Winter Treks

Region - Leh-Ladakh    Total Duration – 8 Nights / 9 Days (Ex Leh)  Maximum Altitude – 3500 m./ 11,400 ft. ​  Grade –  Moderate to Challenging   Best Season – January to February   Accommodation – Hotel/Guesthouse in Leh; Organized Campsite   Food – On trek – All meals included   Distance – 55 Km. Things to Pack: Rucksack 60 ltr, cotton clothes, good trekking shoes and Gum Boot, a warm jacket, warmer, woolen or monkey cap covering head and ears, UV rays protected sunglasses, extra socks (2 pair, cotton or 2 pair, woolen), water bottle(Thermal Flask), torch(with extra batteries), cold cream, sunscreen, toilet soap, towel, walking Stick medicines that you usually use. Rates are excluding GST of 5% Note that the cost would vary for customized group according to their requirements.   The Chadar Frozen River Trek The Chadar is a winter trail trek, in Zanskar region of Ladakh, in Jammu and Kashmir. In the local language Chadar means blanket, an ice sheet wrapping the River into solid. Temperature decrease creates a solidifying passage on the icy Zanskar river. The Chadar Trek is done on the Frozen Zanskar River which provides an access trail to the Zanskar Valley and is used by locals and tourists during the winter seasons an ideal route of transportation. The walls both side of the riversides rise vertical cliffs up to 600m. high and at some places the Zanskar river is only 5m wide. During the summer this river becomes a perfect location for river rafting expedition and during the winters it transforms into an ice sheet where the Chadar trek is performed. For many years Chadar trek attracts tourist from all over the world and it is one of the most exciting and challenging trek. The trek is approximately 105 km. on feet, an average trekker completes a distance of 15-17 km everyday. At first one have to reach Leh, then Leh to Chilling 3-4 hours drive. Chilling is the last motor able place. From Chilling to Tilat Do is an hour trek. Following day Tilat do to Gyalpo is about 9-10km. and takes 4-5 hours to reach Gyalpo. The other day group has to walk for 5-6 hours from Gyalpo to Tibb Cave. Tibb cave to Nyerek is 9 hours walk. The trek is performed on ice sheet all the way and gives most exciting feel to someone who does the chadar trek. From nyerek we go back to tibb cave and then to Gyalpo, to Tilat do. Tilat do to chilling and take vehicle to reach leh. So one can try to do the chadar trek but have to wait till winter has come and river frozen's . The best time to do the Chadar trek is January to February, when the temperature drops down to -30 to -35 degrees which makes the Zanskar Lake look like a mesmerizing crystal lake. The zanskar locals used the frozen river as for transportation of food material and to reach the nearest town or to their villages. But later this route become an adventurous trek route to those who like to push their limits. Every year many of the people come and experience the toughest and the most adventurous Chadar trek. CHADDAR OVER THE TURQUOISE ZANSKAR IS A FABLED DREAM – Hear Chadar trek story from one our participant. How to Reach LEH Flight is easiest mode of transport. Delhi is center destination. From Delhi there are flights till Leh which fly once daily. Jet Airways, Air India & Go Air offers flight services between New Delhi & Leh. It is very much preferred to make your bookings well in advance as there are surge in pricing after a period of time. Due to snow-capped mountains it’s highly impossible to take road transport. So much preferred is flight. Trek Preparation Chadar Trek is one of the most thrilling & glamorous trek in the world. This trek is done in -15°C and -30°C, which is one of the most challenging aspects of the trek. You need to be prepared mentally as well as physically to survive in an adverse atmosphere. Your fitness is important although trek is not that arduous. You need to cope up the situations, so be strong to handle such extreme weather conditions at this high altitude trek. 3-4 kms of jogging or equivalent workout to this is required. Increase your stamina by doing it every day for 1-2 months. You have to increase your daily walk distance to make sure you do not strain yourself during trek. Additionally you can train yourself by avoiding hot water, warm clothes & blankets in your own city for couple of months before the trek. Plan the trek well in advance and start building your stamina, strength and lung capacity. Acclimatization is important for every Himalayan Trek, though you will get a day for it and the process will go on during the initial days of trek. Try and get acquainted with nature as much as you can. Avoid using heaters while halting in Leh. Drink lot of Liquids (warm water, soup, tea) during trekking days. Embrace the climate & don’t just jump inside blankets. Soon the climate will become bearable & it would be fun.

