Looking for the best winter treks in India? This travel guide has everything covered for you!
The last couple of years have kept almost all of us ‘locked-down’ in the restricted space of our homes. This seclusion has given us newfound respect and admiration for nature and group outings. Treks are a beautiful amalgamation of both of these.
India is replete with trek destinations whose fame has even reached countries abroad. It might turn confusing or even troublesome to know the best winter treks in India. View this list to see a curated list of highly acclaimed winter treks in India!
12 Best Winter Treks in India
Chadar Winter Trek
Trek # 1 Chadar Trek
Difficulty: Moderate to Extreme
Time Required: 9 to 10 days
Area: Zaskar, Ladakh.
Closest City/Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh.
Chadar Trek, also known as the ‘Frozen River Trek’ in Zanskar Range is the most highly applauded winter trek in the country. As the name rightly suggests, it is a winter trail in Ladakh that is carried over the frozen river of Zanskar. Leh is the nearest airport for this trek and the airport in Delhi is the nearest international airport.
Initially, the pathway of this trail could only be travelled by hikes or on foot. Now, the times have changed yet this region remains to be known as a trekking destination.
The overall distance covered by this trail is approximately 105 km (65 miles). This has made it a difficult level trek. However, some suggest that it is not as tough as it used to be. With proper initial training and stamina building, a beginner could prepare their body for the same.
The best time for this trek is from January to February. The temperature range during this time reaches as low as -35 degrees Celsius. The starting point of the trek is at Chilling but sometimes the organizers travel a kilometre further from the first camp at Tilad Sumdo. The trek is around 9 to 10 days long depending upon your planning and trekking speed.
Many are of the opinion that this trekking site might cease to exist in the near future. The melting of the glaciers is adding to the uncertain weather conditions making this trek a health risk. That is something for the coming decade or later. It is now upon you to make the most of this information and plan a safe and researched trip to Chadar this winter!
Trek # 2 Kedarnath Trek
Kedarnath Winter Trek
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time Required: 6-7 days
Area: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand.
Closest City/Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
Kedarnath in Uttarakhand is a renowned destination for religious visits as well as for adventure purposes. The trek is famous in the country as well as all across the world. It is one of the most well-known Hindu shrines in India. The Kedarnath temple was the creation of Pandavas after the war of Mahabharata.
It is a 16 Kilometres long trek that begins at Gaurikund and ends at Kedarnath. Just like the Chadar trek, it is pertinent that you have come with a doctor’s consultation stating that you are fit to carry on with the trek. The best time for this trek would be from September to October and then again from May to June.
As this is a trek widely used by pilgrims, you may find yourselves surrounded by a religious atmosphere. Relish it and make the most out of the natural landscapes that will come your way during the hike.
Economic Times considers the Kedarnath trek amongst the world’s 6 most difficult treks but its scaling level remains to be easy to moderate.
If you are one of the adventure junkies on the trek, make sure that you keep aside a day or two for making the most of the things this place has to offer. Rishikesh river has India’s most beautiful (and difficult) river rafting. It can be covered when one is visiting Kedarnath. The river rafting is open for tourists from September to mid-November and then again from March to mid-May.
Trek # 3 Brahmatal Trek
Brahmatal Winter Trek
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Time Required: 5-6 days
Area: Kuling, Uttarakhand.
Closest City/Airport: Pantnagar Airport, Uttarakhand.
Brahmatal means a place belonging to Lord Brahma. Looking at this exquisite beauty, you will believe it to be true that it indeed belongs to divinity. This is an easy to moderate level trek and it covers the area of the serene Bekal Tal Lake.
The Brahmatal trek marks its beginning in a small village located in Garhwal Himalayas called Lohajung. From the airport, it makes for a full-day journey of about 8-10 hours.
Lohajung is the base camp for numerous treks, Brahmatal being one of them. This trek is open to tourists most months of the year. However, it is advisable that you don’t embark upon the trek during summertime or in monsoons.
