India’s Largest & Safest Trekking Organisation

Many people make the mistake of considering just December as winter. But winter lasts throughout December, January, February and even the first half of March. It has become not only the most popular trekking season in India, but also the longest.

Throughout all these months, you get to camp and trek in snow, experiencing a true winter trek.

Here are the best treks to do in December, January and February.

Tip: Choose Jan and Feb for more snow, lesser crowds. 

1. Ali Bedni Bugyal
2. Dayara Bugyal
3. Brahmatal
4. Deoriatal – Chandrashila
5. Kedarkantha
6. Sandakphu – Phalut
7. Kuari Pass

In winter, the temperatures drop to around -10°C during the night. During the day, it remains between 8°C and 12°C. There might be snow or wind at campsites, which adds to the coldness.

For those who have never trekked in such temperatures before, it might seem very intimidating.

But even beginners can tackle these temperatures with good layering. You need a minimum of five warm layers to tackle the winter. For your upper body, you need thermals, a sweater, two fleece jackets and a padded jacket. For your lower half, you need thermals and trekking pants. You also need a woolen cap, a neck warmer, a pair of gloves and woolen socks as must-have accessories.

Layer up as soon as you reach the next camp to keep yourself warm. Don’t wait for sun down.

With just these simple layers and tips, you’ll be able to tackle the cold temperatures of winter. (Click here for more hacks from our experienced trek leaders)

Given the new Omicron variant of Covid-19, trekkers are wondering if there are any new Covid regulations to enter Uttarakhand.

However, as of today (December 1st, 2021), there is no regulation from the state that mandates RT-PCR tests. Authorities are conducting random testing within the state, but they have not mandated tests to enter the state.

We are keeping a close watch on the regulations and will update trekkers as soon as any new regulations are announced. If you have an upcoming trek, your Experience Coordinator will inform you immediately about any new requirements.

It’s wonderful that you’re planning to start trekking in the Himalayas. You’d be happy to know that around 70% of our trekkers are beginners and always get hooked to trekking after their first trek!

Having said that, you must choose your trek wisely — something that is not too difficult, yet will allow you to experience the grand settings of the Himalayas.

From a decade of experience, these are the treks we find best suited for beginners:

• Ali Bedni Bugyal
• Dayara Bugyal
• Deoriatal-Chandrashila
• Brahmatal
• Kedarkantha
• Kuari Pass

Even though these treks are considered good for beginners, they need at least 30-45 days of preparation on your part. Ensure you go for the trek only after physically preparing for it.

We take around 21-23 trekkers in each of our trekking groups. The size varies for different treks. For our tougher treks, we take slightly smaller groups of around 16-18 members.

This is something many trekkers ask us. If you’re interested in working with us, take a look at our careers page. Given that our organisation is growing, we have lots of new roles opening up regularly.

We are always looking for team players, who understand the trekking world and fit into the working culture of Indiahikes. More than skills and experience, we pay attention to your behaviour and values.

Getting in and starting work here isn’t easy. There are several levels of interviews and tests. But once you get through, it is one of the most rewarding and meaningful journeys in your career.

View all our roles here.

Yes, absolutely. Many solo trekkers join our teams and have wonderful experiences. They end up meeting like-minded people on the trek and don’t feel like they have come alone on the trek any more.

Our pre-trek experience team ensures that you know your entire team well much before you actually head out on the trek.

Additionally, we have several women trekkers who join us solo as well because of the safety they get with the Indiahikes team. You’re welcome to join us as a solo trekker too.

Many people are intimidated by the idea of a Himalayan trek. It’s true that there are very real risks and challenges.

However, almost everyone can participate in a Himalayan, if they are physically fit and mentally prepared for their trek. Around 75% of our trekkers are beginners and they trek comfortably.

What will really help you is that after you register your trek, the Indiahikes Pre-Trek Experience Team will guide you on how to prepare for the trek. They will give you a fitness routine to follow and guidance on what to bring for the trek. They will also put you in touch with the rest of your trekking team, so that you know your trek mates well in advance.

Given that we have been introducing Himalayan treks to beginners since 2008, you’re in safe hands.

Our registration process is simple and completely online. You’ll be able to do it in a few simple steps.

1. Choose a trek and the date
2. Fill the form that appears with all the details, go through the terms and conditions.
3. Make the payment online

This video on how to register will help you through the process.

Yes, we do have a “Repeat my trek” policy, and trekkers love it. This is because there are some thoughts and ideologies that we hold close to our hearts.

1. As trekkers, there are times when we have to let go of a trek midway. Sometimes we fall ill, or get hit by AMS or at times simply fatigue pulls us down. At other times bad weather plays spoilsport, or the trail is blocked. It can happen that your Trek Leader sends you down due to a safety or health issue.

At Indiahikes we feel terrible when such an event happens.

Should such a situation occur that you have to drop out from this trek, we want you to know that we feel as bad as you do. You can always come back another time and finish your adventure. For this you do not have to pay Indiahikes any money.

2. On the other hand, there are times when you fall in love with a trek. So much so that you want to do it again, perhaps see it in another season. If you ever desire to do a trek again, please do so. You don’t have to pay Indiahikes any money for repeating this trek. Just inform your Experience Coordinator who will guide you through a special internal process. 

Our only request: Just register for your trek in advance – you know how it is with our groups – they get booked in advance.

Note: The Indiahikes “Repeat My Trek” policy does not apply to our international treks.