You know, I have an issue with trekkers. Most of them want to go to the mountains to experience solitude and nature. And yet, they call and ask us about the most popular (and crowded) treks like Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun, Rupin Pass as their options for Summer treks…

Don’t get me wrong. These treks are beautiful! It’s not without reason that people sing praises about them. But they don’t give you that feeling of seclusion, at least not any more.

These are treks that have gotten popular by virtue of being around for a long time.

But, there are also newer treks that are as beautiful as the well-known ones. And it bothers me that trekkers don’t know about these treks.

Which is why I’m putting down a list of the best lesser-known treks along with the popular ones to do this summer. If any of these treks don’t take your breath away, let me know.

Best Months: April, May, June, September, October

Your campsite at Chofu is very unique. You camp on a slope with open views of the valley and the entire Garhwal mountain ranges in front of you. Photo by Nitesh Kumar.

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.

Best Months: March, April, May, June, September, October

Trekking through the dayara meadows where the meadows strech out as far as the eyes can see. Photo by Mayank Khare.

Summers are warm on Surya Top trek. Picture bright green meadows getting toasted under hot sunlight.

There is also a distinct summer fragrance in the air especially as you trek under the shadows of oaks and maples.

The atmosphere also gets hazier as there is a lot of dust and pollen in the air at this time. So, you might not get as sharp views as you get in autumn. But you will see the snow-capped mountains in their grandeur on a clear day.

There’s another plus side to the summers on Surya Top trek. Without the challenges of cold temperatures or snow, this trek is at its easiest in the summers.

Best Months: May, June, September, October, November

The iconic walk on the Phulara Ridge. Picture by Dhaval Jajal

This is a trek hidden in plain sight. It starts from Kotgoan, the same base camp as the popular Kedarkantha. While Kedarkantha sees massive crowds, this trek silently watches on.

“It is the loveliest ridge trek in India. When you stand on top of the Phulara ridge, snow capped mountains stretch in a 270 degree arc in front of you. On the other arc, rolling hills stretch into the horizon. Below you, mountain slopes fall on either side. This ridge walk lasts three hours, but every minute, you feel you are on top of a summit,” writes Arjun Majumdar, our founder.

If you’re looking to trek with your family, this is a good option! Time it from mid-April onwards till mid-May for a safe amount of snow!

Best Months:  January, February, march, April, May, June,  September, October, November, December

Sheeps grazing on the meadows of Dayara. Picture by Swathi Chatrapathy

Very few trekkers have set foot on the Dayara Bugyal trek, even though it lies very close to the Gangotri region.

Dayara Bugyal is one of those off-beat treks which takes your breath away! It is so rewarding for very little effort.

The vast meadows, beautiful campsites and stunning mountain views make Dayara Bugyal an ideal summer trek. Especially if there are kids aged 7 years and above, because it makes for a perfect family trek, just like the Phulara Ridge trek above.

Best Months:  January, February, march, April, May, June, September, October, November, December

The vastness of the Ali meadows blow your mind. Picture by Sandhya UC

Out of all the meadow treks in our country, Ali Bedni Bugyal has the grandest mountain views. Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti are an arm’s distance away from Bedni Bugyal.

The Ali and Bedni meadows are themselves an attraction, as they span as far and wide as your eyes can see. They are one of the largest high altitude meadows of our country!

Not just that, the unforgettable sunrises and sunsets while camping at Abin Kharak and a unique experience of trekking through ancient and dense forests makes this trek a treasure in itself.

Best Months: January, February, march, April, May, June, September, October, November, December

A view of Julota campsite on the Kedarkantha trek. Picture by Harish NN

There are many reasons why it is a very popular trek to do in the Indian Himalayas.  The most important of them is this — the summit climb.

The summit climb of Kedarkantha is a very rewarding one.  Right from the base camp of the trek, the summit looms large.  As you start your trek in the early hours of the morning and steadily climb up the steep slope, the world opens up around you.

