Posted 06 December 2022 in Adventure awaits

The best Himachal Pradesh treks to go on during the winter season

Nestled in the lap of nature in the majestic Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is a northern state of India. The state is one of the major tourist destinations and is visited by tourists from across the globe all months of the year. Himachal Pradesh also has a prominent Tibetan influence and houses several Buddhist monasteries and temples. The state also attracts nature lovers, photographers and wildlife lovers.

Plunging valleys, white mountains and monasteries attract tourists from all over the world. Home to breathtaking snow-capped mountains and a number of hill stations, Himachal is one of the best places for mountain climbing, trekking and skiing. A number of trekkers visit the state for trekking to untouched locations. They can trek in both the summer and winter seasons in Himachal Pradesh. While summer treks are for nature lovers, winter treks attract adventure enthusiasts as the temperatures go down to minus degrees Celsius.

Some of the best winter treks in Himachal Pradesh are:

1. Kasol Kheerganga Trek

Kheerganga is nestled in the stunning Parvati Valley in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Kheerganga is popular for its enthralling hot water springs and picturesque valley views. The trek will be completed at an altitude of 9600 ft. The Kasol Kheerganga Trek begins from Kasol. Kasol is a small serene village situated at an altitude of 5000 ft in the lap of greenery.

It is a 12 km trek from one side. It is a 2-day trek and can be easily covered by anyone. The difficulty level of the trek is from easy to moderate. After completing the trek, a sudden feeling of peace will enter your heart. The beauty and serenity of the place will make you forget the monotonous city life.

How to reach?

By air: Kullu Manali Airport is the nearest airport to Kasol. The airport is also known as Bhuntar Airport. Located at a distance of 30 km from Kasol, Bhuntar Airport is connected to major cities of the country. You can take a cab or a taxi from the airport to Kasol.
By rail: Kasol does not have a railway station of its own. The nearest railway station to Kasol is Joginder Nagar Railway Station. It is located at a distance of 144 km from Kasol. Reach Joginder Nagar Railway Station and then take a bus or a cab to Kasol for the trek.
By road: Being a small quaint village in Himachal Pradesh, Kasol has no direct connectivity to other states. However, one can reach Kullu and then take a bus to Kasol. Buses are the cheapest mode of transportation to reach Kasol.

2. Pin Parvati Trek

The Pin Parvati Trek is an alternative route to the Spiti Valley and one of the most challenging ones. It is a difficult trek and suitable for only physically fit and expert trekkers. The trail of the trek cuts through the lush green forest of the Himalayas. Trekkers will go through Mantalai during the trek.

The total height of the trek is 17,457 ft. and you will be required to cover a distance of 110 km to complete the trek. The trek will be completed in 7 to 8 days. The starting point of the trek is Rumsu Base Camp located near Manali while the trek ends at Kaza.

The trek will require you to stay in camps under the stars. You can witness spectacular forests and meadows of the Parvati Valleys while trekking. The Pin Parvati Trek is one of the most enthralling treks and will give you the memories of a lifetime.

How to reach?

By air: The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport, also known as the Kullu Manali Airport. The airport is conveniently connected to all major airports of the country through Delhi. There are regular flights from and to New Delhi. The distance between Bhuntar Airport and Rumsu Base Camp is 62 km. Tourists can take a private car or bus from the airport to reach Rumsu Base Camp.
By train: Chandigarh is the nearest railway station to Manali. The distance between Chandigarh Railway Station and Manali is 310 km. Reach Chandigarh by train and take a cab to Mandi and then a bus or another cab to Manali.
By road: Manali is well-connected to New Delhi via several government and private buses. The best route would be an overnight bus journey from Delhi to Manali. You will reach Manali in 13-14 hours.

3. Bijli Mahadev Trek

You are missing out on a major thing if you did not sign up for a trek when in the mountains. Bijli Mahadev Trek is one of the easiest treks in Himachal Pradesh and can be covered in a day. The starting point of the trek is Kinja Village in Kullu.

Located in the Kullu Valley at an altitude of about 2,460 m, the trek completes at a temple that is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. One can see a panoramic view of the Kullu district from the temple after a trek of 4 km. Bijli means lightning in Hindi and Mahadev is another name for Lord Shiva. According to folklore, Lord Shiva blesses the temple in the form of lightning every 12 years. The shivalinga is destroyed by the lightning and is then coated with butter.

It is an easy to moderate level trek and can be completed in 5-6 hours, depending upon your physical endurance. The view after the climb will leave you spellbound. The trek is worth the beautiful view at the top.

How to reach?

By air: The nearest airport to Kullu in Bhuntar Airport which is also known as the Kullu Manali Airport. The airport is conveniently connected to all major cities of the country through Delhi. Regular flights are available from and to New Delhi. The distance between Bhuntar Airport and Kinja Village is 17 km. You can take a private car or bus from the airport to the village.
By rail: The nearest railway station to Kullu is Joginder Nagar Railway Station. It is located at a distance of 125 km from Kullu. From Joginder Nagar Railway Station, you can take a bus or a cab to reach Kullu for the trek.
By road: Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation operates several buses to and from Kullu, connecting it to nearby cities. Buses are the most convenient and easiest modes of transportation. Various private and luxury buses also run daily from Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla to Kullu.

