Are you expecting beautiful snow trails from your trek this time? And is there a possibility of finding snow on your upcoming trek? I know there are many such questions going on in your head! By the end of this article, I will try & resolve most of them. Come, let’s start! 

Getting to see snow on a trek is all about timing. If you’re on the right trail during the right month, you will get to see snow.

In this article, I will explain when and where you will find snow on our Himalayan treks (even in summer). I will talk about altitude and latitude separately. This will help you plan your trek accordingly.

First, at what altitude will you find snow?

As a general rule, the higher the altitude, the longer the duration the snow stays. If a place is above the permanent snow line (around 14,000 ft in the Indian Himalayas), it will have snow all year long.

I will split the altitudes into smaller segments for detailed understanding.

These treks take you above the permanent snow line. This doesn’t mean that it snows here all year long. It just means that the winter snow never completely melts away.

However, the amount of snow that you see varies with every month. At these altitudes, early summer is the best time with just the right amount of snow (Mid May to Mid June). After that, there are just patches of snow until the end of monsoons (mid-September). In the first week of October, the first bout of winter snow comes in, giving the mountains a good coating of snow. Around the last week of October, you get another bout of snowfall, which usually shuts trails at this altitude.

At any time of the year, the window for trekking at this altitude is quite small. This is not only because snow makes the trails inaccessible for a larger part of the year, but the temperatures also start dropping rapidly. Known water sources generally dry up or freeze.

Indiahikes treks above 14,000 ft: Buran Ghati, Goechala, Rupin Pass, Gaumukh-Tapovan, Pin Bhaba Pass, Kedartal, Bali Pass, Hampta Pass, Bhrigu Lake

Best time to see snow above 14,000 feet: April  for treks in Sikkim (Goechala), May-June for treks in Uttarakhand (Rupin Pass, Gaumukh-Tapovan, Kedartal, Buran Ghati), & June-early-July for treks in Himachal Pradesh (Pin Bhaba Pass, Hampta Pass, Bhrigu Lake Trek). 

Pro tip: Go on treks above 14,000 ft in the second week of June. The lower reaches at around 11,000 ft are a riot of colours with lush greenery and wildflowers. Higher up you experience lovely summer snow!

The picture below is from Rupin Pass, where trekkers are walking in fresh snow. Our trekker Sanjay Lokesh clicked this picture early in May 2018.

Trekkers making their way towards the pass on the Rupin Pass trek. Picture by Anirban Banerjee.

It snows for over five months in a year at treks above 13,000 ft. Snowfall typically starts in early December, heaviest in January but carries on intermittently till late April. This is why treks that go this high have a limited window when they are accessible. There is just too much snow in other months to trek there safely.

And the treks between 10,500 ft - 13,000 ft get good dollops of snow in winter. Unfortunately, because of the lower altitude, they lose their snow cover sooner as well. 

It begins snowing at these altitudes in December and goes on till April. You are likely to find snow till mid-April on treks at this altitude.

These are great treks to do if you want to experience fresh snow. This is the kind of snow that is soft and powdery that you can hear it crunch with every step you take.

Indiahikes treks at 10,500 - 14,000 ft: Kashmir Great Lakes, Kedarkantha, Deoriatal Chandrashila, Dayara Bugyal, Brahmatal, Har Ki Dun, Kuari Pass, Chandrakhani Pass, Sandakphu, Ranthan Kharak, Phulara Ridge

Best time to see snow: January-February for treks in West Bengal (Sandakphu) & December to April for treks in Uttarakhand (Kedarkantha, Dayara Bugyal, Brahmatal, Deoriatal Chandrashila) & June-July for treks in Kashmir (Kashmir Great Lakes).

Brahmatal lake surroundings covered in snow. This photo Picture by Shishir Jain

It snows only in the winter months at this altitude. That is for about 2 months in the year, from the end of December to the end of February. However, intermittent snowfall continues all the way till early April.

If the snowfall is substantial, the snow stays on the trails for around 2 weeks. So, you can find patches of snow on these trails till late March.

On parts of the trek exposed directly to the sun, you might not find any snow at all. Forest trails, which are generally shaded, will have snow longer.

Indiahikes treks at 9,000 - 10,000 ft: Bijli Mahadev, Manali Kaisdhar Trek, Nag Tibba

The best time to see snow: January-Early March.

In the picture below, you see the forest trails of Nag Tibba covered in a blanket of snow. This picture was shot in January 2018 by Mahabaleshwar N.

