Winter Snow Treks in Uttarakhand: Kedarkantha, Brahmatal & Dayara

There's nothing quite like your first morning on a winter trek: the tent crusted with frost, pine trees heavy with snow, and a summit you'll be standing on in a few hours glowing orange in the first light. Uttarakhand has some of the best beginner-friendly snow treks in India, and you don't need mountaineering experience — just reasonable fitness, the right gear and a good operator.

The three best first snow treks

Kedarkantha

The most popular winter trek in India, and for good reason. The trail climbs through pine and oak forest to snowy clearings like Juda ka Talab, then a pre-dawn summit push up a snow ridge to a peak with a 360° view of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Black Peak. The summit day is long and steep, but the rest of the trek is gentle.

Brahmatal

Quieter than Kedarkantha, with frozen lakes, long ridge walks and big close-up views of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. It feels more remote, and the ridge walk is one of the most scenic days you'll have on any beginner trek.

Dayara Bugyal

Some of the most beautiful high-altitude meadows in India. In winter they turn into a vast, rolling snowfield — perfect if you want snow without a hard summit day. In summer the same meadows are green and full of wildflowers.

When to go

December to March is peak snow season. December often has clearer skies with less snow; January and February bring the deepest snow and the coldest nights (temperatures at the high camps often drop to around –10 °C); March is milder, with snow lingering higher up.

Getting there

Most Uttarakhand treks start with an overnight journey to Dehradun, followed by a long drive (8–10 hours for Sankri, similar for Lohajung via Kathgodam). Build in a buffer day — winter roads can close after heavy snowfall.

What to pack for the snow

Clothing (layer up):

• Thermal base layers — top and bottom, two sets
• Fleece jacket plus a down or heavy synthetic jacket
• Waterproof trekking pants
• Warm cap, balaclava or neck gaiter
• Inner fleece gloves and waterproof outer gloves
• Woollen socks, several pairs — wet socks cause most cold misery

Gear:

• Waterproof trekking shoes with ankle support, already broken in
• Gaiters and microspikes (operators usually provide these — check)
• UV-protection sunglasses — snow blindness is real
• Headlamp with spare batteries (cold drains them fast)
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
• Insulated bottle — regular bottles can freeze overnight

Staying safe

1. Go with a registered, experienced operator. Winter trails change with every snowfall; local guides know them. Many treks also need forest permissions, which operators arrange.
2. Acclimatise. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and don't skip rest.
3. Know the signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): headache, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, poor sleep. Tell your trek leader early. If symptoms get worse, the only real cure is to descend.
4. Listen to your trek leader on summit day. Turnaround times exist for good reasons.
5. Keep your hands and feet dry. Change wet socks at camp immediately.
6. Train beforehand. Four to six weeks of running, stair climbing or cycling makes the trek far more enjoyable.

Leave the mountains cleaner

Snow hides litter until spring, when it all reappears. Carry every wrapper back down, avoid single-use plastic, use camp toilets, and choose operators who follow a leave-no-trace policy.

A winter trek is cold, tiring and absolutely worth it. If you're new to the mountains, try a beginner trek in Himachal in autumn first — and see where I've been (and want to go next) on my travel globe.