With a thick snow blanket in Himalaya, winter time draws adventure enthusiasts’ from around the globe.
A trek offers a landscape that’s relatively less found on social media. Perks of trekking in winter include witness a unique frozen backdrop with every expedition.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH: The quaint town of Patnitop in Kashmir transforms into a winter paradise every year (Pic: Subhrajyoti Parida)
Most of the popular trekking routes in the Himalayas are reserved for skilled trekkers but there are some easier routes offering those intermediates a piece of the exotic winter landscape.
CHADAR TREK Chadar Trek is famed for a reason: the dangerous trek involves walking on a river with a frozen blanket on top, encircled by dramatic mountains on both sides. For most trekkers, it is a defining experience.
The frozen landscape of Zanskar Valley (Pic: Kabya Garg)
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The path of the expedition is over the frozen Zanskar River (a tributary of the Indus) and one needs to prepare vigorously to face the severe climatic conditions and terrain. A thorough preparation is required before embarking on the excursion that spans nearly 100 km, takes in total of about 8 days one end.
TRIUND TREK This one isnft a snow lined route but the Triund Trek still remains the most popular one in Dharamshala. Situated about ten kilometers from the bustling city centre of McLeodganj, the trail runs along the ridge beneath the mighty Dhauladhar Range. This trek is almost a rite of passage for travellers visiting this Tibetan city-in-exile. The route offers excellent panoramic views of the mountains and ends at the grassy meadows with mist rolling by. Heavy snowfall renders Triund literally inaccessible for few weeks in January and February, during peak winter.
GULMARG The beautiful town of Gulmarg offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature and experience a new face of Indian culture altogether. The meadows of Gulmarg are carpeted by a thick layer of snow, making for an ideal skiing terrain.
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The blanket of snow across Gulmarg makes it perfect for adventure sports (Pic: Waseem Khan) The snowcovered meadows, mesmerizing peaks and thrilling adventure sports can make you fall in love with this paradise. Trekking along Alpather Lake, which remains frozen until June, makes for a great route. The Khilanmarg Valley, another popular stretch gives you a beautiful view of Kun & Nun Peaks.
Ombattu Gudda (Nine Hills) is amidst the dense forests of the Western Ghats near the borders of Hassan and Chikmagalur in Karnataka.
Camping is the best way to experience the landscape The trek trail lies within the Kabinhole Reserve Forest which allows glimpses of beautiful landscapes all along. The numerous streams along the way are another plus.
Ombattu Gudda is amidst the dense forests of Western Ghats HARISHCHANDRAGAD This hill fort in Ahmednagar district (Maalshej region) of Maharashtra, is perhaps one of the most sought after destinations for the trekkers.
The hill fort of Harishchandragardh is dotted with many waterfalls Although this hill fort is famous for its scenic beauty during monsoons, winter is the perfect time to catch the mist rolling by. If you go sooner, you stand the opportunity to witness many cascading water bodies.
