Winter trekking has evolved and transformed considerably since Indiahikes unveiled the Kedarkantha trek in 2011. Indeed a “first-of-its-own” moment for winter trekking in India. 

Now a decade later, the deep-snow treks in Uttarakhand have become the go-to experiences for adventurers during the colder months. The excitement and charm of winter trails in India have led to an ever-growing number of enthusiasts flocking to them each year.

Through this article, I want to recommend a list of terrific winter treks not just in the Himalayas but in central India too. The beauty of these treks is that they are accessible to beginners as well without too much fuss when it comes to preparing for it. 

Please note: These treks are listed in no particular order

Treks in Central India

Don’t be surprised to see central Indian treks featured in the list. I will tell you why I am putting across these treks for you to do in winter. 

Trekking in central India is comfortably possible in autumn and winter. Otherwise, during summer it’s extremely hot.

Central India blooms with the biodiversity during winter. Another reason, I have been noticing more and more people diverting to easy treks as it require less fitness preparation, and our treks in central India are a great option to begin. 

Even if you are just looking for the snow, I would still recommend you read through this section. 

1. Pench Tiger Trail - An ideal trek for beginners through the jungles of Pench Tiger reserve

Our founder and CEO, Arjun Majumdar, recently trekked in the Pench and now he is recommending everyone at our Bangalore office to go for the Pench Tiger Trail trek. He fell in love with the sheer amount of biodiversity that this trek offers.

Pench has been recognised as the reserve with the highest density of herbivores in the entire country. It is home to endangered animals like the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, the mighty Gaur, Indian wolf, and Sloth bear. 

Not just wildlife, Pench has such ideal forests for trekking, with beautifully carved trails (used by forest patrol officers). Deciduous canopies spread out above you; sometimes teak trees, sometimes mango, sometimes bamboo, and local trees like Mahua, Palash, and Arjun. The sheer variety in the trees is enchanting.

Nitesh, the chief explorer at Indiahikes, also says, “Winter is the perfect season to trek in the Pench National Park”. The temperature is perfect in the central Indian terrain for beginners to trek comfortably. 

Pench Tiger Trail Trek

2. Chattisgarh Jungle Trek - The Jungle Book Trek

If there’s a best time to witness the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek, it is autumn and winter. During the season, the temperature drops and becomes extremely conducive for trekking. 

It is hard for the settings of the Chhattisgarh Jungle trek not to set your imagination ablaze. The landscape is such that you are constantly transported to the mysterious world of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book. 

What makes the trek special is the omnipresence of wild animals (you do this trek only with forest rangers going along with you). Animal footprints are a common sight; a paw of a leopard, perhaps made half an hour ago, footmarks of chinkara, a bear print, elephants could be around the corner, and the chances of wildlife spotting are very high on this trek.

You would never see a jungle this beautiful coming alive with the sound of birds and calls of animals. Not just this, walking on a river (Gopat River) and camping on its beaches is the rarest of rare experiences even for experienced trekkers.

Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

3. Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek - Island camping trek on the backwaters of Hirakud Dam 

Debrigarh, more than a wildlife sanctuary, is a natural wonder. In our experience of taking trekkers outdoors, never before have we seen such diverse ecosystems in a single place. This season is a treat for trekkers. As the water level recedes, newer islands come to life, setting up a perfect home for migratory birds coming in winter. 

A thing about Debrigarh that I will share with my fellow trekkers is that visiting Debrigarh is not unique. But trekking on its trails is! 

As you make your way through bamboo thickets and dense canopy, you are constantly reminded of the diverse flora and fauna of this region. All of us at Indiahikes believe, an island hopping experience that like is a rare phenomenon on any of the other treks

With all the biodiversity and landscapes this trek offers, it becomes a must-do trek for anyone who wants to get introduced to nature. 

Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek

4. Narmada Backwaters Trek - Trek along Narmada's serene Waterfall, Streams and Hills

"Even though I have been exploring treks in MP since 2017, this place is unlike any other. I saw waterfalls, hilltops, streams and the whole backwaters, all within two days," shares Nitesh Kumar, Chief Explorer of Indiahikes.

the Narmada Backwaters Trek is a wonderful mix of the natural beauty of Madhya Pradesh, its rich culture and adventure. From the hidden waterfalls to the backwaters to the summit views, it's a power-packed three-day trek.

