Winter is the season when trekking in Uttarakhand feels most like an expedition, without needing expedition skills. From mid-December to March the Garhwal Himalaya gets its snow, the skies are at their clearest, and trails that are green in summer become white forests, frozen lakes and snow summits. This guide ranks the 12 best winter treks in Uttarakhand for 2026-27, with the altitude, days, difficulty, snow months and cost of each, plus honest notes from a team that leads trekking in Uttarakhand every season from our base in Rishikesh.
Uttarakhand has some of the best winter treks in India, and from December to March its trails turn into easy-to-reach snow adventures. The most popular winter treks in Uttarakhand are Kedarkantha, Brahmatal, Kuari Pass, Chopta – Tungnath – Chandrashila, Dayara Bugyal, Har Ki Dun, Gulabi Kantha, Nag Tibba, Deoriatal Lake, Dodital, Ranital, Kunjapuri Sunrise. Most start from Dehradun or Rishikesh, need 2 to 8 days, and suit first-timers with basic fitness.
What makes winter trekking here special is how quickly you reach the snow. A night’s drive from Dehradun puts you in villages like Sankri, Lohajung or Chopta, and within a day or two of walking you are camping in snow-laden oak and pine forest, crossing frozen lakes and standing on summits facing Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Bandarpunch and Swargarohini. The trails are well established, local Garhwali teams run them all winter, and most are rated easy to moderate.
The trade-off is the cold: nights at the higher camps drop to −5°C to −10°C, days are short, and heavy snowfall can block roads or passes for a day or two. Pick a trek that matches your fitness, travel with a team that carries microspikes and proper tents, and keep a buffer day. The comparison table and the trek-by-trek notes below will help you choose.
Use this table to shortlist by altitude, number of days and difficulty. Click a trek name to jump to its details.
| Trek | Max altitude | Days* | Difficulty | Snow / best months | Base | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kedarkantha | 12,500 ft | 6 | Easy–Moderate | Dec–Mar | Sankri | Enquire |
| Brahmatal | 12,250 ft | 6–8 | Easy–Moderate | Late Dec–Feb | Lohajung | WWE trek |
| Kuari Pass | 12,000 ft | 6–8 | Moderate | Dec–Mar | Ghat / Joshimath | WWE trek |
| Chandrashila | 13,100 ft | 3–5 | Easy–Moderate | Late Dec–Mar | Chopta | WWE trek |
| Dayara Bugyal | 12,000 ft | 5 | Easy | Late Nov–Mar | Raithal / Natin | Enquire |
| Har Ki Dun | 11,700 ft | 7 | Moderate | Dec–Mar | Sankri / Taluka | WWE trek |
| Gulabi Kantha | 13,200 ft | 5–6 | Moderate | Dec–Mar | Hanuman Chatti | Enquire |
| Nag Tibba | 9,915 ft | 2 | Easy–Moderate | Late Dec–Feb | Pantwari | Enquire |
| Deoriatal | 8,000 ft | 1 | Easy | Jan–Feb | Sari | WWE combo |
| Dodital | 9,900 ft | 4–5 | Easy–Moderate | Jan–Feb | Agoda | Enquire |
| Ranital | Mid-hills | 4 | Easy–Moderate | Sep–Jun | Rishikesh | WWE trek |
| Kunjapuri | 5,500 ft | ½ | Easy | Oct–Mar | Rishikesh | WWE trek |
*Total days including travel from Dehradun or Rishikesh. “WWE trek” = we run it ourselves; “Enquire” = we arrange it on request via WhatsApp.
We started with the treks that Indian trekkers search for and book most in winter, checked them against the published route data of the major Uttarakhand trekking organisations, and then filtered them through our own field experience in Garhwal. Each trek on this list:
Altitudes and distances are rounded and vary slightly between sources and route variations. Snow depends on each year’s western disturbances, so treat the snow months as typical rather than guaranteed.
The first six are the high-altitude snow treks most people mean when they say “winter trek”. Treks 7 to 10 are quieter or shorter alternatives, and 11 and 12 are low-altitude options near Rishikesh for anyone who wants winter views without sub-zero camping.
