Before going on a winter hike, which may be a new adventure for some of you, it is important to be equipped with some knowledge!
Today, I will share 10 Winter Hiking Trails that you can visit this coming December!
Location: Utah, USA
Distance/Time: 4.3 Miles
The contrast between the colours that you will witness on this trail is something that you will never see elsewhere. This view will be following you all around. It is the perfect trail if you just want to have intimate moments with friends, family or your partner! :)
Location: Rishikesh, India
Distance: Approximately 12km
Kunjapuri is positioned at a height of 1645 meters and lends a panoramic sight of the Himalayan peaks to the North and Rishikesh, Haridwar and the Doon valley to the South. Travelling towards Gangotri, about 6 kilometers from Narendra Nagar the road bifurcates at Hindola Khal, leading to the shrine, which is 5 kilometres further. The trek is one the best place to view the amazing sunrise in the valley.
Rishikesh, also the yoga capital of the world is located at the foothills of the Himalayas. It's also a pilgrimage town, one of the holiest places to Hindus. Sages and saints have visited Rishikesh for many years to meditate. If you're contemplating a meditating trip up north, this could be your safe haven. You'd definitley also enjoy a walk while you're there.
Location: Himachal Pradesh, India
Distance: Approximately 10km, 1 hour
Dhankar Lake is in Spiti Valley of India, which lies in the Northernmost region of India and known to be cold desert of India. Being a barren land made of sand it gets really cold here that it snows during the winter season. Spiti Valley is also known as the middle land of India as it lies right in the middle of Tibet and India.
Dhankar Lake is just an hour hike from the Dhankar village. The lake lies in the middle of snow peaked mountains which makes it very majestic.
Location: Japan
Distance: 3.5km
Known best as an excellent starting point for wild and woolly adventures on the trail, Kamikochi is a beautiful scenic hike in the Chubu Sangaku National Park. Layer up well! This is going to get really cold! :)
Location: China
Distance: 4.5 miles
At over 2,000 years old and 21,000 kilometers long, it’s one of the world’s most impressive engineering achievements. And you are going to hike it… in the winter! That’s right. Walking the Great Wall in the winter may present you with a few more challenges than a warm weather hike, but there are also many positives to going during the colder months. The empty trails, the blanket of snow that silences everything around, and enjoyable temperatures for getting active.
Location: Karnataka, India
Distance: Approximately 12km
Tadiandamol Hike is one of the most beautiful, though less known, hikes in Karnataka. Tadiandamol is the highest peak in Coorg/Kodagu district with an elevation of 5740 ft. That makes it the third highest peak in Karnataka. The trail takes you through the vast expanse of the Shola forests, through endless lush green grasslands and streams. It is a day hike which makes it even more doable for city folks- whether avid hikers or beginners. Camping at Tadiandamol peak amid gusty winds is a completely enthralling experience.
Location: Himachal Pradesh, India
Bir is a village located in the state of Himachal Pradesh also known as the “Paragliding Capital” of the country. It is also famously known for spiritual studies and meditation. If you’re planning to retreat from your urban life for a while and would like to spend your days in quietness in Bir, here’s a hike you should definitely try.
Raj Gundha – Arguably the most rewarding beginners trek/Hike in the Himalayas. A complete package with 360 degree scenic trail passing through the banks of Uhl River and virgin views of snow-capped peaks culminating in take-off from one of the world’s best paragliding sites: Billing.
Location: Manali, India
Manali, famously known as the resort town nestled in the lap of the great Himalayas is probably one of the most beautiful destinations to explore in India. If you’re in Manali and you’d like to walk around a bit and explore the landscapes, here are a few hikes you can consider.
Lamadugh Snow Hike is packed with snow and a myriad of bird life early on in the season, the Lamadugh Hike is an ideal hike to introduce oneself to the undeniable allure of hiking and trekking. The hike is the perfect activity for a day spent outdoors and for escaping the crowds that Manali attracts. Gaining a height of over 3200ft in 5 hours, the Lamadugh hike takes us through ever changing vistas.
Location: Alberta, Canada
Distance: 3.4km
Troll Falls offers a surprising amount of variety over its short length. Hike through dense evergreen forest on a wide trail to reach a beautiful section of open aspens. For other worldly views, poke in behind the falls, just be sure to take ice-cleats to do this.
Location: Calgary, Canada
Distance: 8km
It starts steeply and stays that way until you clear the trees; then it moderates all the way to the constantly windy summit. The reward on top—a rush of happy hormones and far-reaching mountain and prairie views, including Calgary. It will definitely be a test of your conditioning program.
The best views come after the hardest climbs.
We would love to hear about your winter hiking adventures!
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Till then, happy hiking! :)