Winter Treks of Himachal Pradesh
9 min read
Winters, winters, winters!! The Himalayas in all their splendour, with snow, “silver” mountains, a cold in the air, and the Himalayas in all their majesty. Exploring the majestic Himalayas in the winter makes perfect sense for adventurers. For adventure seekers, these are the 12 Best Trekking and Adventure Destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh is India’s outdoor adventure playground, with stunning snowy peaks and plummeting river valleys. If it can be done in the mountains, it can be done here, from trekking and climbing to rafting, paragliding, and skiing. Himachal is also a great destination to explore due to its complex geography of interlocking mountain chains.
Indrahar Pass Trek:
Indrahara Pass is one of the most popular and beautiful treks in the Dhauladhars, with an astounding altitude of 4350 metres above the snow-capped Dhauladhar range. This moderate trail will take you through lush Deodar and Rhododendron forests, as well as grassy fields. To the north, you can see the sacred peak of Mani Mahesh Kailash and the snow-covered Pir Panjal Range, while to the south, you can see the beautiful Indian plains all the way to the horizon. This hike will provide the ultimate adventurous experience, as it entails continual climbing, often over stones.
This walk begins with a gradual ascent through the Himalayan region before escalating to a severe ascent. You will have the opportunity to wander through several wildlife habitats and see wild goats, leopards, and the Monal bird. This thrilling excursion will take you across the Himalayan Ranges’ stunning wonders and sumptuous magnificence. The walk takes four days and passes largely through the Himalayan Dhauladhar Range, with plenty of challenges and hardships.
Along the journey, trekkers will have the opportunity to explore and discover the natural beauty and interesting appeal of the high Indrahar Pass, as well as camp around the Lahesh Caves. This magnificent trip is enhanced by panoramic vistas of Dhauladhar and other Himalayan peaks. Because many foreign tourists leave their luggage at McLeodganj, the most popular trek on the pass is a go to and come back. There are also those who cross the border into Chamba.
Triund Trek:
Triund is Dharamshala’s crown jewel, nestled in the Dhauladhar Mountains with a breathtaking view of the Dhauladhars on one side and Kangra Valley on the other. Triund is a prominent trekking destination that draws thousands of visitors each year from India and throughout the world. The view of the evening sky from Triund is a good enough incentive to pitch a tent here for the night, with well-defined woodland trails and breath-taking views of the entire Kangra valley. The trek’s length makes it ideal for a weekend excursion. There are various eateries along the way to choose from, including Magic View, Scenic View, and Snowline Café.
The hiking scene is well-organized, and one may embark on a number of longer-distance hikes, such as Indrahar Pass, Minkiani Pass, Kareri Lake, and all the way to Kuarsi Pass and Mani-Mahesh, from here. If you have an extra day, consider climbing from Triund to Lahesh Cave and exploring the meadows below Indrahar Pass. The trek provides panoramic views of Bhagsu village, Mcleodganj, and the Dharamsala valley, as well as distant views of the Shivalik peaks and Kangra valley plains. The hike is of a moderate difficulty. Triund is a vast expanse of verdant pastures and grasslands. Just above the eyes, the majestic Dhauladhar hills may be seen. For trekkers hiking the Indarahara Pass, this is the base camp and acclimatisation site.
Also See: Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Bir-Billing:
We have designed a magnificent package tour for adventurers that includes adventure activities, trekking, and sight-seeing in one short tour, allowing you to visit Kangra’s most stunning places in just a weekend. The lovely valley of Barot will be yours to explore. Explore the villages and breathtaking scenery of Badagran, Rajgundha, and KukkarGundha while staying in our Comfortable Camp in Badagran (2300 metres). Enjoy angling on the UHL River’s raging waters. Spend your weekend over a bonfire, taking photos, rock climbing, crossing a river, and rappelling down a waterfall. Mutton with Barot Trout Fish are delicious.