If you only do one winter trek in Uttarakhand, most trekkers and most guides will point you to Kedarkantha. It is the classic December-to-March snow summit: a gentle climb through pine and oak forest from Sankri village, a frozen Juda ka Talab lake, snowy campsites, and a summit at about 12,500 ft with a 360° view of Swargarohini, Bandarpunch and Black Peak. The trail sits in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park area of Uttarkashi district, and it is the trek that most first-timers use to find out whether they love the snow.
| Max altitude | About 12,500 ft / 3,800 m |
|---|---|
| Trek days | 4 trekking days (6 days from Dehradun) |
| Trek distance | About 20 km |
| Difficulty | Easy–Moderate |
| Base village | Sankri, Uttarkashi (about 220 km / 9–10 hrs from Dehradun) |
| Snow months | Mid-December to March |
| Night temperature | −3°C to −10°C at the higher camps |
Our take: the summit push starts around 3–4 AM in the dark and the last stretch is steep on hard snow, so microspikes matter more than a fancy jacket. Kedarkantha is very popular from Christmas to New Year; if you can, go in mid-January or February for deeper snow and quieter camps.
Want to do Kedarkantha? We don’t list Kedarkantha as a fixed package. Tell us your dates and group size and we’ll arrange it with a vetted Sankri-based team, or suggest one of our own winter routes. Enquire on WhatsApp
Brahmatal is the winter trek for big mountain views. From Lohajung in Chamoli district, the trail climbs through rhododendron and oak forest to two frozen lakes, Bekaltal and Brahmatal, then follows a high ridge that faces Mt Trishul and Nanda Ghunti head-on. The summit ridge is at about 12,250 ft. Snow usually settles from late December and stays through February.
| Max altitude | About 12,250 ft / 3,734 m |
|---|---|
| Trek days | 4 trekking days |
| Trek distance | About 24 km |
| Difficulty | Easy–Moderate |
| Base village | Lohajung, Chamoli (a full-day drive from Rishikesh) |
| Snow months | Late December to February |
| Night temperature | −5°C to −10°C at the ridge camps |
From our trips: the ridge walk on the summit day is the reason to choose Brahmatal over Kedarkantha. Trishul looks close enough to touch at sunrise. Our groups leave Rishikesh for Lohajung, trek Bekaltal → Khabekhal → Brahmatal → Daldum → Lohajung, then come back down to the Ganga for two days of rafting from Byasghat to Rishikesh.
Trek it with us: Brahmatal Trek & Ganga Rafting Expedition, 7 nights / 8 days from Rishikesh, ₹32,000 per person (Rishikesh to Rishikesh, trek and rafting included). See Brahmatal dates & itinerary
Kuari Pass is the trek Lord Curzon made famous and the one with arguably the best view of any easy-to-moderate Himalayan trail: Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet, Hathi-Ghoda and Chaukhamba in one sweep from the pass at about 12,000 ft. The classic Curzon Trail starts near Ghat and crosses Garhwali villages, oak forest and big meadows before finishing at Auli and Joshimath. A shorter winter version starts from Auli/Dhak and goes up through Gorson Bugyal.
| Max altitude | About 12,000 ft / 3,658 m (Kuari Khal) |
|---|---|
| Trek days | 4–6 trekking days depending on route |
| Trek distance | About 30–40 km (Curzon Trail) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Base village | Ghat / Chefna (Curzon Trail) or Dhak near Joshimath (short route) |
| Snow months | December to March (deep snow can close the pass in late January) |
| Night temperature | −5°C to −8°C |
Good to know: in heavy-snow years the last 500 m to the pass can be waist-deep in January, so our leaders may turn the group at the ridge below and still give you the Nanda Devi view. December and late February are the most reliable months to cross.
