Top Winter Treks To Do In December: Best Snow Treks in India

Introduction

Winter treks in December are a bold experience in itself, especially in the Indian Himalayas. The month of December is a prime choice for trekkers, as it offers crisp weather, cool air & blue skies, making it ideal for fresh snowfall and expansive views of snow-covered landscapes.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trekker, trekking in winter enriches your soul as the trails fall silent after the monsoon, offering a refreshing adventure. 

Snowfall in December is light, with frosty and cold nights. It features frozen waterfalls and deep blue skies. This is why December is the best month, with untouched natural charm and without snow challenges. 

In this guide, I’m going to tell you about the top winter treks to do in December in India, covering all you need to know about them to help you choose the right one for you. 

Top winter treks in December include the Kedarkantha Trek, Brahmatal Trek, Dayara Bugyal Trek, Chadar Trek, Triund Trek, and more. All are famous for their iconic winter charm & classic snow trail experience.

Kedarkantha Trek (Uttarakhand)

One of the famous treks in Uttarakhand, Kedarkantha is a popular winter trekking destination that reaches an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level. Situated within the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Kedarkantha is a beginner-friendly trek with gradual ascent.

The trail offers an authentic winter trekking experience and classic summit peak views of Mt. Nanda Devi & Trishul peaks. Covering a distance of around 20 km, it takes roughly 4-5 days to complete.

Key details about the Kedarkantha trek:

• Location: Govind Pashu Vihar Sanctuary, in Uttarkashi district, within the Garhwal Himalayan Region
• State: Uttarakhand, India
• Altitude: 12,500 feet (3,810 meters)
• Trek Distance: 20 km
• Duration: 5-6 days
• Starting Point: Sankri Village
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Highlights: Snow-covered landscape & freezing campsite Juda Ka Talab
• Best For: Absolute beginners, families, and first-timers

Pro Tip: Check out our Kedarkantha trek package price from Dehradun if you are planning your first winter adventure.

Brahmatal Trek (Uttarakhand)

The Brahmatal Trek is one of the best treks to do in December in India. Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Brahmatal is a high-altitude Himalayan trek that reaches an elevation of 12,000 feet at the summit peak. 

Surrounded by dense oak forest and peaks, the trek features frozen alpine lakes, Bekal Tal and Brahma Tal, believed to be the place where Lord Brahma meditated. Famous for its alpine ridge walks starting from Lhajung village and offering classic summit views of Himalayan peaks

Key details about the Brahmatal Trek:

• Location: Within the Garhwal Himalayas, in the Chamoli district
• State: Uttarakhand, India
• Altitude: 12,000 feet (3,660 meters)
• Trek Distance: 22-24 km
• Duration: 5-6 days
• Starting Point: Lohajung Village
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Highlights: Views of frozen alpine lakes & towering Himalayan peaks with snowfall
• Best For: Solitude-seeking adventure seekers, photographers, & beginners

Sandakphu Trek (West Bengal)

The Sandakphu trek is one of the must-do treks in India. Known as the trekkers’ wonderland, it is located in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Famous for offering rare views of the world’s highest peaks, such as Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga. 

Locally known as the “Land of Sleeping Buddha” due to the unique shape of the surrounding peaks. It’s a multi-day trek that covers a 50-60 km round trip. In December, this trek reaches up to its untouched natural charm.

Key details about the trek:

• Location: Darjeeling district, on the West Bengal-Sikkim Border
• State: West Bengal
• Altitude: 11,930 feet (3,636 meters)
• Starting Point: Maneybhanjan, Darjeeling
• Trek Distance: 50-60 km round trip
• Duration: 5 to 7 days
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
• Highlights: Massive views of Mt. Kanchenjunga & Mt. Everest peaks
• Best For: Experienced trekkers & thrill seekers

Triund Trek (Himachal Pradesh)

Located in McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh, the Triund trek is a popular beginner-friendly trek in the Himalayas. Reaching up to an altitude of 9,425 feet and covering around 9 km one way, the Triund trek offers great views of the Dhauladhar ranges & valleys.

It covers roughly 8-9 km, can be split into 2 days, making it perfect for busy professionals looking for a shorter adventure. Start from McLeodganj or nearby Dharamkot village.

Key details about the trek are

• Location: McLeodganj near Dharamshala, Dhauladhar mountain ranges
• State: Himachal Pradesh
• Altitude: 9,425 feet (2,875 meters)
• Trek Distance: 18 km
• Duration: 2 days
• Starting Point: McLeodganj
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Highlights: Views of Dhauladhar peaks & camping in cold, crisp weather
• Best For: Complete beginners, budget seekers & Peaceful adventure seekers

Goecha La Trek (Sikkim)

Goecha La trek is a challenging and one of the most popular winter treks in Sikkim, India. It starts from Yuksom village and reaches an elevation of 15,100 feet. 

It’s a physically demanding trek due to steep moraine walks and rough Himalayan terrain, covering a distance of around 70-80 km. It offers massive views of the world’s highest peaks, Mt. Kanchenjunga &  pristine Samiti Valley.

• Location: Gyalshing district 
• State: Sikkim, India
• Altitude: 15,100 feet
• Trek Distance: 75 to 80 km 
• Duration: 9-10 days
• Starting Point: Yuksom village
• Difficulty Level: moderate to challenging
• Highlights: views of massive Kanchenjunga peak & 
• Best For: seasonal & experienced trekkers

Harishchandragad Fort Trek (Maharashtra)

The Harishchanragad fort trek is a popular trek to do in December. Located in the  Ahmadnagar district of Maharashtra. Situated in Syadari Hills, it reaches an altitude of 4650 feet. 