Cross the Uhl River over a little wooden bridge, take a refreshing swim in the Barot Pool under the waterfall, and go paragliding in Billing (2400 meters). Explore the majestic monasteries of Bir (1500 metres) and sample authentic Tibetan cuisine.
Bijli Mahadev temple:
This location was named for a large miracle that occurs on occasion. When the ‘Shiva-Lingam’ is struck by lightning and breaks into pieces, the temple priest gathers all of the parts and uses butter as an adhesive to reassemble them. It is stated that the tall staff in this lightning temple invites divine favours in the form of lightning. The priest of the temple is said to have to restore the Shiva-lingam inside the temple using butter and sattoo after every lightning strike since lightning shatters the lingam.
Every year during ‘Shivaratri,’ a large number of devotees flock here to pay respect to Lord Shiva. Bijli Mahadev is one of India’s best temples, located at a height of roughly 2,438 metres in the Kullu Valley. Because of the amazing panorama around you, reaching the top makes all the exhaustion disappear. The top of the peak provides a panoramic view of the Parvati and Kullu valleys.
Kareri Village & Lake Trek:
The Kareri Village & Lake Trek is one of the most popular hikes in the area. The Kareri Lake is located at the foot of the Minkiani Pass, north of Kareri Village. Apart from the natural beauty of the lake, the hike itself passes through lovely forests and rural villages before arriving at this isolated shrine on the shores of Kareri Lake. This hike is just difficult in a few areas and is suitable for people of all ages. Kareri village is about a 4-hour walk from the last roadhead of a village called Ghera; however, one can drive to Ghera from Dharamshala.
Niyund is a river/stream that flows from the Kareri lake, and the entire community is situated in a gorgeous location. If you have limited time, you can travel from Dharamshala or Mcleodgang via Shahpur to Nioli hamlet and begin the hike to Kareri Lake from there.
Prashar Lake Trek:
At a height of 2730 metres, over 50 kilometres from the town of Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, there is a shrine dedicated to the famous sage Prashar. The Pagoda-shaped temple, built in the 13th century, is a work of art. The lake is encircled by snow-capped peaks and looks out over the raging Beas River. Divers have been unable to determine the depth of the lake because it is quite deep. There is also a floating island in the lake. The trip to Prashar Lake takes you over a lovely forest trail with a spectacular 180-degree panorama of the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, and Kinnaur Mountain Ranges.
The temple architecture is worth a visit in and of itself, as it is built in traditional Himachali architecture that mixes in beautifully with the surrounding scenery. In the winter, the entire landscape, including the lake, is blanketed in snow, providing unparalleled views.
Also See: Hampta Pass Trek
Chandrakhani Pass Trek:
At an elevation of 3660 metres, Chandrakhani Pass is one of the most picturesque and quiet passes in the Kullu valley. The Deo Tibba peak, the Pir Panjal, and the Parbati range of mountains can all be seen from Chandrakhani Pass. The walk is one of the most picturesque hikes in Himachal Pradesh, and it introduces travellers to the rural, highland cultures of the state. Throughout the drive, the panoramic grandeur of the Kullu valley and the Himalayan peaks that dot the horizon is a treat for nature lovers. The Valley of Gods is another name for the area.
You’ll be walking through a thick forest of firs and oaks, passing by stunning vistas and meandering trails. Every step of the trip is accompanied by breathtaking views of the towering peaks, making it an amazing experience! Overall, this trekking excursion will introduce you to Himachal Pradesh’s calm, picturesque, and heavenly environments, as well as its natural beauties.
Kheerganga and Kasol Trek:
Your senses will be delighted by the extensive vegetation of the Kheerganga walk. Many waterfalls, ancient wooden buildings with magnificent carvings, restaurants and shops, and many swaying but durable bridges over the flowing Parvati river and thundering waterfalls will be encountered along the way. For the feeble heart, the tremendous sound near the river is not easy to tolerate. Enjoy vistas of lush green meadows and panoramic views of snow-capped mountain peaks from the summit, which will instantly refresh you after a long travel.