Trek it with us: Kuari Pass Trek (Curzon Trail), 7 nights / 8 days from Rishikesh, ₹45,000 per person. Winter departures run on request, subject to snow on the pass. See Kuari Pass trek details
For a short trip with a big summit, nothing beats the Chandrashila trek. From Chopta (often called the mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand) you climb a stone path past Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world at about 3,680 m, to the Chandrashila summit at about 13,100 ft. The panorama covers Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Nanda Devi, Trishul and Bandarpunch. The route is inside the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the Himalayan monal, Uttarakhand’s state bird.
| Max altitude | About 13,100 ft / 4,000 m |
|---|---|
| Trek days | 2–3 trekking days (5 days from Rishikesh with Deoriatal) |
| Trek distance | About 5 km one way from Chopta |
| Difficulty | Easy–Moderate (steep but short) |
| Base | Chopta, Rudraprayag (about 200 km / 7–8 hrs from Rishikesh) |
| Snow months | Late December to March |
| Night temperature | −2°C to −8°C at Chopta |
Winter reality check: the Tungnath temple doors close for winter (the deity moves to Makkumath) and in heavy-snow weeks the road to Chopta can be blocked a few km short, so you may walk the last stretch from Duggalbitta or Baniyakund. The summit is still open and the snow is spectacular. Start the climb before dawn for a clear sunrise.
Trek it with us: Chandrashila, Tungnath, Deoriatal & Kartik Swami Trek, 4 nights / 5 days from Rishikesh, ₹18,000 per person. Winter batches on request. See Chandrashila trek package
Dayara Bugyal is one of the biggest high-altitude meadows in India, and in winter it turns into a rolling snowfield with Bandarpunch, Srikanth and Draupadi ka Danda on the skyline. The gradients are gentle, there are no exposed sections, and the forest camps are sheltered, which is why it is a favourite for families with older children and first-time snow trekkers. Trails start from Raithal, Barsu or Natin in Uttarkashi district.
| Max altitude | About 12,000 ft / 3,700 m (Dayara Top) |
|---|---|
| Trek days | 3–4 trekking days (5 days from Dehradun) |
| Trek distance | About 23–24 km |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Base village | Raithal / Natin / Barsu (about 180 km / 7–8 hrs from Dehradun) |
| Snow months | Late November to March |
| Night temperature | −5°C to −8°C |
Tip: the open meadows reflect a lot of sun, so snow glare is stronger here than in forested treks. Carry UV-protection sunglasses even on cloudy days, and bring gaiters for the soft snow.
Want to do Dayara Bugyal? We can arrange Dayara Bugyal as a private trek for families and friends’ groups. Send us your dates. Enquire on WhatsApp
Har Ki Dun, the “Valley of Gods”, is a cradle-shaped valley below Swargarohini and Black Peak, reached through the old wooden-house villages of Osla and Gangaad. Most people do it in autumn, but in winter the upper valley gets a thick snow cover and the villages are at their most atmospheric. It is longer and colder than Kedarkantha, so it suits trekkers with one Himalayan trek behind them.
| Max altitude | About 11,700 ft / 3,566 m |
|---|---|
| Trek days | 5 trekking days (7 days from Dehradun) |
| Trek distance | About 45–55 km round trip |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Base village | Sankri / Taluka, Uttarkashi |
| Snow months | December to March (upper valley) |
| Night temperature | −5°C to −10°C |
Winter note: after a big snowfall the last day into the valley can be hard going and some groups turn at Kalkattiyadhar. Book a flexible itinerary with a buffer day and you get the best of both: snow and village culture.
Trek it with us: Har Ki Dun Trek, 6 nights / 7 days from Dehradun, from ₹15,000 per person. Winter dates on request. See Har Ki Dun package
Tell us your dates, group size and trekking experience. Our trek leaders in Rishikesh will suggest the right trail, check snow and road conditions for your week and send a price, usually within an hour during the day.
Gulabi Kantha is the quieter alternative to Kedarkantha. Starting from Hanuman Chatti on the Yamunotri road, the trail climbs through oak and rhododendron to the Seema Thatch meadow camp and a summit at about 13,200 ft facing Bandarpunch and Kalanag. The snow here is known for lasting longer into spring than on many neighbouring trails.
| Max altitude | About 13,200 ft / 4,000 m |
|---|---|
| Trek days | 4 trekking days (5–6 days from Dehradun) |
| Trek distance | About 28 km |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Base village | Hanuman Chatti, Uttarkashi (about 180 km / 6–7 hrs from Dehradun) |
| Snow months | December to March |
| Night temperature | −5°C to −10°C |
Who it suits: trekkers who have done Nag Tibba or Kedarkantha and want a higher summit without the crowds.
