Most trekkers in our country get the Ranthan Kharak trek wrong. And we’ll admit — it’s partly our fault. For years, we have spoken of Ranthan Kharak as a trek for its rhododendrons. The unintended consequence is that trekkers now assume this trek is only about spring and not worth doing in other seasons.

That couldn’t be further from the truth. Ranthan Kharak is one of the most beautiful autumn treks in the Himalayas, from mid-September until November. In fact, we’d say it is one of the most underrated autumn treks in Uttarakhand.

The ridge walk towards the summit is the most thrilling, challenging yet rewarding experience. The ascent gets steeper and you feel the mountains getting closer and closer with each step you take. Photo by: Shivank

Very few treks in India are true summit climbs. Ranthan Kharak is one of them.

And this summit climb is not just about the adventure of making it to the top. It’s about what you see along the way, and when you finally stand on the summit.

On your right, the Kumaon ranges unfold. On your left, the Garhwal ranges stretch out. And right in front of you are some of India’s tallest and most storied mountains — Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Sunanda Devi, and the Panchachuli peaks.

To see these Himalayan giants laid out like a living canvas, while standing on a summit you’ve just climbed — that experience is rare. Very few treks in our country give you that combination.

Autumn brings out a very different side of Ranthan — the mountains turn shades of golden, brown and green. Photo by Prathmesh

If there’s one reason you must consider Ranthan Kharak in autumn, it is for the colours.

The forests here are ablaze with orange, yellow, and crimson. The grasslands turn a golden brown, shimmering as the light bounces off them. These are colours you will not see in winter, summer, or spring. Only autumn treks give you this richness.

“I often say that trekkers in our country have not yet experienced such colours on a Himalayan trek. Ranthan Kharak in autumn will dazzle you,” says Arjun.

From Chophu Kharak you start witnessing the whole Nanda Devi range in all its glory. Nanda Devi, Sunanda Devi, Mrigthuni and other ranges of the Garhwal Himalayas on your left and the tall mountains of the Kumaon region on your right. You Photo by: Arun Kumar

Autumn is the season of clarity in the Himalayas. The skies are at their cleanest, and the views are sharper than at any other time of the year.

When you’re looking at giants like Nanda Devi or Panchachuli, you don’t want a haze to dilute the experience. You want to see every ridge, every snowline, every sharp edge. That’s what Ranthan Kharak trek in Uttarakhand gives you in autumn.

Trekking in Kumaon is as much a cultural journey as a mountain one. This is a glimpse from Namik Village. Photo by Jothiranjan.

There’s another reason why this trek is special. It takes you into the heart of Kumaon.

Most trekkers are familiar with Garhwal. But Kumaon is very special — culturally rich, deeply rooted, and far less travelled. On the Ranthan Kharak trail, you walk through villages like Gogina and Namik, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of people that you rarely encounter in the busier Garhwal region.

Even the drive to the base is an experience in itself. Kumaon opens itself up slowly, with every bend revealing more of its beauty.

Ranthan Kharak is a rare crowd-free trek. spring is popular for the rhododendrons. But in autumn, very few set foot on this trail. And that’s what makes it special. Photo by Nitesh Kumar.

Finally, I must mention this. Ranthan Kharak is perhaps one of the last Himalayan treks where you can walk without crowds. In today’s trekking world, where almost every trail is overrun, Ranthan Kharak stands out as refreshingly empty.

You have the grand mountain views, the forests, the grasslands — and you have them all to yourself. That solitude is rare. For me, it is one of the strongest reasons to do this trek now.

When you put all of this together, you realise Ranthan Kharak is not just a rhododendron trek.

It is a complete Himalayan experience. And in autumn, it shines in ways most trekkers have never seen.

If you think you know autumn treks in India, Ranthan Kharak will surprise you.

Ranthan Kharak is one of the most underrated autumn treks in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon Himalayas. With a true summit climb, golden-brown forests, crystal-clear views of Nanda Devi and Panchachuli, and rare solitude on the trail, this trek offers a complete Himalayan experience.

5 Reasons Why Trekkers Should Consider Ranthan Kharak in Autumn

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I’ll admit something upfront—I sometimes don’t like these kinds of videos or questions. The ones where I have to make difficult choices. And today’s question is exactly that: Which one would I pick—the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek or the Pench Tiger Trail?