Winter is when this trek is enjoyed at its best. Himalaya has most of its mountains shut for tourists and trekkers during peak winters due to health hazards. But this trek is kept open as it is not a very difficult climb. The majority of this trek takes place under forest area, therefore, making it fit for the newbies and beginners.
The lowest temperature recorded is about -9 degrees celsius at night. During the daytime, the temperature is at a pleasant range of 8 – 10 degrees Celsius. If you are new to the world of trekking or hiking, this would be the best trek to try!
It has a great view of a water body which is Beka Tal Lake, of greenery as most of the trek is carried under a forest cover. In addition to that, the trek being an easy scale is indeed the best of both worlds scenario! December to February would be the ideal time to visit Brahmatal.
Vivek Tomar, a trekking enthusiast explains the USP of Brahmatal and tells us why this trek is his favourite trek so far-
“First would be the change in terrain that you witness. The trek starts from a dusty, rocky trail on day one and you find yourself in greenery and snow at the end of the day. On the second day too, you trek in a good amount of snow and greenery. These transitions and changing terrains are the most beautiful things for anyone.
The second would be the campsite. Brahmatal has one of the most beautiful campsites with the most mesmerizing views. Especially the second or third day with the campsite at the Bekal tal lake.
On the final day of the summit, you go to Brahmatal and all the mountains are snow-covered. At the summit point, you get to see the other legendary peaks. These magnificent peaks are enough to make any trekker starstruck. I haven’t witnessed such high peaks in such proximity during treks.”
On what sets this trek apart he says –
“This trek is quite approachable and it is a must-do trek. It is not as difficult either. These things make this trek stand apart.”
Talking about the USP, treks with such a picturesque trail and abundance of natural beauty are difficult to climb. As Brahmatal is an easy-moderate climb, it should be made the most of!
Trek # 4 Nag Tibba Trek
Nag Tibba Winter Trek
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 2 days
Area: Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
Closest City/Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
Similar to the Brahmatal trek, the Nag tibba trek also has its base in Garhwal Himalayas. This trek’s maximum altitude comes to around 10,000 Kms making it an easy climb for beginners as well as children.
The start of the trek is in a small hamlet called Pantwari in Mussoorie, Dehradun. As this is a trek reserved especially for winters, you will be stoked to find snow during your trial.
The trek extends to the Nag Tibba base which is marked by a temple dedicated to the Serpent god. The itinerary of the trip includes trekking and mountaineering so make sure you and your company enjoy both of these activities for a wonderful experience.
The end of this mini trek gets you to the Naga temple. From here you can see a beautiful view of the entire Bandarpunch ranges of the Himalayas. As this peak is easily accessible and suits to beginner level, it is very popular among tourists who frequently visit the same mostly during weekends.
This trek can be experienced in summer from April to June. The second period when it can be visited is from January to March. For the lovers of winter and snow, choose the latter and turn this into a winter trek that you’ll remember for ages.
Currently, it seems like suddenly everyone around me is into trekking. For those new to this, the Nag Tibba trek has the potential of being the introductory trail that lets you decide whether you like the activity or not. Spread across 2 to 3 days with only 16 km to cover, it is a perfect place to start.
Trek # 5 Kuari Pass Trek
Kuari Pass Winter Trek
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Time Required: 5- 6 days
Area: Garhwhal, Uttarakhand.
Closest City/Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
Kuari Pass Trek is another trek that marks its roots in the village of Garhwal, on the south of the Tibetan border. It is rumoured to be explored by Lord Curzon which is why it is also known as the ‘Curzon trail’.
If you are a beginner at trekking and wish to enter headfirst into this world, this trek is it! It is the one trek that can push you enough without causing you any harm and give you the best trekking experience. It is the perfect challenge for the newbies as it is a moderate to difficult level trek.
This trek marks its beginning at Joshimath. Many trekkers look forward to this particular winter trek as it is a combination of nature’s different aspects. The trail covers an alpine forest, lush green Himalayan meadow, icy peaks and tips of mountains and even a colourful hamlet during its course all under the blanket of a celestial blue sky!
During this trek, get a chance to see the peaks of Neelkanth, Mana, Kamet, Ghodi, Trishul, Chaukhamba etc, Tali Lake, Verdant forest and more!