Nag Tibba campsite covered in snow. Picture by Kumar Amrit

You may have noticed that I’ve mentioned different months to find snow in different states even though they are at the same altitude. This is where latitude comes into play.

Simply put, latitude is the position of a place with respect to the earth’s equator. The higher the latitude of a place, the further away it is from the equator. And the farther away it is from the sun.

Get a hold of a map or a globe. Look at how far Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh are from the equator. These are the states through which the Himalayas run in India.

Kashmir is the farthest away from the equator, followed by Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The states in the East are closest to the equator.

Remember, the temperature falls as the distance of a place from the equator increases. 

So, Srinagar at 5,000 ft receives a substantial amount of snowfall in winter compared to Gangtok (5,500 ft), which receives barely any snow at the same time. By substantial, I mean 10-12 ft of snow under which entire houses get buried! This is very high compared to even the snow at similar places in Uttarakhand or Himachal Pradesh.

At the same time, snow stays accumulated for longer at places lying at higher latitudes.

This is why if you try to cross the Tarsar Pass at 13,200 ft in May or June, the snow is still very high. You will not be able to cross over. 

On the other hand, in the same month, if you go to Kedarkantha, which is just 800 ft lower, at 12,500 ft, you'll see greenery and flowers. The snow was long gone a good month ago.

It might so happen that it hasn’t snowed enough one winter. Or snowfall gets delayed and peak winter passes away completely dry. However, these are rare occurrences. 

By and large, if you time your trek well, you will not be disappointed.

Also, there are a lot of other geographical factors that play a role in the presence of snow. Like the El Nino and La Nina winds. But we’ve simplified it as much as possible, simply to make your trek planning easier.

A month-wise calendar to find snow on Himalayan treks

Below I have curated a month-wise table to help you understand when to find snow on each of the given Himalayan treks. These are carefully chosen treks that are sorted on the basis of difficulty levels. 

Click on the name of any trek and it will lead you to the trek page with details. 

I hope I am able to answer a lot of questions about finding snow on the trek. Himalayan treks are blessed to have such beautiful landscapes! And when the treks are covered with the beauty of snow, the journey becomes even more memorable! Put your related questions out in the comment section and I will try to answer as soon as possible.

Use this guide to plan your next trek in the Himalayas. Learn when you'll get to trek in snow!

When To Find Snow On Himalayan Treks

If you have to bookmark just one article on our entire website, this would be the one. 

This is a guide to the top 4 treks of every season. It covers all our seasons:

Spring (Mar, Apr): Ranthan Kharak, Deoriatal – Chandrashila, Brahmatal, Sandakphu – Phalut

Summer (May, Jun): Brammah Valley, Buran Ghati, Rupin Pass, Gaumukh Tapovan

Monsoon (Jul, Aug, Mid-Sep): Hampta Pass, Pir Panjal Lakes Trek, Tarsar Marsar, Tuliyan Lake

Post-Monsoon (Mid-Sep to Mid-Oct): Surya Top, Har Ki Dun, Goechala, Chandrakhani Pass

Autumn (Mid-Oct to Nov): Phulara Ridge, Kuari Pass, Ali Bedni Bugyal, Pench Mowgli Trek

Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb): Kedarkantha, Dayara Bugyal, Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek, Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

It is an exhaustive guide and a very long read. I suggest you read this guide in parts. 

The treks suggested here are a culmination of a decade-long experience of guiding trekkers on their first Himalayan treks. We know what’s good for beginners, and what’s good every season. 

This is a time of the year when there’s still snow on all treks (till the end of April), and the greenery is just beginning to blossom. It is also a special time because Himalayan rhododendrons bloom at this time of the year. Rhododendrons are what cherry blossoms are to Japan. The entire hillside comes alive in a sweep of colours! If you ask us, this is the most rewarding season for any beginner to go to the Himalayas. Treks are not too strenuous, and they’re incredibly visually rewarding! 

1. Ranthan Kharak - Discover the wonderful hidden clearings of Kumaon

On this trek, there are some stunning clearings to trek through. And we strongly believe everyone must witness these hidden clearings of Kumaon! 

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. 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. 

But there is more to Ranthan Kharak. The forests are exceptionally dense and deep. Flora and fauna enchant every moment. During the spring, rhododendrons bloom very beautifully bringing in exceptionally marvellous views to the journey. You should definitely go there to soak in the most wonderful beauty of rhododendrons. The trees and birds in the virgin forests are just as diverse as the ones we see on our Goechala Trek.