I love both these treks. I’ve done the Pench Tiger Trail very recently—just last year—and I’ve raved about it in multiple videos. I’ve also done the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek, not just as a participant, but as part of its exploration team.

So when you ask me to choose between the two, it’s not fair. But I’ll try to do justice to both, because each trek is rich in its own way.

Let’s start with the Pench Tiger Trail.

This trek carries with it the aura of the tiger. There’s something magnetic about walking through a forest knowing you're not alone. On Day 1, Day 2, Day 3—you will spot signs of the tiger. Pug marks, scratch marks, claw marks on tree trunks, even tiger faeces—fresh, and I mean really fresh. You start to wonder whether the tiger is watching you from behind the bushes.

The biodiversity is outstanding. You’ll see a forest teeming with life—birds, insects, trees that are hundreds of years old. 

And then there’s the river walk that everyone’s been going gaga over. It is lovely—scenic, shaded, and full of little surprises.

But now, let me shift gears and take you to Chhattisgarh.

This jungle trek is no less when it comes to wildlife. If Pench is all about the tiger, Chhattisgarh is about all kinds of wild animals. I’ve seen pug marks of leopards, bears, cheetals, sambars—many of them so fresh they looked like they were made just half an hour ago.

I remember this one time—we were at the river camp at night. Across the river, we could see glowing eyes moving from one side to another. Wild animals are just going about their business. You’re in the middle of this dense forest, surrounded by sal trees, and then a team member walks in to meet me and says, “Sorry, I’m late, there was a bear on the trail.”

That’s Chhattisgarh for you. These stories are routine here.

But it’s not just about wildlife. There’s a deep sense of history in these forests. On the trail, you pass by two ancient caves that are home to cave paintings that are easily 10,000 years old. The Archaeological Survey of India hasn’t even marked them yet. And yet, here you are, witnessing them live—no ticket, no museum, no glass barrier.

You stand there looking at not just one generation of paintings, but layers and layers of them, each from a different time, telling its own story. It leaves you thinking long after you’ve left.

And then there’s the forest walk, where you pass under a thick canopy, walking on dry riverbeds that meander through the jungle. It’s unlike anything you’ve seen.

And finally, the river walk — you know, people compare the river walk of Chhattisgarh and Pench Tiger Trail. To me, Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek's river walk beats the Pench, even though I liked it so much, because of the water. Crystal clear water, only ankle deep, cool as ever, and always there. Not much of ups and downs or any surprises in the river, unlike the Pench Tiger Trail, where I do get some surprises.

So yes, if you put me in a fix, I won’t like you. But if push comes to shove, and I have to choose between the two, I’ll go with the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek.

But let me be clear: this choice doesn’t come from a lack of love for Pench. Both treks are extraordinary. It’s just that what stays in my heart slightly more… is Chhattisgarh.

Which one would Arjun Majumdar pick—the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek or the Pench Tiger Trail?

Chhattisgarh vs Pench: Which to Choose?

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When I was younger, I preferred summer treks. Then I got fascinated with winter treks. But now, at this stage of my life, I just love spring treks.

Why do I love spring treks? It’s because of the freshness they bring. Winter is just ending, the nip is still in the air, and the last of the winter snows linger. But alongside them, fresh blooms begin to appear, their fragrance fills the air, the forests come alive with birdsong, and colours explode all around.

The summer haze hasn’t set in yet, so the skies are still clear, making for stunning summit views. That’s why spring has become my favourite trekking season, and I’m looking forward to some of the greatest spring treks we have. At Indiahikes, we offer around 18 spring treks, and I’m not surprised that trekkers are often confused about which one to choose. Today, I’ll pick my favourite spring treks and let trekkers decide for themselves.

The first trek I want everyone to experience is Deoriatal-Chandrashila. It’s a well-known summit climb, offering fantastic summit views. But don’t do this trek in spring just for the views—do it for the rhododendrons you’ll see in full bloom.

Until a few months ago, Deoriatal-Chandrashila was the rhododendron trek in our country. Especially on the second and third days, you’ll walk through sections ablaze with scarlets, pinks, and reds, carpeting the ground with fallen petals. It’s a mesmerizing sight.