During summer the temperature range is 19 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius. Compared to this, the winters are pleasant with a temperature range of 12 degrees Celsius to -8 degrees Celsius. Mid-September to November beginning is considered to be the best time for this trek.
Trekkers consider this trek to be an adventure through and through as it is replete with every kind of adventure. At times, people have witnessed leopard footprints, bear footprints while on the walk. This trek is not considered to be that difficult. However, it wouldn’t be recommended to the faint-hearted. For those waiting for that zest in your life, go for it!
Trek # 6 Dayara Bugyal Trek
Dayara Bugyal Winter Trek
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 4-5 days
Area: Taknaur Range, Uttarakhand.
Closest City/Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
This particular trek is one of the shorter treks of the Himalayas. It is appropriate for beginners as no prior trekking experience is needed because it is an easy level trek.
Trekkers start their trail in Barsu village from where the trail descends to Raithal then concluding the trek at Dayara Bugyal. The altitude found during this trek is about 3050 km thus making it an easy hike. This particular trek is famous for its scenic meadows and gorgeous valleys.
Being a trekking destination that is 3000 km elevated, the place is usually snow-laden. This is why there are no lodging areas like hotels or guesthouses found at the top. For sleeping purposes, people are encouraged to carry their tents and sleeping bags.
As this is a comparatively easy trek, hikers can manage to carry the weight of the tents and sleeping bags.
The words Dayara Bugyal mean high altitude meadows thus indicating the rich pastoral life found in this region. There is an abundance of cattle producing lots of fresh milk and this is why the area celebrates an annual Butter festival.
The intention of having this festival every year is to show gratitude towards this high-fertility land and for thanking the gods for keeping the cattle safe. This festival also witnesses a butter holi. This one-of-a-kind festival is seen from 16th to 18th August each year.
The best time to visit this place is from May to November. Most prefer visiting the trek during winter months when the weather conditions are pleasant with a temperature range that extends from 6 degrees Celsius to 22 degrees Celsius.
Trek # 7 Rupin Pass Trek
Rupin Pass Winter Trek
Difficulty: Difficult
Time Required: 6-7 days
Area: Sangla, Himachal Pradesh.
Closest City/Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
Rupin Pass trek is one of the treks renowned for its difficulty. This Himalayan trek is as beautiful as it is difficult. The destination is thus the incentive for all the trekkers to cover the journey. This trail takes 6-7 days for competition.
Dehradun is the nearest railway station for this trek and Jolly Grant Airport is the closest domestic airport. A small village named Jiskun marks the starting point of the trek in Uttarakhand. The end of the trek is at Sangla in Himachal Pradesh.
The numerous reviews on trekking websites have made it clear that this trek is definitely worth all the hype. Being a difficult climb, it is replete with scenic views.
The first half an hour into the trip gets you to the gorgeous Rupin River. There are different landscapes like colourful hamlets, lush meadows, snow-clad bridges, icy valleys and so many graceful waterfalls! Every step into the trek gets you to face a different scenery.
As this is a difficult trek, it would not be advisable for first-timers. A physical examination prior to the trek is also recommended. The best time to visit this place is in summer from May to June and then post-monsoons from September to October.
Many recommend for people to go for this trek during the latter period when the climate and weather conditions being pleasant and wintry, add to the experience. This period is famous for its gorgeously coloured morning skies, astounding mountain ranges having the perfect combination of green and white due to the lush greenery and the icy snow, clear, starry nights and serene clue rivers and lakes. This place is truly a photographer’s delight.
Trek # 8 Snow Leopard Trek
Leh Winter Trek
Difficulty: Moderate
Time Required: 6-7 days
Area: Hemis National Park, Leh.
Closest City/Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport.
Snow Leopard trek is one of the most sought-after treks of India. Amid the snow-laden peaks of Ladakh and inside the Hemis National Park is where you get to see the maximum concentration of snow leopards.
