Winter Treks

The minute you think of snow trekking in India, one of the most gorgeous treks that come to mind is the Kedarkantha summit trek. This trek is all about introducing you to a winter wonderland unlike any other. This trek is all about exploring the fun side of trekking and is a perfect fit for anyone who's trying their hand at Himalayan trekking for the first time.  This trek is easy and comfortable for a novice summiter and gives you every Nomad an opportunity to summit a snow-laden peak in Uttarakhand.  Perfect for a Beginner The trek to Kedarkantha peaks is easy and just as breathtaking, the trail that this trek has is usually most meant for hardcore trekkers but Kedarkantha is an exception. With the Kedarkantha trek, you can experience an adventure like no other with a thrilling summit climb in a frozen fairyland.  You'll Fall in Love With The Campsites The best part about the Kedarkantha trek is that the summit is one of the highlights of the trek, other highlights include dramatic campsites with the best-known views in the entire Indian Himalayan region. You'll see that the campsite is surrounded by a forest of snow-capped pine trees and abandoned huts of local shepherds. The sunset seen from the Kedarkantha base camp would be one of the best experiences of your life.  Mind-Bewitching View from the Kedarkantha Summit It's a known fact that any summit in any part of the world can be extremely rewarding, the Kedarkantha summit is no less. The trail may be extremely beautiful, but the view that you get after your climb to the top is unbelievable. You will notice that some of the mighty Himalayan peaks will be clearly seen from here. From Swargarohini to Black Peak and Bandar ki Poonch in the Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges to Har Ki Dun and glimpses of the Kinnaur Ranges from Himachal Pradesh, the view from the summit is fulfilling, gratifying and unforgettable.  The Legend of Kedarkantha Another thing that pulls Nomads to trek to Kedarkantha peak is the deep-rooted mythology that makes this trek extremely mysterious and revered. Kedarkantha is also called "Kedar Khand" which loosely translates to "Section of Lord Shiva", which also happens to be a historic name in the local community. The meaning of Kedarkantha however, is Throat of Lord Shiva. The mythology is that Kedarkantha was where Lord Shiva used to meditate before moving to Kedarnath.  The very famous and beautiful Juda Ka Talab is where the water droplets fallen from Kord Shiva's hair turned into a small pond. The sighting the revered and sacred Swargarohini peak is one of the rewarding attractions of the trek. Swargarohini translates to "Stairway to Heaven" and is the same peak where the Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas along with his dog reached heaven from this godly peak.  Click here to check out a photoblog on our trek to Kedarkantha Peak.   COVID-19 Links & Information: After due considerations and post understanding the guidelines and precautions set by the respective State Governments and the Government of India, we have decided to resume our operations and reopen our treks, ensuring full safety and security of our Nomads and our on-ground staff. Click here to read more about our cancellation policy and recommendations for trekking amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.  Click here more about the safety protocols followed by TrekNomads before, during and after the trek. read more read less

Pangarchulla is easily one of those treks that is well-rounded and poses just the right amount of challenge for trekkers. The trail starts off with lush green and turns into a snowy wonderland. The trail that you follow through the trek also gives you a close-up view of some of the highest peaks of the Garhwal region. You get to Summit a peak! Every step to the peak at 15,010 ft (4,575 m) is a wondrous step that you will never forget. The ridge that takes you to the peak may be steep and challenging but the views that you see once you reach the peak is just as satisfying. To get to the peak you will have to walk in deep snow and also cross some boulder sections. The grandeur of the surrounding during the climb will definitely make you stop in your tracks in awe. Diverse Picture-Perfect Landscapes The entire landscape all through the trail keeps constantly changing with every curve. What starts out as lush green farms slowly change to dense forests opening up to snow-covered landscapes. The Views! The trail to Pangarchulla passes through the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. The