Through the rhododendron trees, you’ll see Mount Chaukhamba rising dramatically from the meadows, along with the grand summits of the Himalayas peeking through the canopy. Trekkers are bound to be smitten by this landscape.

Even at Deoriatal itself, people often talk about the reflection of Chaukhamba in the lake, but no one mentions the rhododendron trees surrounding it and the breathtaking mountain views framed through them. That’s why Deoriatal-Chandrashila is a trek I want every trekker to do.

View from the Deoriatal Lake View Point. Photo by: Jainami Shah

I want to be very clear—you need to prepare for this trek. It’s not an easy one; it’s a difficult trek. But if you set aside the difficulty, Goechala is my next must-do rhododendron trek.

When I did this trek, I remember walking for two whole hours under a dense rhododendron canopy. Flowers kept falling on my head as I walked. The colours changed as I gained altitude—scarlets and reds in the lower hills, pinks and yellows in the upper regions, and finally, the dwarf rhododendrons at the highest points.

As the trail opens up, you’re greeted by a spectacular mountain landscape. I saw birdlife in Goechala that I haven’t seen on many other treks. The rhododendrons attract birds, insects, and butterflies in droves. My birder friends couldn’t stop taking photographs—it’s that rich in biodiversity.

Goechala is a trek that offers extremely high biodiversity and unforgettable scenery. 

Pictured here is the Tshoka monastery as seen from the window of rhododendron flowers. Photo by Sourav Mukherjee

We used to call Goechala and Deoriatal the best rhododendron treks in India. But Ranthan Kharak surpasses them both—it’s the mother of all rhododendron treks.

The density of rhododendrons you’ll see here, especially in March and April, is unparalleled. This is the time to experience this trek at its peak.

Beyond the rhododendron forests, you’ll get breathtaking views of the Kumaon Himalayas—the Panchachuli range, Mount Nanda Devi, and Mount Nanda Kot. The final ridge walk to the summit is thrilling. The untouched forests and clearings are stunning.

I could go on and on about this trek because it has so much to offer, yet you won’t see a single crowd. My advice? Make this trek a priority before it becomes popular. It’s the top rhododendron trek in the country.

The trekking experience in spring is pleasant with mild temperatures. And what makes it more beautiful are the blooming rhododendron trees and flowers throughout the trail. Photo by Shivank Dwivedi

The next trek on my list isn’t in India—it’s in Nepal. It’s the Khopra Ridge trek.

Khopra Ridge is close to the famous Annapurna Base Camp trek. But if you ask me, Khopra Ridge beats Annapurna Base Camp hollow. You don’t just see one or two summits—you see 23 of the world’s highest peaks, up close.

Dhaulagiri accompanies you for much of the trek. You also see Machapuchare, Annapurna, and a continuous panorama of the Himalayas. When you finally climb Khopra Ridge, you reach an elevation of over 15,000 feet—grand views, grand altitude.

In spring, the rhododendrons are in full bloom. The skies are crystal clear. The high-altitude experience combined with Nepal’s famous tea-house culture makes this an unforgettable trek.

The only caution is this is a high-altitude trek. Prepare well. But if you do, you’ll get an international trekking experience unlike any other.

With the onset of spring comes the rhododendrons in full bloom. Photo by Nitesh Kumar

This trek doesn’t get talked about enough in spring, but I believe it’s a must-do.

Har Ki Dun is a valley trek, and in spring, as the snow melts, the valley turns lush. Springs and brooks gush through the landscape. The forests come alive with birdsong. Grasslands burst with flowers—whites, yellows, pinks. The last patches of snow cling to the mountainsides, making for breathtaking scenery.

You’ll be surrounded by towering peaks—Swargarohini, Black Peak, and others. The trek inches you closer to them with every step.

What I love about this trek is its cultural richness. Har Ki Dun is known as the “Valley of the Gods.” The temples, the architecture, the unique culture of the villages—it’s fascinating. The Boslo forests here are enchanting, yet hardly anyone talks about them.

Then there’s Devsu Thach. Outside Kashmir, if you ask me which is the best meadow to visit, it’s Devsu Thach. It looks like a landscape designed by the gods.

Har Ki Dun has too much going for it. In spring, as it comes alive, it’s a trek you must do.