This surreal place is a spectacular area for staying close to nature and being surrounded by actual wildlife. This one-of-a-kind trek is a great opportunity for all nature lovers to combine the activity of trekking and wildlife viewing. Apart from the snow leopards, one can also find rare species of Blue Sheep, Ibex, Tibetan Hare, Golden Eagle, Wild Horse, Yaks, Red Billed Chuff etc.
The best time to visit this place would be from December to March as that is the time you find these high-altitude beasts the most. It is an easy to moderate level trek if one considers only the altitude aspects.
The area of snow leopards in Hemis national Park spreads for about 600 sq km and is mostly in the valley region of Rumbak and Markha. Situated in the eastern part of Ladakh, this trail is truly one of the most desired ones.
Apart from the snow leopards, one can see the scenic beauty of the majestic Himalayas, explore the diversely rich flora and fauna of the place, make the most of the highly-acclaimed cuisine and hospitality of Ladakhis.
Ladakh also has architecturally rich places of worship, mostly Buddhist monasteries which are enough to wow you.
As this trek is a culmination of wildlife, places of religious and historical importance, with a very rich cuisine, it makes for a great trekking destination.
Make sure you visit this place in winter when there is a higher chance of spotting snow leopards. The temperatures can be a factor that needs to be considered as the lowest recorded temperature is around – 25 degrees Celsius and the approximate temperature range is 6 degrees Celsius to – 25 degrees Celsius.
Trek # 9 Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarnkantha Winter Trek
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time Required: 5- 6 days.
Area: Sankri, Uttarakhand.
Closest City/Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
Uttarakhand’s Govind Pashu Vihar National Park is where the Kedarkantha trek takes place. It is a trek that is equally favoured by beginners and pros of the trekking community.
The climb is not the easy part of this hike. The mountain that is to be scaled is extremely steep and during the first 3 days of the six-day trek, you tend to climb around 6000 ft in altitude.
Kedarkantha is a stand-alone mountain due to which there are multiple ways to reach the peak. If you are a beginner, you can choose a way that is the easiest to scale with not very steep slopes.
If you are someone who has been trekking for a long time and is looking for a challenge, choose a steep part to scale the mountain and make sure you start the trek in the core winter season when the place witnesses its freshest snow.
For a trek that starts with pleasantly cool mornings and ends with freezing chilly cold, make a winter trip out of Kedarkantha.
This place sees maximum cold from the end of December to mid-February. The temperature recorded covers a huge bracket. It can be anything from 10 degrees Celsius to temperatures lower than -5 degrees Celsius. One reason to avoid core winter months would be that snowfall tends to cause a blockage in the area which may lead to a delay or postponing of the plan.
Terrain wise the place is marked to be extremely safe however the right amount of winter and hiking gear should be carried. This trek is a sight to marvel at even before it starts. The path that takes you to Sankri is breathtaking. It is covered with pine forests, and one can truly appreciate the beauty of nature by looking at pine, deodar and oak trees during the trip. Kedarkantha is also renowned for its dramatic sunsets that paint the skies in the most beautiful colours.
This place is inaccessible only in July and August however, to make the most out of what this area has to offer, go for a winter trek.
Saini Krishnamurthy, an education consultant, has completed her basic mountaineering course from HMI. She dreams of living in Sankri. Look at what she had to say-
“Located at 6400 feet, Sankri marks the end of the road head. The beauty of the forests and nature lies beyond. Saini and her friends stayed in a local homestay for the night. The hospitality and warmth of the mountain folks are legendary. Although they stay in villages, their lifestyles are way ahead of folks dwelling in the cities.
Self-sufficiency is at the very core of their way of life. They grow food in their fields, rear cows and sheep, make their own shawls and more. The man of the house reminisced memories of constructing the wooden house with his own hands.
Plastered with a mixture of cow dung and mud, these homes are temperature regulating. There is a science behind building their homes over 2 levels. The ground floor is used for housing their cows, stacks of hay and firewood. The heat generated passes on to the top floor where they have the family stays.”
Saini remembers the dinner served with fresh ghee made on the same day.