entire trek route gives you a good close up view of the revered Mt. Nanda Devi along with other peaks such as Mt. Chaukamba, Mt. Dronagiri, Hathi Parvat, Ghoda Parvat and many more. All of this makes this trek a perfect escapade from the monotony of daily life. The landscapes will surely make you fall in love with photography. A treat for nature lovers! The trail is definitely a treat for adventurers who love exploring nature. The variety of flora and fauna that the trail offers is beyond ordinary. Until the snow-covered landscape, the trail is strewn in red-rhododendrons. You can also find Oak, Silver Birch, Blue Pine, and Bhojpatra- the bark of which is known to source papyrus along the trail. If lucky, you can also spot wildlife like Musk Deer, Black Bear, and Himalayan Tahr and the very majestic Snow Leopard.  Panch Prayag Travel via the five sacred river confluences in the Garhwal Himalayas. Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag and Vishnuprayag in the ascending flow sequence of their occurrence. Devprayag is the confluence of the two holy rivers, the Bhagirathi - the chief stream of the Ganges and the Alaknanda. It is the first prayag on the way to Badrinath. Beyond this confluence, the river is known as Ganges. Rudra Prayag is the confluence where the river Alaknanda meets the Mandakini River. The confluence is named after god Shiva, who is also known as Rudra. Karn Prayag is the location where Alaknanda River is joined by the Pindar River that originates from the Pindar glacier, below the Nanda Devi Mountain range. Nandaprayag is the confluence where the Nandakini River joins the main Alaknanda River. Vishnuprayag - The Alaknanda River, which originates from Satopanth glacier is joined by the Dhauli Ganga River near Joshimath (on Joshimath - Badrinath route). Alaknanda flows in front of the Badrinath temple, one of the most revered Hindu shrines. Check out this detailed photo album of our last trek to Pangarchulla Peak   COVID-19 Links & Information: After due considerations and post understanding the guidelines and precautions set by the respective State Governments and the Government of India, we have decided to resume our operations and reopen our treks, ensuring full safety and security of our Nomads and our on-ground staff. Click here to read more about our cancellation policy and recommendations for trekking amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.  Click here more about the safety protocols followed by TrekNomads before, during and after the trek.   read more read less

If you’re looking for an easy trail to start your Himalayan journey, look no further, Kuari Pass is the just the right trek for you. This easy to moderate trail was discovered back in early 1900s by the then Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon.  The trail then got named after the keen trekker and has been called the Lord Curzon trail ever since. Located at an altitude of 13,989 ft (4,264 m), this trail is blazing with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains, mystical forests and breathtakingly gorgeous meadows. Situated in the heart of the Garhwal region in Uttarakhand, this trail offers a diverse terrain that is perfect for a beginner to explore the Himalayas and fall in love with it. Snow Trekking The winters are a great way to explore the Garhwal region when it is drenched entirely in snow. The forests would be making way to the autumn and the meadows would be carpeted in snow. For a first-timer, this is a brilliant opportunity to trek through the thrilling terrains of the Himalayas. If you’ve trekked to the Himalayas before, this trek will surely be an epic snow adventure waiting to happen. Rhododendron Forests: All through the trail, you get to trek through the mystical and ancient forests adorned with Oak and Rhododendron trees. The forests are a perfect treat for photography lovers with tall trees touching the sky, the rays of the sun making its way through the canopy to the ground and a trail with a clearing leading to a magical meadow. The Views! The trail to Kuari  Pass goes through Nanda Devi Sanctuary. The entire trek route gives you a good close up view of the revered Mt. Nanda Devi along with other peaks such as Mt. Chaukamba, Mt. Dronagiri, Hathi Parvat, Ghoda Parvat, and Trishul Parvat. All of this makes this trek a perfect escapade from the monotony of daily life. The landscapes will surely make you fall in love with photography. Picture Perfect Campsites Ever imagined what it would feel like to wake up with a view of the snow-capped mountains? This trek is all about picture-perfect campsites and great camping experiences. Cozy up in your camps with blankets or brave the snow and chat the night away in front of a bonfire, make new friendships and be a true nature’s nomad. When you camp in the Himalayas, you’ll get to experience what a nomadic life feels like. Making this wild enough for an unforgettable experience. Panch Prayag Travel via the five sacred river confluences in the Garhwal Himalayas. Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, and Vishnuprayag in the ascending flow sequence of their occurrence. Devprayag is the confluence of the two holy rivers, the Bhagirathi - the chief stream of the Ganges and the Alaknanda. It is the first Prayag on the way to Badrinath. Beyond this confluence, the river is known as the Ganges. Rudra Prayag is the confluence where the river Alaknanda meets the Mandakini River. The confluence is named after god Shiva, who is also known as Rudra. Karn Prayag is the location where Alaknanda River is joined by the Pindar River that originates from the Pindar glacier, below the Nanda Devi Mountain range. Nandaprayag is the confluence where the Mandakini River joins the main Alaknanda River. Vishnuprayag - The Alaknanda River, which originates from Satopanth glacier is joined by the Dhauli Ganga River near Joshimath (on Joshimath - Badrinath route). Alaknanda flows in front of the Badrinath temple, one of the most revered Hindu shrines.   COVID-19 Links & Information: After due considerations and post understanding the guidelines and precautions set by the respective State Governments and the Government of India, we have decided to resume our operations and reopen our treks, ensuring full safety and security of our Nomads and our on-ground staff. Click here to read more about our cancellation policy and recommendations for trekking amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.  Click here more about the safety protocols followed by TrekNomads before, during and after the trek. read more read less

A trek that has captured the hearts of beginner trekkers & winter trekking enthusiasts is the supremely beautiful Brahmatal Trek in Uttarakhand. Set amidst the Trishul range in Uttarakhand, the Brahmatal trek is a winter wonderland with magnificent close-up views of giant mountains surrounding the trail. The breathtaking Brahmatal Lake! Nestled in the deep heart of Uttarakhand is the gorgeous and extremely picturesque Brahmatal lake that can only be accessed through the Brahmatal trek. While the lake isn’t huge, it sits in the midst of a snow-carpeted meadow open on all sides with just one lone tree keeping it company. The lake is frozen through most seasons and is crystal clear when not iced up. While the lake is not directly on the trail, one would need to hike a little to come across this beauty. This is also close to one of the campsites on the trek. The lake remains unfrozen in spring and all through autumn and is good months to see the icy blue waters of the lake. Brahmatal is a name that is derived from Lord Brahma. The mythology mentions that Lord Brahma used to meditate on the Brahmatal lake. The lake is situated at an altitude of 3,400 m above sea level. The Views from Brahmatal! One of the many reasons we love the Brahmatal trek is because of the views of the giant mountains you find along the trail. While treks like Kedarkantha, Gorson Bugyal, Pangarchulla etc. give you great views of the Garhwal mountains, nothing comes close to what you see on the Brahmatal trail. While the Brahmatal trek starts from the Rhododendron forests, once you finish this climb, it opens up to a gigantic view of the wall of Mt. Trishul Massif (7,120 m/23,359 ft) that resembles a trident. Trust us when we say, you will be awestruck at the first glimpse. The views will get even bigger as you climb further up and you will also get a chance to see Mt. Nanda Ghunti (6309 m/20,698 ft). As you reach Brahmatal Top, you’ll also get up close to Mt. Neelkanth (6596 m/21,640 ft), and Mt. Hathi Ghoda (6729 m/22,070 ft). These views will definitely leave you wondering how minuscule we are amidst these giants. The perfect winter trek! If you have an everlasting love for snow and winters, then this is one trek you must do. Considered to be one of the most popular winter treks in India, Brahmatal is a great trail for Nomads who are new to Himalayan trekking. This trek takes you through two Rhododendron and Oak forests, introduces you to two lakes – Brahmatal and Bekaltal Lakes shows off a gorgeous snow-carpeted