 Region - Garhwal  Duration - 5Nights / 6Days  Altitude - 12500 ft Grade - Moderate to Difficult Distance - 20 km Kedarkantha Trek is one classic gem of winter treks in Garhwal Himalayas that never stops to attract trekkers with mesmerising views along the climb up to its summit point, lying at the altitude of 12,500 feet. Kedarkantha has been all time favourite trek of many travel enthusiastic and trekkers as this trek takes hardly 6 days round trip from Delhi and almost demands no prior experience of trekking, those who are willing to explore this trek. It takes you far away from the hush of city air into the remote villages of Garhwal in just one night and next day you find yourself in towns of Garhwal Region awkwardly peaceful, unspoilt with time, surrounded by panoramic view of high snow capped peaks. This trek is easily accessible any time of the year and gives trekkers a different serene experience in different seasons. In winters this treks achieves its spectacular beauty, for what it is famous for. The trek passes through the Govind national park and gives you ample time to soak in the vast beauty of this reserved area. This trek starts with narrow trails starting from Sankri and entering into dense forest meadows which sometimes gives you ghetto feelings. Going further and crossing broad Oak tree forest it leaves you out to moor area of forest near to a glacial mountain lake "JUDA KA TALAB" situated at the altitude of 9,220 feet, surrounded by giants pine and oak trees standing tall in so organised way that it makes it prettiest camping site. Next camping site of Kedarkantha Base Camp is just situated at a very gentle slope giving you a perfect sunrise and sunset view along with giant peaks rising just in front of your campsite. After base camp towards the summit, it’s just a roller coaster ride for trekkers as the trail start to elevate quickly and partially visible grasslands and forest starts turning into a white blanket of snow covered highlands in every direction. At the end the summit leaves you at the highest point of rocky snow covered summit from where trekkers are rewarded with astonishing 360 degree bird’seye views of DhaulaDhar ranges and peaks like the Swargarohini and Banderpooch.

Region- Kumaon Himalayas, Uttarakhand   Total Duration - 5 Nights / 6 Days Grade - Easy to Moderate  Accommodation - Lohajung Best Season - November to April   Maximum Altitude –12,250 feet     Distance-30 km Adventurous yet soothing, easy yet challenging, picturesque yet moderate; Brahmatal trek is a perfect blend that offers an easy terrain for amateurs and also treacherous trails to adventure junkies seeking an element of thrill. This enchanting trek takes you to a staggering altitude of 12,250 feet through a trekking distance of 30 km. The trek commences at Lohajung, which is at a distance of 210 km. from Kathgodam. It takes 10 hours from Kathgodham to reach Lohajung. The next lap of the trek traverses from Lohajung to Bekaltal and then to Brahmatal. Your onward journey traverses through treacherous trails at Chota Jhandidar and Bada Jhandidar and brings you to Brahmatal summit which flatters you with a front-seat view of grandiose Himalayan peaks which rise above 7,000 metres. In addition, this trek also treats you to a beautiful vista of the Roopkund trek trail including views of Ali Bugyal, Bedni Bugyal, and Junargali.

