What are the trekking options in India where I can see snowfall during Jan-Feb month?
Best Indian Trek in the month of January & February
People living in the tropics consider snow one of the most coveted things because it is hard to come by. You need to experience the magical snow to feel its joy, and for people of the plainlands and summer countries, it is a rarity and hence, all the more special.
Snowball fights, making snow sculptures or just plain messing around with the snowflakes are enjoyable activities in themselves. So it would be double the fun if the snow is coupled with majestic landscapes and a continual spurt of adrenaline. The snow added to the glorious beauty of the mountains will truly create the recipe for lifelong memories. So buckle up and get ready as we take you through some of the most fun treks to embark on during the winter months of January and February.
Trek cost and best time:
This trek will cost around USD 135 (INR 10000) per head to undertake.
Going on this trek during the winter months will provide clear skies and better visibility at a distance. The snowclad landscapes are sure to be a sight to please sore eyes.
Trek route:
The Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek begins from Sari, located 200 km from Haridwar in Uttarakhand.
From Sari, the first leg of the journey takes one to Deoria Tal at 2380 m in height. From Deoriatal, one may choose to drive to the Chopta viewpoint. However, for those willing and able, an exciting hike through the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary is an option to reach Chopta.
From Chopta, there is an additional 3.5 km hike to reach the Tungnath Temple at the height of 3680 m. The next and final leg of the trek is about 1.5 km long, up to the summit of Chandrashila peak at 3690 m.
To return, one must trek down to Chopta and avail transportation.
Highlights of the trek:
The Deoriatal lake is a beautiful lake amidst the mountains.
The Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary offers an incredible experience of hiking through the lush green forest and a chance to see the deers in their natural habitat.
Chopta is a viewpoint offering sights of peaks like the Chaukhamba group.
Tungnath Temple is the highest of the 5 Kedar temples of the Hindu deity Shiva.
From the Chandrashila peak, one has a far-reaching, breathtaking view of the surrounding ranges.
Trek cost and best time:
The average cost per person for this trek can be estimated at USD 135 (INR 10000).
The best time to embark on this journey would be the winter months of January-February.
Trek route:
The Kuari Pass Trek starts from the base camp at Joshimath.
The trek passes through Uttarakhand's Guling and Upper Guling areas and crosses with the well-known Lord Curzon Trail.
Finally, after covering a distance of roughly 33 km, the trail ends at the Kuari Pass, located at the height of 3810 m above sea level.
The trek takes about 4 to 6 days to finish. To return, one needs to trek down to the Tali Forest Camp at 3383 m. From Tali, one needs to make their way to Auli at 2621 m and avail motor transport.
Highlights of the trek:
This trek offers a close experience of the Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand.
Many stunning peaks like the Nanda Devi (7,816 m) and Dronagiri (7,066 m) are visible on this route.
The winter season offers extreme temperatures of -10° to -15° C, enabling heavy snowfall for the snow lovers.
The Gorson Bugyal region encountered on this journey offers mesmerizing green meadows and oak forests.
Trek cost and best time:
The Brahmatal Trek minimum cost for each person is USD 135 (INR 10000).
During the months of January-February, the landscape is white with heavy snow, while the weather remains clear, making it an ideal time for a visit.
Trek route:
The base of this trek is located at a village named Lohajung, perched at an altitude of 2320 m in Uttarakhand. The first part of the trail runs 6 km to bring one to the pretty lake called Bekal Tal. 4 to 5 hours away from here, at a distance of 6 km, is the Brahmatal lake sitting high at 3400 m. The trail goes to the summit of Jatropani peak at 4070 m from here, for those who choose to continue on.
To return, one has to hike down to Lohajung and get a car.
Highlights of the trek:
Beautiful winter landscapes unique to the Himalayas can be found on this trek. Snow-covered forests of pine and rhododendrons are plentiful.
The Brahmatal lake is a pristine lake of middling size, with majestic peaks like Chaukhamba (7,138 m), Trisul (7,120 m), and Nanda Ghunti (6,309 m) surrounding it.
The lake is also mythically significant to Hindus as the deity of creation Brahma is said to have meditated beside this lake at some time.
Trek cost and best time:
The estimated cost per person for this trek is USD 122 (INR 9000).
During the months of January and February, the winter season is at its peak, covering the beautiful Bugyal meadows in fresh snow every night. For those wishing for a snowy experience, winter is the best time.
Trek route:
Raithal of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand is the base of the Dayara Bugyal Trek. From there, the trail runs amidst the meadows of the Bugyal area. It covers approximately 4 km to reach Gui, from where it is possible to trek to a campsite at Chilapada. It is an option to rest here for a night. The next stage of the trek covers about 12 km to reach a vantage point at 3657 m, named the Bakariya Top.
To initiate the return journey, one has to trek back to Barsu, from where cars can be booked for transportation.
Highlights of the trek:
The Bugyals are beautiful, sprawling, lush green alpine meadows teeming with diverse wildlife.
This is a comparatively shorter trek covering only about 25 km, making it an approachable choice for beginners.
The Bakariya Top vantage point is unique as it presents an unbelievable 360° view capturing the Bhilangana ranges and the Gangotri region.
Breathtaking peaks like Bandarpoonch (6,316 m), Rudragaira (5,819 m), parts of the Chaukhamba, and others can be seen from this point.
Trek cost and best time:
The cost of travel can be approximated at USD 202-242 (INR 15000-18000) per person for this trek.
Winter months are the best time to witness the glacier at its glorious best.
Trek route:
The base of the Bagini Glacier Trek is at the Jumma village of Uttarakhand. From Jumma, the trail goes to Ruing village, which can be utilized to rest and acclimatize. 8 km away from Ruing is the Dronagiri village at an altitude of 3610 m. From Dronahiri, the route goes 6 km to Longatulli. From Longatulli, it is only a 5 km hike to the Bagini glacier base.
The return journey may be initiated by trekking back to Ruing and making one's way to Joshimath either on foot or by vehicle.
Highlights of the trek:
A glacier is the most authentic encounter with the frozen nature of winter mountains. It is also one of the unique treks on this list.
During winter, the snow-covered landscape is a joy to witness.
Conclusion:
So, as the winter peaks during the new year, it is time to put on your trekking boots and get to explore some of the most beautiful mountains on the planet: happy trails and best wishes for all the snow on your parades.
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