It covers roughly 8 km starting from a small Khireshwar village and can be covered in one day or split up into 2 days by setting camping near the Kakkalgad base campsite. 

It’s a famous hill fort destination; it offers great views of cliff ridges and surrounding peaks of the Western Ghat. It requires obtaining a permit from nearby forest checkpoints.

• Location: Ahmadnagar district
• State: Maharashtra
• Altitude: 4,650 feet (1,417 meters)
• Trek Distance: 8 km total
• Duration: 2 days
• Starting Point: Khireshwar village offers scenic views
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Highlights: Breathtaking views of Shyadari Hills & small temple of Harishchandreshwar
• Best For: Nature & adventure enthusiasts

Meesapulimala Trek (Kerala)

Meesapulimala is a famous high-altitude winter trek in Munnar, Kerala. It takes trekkers to the second-highest peak of western ghat reaches upto elevation of 8,661 feet. 

Featuring scenic rolling hills & meadows. Starting from Rhodo Valley, the trek passes through the scenic rhododendron forests. It offers great views of peaks & clouds. 

Remember, the trek requires a forest entry permit obtained from the Kerala Forest Development Department. Due to shorter distance and ridge walks, it’s a highly ideal trek for absolute beginners & nature lovers. 

• Location: Idukki district, near Munnar
• State: Kerala
• Altitude: 2,640 meters (8,661 feet)
• Trek Distance: 8-15 km total
• Duration: 4-8 hours of hiking
• Starting Point: Rhodo Valley
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Highlights: Panoramic sights of nearby peaks & valleys
• Best For: Peace seekers & beginners 

Deomali Hill Trek (Odisha)

The Deomali Hill Trek is a shorter yet very scenic hiking trail in Koraput district of Odisha, India. Standing at an altitude of 1,672 meters, it’s a beginner-friendly trek that offers great views of lush green meadows and misty hills. 

The winter season, especially December, is a perfect time to undertake this trek, offering pleasant weather with crisp mountain air, providing a refreshing experience of the Eastern Ghats of India.

Starting from the village, this trail allows for camping experiences at nearby sites managed by an official eco resort in Odisha.

• Location: Koraput district (within the Eastern Ghats)
• State: Odisha
• Altitude: 5,486 feet (1,672 meters)
• Trek Distance: 2.5 km to 3 km
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Starting Point: Putsil village
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Highlights: Rolling hills, sweeping meadows
• Best For: Absolute beginners & nature lovers

Can a Beginner do a winter trek in December?

Yes, absolutely, beginners can do trekking in December. The best treks in December for beginners are the Kedarkantha, Brahmatal, Dayara Bugyal, & Nag Tibba treks, featuring easy, gradual trails & winter charm. 

December is a really good time for a winter trek for beginners, as the month experiences pleasant weather with crisp air & freezing temperatures. Without the challenge of harsh weather or inaccessible trails, December is considered a perfect time for a fresh adventure experience.

Tips for Doing Winter Treks in December

Remember! Planning a winter trek in December for the first time requires proper planning and preparation. Follow these tips & tricks before the trek:

• Choose the right trek: The very first step is to choose the right trek as per your fitness level & desired experience. It is crucial for a safer and better experience. 

• Dress in layers: Do not compromise your health while doing a trek in December as temperatures drop to sub-zero degrees, so wear proper warm clothes and cover your head with a warm cap.

• Wear proper trekking gear: Sturdy shoes, microspikes, and a snow gaiter to protect your feet.

• Take a Medical Kit: Keep basic first-aid items and medicines along with you to tackle sudden medical emergencies.

• Start the trek early: It’s a golden suggestion by many trekkers to start the trek early, before sunrise, to complete the day trek before dark.

• Be prepared for the trek: Keep your body warm with warm fluids, energy drinks, electrolytes, and protein bars. Also, wear comfortable and warm clothes.

• Follow Guidelines: Always listen to your trek leader and follow all the instructions for safety.

Conclusion

Exploring the best winter treks in December in India is a thrilling experience, especially in the pristine Himalayas, when the weather is cool with crisp air & light snowfall. 

Destinations like Kedarkantha, Triund trek, Goecha La, and Sandakphu are popular winter treks to do in December, offering stunning views of majestic snow-covered peaks, valleys, and dense oak forests.

But for a safer experience, it is highly recommended to go with a travel agency & prepare physically and mentally to test your capabilities with safety. 

FAQs

Which trek is best in December in India?

The best treks to do in December in India are

• Kedarkantha trek
• Brahmatal Trek
• Sandakphu trek
• Goicha La trek

These are popular premier winter trekking destinations in India, famous for an authentic snowfall experience. 

What is the king of winter treks in India?

The Kedarkantha trek is often known as the king of winter treks in India and is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It’s a multi-day trek, covering 20 km, and starts from Sankri village, featuring classic summit peaks with snowfall experience. 

Which trek is best for snow experience in December?

For a stunning snow experience in December, the Kedarkantha trek is incredible; it receives fresh snowfall in late November or early December and features a snow-covered dense forest & peaks. Brahmatal & Chopta-Chandrashilla are other reliable options for an authentic snow experience.  

How to prepare for a winter trek in December?

The major focus should be on physical preparation to prepare your body for winter trekking. Practice hikes, brisk walking, lunges, & squats. Get proper sleep and a nourishing diet.

Which is harder, the Chandrashilla trek or Kedarkantha?

Neither one can be harder in the Chopta-Chandrashila & Kedarkantha trek; both can be absolutely perfect for beginners. But the Kedarkantha trek can be challenging due to the longer distance, continuous ridge walks, and higher altitude.