Best Christmas and New Year Snow Treks from Delhi in 2026

Quick answer: For Christmas or New Year 2026 from Delhi, the Kedarkantha trek is the best all-round choice: 5 days from Dehradun, a summit at 12,500 ft and, in most years, snow on the trail by late December. Choose Dayara Bugyal for the gentlest snow, Brahmatal for frozen lakes, Kuari Pass for Nanda Devi views, and Nag Tibba if you only have a weekend.

Christmas Day 2026 and New Year's Day 2027 both fall on a Friday, giving two long weekends in a row. That makes the holiday week the most popular, and busiest, time for a first snow trek. This guide compares the five Himalaya Shelter winter treks that suit the holidays, the snow to expect in late December, and how to plan the trip from Delhi.

Trek facts are from our trek pages and temperature guides, checked in October 2026. Snow varies from year to year, so check the forecast before you travel. Last updated: October 2026.

A Himalaya Shelter group on the Kedarkantha summit in winter.

Days are counted from Dehradun, where all five treks start with a pickup. All of them stay open in winter, and each trek page lists December as a trekking month.

Kedarkantha is the trek most people mean by a New Year snow trek. Our Kedarkantha trek is the shortest high snow trek in this list: 5 days from Dehradun to Dehradun, about 20 km on foot and a summit at 12,500 ft (3,810 m) in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarkashi. The base village, Sankri, is 190 km from Dehradun, an 8 to 9 hour drive.

Why it suits the holidays: five days fit around a long weekend. You walk through snowy pine forest to Juda Ka Talab, a small lake that freezes in December, and reach the summit at sunrise for a 360-degree view of Swargarohini, Black Peak, Bandarpoonch and the Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges. We run it in 5 days, not 6, by coming down sooner after the summit, which saves an extra night on snow in the coldest weeks.

Snow in late December: by the second week of December, snow usually covers the trail up to the base camp, and by the end of the month Juda Ka Talab is frozen. In some years the first heavy snow comes late, around the start of January. December days on the lower trail are about 5 to 15°C, and nights at camp fall to 0 to -10°C.

Who it suits: first-time winter trekkers and fit beginners who can walk 4 to 6 hours a day on hill trails. Summit day is the hard part: a steep, early climb on snow in a 7 to 8 hour day.

Himalaya Shelter details: day 1 ends at the Himalaya Shelter Guest House in Sankri, with attached washrooms and hot water, and every group is capped at 12 trekkers. Kedarkantha is busiest over Christmas and New Year, so we plan batches carefully to avoid crowding at the campsites. The fee is ₹10,000 + 5% GST per person.

Juda Ka Talab, the first campsite on Kedarkantha, freezes in December.

Dayara Bugyal is a high meadow in Uttarkashi district that becomes a wide snowfield in winter. Our Dayara Bugyal trek takes 6 days from Dehradun and covers about 21 km in 4 walking days, from Raithal village (7,142 ft) to Dayara Top at about 11,950 ft (3,640 m). Raithal is 185 km from Dehradun, an 8 to 9 hour drive.

Why it suits the holidays: there is no steep summit push, only open slopes, so it is the easiest way to spend the holidays in deep snow. Christmas and New Year batches are the most popular on Dayara, as the meadows are usually snow-covered by then.

Snow in late December: the first snowfall usually arrives in early to mid December, often as patches near Dayara Top. By late December the meadows are mostly white in most years, and they can be knee-deep after fresh snow. February usually has the most snow. December days are about 5 to 10°C, and nights at camp about -5 to -10°C.

Who it suits: beginners, families and friends who want snow and big views without a hard summit day. It is easy to moderate, and moderate after fresh snow, as the summit day is 9.5 km long.

The fee is ₹11,299 + 5% GST per person from Raithal, and transport from Dehradun and back is ₹2,000 extra.

Dayara Bugyal's open slopes under snow in winter.

Brahmatal, in Chamoli district, is a lake and ridge trek. Our Brahmatal trek takes 6 days from Dehradun, with 4 days on foot, and its highest point, Brahmatal Top, stands at 12,250 ft (3,734 m). The base village, Lohajung (about 7,600 ft), is 290 km from Dehradun, a 10 to 11 hour drive, so the extra day compared with Kedarkantha is mostly road time.

Why it suits the holidays: you pass two high lakes, Bekaltal and Brahmatal, walk through old oak and rhododendron forest and spend long stretches on open ridges facing Mt Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, with no single steep summit climb.