Region – Kullu Manali   Total Duration – 3 Nights / 4 Days   Grade – Moderate.   Maximum Altitude –  3000m/9840ft.   Best Season – December to March   Accommodation – Hotel/Guesthouse; Organized Campsite   Food – On trek – All meals included   Distance – 20km.   Hampta is the most spontaneous trek of sights from start to end concluding a complete Himalayan trek. Hampta offers outstanding scenery taking one from loud city bustle to the hush of the lucid valley. The valley is so pure with natural landscapes of forests meadows rocky cliffs meandering streams, a rare pack seen in one. Although this trek is done in summers at great amount but could be done in winters too. In winter the Hampta valley receives immense snowfall, which remains for months winning an ideal route for the winter trek. In winter the trek is done till lower sites because of heavy snow making it difficult to move forward, but it depends on the trekkers enthusiasm how high or far they can approach. As one comes across this much loved trek will be splendid by the vistas of this magnificent valley and will never forget to frequent again. The approach is easy and moderate through wild forests towering high into the sky to remote village of Sethan and forward. The amount of snow is so great that one will find his feet sinking into the snow making it a bit demanding as he walks on the deep white sheet.  Never the less one will get familiar to tackle the snow after minutes of stride. The trail comes with a moderate approach till the last point of hike followed by magnificent panorama all the way long. Once approached at stunning village of Sethan you will be lodged into the village house and served with hot cup of tea amongst mighty Himalayan Peaks. Following day tread on the great snowy trail through submerged vegetation with only tall trees standing besides. One can play in snow or do some snow activities such as snow slides, skiing, snowboarding or simply play with the feathery substance. So get ready to join in an easy yet amazing trek in Hampta Valley on a perfect weekend.

Region - Garhwal   Duration:  6 Nights / 7 days Altitude:  3560 m/11700 ft. Grade: Moderate to Difficult Distance: 47Km. The mountains of Garhwal come with dramatic formations and diverse geographic regions. Streams of crystal-clear rivers formed by the melting of glaciers, lush green meadows, hamlets, pine forests and rugged terrain form the varied topography of this region. But it is perhaps the mythological aspect of the Har Ki Doon trek that makes this onerous journey more special. It would be a heavenly experience to trek along the 'Valley of Gods', and follow the track once beaten by Pandavas on their way to the heavens. So how closer you come to heavens is quite impossible to say, but the panorama of the gorgeous settings amid the snow-clad peaks would be no less than a divine experience. About Har Ki Doon Har ki Doon is a cradle-shaped valley in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas. The valley is clad with snow from October through March and one would hardly find anything other than alpine vegetation growing in this region. Since this course is comparatively less vigorous, it would be a great way to begin your trekking experience with Har ki Doon trek this season. The extravagance of nature in the form of a rich variety of flora and fauna is worth capturing and a high definition camera would always come handy for this purpose. Getting There The best way to reach Dehradun is by taking an overnight train or a deluxe bus from New Delhi. The way from Dehradun to Sankri is about 210 km and takes around 11 hrs of journey. This journey would take you through Mussoorie, a scintillating hill station. It would take about 12 hours to reach Sankri and you may relax here to brace yourself for the main trek that begins the next day. At Sankri, a village of around 250 houses, you'd find local people and trekkers preparing themselves at the base camp. The Legend As the age-old story goes, the Pandavas from the Mahabharata once took this route on their way to heaven through Swargarohini, a masiff of four peaks, three of which are clearly visible from several points along your route. It is from here that it derives its title, ' the Valley of Gods'. The Trek Har Ki Doon offers the right course for an ideal trek. Many reckon this 7 day trek as the simplest one for the first time trekkers. The trekking phase begins from Takula, which is about 12 kms away from Sankri, the beginning point. An expansive meadow, Takula would sway your imagination amid the pastures that are filled with wild, fragrant flowers that may stimulate you for the exhilarating trek. Trekking from Takula to Har ki Doon via Osla would is the most serious part of your journey. The gifts of nature that await you all along your journey are equally sensual. Views The entire route would have some mesmerizing views for the trekkers to behold. The distinct spectacle of Swargarohini and Bandarpunch massifs is like having a firsthand experience of the wrath of nature where wilderness becomes synonymous with beauty. You would be able to see the I, II and III peaks of Swargarohini massif while its fourth would lay hidden. Similarly, Bandarpunch has three peaks with its Kalanag or Black peak standing at an imposing height of 6,387m. Apart from these peaks, there are forests and meadows interspersed with inhabited areas where you may get to know about local cultures. Facilities It would be important to acquaint yourself about the basic facilities that you may need for this trek. These include hygienic food, camping, transport and porters who could carry your luggage. On our part, we would be scheduling your travel as per your budget and requirements. A team of highly trained people would be there to assist as well as guide you through your way. And before you are set on the trekking segment of this journey, they would brief you on do's and don't so that you may fend for yourself in case of an emergency.

