Categories
Adventure Treks

7 Winter Treks in India that’ll leave you with the most surreal experiences

In India, the winter doesn’t arrive in December. We are talking about the real spine-chilling winter which only arrives in the mid-January. So what is the perfect timing for the treks in the snow, the last week of December is the answer. The snow isn’t thick enough to cause disturbance to the trekkers and they have a wonderful experience roaming around sightseeing in the pure white snow. There are a few popular places in the country which are deemed perfect for the treks in the snowy mountains, here we have listed our top picks among them, take a good look.

Kedarkantha- Located in the western part of the North Indian state, Kedarkantha is popular as one of the most exciting yet risky treks in the snow. The trek is four days long and the camping up in the mountains amidst the deadly cold temperature is one experience not meant for the week of the hearts. The camp at about 1200 feet from the ground will give you a great 360-degree view of the entire area.

Har ki Dun- Located in the same state as Kedarkantha, this is one another highly desired trek routes in the northern part of the country. However, many people are not aware the fun they can have here in the winters, so they go for the summer treks. But the situation has immensely improved in the past couple of years. The 8-day long trek moves through the beautiful valley and even more beautiful villages.

Deoriatal- Chandrashila- Another winter trek makes its way into hearts when the snow begins to fall in Uttarakhand. The entire ranges of western Uttarakhand are visible when you achieve the highest point during the trek. The eccentric view of all the magnificent mountain ranges of India are visible and its turns out to be a magical experience. The trek lasts for about 6 days and is known to be one of the most dangerous trek routes in the country.

Sandakphu- On the eastern part of the country is one hidden gem of a winter trek which remains unexplored to a large extent. This is one of highest snow treks in the country and you get a great view of all the tallest Indian mountain ranges in a great 360-degree view. The 7-day trek is mostly taken in the summer and other seasons but in winters, the experience is breathtaking.

Brahmatal- This beautiful trekking location is there in Uttarakhand again but it has managed to secure the place in our list due to the added attractions you witness once you go up the mountain. The frozen lake on the way, the eccentric view of the valley from one of the highest points in the country, everything begins to make sense and you realize it feels very short even when it lasts for 6 days.

Chadar – Want to head for a trek the snow-bound villages? Some villages become absolutely inaccessible right from November till March. But imagine a way to access the snow-bound villages? Yes you can trek on the top of the ice of frozen rivers. The chadar trek is one such significant route which connects the villages in the in Zanskar valley with Chillingon the road to Leh along the iced up Zanskar River. The route has been experienced since centuries for trade and transportation purposes. It is said to be most reliable in February when the ice is most stable.

Parashar Encircled by the Dhauladhar ranges in Kullu Valley is a blue-water lake called Prashar which is no less than a graceful secret in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. You will be greeted by a charming trail through a forest and several rivulets while you experience the trek. Meanwhile, one can cherish the local culture as the trail goes through villages as well. The trek offers the most magnificent 180-degree view of the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, and Kinnaur mountain ranges.

Snow trekking is adventurous, risky, brilliant and magnetic. Yes, there are risks and there are a few accidents that do take place every now and then. But there is the certain charm about it that compels people to do it again and again and this is an experience that remains unforgettable for years, even decades.

Categories
Adventure Himalayas

Photo Essay- Kuari Pass

Kuari Pass is a beautiful winter trek and am glad to collaborate with Toroots India and giving me opportunity to click  breath-taking views. Here is a small photowalk of Kuari Pass from my lens. Bw, all pictures have been captured with my #leeco Max and are without filters.

Blue Sky!!

Sunset from Khullara- Loved the different hues of Sky.

 

View of Chaukhamba.

Feeling of acheivement as you are on peek:-)

Categories
Adventure Himalayas North India Treks

Getting through the Lord Curzon trail alias Kuari Pass

Also known as Lord Curzon trail, Kuari Pass is one of the most renowned winter treks in Garhwal region. The place is ideal for beginners and opens the gateways for the unexplored to be explored. Thanks to Toroots India and Renok Adventures, for the opportunity to explore this beautiful trek.

Little about the place

Location: Garhwal
Base: Rishikesh
Duration: 5Days
DifficultyLevel: Easy to Moderate
ApproxTrek: 30kms
AverageElevation: 13,000Fee
TypeofTrek: Winter Trek
Best Time: November to March
Highlights: Nanda Devi Peak, Trishul Peak, Gorson Bugyal, Tali LakeWhere is the Kuari Pass?

Kuari Pass is located in the midst of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, at an altitude of approx. 13,000 feet above the sea level. The Pass is at the center of the most incredible regions of Garhwal and is known for its unique wild grandeur. The place gives enthralling experience for first-time trekkers, as the entire trail comprises of walking through the frozen rivers, rock climbing, walk through forests. You get to traverse all kinds of terrain during these 3 days.
How to Get Here:
Rishikesh is the base for Kuari Pass. It can be reached via Haridwar. There are many buses that ply daily from Delhi.

How to Reach Kuari Pass?

By Air: Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport, which is 208Km from Nandprayag and 268Km from Joshimath.

By Rail: Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest rail-head, which is 191Km from Nandprayag and 251Km from Joshimath.

By Road: Nandprayag and Joshimath is well connected with other parts of Uttarakhand.

Trekking Routes:

Rishikesh – Joshimath – Dhak Village – Karchi Village – Tugasi Village – Palogeta Village – Gulling – Chonter Gatta – Bor Tal – Tali Campsite-Chitrakantha – Khulara Meadows-Kuari View Point 1- Chitrakantha Top – Lord Curzon Trail – Puli Dhar Col – Auli via Tali and Gorson Bugyal – Haridwar.

Accommodation Destinations: Gulling, & Khullara

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Joshimath.

The journey started from Haridwar, from where we went to Joshimath and it took almost 10 Hrs to reach the place. Had our night stay there itself.

Day 2: Joshimath to Gulling

Base camp is at Dhak village. From Joshimath, went with Innova to reach the base camp from where trek started. We trek through a hemlock, oak and rhododendron forest for 3km before a short descent to the meadow and campsite at Gulling. The impressive snow-capped ridge, including Chaukhamba 1 (7138m), can be seen beyond Joshimath. Guide Mr. Lama was very cooperative and efficient. On the way, you may want to capture the village life as you pass through Tugasi and other small villages.

 

Day 3 : Camping at  Khullara

From Gulling, again the trek started early morning, from where we reached to Khullara top and did our camping. It is much colder than Gulling and temp usually goes down to -6 degrees.

 

Day 4 : Way to Kuari Pass.

Last day, it all started trekking to Kuari pass, where on the way view was unmatchable and one tends to cross snow-laden trails. The view as you reach the height of 13,000 feet indeed gives you the adrenaline rush. The same day we returned from Kuari pass to Khullara campsite.

Day 5: Joshimath to Haridwar.

Last day was way back from Khullara to Dhak and then from Joshimath to Haridwar, from where we had our bus back to Delhi In case you are lucky to reach on time, watching Ganga Aarti is also a great idea.

By the way, Major network like idea/Vodafone works at these heights, so feel free to call your special someone from this height and make them jealous.

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