Are you planning a weekend trek from Delhi in winter? Then consider these top 7 weekend winter treks within 500 km of Delhi for a short Himalayan adventure with family, friends, and colleagues.
Winter is one of the best times to escape Delhi’s busy streets and head to the peaceful nature in the Himalayas, from walking through dense forests and snowy meadows to trekking along the scenic mountain trails.
Adventurous experiences like these always excite me, so I decided to do these treks, and now I’m sharing some of those authentic but short trekking experiences for the weekend with you.
These weekend winter treks offer beautiful Himalayan panoramas, snow-covered valleys, and scenic alpine lakes for an authentic winter trekking experience.
Table of Contents
Triund Laka Glacier Trek
Triund Laka Glacier Trek is near Dharamshala in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh, around 480 km from Delhi. The Laka Glacier, also known as “Laka Got”, is an expedition from Triund Hill in the Dhauladhar ranges, passing through the famous Snowline Cafe.
The complete trek distance was about 28 km, starting from the Bhagsu Nag Taxi Stand area, covering Triund Hill, Snowline Cafe, and the Laka Got (Laka Glacier). It took me around 2 to 3 days to complete, which made me consider it one of the best weekend treks near Delhi.
It is an easy-to-moderate trek, but in winter it became challenging for me as the route was covered with snowy trails, rugged terrain, and uneven rocky paths, requiring a good fitness level.
A mandatory Forest Entry Permit is required and can be collected at the checkpost near the Gallu Devta Temple. There were some other fees also, like a camping fee for an overnight camp stay at Triund and a refundable waste deposit. I did this trek for the first time through a guided package; it included all the permits, deposits, and fees, which actually helped me avoid managing such logistics.
If you have time, you can further explore Mcleodganj.
- Location: Near Dharamshala in Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh
- Altitude: 3,200 meters (10,600 feet)
- Starting Point: Bhagsu Nag Taxi Stand
- Trek Distance: 28 km (round trip)
- Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Dhauladhar range views, Glacial zone, and alpine valleys
- Route: Bhagsu Nag Taxi Stand → Triund Hill → Snowline Cafe → Laka Got (Laka Glacier)
- Distance from Delhi: Approximately 480 km
- Approx. Budget: Rs. 3,500 – Rs. 9,000
- Permit: A forest entry permit is required for ₹100 to ₹150 and a refundable waste deposit of ₹500
Nag Tibba Trek
Nag Tibba Trek is one of the most famous short weekend winter treks in Uttarakhand, which I did in 2025. It is famous for its stunning views from the highest point of the Nag Tibba range at an elevation of 9,915 ft above sea level.
The trek starts from Pantwari Village and passes through the lined oak, deodar, and rhododendron forests, covering 16 to 20 km in 2 days. It is considered an easy-to-moderate trek due to its short distance, moderate inclines, and descent trails.
During winter, the area gets covered in a thick layer of snow, and spikes or gaiters are highly recommended for this trek. I was unaware of that, but luckily I was trekking in a group; they provided me with gear.
Reaching the final summit of the Nag Tibba range rewarded me with spectacular 360° views of the giant peaks, including Swargrohini, Kedarnath, Bandarpoonch, Gangotri ranges, Kala Nag, etc., and an overnight camping under the starry skies was the best thing I experienced.
- Location: Near Mussoorie, Tehri Garhwal District, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 3,022 meters (9,915 feet)
- Starting Point: Pantwari Village
- Trek Distance: 16-20 km
- Duration: 2 days
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Stunning Himalayan views and tranquil atmosphere
- Route: Pantwari → Trek Base Camp (Khatiyan) → Nag Tibba
- Distance from Delhi: 330-400 km
- Approx. Budget: Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 6,000
- Permit: No official entry permit required
Deoban Trek
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Deoban Trek is another short weekend trek near Chakrata Hill Station in Dehradun District, Uttarakhand, within the Garhwal Himalayas, located around 320 km from Delhi.
The trek is known for its ancient deodar forests over 500-600 years old and rich birdlife, making it an ideal trekking destination for nature lovers. The trek distance is 15 to 20 km, depending on the starting point: Lokhandi Village or Moila Top.