Want to do Gulabi Kantha? Gulabi Kantha is not in our fixed calendar. Message us and we’ll plan it as a private trip. Enquire on WhatsApp
Nag Tibba (“Serpent’s Peak”) is the highest peak in the lesser Himalayan range of Garhwal and the go-to weekend snow trek from Dehradun, Mussoorie and Delhi. From Pantwari village it is a steady 2-day climb through oak forest to a summit at about 9,915 ft with views of Bandarpunch, Swargarohini, Kedarnath peak and the Gangotri group. Snow is likely from late December to February, but not guaranteed every weekend.
| Max altitude | About 9,915 ft / 3,022 m |
|---|---|
| Trek days | 2 days / 1 night |
| Trek distance | About 16 km round trip |
| Difficulty | Easy–Moderate |
| Base village | Pantwari (about 90 km / 3.5–4 hrs from Dehradun) |
| Snow months | Late December to February |
| Night temperature | −2°C to −6°C |
Plan it with: our list of 20 treks near Dehradun if you want other short trails on the same weekend.
Want to do Nag Tibba? We arrange Nag Tibba weekend trips with pickup from Dehradun or Rishikesh. Send your dates. Enquire on WhatsApp
Deoriatal is a small forest lake above Sari village, near Ukhimath, where Chaukhamba reflects in still water on a clear morning. It is only about 2.5–3 km from Sari, so it is the easiest snow lake in Uttarakhand and a perfect first day for families. Most people pair it with Chopta and Chandrashila (above), or with a Ganga rafting trip on the way back.
| Max altitude | About 8,000 ft / 2,438 m |
|---|---|
| Trek days | Half day to 1 day |
| Trek distance | About 2.5–3 km one way from Sari |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Base village | Sari, near Ukhimath, Rudraprayag |
| Snow months | January to February (light snow, cold every night) |
| Night temperature | −2°C to −5°C |
Tip: camp or stay a night at the lake area if permitted, or start at 5 AM; the reflection of Chaukhamba disappears once the wind picks up mid-morning.
Trek it with us: Chandrashila Trek & Ganga Rafting Expedition (Deoriatal, Chopta, Chandrashila plus 2 days of rafting), 5 days, ₹28,000 per person. See trek + rafting combo
Dodital is a high forest lake at about 9,900 ft, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ganesha and the source of the Assi Ganga. In winter the lake edges freeze and the oak, deodar and rhododendron forest around it fills with snow. It starts from Sangamchatti / Agoda, close to Uttarkashi, so the drive is shorter than for Sankri treks.
| Max altitude | About 9,900 ft / 3,024 m |
|---|---|
| Trek days | 3–4 trekking days |
| Trek distance | About 40 km round trip |
| Difficulty | Easy–Moderate |
| Base village | Sangamchatti / Agoda, near Uttarkashi |
| Snow months | January to February |
| Night temperature | −5°C to −8°C |
Note: the higher Darwa Pass extension is a summer–autumn route; in winter keep the plan to the lake.
Want to do Dodital? Ask us for a private Dodital trip with pickup from Rishikesh. Enquire on WhatsApp
Not everyone wants –10°C nights. Ranital is our own Tehri Garhwal trail that starts from Rishikesh with the Kunjapuri ridge, then walks through pine and oak forest and hill villages to a quiet forest lake, with snowy peaks on the horizon on clear winter days. Winter here means crisp, clear air and cold nights rather than deep snow, which makes it ideal for beginners, older trekkers and anyone short on time.
| Max altitude | Mid-hills (well below snowline in most weeks) |
|---|---|
| Trek days | 3 nights / 4 days from Rishikesh |
| Trek distance | Moderate daily walks of 4–6 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy–Moderate |
| Start | Rishikesh (pickup from our Tapovan office) |
| Best months | September to June |
| Night temperature | 2°C to 6°C in winter |
Why we like it in winter: clear views from Kunjapuri, almost no other groups on the trail and no long drive. It’s also the easiest way to try a multi-day trek before committing to a snow trek.