Region: Naggar/Manali  Total Duration – 3 Nights / 4 Days  Maximum Altitude – 3300m/10820ft  Grade – Easy to Moderate  Best Season – December  to April  Accommodation – Hotel/Guesthouse in Naggar ; Organized Campsite  Food – On trek – All meals included  Distance – 25 KM.      Details  The Chanderkhani Pass located in the middle of lush green Kullu valley is the most famous trek of Himachal Pradesh. The Chanderkhani Pass trek is done in any season. But the trek done in winter has a different charm and experience. In winter the trek offers great views of snow laden forests, mountains, meadows, peaks like Inderasan, Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba and some prominent ranges such as Bara Banghal Range, Pir Panjal Range, Priyadarshini range. This trek can be done by anyone, even those who have been less to the mountains. The trek starts from Naggar,  located on the left bank of a river Beas, at 1800m., an ancient town and former capital of Kullu (till 1460 AD). Rich culture, traditional houses, great temples and beautiful locations are the specialty of Naggar. One can enjoy visiting Art gallery, Naggar Castle and many other places in the surrounding. Situated in the middle of the Kullu Manali valley Naggar is approachable even in the heavy snowfalls. In winter the snowfall turns the valley into heaven. The trail for Chanderkhani Pass actually starts from the Rumsu village. Rumsu is an ancient tribal village just few km’s above Naggar. The trail to the pass passes through in the middle of the village. The temples in the village have beautiful intricate carvings. Houses made with wood and stone are interesting to see the rural architecture. The huge Deodar trees can be seen in the middle of Rumsu village. These trees sited in the surrounding of the temple, are meant to be sacred and holy trees as in the whole valley. These trees are so huge that it takes a bunch of people to circle it around.  Going further from Rumsu the trail brings us to the initial uphill through the forest. The trail till the campsite is full with dense forests of Deodar, pine and oak trees.  One can encounter huge trees en route too. While climbing up we reach at the place called Stelling, a pastoral meadow which normally is covered with snow in winter.  Have lunch and spend some time at Stelling cause further on the snowy trail will start.  The conditions and the ratio of snowfall will decide the beginning of snow trail. It could start from the woods above Rumsu village or further up from Stelling or below. So snow will appear somehow on the trail sooner or later. Treading on the snow is not easy as beautiful it looks in a picture. Though walk slowly and steadily that you won’t slip or fall. Few ups and downs then we reach at Ghon Kradi. Our first day s camp at Ghon Kradi, is mainly a little meadow with huge trees all around and abandoned shepherds shelter.  ‘Ghon-Kradi’ in the local dialect means ‘Hammer and the Axe’. It is one of the places from where locals used to collect wood for winter. A bonn fire is appropriate on such chilly temperature in the evening. So spend a beautiful night with lighting up the camp fire at Ghon Kradi. After Ghon Kradi an enchanting trail to Naya Tapru will continue. The route to Naya Tapru consists of great snow on the way up with trees and its branches almost immersed and wrapped with snow. Some smaller trees and a lot more vegetation is seen lost under the great snow. Walking on the deep snow could be a challenge, but with strong will and endurance one can easily pass these obstacles. As you go up the trail, the whole of the Beas valley opens up to you. You begin to see the Dhauladar Range beyond the Beas valley in all its snowcapped glory. The terrain leading uphill is slightly steep on just below the Naya Tapru (9,970ft). However the scenic beauty around would make one to forget fatigue and discomfort. At naya tapru you can have soothing views of most of the Himalayan ranges from a great distance. After spending quality time at Naya Tapru we head back towards the campsite at Ghon Kradi.  One should reach the camp by the late afternoon. Stay another wonderful night at Ghon Kradi making Bonn fire on the snow.. Next day climb down to roadhead following the same route till Rumsu.  From Rumsu ride back to Naggar by local conveyance.