meadow, and has campsites that look like a scene right out of Frozen! In peak winters the entire trail gets drenched in snow and you get to spend and camp for five days in a snowy wonderland. Great beginner trek with a Summit! The Brahmatal trek covers the highest altitude of 3,733 m (12,250 ft) which is Brahmatal top and an overall distance of 30 Km spread across five days. As the trek takes you through forests for most of the trail, the chances of getting Altitude Mountain Sickness is lesser here. The gradient of this trek is moderate which means that the climb is less steep as compared to Kedarkantha, however, the trek distance on each day will be longer. In the winters, you can expect to trek in knee-deep snow and experience snowfall every now and then. While you may require microspikes during the trek, there is no technical climb in this trek. While this is a beginner Himalayan trek, it is always recommended that you be physically fit when it comes to high-altitude treks. COVID-19 Links & Information: After due considerations and post understanding the guidelines and precautions set by the respective State Governments and the Government of India, we have decided to resume our operations and reopen our treks, ensuring full safety and security of our Nomads and our on-ground staff. Click here to read more about our cancellation policy and recommendations for trekking amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.  Click here more about the safety protocols followed by TrekNomads before, during and after the trek. read more read less

The minute you think of snow trekking in India, one of the most gorgeous treks that come to mind is the Kedarkantha summit trek. This trek is all about introducing you to a winter wonderland unlike any other. This trek is all about exploring the fun side of trekking and is a perfect fit for anyone who's trying their hand at Himalayan trekking for the first time.  This trek is easy and comfortable for a novice summiter and gives you every Nomad an opportunity to summit a snow-laden peak in Uttarakhand.  Perfect for a Beginner The trek to Kedarkantha peaks is easy and just as breathtaking, the trail that this trek has is usually most meant for hardcore trekkers but Kedarkantha is an exception. With the Kedarkantha trek, you can experience an adventure like no other with a thrilling summit climb in a frozen fairyland.  You'll Fall in Love With The Campsites The best part about the Kedarkantha trek is that the summit is one of the highlights of the trek, other highlights include dramatic campsites with the best-known views in the entire Indian Himalayan region. You'll see that the campsite is surrounded by a forest of snow-capped pine trees and abandoned huts of local shepherds. The sunset seen from the Kedarkantha base camp would be one of the best experiences of your life.  Mind-Bewitching View from the Kedarkantha Summit It's a known fact that any summit in any part of the world can be extremely rewarding, the Kedarkantha summit is no less. The trail may be extremely beautiful, but the view that you get after your climb to the top is unbelievable. You will notice that some of the mighty Himalayan peaks will be clearly seen from here. From Swargarohini to Black Peak and Bandar ki Poonch in the Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges to Har Ki Dun and glimpses of the Kinnaur Ranges from Himachal Pradesh, the view from the summit is fulfilling, gratifying and unforgettable.  The Legend of Kedarkantha Another thing that pulls Nomads to trek to Kedarkantha peak is the deep-rooted mythology that makes this trek extremely mysterious and revered. Kedarkantha is also called "Kedar Khand" which loosely translates to "Section of Lord Shiva", which also happens to be a historic name in the local community. The meaning of Kedarkantha however, is Throat of Lord Shiva. The mythology is that Kedarkantha was where Lord Shiva used to meditate before moving to Kedarnath.  The very famous and beautiful Juda Ka Talab is where the water droplets fallen from Kord Shiva's hair turned into a small pond. The sighting the revered and sacred Swargarohini peak is one of the rewarding attractions of the trek. Swargarohini translates to "Stairway to Heaven" and is the same peak where the Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas along with his dog reached heaven from this godly peak.  Click here to check out a photoblog on our trek to Kedarkantha Peak.   COVID-19 Links & Information: After due considerations and post understanding the guidelines and precautions set by the respective State Governments and the Government of India, we have decided to resume our operations and reopen our treks, ensuring full safety and security of our Nomads and our on-ground staff. Click here to read more about our cancellation policy and recommendations for trekking amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.  Click here more about the safety protocols followed by TrekNomads before, during and after the trek. read more read less