The climb is not easy.  The entire stretch is steadily steep.  As you get closer to the summit, it gets tricky as well.  But the big mountains of the upper Himalayas keep you company until you finally reach the summit.

As you stretch yourself and take in the views of the Himalayas from the summit, you feel a strong sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. This is an unparalleled feeling.

Very few treks offer the same adventure, making it popular among beginners for its finest summit climb.

Best Months: March, April, May, June, September, October, November, December

Trek alongside the Thamsa river on Har ki Dun valley. Picture by Vishal Sinha

The cultural favourite — in the early part of the trek you pass through ancient wooden villages that still stand the same despite being many centuries old. The stories and legends of these villages date back to the mythologies. Later, the astounding scenery changes every day can leave anyone breathless.

And then Ruinsara Tal pulls all possible expectations from under our feet. Such places exist in our country?

Witnessing first rays of sun falling on Mt Shivling is a sight that makes the whole trek worth it. Picture by Akshay Upadhya

The trek that takes you to the source of river Ganga, the Gaumukh glacier. Not only that, it is the only trek in the country that takes you closer to Mt Shivling where you see it from the base to the summit, in one gigantic frame!

Along with Mt Shivling, Mt Meru and the Bhagirathi sisters keep close company at Tapovan.

Best Months: May, June, September, October

The famous Rupin waterfall. Picture by Antara Naik

If there is a classic trek in India, it has to be the Rupin Pass. This trek is like an orchestra, building up momentum with surprises in scenery every hour or so. With every step, the trek throws up a new vista to see, a new scenery to unfold. Quite suddenly too!

The surprises begin right from your first day of trekking. When, around 20 minutes into the trail,  you see the Rupin River make an appearance, fanning out into a wide bed below you. And it doesn’t stop here.

From here, the trail takes you through hanging villages and then quite suddenly, it plunges into a deep pine forest!  That’s not all. The trail then meanders through glacial meadows, snow bridges, glacial valleys, snow fields and hundreds of waterfalls!

The landscapes on Buran Ghati are unimaginable. Picture by BG Raghavendra Galagali 

Any nature lover will go weak at the knees on this trek. This is by far the most perfect trek we have seen — it has the best parts of India’s greatest treks stitched together in one trek. I had sent you a brilliant video on it last week. Watch it here if you missed it.

This trek has the prettiest forest sections, unimaginably beautiful meadows of Dayara, and perhaps the best campsite out of all our treks, nestled in the meadows. To add to that is the thrilling pass crossing at 15,000 ft. where you rappel down a snow wall. It’s an incredible trek and I hate to say it, but I think everyone at Indiahikes is biased towards this trek!

For the first time, we are running this trek in May. (We usually start in June.) If you want to see a low of snow, choose May. If you want to see a good mix of greenery and snow, choose June! The rappelling down at 15,000 ft will be there in both the months. 🙂

Best Months:  April, May, September, October

Goechala is a trek for the big mountain views. Picture by Abhijit Pan

The biggest reason to do the Goechala trek is the grand views of big mountains that you see. You don’t just see one summit — the Kanchenjunga — but 14 other big summits. That’s a lot for any trek — especially as close to the eyes as on the Goechala trek. It is no wonder that trekkers consider Goechala to be the closest to the big mountain treks of Nepal.

The trail to Goechala is blessed with rhododendron forests. And come spring-summer months of April and May, they burst to life with pink and red flowers! It’s an enormously pleasing walk through the wooden-log trails of these jungles!

The Samiti Lake is another big attraction on the Goechala trek. The view of the still waters, and the reflection of Mt Pandim in the lake, especially in the early hours, is a visual treat.

Mt Thalaysagar and Mt Bhrigupanth are seen up close from Kedartal. Picture by Ashwin Srinivasa

One of our tougher treks, definitely not for beginners. It climbs up to 16,000 ft to the Kedartal Lake. You get up close to big mountains Mt Thalaysagar and Mt Bhrigupanth.