The astonishing part is that you can do all of these on an extended weekend since it is just a three-day trek. If you're based out of Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune or any nearby cities, this trek is a godsend. 

Narmada Backwaters Trek

5. Goa Netravali Forest Trek -  The Real Taste of Goa

Through this trek, you will explore the side of Goa you never imagined. This trek offers dramatic landscape views and a sheer amount of biodiversity that will take your breath away.

Walking through Netravali is like entering a hidden botanical paradise. The trail of our Goa Netravali trek is surrounded by dense forests, and a chorus of birdsong accompanies us all the way. 

Our trek leaders often define this trek as a journey through Goa’s hidden gems—its untouched forests, peaceful villages, and fascinating history. It’s not just about reaching a destination, but about experiencing the real essence of Goa. 

Goa Netravali Forest Trek

Treks in the Himalayas

Below I am listing beginner-friendly treks in the Himalayas. 

I want you to carefully note that all of these I am mentioning below fall under the easy and easy-moderate category. But they all require a good amount of fitness, especially in winter, when there is a likely presence of snow. 

6. Kedarkantha - One of the finest summit climbs for beginners

This is our most popular winter trek. Every year, our groups are filled months in advance for this one trek. 

Kedarkantha has been around since 2011, when Indiahikes first opened it up for trekking. Since that day, it has been loved by trekkers and the love for this trek is only growing in lengths 

This trek attracts both seasoned trekkers and beginners, thanks to its stunning snow-covered forests, beautiful campsites, and thrilling summit climb. It's no surprise that we have positioned it as the finest summit climb for beginners.

Kedarkantha Trek

7. Dayara Bugyal - An ideal Himalayan trek for beginners and families

You will fall in love with trekking if you are introduced to the world of trekking through the Dayara Bugyal trek. At any time of the year, this is the trek I would recommend to all beginners.  

These meadows are completely blanketed in snow in winter. Dayara Bugyal has all the elements of a perfect Himalayan trek: superb forests, beautiful campsites, ancient villages, thrilling climbs to high points, wonderful mountain views and one of the best alpine meadows of Uttarakhand.

In winter, the meadows and forest floor lie asleep under the powdery snow. This makes it an all-season trek. With so much going for it, Dayara Bugyal is one of the best beginner treks in India to try out as a first-timer or take your family along.

Dayara Bugyal Trek

8. Kuari Pass - A perfect winter trek with the grandest mountain views of Uttarakhand

If you are stepping into the Himalayas for the first time then Kuari Pass is the trek to do. It is almost crafted perfectly for beginners. 

After receiving the first snowfall of the season, it turns into a delightful snow trek. It has everything a trek ought to have – You go through ancient forests filled with rustic oak and deodar trees. Just as your eyes are getting used to the tree canopy above, the trail opens into meadows. This interplay of different kinds of landscapes makes the trek very exciting. 

Out of all the winter treks in India, If you ask me, Kuari Pass is a near-perfect trek for beginners. 

Kuari Pass Trek

9. Brahmatal Trek - One of the best alpine lake treks for Beginners

The Brahmatal trek is one of the best winter treks in Uttarakhand. While most of the alpine lakes in Kashmir are inaccessible due to snow accumulation in the winter, the trek to Brahmatal allows you to not only reach an alpine lake but also camp near it. 

Winter is the best time for the Brahmatal trek. The snow can be here till the middle of April. Snow blankets the trails, which snake through deep forest sections, climb to the ridge at Jhandi Top and finally settle on the frozen lakes. This is something that trekkers don’t see often on treks. 

Brahmatal Trek

10. Deoriatal Chandrashila - A summit climb to one of India's best panoramas

This trek can give you an unparalleled experience. From the top of the summit, you see perhaps the greatest mountain views of our Indian Himalayas. It is like a grand feast — there is so much to take in that you cannot take all of it in

In winter, with snow all around, climbing to the summit is an adventure that people do not forget for a lifetime. We have noticed trekkers breaking down in tears at the summit, such as the feeling of elation and a sense of accomplishment. 

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

In Conclusion: 

This was our compilation of the best winter treks for beginners for the season 2024-2025. For the real taste of rich biodiversity, I would recommend all beginners to step on our central Indian treks. 

If you have any questions related to this post, you can ask in the comment section. I will get back to you as soon as possible.