Sneha is an erstwhile HR professional from Bangalore, now living in Mumbai. She has trekked several trails in Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Kerala and Meghalaya. She holds the Green Trails idea close to her heart and enjoys researching and writing about the environment.

DDespite the high altitude and negative temperatures, it is possible to trek in the Himalayas in winter. In fact, trekkers look forward to walking for miles on fresh snow and getting into snow fights with each other. Campsites often look as if they’re right out of a fairytale. All you need to enjoy a winter trek is a little preparation and smart packing.

Take this quiz to see how much you much you know about trekking in the winter.

Don’t forget to hit submit when you’re done!

Here is the solution to last week’s crossword (How well do you know the Meadows of Himalayas?) –

The winner for last week’s crossword is Anupam Chakravarti, who took all of 3 minutes and 16 seconds to solve it. Congratulations!!

Thinking about trekking in the winter? Take this quiz to see how prepared you are for a winter trek in the Himalayas.

How prepared are you for a Himalayan Winter Trek?

Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek

Rupin Pass

Sandakphu Phalut Trek

Pench Mowgli Trek

Kedarkantha Trek

Buran Ghati Trek

Kuari Pass Trek

Phulara Ridge Trek

Everest Base Camp (Classic Route)

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Bali Pass Trek

Dayara Bugyal Trek

Kedartal Trek

Goechala Trek

Chandrakhani Pass Trek

Chirbatiya Weekend Trek

Hampta Pass Trek

Goa Netravali Forest Trek

Brahmatal Trek

Narmada Backwaters Trek

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

Ranthan Kharak Trek

Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek

Channarayana Durga Weekend Trek 

Bijli Mahadev Trek

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek 

Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

Har Ki Dun

Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek

Brammah Valley Trek

Surya Top

Tarsar Marsar Trek

Pin Bhaba Pass Trek

Georgia Atsunta Pass Trek

Miyar Valley

Ala-Kul Trek - Kyrgyzstan

Minchukallu Betta Weekend Trek

Kodaikanal Avocado Hill Trek

Manali Kaisdhar Trek for Beginners

Bananthimari Betta Trek

Bodpathri Trek

Beas Kund Trek

Khopra Ridge Trek

Mount Rinjani Trek

Chandranahan Lake Trek

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri Trek

Tulian Lake Trek

Winter Camp for Children

Warwan Valley Trek

Valley of Flowers

Nag Tibba Weekend Trek

Benog Tibba Trek

Nafran Valley Trek

Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

Pangarchulla Peak Trek

Gurez Valley Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Trekking Summer Camp on Deoriatal Chandrashila

Gidara Bugyal

Bhrigu Lake Trek

Deoban Weekend

Gutirayan Peak Trek

Biligundlu Cauvery River Trek

Kanamo Peak Trek

Ghepan Lake

Dayara Bugyal Summer Camp

Roopkund Trek

Kedarkantha Summer Camp Trek

Youth Camp on Ali Bedni Bugyal

Dafeybhir Pass Trek

Kumara Parvatha Trek

Chadar Trek

Arshan Valley Trek

Makalidurga Trek

Halu Chilume Gange Trek

Kugti Pass Trek

Netravati Trek

Satpura Forest Trail

Karnala Fort Trek

Neelkanth Mahadev Lake Trek

Kudremukh Trek

Bekal Beach Trek

Bijli Mahadev To Naggar Trek

Harishchandragad Trek

Doodhpathri Trek

Triund Trek

Pin Parvati Pass

Channarayana Durga Trek

Bhimashankar Trek

Rajgad Trek

Rajmachi Trek

Satopanth Tal Trek

Sathuragiri Hill Trek

Sinhagad Fort Trek

Kalavantin Durg Trek

George Everest Peak Trek

Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak Trek

Auden's Col

Kheerganga Buni Buni Pass

Please note that this is a special trek designed for stargazing enthusiasts. The trek fee is slightly more than the regular fee. Know more about the trek here. 

This is a trek specially designed for trekkers above 58 years. The itinerary is specially designed to be different from a regular trek. The trek fee is also Rs 3000 more than the regular fee (Please note this is only for Himalayan treks) Know more about the trek here.  

