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There’s something magical about trekking in December—the crisp, cool air, the serene silence of snow-dusted landscapes, and the feeling of having the trail all to yourself. As the year winds down, the mountains come alive with winter’s touch, offering a unique opportunity to explore nature’s beauty in a way that only the colder months can provide. Whether you’re hiking through frosty forests or scaling snow-capped peaks, trekking promises an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking views, quiet solitude, and the thrill of the season.
Trekking In December: Top 10 Picturesque Trails
Below is a list of adventurous trails for trekking in December. Whether you are a beginner or a professional trekker, these places to explore give a unique experience:
1. Nubra Valley
Photo: DarwIn / Wikimedia Commons
There are many trails along Nubra Valley, each taking trekkers to a different level of paradise. The famous trek happening at Nubra Valley is called Lasermo La Trek and trekkers not only get to see the snow-capped mountains but also experience the richness of Tibetan Culture. Individuals climb up to a height of 5400 metres. Another trek through Nubra Valley is from Phyang to Hunder. Lucky enough, trekkers spot camels roaming around the region.
Location: Nubra Valley, Ladakh, Leh, India
Difficulty Level: Moderate
2. Annapurna Circuit
Photo: S&B Vonlanthen / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Trekking in December at Annapurna Circuit offers a surreal experience in Nepal. December is the best time to go trekking as there are fewer people and clear views. Tea Houses along the route remain open and provide basic accommodations. Trekkers pass through the unexplored trails, lush jungles and valleys. This trek crosses two different river valleys and the pass reaches the highest point, Thorung La Pass at 5416 metres.
Location: Annapurna Circuit, Central Nepal
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
3. Sandakphu
Photo: Jędrzej Koralewski / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Sandakphu Trek in December is a winter wonderland. Trekkers get a clear view of snow, the Himalayas and massive valleys. Temperatures here drop to -10 degrees Celsius to -15 degrees Celsius. Sandakphu trek can be easily completed in 4-5 days. Individuals or groups are given options for both a guided trek or a self-guided trek. One of the key highlights of trekking in December at Sandakphu is the stellar sunset and sunrise in the eastern Himalayas.
Location: Sandakphu Mountain Range, West Bengal, India (accessible from Nepal too)
Difficulty Level: Easy – Moderate
4. Torres Del Paine
Photo: Yevgeniya Fedorova / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Trekking at Torres del Paine is one of the best recommendations for trekkers in the month of December. Trekkers get to experience warmth during the day and good trail conditions but with strong winds and great crowds. The peaks of the mountains around are totally snow-covered and offer a soothing experience. The temperature at the mountain summit ranges around 10 to 15 degrees celsius but drops significantly from 0 to 5 degrees celsius at night.
Location: Torres del Paine W Trek, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Difficulty Level: Moderately Difficult
5. Zanskar River
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons
Zanskar River Trek is also known as Chadar Trek and is among the most unique treks happening in India. This trek takes visitors on the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh. The river starts freezing in December. The ice is thick enough for a trek and trekkers can walk across the frozen Zanskar River. The temperature around the region drops below the freezing point.
Location: Zanskar River, Ladakh, India
Difficulty Level: Highly Difficult, Challenging
6. Everest Base Camp
Photo: Agnes Kwong / Wikimedia Commons
Everest Base Camp offers a challenging but rewarding experience. December is the best time to go trekking from the Everest Base Camp to the summit as there are fewer crowds and a soothing time. Trekkers can enjoy the snow-capped views of the mountains and the unique vegetation in the region.. Even the base camp is located at an altitude of 5364 metres so acclimatization is highly important for trekkers.
Location: Everest Base Camp, Nepal
Difficulty Level: Challenging
7. Mount Aconcagua
Photo: Fabrizio Conti / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Trekking to this mountain peak is during the month of December, which is the official climbing season of Mount Aconcagua and offers potentially stable weather and a thrilling experience. There are strong winds but professional mountaineers and trekkers can easily make it through. A trek to this mountain is one of the most adventurous things to do as Mount Aconcagua is among the seven summits of the world. The trekking routes of this mountain are from the South and South West Ridges.
Location: Mount Aconcagua, Andes mountain range, Mendoza Province, Argentina
Difficulty Level: Highly Challenging
8. Mount Kenya
Photo: Dennis Zhang / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Mount Kenya usually experiences a dry season from the month of December to March. Trekkers can spot great wildlife, a variety of bird species and unique vegetation. The trekking routes take individuals and groups from lush green forests on the lowlands to areas with dense forests near the summit. Mount Kenya is not just one peak but a cluster of peaks, spirals, summits and rugged terrains which look captivating as you get closer.
Location: Mount Kenya, Central Kenya
Difficulty Level: Moderately Challenging
9. Kedarkantha
Photo: Sanket Barik / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Kedarkantha Trek in December offers a mind-blowing winter adventure in India. Trekking on this mountain is a popular choice for thrill seekers as the trails are snow-covered and they offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The pine trees, alpine forests, and fir trees are totally covered with snow. The trek to Kedarkantha starts from a village in Uttarakhand called Sankri. The duration of December trekking is usually 4 to 6 days yet it depends on the trek route chosen.
Location: Kedarkantha Base Camp, Uttarakhand
Difficulty Level: Easy – Moderate
10. Kanchenjunga
Photo: Jackman Chiu / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Trekking in Kanchenjunga during December is a challenging task to accomplish. The weather conditions are extremely harsh, especially at the higher altitudes which drop below the freezing point even during the day. Trekkers need a permit to access the region of Kanchenjunga during the winter months. The skies in December are clear and excellent. Trekkers not only get a thorough climbing experience but also witness rich culture at a few of the villages surpassed on the way.
Location: Kanchenjunga, Sikkim, India
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Trekking in December offers a unique and exhilarating way to experience the beauty of nature during the winter months. From snow-covered peaks to tranquil, less-crowded trails, it’s a perfect opportunity for seasoned adventurers to challenge themselves and enjoy serene winter landscapes. Ready to embrace the winter adventure? Start planning your December trek with TripXL today and make unforgettable memories in the great outdoors!
Cover Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