This trek rates high on adventure. It is also an endurance test of sorts, since it has long days, tough terrain and climbs to a very high altitude. If you want to avoid treks like Rupin Pass and Gaumukh Tapovan, and yet experience the same adventure, then choose this trek.

Choose this trek only if you are very fit and have some prior high altitude trek experience.

The climb to Bali Pass is thrilling. The descent on the other side is tricky. Picture by Vivek Sahu 

There aren’t many treks that let one experience the raw grandeur of a Himalayan pass crossing. Connecting Har Ki Dun valley with Yamunotri, the Bali Pass is an exhilarating trail. It traverses the confluence of Tons and Ruinsara rivers, the undisturbed serenity of the Ruinsara Valley and the lush meadows of Devsu Thach.

Soon, greenery paves way for an alpine zone. At 16,207 ft, the Bali Pass trek offers a 360 degree panoramic view of the Bandarpoonch, Kalanag and Swargarohini peaks. This reward doesn’t come easy, as this trek is a difficult one, not suitable for beginners.

| Also Look out for Exclusive Treks for Families in Summer

In the same season, we also have exclusive family treks to Ali Bedni Bugyal, Kedarkantha and Dayara Bugyal. We organise the trek specially for families with children, to enhance their learning from the outdoors.

Find dates and details of exclusive family treks here.

Most of the groups already have registrations going up, though not full yet. It’s best to sign up now if you want the luxury of choosing dates that suit you. 

If you have any thoughts or questions, drop in a comment below. One of us from Indiahikes will get back to you.

These are the best summer treks to do in May and June. If you're looking for Himalayan treks that are high on adventure, here is the list!

13 Best Treks to do this Summer in the Himalayas (May, June)

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Deoriatal-Chandrashila is one of the newest treks to do in peak winters. It was opened only in the winter of 2022. Yet, in this short time frame, it has captured the imagination of trekkers. 

This photo story gives you a glimpse of how winters look on the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek. 

The Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is in the heart of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is heavily forested. 

Here you see the trail, after a snowfall, going towards Tungnath. Photo by Chandrasekhar.

This trek is also known for its rhododendron trees. Snowflakes settle lightly on the leaves of these rhododendron trees. This lends a Christmassy feel to the entire setting.  Photo by Chandrasekhar.

The trek is terrific even without snow. Walking through such a dense Himalayan forest filled with oak and rhododendron trees is an unforgettable experience. Photo by Indiahikes staff photographer Jothiranjan.

Walking just above the forests of Brujgali on the way to the Chandrashila Summit

This is another highlight of the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek. At 7,800 feet in the Garhwal Himalayas, this lake has a unique story of its own.

As the legend goes, four brothers of the Pandava clan once visited the pristine lake during their exile. The lake was then a bathing spot for gods, guarded by a crane -- Yaksha. Despite Yaksha’s warnings, the brothers decided to sip the water of the lake. As a consequence, Yaksha punished them, leading to their immediate death.

The four brothers were then resurrected back to life, only when the fifth brother, Yudishtir, arrived and apologized to the crane.

For trekkers, the view of Mt Chaukhamba towering over the lake is what stuns them.

Trekkers love watching the reflection of mountain summits on Deoriatal. Mt Chaukhamba on the right towers over the setting. Photo from Indiahikes Archive. 

The view of Chaukhamba, just as you turn towards Deoriatal lake is a shocker. "It takes literally just 2 hours of climbing from the base camp to come up close with mountains like Kedarnath, Kedar Dome, the ever-looming Chaukhamba massif, Sumeru Parbat, Mandani Parbat and more. From Deoriatal, the view is absolutely breath-taking!" says Swathi Chatrapathy, Head of Digital Content at Indiahikes.

The jaw-dropping view of Mt. Chaukhamba from Deoriatal. Photo Milind Tambe

Trekkers love the exhilirating climb on snow towards the Chandrashila Summit

The fairy tale setting of trekking on snow can captivate any trekker

The Chandrashila summit is a vantage point that stands unparalleled among our treks. From Chandrashila you see the greatest mountain views of our Indian Himalayas.  

