Quick answer: The best winter treks in India for beginners are Dayara Bugyal (the easiest, 4 days), Kedarkantha (the classic first summit), Deoriatal–Chandrashila (a lake, a temple and a summit), Brahmatal (frozen lakes and big peaks), Gulabikantha (quiet snowy meadows) and Kuari Pass (the grandest views). All six are in Uttarakhand, all are graded Easy or Easy–Moderate, and all can be done by a fit first-timer between December and February.
Winter is the season most people want for their first Himalayan trek: snow under your boots, frozen lakes, and the clearest mountain views of the year. But "beginner-friendly" gets used loosely. Some so-called easy treks have a brutal summit day or need you to walk 8 hours on day one.
So here is the list we actually give people who call us asking for their first snow trek. We picked each one for four things: short or gradual walking days, a safe winter route, good campsites, and a big reward at the end. We are honest about the catch in each one too.
1. Dayara Bugyal: the easiest snow trek to start with
Good for: complete beginners, families, anyone with only a long weekend.
Trekkaro: 4 days from Dehradun · about 20 km · top at about 12,000 ft · Easy · ₹7,800 + GST
Dayara is a huge, open alpine meadow above the village of Raithal. In winter it turns into a rolling white field with Bandarpoonch, Srikanth and Black Peak lined up across the horizon, and the walk up through oak and maple forest is gentle all the way. Of the six treks here, this one asks the least of your body.
The catch: there is no dramatic summit moment. If you want to stand on top of a peak, look at Kedarkantha or Chandrashila instead.
2. Kedarkantha: the classic first summit
Good for: first-timers who want a real summit.
Trekkaro: 5 days from Dehradun · about 20 km · 3,810 m / 12,500 ft · Easy–Moderate · ₹9,000 + GST
There is a reason Kedarkantha is the most popular winter trek in India. The daily walks are short (3–4 km), you camp beside the frozen Juda Ka Talab, and on summit day you climb in the dark to reach the top at sunrise, with Swargarohini and Bandarpunch glowing in front of you.
The catch: summit day starts around 2 AM and is steep in the snow. It is also busy around Christmas and New Year, so go mid-week or in February if you want quieter campsites.
3. Deoriatal–Chandrashila: a lake, a temple and a summit
Good for: people who want variety, and a bit of culture with their snow.
Trekkaro: 5 days from Rishikesh · about 27–30 km · Chandrashila 3,962 m / 13,000 ft · Easy–Moderate · ₹8,250 + GST
This is the most varied short trek in Uttarakhand. You camp by Deoriatal lake, walk the Chopta meadows, pass Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world, and finish on the summit of Chandrashila. The view from the top takes in Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba and the Kedarnath peaks.
The catch: the final climb from Tungnath to Chandrashila is short but steep, and icy in mid-winter. Microspikes help a lot; they come with Trekkaro's Free Trekking Gear.
4. Brahmatal: frozen lakes and the closest views of Trishul
Good for: beginners who want quieter trails and big mountain faces.
Trekkaro: 6 days from Rishikesh · about 29 km · Brahmatal Top about 12,250 ft · Easy–Moderate · ₹9,000 + GST
Brahmatal is a true winter trek. Two lakes, Bekaltal and Brahmatal, freeze over, the oak forest fills with snow, and from Jhandi Top and Brahmatal Top, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti are so close they fill the sky. It sees far fewer trekkers than Kedarkantha.
The catch: it is a day longer, and the descent back to Lohajung on day 5 is long on tired legs.
5. Gulabikantha: the quiet one
Good for: beginners who want snow without the crowds.
Trekkaro: 5 days from Dehradun · about 24 km · about 12,000 ft · Easy–Moderate · ₹9,000 + GST
Gulabikantha is a high meadow near the Dodital route that very few people know about. In winter it becomes a wide snowfield with Bandarpoonch and the Chaukhamba range in view, and you can easily have the whole meadow to your group.
The catch: facilities around the base are simpler than on the big-name treks, and there is less information online, so go with an operator who knows the route well.
6. Kuari Pass: the biggest views on an easy-moderate trek
Good for: fit beginners who want the most impressive mountains.
Trekkaro: 6 days from Rishikesh · about 35 km · about 3,900 m / 12,750 ft · Easy–Moderate · ₹9,400 + GST
The Curzon Trail to Kuari Pass ends with one of the great views of the Indian Himalayas: Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri and Chaukhamba lined up in front of you. In March the lower forests also bloom with rhododendrons while the top is still in snow.
The catch: it is the longest trek on this list, and the pass day is about 13 km and 8–9 hours. Train for stamina, not just strength.
All six at a glance
| Trek | Days | Starts from | Highest point | Grade | Trekkaro price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dayara Bugyal | 4 | Dehradun | ~12,000 ft | Easy | ₹7,800 |
| Kedarkantha | 5 | Dehradun | 12,500 ft | Easy–Moderate | ₹9,000 |
| Deoriatal–Chandrashila | 5 | Rishikesh | 13,000 ft | Easy–Moderate | ₹8,250 |
| Brahmatal | 6 | Rishikesh | ~12,250 ft | Easy–Moderate | ₹9,000 |
| Gulabikantha | 5 | Dehradun | ~12,000 ft | Easy–Moderate | ₹9,000 |
| Kuari Pass | 6 | Rishikesh | ~12,750 ft | Easy–Moderate | ₹9,400 |
Prices are per person plus 5% GST and include accommodation, meals on the trek, permits, a trek leader and support staff, and Free Trekking Gear.
Which one should you pick?
- Only 4 days, or trekking with family: Dayara Bugyal.
- You want a summit on your first trek: Kedarkantha, or Chandrashila if you also want a lake and a temple.
- You hate crowds: Gulabikantha or Brahmatal.
- Views matter more than anything: Kuari Pass or Brahmatal.
- Your dates are in March: Kuari Pass, for snow on top and rhododendrons below.
How to prepare for your first winter trek
You do not need to be an athlete, but you do need about six weeks of steady preparation. Run, cycle, swim or climb stairs for 45 minutes, four to five days a week, and add squats and lunges for your legs. If you can jog 3 km comfortably, you are ready for an easy trek; if you can do 5 km, you are ready for an easy-moderate one.
For winter, layering is everything: a thermal base layer, a fleece, a down or synthetic jacket and a waterproof shell. Night temperatures at camp on these treks fall to around -10°C in mid-winter. With Trekkaro you get Decathlon trekking shoes, a -10°C jacket, poles, gaiters and microspikes free on all six treks, plus -20°C sleeping bags at camp, so you only bring your personal clothing.
See all winter treks and dates
Frequently asked questions
Which is the easiest winter trek in India?
Dayara Bugyal is the easiest of the popular winter treks. It takes 4 days, the climb is gentle throughout, and there is no steep summit day, which makes it ideal for complete beginners and families.
Can a complete beginner do a snow trek?
Yes. All six treks on this list are suitable for first-timers who prepare for about six weeks. Choose Dayara Bugyal if you are unsure of your fitness, and Kedarkantha if you want a summit.
What is the best month for a winter trek?
December to February gives the most snow. January usually has the deepest snow and the coldest nights. Late February and March are a little milder and still snowy on top.
How cold does it get on a winter trek?
Campsite nights on these treks drop to about -10°C, sometimes lower in January. Days are usually between -2°C and 10°C. Good layers and a -20°C sleeping bag keep you comfortable.
Do I need to buy trekking gear for a winter trek?
Not with Trekkaro. Decathlon trekking shoes, a -10°C jacket, trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes are free on all these treks. You only need your own clothing layers, a backpack and personal items.
