Best Winter Trek! Where to Travel in November

Devesh Chauhan October 31, 2024

9 4 minutes read

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As the chill of winter sets in and the first snow blankets the mountains, it’s the perfect time to lace up your trekking boots and set out for an adventure. November marks the beginning of winter in many regions of India, making it an ideal month for trekking enthusiasts to explore scenic trails, witness snow-capped peaks, and bask in the crisp winter air. Here’s a curated list of the best winter treks to consider in November, offering a blend of beauty, challenge, and unforgettable experiences.

Table of Contents

Kedarkantha Trek, Uttarakhand

Altitude: 12,500 feet
Duration: 6 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

The Kedarkantha trek in Uttarakhand is one of the most popular winter treks, and for good reason. Known as the “Queen of Winter Treks,” it offers mesmerizing views of the Himalayan peaks, dense pine forests, and charming snow-covered landscapes. The trek begins from Sankri Village, and you’ll pass through beautiful campsites like Juda ka Talab and Hargoan.

Reaching the summit of Kedarkantha rewards you with a panoramic view of peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, and Black Peak. The trail, covered in fresh snow, makes it a picturesque journey. The easy-to-moderate difficulty level makes it suitable for beginners and families with children.

Har Ki Dun Trek, Uttarakhand

Altitude: 11,675 feet
Duration: 7-8 Days
Difficulty Level: Moderate

If you are looking for a scenic trek with a touch of history, the Har Ki Dun trek is perfect. Har Ki Dun, which translates to the “Valley of Gods,” is a cradle-shaped valley located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand. This trek offers captivating views of the Swargarohini peaks, alpine meadows, and quaint villages. It is an ancient trail known to be used by Pandavas in the Mahabharata.

The trek starts from Sankri and takes you through Taluka and Seema Village. Har Ki Dun is ideal for nature lovers and photographers, with its scenic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and unique cultural experiences.

Sandakphu Trek, West Bengal

Altitude: 11,930 feet
Duration: 7-8 Days
Difficulty Level: Moderate

The Sandakphu Trek in West Bengal is famously known as the “Trek of the Sleeping Buddha” due to the alignment of the peaks. What makes this trek special is the opportunity to witness four of the five highest peaks in the world: Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. The trek begins from Manebhanjan and traverses through villages like Tonglu and Gairibas.

The final ascent to Sandakphu rewards you with a stunning 180-degree view of the snow-capped peaks. November is an ideal time as the skies are clear, providing unobstructed views of the majestic mountains.

Goechala Trek, Sikkim

Altitude: 16,200 feet
Duration: 10-11 Days
Difficulty Level: Challenging

The Goechala Trek in Sikkim is a challenging yet rewarding winter trek, offering close-up views of the third-highest peak in the world, Mount Kanchenjunga. The trail takes you through lush forests of rhododendrons and magnolias, quaint hamlets, and pristine lakes.

Starting from Yuksom, the trek passes through Tshoka and Dzongri before reaching the Goechala Pass, which offers a jaw-dropping view of the Kanchenjunga massif. Trekkers can also witness the stunning reflection of the Kanchenjunga peak on the still waters of Samiti Lake. November is a great time to undertake this trek due to the clear skies and moderate snow cover.

Brahmatal Trek, Uttarakhand

Altitude: 12,250 feet
Duration: 6 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

The Brahmatal Trek is perfect for those looking to experience the charm of winter trekking without tackling extreme altitudes. This trek takes you to Brahmatal Lake, a beautiful glacial lake nestled in the Himalayas. The trail passes through oak and rhododendron forests, snow-laden meadows, and picturesque campsites.

On reaching Brahmatal Top, you are greeted with splendid views of Mount Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. The snow-covered landscape and panoramic views make it a favorite for photography enthusiasts. The easy-to-moderate difficulty level and well-marked trail make it suitable for first-timers and families.

Nag Tibba Trek, Uttarakhand

Altitude: 9,915 feet
Duration: 2 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy

For a short and easy winter trek, the Nag Tibba Trek is ideal. It’s the highest peak in the Lesser Himalayas near Mussoorie, making it a great weekend getaway for those short on time. The trek starts from Pantwari Village and passes through dense oak and rhododendron forests.

At the summit, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Bandarpunch, Kedarnath, and Gangotri ranges. The Nag Tibba trek is perfect for beginners and families with children due to its easy gradient and short duration.

Kuari Pass Trek, Uttarakhand

Altitude: 12,516 feet
Duration: 6 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

The Kuari Pass Trek is a relatively easy trek that offers grand views of the Nanda Devi peak. The trail, which was once explored by Lord Curzon, takes you through dense forests, picturesque meadows, and quaint villages. The trek starts from Joshimath and passes through Gulling and Chitrakantha.

The highlight of the trek is the view from Kuari Pass, where trekkers can see a vast panorama of peaks including Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Hathi-Ghodi, and Pangarchulla. The easy gradient and mesmerizing views make it a great option for beginners.

Why November is the Best Time for Winter Treks

November is the beginning of winter in most trekking regions, making it an ideal time to experience the first snowfall without the extreme cold of peak winter. The weather remains pleasant during the day, with clear skies offering unobstructed views of the snow-clad peaks. The trails are less crowded in November, allowing for a more peaceful and immersive trekking experience.

Conclusion

Winter treks in November offer a unique experience, combining adventure with the serene beauty of snow-covered landscapes. From the popular Kedarkantha trek to the scenic Sandakphu trek and the challenging Goechala trek, there’s something for everyone. So, gather your trekking gear, pick a destination, and embark on an unforgettable winter adventure!

Devesh Chauhan October 31, 2024

9 4 minutes read