From the summit you get a 360-degree view of the mountains of Garhwal and Kumaon. Mt Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Kamet, Dunagiri, Chaukhamba, Kedar dome, Thalaysagar, Gangotri ranges, Jahanukut and also Mt Nanda Devi, India's highest summit.

Mt Kedarnath and Kedar Dome from Chandrashila summit

The other grand mountain view from the Chandrashila summit

On the other side you see the entire range of Garhwal Himalayas, including Mt Nanda Devi, India's highest mountain. 

In winters, the entire face of the Chandrashila summit is covered in deep, white snow. Photo from Indiahikes Archives

It's not easy to reach the summit of Chandrashila in peak winters. Fresh snow makes it tricky. The experience is like being on an expedition.

Snow adds to the thrill of the summit climb. The challenges make it feel like an expedition. Photo by Sumanth Thaduru.

Campsites on the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek

You start the trek from the Indiahikes Community Campus at Sari at 6,560 ft. We built this campus in 2020. We love the campus setting. The design of the campus makes trekkers interact with each other much before the trek starts. 

The Indiahikes Campus at Sari. Photo by Jothiranjan.

The Baniakund campsite on snow. Trekkers love the setting.

It can be very overwhelming for trekkers once they reach the summit. Trekkers most often break down and cry when they reach the summit. The setting and magnitude of the occasion is immense. 

It can get overwhelming at the top of the Chandrashila summit, at 12,083 ft. This is why many trekkers break into tears after reaching the summit.  Photo by Vivek Saini.

At the summit, a shrine of Shiva. It is believed that Lord Ram built this temple to atone for his sins of killing Raavan in the war. Photo by Bhargavi N. 

At the foot of Chandrashilsa, is Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world.  It is one of the Panch Kedars, and people from across the country flock to this temple to pay homage. 

This temple is famous because according to the legend, after the war of Mahabharata, Lord Shiva was upset with the Pandavas for their gruesome killing. The Pandavas found a way to please, venerate and celebrate Lord Shiva; they built the Tunganath temple.

The Pandavas were thus freed from their sins.

In winters the deity moves from Tungnath temple to Makkumath. It returns to the temple only in April. Photo from Indiahikes Archives.

Not many talk about Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek in winter. Yet, it is gaining popularity very quickly since its opening. It is best done in the months of January and February. Trekkers must not miss out on this small window of experiencing this trek in winter.

Have you done the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek in winter> Write to me on latika@indiahikes.com to share your thoughts :)

Let the entire trek unfold in front of you here

Deoriatal-Chandrashila is the only winter trek that offers the greatest mountain views. It has a thrilling summit climb and beautiful forest sections. On top of that spring time makes it the best trek for bird enthusiasts.

17 Stunning Winter Photos from Deoriatal-Chandrashila Trek

Deoriatal Chandrashila trek, Best trek in Winter, Best trek in January and February 

Photo Story

Why Deoriatal - Chandrashila Trek is terrific in Jan-Feb

Himalayan winter treks are truly nature’s gift to mankind. Even the toughest of trails feels like a walk in paradise, thanks to the majestic snow-covered landscape. Below are seven winter treks in India that you must do in the upcoming winter.

September is the month when you should start planning your winter trek. It is wise to choose from the best winter treks in India as early as possible, so that you can decide on dates and book your flight tickets at a reasonable price. An early decision helps you prepare physically and mentally for the snow trek.

Use this guide to make a wise choice among the top winter treks in India. Do not miss the pro tips mentioned along with the trek information.

Top 8 Winter Treks to do in the Himalayas

Not all winter treks are snow treks, as India offers a variety of landscapes in different regions. While one can choose from winter treks in Himachal Pradesh, other regions like Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Pune and Chattisgarh also offer mesmerising options for trekking in the winter.

It is obvious that winter treks in the Himalayas are completely different from winter treks in Maharashtra. However, both regions offer equal opportunities to enjoy and soak in the beauty of nature while simultaneously learning from your surroundings. Here are the seven best winter treks you can do in the winter season.