Reaching the trek’s highest point, Vyas Shikhar, at an altitude of 9,279 ft to 9,850 ft, rewarded with sweeping 270° views of over 55 Himalayan peaks, including Bandarpoonch, Nanda Devi, and Swargrohini.
I visited during late December, when temperatures dropped below -4° at night. If you also plan to go during winter, then be prepared for the extreme cold conditions in the protected forest area.
- Location: Near Chakrata, Dehradun District, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 9,279 ft to 9,850 ft (approx. 2,828m to 3,025m)
- Starting Point: Lokhandi Village
- Trek Distance: 15 to 19 km
- Duration: 2 days
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Centuries-old deodar trees and Himalayan views
- Route: Lokhandi Village → Saraswati Campsite → Deoban (forest) → Vyas Shikhar (Deoban Top)
- Distance from Delhi: 320 km
- Approx. Budget: Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 6,000
- Permit: Forest entry and trekking permit is mandatory, obtained near Chakrata
Chopta Chandrashila Trek
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The Chopta Chandrashila Trek is a famous short trek in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region, about 400 to 450 km from Delhi, which I have been doing almost every year since 2020.
It is a year-round trek, offering a different landscape in each season, from lush green meadows in summer, blooming valleys in autumn, and a snow-covered landscape in winter, attracting trekkers. It is also a short trek of about 5 km (one way), making it ideal for weekend winter treks near Delhi.
Starting from Chopta, the trek covers Tungnath Temple and the highest point of Chandranath Parbat, Chandrshila Summit, rewarding trekkers with stunning views of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, including Kedarnath Dome, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, and more.
The weather gets extremely cold and experiences heavy snowfall in winter, so proper trekking gear is a must, such as microspikes, gaiters, trekking poles, high-ankle trekking boots/shoes, etc.
Note: During winter, the Tungnath Temple remains closed due to heavy snowfall, making it inaccessible for pilgrims, but trekkers can embark on this trek even in winter. No official permit fee is required; a small forest/entry fee of ₹100-₹150 may be collected if you pass through areas near Deoriatal.
- Location: Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 4,000 meters (13,123 feet)
- Starting Point: Chopta Village
- Trek Distance: 10 km (round trip)
- Duration: 1-2 days
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Tungnath Temple, Snow-covered meadows and peaks
- Route: Chopta → Tungnath → Chandrashila summit
- Distance from Delhi: 400 to 450 km
- Approx. Budget: Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 12,000
- Permit: No official permit; a small fee if passing through Deoriatal
Dayara Bugyal Trek
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Dayara Bugyal is a beginner-friendly long weekend trek in Uttarakhand, in the Uttarkashi district, around 450 km from Delhi. Dayara Bugyal is a vast alpine meadow, offering a unique landscape in each season and turning into a winter wonderland during winter.
The trek starts from Raithal (Natin Village) or Barsu Village and passes through gentle slopes, surrounded by dense oak and pine forests, covering around 22 km. During the trek, I saw many kids who were also embarking on this trek, as it is considered an easy-level trek due to gentle trails and moderate inclines, making it ideal for beginners and even kids over 7.
Completing this trek requires an entry permit and mandatory trekker registration, which can be obtained at the checkpost in Raithal or Barsu. During winter, it offers overnight camp stays under starry nights, vast alpine meadows, and beautiful snowy landscapes with panoramic 360° Himalayan views of the Bandarpoonch, Srikanth, and Gangotri ranges from the summit.
- Location: Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 12,447 feet (3,794 meters)
- Starting Point: Raithal (Natin) or Barsu Village
- Trek Distance: 20-22 km
- Duration: 3-4 days
- Trek Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Vast Snow-covered meadows & 360° Himalayan Views
- Route: Raithal (Natin) / Barsu → Gui → Dayara Bugyal
- Distance from Delhi: 450 km
- Approx. Budget: Rs. 4,999 to Rs. 12,000
- Permit: Entry Permit and trekker registration are required
Prashar Lake Trek
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Prashar Lake Trek is a blue coloured high-altitude alpine lake trek in the Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the famous weekend winter treks, located around 445 km from Delhi.
The trek starts from the Baggi Village near Mandi; it reaches the Prashar Lake at an elevation of 8,960 feet, passing through alpine oak and rhododendron forests, snow-dusted terrain, and snow-covered meadows.