2. Deoriatal-Chandrashila -- The trek with the best summit views of Uttarakhand 

On most Himalayan treks, you usually see mountain ranges at a distance. But on the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek, you see them very close. It is not just a section of Himalayan ranges that you see. You see all the major summits of Western and Eastern Uttarakhand from the summit. By all, we mean all. 

You see Nanda Devi, the highest mountain in India. Then, you see Mt Trishul, the first 7,000-metre summit to be climbed by man, Mt Nanda Ghunti, Mt Kamet (the second highest summit in India), Mt Dunagiri, Mt Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome, Kedarnath, Mt Thalaysagar, the Gangotri ranges, and more! It is a 270-degree view of all the tallest mountains in India. Nowhere on a trek that is so easily approachable do you get to see all these summits so close.

The Deoriatal Chandrashila has another attraction in March and April. Amongst all our treks in Uttarakhand, the Deoraital Chandrashila has the most variety of rhododendrons. The entire hillside is on fire! It’s a sight that you are unlikely to see anywhere else in the world. This is hands down ourbest rhododendron treks in Indian Himalayas

3. Brahmatal - The trek with the best views of Mt Trishul & Mt Nanda Ghunti

This is our co-founder Sandhya's favourite trek. When you stand anywhere near the Brahmatal ridge, you get a riveting view of two of the most celebrated mountains in India — Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti. They are extremely close and right in front. You also see the entire Roopkund trail laid out before you — literally a bird’s-eye view. If you don’t know about Roopkund, it is a trek to the mysterious lake at 16,000 feet, where human skeletons from the 9th century AD can still be found. The trek is unfortunately closed, due to government orders. 

Moving on to Brahmatal, it is also the only trek that we have where you get to see two mountain lakes -- Bekaltal and Brahmatal. 

Choose this if you want grand mountain views, a superb forest experience, and the two mountain lakes. The snow can be here till the mid of April. This is also a trail where you see blooming rhododendron forests in March and April. 

We highly recommend reading our co-founder Sandhya Chandrasekharayya’s account of the trek here.

4. Sandakphu - Where you see 4 of the tallest summits in the world

This is our trek with the biggest cultural experience. It’s a trek on the border of India and Nepal, constantly weaving in and out of the two countries (feels very international, we tell you!). You get a peek into what the Nepali trekking culture is like. It also gives you views of four of the tallest summits in the world — Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu and Mt Kanchenjunga. No other trek gives you that.

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 2 days. It’s a great way to get both experiences of a comfortable stay and camping in the wilderness. While you get snow on this trek till March end, it is not as much as our Uttarakhand or Himachal treks. 

Summer has traditionally been the most sought-after season to trek in. This is also the season for very high-altitude trekking. Many of our summer treks climb up to around 15,000 ft. It’s one of the few seasons when these high-altitude treks are accessible. High-altitude treks come with the added thrill of altitude and adventure. You must capitalise on that.

1. Brammah Valley - Witness Jammu's cultural richness in one trek

The Brammah Valley trek offers stunning views of the four prominent peaks of Kishtwar, all above 6,000 m. Getting so close to such big summits on a trek is rare. On this trek, you are trekking through the heart of the Kishtwar National Park. Kishtwar is known for its dense forest. The Kishtwar valley is also known for its alpine meadows and high-altitude wetlands. Our Brammah Valley trek takes us through each of these wonders. 

The Nath River accompanies you throughout the trek. Even while trekking in the deep forests, you constantly hear the river. In the extensive grasslands of Kiddar Maidan, beside the silently gliding Nath River, is where we camp. If there were awards for the most beautiful campsites on our treks — this would be one of the top contenders.

2. Buran Ghati - A grand buffet of India's greatest treks

Buran Ghati is by far the most beautiful trek we have seen — it has the best parts of India’s greatest treks stitched together in one trek. 

This trek has the prettiest forest sections, two of the most ancient villages on treks, unimaginably beautiful Dayara meadows, and the most thrilling pass crossing at 15,000 feet, where you rappel down a snow wall! It must be the world’s highest rappelling point. It’s an incredible trek for its scenery. It’s no surprise that it’s a favourite at Indiahikes.

3. Rupin Pass - A change In scenery at every turn

If there is a classic favourite trek of 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, and new scenery to unfold. They come on you quite suddenly.