Also, check out our winter camp for children.

Dayara Bugyal

Duration: 6 days (Including travel to and from the basecamp)

The snow-laden meadows of Dayara on a winter trek. Picture by Ravi Ranjan

This is a trek I love simply because it’s such a relaxing climb and yet gives you such grand returns. You never expect such views and experiences on such an easy trek! Dayara Bugyal Trek is one of the best winter treks in Uttarakhand, thanks to the meadows blanketed in shimmering white snow. It feels like an unending snow trek!

Protip: Given the ease of the climb, it is one of the easiest winter treks for beginners and family groups. But don’t let that stop you if you are an experienced trekker—you can go on this trek ten times and you won’t tyre. I would also recommend it to those who have already seen it in another season. It’s a completely different trek in the winter.

Brahmatal Trek

The frozen lake of Brahmatal. Picture by Devang Thapliyal

Most of the staff at Indiahikes love winter treks. Brahmatal is our co-founder Sandhya’s favourite trek. When she went last year, she stood at the summit with a riveting view of two of the most celebrated mountains—Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti. She also saw the entire Roopkund trail laid out before her—literally a bird’s-eye view. I would highly recommend reading this personal note she wrote after her Brahmatal trek to get an idea. It is one of the perfect winter treks in India when it comes to mountain views.

Brahmatal vs Dayara Bugyal: Which is a better snow trek?

Protip: It is one of the best winter treks in the Himalayas. So, choose this if you want a grand snow experience. Most trekkers come back raving about the snow here. Also, be physically prepared because it has some good climbs.

Deoriatal – Chandrashila Trek

3. Deoriatal – Chandrashila Winter Trek

Trekking to the summit of Chandrashila in winter. Picture by Satyen Dasgupta

Once popular as one of the best winter treks in India, Deoriatal-Chandrashila witnessed a fall in its popularity when the forest department closed some crucial campsites in the recent past. However, winter treks with Indiahikes can never be dull, so we have found new alternative campsites on this grand snow trek.

The trail, of course, remains charming with its vibrant forests, the lake and the climb to the Tungnath temple and Chandrashila summit.

Protip: This trek gives a highly unfair reward for the amount of effort you put in. You get to see almost all the most magnificent peaks in the Indian Himalayas, including Mt. Nanda Devi, India’s highest summit. You get the real experience of winter treks in Uttarakhand, thanks to the never-ending blanket of snow. If the dates suit you, don’t think twice; just go for it.

Kedarkantha

The oak and pine forest on the Kedarkantha trek. Picture by Boppaditya Chandra

Do I need to introduce this trek? This trek exploded in terms of popularity when we opened it up in winter 2011. Since the beginning, Kedarkantha has been among the most popular winter treks. It has endeared campsites and a thrilling summit climb, which makes it one of the most difficult winter treks in India. 

Most trekkers treat it as a bucket list trek, and they’re completely justified because it’s not every day you come across such a perfect winter trek. Here's everything you need to know about Kedarkantha trek.

Protip: We are doing this trek from the Kotgaon route and not from Sankri. This new trail is isolated and it bypasses the crowd. I have to say it is a lot prettier than the older route as well.

Sandakphu – Phalut

Duration: 7 days (Including travel to and from the basecamp)

Molley campsite on Sandakphu Phalut trek in a winter setting. Picture by Dwaipayan Purkait 

If you are not interested in winter treks in Himachal or Uttarakhand, then Sandakphu – Phalut in West Bengal can be the best choice for trekking in the winter. It offers you a strong cultural experience. You get a peek into what the Nepali trekking culture is like. It’s a trek on the border of India and Nepal, constantly weaving in and out of the two countries (feels very international, I tell you!). It feels as if you are doing one of the winter treks in Nepal.

While it’s difficult to do other Nepal winter treks, this one gives you views of four of the tallest mountains in the world—Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu and Mt. Kanchenjunga with moderate climb. No other trek gives you that.