The mystical Gangaad village, first campsite on the Har ki Dun trek. Photo by Jothiranjan

Finally, Kuari Pass. This trek needs no introduction. It’s one of the most popular treks in India, and for good reason.

Even in spring, it’s a crowded trek, but my advice? Spring is the least crowded season. And it’s the best time to go.

Why? Because when you reach Kuari Pass and step onto the ridge, you see the greatest mountains of the Indian Himalayas—Nanda Devi, Kamet, Hathi Ghoda, and Chaukhamba. One after the other, they line up before you, forming a breathtaking panorama.

From our own Indiahikes campus, you can see Mount Dronagiri right in front of you. The sunrise and sunset colours on it are spectacular.

The forests on this trek are unlike any other. I’ve seen forests on many treks, but the ones on Kuari Pass will mesmerize you. And then there’s Gorson Bugyal—an expansive meadow where you can take in the mountains at leisure.

Spring is the best time for this trek. The skies are clear, the air is crisp but not unbearably cold, and you can stand and take in the views for as long as you like.

A distant view of Mt Dronagiri from the trail. Photo by Veeraj Desai

These are my top six treks to do in spring. I could have talked about many more—India has endless treks. But these are my favourites, and they’re ones I would revisit again and again.

Spring has become my favourite trekking season, and I’m looking forward to some of the greatest spring treks we have. At Indiahikes, we offer around 18 spring treks, and I’m not surprised that trekkers are often confused about which one to choose.

Arjun Majumdar’s Top 6 Spring Treks for 2025 

At Indiahikes, we have more than 50 treks, and new treks keep getting added every other day. Choosing among these treks is not easy. But when I picked the top seven treks to do in 2025, I went by the ones I really loved. 

I know many people may not agree with this list. But having explored treks across the lengths and breadths of our country, I believe if trekkers follow this list, they will get to see India for what it truly is. 

Here are my top seven treks to do in 2025.

Ali Bedni Bugyal is very close to my heart because it’s part of the famous Roopkund trek, which is where Indiahikes began. 

About 80% of the beauty of the Roopkund trek is on the Ali Bedni Bugyal trail. The famous oak forests, more than a thousand years old, are a wonder to walk through. The meadows and grasslands of Ali Bedni Bugyal are among the best in our country. 

What makes this trek even more special are the mountains that rise straight off the grasslands — Mount Trishul and Mount Nanda Ghunti. These moments stay with trekkers forever, which is why this trek is on my list of top seven treks to do.

Rupin Pass is a trek that reaches 15,500 feet. It requires a lot of preparation, but it’s one of those treks that surprises me every time I do it — even after countless times. 

What makes it unique is the sheer variety of surprises you encounter along the trail. Every hour, there’s something unexpected — snow bridges, the iconic Rupin waterfall (which you climb to the top of), the Rupin gully, and a dramatic pass crossing where the scenery completely changes on the other side. 

The cultural richness of this trek is unparalleled. The Rupin River flows alongside the trail from the beginning to the end, making it one of the most beautiful rivers I’ve seen on any trek.

This trek is fascinating and ranks extremely high on my list.

 Pin Bhaba Pass is a slightly challenging trek that connects the green valleys of Kinnaur with the barren desert of Spiti. 

The contrast on this trek is stark and stunning. You start the trek on a lush green trail, and by the time you cross the pass, you find yourself in Spiti’s cold desert. This sharp contrast is unlike anything you’ll see on any other trek in India. 

Just for this contrast alone, the Pin Bhaba Pass trek is a must-do. I firmly believe that if someone hasn’t done this trek, they haven’t experienced the true diversity of Indian treks.

Sandakphu is a trek in the northeastern part of our country that offers an entirely different experience.

What makes this trek unique is its Indo-Nepal culture. You constantly switch between India and Nepal along the trail, often without realizing it. 

The trek offers stunning views of the Sleeping Buddha formation, with the mighty Kanchenjunga range in the background. You also get to see four of the world’s tallest mountains — Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga. 

The tea-house culture on this trek adds a unique charm. It gives trekkers a glimpse into local life, influenced by Nepalese and Buddhist traditions. 

Sandakphu is a cultural and scenic experience that’s unlike any other trek in India.

