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Snow trekking in India is an opportunity to experience the Himalayas in their most dramatic form, with trails winding through deep forests, frozen lakes, and towering peaks draped in thick snow. The ever-changing winter landscape, from snow-laden forests to vast open meadows, ensures every trek is both exciting and dynamic. The crisp mountain air, the crunch of snow underfoot, and the sight of sunlit mountains stretching endlessly create an adventure like no other. Some routes pass through quiet villages where life slows down in the winter, while others take you to high-altitude campsites with panoramic views of towering summits.
10 Places For Snow Trekking In India
If you’re ready to trade city life for icy trails and frozen landscapes, here are ten treks that showcase the magic of winter in the mountains:
1. Kedarkantha Trek
Photo: ShilpiC17 / Wikimedia Commons
Kedarkantha is one of the most popular winter treks in India, offering a scenic climb to 12,500 feet with breathtaking views of the snow-covered Himalayas. The 20km trek takes you through dense pine forests, vast open meadows, and frozen streams, eventually leading to the summit, which provides a stunning 360-degree view of peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. Starting from Sankri, a small village accessible from Dehradun, this trek is known for its well-marked trails, beautiful campsites, and the mesmerising golden sunrise that illuminates the surrounding peaks in a golden glow.
Ideal Trip Duration: 6 days
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station
2. Brahmatal Trek
Photo: Arijit95jitu / Wikimedia Commons
The Brahmatal Trek is a winter wonderland that offers uninterrupted vistas of the grand Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. The 24km trek, reaching an altitude of 12,250 feet, is covered in thick snow from December to March, creating a breathtaking contrast between the snowy landscapes and the dense oak and rhododendron forests. Unlike many other winter treks, Brahmatal offers panoramic views of the mountains even in peak winter, making it a great option for those who want to see snow-covered peaks up close.
Ideal Trip Duration: 6 days
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station
3. Dayara Bugyal Trek
Photo: Mike Prince / Wikimedia Commons
Dayara Bugyal, known for its expansive meadows, transforms into a stunning winter wonderland, making it one of the best beginner-friendly snow treks in India. The 28km trek, which reaches an altitude of 12,000 feet, remains covered in snow from December to March, offering breathtaking views of prominent peaks like Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and Srikanth. With gentle slopes, a relatively easy trail, and cosy wooden shelters for overnight stays, this trek is perfect for families and first-time trekkers who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas in winter.
Ideal Trip Duration: 5 days
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station
4. Sandakphu Trek
Photo: Firojali.art / Wikimedia Commons
Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal at 11,930 feet, is famous for offering one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the world’s tallest mountains, including Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. The 54km trek, which follows the India-Nepal border, gets covered in snow from December to February, making the journey even more lovely. This trek’s highlight is the sight of the Sleeping Buddha formation, where the snow-covered peaks align in a shape that resembles a reclining Buddha, creating an unforgettable visual treat at sunrise and sunset.
Ideal Trip Duration: 6 days
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station
5. Chopta Chandrashila Trek
Photo: Photos Worldwide / Wikimedia Commons
Chopta Chandrashila, often called the “Mini Switzerland of India,” is a mesmerising 20km trek that leads to the Chandrashila summit at 13,123 feet, passing through the stunning snow-covered meadows of Chopta. This trek, which remains covered in snow from December to March, is famous for offering breathtaking views of giants like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. The trail also takes you to Tungnath, the world’s highest Shiva temple (at 12,073 feet), which looks even more mystical when surrounded by snow.
Ideal Trip Duration: 5 days
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar Railway Station
6. Kuari Pass Trek
Photo: Hari4025 / Wikimedia Commons
The Kuari Pass Trek, also known as the Curzon Trail, is a classic winter trek that takes you to 12,516 feet, offering some of the most magnificent views of the mighty Nanda Devi, India’s second-highest peak. The 33km trek, which remains blanketed in snow from December to March, passes through ancient oak forests, vast snowfields, and charming high-altitude meadows like Gorson Bugyal. The route, which starts from Joshimath, is perfect for trekkers who love mountain views, as the trail constantly offers glimpses of towering peaks like Dronagiri, Kamet, and Chaukhamba.
Ideal Trip Duration: 6 days
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar Railway Station
7. Chadar Trek
Photo: Goutam1962 / Wikimedia Commons
The Chadar Trek, one of the most extreme winter treks in India, is a 62km journey across the frozen Zanskar River, where trekkers walk over thick ice while facing temperatures as low as -30°C. This trek, which is only possible in January and February, is a true test of endurance, requiring mental and physical strength to navigate the icy surface and freezing winds. Along the way, trekkers pass through dramatic gorges, frozen waterfalls, and remote Ladakhi villages that remain cut off from the rest of the world during winter.
Ideal Trip Duration: 9 days
Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station
8. Nag Tibba Trek
Photo: Paul Hamilton / Wikimedia Commons
Nag Tibba, meaning “Serpent’s Peak,” is one of the easiest and most accessible snow treks in the Himalayas, making it a perfect weekend getaway for those looking to experience trekking in winter. The 19km trek, which reaches an altitude of 9,915 feet, is covered in snow from December to February and offers breathtaking views of peaks like Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, and Gangotri. Starting near Mussoorie, the trek passes through dense forests and opens up to a beautiful ridge, where trekkers can camp under a sky full of stars, surrounded by snow-covered landscapes.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station
9. Auli Gorson Trek
Photo: Ashwani Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Auli, known as India’s top skiing destination, is also home to a beautiful 12km snow trek to Gorson Bugyal, a high-altitude meadow at 10,500 feet. The trail, which remains covered in snow from December to March, offers breathtaking views of Himalayan giants like Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Dronagiri. Unlike many treks, Auli is easily accessible by cable car from Joshimath, making it a great option for families and first-time trekkers. The gentle slopes of the meadow provide an excellent spot for enjoying winter activities, while cosy wooden lodges in Auli offer a warm retreat after a day in the snow.
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 days
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar Railway Station
10. Har Ki Dun Trek
Photo: Metanish / Wikimedia Commons
Har Ki Dun, often called the “Valley of Gods,” is a mesmerising trek that takes you deep into the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas, offering a perfect mix of snowy landscapes, ancient villages, and mythological significance. The 44km trek, which reaches an altitude of 11,675 feet, gets heavy snowfall from December to March, transforming the valley into a winter paradise. The trail follows the Tons River, passing through wooden houses, apple orchards, and thick pine forests before opening up to vast snowfields surrounded by sharp, pyramid-shaped peaks like Swargarohini.
Ideal Trip Duration: 7 days
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station
Snow trekking in India takes you through stunning winter landscapes, from dense pine forests and frozen lakes to high-altitude trails covered in fresh snow. The changing terrain, crisp air, and breathtaking views promise an exhilarating experience. Beginners and experienced trekkers can find routes that match their skill level. Book with TripXL for the best winter trekking experiences, guided tours, and seamless travel planning.
Cover Photo: Neha Maheen Mahfin / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
