5 Best Winter Treks in Himalayas Everyone Must Do

During winters most of the treks are shut down due to heavy snowfall in higher altitude regions. But as they say,  exceptions are always there. We have listed down the 5 greatest winter treks to kick-off your adrenaline. No more waiting for the snow to melt.

1. HAR KI DUN TREK

Har ki dun literally translates to the valley of gods. Numerous local beliefs and myths suggest that this is the valley through which Pandavas made their way to heaven. This cradle shaped valley offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain peaks, peaks so high that they make you doubt your existence in the world. Running through fragrant orchids, sprawling meadows, and dense alpine forest, the valley remains covered with snow for a good number of months. This moderate trek takes you to one of the least explored regions of Garhwal Himalayas where civilization has not yet affected the lifestyle of the simple village folk living here. The trail runs alongside rhododendron trees, rivers, villages, and flowers at different parts on the way up providing you with views so beautiful, no poetry would serve.

2. KUARI PASS TREK

Kuari-pass is a trek that is in some different league altogether. The trek which lies south of the Tibetan border begins from Joshimath, in the Chamoli district of Himalayas; which has evolved into a hub for trekkers and pilgrims in this part of Himalayas. Kuari means 'doorway' and we suggest it to be a doorway into your inner-self. As you reach higher, the Himalayas are arrayed before you in a stupendous arc and the play of light from the trees is a visual delight. Looking so closely at the sky-high mountains is almost religious. Walkthrough the jungles of oak and deodar to get the closest view of Mt. Nanda Devi.

3. CHADAR TREK

What would you call a place traversing three of the five highest motorable passes in the world with a region touching two borders, the second-highest saltwater lake in the world, three different terrains, three distinct cultures, and five mountain ranges? we would call it meditation for the soul.

Ladakh gets inaccessible during the winters and that is when we, adventures step into the picture and decide to conquer one of the most nerve-wracking sheets of ice, THE CHADAR TREK. Chadar trek is one of the routes that connect villages in the Zanskar valley (nestled deep within the mountains) with chilling. If the idea of walking over frozen river ice with a backpack on your back and very cold treacherous water a few inches below your feet terrifies you, you're not alone, getting to the end of it is not easy, and that's the best part.

For better or for worse, the Chadar trek is an endangered activity and within a year or two will cease to exist in its current form.

Grab this life turning opportunity while it still lasts.

4. SANDAKPHU - PHALUT TREK

Undoubtedly the highlight of West Bengal and the gem of the country, Darjeeling is a town that resides in the Himalayan foothills. With a backdrop of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the highest peak in India towering over the azure sky, Darjeeling is rightly called the queen of hills. Vast tea estates seem like emerald green ribbons spread across the steep mountain ridges. When you aren't gazing open-mouthed at Kanchenjunga, you can decide to engage in a trek that will leave such an impact on your life that your perspective will change entirely. Sandakphu is one of the most preferred treks India has to offer. Being the highest peak in West- Bengal it provides a panoramic view of 4 of the highest peaks in the world; Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu; the whole cluster of all these 4 together makes the sleeping Buddha. This trek runs along the India and Nepal border so practically you will be moving in and out of Nepal on several occasions. Also called the trekkers wonderland the night sky here is going to leave you awestruck.

5. BRAHMATAL TREK

Brahmatal is a classic winter trek. The summit unveils a heavenly facet when the snow gently falls on its slopes; most of the trek is on the snow, which makes it terribly exciting. Apart from the uneven terrain, the trek is filled with beautiful landscapes, sprawling forests and stretched across the sky are the big mountains of Gharwal and everywhere around you are the white undulating snowfields. Once you cross the shadows of the trees, the full grandeur of the Himalayas hit you. Never-ending ridgelines, sprawling Bugiyals, High altitude lakes, majestic peak views and snow on the trail make it a compelling proposition for a winter trek. Brahma Tal is a hidden and secluded lake amidst the ridge, where Lord Brahma meditated according to the mythology. The frozen blue lake with the mighty Himalayan peaks overlooking it creates a mesmerizing and an unmatched experience.