Snow in late December: snow settles on the upper trail in mid to late December and the lakes start to freeze. A frozen lake is most likely in January and February, and sometimes from late December. December days are about 2 to 10°C, and nights at camp about -5 to -10°C.

Who it suits: fit beginners who can spare 6 days, and trekkers who have done Kedarkantha. The Christmas and New Year week is usually the busiest here too; early December and February departures tend to be quieter.

The fee is ₹11,200 + 5% GST per person.

Trekkers on a snow ridge on the Brahmatal trek.

Kuari Pass, also known as the Lord Curzon Trail, is the most demanding trek in this list. Our Kuari Pass trek takes 6 days from Dehradun and reaches 12,532 ft (3,820 m). Day 1 is a 290 km drive to Joshimath, a full day on the road. The trail starts at Dhak village and ends at Auli via the Gorson Bugyal meadow.

Why it suits the holidays: the view from the pass takes in Nanda Devi, India's second-highest mountain, with Dunagiri, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti, and in winter Gorson Bugyal turns into a white snowfield.

Snow in late December: snow is not guaranteed in early December, but in most years it settles in the second half of the month, and by the end of December the upper trail is usually white. December days are about 2 to 9°C, and nights at the Khullara and Taali camps fall to about -6 to -12°C. After heavy snowfall the pass can close for 2 to 3 days, and the trek leader may change the plan if the snow is unsafe.

Who it suits: beginners with good fitness and experienced trekkers. The trek is graded moderate, and snow and icy sections make it harder in winter.

The fee is ₹17,999 + 5% GST per person.

Walking on snow towards the ridge on the Kuari Pass trek.

If you cannot take leave, choose Nag Tibba. Our Nag Tibba trek takes 2 days in Tehri district, and its summit at 9,915 ft (3,022 m) is the highest peak of the Lesser Himalayan range in Uttarakhand. Day 1 is a 105 km drive to Pantwari village and a short walk to Kathian campsite; on day 2 you climb to the top, walk down and drive back to Dehradun.

Why it suits the holidays: it fits the Christmas weekend (Friday 25 to Sunday 27 December) or the New Year weekend (Friday 1 to Sunday 3 January), and the summit looks out at Bandarpunch, Swargarohini and Srikantha.

Snow in late December: possible, but not certain. At this lower height, snowfall usually begins in late December and continues through January and February. Nights drop below freezing, and the trail can be slippery after fresh snow.

Who it suits: beginners, families and solo trekkers who want a short taste of winter camping. If snow is the main goal, go in January or February, or pick a longer trek above.

The fee is ₹3,000 + 5% GST per person, with a transport fee of ₹1,000 listed on the trek page.

A Nag Tibba campsite after snowfall.

No one can promise snow on a fixed date. Snow builds through December, so a New Year batch has slightly better snow chances than a Christmas one, and January to February is the most reliable window on every trek here. Either way, plan for nights of about -10°C on the four higher treks.

For month-by-month figures on our main trek, read the Kedarkantha temperature and weather guide.

See Kedarkantha batches, cost and inclusions: the Christmas and New Year dates, the day-by-day itinerary and everything the fee covers are on our Kedarkantha trek page. Sending an enquiry there needs no payment.

All five treks begin with a pickup in Dehradun. On Kedarkantha it is at Prince Chowk, near Dehradun railway station, in the early morning, so travel overnight or reach Dehradun the evening before.

• By bus: direct buses from Kashmiri Gate ISBT take about 5 to 6 hours; an overnight bus arrives before the pickup.
• By train: New Delhi to Dehradun takes about 6 hours, on trains such as the Dehradun Shatabdi Express (12017/12018), Nanda Devi Express (12205/12206) and Mussoorie Express (14041/14042). Reservations open 60 days before the journey: late October for Christmas week, around 1 November for New Year week.
• By air: the flight takes about an hour, but Jolly Grant airport is at least an hour from Dehradun railway station and early flights are few, so fly in a day early.
• Coming back: on Kedarkantha you reach Dehradun by about 6:30 pm on day 5, in time for a night bus or train to Delhi. On the 6-day treks, the last day is the drive back to Dehradun.

How Many Days You Need

If you get the holiday Friday off, a 5-day trek that starts that Friday ends on the Tuesday, so it needs only 2 or 3 working days of leave. Check the batch dates on the trek page before you book travel or apply for leave. Central Government employees may also be eligible for Special Casual Leave for approved trekking; see our Kedarkantha trek page.