The Ranthan Kharak trek is relatively new and not very well-known. It’s located in the Kumaon district of Uttarakhand. 

This trek offers magnificent views of Mount Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and the Panchachuli ranges. But what makes it truly special are the rhododendron forests. 

If you time your trek during March or April, you’ll witness the forests in full bloom, making it the best rhododendron trek in the country. Even in other seasons, the dense forests and clearings on this trek are mesmerizing. 

Despite being underrated, this trek is a hidden gem and absolutely deserves to be on the list of top seven treks.

 Most trekkers in India associate great treks with the Himalayas. But the Pench Tiger Trail in Central India proves that incredible trekking experiences exist outside the mountains too.

This trek takes you through the forests of Pench, which are rich in biodiversity. The omnipresence of wildlife — especially tigers — makes it a thrilling experience. 

The trail involves walking through rivers, streams, and unique campsites deep inside the forest. 

If trekkers haven’t explored the forests of the Pench Tiger Trail, they haven’t experienced the true indigenous wilderness of our country. 

This trek shows trekkers a different side of India, making it a must-do on my list.

7. Nafran Valley Trek, Jammu and Kashmir 

Jammu and Kashmir are famous for treks like Kashmir Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar. But these treks have become crowded. 

The Nafran Valley trek, on the other hand, is a hidden gem that offers the same beauty without the crowds.

This trek is an absolute treat for the eyes — with stunning valleys, grasslands, forests, rivers, streams, lakes, and even minor pass crossings. 

It’s a complete adventure and one of the most underrated treks in our country. 

If someone wants to explore the lesser-known beauty of Jammu and Kashmir, the Nafran Valley trek should be on their list.

There are many more treks I could recommend, but I’ll leave it at these seven. 

These treks offer a glimpse of India’s natural beauty and cultural richness, and I believe they should be on every trekker’s bucket list for 2025. 

So, get your gear ready and make plans to explore these breathtaking trails. Happy trekking!

Indiahikes runs over 50 treks in the country. New treks keep getting added every other day. Here is a list of 7 treks that will allow trekkers to see India for what it truly is.

Indiahikes Founder Arjun Majumdar's Top 7 Treks For 2025

Best Himalayan trek top himalayan trek Arjun Majumdar's top 7 treks

For almost a decade, many trekkers have asked us: Which trek is better, Deoriatal Chandrashila or Kedarkantha?

Indiahikes’ CEO and founder, Arjun Majumdar, has answered this question previously in the context of winter trekking. You can read his opinion here.

I have listed three parameters based on which we are going to decide which of the two is a better trek for whom and why. These three parameters are: the best time to do the two treks, the day-wise rewards of each trek, and the difficulty level of the treks. 

1. What is the best time to do Deoriatal Chandrashila and Kedarkantha?

There’s a reason we’re starting with this. Both these treks have very distinct seasons during which you should trek.

“This trek is a year-round charmer, but two seasons truly stand out for me: winter and spring,” says Shachi Tripathi, programme designer and trainer at Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning (InSOUL) and a former trek leader. 

The spring (March & April) highlight of the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is the carnival of rhododendrons. The trail of this trek is blanketed with red, pink and violet rhododendrons. Do not miss a mix of white and violet rhododendrons subtly blooming at the Rohini Bugyal. In addition, the forests along the way are home to some pretty rare birds, including the Himalayan monal, Eurasian Jay, and Blue Jay. It attracts a lot of bird enthusiasts during the season.

The grand entrance to the Rohini Bugyal. Photo by Jothiranjan

Winter (December, January, February) is another popular season on Deorital Chandrashila. Over the years, I have seen trekkers choose this trek for the adventure the trail offers, especially during winter. The snow enhances the thrill of steep ascents and descents.

The last and most challenging climb to the summit is a journey, testing willpower and mind strength that will either leave you being awestruck or teary-eyed. Photo by Jothiranjan

Kedarkantha is THE WINTER TREK of our country. It receives the most snowfall and that is exactly why trekkers flock to this place every year.  

Additionally, the winter line phenomenon is a key highlight of Kedarkantha due to its topography. It is also visible due to the trek’s southwestern exposure; sunsets turn the horizon a stunning shade of red.

But why does Kedarkantha receive so much snowfall?

