Treks in India provide diversity to fellow trekkers and adventurers more than ever. The topography of India varies drastically from north to south and east to west. The northern states are landlocked by the sky high Himalayas while the western and south coast of India is occupied by a unique blend of the Arabian sea and Western Ghats. The trekkers have abundant options to trek as the winters vary from north to south. Following are some treks that can lit up your winters;
The Chadar trek lies in the northernmost state of Ladakh in the trans Himalayas. The trek is challenging due to its extremely freezing weather conditions. Trekking here is a life altering experience one could have. The beige snow capped sky high peaks, the frozen river and waterfalls paint a wonder. Due to its high altitudes, one needs to get acclimatized for a day to get used to the less oxygen. The camping experience in the valley is mind blowing while the temperatures reach -10 degrees at night. The trek trail encapsulates lofty mountain ranges, small villages, and the frozen Zanskar river.
Located in the southern heaven of Western Ghats, Kodachadri is a unique trek in Karnataka. The peak is situated in the Moola Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, in Shimoga district. The peak has a backdrop of lush green valleys and ocean at the horizon. The trek trail includes thick dense forests, divine waterfalls, mesmerizing meadows and mist. This a perfect one day trek to do during winters when the landscapes are wrapped in green carpets of grass and forests and temperatures are pleasant. The Hidlumane waterfalls look blissful post monsoon. The trek lies in an easy to moderate range of difficulty and can be completed with assistance of a local guide.
When it comes to winter treks, it goes without saying that Kedarkantha is a mandatory mention in the list. It is the best place to experience the first snowfall of your life or even the first snow trek of your life. The trek takes four days to complete where you will be camping under the stars, near a bonfire and a frozen lake. During the night, the snow on the slopes shimmer like diamonds on the ground while the neighboring peaks lit up in the moonlit sky. The temperatures are extremely cold, freezing and equally hot during the summers. The snow sticks to the ground till early March hence trekkers can easily hike during this month as well.
This is the highest peak of Karnataka with an elevation of 1900 m. However, despite being the tallest mountain peak in Karnataka, Mullayanagiri is not the toughest to climb. There are roads built till the summit followed by a built pathway of stairs further towards the temple. The pathway is on an open ridge and offers spectacular views of the western ghats. There are food stalls enroute selling corn, chai, maggie to the tourists. During the winters, the mountain and the valleys are wrapped in fog lessening the visibility, yet being a scenic trek, the hike to the temple doesn’t seem so exhausting since the temperatures are pleasant here.
Most of the treks in Maharashtra are monsoon treks while at times due to heavy rainfall, the terrain becomes dangerously slippery making it harmful to climb to the summit. The winters in Raigad are beautiful due to its Sahyadri ranges blocking all the clouds perfectly. Irshalgad is one of the treks near Karjat that is easily accessible by train and can be done in a day. The terrain is dry, indicating no signs of danger while the fog gathers around the peak. The trek is a simple hike towards the fort summit and has awesome early morning views of Matheran peak, Prabalmachi, Chanderi etc.
Triund is the ambassador of treks in Himachal Pradesh. The trek can be done all around the year while winters hold a special place in the trekker’s mind. The base village being Dharamkot, the climb to the summit is more like a morning stroll for trekkers. The summit is an open ridge rather than a peak making it a vast land of snow to play in. you can play in the snow for a couple of hours and return to base village in no time. The best way to spend your long weekend in HImachal Pradesh. Since camping at the summit is prohibited, you can also opt to set up tents in the base village, or stay in a homestay/dormitory.