Tahseen, a trekker since 2009 has done her basic and advanced mountaineering course. She is an outdoor instructor who considers the mountains to be her first love. She describes Kedarkantha as follows-
“The trail from Sankri starts with forests of Pine, Oak and Bamboo trees. The Pine trees are covered with snow. We tapped the trees with our trekking poles and there were showers of snow like we see in the movies. The beauty of a slow-motion shot seen in person” shares Tahseen. One of the best parts about the Kedarkantha trek is the massive clearings, also called bugyal or small meadows. During winter, they get covered in snow, painting a canvas of picturesque snowscapes.”
Trek # 10 Friendship Trek
Friendship Winter Trek
Difficulty: Moderate
Time Required: 5-6 days
Area: Manali, Himachal Pradesh.
Closest City/Airport: Kullu Manali Airport, Bhuntar.
Pankaj Chipu, an avid mountaineer, shares his favourite winter trek with us.
“It is a moderate level trek in Manali that has its start in Solang Nallah valley. Walking through the lush mountains of Manali, get a chance to make the most of its beauty in this 5-6 day trek.
Bhuntar airport is the closest airport to this trek. It is a 24 km trek that is recommended to be done in the period between September end to October beginning. The lowest temperature recorded is around -10 degrees Celsius”
The best summertime for visiting is in April and May and the best time in winter as mentioned is from October to early December.
While talking about the usp of this trek look at what he had to say-
“The trek gives you an experience of a 5000m+ peak, as you pass through the lush green valley and thick forest and set up your camp at lady leg, after which you set up your summit camp at around 3500m going forward for the summit you experience a drop in temperature and gain in elevation while trekking on snow.”
When asked about what makes this your favourite trek he said-
“Being a moderate trek it gives you a whole lot of experience on how to do other high altitude treks, it also prepares you to use a vivid type of equipment.”
Trek # 11 Hampta Pass trek
Hampta Pass Winter Trek
Difficulty: Moderate
Time Required: 2-3 days
Area: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.
Closest City/Airport: Kullu Manali Airport, Bhuntar.
Sangke Konyak described his experience-
“Hampta Pass Trek is a trek of moderate level scaling located in Himachal Pradesh. It consists of a corridor that starts from Chandra valley in Lahaul to Kullu valley in Himachal. A drive to Jobra in Manali marks the starting point of this trek. It is a mini 2-3 day trail that is best done from June to October. The lowest temperature recorded during this time is – 15 degrees Celsius.”
This trek marks its beginning in the Prini village of Hampta Pass range. During this trek, you will find yourself in changing landscapes. From the greens of Kullu to the aridness of Spiti. There are around two water crossings during the course and most of the trek is done next to flowing waters thus catering to your auditory senses. Don’t forget to carry the necessary rainwear!
Trek # 12 Sethan dome trek
Sethan Dome Winter Trek
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time Required: 4-5 days
Area: Hamta village, Himachal Pradesh.
Closest City/Airport: Kullu Manali Airport, Bhuntar.
This trek is also known as the Hamta snow trek. It is an easy to moderate level trek which is why it would be a great option for beginners. India’s very first igloo hotels are located here in the village of Sethan in Manali.
Sethan trek has lush green mountains, Jobri waterfalls, valleys, rocks and boulders. There is also an option of a zip line near Hampta valley. Other winter activities to be done here can be skiing, rock climbing, snowboarding and more.
Look at what Ravi Thakur, Founder of Himalayan Caravan Adventure had to say about the trek-
“ It is a trek with its starting point in Manali which is a drive with a 4×4 vehicle towards Sethan village. One starts trekking with snowshoes on till whatever point the vehicle reaches, to the mountain hut. After that, explore the beautiful village of Sethan.”
Packing tips for winter trek
When it comes to adventure and sports activities like trekking or hiking, it is important to plan well in advance. However, spur of the moment the decision of trek may be, allot proper time for researching the kind of gear that is required. Look at reviews before making a purchase.
Kosha Winter Layers
The packing of winter apparel and trek equipment may be the most important part of the journey. Hasty decisions which are not thought over enough often tend to make you compromise on the quality of the product.
