10 Must Do Winter Treks in Uttarakhand 2024-25

Uttarakhand, the Land of Gods, transforms into a winter wonderland from December to March, attracting trekkers from around the globe. Snow-covered peaks, frozen lakes, and serene forests create a magical setting, perfect for adventure seekers and spiritual wanderers alike. If you want to explore Uttarakhand in its most enchanting form, here are the 10 best winter treks you must experience in the 2024-25 season.

• Chopta Chandrashila trek
• Dayara Bugyal
• Kuari pass trek
• Brahmatal trek
• Kedarkantha trek
• Nag Tibba trek
• Chirbatiya trek
• Deoban weekend trek
• Bagji bugyal trek
• Binsar trek

Altitude: 12100 Ft.

Duration: 5 Days

Grade: Easy to Moderate

TheChopta Chandrashila Trek is where breathtaking beauty meets spiritual serenity, it is nestled in the hearts of the Himalayas and tops the list of best winter treks in Uttarakhand. It offers a stunning view of the Garhwal and Kumaon ranges. Before reaching Chandrashila the summit, you will cross Tunganath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world, that provides not only a spiritual experience but also a sense of accomplishment like no other.

With TTH you get to experience the beauty of Deoriatal along with chopta and Tunganath. Deoriatal is surrounded by pristine snow in winter and transforms into a winter wonderland with reflections of the Chaukhamba peaks on the frozen lake, offering a picturesque location. Even if you are a seasonal trekker the Chopta Tunganath trek promises an exhilarating journey full of beauty, making it a must-visit destination for a winter trek.

Major Attractions– The highest Shiva temple, Tunganath is one of the major attractions of the trek. Many people come here to seek blessings of Lord shiva, or also as a part of the Panch Kedar Trek. Another major attraction is the serene views throughout the trek. The trek has beautiful meadows that remain covered in snow during winters and the view from the Chandrashila summit is the highlight of the trek, you get a 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges.

Altitude: 12,100 ft

Duration: 6 Days

Grade: Easy

Experience the enchanting beauty of Dayara Bugyal, situated at an altitude of 12,100 ft in the Uttarakhand Himalayas. It is one of the most scenic winter treks in Uttarakhand and one of the best treks in December. It takes you through vast snow-covered meadows that seem to stretch endlessly. It provides a serene and peaceful escape, especially during winter when the meadows are blanketed in snow. As you ascend the trail through dense forests of oak and pine, it offers you a serene escape from the city hustle.

Highlight of the trek- The highlight of the trek is the breathtaking panoramic view from Dayara Bugyal, where you can witness majestic snow-capped peaks. Dayara Bugyal provides a gradual yet rewarding climb suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. Whether you seek adventure, peace, or a chance to capture stunning photographs, the Dayara Bugyal trek is a must-do snow trek in December

Altitude: 12,750 ft

Duration: 6 Days

Grade: Moderate

Kuari Pass Trek also known as the Curzon Trail, is a beautiful winter trek in Uttarakhand that takes you through the heart of the Himalayas. The trek is renowned for its awe-inspiring views of snow-capped peaks and snow-loaded trails that allow you to soak yourself in the snowy beauty of the Himalayas. As you make your way through the pass, you will feel the beauty and thrill of adventure with every step while you cross an ever-changing landscape of snow-covered forests and serene meadows.

The trek takes you through ancient oak forests, across frozen rivers, and to the breathtaking point of Kuari Pass, where the panoramic views of Mt Nanda Devi, Mt. Dronagiri, and other towering peaks are simply spellbinding. Perfect for both seasoned and beginners, the Kuari pass promises a momentous experience, blending the beauty of nature with the joy of exploration.

Specialty of the Trek- The trek is known for its breathtaking views. It is one of the best winter treks in Uttarakhand, it will keep you entertained with changes in terrains and scenery, and it has well-defined trails and perfect spots for camping.

Health Requirements- The trek is moderate in difficulty grade, but the well-defined trails make it a beginner-friendly trek. The trekker should be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 35 minutes without stress. He/ she should be able to carry a 10-15 kg backpack.