Protip: Not many trekkers know this, but on this trek, you stay in tea houses for a few days, and you also get the Indiahikes camping experience for two days. It’s a great way to experience the best of both worlds. The snow on this trek will give you the feel of winter treks in Kashmir, Uttarakhand or Himachal Pradesh. So do keep that in mind.

Kuari Pass

The summit push to Kuari pass. Picture by Anshuman Kumar

Looking for one of the easy winter treks in India? This should be your choice. Irrespective of you being a seasoned trekker or a beginner the Kuari Pass is a snow trek you need to do. It is a must-do for the views of some of India’s most celebrated mountains – Mt. Nanda Devi (25,673 feet) and Mt. Dronagiri (23,182 feet) – in any season.

Protip: In winter, there is an added attraction. The snow in its almost perfectly crafted forests. Snowflakes settled on the Oak leaves above a white carpeted forest floor take you instantly to the land which would be Santa Claus’ envy. All this gives you an unmatched winter trekking experience in the Himalayas!

Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

A bliss of walking along the Gopat river. Picture by Nitesh Kumar

While most winter treks in India are situated in the Himalayas, this one goes through the heart of the dense jungles of Chhattisgarh.

It’s hard for the jungles to not set your imagination ablaze. The jungles constantly transport you to the mysterious world of the jungle book. As you trek to the jungle, you feel the omnipresence of wildlife and tribal life as well. For every trekker, this trek is a must-do.

Manali Kaisdhar Hike

On the Manali Kaisdhar hike, you hike in the best forests of Manali. Photo by Akhil Sharma

At Indiahikes, we want everyone to trek because trekking transforms lives. However, for everyone to trek we need treks that can be done by everyone. 

On the Manali Kaisdhar Trek, the trails are short and flat. There are hardly any tricky sections to navigate. And the best part is that it requires no preparation and can be done by anyone.

The rewards you get out of the Manali Kaisdhar hike are much greater than the effort you put in. In just four days, you get a chance to immerse yourself in nature. You walk in the deep woods dominated by dense coniferous trees, come across a waterfall, walk to the ridge: the highest point of the trek, and get a glimpse of the culture of remote Himalayan villages. If that’s not enough, you are treated to stunning views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. 

As we come to an end to this list of seven winter treks, we recommend you to explore at least one this year. To enjoy a grand snow experience, you can plan your winter treks in December or any other month till the end of March.

For a hassle-free experience, choose from the list of upcoming treks and book your winter trek with Indiahikes.

If you need help making a decision, drop in a comment below. 

What are some of the most popular winter treks in India at the moment?

Some of the most popular winter treks in India include the Kuari Pass Trek, the Kedarkantha Trek, the Chopta Chandrashila Trek and the Sandakphu Trek. While all these treks are easy for beginners and family groups, Indiahikes offers necessary guidance and helps you prepare mentally and physically for your winter trek.

Which are the best winter treks in India for beginners?

Dayara Bugyal and Brahmatal are among the easy-to-moderate winter treks for beginners. Both of these Uttarakhand treks are equally rewarding, as they offer vast meadows blanketed in shimmering white snow in winter. From Brahmatal summit, you get a view of majestic mountains like Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti.

Here are some of the best winter treks in the Indian Himalayas. Go through the list now and plan your next winter trek with Indiahikes!

8 Best Winter Treks in India (December, January and February)

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Today I’m going to give you some advice that not many people will give you. 

And I’ll get straight to it: If you want to do a winter trek in snow, avoid the month of December. Choose January and February instead. 

Many trekkers raise their eyebrows when I give this advice. 

For most of them, December is the prime time to travel. And I understand that. They have holidays around then. Their children have vacations during Christmas and New Year. Or they want to finish up their leaves before the end of year.  

On a different note, trekkers also look at December as synonymous with winter. Not many people even think of January and February as winter.

Yet, when you think about it, December has its difficulties. (1) Flight charges are exorbitant at this time of the year (even if you book well in advance). (2) Hotels charge almost double their regular tariff (if at all they have availability) (3) Every place you turn to is crowded, including trekking trails. 