4. Triund Trek

Triund Trek is one of the popular treks of Himachal Pradesh, famous for its magnificent views. It is one of the easiest and shortest treks of the region with spectacular scenery of the snow-covered mountains of the Dhauladhar Ranges and Kangra Valley.

The trek completes at an altitude of 7700 ft and is a weekend trek. Tourists can experience night camping under the stars for an unforgettable memory. While trekking, you will have the chance to visit the BhagsuNag Waterfall which is the highest waterfall of McLeod Ganj.

McLeod Ganj is the starting and end point of this trek. The total distance covered for this trek is 14 km.

How to reach?

By air: Kangra Airport, located in Dharamshala, is the nearest airport to McLeod Ganj. The airport is situated at a distance of 22 km from McLeod Ganj. The airport is well-connected to major nearby destinations like Kullu, Delhi and Chandigarh.
By rail: Pathankot Railway Station is the nearest railway station to McLeod Ganj. The railway station is located at a distance of 90 km from the starting point of the trek. Trekkers can take a bus or a taxi to McLeod Ganj from the railway station.
By road: Buses are the most common and convenient mode of transportation. Several private and state-owned buses run through McLeod Ganj and major cities like Delhi, Kullu, Dharamshala and Chandigarh.

5. Beas Kund Trek

By embarking on this thrilling trek, you will cover a distance of 16 km at an altitude of 12,772 ft. The difficulty level of the trek is moderate. The starting point of the trek is Old Manali and the trek ends at Solang Valley. It is a 3 to 4 day trek.

Trekkers on this trek will treat their eyes to the views of Friendship Peak, Ladakhi, Shitidhar and Hanuman Tibba. If you are lucky enough, you will get to witness the surreal Deo Tibba, Mt. Indrasen and many other beautiful peaks.

How to reach?

By air: The nearest airport to Old Manali is Bhuntar Airport which is also known as the Kullu Manali Airport. The airport is conveniently connected to all major airports of the country through Delhi via regular flights. The distance between Bhuntar Airport and Old Manali is 52 km. Tourists can take a private car or bus from the airport to Old Manali.
By rail: The nearest railway station to Old Manali is Joginder Nagar Railway Station. It is located at a distance of 144 km from Old Manali. From the railway station, take a bus or a cab to Old Manali for the trek.
By road: Various Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation buses are available that run to and from Manali. Private and luxury buses are also available daily from Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla to Manali. One can then take a private cab or taxi to Old Manali.

6. Jogini Waterfall Trek

Jogini Waterfall Trek is one of the easiest and most beautiful treks in the Manali region of Himachal Pradesh. Chase a waterfall through a trail covered with snow during the winters. The waterfall was named Jogini Waterfall after the deity Jogini. The place is considered sacred.

The waterfall demanded a trek of around 2 hours from Vashishtha village. It is a vertical climb uphill with no predefined route. However, the journey can assure you memories of a lifetime. Make sure to wear your most comfortable shoes for the trek.

The trek was worth the beautiful view at the top. Just gazing at the streams flowing in the full swing to join river Beas, you will find inner peace. For a unique experience, climb the rock in front of the waterfall and see a rainbow where the water flows. For the first time in your life, you will be seeing a rainbow with your head down. The experience is heavenly. Just perfect!

How to reach?

By air: The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport, also known as the Kullu Manali Airport. It is connected to all major airports of the country through Delhi. Daily flights are available from and to New Delhi. The distance between Bhuntar Airport and Manali is 52 km.
By rail: The nearest railway station to Manali is Joginder Nagar Railway Station. It is located at a distance of 144 km from Manali. From Joginder Nagar Railway Station, take a bus or a cab to Vashishtha village for the trek.
By road: Buses are the most convenient and easiest modes of transportation. Several private and state-run buses are available to and from Manali, connecting it to nearby cities. From there, you can take a private car or taxi to Vashishtha village.

Travel tips

Always carry basic medications and a first-aid kit with you during the trek.
Carry a valid-ID card with you while embarking on any trek.
Temperatures differ in the high altitudes from the plains. Take suitable time to get adapted to high altitudes.
Carry only the things that you require while trekking. More luggage will only create problems for you.
Wear the right kind of shoes and clothes for hilly terrain.
Do not litter the pathways during the trek. It may be fined at some places.
Always respect local cultures and keep a sensitive approach towards wildlife.

Best time to visit Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in India. The best time to visit Himachal is between February and June. November to February is the best time for tourists who love snow and adventure enthusiasts who love winter treks and skiing.

Climate/Temperature

The climate of Himachal Pradesh varies in different parts of the state. It is hot and tropical in the southern parts, warm and temperate in the northern mountain ranges and cool and temperate in the eastern mountain ranges. During summers, the temperature ranges from 22°C to 37°C while in winters, the temperature drops to 0°C and goes up to 15°C.

Conclusion

Himachal Pradesh has something to offer every kind of traveller. Be it nature, greenery, snow-covered mountains or apples, Himachal Pradesh is always ready to enthral its tourists. There is so much to do in the mountain state. Trekking is one of the adventure sports popular in Himachal. Check your physical fitness and undertake a trek to have a memory of a lifetime.