva temple—before ascending the final steep 1.5 km to Chandrashila (~3,690 m). At the summit, enjoy a jaw‑dropping 360° panorama of iconic giants like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedar Peak, Bandarpunch, and Chaukhamba. In winter, the route transforms into a serene winter wonderland blanketed in snow, offering crisp forests, frozen trails, and golden-hued sunrises.
Suitable for beginners with basic fitness, the trek covers around 15–23 km round‑trip with moderate gradients and altitude gain. Winters (Dec–Mar) add a thrilling challenge: snow shoes or micro‑spikes and warm gear are recommended. Camping in Chopta or resting at the temple yields magical nights of starlight, while dawn brings ethereal views of peaks lit by first light. Beyond adventure, the trek carries spiritual richness—Tungnath is a revered pilgrimage site, and Chandrashila itself holds mythic significance. Whether you seek panoramic Himalayan vistas, serene winter landscapes, or a blend of nature and spirituality, this trek delivers an unforgettable, soulful Himalayan experience.
4.Dayara Bugyal trek
Nestled in Uttarkashi district, the Dayara Bugyal Trek is a delightful introduction to Himalayan trekking. Beginning from the quiet villages of Raithal or Barsu (1,800–2,000 m), the trail gently ascends through oak, pine, and rhododendron forests, leading to a vast alpine meadow at around 3,600 m. Here, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of peaks like Bandarpunch, Black Peak, Srikanth, and Draupadi‑ka‑Danda
This easy-to-moderate trek spans 4–6 days, covering about 20–25 km round-trip—perfectly suited for beginners, families, and nature lovers Each season brings charm: lush greenery and wildflowers in spring, golden hues in autumn, and a snowy winter wonderland ideal for trekking or skiing . With gentle slopes, serene campsites, and panoramic Himalayan vistas, Dayara Bugyal offers a memorable, uplifting escape into nature.
5. Nag Tibba
Nag Tibba, also known as “Snake Peak,” rises to 3,022 m above the lush Garhwal Himalayas. Nestled near Pantwari village—just a couple of hours from Dehradun and Mussoorie—it’s a perfect 2–3 day weekend trek. The trail, winding through oak, rhododendron, and pine forests, is ideal for beginners and families, offering gentle slopes and well-marked paths. At the summit, trekkers are rewarded with stunning 360° views of Himalayan giants like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath, and Gangotri. A highlight is camping at base camp under starry skies, enjoying sunrise from the peak, and experiencing the cultural vibe around the Nag Devta (serpent god) temple perched on the trail. Trekking options span all seasons—from snow-covered winter landscapes to vibrant spring blooms—making Nag Tibba a versatile and memorable Himalayan escape.
6. Dodital darwa top
Nestled in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, the Dodital–Dharwa Trek is an enchanting 6‑day adventure through dense pine, oak, deodar, and rhododendron forests. The journey begins from Sangam Chatti (via Kalyani), with scenic campsites like Bebra and Manjhi offering rustic charm. The highlight is the emerald Dodital Lake—a serene, high-altitude freshwater gem encircled by towering mountains and believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ganesha.
From here, trekkers ascend to Darwa Top (around 4,100 m), where dramatic Himalayan panoramas unfold, showcasing peaks like Bandarpunch and Swargarohini. The trail stretches roughly 40–50 km round-trip, with a moderate difficulty level that accommodates both beginners and experienced hikers. Optimal trekking windows span April–June and September–November, while winter months (December–February) transform the landscape into a snowy wonderland—requiring extra gear but offering magical winter vistas.
This trek blends natural beauty, rich wildlife, cultural myth, and star‑filled camping nights. Whether you seek peaceful lakeside retreats, alpine heights, or quiet forest paths, the Dodital–Dharwa route offers a soul‑stirring Himalayan experience far from crowded trails.
7. Khaliya Top
Khaliya Top a scenic alpine meadow located near Munsiyari in Uttarakhand, India. Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,500 meters, it offers panoramic views of the majestic Panchachuli, Nanda Devi, and Rajrambha peaks. The trek to Khaliya Top is considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike. The trail winds through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and pine, leading to lush meadows and panoramic viewpoints. The trek covers a distance of about 6 km from the starting point at Balati Bend. An additional 1 km trek leads to Zero Point, the highest viewpoint, offering a 360-degree view of the snow-clad peaks. The best times to visit are from April to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. During winter, the area transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, attracting skiing enthusiasts. Camping at Khaliya Top under the starlit sky is a memorable experience, with options for tents and guesthouses available. The region is also rich in biodiversity, home to various Himalayan birds and animals, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
8. Har Ki Dun trek
Har Ki Dun the “Valley of Gods,” is a cradle‑shaped hanging valley in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas, at about 3,566 m. The moderate 6‑day trek begins at Sankri and meanders along the Supin River through dense pine‑oak forests, scenic Garhwali villages like Taluka, Osla, Gangad, and Seema. Trekkers cross wooden bridges, pass lush meadows, and camp by riverside guesthouses. The highlight is the panoramic Har Ki Dun meadow itself, surrounded by snow‑clad peaks such as Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. In spring and autumn, rhododendrons and alpine flowers bloom, while winter brings snowbound beauty. A perfect blend of culture, nature, and Himalayan grandeur.
9. Gaumukh Tapovan
The Gaumukh TapovanTrek is a captivating journey through the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. Commencing from the sacred town of Gangotri, this trek leads adventurers to Gaumukh—the cow-shaped snout of the Gangotri Glacier and the revered source of the Bhagirathi River, a primary tributary of the Ganges. The trail meanders through the diverse landscapes of Gangotri National Park, encompassing coniferous forests, alpine meadows, and rugged glacial terrains. As trekkers ascend to Tapovan, situated at an elevation of approximately 4,463 meters, they are rewarded with panoramic vistas of majestic peaks like Mt. Shivling, Bhagirathi I, II, III, and Mt. Meru. Tapovan, known as the ‘Forest of Meditation,’ is a serene high-altitude meadow that has long been a retreat for sages and spiritual seekers. The trek, typically spanning 7 to 8 days, is best undertaken between May–June and September–October, offering a harmonious blend of natural splendor, spiritual significance, and adventure.
10. Kuari Pass
Kuari Pass Trek,often called the Lord Curzon Trail, is a captivating 4–6-day route in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas. Beginning from Joshimath or Auli at around 2,700 m, the easy-to-moderate trek ascends to the snowbound Kuari Pass at 4,264 m. Along the way, hikers traverse rhododendron and oak forests, turquoise alpine meadows (bugyals), and frozen streams—ideal for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike. High-altitude camps at Tali and Khullara offer panoramic dawn-to-dusk views of majestic peaks like Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Dronagiri, Kamet, and Hathi Ghoda
The trek’s highlight is reaching Kuari Pass, where a sweeping vista of the Great Himalayas unfurls—a photographer’s dream and a soul-stirring experience. The journey also provides cultural insights, passing through Garhwali villages and crossing suspension bridges over the Bhagirathi tributaries. Best undertaken between March–June and September–November, this trek promises a perfect blend of nature, adventure, snow, and spectacular Himalayan grandeur.