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Have you ever imagined standing in the middle of a snowy forest, where pine trees shimmer under a soft white glow and the only sound is your own breath
in the crisp air? Peaceful, isn’t it? That’s what winter trekking in Himachal Pradesh feels like! Winter trekking is not just about reaching the summit but enjoying the route along the way. If you're a seasoned trekker or a beginner chasing your first snowfall, these winter treks promise both adventure and peace. From easy weekend trails like Triund to the more challenging climbs of Hampta Pass and Churdhar, each trek offers the best adventures.
Triund Trek
If you’re looking for an easy yet breathtaking winter trek, Triund near McLeod Ganj is a perfect start. This trek is moderate but steep for 9 kilometres. The trail passes through oak and deodar forests before opening up to sweeping views of the Dhauladhar range blanketed in snow. The route starts from the Gallu Devi temple; you can complete it in a day or stay in a camp for the night.
You get to see the Moon Peak, Rifle Horn, and Arthur's Seat, clearly visible right when you start the trek. Watching the sunset here, with clouds drifting below, is a feeling that stays long after you’ve descended.
Kheerganga Trek
Few things feel better than soaking in a natural hot spring surrounded by snow-covered peaks. The Kheerganga trek, starting from Barshaini in the Parvati Valley, offers exactly that. The trail takes you through pine forests and frozen waterfalls before ending at the famous hot water pool at the top. To complete this trek, you would need 3 days and 2 nights. Also there are two paths from Barshaini to the top, one through the village of Rudranag and the other through Kalga village.
Prashar Lake Trek
Hidden near Mandi, Prashar Lake turns into a shimmering sheet of ice during winter. The trek covers about 16 kilometres and is surrounded by the Kinnaur, Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal mountain ranges. There is also the oldest temple dedicated to Rishi Prashar beside Prashar Lake. The view of mountains stretching endlessly under a blue sky truly feels both tranquil and surreal.
Hampta Pass Trek
For trekkers craving a bit more challenge, the Hampta Pass trek from Manali is a winter dream. The trek ideally lasts for five days, beginning from Jobra base camp near Old Manali and ending at Chatru, with a final drive to the Chandratal Lake. Balu ka Ghera and Shea Goru are two of the most stunning campsites on the trek. Though the pass itself can be tough in heavy snow, the scenery makes every step worth it.
Kareri Lake Trek
Kareri Lake, perched at 2,950 metres near Dharamshala, stays beautifully frozen through winter. The trail passes through alpine forests, small wooden bridges, and mountain villages dusted with snow. The trek starts from Kareri village, which is around 30 km away from Dharamshala and can be completed in 2 days. It’s less crowded than Triund, making it perfect for those who prefer solitude.
Churdhar Trek
Often overlooked, the Churdhar trek in the Sirmaur region is challenging. At 3,647 metres, it’s one of the highest peaks outside the main tourist circuit, giving you wide-open views of the Badrinath and Kedarnath ranges.
The most popular route starts from Nohradhar and typically takes about two to three days, involving hiking through forests and meadows to a summit with a large statue of Lord Shiva and a historic temple. Also, since this area is part of a forest sanctuary, you might get lucky and spot a musk deer or a monal. The panoramic view from the summit makes the long climb completely worth the effort.
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