Lack of research means that you end up buying the first thing you see and therefore you are at a considerable disadvantage in finding something of better quality and cheaper.
While packing for a trek, make sure that the kind of equipment you pack is light and easy to carry. Depending upon the kind of trek you end up choosing, there is a possibility that you will be scaling peaks for days together.
Even with frequent breaks, it becomes a tedious task to walk with the added weight of the equipment. Trekking without luggage drains you out, combine it with a load of a heavy bag and you end up with too much weight on your shoulders (literally).
While looking at the kind of winter clothing you carry, make sure they are compressible as well. Based upon the kind of trek you are embarking upon; it is indeed a difficult decision to understand what to wear during treks.
Treks and hikes in general require a lot of physical activity (mostly scaling). This in turn means that there has to be breathability in the clothing that allows a person to have the free flow of movements.
The activity of climbing steep hills and peaks which generally have narrow pathways is scary enough. Why have the tiny stressor at the back of your mind that says ‘Your winter pants are about to tear?’ I hope this doesn’t happen with any one of us but why even keep a space for the possibility?
Every trip is an investment and it is upon you to choose wisely. Make a conscious and responsible decision while putting in money. Do not hesitate to buy good quality winter clothing because it is costly. Similarly, do not spend exorbitantly just because of the brand name, they may or may not meet your expectations.
When it comes to winter clothing, Layering is something everyone should know of. Layering means knowing and wearing the correct layers of winter clothing by taking into account the outside temperature and your resistance to cold.
The three main layers are base layers, mid-layers and outerwear or shell layers. The winter accessories constitute the fourth layer.
To make the most out of your winter apparel, wear them in layers. The innermost layer is called the base layer. This is generally worn inside your clothes. The base layer, being the layer that is in constant touch with your body, has two key functions. It has to store the body heat and prevent it from escaping.
Best Thermal Wear India
You can check out merino wool thermals for men here.
You can check out merino wool thermals for women here.
It also has to make sure that the chilly winds found outside do not enter the base layers through any openings. Due to this reason, base layers are skin-tight in their fitting (doesn’t mean you go buy one size smaller)
Kosha has a great collection of base layers made from thermal material. Merino wool is one of the finest fabrics out there. These base layers are made from a combination of merino wool and bamboo which makes them super soft giving out a cushiony texture while also having other qualities like being moisture-wicking, odour free, and itch-free for the consumers.
Warm Pullovers & Sweatshirts
You can check out neat sweaters for men here | For women here
You can check out comfy sweatshirts for men here | For women here
You can check out stylish pullovers for men here | For women here
The second is the mid-layers. Mid-layers are worn over your regular clothing. They comprise garments like hoodies, pullovers, sweaters and sweater vests among other things. These mid-layers are an addition to the existing clothing when the temperature dips lower.
Mid-layers can also be worn on their own in situations of our regular life like during office hours, or even house parties. Mid-layers give out a cool and casual vibe and thus can be worn in multiple places making them a versatile choice of winter clothing.
Kosha Winter Jackets
You can check out warm jackets for men here
You can check out warm jackets for women here
Outerwear includes winter jackets, winter coats, parkas etc. These are required in places of extreme cold. Depending on one’s resistance to cold and the place and time of visit, a suitable selection of winter outerwear can be made.
Puffer jackets are a preferred choice as they suit most weather conditions. They have their shortcomings and can be replaced by parkas and faux-fur coats in some cases.
Kosha’s range of puffer jackets, fleece-lined puffer jackets and parkas is something one should look into. The puffer jackets have a wide range of features and are about mid-waist in length.
The parkas are a little lengthier as they reach knee level. Both these winter gears have their strong points and qualities so make sure you note down all the pros and cons and compare the two before deciding.
Last but not the least, winter accessories are a very important part of winter clothing and apparel. It is also known as the fourth layer (informally). One should have their winter accessories in place before planning on an adventure trek.
Animal friendly gloves and woolen cap
Scarves, mufflers, winter gloves, winter socks, beanies, monkey caps, earmuffs etc are all pretty important. The normal narrative of winter apparel may be purely biased towards aesthetic purposes but winter accessories have great importance.