Take a warm dip in the pool built of hot water springs (separate enclosed pool for ladies) and bask in the beauty of nature as you count your blessings. Kasol is the primary traveller hangout in the valley, stretching along the picturesque Parvati River and with mountain vistas to the northeast. It’s a little village at a height of 1640 metres located 42 kilometres from Kullu. Reggae bars, bakeries, and cheap guesthouses abound, catering to a predominantly hippie/Israeli clientele.
It’s also a summertime hotspot for Goa-style trance events, as well as a convenient base for exploring the forested valley or simply unwinding. On the Bhuntar side of the village’s bridge, Old Kasol is divided from New Kasol, which is on the Manikaran Gurudwara side. Tosh Village, Rasol, Challal, and Malana are just a few of the wonderful spots around Kasol.
Manali Trek:
Manali is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most popular tourist destinations, with its pine forests surrounded by snowcapped peaks and the rushing Beas River. Trekking is the ideal way to discover the mountains, and trekking in the snow is much better. In the snow and winter, the mountains will be breathtaking, and the white beauty will be magnificent. The Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar hills will appear milky white, and snowflakes falling over a lush green forest will like a scene from a fairy tale. Lakes will be frozen, and the snow-covered peaks and land will provide plenty of photo opportunities and memories to last a lifetime.
Trek from Solang Valley to Anjani Mahadev, Meadows below Patalsu Peak, and Bakarthach, the most sought-after base camp for Beas Kund and several magnificent peaks such as Hanuman Tibba, Friendship Peak, Ladakhi Peak, and Tentu Pass. Both the Dhauladhar and Pir-Panjal Ranges may be seen here, separated by Tentu Pass, which leads to Manali Pass and the higher mountain ranges of Ladakh.
Manali and Naggar:
In Manali, enjoy snow trekking and homestays in Naggar, Rumsu, Sterling, Pulag, Naya Thapru, and Solang Valley. Warm meals, skiing, snow adventure activities, music, and a bonfire, as well as warm lunches and quilts, are all available.
Serolsar and Jalori:
Serolsar is a lovely lake located in the Kullu District’s Jalori Pass, surrounded by deep forest. The lake has two distinct colours, one in the summer and the other in the winter. So, as winter approaches, so does our journey. This is a modest 5-kilometer hike from the base camp, Jalori Pass. At an elevation of 10,800 feet, it is a high mountain pass (3.120m).
Barot:
Barot is a little green valley with spectacular views and pleasant weather all year. It is surrounded by green mountains and runs alongside the UHL River. The scenery is dominated by a mix of old and lovely timber homes and modern building. Barot is known for its fishing and fish farms. Across the UHL river is the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary. As we drive to Badagran, the valley gradually opens up, and you’ll be surprised.
We have a campground along the lovely terraced fields of Badagran, where you can stay in our luxury tents, do rock climbing, rappel over the Barot waterfall, or cross the river, and enjoy fantastic music, food, and chats with your fellow trekkers. Nature’s mesmeric colours invigorate with a variety of rich green mountains, flowing waterfalls, huge open plains, nostalgia-weaving classic houses, and panoramic snow-clad mountains to create a jaw-dropping experience.
The entire region is known as Chotha Bhangal, and it is divided by the gushing UHL River, which flows from the distant Thamsar Glacier and serves as a doorway to the renowned Bara Bhangal, also known as the Himalayan’s most isolated village. From here, hikers can reach Bara Bhangal, Rajgundha, and Bir Billing (India’s highest paragliding spot).
Small yet lovely treks to Billing, Rajgundha, Hanuman Garh Fort, Dhathi, Bir, Plachak, Johardi, Panharthu, and Nehru Pass are available for adventure seekers in this area. Not only that, but wild animals such as Black Bear, Brown Bear, Himalayan Palm Civent, barking Deer, Indian Hare, common Langur, Leopard, Rhesus Macaque, Himalayan yellow-throated stone Marten, Indian Porcupine, common giant flying Squirrel, and Himalayan Weasel live in the interiors of Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary.
About Author
