December is the month the Himalayas change over. Early in the month the trails are dry and cold. By the last week most of the popular routes are under snow. Which trek is right depends heavily on which half of the month you are travelling in.

What December actually looks like

The first two weeks are unpredictable. Some years there is snow from the first, some years the trails stay clear until Christmas. Daytime is cold but manageable, nights drop below zero at campsites.

From roughly the third week, snow becomes reliable at 10,000 feet and above. This is when the winter trekking season properly begins and when the photographs people associate with these treks become possible.

Best treks for early December

Snow is not guaranteed yet, so pick routes that work either way.

Chopta, Tungnath and Chandrashila

Five days, four nights. Works with or without snow, and the summit view is at its clearest in early winter.

Har Ki Dun

Seven days, six nights. The valley is beautiful in early winter and the villages are still accessible before heavy snow.

Best treks for late December

Snow is dependable now.

Kedarkantha

The classic December trek. 12,500 feet, snow on the ground, and a summit that most beginners manage.

Brahmatal

12,250 feet with Trishul and Nanda Ghunti in view. Six days, five nights.

Kuari Pass

Six days, five nights on the Curzon Trail. Snow arrives reliably by late December.

New Year departures

The last week of December is the busiest of the winter season. Groups fill early and campsites at Kedarkantha and Brahmatal are at their most crowded. If you want a New Year trek, book by early November.

If you want the same snow without the crowds, go in the second week of January instead.

What closes in December

The Char Dham temples shut for winter in late October or early November, so the yatra routes are not an option. High-altitude passes including Bali Pass and Borasu Pass are closed. Valley of Flowers is a monsoon-only trek and is shut.

Frequently asked questions