Please note that this is a special trek. The trek fee is Rs 5000 more than the regular fee. Know more about the trek here. 

Please note that the family treks are meant for families with a child/children under 14 years of age. If you do not fit this criteria, you can register for any of our regular groups. Read more about family treks here.

You are joining our waitlist. Here are a few guidelines that you should keep in mind:
1. Your chances of getting a confirmation are high, but not certain. 
2. You don't have to pay right now. You will receive a notification upon confirmation of your slot. You will have 24 hours to pay and confirm your booking.
3. We close the movement of WL 15-20 days before the start of the trek.

When we brought out new trails in Indian trekking, safety came with us. Back in 2012, we were the first to introduce microspikes, and two years later, pulse oximeters became standard thanks to us. Nobody does safe treks like Indiahikes. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with – everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes.

We are India’s safest trekking organisation

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have brought out treks that have become India's most famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Brahmatal, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023 alone, we brought out five new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own.

We are pioneers of treks in India

More than 25,000 people trek with us every year. We are the largest trekking organisation in India. 24% of our trekkers come back to trek with us every year. Over 4,000 students from the top educational institutions trek with us every year. Aside from this, families with children choose to trek with Indiahikes knowing that our treks are the safest. We have taken over 8000 children trekking so far, and the number continues to grow. 

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey. 

Our treks are transformative

Since 2012, we have pioneered sustainable practices that have become standard in trekking. Using eco-bags, our trekkers have cleared over 120 tonnes of litter from the mountains. We do not carry packaged foods; instead, we serve freshly made food. We do not light campfires; we carry coal to light angethis to keep you warm. Our bio-toilets not only keep our toilets odour-free but also enrich the soil. When you trek with us, you leave mountains better.

We are India's most sustainable trekking organisation

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

If you are unable to complete a trek, or if you love a trek, you can repeat it with us anytime. You don’t have to pay us for it. See our thoughts behind this here.

You’re guarded with our trek again philosophy

Our thrice-a-day oxi-metre checks keep altitude sickness at bay, never allowing you to reach a point where you need evacuation.

Daily 3-time health checks keep you safe at any altitude

With around 30% of our trekkers being women, all women, including those travelling solo are comfortable to join any of our groups.

Join any group, they are all women-friendly groups 

Our kitchen teams understand your needs as a vegan (or a Jain). We will take special care of your food, even in the remote Himalayas. 

We have specially designed bio toilets to ensure you have no sight or smell in toilets, at the same time making sure the toilets cause no harm to the fragile ecosystem we trek in.

Be comfortable and sustainable with bio toilets

We’ll admit it. Our love for food surpasses our love for minimalism. Expect freshly cooked, multi-cuisine food at all camps, designed to meet your nutritional requirements and keep your taste buds happy!

We have an expert team of Trek Advisors to help you choose the right trek. So if you have questions like, "Can I do this trek?" or "Who else is trekking?", please get in touch.

TREK DIFFCULTY

TREK DURATION

HIGHEST ALTITUDE

SUITABLE FOR

Trekking in Uttarakhand is synonymous with trekking in Gharwal. Yet, unknown to most, the neighbouring Kumaon has stunning mountains, magnificent forests, undulating meadows, and vast clearings. Kumaon is largely unexplored and has received little attention. Kumaon's Ranthan Kharak Trek is just one of many undiscovered trekking gems.

Let’s begin by celebrating the big mountains. On this trek, you see India's highest peak, Nanda Devi, and its sister peak, Sunanda Devi (also known as Nanda Devi East). We can see the sun rise over these two formidable peaks from our Chophu camp. On our right, sticking out of the clouds, is the impressive, jagged peak of Nanda Kot. 

Even though Mt. Dangthal is not as tall as these mountains, being closer, it dominates our view. On the far east, we have Mt. Mrigthuni towering over the landscape. On the west, the five magnificent Panchachuli peaks stand out from the Ranthan Kharak ridge. 

The forests are exceptionally dense and deep. Flora and fauna enchant every moment. The trees and birds in the virgin forests are just as diverse as the ones we see on our Goechala Trek.

Kharak means “clearings” in the local language. On this trek, there are some stunning clearings to trek through. In two such clearings, we set up camp! You don't get to camp in such settings every day. Frankly, we find the clearings on the Ranthan Kharak trek more beautiful than those on the Kedarkantha.  