The geography plays a crucial role in determining snowfall patterns across treks. As you move from the middle of India toward the northernmost tip, the intensity and duration of snow increase. Progressing from Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh and further into Jammu & Kashmir, the snow deposits become heavier, and the snow persists for longer periods. In the case of Kedarkantha, it lies at the Northwestern border of Uttarakhand, almost touching Himachal Pradesh. This is why, compared to most other Uttarakhand treks, Kedarkantha receives the highest snowfall. 

Summers at Kedarkantha are an unknown delight: This trek is extremely lush during summer (May & June). And during the spring, the trails of the Kedarkantha trek also bloom with a variety of Rhododendrons. They may not be as numerous as those on Deoriatal Chandrashila, but they are definitely a highlight.

A year-round highlight of the Kedarkantha trek is brown and silver oak, maples, and pines.

2. Deoriatal Chandrashila vs Kedarkantha: Day-wise Comparison 

Bookmark this section as it highlights the day-wise comparison of both treks. 

Day one at the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is an extremely rewarding experience. You cover from Sari to Deoriatal (4 km), trekking through a beautiful variety of dense rhododendron forests. In March, you’re already seeing terrific rhododendrons blooming along the trails. But this is just the beginning. 

Within two hours, you’ll feel your jaws drop as you get a glimpse of the Deoriatal Lake. It’s not just the lake, but the gigantic Chaukhamba massif overlooking the lake. It usually takes multiple days of trekking to get such a view. But on the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek, you are blessed with this view within the first 3 hours of the trek. Several trekkers from across the country come here just for the day’s trek. 

Did you know that the Deoriatal never freezes! Deoriatal never freezes? Locals believe in the mythology. Some say it never freezes because the water keeps moving due to the wind while others believe in the presence of chemical compounds in water which prevents it from freezing. 

The sight of mountain ranges mirrored in Deoriatal often leaves trekkers deeply moved.

Day two is a thrill. Landscapes and altitudes shift every hour. You climb around 2000 ft (from 7810 ft to 9,020 ft) to reach Rohini Bugyal and then descend to Syalmi campsite where you lose 2,000 ft of altitude again. “Trekkers call it a camel hump trail”. It is challenging for some trekkers and thrilling for others. 

On this day, you trek through a quiet section of the forest which is home to many birds. You might spot the Himalayan woodpecker and Verditer flycatcher in this area. Occasionally, the Kedar Dome and Chaukhamba peaks come into view through the trees on your left. Throughout your day, you'll notice a few shrines on and around the trail. These are built by tourists and locals and can be used to mark the way. Additionally, there’s a ridge section which is an adventurous highlight of the day.

Day three of this trek leaves a lasting imprint on most of the trekkers. You cross the Akash Kamini River and venture through the untouched maple and oak forests. This is the day when the deeper layers of this trek are unfolded.  

Next to the river, trekkers prefer to meditate. And by the end of day three, you reach Baniyakund. 

The forest sections near the Akashkamini river are among the densest in India making it one of the most interesting trek experiences. Picture by Jothi Ranjan.

On day four (during spring and summer), you start from Baniyakund in the middle of the night to climb the summit and come back. It is a six-hour-long ascent and a five-hour descent, and for many of the trekkers, It’s the day that makes this trek challenging, adventurous, and worthwhile. There is a steep climb up to the Chandrashila summit, and you also traverse a narrow ledge, which adds to the excitement.

You cross through meadows and reach a point called Chopta. From Chopta it is a four-hour-long ascent and you reach the Tugnath temple: Another mythological highlight of this trek. It is the highest Shiva temple in the world and one of the Panch Kedar temples. Every year Tugnath attracts a lot of tourists and trekkers.

Shachi Tripathi categorically admires the summit push day of the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek and talks about climbing the summit on a full moon night. She says and I quote, “On a full moon night, our trail and the moon are positioned in a way that you feel you are climbing for the moon. It’s surreal!”.

From Chandrashila summit, the majestic view of Nanda Devi, Nanda Devi East, Mount Trishul, and Chaukhamba Massif makes the entire summit challenge worthwhile.

Chandrashila summit is known for its sunrise. Witnessing the first rays of the sun hitting the greatest summits of our country is an experience you must not miss. Picture by Vivek Saini.