Region: Parvati Valley Total Duration: 3 Nights / 4 Days   Grade : Difficult  Maximum Altitud: 14,000 Ft. Best Season – December to April. Accommodation – Hotel/Guesthouse; Organized Campsite  Food – On trek – All meals included  

Region: Kullu Manali  Total Duration – 3 Nights / 4 Days Maximum Altitude – 3000m/9840ft Grade – Moderate. Best Season – December to April Accommodation – Hotel/Guesthouse; Organized Campsite Food – On trek – All meals included Distance – 20 KM. Winter Snow Trek in Manali Winter as the season suggests of cold and snowy atmosphere, gives an exclusive opportunity to cherish memorable time in the most beautiful Kullu Manali. In winter the valley gets heavy snowfalls leaving ultimate scenery of snow capped peaks submerged landscapes of thick white sheet extensively. However the winters are harsh and vegetation is lost, only the brown mountain ranges and snow capped peaks are into the sight but this scene changes dramatically to an interesting prospect after the snowfall. Now the snow is not seen only at the top of the peaks it touches the lower dwellings and one can feel it so closely. Once snowfalls, valley offers mesmerizing countryside views a lifetime experience for someone hoping to spend a beautiful weekend in the Himalayas. So the trek to Pullag and beyond in the wilderness is also interesting as the other winter routes frequented in the region. The trail in this trek leaves one speechless and amazed even if the individual has lived the winter previously. The trek lies in the northeastern backdrops of the village Naggar and stretches from forests to far beyond into the alpine range to the high altitude where only thick sheet of snow is visible. In winter season one gets the countless sights of beautifulness that can’t be escaped by seeing it. All along to it snow creates a magical ambience and vista that seems to come out of some fairy tale story. Thus it could be a better idea for one to visit the Himalayas in winter with their beloved ones. It will give them a lifetime memoir that can’t be compared with travelling to a tremendous city or going abroad but living for sometime in the mountains.     

Region: Manali   Total Duration:            3 nights / 4 Days    Maximum Altitude:     10,000 feet   Grade:                          Easy   Style of Trip :               Cycling   Accommodation :        Hotel/Guesthouse; Organized Campsite   Best season to visit:   Between Jan / Dec    Food :                          On tour – All meals included   Manali Cycling Mountain biking in Manali is a great activity for the adventure loving people. Manali is connected well with the surrounding villages and prime destinations. So the byclyling can be done easily in every part of the valley. In the summer there is not much hustle and bustle on the roads. Only in Manali the traffic is bit slow and packed with jams, otherwise the roads are free to ride a bike anywhere in the valley. So one can ride around and explore on his bike with ease. For that one has to approach to the camp in Naggar, which is near to the snow range and is also connected to the main highway. From the base camp one can take the bycycle and go to the recommended tracks with proper gear and information. It is good to trek on bycycle because you can see the surrounding more closely than travelling by a vehicle. Cycling amongst snow covered mountain ranges is absolutly a lifetime experience. Cycling in the Himalaya gives you feeling of warmth from cold and filters your lungs with amusing hard work. Mountain biking is good sport which makes your health better with the fun of riding bike. During the mountain biking expedition one will visit multiple tourist destinations explored by thousands of visitors. First we will brief you with important information of riding mountain bikes, then acclimatization ride to nearby places, so that you get familiar to the bikes. In the morning ride to manali about 22 km each side and its popular sites such as Hadimba temple at dhungri, Budhist Monastry and to the Old Manali. The group will ride safely following the leader. All these places are nearby from manali and can be accessed easily. After the scheduled visit ride back to the camp following the same route. Next day we ride to the ancient village Jana. Which is 11 km far. On the way to Jana the ride goes gradually high from deep forests to open valleys. As the height increases scenery is eye catching and the mountains become greater, the valleys are left below. Jana is a well populated village with traditional houses and old culture. In Jana the most attraction now a days is the local cuisine served by the local food stalls. One can enjoy eating delicious traditional food. The waterfall alongside the food stalls creates the cool atmosphere. There are also some adventure activities like Zip line, abseiling etc. Having enjoyed the delicious meal, we return back to the camp. Night stay at camp. The group will be provided breakfast, after that they can proceed to their further journeys. To enjoy precisely the person should have proper gear (warm jackets, trousers, gloves etc.) as well as the mountain biking gear. All and all one should come and enjoy the mountain biking in the lap of Himalayas.