Their key function is to make sure they cover the otherwise exposed area of the body. Scarves cover the neck region, gloves cover the hands, socks cover and protect the feet, beanies and monkey caps shield the head and cover the ears and so on.
You can check out merino wool accessories for men here.
You can check out merino wool accessories for women here.
These areas of the body are mostly left unprotected. Places like the ears and the neck area are great places for the cold air to seep in. This is why these accessories bring a lot of difference when it comes to providing insulation.
Now that you are somewhat aware of layering (hopefully), make sure you plan your winter clothes accordingly. Take into account the place and time of the visit and then go forward with the packing process.
Difficult treks that last for more than 6-7 days need you to carry light winter gear. Some treks do not have lodging facilities and need you to carry your tents and sleeping bags. In such cases, the load increases even further. Plan religiously and begin with the packing only after you thoroughly understand these factors.
The research process always comes first. Only after proper planning and purchasing of necessary garments can you then move on to looking at lodging facilities, tour packages and other important tasks.
If one comes to the specifics of what is to be carried to a trek then the following should be noted. Rainwear is crucial in the case of particular treks. If it is too much load, you can always carry a waterproof winter jacket and waterproof winter pants.
Shoes that provide enough support are also necessary. Breathable and waterproof shoes should be invested in. Try and prepare your feet, get used to the shoes in advance. When you go for a jog, a run, or any kind of walking to prepare for the trek, wear these shoes and try them out, get comfortable and break into the shoes to avoid any chances of blisters or shoe bites.
A good quality backpack is also something essential. Make sure that the bag you choose distributes the weight equally and does not put additional weight on your shoulders. Purchasing a backpack that is of the shape of your body will help in this matter. Having a rain cover for the backpack is also an added benefit.
Carry the necessary winter layers that are mentioned before. Also, pack the kind of nightwear that suits the kind of weather and climatic conditions you will visit during the trek.
Don’t forget equipment like mosquito repellants, moisturizing creams, band-aids etc.
After reading all of this, planning a trek can seem to be a daunting, overwhelming task. Worry not, we are here to answer all your queries!
Safety tips for winter trek
Trekking can be one of the most difficult things one does in their lifetime. If done properly, they can also be the most rewarding things you do.
Planning, researching and decision making are all tested during this activity. Trekking plans start when one out of a group of friends is struck by immense boredom and decides to get the rest of the gang to their boredom level. Then all the enthusiasts begin the planning usually by spamming all text groups.
Some overly excited leaders of the gang take up the initiative and call their friends to help ease the planning process. After days or even weeks of planning, looking at trip planners, deciding upon a place that suits all (most) and looking at everyone’s availability …. a date is fixed.
It is around this time that some members cancel the plan which for some reason is not a surprise to the rest.
After this tiring process is over, the ones still intact and interested in the trek or hike come together and plan a trek. After looking at various tour planners, trekking destinations and travel packages a suitable trek is decided.
After this, the members of the group start their personal planning and research. The various areas to be considered here are winter clothing and accessories, lodging and boarding facilities, modes and ways of travelling, and then the budget and expenses.
After this stage is done and the day of the trek comes near, it dawns upon everyone to mentally and physically prepare themselves for the journey. The adrenaline-inducing thought becomes a reality and every member begins their preparation.
When it comes to trekking, most of the treks require a medical examination done before the trek. This means that the authorities concerned need to know if everyone is physically fit to carry on with this trek.
People with pre-existing illnesses like asthma, diabetes, or anything that requires careful attention and alterations in the travel itinerary are to be considered.
Stamina is a factor that needs to be considered the most while planning a trek.
Most treks have a disclaimer that requires stamina and strength based on the number of Kilometers. For instance, the AB trek requires that the person can easily walk for 5 km in an hour. This information is usually mentioned on the website of trek planning companies. If not, contact the concerned authority.
Worry not, stamina and strength is something that can be increased if necessary efforts are put into it. If it is difficult for you to meet the speed required, it doesn’t mean it has to be that way till the day of the trek.