Kedarkantha is the only trek on which you get to see a winter line on both day one and day two. For many trekkers, witnessing a winter line is the major highlight of this trek.

You will get a sweet taste of trekking on day one itself, covering a 6 km distance from Kotgaon to Khujaai. There is a beautiful section predominantly of oak trees. Further, as you walk, There is a small Matrishakti Mandir. 

From day one itself, you get to witness the majestic views of Swargarohini, and the views only get better as you come closer to the summit.

This stunning view of Mt Swargarohini is captured just about 300 metres from our basecamp. Photo by Anish Pillai

Day two is usually loved by the trekkers. You start from Khujaai and pass through small meadows, grasslands, and forest sections to reach Dhoka. In the Garhwali language, Dhoka means a big boulder or “bada patthar”. The huge boulder is a scenic vantage point to see sunrise and sunset in addition to the surreal winter line. Trekkers are also introduced to bouldering which only adds to the thrill of day two. By the end of day two, you trek a little ahead of Dhoka to reach Bhoja Dhadi. It is our second campsite, and from here, you can see Kedarkkantha Peak. 

Day three is the big summit day! You start in the night from Bhoja Dhadi and go for the Kedarkantha summit. The trek has the finest summit climb in our country. It is an extremely rewarding experience as you witness jaw-dropping views from the top. At the summit, Swargarohini is just very close and the Gangotri range and Bandarpunch will definitely capture your gaze.

(On day three, the height of the Rhodos changes as you climb up, and they turn into shrubs. The tree line ends, and you might feel you are closer to the summit, but you are not.)

The summit climb of Kedarkantha is challenging but equally rewarding. This photo beautifully captures the steep climb and the amazing views right below you. Photo by Abdul Raoof.

3. Difficulty: Deoriatal Chandrashil vs. Kedarkantha

Both treks are beginner-friendly, but then each comes with its twists. I will talk about the difficult sections on both the treks. 

It will require long hours of trekking on day two and day three, majorly. Additionally, on the summit day, there’s an approximate altitude gain of 4000 feet which mandates physical fitness and endurance.

To explain the first statement further, the second day and third day are 10 kms and 5 kms long respectively. The second day also brings a major challenge in the form of a steep descent to the Syalmi campsite.

As mentioned previously, the summit push (Baniyakund-Chandrashila-Baniyakund) itself is approximately 11 hours long. We start from Baniyakund (8,520 ft.) to the chandrashila summit (12,083 ft) which is a pretty steep ascend and then we climb down to the same altitude.

Kedarkantha on the other hand: Days are fairly short on this trek. The climb towards the summit is also not very steep. But on the contrary, there are certain boulder sections from Khujaai to Bhojadhadi which adds to the challenge

Trekkers planning for either of these treks should be physically fit and prepared as these treks ask for fitness and endurance.

Which One Should You Choose?

The summit views of both treks are unmatchable. 

If the adventure of steep climbs and narrow ledges, spiritual energy, and a bit of a challenge are what you want to drive out of your trek, then I would recommend Deoriatal Chandrashila. If you are a Bird enthusiast or want to experience a rich variety of Rhododendrons, step on the trail during spring. 

During winter, you experience a lesser influx compared to Kekarkantha, making it slightly more serene

On the other hand, go for Kedarkantha if you want a snow-filled trek with no shortage of picture-perfect moments and majestic views of swargarohini. Kedarkantha is a relatively easier trek and is a very popular choice for beginners. 

Both of these treks are extremely popular in the Himalayan trekking world. This was my time sharing all the information.

Write in the comment section If you think I missed any pointers that should be highlighted. Also, share your queries and doubts in the comment box. I will revert as soon as possible.

Which trek is better, Deoriatal Chandrashila or Kedarkantha (Kotgaon Route)?

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

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

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

Please note: These treks are listed in no particular order

Treks in Central India

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Chattisgarh Jungle Trek - The Jungle Book Trek

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

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

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

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

Winter trekking has evolved and transformed considerably since Indiahikes unveiled the Kedarkantha trek in 2011. The deep-snow treks in Uttarakhand have become the go-to experiences for adventurers during the colder months. Here's a recommendation of terrific winter treks not just in the Himalayas but in central India too.

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