Trek it with us: Ranital Trek, 3 nights / 4 days from Rishikesh, ₹15,000 per person. See Ranital trek package
If you’re in Rishikesh for a weekend of rafting or camping, the Kunjapuri sunrise trek is the winter hike to add. You climb in the dark to the Shakti Peeth temple at about 1,676 m and watch the sun light up Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Chaukhamba and the Gangotri group. Winter mornings have the clearest views of the whole year. Read our Kunjapuri sunrise trek guide for timings and the route.
| Max altitude | About 5,500 ft / 1,676 m |
|---|---|
| Duration | Half day (early morning) |
| Distance | About 25 km from Rishikesh by road, then a short climb |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Start | Rishikesh / Tapovan |
| Best months | October to March for clear Himalayan views |
| Morning temperature | 4°C to 8°C in winter |
Another easy winter walk: the forest trail to Neelkanth Mahadev temple is pleasant in winter sun too.
Trek it with us: Kunjapuri Hike in Rishikesh, 1 day, ₹4,000 per person. Book Kunjapuri hike
| Month | Snow on trails | What to expect | Best picks |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | Light, patchy; more after mid-month | Clear skies, very cold nights, Christmas–New Year crowds on Kedarkantha | Kuari Pass, Brahmatal, Dayara Bugyal, Chandrashila |
| January | Deep and widespread | The coldest month; roads to Chopta or Sankri can close for a day after heavy snowfall | Kedarkantha, Brahmatal, Nag Tibba, Deoriatal |
| February | Deepest snow of the season | Longer days, fewer crowds, best snow photography | Kedarkantha, Gulabi Kantha, Dayara Bugyal, Dodital |
| March | Melting below 3,000 m; good snow above | Milder days; rhododendrons start to bloom on lower trails | Kedarkantha, Kuari Pass, Chandrashila, Har Ki Dun |
Prefer green meadows and wildflowers to snow? Read our guides to trekking in Uttarakhand in June and monsoon trekking in August, including the Valley of Flowers trek.
Kedarkantha or Dayara Bugyal: gentle gradients, sheltered camps, a summit or meadow full of snow.
Fitness: basic. Days: 5–6.
Brahmatal for Trishul, Kuari Pass for Nanda Devi, Chandrashila for a 360° panorama.
Fitness: good. Days: 5–8.
Nag Tibba from Dehradun, or Kunjapuri sunrise plus rafting from Rishikesh.
Fitness: basic. Days: 1–2.
Deoriatal with Chopta, Ranital, or Dayara Bugyal at an easy pace.
Fitness: basic. Days: 3–5.
Gulabi Kantha, Dodital or a winter Har Ki Dun.
Fitness: good. Days: 4–7.
Brahmatal or Chandrashila with 2 days of Ganga rafting on the way back to Rishikesh.
Fitness: good. Days: 5–8.
For the high treks (Kedarkantha, Brahmatal, Kuari Pass, Gulabi Kantha, Har Ki Dun), aim to jog 5 km in under 35 minutes, or climb 30 floors of stairs with a light backpack, before you go. Start training 4–6 weeks ahead. For Nag Tibba, Deoriatal, Ranital and Kunjapuri, regular walking is enough.
Forest and national-park entry permits are needed on most of these routes (for example in the Govind Pashu Vihar and Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary areas). A registered operator arranges them. Carry a government photo ID; many operators also ask for a basic medical fitness certificate for treks above 10,000 ft.
Layering works better than one heavy jacket. Pack these, and see our full trekking checklist before you go.
Down jackets, microspikes, gaiters and trekking poles can be rented in Dehradun, Rishikesh or at base villages like Sankri. Ask us when you book and we’ll arrange rental gear for you.
| Trip type | Typical cost per person | What’s usually included |
|---|---|---|
| 1-day hike near Rishikesh | ₹1,500–₹4,000 | Guide, transport, breakfast |
| Weekend trek (Nag Tibba) | ₹4,000–₹7,000 | Guide, tent stay, meals, permits |
| 5–6 day fixed-group snow trek | ₹8,500–₹15,000 from Dehradun | Trek leader, tents, meals, permits; transport often extra |
| Private / Rishikesh-start packages | ₹15,000–₹45,000 | Transport from Rishikesh, stays, meals, guide, permits; rafting in combo trips |
Extra costs to budget for: transport to the base village if not included (shared cabs to Sankri cost around ₹1,000–₹1,500 a seat), porter or mule for your backpack, gear rental and GST. Prices on this page are for 2026-27 and may change with group size and dates.