Go for a morning and evening jog, spend more than the normal amount of time on the treadmill, add some Surya namaskars to your existing routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
The common question of the preparation is answered below –
Best Winter Treks in India
What fitness preparation should I do before the trek?
Walk daily! And make sure you cover at least 4-5 kilometres every day. Try to cover this distance in a period of 45 minutes to one hour and you’re good to go. Go for a run, jog, brisk walk and get that stamina improved.
Pranayama or other breathing exercises will also help a long way in developing the kind of thick skin that is needed. An insider trick that I know of is that yogasanas often make people used to low oxygen levels.
Pranayamas show you how to use your lung capacity to its fullest. Thus, they teach you how to breathe in places with low oxygen levels. While going to high altitude regions, this is a sure-shot technique that will come to use. This trick will also help you battle altitude sickness.
Another trick to be kept up your sleeve is stretching! Stretching at the end of the day after every trek reduces your chances of injury and even fatigue.
This will not only give you physical strength, but it will also give you mental strength in the form of confidence. And forget not, trek or no trek, exercising is always a good thing!
What winter clothing to buy?
When it comes to buying winter clothing, make sure you don’t compromise on the quality of winter apparel. The items you don and carry need to be reliable. One more important winter clothing is winter shoes.The importance of having good quality shoes cannot be stressed enough.
Trekking means that all or at least most of the work is done by your feet. In such circumstances, the only thing protecting your feet should also be reliable. Proper socks that are compatible with your shoes are also a necessary safety precaution.
You can check out winter socks for men here
You can check out winter socks for women here
In addition to this, look into the geography of the place. Be informed of all the natural conditions that the region tends to see. In the case of winter treks, the snow factor should also be considered.
Heavy snowfall can lead to landslides and unfavourable conditions. These often postpone the trek but none of it is certain. These can also occur during the trek for which one must be prepared. Carry the proper first aid and the proper winter gear that will help you through this. The guide or the planners may have these materials handy but it is never wrong to be prepared.
Untimely rains are also something that the world has been seeing more of these days due to climate change. It is upon us to pack taking into consideration the possibility of rains or even storms in extreme cases.
Carrying waterproof winter apparel would be the best solution for this issue as it would solve the problem of carrying extra weight while making sure you are saved from the rains.
What are some of the planning tips for a winter trek?
Only by preparing for the worst can you have a stress-free trek experience.
Planning a trek to its fruition can be a handful indeed. One has thousands of things to keep in mind. This is why looking at numerous other things is also important. Looking at different trek planners is essential.
For this look for reviews and Instagram pages with online websites and journals. Look at the lodging facilities and the kind of food served. Also, take someone approachable to be your trek planner as you might need to reach out to them plenty of times prior to or during the trip.
Also, take into account that trekking is a group experience, so make sure you have a group ready when you embark upon this journey.
Even if you are a solo traveller, fret not. You will most definitely find a great group of individuals with whom you then can stay in touch.
The treks mentioned in this list are only the tip of the iceberg. There are so many different kinds of treks that one can experience. A few of the famous ones are Prashar Lake trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Kareri Lake trek, Bhrigu Lake trek, Dun winter trek, snow trek and the most famous of them all the Everest trek.
Everest being something that is written a lot about, is not mentioned in this blog. It needs a blog of its own. Many set out to make this dream come true and spend years planning it out. If you’re one of the Everest aspirants, start small.
Plan step by step. It is okay if you manage to reach just the Everest base camp during your first attempts. Put time and effort into the kind of research such serious journeys need. Even while looking at trek reviews, it is evident that attention to winter clothing is very essential.
Check out Kosha’s store in Khar (west) Mumbai to check out Kosha’s winter collection yourself. If you find yourself confused or in a conflict when it comes to winter clothing, drop by Kosha’s store in Khar and get yourself a free consultation!
You can also visit Kosha’s website here and look at all the winter apparel and accessories yourselves.
Happy trekking!
This blog article is written by Kosha Team Member – Sanika Totade.