The surprises begin right from your first day of trekking. Around 20 minutes into the trail,  you see the Rupin River suddenly make an appearance, fanning out into a wide bed below you. From here, the trail takes you through hanging villages and then quite suddenly it plunges into a deep gorge! The trail then meanders through a sudden pine forest, glacial meadows, snow bridges, glacial valleys, snow fields and hundreds of waterfalls, including the famous Rupin waterfalls!

It culminates in a thrilling pass-crossing through a narrow snow gully. Climbing the echoing Rupin gully is a highlight. If you’re a fit trekker, then Rupin Pass is one of the best summer treks to do.

4. Gaumukh-Tapovan - A trek to the true source of the river Ganga (and the base of Mt Shivling)

Gaumukh Tapovan is one of the oldest treks in the country. It is a trek that fascinates trekkers for multiple reasons. 

The trek takes you to the true source of river Ganga - the Gaumukh glacier. The glacier is gigantic, towering over you, so high that you have to crane your neck to see its top. When you are standing in front of the mouth of the glacier, the magnitude and aura of where you are standing - the birthplace of the lifeline of our country -  strikes you. The mouth of the glacier calves every now and then with giant blocks of ice, the size of cars, breaking away and falling down in a thunderous sound. 

However, one of the biggest reasons why trekkers love this trek is that it takes you right up to the base of Mt Shivling, one of the most beautiful mountains in the Indian Himalayas. It stands alone, majestic, with its own towering pyramid. On a clear day when the golden sunsets on Mt Shivling, people kneel down and pray, such is its impact. 

| 4 Best Monsoon Treks (July, August, Mid-September) 

Many trekkers think that monsoon rains block out all the Himalayan trails. They think all trails might be too slushy and rainy to trek. But that’s not true. It’s absolutely possible to trek in this season. You just have to know which treks to do. Read these pro-tips before going forward.

1. Hampta Pass - One of the most dramatic crossover treks In the Himalayas

This trek is one of the most dramatic cross-over treks that we have. The stark change in scenery between one side of the trek and the other is astounding. 

The drama begins with the first campsite, Jobra, which is at the edge of the forest. The next campsite Jwara is a wildflower meadow at the meeting point of a valley! Then there is the fjord-like Balu Ka Gera and the desert oasis of Shea Goru. For a relatively short trek (5 days of trekking), it is chock-full of rapid changes in scenery.

Then you have the Hampta pass crossing, which is the cherry on top. You leave behind the lush Kullu valley and cross the pass to a different world below: the deserts of Lahaul. From the pass, you see the Lahaul Valley and surrounding mountains in one wide panoramic sweep. This is one of the most incredible twists in landscapes you will see!

2. Pir Panjal Lakes Trek - The hidden gem of Jammu & Kashmir 

You will hardly see any other treks in Kashmir with such dense forests. It's a mix of pine and oak. You will also get to witness the deafening sounds of cicadas and birds.

Not just the dense forests, there’s so much more to witness on Pir Panjal: The massive alpine lakes and the adventurous climbs to the passes, which acted as vantage points to view the lakes. And then the meadows!!! I can’t even tell you how beautiful they look! Four different meadows over six days. What a sight! Thera, Paindhari, Kuan and Byad which extends to Sarota. Each was magnificent in its own right. Multiple valleys snaked out of the meadows. Streams flowed in abundance. Mountains bordered the meadows like gentle giants.

Along with stunning meadows and an alpine lake, the Tulian Lake trek has something that our other treks in Kashmir do not: the famous flora of Kashmir. There are pine, fir, chir, and spruce trees. 

The turquoise blue Tulian Lake at 12,000 ft, with icy bergs floating on it, is unlike our other Kashmir lakes. Beyond the lake's snowy reaches are snow-capped peaks that soar over 15,000 feet. Being in the towering presence of such mountains on the edge of a lake is something a trekker is unprepared for. 

The Tulian Lake trek is a complete Kashmir trek. It has some of the most incredible forests, the grandest meadows, jaw-dropping clearings, stunning valleys in which you camp, and a gorgeous alpine lake.

4. Tarsar Marsar - Arguably the prettiest trek in India

Tarsar Marsar is a trek where alpine lakes take a life of their own. You get to circumvent the entire perimeter of Tarsar and Sundersar, offering you multiple perspectives of the very same lake!