White World Expeditions has run treks, rafting and expeditions in the Garhwal Himalaya for 14+ years from our office in Tapovan, Rishikesh. When you book a winter trek with us you get:
Our winter-ready treks: Brahmatal (₹32,000, 8 days with rafting), Kuari Pass (₹45,000, 8 days), Chandrashila (₹18,000, 5 days), Har Ki Dun (₹15,000, 7 days), Ranital (₹15,000, 4 days) and the Kunjapuri hike (₹4,000). For Kedarkantha, Dayara Bugyal, Nag Tibba, Gulabi Kantha and Dodital, message us and we’ll plan a private trip.
Kedarkantha and Dayara Bugyal are the best winter treks in Uttarakhand for beginners. Both have gentle gradients, sheltered forest camps and reliable snow from late December to March. If you have only a weekend, Nag Tibba near Dehradun is the easiest snow trek, and Deoriatal near Chopta is an easy half-day snow lake walk.
The winter trekking season runs from mid-December to March. Snow usually settles on trails above 9,000 ft by late December, January and February have the deepest snow, and March brings milder days with snow still on the higher trails. December is best for clear views, February for deep snow and fewer crowds.
Kedarkantha, Gulabi Kantha, Brahmatal and Dayara Bugyal usually get the most reliable snow in January and February. Gulabi Kantha in particular is known for snow that lasts well into spring. Lower trails like Nag Tibba and Deoriatal get lighter, less predictable snow.
Daytime temperatures on the trail are usually 5°C to 12°C in the sun, but nights at the high campsites drop to −5°C to −10°C, and can go lower in a cold wave. Base villages like Sankri, Lohajung and Chopta are around −2°C to 2°C at night. A layered clothing system and a sleeping bag rated to −10°C are essential.
Both are easy-moderate 6-day snow treks at about 12,000–12,500 ft. Kedarkantha has a dramatic summit climb and the most reliable snow; Brahmatal has frozen lakes and a ridge walk with much closer views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. Choose Kedarkantha for a classic summit, Brahmatal for views and fewer crowds.
Yes. From Rishikesh the Kunjapuri sunrise trek takes half a day and has the clearest Himalayan views of the year in winter. For a 2-day snow trek, Nag Tibba is the closest option, about 3.5–4 hours from Dehradun. For 4–5 days, Ranital or the Chopta–Chandrashila trek with Deoriatal both start from Rishikesh.
Easy and moderate winter treks in Uttarakhand are safe when you go with a registered operator that has trained leaders, proper sub-zero tents and sleeping bags, microspikes, oxygen and a first-aid kit. The main risks are cold, slips on icy snow, altitude sickness and road closures after heavy snowfall, so acclimatise slowly, follow your leader and keep a buffer day.
The Tungnath temple doors close for winter after Diwali and reopen around May; during winter the deity is worshipped at Makkumath. The Chandrashila trek itself stays open in winter and is spectacular in the snow, though the road to Chopta can be blocked for a few days after heavy snowfall, adding a short walk.
A 5–6 day fixed-group snow trek like Kedarkantha or Dayara Bugyal typically costs ₹8,500–₹15,000 per person from Dehradun, often without transport. Private or Rishikesh-start packages cost ₹15,000–₹45,000 depending on the route and whether rafting is included. Weekend treks such as Nag Tibba cost about ₹4,000–₹7,000.
Pack thermal inners, a fleece, a down or padded jacket, waterproof jacket and pants, waterproof high-ankle trekking shoes, microspikes, gaiters, waterproof gloves, woollen socks, a balaclava, UV sunglasses, a headlamp, sunscreen and an insulated water bottle. Down jackets, microspikes and poles can be rented in Dehradun, Rishikesh or Sankri.
Winter batches fill fast around Christmas, New Year and the long weekends of January. Send us your dates and group size, and we’ll confirm availability, current snow conditions and the best trek for you, today.