Walking on Frozen river of Zanskar is the ultimate experience for any adventure lover. The traditional name of the trek is "Chadar trek" the frozen sheet, which was the only way in and out for Zanskar in winter when all other ways are closed due to heavy snowfall at high passes. Therefore, it has been the trade route for centuries for Zanskari People. Now the route is also famous as winter trekking among adventure lovers. Click here to read a more detailed guide on the Chadar Trek.  read more read less

A trek that has captured the hearts of beginner trekkers & winter trekking enthusiasts is the supremely beautiful Brahmatal Trek in Uttarakhand. Set amidst the Trishul range in Uttarakhand, the Brahmatal trek is a winter wonderland with magnificent close-up views of giant mountains surrounding the trail. The breathtaking Brahmatal Lake! Nestled in the deep heart of Uttarakhand is the gorgeous and extremely picturesque Brahmatal lake that can only be accessed through the Brahmatal trek. While the lake isn’t huge, it sits in the midst of a snow-carpeted meadow open on all sides with just one lone tree keeping it company. The lake is frozen through most seasons and is crystal clear when not iced up. While the lake is not directly on the trail, one would need to hike a little to come across this beauty. This is also close to one of the campsites on the trek. The lake remains unfrozen in spring and all through autumn and is good months to see the icy blue waters of the lake. Brahmatal is a name that is derived from Lord Brahma. The mythology mentions that Lord Brahma used to meditate on the Brahmatal lake. The lake is situated at an altitude of 3,400 m above sea level. The Views from Brahmatal! One of the many reasons we love the Brahmatal trek is because of the views of the giant mountains you find along the trail. While treks like Kedarkantha, Gorson Bugyal, Pangarchulla etc. give you great views of the Garhwal mountains, nothing comes close to what you see on the Brahmatal trail. While the Brahmatal trek starts from the Rhododendron forests, once you finish this climb, it opens up to a gigantic view of the wall of Mt. Trishul Massif (7,120 m/23,359 ft) that resembles a trident. Trust us when we say, you will be awestruck at the first glimpse. The views will get even bigger as you climb further up and you will also get a chance to see Mt. Nanda Ghunti (6309 m/20,698 ft). As you reach Brahmatal Top, you’ll also get up close to Mt. Neelkanth (6596 m/21,640 ft), and Mt. Hathi Ghoda (6729 m/22,070 ft). These views will definitely leave you wondering how minuscule we are amidst these giants. The perfect winter trek! If you have an everlasting love for snow and winters, then this is one trek you must do. Considered to be one of the most popular winter treks in India, Brahmatal is a great trail for Nomads who are new to Himalayan trekking. This trek takes you through two Rhododendron and Oak forests, introduces you to two lakes – Brahmatal and Bekaltal Lakes shows off a gorgeous snow-carpeted meadow, and has campsites that look like a scene right out of Frozen! In peak winters the entire trail gets drenched in snow and you get to spend and camp for five days in a snowy wonderland. Great beginner trek with a Summit! The Brahmatal trek covers the highest altitude of 3,733 m (12,250 ft) which is Brahmatal top and an overall distance of 30 Km spread across five days. As the trek takes you through forests for most of the trail, the chances of getting Altitude Mountain Sickness is lesser here. The gradient of this trek is moderate which means that the climb is less steep as compared to Kedarkantha, however, the trek distance on each day will be longer. In the winters, you can expect to trek in knee-deep snow and experience snowfall every now and then. While you may require microspikes during the trek, there is no technical climb in this trek. While this is a beginner Himalayan trek, it is always recommended that you be physically fit when it comes to high-altitude treks. COVID-19 Links & Information: After due considerations and post understanding the guidelines and precautions set by the respective State Governments and the Government of India, we have decided to resume our operations and reopen our treks, ensuring full safety and security of our Nomads and our on-ground staff. Click here to read more about our cancellation policy and recommendations for trekking amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.  Click here more about the safety protocols followed by TrekNomads before, during and after the trek. read more read less