Then there is the elusive Marsar, almost always hidden under a shroud of clouds. We see this lake from an overhang, sitting 600–700 ft below. It is a perfect spot to witness the grandeur of the lake, with the sun rising right above it. This is until dollops of clouds waft their way through the U-shaped valley and settle above the lake. The lake disappears from view within seconds!

The Tarsar Marsar trek takes you right to the heart of Kashmir. From the quaint village of Aru to the clearings of Lidderwat.

| 4 Best Post-Monsoon Treks (Mid-September to Mid-October) 

Just after a monsoon, there’s a small window when our high-altitude treks open up again (treks above 14,000 ft). This is a brilliant time to trek because the sky gets clear and sharp. It results in stunning views of mountains. It’s also a good chance for beginners to try out slightly tougher treks, as they become a notch easier without snow. 

1. Har Ki Dun - A 500 year old culture trek

Har Ki Dun is a trek that needs no introduction. Trekkers have always trod upon these trails to witness the beautiful Swargarohini massif from Har Ki Dun. 

We wanted to show trekkers a side of the Har-Ki-Dun trek they rarely see. So we chose a route different from the regular trail, which includes terrific scenic beauty on the new route while retaining the ancient charm of the old route, at the heart of which still lies a journey towards the beautiful Swargarohini peaks. 

The new route through Boslo winds through dense conifers and oaks in the shadow of the mountains before emerging into daylight. Snow patches glide into the forest from high above, sometimes cutting through the forest floor. Another hidden area is just after the Boslow Forest; we cross the Ruinsara Gad and climb to the Devsu Thatch. Little is written about Devsu Thatch in the trekking world, yet it is among the most beautiful trek scenes.

We could go on talking about the Har Ki Dun trek. But we could write several scrolls about this and not be done. It's best experienced firsthand

2. Goechala - The closest you can get to Mt Kanchenjunga without climbing it

The biggest reason to do the Goechala trek is the grand views of the big mountains 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. 

One of the biggest highlights of the Goechala trek is the sunrise scene on the Kanchenjunga range. Even though trekkers are not allowed to the actual Goecha Pass, the view from ViewPoint 1 and Dzongri is worth an arm and a leg! 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.

3. Surya Top - A summit climb amidst grand meadows

Surya Top is an extension of our much-loved Dayara Bugyal trek. 

Surya Top is a real deal when it comes to experiencing the grandeur of Dayara meadows in its entirety. You trek on the meadows not just for a couple of hours but for two full days! At Devkund, you are at the end of the Dayara meadows. Behind you are endless stretches of perfectly manicured meadows extending as far as your eyes can reach. You explore all that Dayara Meadows has to offer. This is only possible when you do the Surya Top Trek.

Once you are at the summit, the Gangotri range, Mt Bandarpoonch and Mt Kalanag that you were seeing from afar now stand at a touching distance from you. To sum it up, Surya Top ticks off all the boxes on the checklist of a great trek. It is a must-have trek on every mountain lover’s bucket list. 

4. Chandrakhani Pass - Himachal's most loved pass climb for beginners

This trek is a cultural treasure for those who want to know more about the Kullu Valley. The villages, the architecture, the people, and the culture are living history books. The trek is also an ancient shepherd's trail.

The trek is also known for the beauty of its forests on either side. It lifts the trekker's spirit with joy. Once you reach the summit, you see the opposite side of the valley, the Pin Parvati Valley. The 180° view of the mountains is something to die for.

The Chandrakhani pass has a lot of history, culture and stories around it.

| 4 Best Treks In Autumn (Mid-October to November) 

This is our personal favourite season to trek in. For quite a few reasons. This is the season to see some mind-blowing colours in the mountains! It’s when all rain clouds disappear, leaving behind a squeaky clean sky with unimaginable views! Further, it marks the onset of winter, so there’s a slight wintry chill in the air. On some trails, there is early snow too. 

1. Phulara Ridge - The greatest ridge trek in our country

Phulara Ridge is a rare trek. It is the only ridge trek on our list. A ridge trek connects one mountain top to another forming a long chain. It’s no surprise that Phulara Ridge is now one of our most sought-after autumn treks. The views from this trek are astounding, and they last for hours, especially because of the ridge walk. 

Now, a ridge is a place where two sides of the mountain meet. So the walk on a ridge is almost like one on a knife edge, where there are just flanks of the mountain sloping down from either side of you. To have an entire day's trek on a ridge is unparalleled. 