I'd like to elaborate a bit on the third point. 

A study that we did revealed that more trekkers go to the mountains in December than in the classic summer months of May and June! 

The crowd is so concentrated in December that the graph is staggering! 

The above graph shows you a huge spike in crowds in December, dwindling down dramatically in January and February. This is four years’ worth of data. 

To me, this concentration of trekking in December is the biggest tragedy! 

It completely removes the fun and serenity of trekking. Where there must be peace and quiet, you have music blaring on loudspeakers. Where there must be calm nights, you have campfires, alcohol and unruly behaviour. Campsites are strained for resources — space, water, toilets (campsites often become minefields of human waste). If it’s a summit climb, the crowd gets heavy on top, with queues and long build-ups, and hundreds of people standing at the summit. I don’t know what summit experience that is.

A camping experience loses any sense of serenity when you're surrounded by a large crowd, which is always the case in December. Picture by Hardik Patel

Outside the crowd, why trekkers must shift focus to January and February (The Big Snow Season): 

I admit, the crowd in December can put off any discerning trekker, but frankly, the real reason to go trekking in January or February is something else. 

January and February (until mid March) are the real big snow season. It is not December. December is the mere beginning of winter. It’s when the first winter snow comes in. However, this is still just the beginning. 

Real winter sets in only in January and February in our country, forming a luxuriant blanket of snow on all Himalayan treks. January and February are what we term as the “Big Snow Season” at Indiahikes.

I recollect speaking to a meteorologist, Akshay Deoras, who has been a forecaster for the past 12 years. “What we consider early winter (Oct-Dec) is officially post-monsoon. Only January and February are officially considered winter,” he had said. You can read my entire interview with him on snowfall in India here. 

Here’s where I want to reiterate my advice to you. 

Most of us go to the mountains in winter to isolate ourselves from the clutter and noise of the city or to trek in a beautiful snowy setting. 

And there’s no better time than the Big Snow Season to experience these. Here’s why: 

1. There’s more snow deposit on the trails compared to December. As you may know, winter snow is brought to our country by western disturbances. While there is usually one wave of western disturbance in December, there are at least 2-3 waves in the Big Snow Season. These are usually stronger waves and leave behind larger deposits of snow — so much so that it is this snow that lasts all the way to the end of April. 

This snow deposit is what gives you a true snowy experience. Right from Day 1, when you’re in the forests, you see fairy-tale-like snowy settings. The boughs of trees are beautifully laden with snow. The tree tops are drizzled with frost. As you climb higher, you see meadows and clearings covered in a vast white blanket. The ground below you is a soft powdery carpet. Our camps are usually in the heart of this snow deposit.

Frankly, most winter photos of Himalayan treks that you see are taken in this Big Snow season, and not in December. 

The snow deposit on all treks is the highest in the months of Jan and Feb, the Big Snow Season. Picture by Dhaval Jajal shot on the Dayara Bugyal trek

2. There are greater chances of snowfall in the Big Snow Season: More WDs = more probability of snowfall. I know this is something trekkers dream of experiencing! So if you want to have an adventurous experience with high chances of snowfall, the Big Snow Season is your best chance at it. 

Here, I know some of you may think that the presence of high snow might stop you from completing your trek. What I have noticed is that successful completion of the trek depends a lot on the technical team who goes along with you. At Indiahikes 92% of our trekkers completed their treks successfully (in the past two seasons). Only those who ran into the middle of a snowfall could not complete the trek. On such occasions we call off the trek (and sometimes the forest department does so too). 

Note: At Indiahikes, if you do not complete your trek, you are welcome to come back and finish the trek. We do not charge you for it. Did you know this?

With more western disturbances, there are much higher chances of snowfall in Jan and Feb. Picture by Vishnu Sivanandan

Winter treks in India are better done in January and February. Here's why, along with a list of 6 best winter treks in the Himalayas

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