Har Ki Dun is easily one of the most sought after treks in the Garhwal region of the Indian Himalayas. When it comes to Himalayan treks, this one stands out for its picture-perfect campsites, it's sheer beauty and also because, at one point, it will remind you of a scene from Lord of the Rings.  Also known as the "Doorway to Heaven", this little valley is a trek away from the Sankri village and is located at an altitude of 3,566 m (11,600 ft) and remains carpeted with snow from October up until the end of March. The meadowed wonderland is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful treks in the Western Himalayas.   The Valley is home to villages that are more than 3000 years old that makes this a gateway to a cultural extravaganza. The trail takes you to a world that is untouched by modern technology and will definitely transport you back to simpler times.  The Story of Osla: When translated, Har Ki Dun means - Valley of God Har (Shiva). The story dates back to the time of Mahabharatha when a clan that was extremely loyal to Duryodhana resided in Osla. Their loyalty for the eldest of the Kauravas was so strong that they built a temple to worship him and the clan is devoted to preaching to Duryodhana to date. The village works with its own set of rules and regulations and forms it's own Government. The attire of the village differs from the rest of Uttarakhand and depicts the culture and traditions of the clan. There are roughly about 250 houses in the village and they have close to 600 inhabitants. They also have a king who visits them once every month. The villages grow potato and wheat which is one of the major sources of food and income here.  Stay at a Homestay in Osla: Not only do you get a glimpse of the culture of Osla, but you also get to live their culture for 2 days when you stay here. The village is an eye-opener to how people can live with sheer happiness with such limited resources setting an example of how staying happy is something that you can be in control of.  Camping with a View: If there's one thing that you must not miss on a Himalayan trek, it's to camp on the trail. Right from camping amidst the valleys with streams flowing beside them to waking up to grand views of the revered peak - Swargarohini I, II & III, Bandarpoonch and Black Peak all in the same frame. It is also said that Har Ki Dun is the valley & pathway that the Pandavas took to reach Heaven through the Swargarohini peak. Trek via the Jaundhar Glacier Jaundhar is considered to be one of the largest sources of the Tons River. The majestic Jaundhar glacier lies in the trail to Har Ki Dun. Standing at a mighty altitude of 4,300 m (14,107 ft), the glacier is located close to the Swargarohini peak and is breathtakingly beautiful with impressive rock formations that are as huge as a mountain itself. The terrain here will be made of ridge-sand rubbles and rocky terrain.    COVID Pandemic Preparedness and Protocols: Screening of all nomads at the entry point for symptoms of COVID-19 such as temperature (using no-contact type thermometer/ thermal guns), cough, cold, etc.  Only asymptomatic tourists shall be allowed.  Those with temperature more than 37.5 °C (99 °F) and/or flu-like symptoms shall not be permitted to travel.  Nomads in the age below 10 and above 60 will not be permitted.  Before the commencement of Travel, all nomads to mandatory submit a self-declaration form. Travelers to provide basic personal information when traveling, including name, phone number, Govt. ID type and ID number. Consent for sharing of their details with the administrative / health authorities will be taken from visitors, as and where required for contact tracing related activity. All nomads shall be briefed on the safety measures taken before onboarding. All the nomads shall be briefed on the Dos and Don’ts to be mandatorily followed while traveling and during the trip. Nomads are recommended to carry their own mask, sanitizer, wet wipes and cutlery set for personal use.    Click here to read our detailed guidelines on trekking amidst COVID-19 read more read less