The best part is that this trek is not too difficult, it’s suited perfectly for a beginner! So if you’re trekking in autumn, this is THE trek to do. 

2. Ali Bedni Bugyal - India's grandest twin alpine meadows

The surprise of finding yourself in Ali Bugyal after trekking through dense forests is unbeatable. The moment you get out of the shades of the forest cover, you see acres and acres of green carpet sprawled out in front of you. Mt Trishul, stands tall against the blue skies, making for a formidable backdrop.

The walk to Bedni Bugyal from here is exhilarating! It is a walk that tempts you to take off your shoes and feel this carpet for yourselves. If you climb the Bedni Top, the high risers of the imposing Chaukhamba range open up before you. These incredible settings make these twin meadows a must-do on the trekker’s bucket list.

3. Kuari Pass - The trek with the grandest mountain views of Uttarakhand

Kuari Pass is a near-perfect trek. You go through ancient forests filled with oaks and rhododendrons. 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. 

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 the beginner.

4. Pench Mowgli Trek - Trek through the Jungles of Pench Tiger Reserve

Trekking inside the Pench National Park is truly a privilege. 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. 

“It brings shivers down your spine when you realise that you are so close to the habitat of so many wild animals. We saw tiger paw prints that were just 30 minutes old,” shares Nitesh Kumar, our Chief Explorer.

We have never seen 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. And then come sudden clearings in the forest. Just when you may feel like the forest is too dense, it opens up

The cherry on top is climbing to a peak, where you stand at a vantage point and get a real glimpse of the forests of Pench.

You cross multiple streams on each day of the trek. Your feet are wet almost throughout the time you trek. Soft woollen or cotton socks are recommended. Picture by Nitesh Kumar.

| 4 Best Treks In Winter (December, January, February) 

Many people assume winter to be a short season lasting through December and maybe a little bit of January. But winter starts from December and lasts all the way till the end of February, and even stretches into the first two weeks of March.

This is the best time to trek and camp in the snow, and experience the adventure of staying at -5 and -10 degrees. It’s also one of the clearest seasons in the year, where you get astounding views of the mountains around, against a completely white backdrop. Time your trek well, and you’ll get to see the best of winter in the Himalayas! 

1. Kedarkantha - One of the finest summits climbs for beginners

This is our most popular winter trek. No debating that. And it’s not for no reason. Kedarkantha has been around since 2011, when Indiahikes first opened it up for trekking. 

Trekkers fell in love with it. The fairytale snow-laden forests, the snow-globe campsites, the thrilling summit climb, every bit of it was and still is celebrated. 

2. Dayara Bugyal - The perfect Himalayan trek for families

At any time of the year, this is the trek I would recommend to all beginners. 

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. These meadows are completely blanketed in snow in winter. All of this is in an easy-moderate trek — a gift we rarely see.

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 the perfect trek to try out as a beginner or take your family along.

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

Debrigarh, more than a wildlife sanctuary, is a natural wonder. Never before have we seen such diverse ecosystems in a single place. During winter and summer, as the water level recedes, newer islands come to life, setting up a perfect home for migratory birds coming in winter. The islands here are ever-changing.

Visiting Debrigarh is not unique. But trekking on its trails definitely 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. An island-hopping trek like this is very rare. Combine this with a safari and trek around the island, and it becomes a must-do trek for anyone who wants to get introduced to nature

4. Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek - Our jungle book trek 

It’s the rarest trek on our list purely because of the jungles. If you have watched the Jungle Book movie, these jungles are like that. In autumn and winter, when the temperature drops, animals move about freely. The jungle comes alive with the sound of birds and calls of animals. You also trek beside a river and camp on its beaches, a rare experience even for experienced trekkers.

What makes the trek special is the omnipresence of wild animals (you do this trek only with forest rangers going along with you). You see animal footprints everywhere. A paw of a leopard, perhaps made half an hour ago. Footmarks of a chinkara. A bear print. Elephants could be around the corner. The chances of wildlife spotting are very high on this trek.

In addition, the tribes that you stay with are ancient. 

Also, the trail is all yours. You’re not likely to see anyone else for 4 days.

I hope you liked our curation of the best 4 treks for every season. Indiahikes is known for its thorough information bank. And I brought this information after so much research & experience of observing treks/mountains for a decade. Read through the trek information page of the trek you are planning to do. Get those majestic mountains etched in your heart for a lifetime.