The trek is considered easy to moderate thanks to well-marked trails and moderate climbs, but in winter the trails become snowy and challenging, making it ideal for challenge seekers and weekend hikers.
Completing this trek during winter was an adventurous decision, and the effort was worth the views of the floating island in the frozen lake and the Sage Prashar Temple beside it.
- Location: Mandi District, Himachal Pradesh
- Altitude: 2,730 meters (8,960 feet)
- Starting Point: Baggi Village
- Trek Distance: 15-16 km (round trip)
- Duration: 2 days
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Frozen lake views, floating island, & an ancient temple
- Route: Baggi Village → Dense Forest → Prashar Lake
- Distance from Delhi: 445 km
- Approx. Budget: Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 6,999
- Permit: No official permit is required
Tosh Kutla Trek
The Tosh Kutla Trek is a scenic short weekend trek in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, starting from Tosh Village and ending in Kutla Village, passing through the local lanes of Tosh Village and the scenic offbeat meadows of Kutla Settlement.
It was an easy trek for me, which included small walks, steeper trails, narrow paths, rugged terrain, and climbs through apple orchards, a waterfall, small water streams, and wooden bridges, with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks.
The trek is ideal for beginners and short weekend hikes due to its short distance of 3 to 4 km and moderate uphill climb, offering the most stunning views and different panoramas at each point, with snow patches, trees and meadows covered in snow during winter.
The best part for me was the small wooden houses, where I connected with locals, learned about their daily chores, and explored their cultures and traditions.
- Location: Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh
- Altitude: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
- Starting Point: Tosh Village
- Trek Distance: 3 to 4 km
- Duration: 1 day
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Tosh Waterfall and views of water streams, meadows, & peaks
- Route: Tosh Village → Tosh Waterfall → Kutla Ridge → Kutla Settlement
- Distance from Delhi: Approximately 500 km
- Approx. Budget: Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000
- Permit: No trekking or entry permit required
Tips for Trekking During Winters
- Carry Warm Clothes: Keep your attire warm and comfortable; trekking on snowy trails with dropping temperatures can be challenging. Make sure to wear layered clothing, a scarf, gloves, a woollen cap, thermal wear, and a lightweight but warm jacket.
- Comfortable Shoes: Trekking on winter slopes is not as easy as it seems; one must wear comfortable trekking shoes or boots, with high ankle support and breathability.
- Trekking Gear: Make sure to carry or rent trekking gear, like a headlamp, trekking pole, microspikes, gaiters, etc. These are a must for trekking on snow-covered trails during winter.
- Documents & Permit: Carry a valid ID Aadhaar Card or Passport, and a forest entry permit and trek permit, if required.
- Keep Cash in Hand: Digital payments do not work in the mountains due to poor network coverage, so carry cash in hand.
- Carry Electronics in Ziploc: Cold temperatures drain batteries quickly; keep your phone, camera battery, power bank, etc. in a Ziploc pouch to prevent condensation.
- Altitude Safety: For first-time high-altitude trekkers, the Indian Mountaineering Foundation has useful acclimatisation guidelines.
Conclusion
Each trek offered a unique experience every time, whether it’s the Chandrashila Trek for high-altitude peaks or the Prashar Lake trek for frozen lake views; each trek rewarded with a different panorama, lifestyle, and adventure.
Plan your next weekend trek this winter with this complete list of the best weekend winter treks just 500 km from Delhi. From the beginner-friendly trails of Dayara Bugyal to the panoramic summit and frozen high-altitude lake views, covering different types of trekking experiences.
Choose the most suitable trek for your next Himalayan adventure. My personal experience and these details will help you plan better, whether to the snow-covered meadows of Chopta Chandrashila for a long weekend or a one-day trek from Tosh to Kutla.
Author Bio
Partiksha is a travel content writer with over five years of experience crafting engaging travel stories and informative destination guides. She enjoys exploring local folklore, temple legends, mythology, and cultural traditions, bringing the stories behind each destination to life. From Himalayan valleys and alpine lakes to ancient temples and monasteries, her writing helps travellers discover places beyond the usual tourist trails.
