Winter Treks in Himachal: Best Snow Treks to Explore

Himachal Pradesh is considered one of the best destinations in India to trek due to its snowy mountains, tranquil valleys, evergreen pine forests and lovely Himalayan villages. During winter the region gets a totally new look and resembles a snow-white magical land where a trekking route could be through iced streams, white mountain trails, and beautiful Himalayas. There is a type of winter trek in Himachal Pradesh to cater everyone right from an amateur to a hardcore trekkers by having mild to steep mountain slopes. Winter treks in Himachal become a delight for the adventure seekers; one could enjoy being surrounded by huge snowy mountains. Triund trekking trail, Churdhar trek, Jalori Pass trek, Kheerganga treks offer the view of snowy mountains, and surrounding forests along with exciting mountain trekking paths in the lap of the Himalayas. The winter routes of Himachal get more accessible to a trekker during winter while being cautious with weather and condition of trails.Table of ContentsOverviewWinter Treks in Himachal PradeshTips for Winter Treks in Himachal PradeshConclusionDuring winter the state of Himachal Pradesh looks extremely pristine where the treks and destinations we know all have their sides covered in snow and also entire surrounding areas covered by white snow, with views of cedar, and pine trees, the stream covered with ice, the majestic views of the Himalayas – it is surely the finest time to explore the paths as trekking goes hand in hand with winter exploration. There is a Trek such as Triund Trek where you would love to trek in an easy range and still gets the stunning views while there is Churdhar Trek also where you can challenge yourself against the panoramic mountains covered with white snow. You can get lost amidst the pine and cedar forests at Jalori pass which is perfect for those wishing for serene white world and also among beautiful valleys and hot streams at Kheerganga.Winter Treks in Himachal Pradesh1. Triund TrekSTARTING POINT: McLeod Ganj / DharamkotENDING POINT: Triund TopDIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy to ModerateTREK DISTANCE: Approximately 9–10 KM (Round Trip)BEST TIME: March to June and September to December; winter conditions may bring snowOne of the easy short treks in Himachal Pradesh, the Triund trek is considered mandatory for every solo/group seeking their first adventure in the Himalayas. This famous Himachal trek is based in Kangra district. This short but easy trek to the Triund trek base from McLeod Ganj will be your perfect initiation if you have less time but want to experience the great Himalayas with minimal difficulty. The trail to the meadow is a popular and scenic trek with rhododendron trees lining one way along with a number of oak and deodar forests. The Triund trek, with moderate and easy difficulty levels, does not require any technical experience. The trek is suitable for beginners with their usual level of physical fitness and is ideal if you're having less time for treks yet want to enjoy nature. Typically, treks commence from around Dharamkot, with gentle inclines as we ascent further up; with every step, the environs and view around us tends to become more quiet and spectacular. Depending on the season; we can experience snowy trails in winters providing some dazzling vistas of the white slopes of the Dhauladhar ranges contrasting sharply against Triund Top which is placed 2870m above sea level. At the summit there exists a meadow at triund and having to sit here to witness sunset, or even sunrise and watch over the magnificent valley below us can feel like a dream. Triund is often explored in addition to local places around including famous Bhagsu waterfalls, Bhagsunath Temple and McLeod Ganj, that would allow the visitors to visit few iconic sites. Triund offers quite easy reach from nearby tourist spots such as Dharmashala, and serves as a perfect location for a short, yet refreshing weekend getaway. But, one need to carry appropriate winters clothes, adequate pair of shoes & essential gears fortriund trek during cold days for a comforting trek.2. Churdhar TrekSTARTING POINT: Nohradhar / SarainENDING POINT: Churdhar PeakDIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate to DifficultTREK DISTANCE: Approximately 14–18 KM one way, depending on the routeBEST TIME: May to June and September to November; winter conditions can be severeChurdhar trekking’s mission is to help you reach the peak Churdhar – highest summit of outer Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh; where one will trek all the way to about 3650 m. High. Walking to Churdhar trekking; the destination would let you enjoy the spectacular and encompassing vista of low Himalayas & various valleys, but, a magnificent view stretching far from your reach which comprises majestic greater Himalayas to your north. The Churdhar trekking is a ultimate goal for trekkers as it offers one with thrilling pine and deodar forest walks, ever changing panoramas, serenity and robust ascent. Typically trekking takes place on woody paths consisting of various sorts of Deodar trees, pine and oaks. Following which, paths turn towards spare alpine belts as climbing increases. At increased altitudes trees are very scarce leading to most incredible mountain sights. In days of clear climate, greater mountain ranges look awesome and also Churdhar trek gives you views from different parts of Himachal Pradesh. Beside, trekking site Churdhar also possesses great significance in culture as it marks asShirgul Maha Rajs sacred place, so, the peak top temple has thousands of visitors everyday and trekking on it fulfills the pilgrimage as well. In winter season it is all snow