Most people think of winter as a time to stay indoors. But the Himalayas tell a different story. When the snow falls, the mountains don’t sleep — they transform. Forests turn silent, trails disappear under white blankets, and every sunrise feels like it’s cutting through crystal.
If you’ve ever wondered what makes winter trekking so addictive, the answer lies in these seven journeys. They’re cold, they’re raw, and they’ll test more than just your stamina. Each trek here offers its own challenge — whether it’s thin air, frozen lakes, or sheer solitude.
So, if you’ve got the fire, here’s where to take it.
1. Deoriatal–Tungnath–Chandrashila: Your First Himalayan Snow Walk
Max Altitude: ~13,000 ft | Duration: 3 days
Looking for your winter initiation? This trail is compact, beginner-friendly, and unbelievably rewarding. From the reflection of Chaukhamba at Deoriatal to the 360° summit view at Chandrashila, it’s a crash course in why people fall in love with the Himalayas. Plus, visiting Tungnath — the highest Shiva temple — in snow season adds a rare serenity you won’t find in summer crowds.
2. Dodital–Darwa Pass: Where Myth Meets Muscle
Max Altitude: ~13,800 ft | Duration: 5 days
Legend has it Dodital is Lord Ganesha’s birthplace. Today, it’s a frozen mirror tucked away above Uttarkashi. But the real test comes at Darwa Pass — a steep push that makes you question every step, until the skyline of Bandarpoonch and Kala Nag makes the sweat worth it. Bonus: trout streams and birdlife along the way keep the trail alive.
3. Kuari Pass: A Panorama of Giants
Max Altitude: ~12,500 ft | Duration: 5 days
Called the “Lord Curzon Trail,” Kuari Pass is all about the big names: Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Neelkanth. The approach through oak forests and snow meadows feels deceptively gentle, until the icy winds at the pass remind you what winter trekking really means.
4. Pangarchulla: For the Brave (and Slightly Crazy)
Max Altitude: ~15,100 ft | Duration: 7 days
Pangarchulla isn’t here to hold your hand. This one’s for trekkers who like their trails punishing. The summit push starts in pitch dark and climbs nearly 4,000 ft in a single day — over boulders, snowfields, and steep inclines. You’ll earn every inch of that 360° view.
5. Brahmatal: A Winter Classic in the Making
Max Altitude: ~12,300 ft | Duration: 5 days
Brahmatal has exploded in popularity for a reason: twin lakes, endless snow, starry campsites, and a trek that’s accessible without being easy. Oak and rhododendron forests lead you to open meadows that feel like walking inside a snow globe. Perfect for those looking for a “first real trek” in the snow.
6. Kedarkantha: The Gateway Summit
Max Altitude: ~12,500 ft | Duration: 5 days
Kedarkantha is often recommended for beginners, but don’t be fooled — it packs a punch. Steep gains, windy ridges, and knee-deep snow make the summit sunrise feel like something you earned. The beauty here lies in its flexibility: multiple routes, open meadows, and a trail that stays accessible almost all year.
7. Goechala: The Kanchenjunga Call
Max Altitude: ~16,207 ft | Duration: 10 days
Technically a post-monsoon trek, but in late autumn it feels like winter at its fiercest. Starting from Yuksom in Sikkim, the trail takes you closer to Kanchenjunga than most mortals will ever get. Long days, thin air, and brutal cold make it less of a trek and more of a rite of passage.
Closing Word
Winter trekking in the Himalayas isn’t for everyone. But for those who go, it changes everything. These trails strip the journey to its rawest form: effort, resilience, and the quiet reward of standing where few can.
Want detailed itineraries, gear checklists, and trail maps? Head to our full winter trekking guide on Bikat Adventures for deep dives and expert advice.