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Best Himalayan Treks that You Can Take Even After 40

If winter treks in India could be rated, Kedarkantha trek would trump all! Shrouded in drapes of virgin snow, the place literally transforms into a winter wonderland. Tread through lush rhododendron and oak forests, verdant clearings, and a frozen alpine lake! One of the best campsites in Uttarakhand, Juda Ka Talab is a frozen lake that you camp at before trekking to the Kedarkantha Base Camp. If the ice sheet is thick enough, you can even walk over the lake! 

The drive to the base village of Sankri is one of the most scenic drives in the Himalayas, with views that are worth an arm and a leg. Opening up to mind-numbing views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Blackpeak, Kedarkantha trek is one of the most perfect Himalayan treks that can be taken after 40.

Location: Uttarakhand

Altitude: 12,500 ft.

Duration: 6 days

Chopta Tungnath trek in the Garhwal region of Himalayas is one of the most refreshing short treks, perfect for those venturing into the world of Himalayan trekking for the first time. Harbouring some of the finest alpine forests, the trails see fresh layers of rhododendrons every year, while winters bathe the trek a dazzling white. 

Also one of the most famous winter treks in the country, the Chopta Tungnath trek unfolds panoramic views of the fencing snow-capped peaks like Chaukhamba, Janhukut, and Mandani Parvat. 

Another highlight of the trek is the mesmerising verdant beauty of Rohini Bugyal, against a canvas of sprawling white mountains, housing several exotic flora and fauna. As the gradient of the trek leans towards easy, it is one of the best Himalayan treks that can be taken after 40!

Location: Uttarakhand

Altitude: 11,154 ft.

Duration: 6 days

Difficulty Level: Moderate

A widely sought after trek in India, Goechala trek is a doorway to some of the grandest vistas of the bordering Himalayan peaks, dominated by the mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga! The most priceless of moments come early in the morning when you see the first ray of sunlight hitting the summit of Kanchenjunga. 

The trail to Goechala weaves through pristine rhododendron forests, alpine lakes, and lush meadows. Another gem enclosed in an alpine embrace is the stunning Samiti Lake, which carries hypnotic reflections of Mt. Pandim, set against clear azure skies. 

Dzongri is a beautiful meadow towered by the Kanchenjunga range and takes you to Dzongri Top, one of the most breathtaking campsites in India. Though the trek ranges from moderate to difficult, a regular fitness regime will prepare you well for the trek.

Location: Sikkim

Altitude: 16,200ft.

Duration: 11 days

One of the most famous Himalayan treks that can be taken after 40, Har Ki Dun literally translates to the ‘Valley of Gods’. It forms a cradle like a valley, shadowed by the Har Ki Dun peak, and is home to countless species of flora and fauna. 

The trek traces the trail taken by the Pandava brothers to Swargarohini, from where they are believed to have ascended to Heaven. One of the most shaded trek routes in India, the route cuts through classic alpine forests, and misty valleys running along the cold waters of Supin River. 

A magnificent canvas of snowy peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Ruinsara, and Blackpeak can be viewed in a panoramic sprawl. The moderate gradient of Har Ki Dun is ideal for novice trekkers and the experienced alike.

Location: Uttarakhand

Altitude: 11,675 ft.

Duration: 7 days

One of the most popular winter treks in India, the Kuari Pass trek is lapped in the stunning ranges of Garhwal Himalayas. Ideal for beginners as well as the experienced, Kuari Pass trek climbs up to a stunning altitude of 12,516 ft., towered by lofty Himalayan neighbours like Mt. Dronagiri and Nanda Devi. 

The trail snakes through beautiful oak forests, layered by vibrant rhododendrons, opening up to stunning clearings and alpine meadows. The Kuari Pass trek is also home to some of the best campsites like Khullara and Chitrakantha. As a bonus, the night skies are exceptionally beautiful, studded with dazzling stars clustered in countless constellations, brushing the sky with hues of deep blue and purple.

Location: Joshimath, Uttarakhand

Altitude: 12,516 ft.

Duration: 6 days

Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate

Amongst the most wonderful treks in India, the Sandakphu trek unveils magnetic views of some of the tallest mountains in the world, namely Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse, and the Kanchenjunga ranges which make up the Sleeping Buddha! This trek is truly one of its kind, for the trail weaves in an out of Nepal throughout the trek! 

Traversing picturesque forests and meadows, you might find yourself on the other side of the porous India - Nepal border without even realising it! Autumns carry a clear panorama of The Sleeping Buddha along with other mountain ranges, while winters see a beautiful blanket of snow. It is also one of the only treks that can be done throughout the year, for each season has a different story to tell, a different picture to paint.

Location: West Bengal

Altitude: 11,941ft

Duration: 6 days

Difficulty Level: Moderate

The Brahmatal trek blooms in stunning entirety during peak winters, when most treks are inaccessible. A classic winter trek, it features two beautiful glacial lakes namely, Bekaltal and Brahmatal. Catch the spellbinding, distorted reflections of the beautiful sky in the semi-frozen waters of the lakes. Winding through snow layered forests seems like something right out of a fantasy movie. 

Besides the wondrous lakes and unbeatable forest trails, another mesmerising experience is the summit climb to Brahmatal, which gives way to an endless stretch of mountain ranges including the mighty Mt. Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. You can also undertake Brahmatal trek during the months of spring and autumn when the scenery swerves drastically towards greenery and vibrant floral species including rhododendrons.

Location: Uttarakhand

Altitude: 12,150 ft.

Duration: 6 days

Steeped in mythology, Roopkund is a phenomenal alpine lake cradled snugly in the laps of Mt. Trishul. Decidedly one the most popular treks in India, the trail weaves through dense forests of Oak, specked with reds of rhododendrons, high-altitude alpine meadows and staggering narrow ridges. Another highlight of the trek is the fantastical twin meadows of Ali and Bedni Bugyal, the largest high altitude meadows in Asia. 

The unfolding meadows of Roopkund trek are chaperoned by the mighty Mt. Trishul, along with Nanda Ghunti and other Himalayan peaks. Experience bouts of adrenaline high as you tread steep inclines and petrifying ridges. The high altitude of Roopkund trek makes it a bit challenging, but nothing two months of rigorous workout can’t match! It is one of the most thrilling Himalayan treks that can be taken after 40.

Location: Uttarakhand

Altitude: 16,499ft.

Duration: 8 days

Difficulty Level: Moderate