Trek trivia: Valley of Flowers is perhaps the most well-known Indian trek in the world. But did you know that Hampta Pass, Kashmir Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar, all become gorgeous valleys of flowers in August? They may have an equal amount of flowers! 

<table class=" table table-hover" style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><th style="text-align: center;">Season (Month)</th><th style="text-align: center;">Description</th></tr><tr><td><a href="#spring">Spring (March, April)</a></td><td>The only time of the year when the winter snow still lingers, the green meadows start to sprout with wildflowers. Not to forget in many of our treks the Himalayan rhododendrons light up the hillside with fire!</td></tr><tr><td><a href="#summer">Summer (May, Jun)</a></td><td>When the high adventure treks (above 14,000 ft) open up. This is especially a time for treks with most scenic variety and thrills.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="#monsoon">Monsoon (Jul, Aug, Mid-Sep)</a></td><td>The best season to experience grasslands, flowers and lakes.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="#postmonsoon">Post-Monsoon (Mid-Sep to Mid-Oct)</a></td><td>A second chance to do the high adventure treks, as a bonus, this time they’re a notch easier, with lesser snow and crisper skies.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="#autumn">Autumn (Mid-Oct to Nov)</a></td><td>THE best time for the clearest mountain views. No other time will give you such squeaky clean views of the Himalayas</td></tr><tr><td><a href="#winter">Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb)</a></td><td>If you want to experience snow this is when you time your trek! But not all treks are the same in winter. You need to be careful about your choice.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Here are the top 4 treks to do in each season, starting from spring to winter. This expert guide will help you with your next trek.

Top 4 Treks In Every Season

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I’m writing this post with a bit of exasperation. 

These stats will explain why: Out of the 260 calls we receive every day, at least 40 are about the Kashmir Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar treks, requesting slots in full groups. 

Most of our KGL and Tarsar Marsar groups were filled last year. Even after opening new groups, we are left only with the last few slots. The trek doesn’t have a higher carrying capacity. 

But here’s something most trekkers don’t know. 

We have seven other equally fantastic treks in Jammu and Kashmir. Most are on par with the beauty and adventure of the Kashmir Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar. 

Given that these are new treks, trekkers don’t know them yet. But give it two years, and you’ll see these treks with a rush similar to KGL and TM. 

As a subscriber to my emails, I hope you use this information well and plan treks to other Kashmir treks instead of waiting on the most famous (and crowded) ones. 

Here’s the full list of 7 other great treks in J&K. 

If you have the Kashmir Great Lakes in mind, then Nafran Valley is a trek that makes the best alternative. I strongly recommend it. 

There are three reasons it makes a great alternative to KGL 

(a) The beautiful lakes of Harnag and Harbhagwan. 

Here’s a fact. This trek is so picturesque that it has been featured in our Mountain Lovers Gold Calendar since we discovered it. Only a handful of treks are chosen to be featured here, yet we can never ignore this trek. 

The big bonus is that you camp right next to the famous Kolahoi glacier.

Harnag Lake is the biggest and the most beautiful lake on the Nafran Valley trek. You get to walk beside this lake for two days! Picture by Bijju Shekar.

Bhaj Margi meadow is the grandest meadow of the Nafran Valley trek. If you are blessed with the clear weather, the morning or evening sunlight hitting the meadows is a stunning sight to witness. Picture by Diptarka Gupta.

Here’s the ultimate grassland trek in Jammu and Kashmir. Trekking from one valley to another, you will be treated to some of the region's most expansive grasslands. By now, trekkers know that if any grasslands come close to the Swiss Alps, they are the grasslands of J&K. That’s what you see on this trek. 

Yet, the grasslands are just one of the highlights of this trek. You also see around seven beautiful lakes on this trek, which gives you a classic Kashmir experience. 

The sunset from the Ashtaar Valley campsite makes you never want to leave this campsite. In fact, this is the case with almost all the campsites on the Bodpathri meadows trek. Photo by Nitesh Kumar.

A 10-minute gradual ascent from the Ashtaar Valley, you'll view the Tatakooti mountain. The sunrise from here is majestic, making the valley below, look magical. Picture by Pritish Bhanushali.

Bodsar lake is arguably one of the most beautiful lakes on the trek. You keep seeing the lake for hours even after you start ascending to Gadtar, you just have to turn back to take a look every now and then. Photo by Pritish Bhanushali.