clad and look like heavenly abode; but winter trek becomes quite hectic due to freezing cold and high snow fall. Hence trekkers going in winters must carry the trekking gear, trekking knowledge or ideally with local trek guides. Churdhar trekking gifts spectacular mountain views coupled by the joy of solitude in truly serene and pictographic surroundings where one has least experienced such sensations at shorter common treks in Himalayas.3. Jalori Pass TrekSTARTING POINT: Jalori Pass / ShojaENDING POINT: Serolsar Lake / Jalori PassDIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy to ModerateTREK DISTANCE: Approximately 5–6 KM (Round Trip) for the Serolsar Lake routeBEST TIME: April to June and September to November; winter snowfall is possibleJalori Pass is a picturesque mountain resort in the Kullu area of Himachal Pradesh, with lush woods, gentle footpaths and views of the Himalayas. This area transforms into a wonderful, snow-covered place in the winter, with numerous appeal for trekker wanting to take a brisk and quiet snow trek. One of the most preferred treks from Jalori Pass takes towards Serolsar Lake. This course weaves through thick woods featuring numerous varieties of pine, oak, and other trees discovered in the Himalayas. This pleasant wood path keeps hikers calm without hurrying them and offers breathtaking views of the entire path. Local people treat Serolsar Lake as holy and link it to the nearby Budhi Nagin temple. With a lush woods area all around it with mountains beyond, this lake is quite a relaxing atmosphere not yet like the crowded vacation destinations. At the height of winter, with plentiful snowfall in Jalori Pass, the woods trail and surroundings provide a radically different mountain climbing experience. This trail has very easy difficulty level and if you keep your self a bit healthy it’s really nothing for you. However, there can be thick snowfall, which is slippery and hence provides a little more difficulty. Trekkers are encouraged to carry adequate warmth – clothing, gloves, socks and waterproof footwear when planning winter walks at this place. Jalori pass can also be planned with a trek to Shoja the charming Himalayan retreat that provides great mountain views as well as a relaxing ambiance. The quick woods journey, snowfall views and retreat to the tiny settlement would provide you an interesting escape during your next weekend visit to Himachal Pradesh.4. Kheerganga TrekSTARTING POINT: BarshainiENDING POINT: KheergangaDIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy to ModerateTREK DISTANCE: Approximately 12–14 KM (Round Trip)BEST TIME: April to June and September to November; winter conditions require extra cautionA Very Popular Trekking Spot in Himachal This trekking destination is one of the well-known of its kind in Himachal Pradesh. The trek to Kheerganga is situated within the very famous Parvati Valley of the Kullu district and caters to a vast audience comprising of novice as well as experienced trekkers alike. The location features a unique blend of differing types of terrains and geographical features mountain landscapes, streams, forests, waterfalls and not to mention the scenic valley views. Typical ascent begins at Barshaini from the village and leads onto the relatively tranquil paths up towards Kheerganga. You can expect a delightful, walking throughout varying landscapes within the Parvati valley that has elements of woodlands, settlements and bridges; some streams cut across your path as do parts of thevalley which seem to endlessly span! The Unique Selling Point Here lies is a natural hot water spring at Kheerganga itself. This spring is closely held by belief to be linked with Lord Shiva so has quite the religious resonance to its fame. Imagine soothing yourself at the natural hot springs after the exhausting hike with those splendid mountain panoramas as backdrop - certainly that’s what travel experiences are all about! Winter Season For Kheerganga The trekking path to Kheerganga becomes stunningly beautiful especially during winters, where you can witness some wonderful snow views, but at that time you have to be extra careful; in case it starts to snow, trekking might seem like traversing slippery ground. The climate condition in Parvati Valley changes swiftly due to several factors; as such, it will be beneficial to obtain any locally given information on climatic as well as on the trail conditions from a locals or from people in local resorts; in doing so your preparation and planning to travel would be better. Apart from trekking The trekker has to go along. The trek at Kheerganga is a holistic experience; apart from the challenging trek, the culture of the valley, the villages in and around Parvati valley, its landscape makes the trekking experience absolutely exhilarating, and one has truly encountered the real Himalayan! With a good plan as well as excellent climatic conditions in Himachal Pradesh the trekking at Kheer ganga is definitely one for a traveler seeking fora true and worthwhile destination.ConclusionAll this trekking experience offers you a great mix of snow laden mountains, serenading forests, Himalayan villages, and an inimitable trekking spirit. If Triund gives you one of the best snow mountain view under 7k feet on a weekend trip, Churdhar makes your expedition a more testing experience, than a less imposing one while in Jalori Pass, you’ll get a taste of serenity amid forested trail and fresh powder fall on your destination and trekking till Kheerganga gets you experience natural hot springs with a trekking session. So, if your first trekking expedition planned or want a cozy winter outing amid mountains this Himachal trip will be quite remarkable for you and the trekking team.