The trek transforms into an exciting ascent as we continue up the ridge towards the Ranthan peak. Large mountains flank us on either side of the ridge. The famous mountain ranges of Gharwal and Kumaon reveal themselves. The ridge itself, winding in and out of the folds of the mountains, gives the impression that we are riding an escalator to the summits. On either side of the ridge, the valley drops off into invisibility into rolling hills. It is an exhilarating experience. 

Ranthan Kharak Trek is a gem in the Kumaon Himalayas that our trekking community still needs to discover. It is a rare opportunity that you must not let go of. 

Our trek leader, Alveera Ansari, who has led more than 40 treks, came back from her first group of Ranthan Kharak recently. Here's her take on the trek:

"I'm back from Ranthan Kharak trek and I'm so glad that I was able to witness this trek ! What a beautiful trek Suhas and Nitesh have explored. 🤍

We definitely need to spread word about this beauty. This trek can really beat many treks in the Garhwal region. 

Be it a forest section, small stream crossings, the kharaks, meadow walk, push towards Thal tok, the serene quietness of Balchan kund and the view of Mt. Nanda Devi ! The summit push alone was an out of this world experience. Luckily we got to experience hail as well. 

And you know what, we spotted 3 yellow Martin while returning from Parava thor. We saw it near Bhopal ji's ( guides ) home before entering the Namik village. They were really cute ! They reminded me of the Red panda of Sandakphu. 

Ranthan Kharak is way more beautiful than I expected it to be."

The natural beauty of this trek is beyond compare; it’s truly something that no human hands could replicate.

The visuals from the summit were unreal, it was like a dream.

What stays in my mind is the walk through the enchanting canopy of flowering rhododendrons.

Although it’s a relatively new trek, I think it’s one of the best in Uttarakhand.

It had everything—serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, dense forests blooming with rhododendrons, scenic clearings, charming villages, and breathtaking views!

The expansive spread of Rhododendrons, the campsite at Bajimanian, the summit push - everything about Ranthan Kharak is simply mesmerizing.

This fee includes everything from base camp to base camp.

Please note: The insurance has to be claimed within 7 days from the specific incident for it to be deemed valid.

Watch these videos to get a glimpse of the trek

Ranthan Kharak - Complete Trek Information 

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Ranthan Kharak trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find these extremely useful.

- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo id along with the mandatory documents of the Medical Certificate and Disclaimer form. This is required for trek permissions.

- There are no facilities at Gogina village. Do not leave things till the end.

- We have a Cloak Room facility at the base camp for excess luggage. Anything beyond one luggage is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage. Do not leave behind any valuables in the cloakroom. 

You are going on a Himalayan trek, where there are several unpredictable factors. It's best to book flexible flight tickets, which you can reschedule if required. These are available for a small added cost with most travel companies.

Suhas is the head of the DIY and Documentation Team. He has been working at Indiahikes for the past 6 years. Nature, adventure, and wildlife are the top things that get his heart racing. He has done more than 12 Himalayan treks - a few of them are Roopkund, Kuari Pass, Dayara Bugyal, Buran Ghati, Kashmir Great Lakes, and Warwan Valley. He has done a few explorations in the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, and around Bengaluru. And it was he who explored this grand Phulara Ridge trek. Suhas was also involved in the exploration of this trek of Ranthan Kharak. 

Ranthan Kharak trek, which climbs to 12,887 ft, is not difficult. It is rated as 'moderate'. That too is only because of the longer trekking days compared to the Easy-moderate treks of Dayara Bugyal, Kedarkantha or Deoriatal Chandrashila. 

A moderate rating refers to marginally longer trekking days with a few steep climbs (example: climb to Thal Tok and Ranthan Kharak). This makes it a notch more difficult than the easy-moderate treks. 

But the trek has easy exits and there are fewer technical sections.

To get a clear picture, imagine covering a total of 40 km in 5 days. You gain approximately 6,472 ft during this journey, which is mild when spread over 4 days.

That means, on average, you cover 8 km every day. This includes gradual ascents and descents.

