Trekking has become one of the most popular outdoor activities in India, especially with the advent of travel becoming easily accessible to the masses. However, many don’t know that there are numerous trekking destinations in India, some more unique than others. From cold deserts to snowy mountains, here are 8 of the coldest trekking destinations in India.
1) Chadar Trek On Frozen River
The world’s first frozen river trek, known as Chadar Trek, is a major attraction for trekkers from all over the world. Chadar Trek is a five to seven-day trek that takes you through a frozen-water lake called The Indus. This place can offer amazing views and beautiful landscapes. The adrenaline rush while walking on a frozen river is an indescribable experience that must be experienced by everyone who loves to travel.
2) Scale Mount Everest Base Camp
Mount Everest is, without a doubt, one of Earth’s most formidable peaks. It can be quite intimidating to trek through these cold destinations and reach such great heights. Fortunately, getting to Mount Everest isn’t an impossible feat—if you plan it right. Here are eight of Mount Everest’s coldest trekking destinations for your next hiking trip:
- Annapurna Base Camp – Day 28
- Larke Pass Trek – Day 8
- Gokyo Lake Trek – Day 10
- Thorong La Pass Trek – Day 7
- Island Peak Climbing Trek – Days 5-7
- Upper Mustang – Days 6-10.
3) Walk Around The Desert Of Little Rann Of Kutch
This place is really more like a dessert than a trekking destination. There are several activities like camel safari and jeep safari that you can enjoy here, but be careful because there are no tea houses around! If you want to stay overnight at someplace safe and warm then you might want to skip Rann Of Kutch. This place gets pretty cold at night during winters. The temperature can drop to even 2 degrees which will not make it comfortable for you to step out into the cold during the night. It is advisable that you carry warm blankets with you for your own safety if one is planning to visit here during winters!
4) Get Lost in the Dense Forests of Northeast India
If you have a thing for dense forests, head to Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh is essentially just rugged mountains, with few trees and little vegetation. You might think trekking there would be difficult, but that’s not necessarily true. There are a number of regions within Arunachal Pradesh, including Tawang and Bomdila, that are easily accessible. And although it isn’t easy trekking here (you should expect steep climbs and unstable terrain), you won’t feel completely removed from civilization either. Both Tawang and Bomdila have bustling villages filled with interesting people—and warm food on offer at most restaurants!
5) Walk Amongst The Mountains Of Sikkim
The Himalayas are known for trekking destinations, but Sikkim’s mountains stand out for their snow and history. Although it’s only about 200 kilometers from Darjeeling, which sees thousands of tourists every year, Sikkim is much less well-known and that means trekkers are more likely to get up close with locals. For example, you can spend your days walking amongst mountain villages where locals make their living from farming potatoes, corn, and millet. In winter these crops are buried under a thick blanket of snow, making it look like whole villages were swallowed by avalanches.
6) Explore The Glaciers In Spiti Valley
Located at a distance of 155 km from Shimla, Spiti is home to some of nature’s breathtaking marvels. The valley houses some of the Himalayan range’s most beautiful glaciers including that of Kunzum-RI and Spantik. Trekking through these vast expanses will take you into a fantasy world where snow-capped mountains dominate your every step. The great weather, sunlit skies, and beautiful glacier vistas make it one place worth venturing off to.
7) Hike Through Himalayan Mountain Ranges Of Uttarakhand
Located on the northern borders of India and Nepal, Uttarakhand is perfect for trekkers looking to explore some untouched high-altitude Himalayan peaks. For example, mountaineers can hike through Kedarkantha, Chopta, and Har-Ki-Dun ranges. The popular Gauri Kund trek takes you through challenging terrains. The region is home to several monasteries, as well as a number of wildlife sanctuaries including Nanda Devi National Park. While temperatures tend to hover around freezing points during most parts of the year (with occasional snowfall), adventure seekers are bound to enjoy these serene surroundings while they capture some stunning pictures on their cameras!
8) Go On A Remote Trek In Himachal Pradesh
Just one of eight cold destinations you can visit during winter, a trek in Himachal Pradesh is ideal for those who want to explore places off-the-beaten-path. Located just north of New Delhi, no car or public transportation can access towns and villages located there—so it’s best to take a trip during mild weather when you can climb mountains on foot. If you go during summer or monsoon season, trekkers might have trouble finding their way due to floods and rockfalls. And because many mountain passes are closed at these times, attempting a trip could be deadly. During winter, however, peak foliage season allows for gorgeous views of valleys covered with red maple trees and evergreen pines near Dharamshala and McLeodGanj.