This is the rarest of the treks you can do in J&K because it is our only trek in the Kishtwar region. Kishtwar, in the south of J&K, has some of the most beautiful valleys you can see. 

The Brammah Valley is no ordinary valley. Rising at the end of the valley is a peak that betrays most mountaineers who attempt to climb it: Brammah Peak, a most sought-after summit to climb, but very few mountaineers have scaled it. It is among the most beautiful 6,000-metre summits in our country. On the Brammah Valley trek, you see the full face of the mountain from bottom to top. But two more towering peaks exist in the valley: the Brammah Wife and the Eiger.

On the other hand, this is the culture trek of the region. Much like how Har Ki Dun in Uttarakhand is teeming with culture, history and mythology, Brammah Valley gives you a wonderful cultural immersion. You see something rare in this isolated valley: a beautiful blend of Hindu and Muslim culture in this region: With mixed traditions, architecture, rituals and festivals, it’s a rare amalgamation of cultures, which is heartening to see. 

PS: This is the only J&K trek you can do in May and June. This is a great option if you plan to trek in the summer and want to avoid the Uttarakhand rush. Most treks in J&K open only in July and August. 

The grand Kiddhar Maidan, which is also a delta with backdrop of Mt. Eiger, Mt. Tarparan, and Brammah glacier. Picture by Nitesh Kumar. 

The Mighty Mt. Brammah I (left) and Mt. Brammah Wife (right). Picture by Nitesh Kumar. 

You will trek for long days in the forests in Brammah Valley. But they don't feel monotonous. Trekking under the shade of tall pine trees next to the gushing Nath River is an experience cherished by everyone to date. Picture by Nitesh Kumar. 

I’m almost hesitant to announce this trek because we feel it is too good to be true. With an astounding 8-10 lakes, multiple meadows, and endless jaw-dropping moments, this trek will likely be the greatest trek in Jammu and Kashmir. Our team explored, designed and documented this trail in 2023 and has been making outrageous statements like “It’s better than Kashmir Great Lakes” or “It’s better than Warwan Valley.” 

On Day 4, during the trail from Khuan to Neelsar, you will come across the pristine Sarota meadows. During dawn and dusk, the grass in these meadows turns golden to the human eye. Picture by Nithyam Nachappa. 

The mesmerizing lake of Neelsar. Imagine camping with such setting and the blue color. This is the first lake that you get to see on the trek. Photo by Nitesh Kumar.

The meadows in the Pir Panjal trek are so huge that even an entire day is not enough to explore them completely! Picture by Nitesh Kumar. 

Our founders have always maintained one thing: you would never do a trek like Warwan Valley. The grandeur, the remote setting, and the uniqueness of this trek are so rare that even Kashmiris have not seen something so terrific. 

There are some unusual highlights on this trek: 

The dramatic crossover from the bone-dry landscapes of Ladakh to the luxuriant grasslands of Kashmir. It begins in trans-Himalayan settings, among barren, purplish mountains around Panikhar. The trail goes through an oasis, river deltas, wildflower meadows, and glaciers—all among these stark mountains. It makes for hauntingly beautiful settings. After spending two days encircled by desert mountains, the effect is striking as the trail gradually enters the lush greenery of Kashmir.

Traversing the Bracken Glacier: It is on very few treks that you see glaciers; most of the time, you see them from far away. It is on even fewer treks that you get to walk on a glacier. If you do, it’s usually a hurried 10-15 minute walk across the glacier. This is the only trek we’ve come across where you traverse along the entire length of a glacier, for hours together! With gaping crevasses beside you, the gurgling of a river deep beneath you, and the roar of car-sized chunks of ice falling down, it’s a sight that will stay with you for life.

The luxuriant grasslands of Warwan Valley: The setting of villages in Warwan Valley is too perfect, even for pictures. Fences border the trail you walk on. Willow trees jut out between houses. Mud-baked lanes crisscross the village. Flower beds line the hills around the houses. To top it, a clear stream runs through the village! All in a way that distinctly resembles the Gaulish village from Asterix comics. This setting is unique to this part of Kashmir.

The alpine lakes: You cannot talk about the Warwan Valley trek without mentioning the two alpine lakes formed by melting glaciers. Starting from clear at dawn to sea green to light blue to inky blue by evening. The two lakes on the pass crossing day will blow your mind away and make you grateful to witness this spectacular sight in front of your eyes.

Here are 7 Terrific Alternatives within J&K

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