That's doable in a well-paced itinerary, like the one we follow for the Ranthan Kharak trek at Indiahikes. The key is to pace it out and let your body get acclimatized to a higher altitude. 

But if you cut it short, say skip camping at Bajimanian Kharak, then you are exposed to the risk of AMS. In such a situation, be very cautious of any discomfort in your body which may point to AMS. We will talk about this in detail in the next section.

Apart from AMS, be careful during the steep descent from Ranthan Kharak. It is long and tricky if you are descending during the rains or if there is a whiteout on the ridge or the ledges. Wearing good quality trekking shoes with a great grip helps here. (For details read: How To Choose The Best Trekking Shoes In India)

Ranthan Kharak trek is open for trekking during three seasons of the year - Spring, Summer and Autumn. The window period is the best for going all the way to Ranthan Kharak. 

Since the trek does not go to very high altitudes, you can start slightly earlier compared to our other summer treks of high altitudes like Rupin Pass or Buran Ghati. 

During spring, the trek can be done for the whole month of April. During summer, the trek can be done from the end of April to the end of June. While in autumn it can be done from mid-September to the end of October. These are the best times to do the Ranthan Kharak trek. 

Here's a glimpse of Ranthan Kharak in May. 


Summer is one of the best times for trekking in the Kumaon region. 

In this season you can observe different shades of green right throughout the trek. The colour of the trail also starts changing shades of white to greens as you approach the higher regions of the meadow and alpine zone. Wildflowers start blooming on the meadows and around the campsites when you hit June. The grasslands turn a bright shade of green interspersed with bright yellow flowers.

Along with the different types of flora on the trek, the mountain views start opening up on clear days. 

It is truly a colourful experience with the forests, grasslands, and flowers coming to life after months of winter. 

Note: If you are trekking just during the end of spring and the beginning of summer, you are blessed with the visual treats of Rhododendrons. Even just for this bloom of Rhododendrons, one must trek during Spring. The combination of reds and pinks is a dreamy setting to wonder about. This might mean you not being able to go all the way to Ranthan Kharak or having to tackle/navigate sections of snow if you go a bit earlier in Spring. 

You will have snow during the late weeks of April towards the Ranthan Kharak. During May, snow starts to recede at higher altitudes

Between 15 °C to 20 °C | Night Time Temperature: At night, the temperature drops to almost 2 °C

Ranthan Kharak in Summer (end of April to end of June) 

No. of warm layers required: 3 warm layers

The autumn season is a shorter one as compared to summer. 

Despite this, autumn is one of the best times to do the Ranthan Kharak trek. The views are much sharper and crisper compared to the Summer season. This is something to witness from Ranthan Kharak. The magnificent views on both sides of the ridge walk are a delight! 

The trail changes colour as you trudge deeper into the trek. Initially, you’ll notice many shades of green near the base camp. This continues as you trek through forests and grasslands. But as you gain altitude and enter to the meadow section, you’ll notice more yellows, oranges, and browns.

By end of October or the start of November, if the weather turns bad, there are chances of witnessing the first winter snowfall of the year.

Snow can start during the early weeks of November

Between 12 °C to 18 °C | Night Time Temperature: At night, the temperature can drop to 0 °C

Ranthan Kharak in Autumn (mid-Sept to the end of Oct)

No. of warm layers required: 4 warm layers

The Spring season is very special in this region of Kumaon. Normally, the forests in any trek need time to blossom into greenery after a harsh winter. This is not the case in Ranthan Kharak. The forests here will be lush green with different varieties of rhododendrons, trees, mushrooms, birds and animals. 

You will walk on paths filled with hidden waterfalls, water trickling down your shoulders occasionally as you traverse through thickets till you arrive at Bajimanian Kharak. 

As you leave the tree line behind, you come across ridges and ledges with occasional patches of snow. The views of the far-off mountains will not be crystal clear. However, your proximity to them will anyway give you a magnified view. 

Be prepared for the cold by packing 4-5 warm layers. Keep your exposed parts warm from chilling winds, especially after crossing Bajimanian Kharak. The kharaks boast of budding green grass with wildflowers sprawling all over it. 

How prepared are you for a Himalayan Winter Trek?

Here is the solution to last week’s crossword (How well do you know the Meadows of Himalayas?) –

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