The Himalaya Shelter Guest House in Sankri, the first night's stay on Kedarkantha (photo taken outside the snow season).

The Christmas and New Year week is the busiest time of the winter on these trails, and every Himalaya Shelter group is capped at 12 trekkers, so holiday seats are limited. Book at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead; for the widest choice of dates, book in October or November.

1. Choose your trek and check its batch dates on the trek page.
2. Send an enquiry or call us to confirm your seat before you book trains or buses.
3. Book your Delhi to Dehradun travel as soon as reservations open.
4. Arrange rental gear early: jackets, shoes and other personal gear can be rented from our store.
5. Read the cancellation policy on the trek page, and budget for the mandatory trek insurance fee, which is charged on top of the trek fee.

If the weather turns: Kedarkantha, Dayara Bugyal, Brahmatal and Kuari Pass keep a buffer day for weather delays (paid to the trek leader if used). If bad weather or health stops you from finishing, we let you rejoin the same trek later without extra fees.

Pack for nights of about -10°C and bright days on snow:

• Four upper layers: a thermal top, a fleece, a padded or down jacket and a windproof, waterproof shell
• Thermal bottoms and trekking pants
• Woollen cap, buff or balaclava, and inner gloves plus waterproof outer gloves
• Two or three pairs of woollen socks and waterproof trekking shoes with good grip
• Headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm and a power bank, as batteries drain fast in the cold
• Two water bottles; keep one inside your sleeping bag at night so it does not freeze
• A lunch box for packed lunches, to avoid plastic and foil on the trail
• Documents: a valid photo ID, a medical fitness certificate and your adventure insurance

On Kedarkantha, Dayara Bugyal, Brahmatal and Kuari Pass, the fee includes tents, sleeping bags, foam mattresses, microspikes and gaiters. Expect an early night on New Year's Eve, as trek days start early, and skip alcohol: our safety guidelines advise against it on the trek.

• Your first snow trek, in 5 days: Kedarkantha
• The easiest snow, with family or friends: Dayara Bugyal
• Frozen lakes and long ridge walks, in 6 days: Brahmatal
• The biggest mountain views, with good fitness: Kuari Pass
• Only a weekend free: Nag Tibba

If you want one answer, choose Kedarkantha. It is the shortest of the high snow treks in this guide, it has a real summit, and in most years it has snow by late December. Check the Christmas and New Year dates on the Kedarkantha trek page and send an enquiry.

To ask about seats on any of these treks, call or WhatsApp +91 94583 86006. Holiday batches fill first, so book early.

Which is the best trek for Christmas and New Year from Delhi?

Kedarkantha suits most people: 5 days from Dehradun, a 12,500 ft summit and, usually, snow up to the base camp by mid-December. Dayara Bugyal is easier, Brahmatal and Kuari Pass need 6 days, and Nag Tibba fits a 2-day weekend.

Will there be snow on Kedarkantha at Christmas?

In most years, yes. By the second week of December snow usually covers the trail up to the base camp, and Juda Ka Talab freezes by the end of the month. In some years the first heavy snow comes late, around the start of January, so no date is guaranteed. January gets the heaviest snowfall.

How early should I book a Christmas or New Year trek?

Book at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead, and earlier if you can. Holiday batches are the most popular of the winter and every group is capped at 12 trekkers, so these seats go first. Confirm your seat before booking trains, which open 60 days before the journey.

How much does a Christmas or New Year trek cost with Himalaya Shelter?

Per person, Kedarkantha is ₹10,000 + 5% GST, Dayara Bugyal ₹11,299 + 5% GST (transport from Dehradun ₹2,000 extra), Brahmatal ₹11,200 + 5% GST, Kuari Pass ₹17,999 + 5% GST and Nag Tibba ₹3,000 + 5% GST. The mandatory trek insurance fee is extra. Check the trek page for the latest fee.

What is included in the Kedarkantha trek fee?

The fee includes a night at the base village, 2-person tents on the trek, sleeping bags and foam mattresses, microspikes and gaiters, breakfast, packed lunch, evening snacks and dinner, an AMC-certified trek leader with local guides and kitchen staff, a full medical kit with oxygen, and forest entry charges for Indian nationals. Trek insurance and personal gear are extra.

How do I reach the trek from Delhi?

Travel to Dehradun first: about 5 to 6 hours by direct bus from Kashmiri Gate ISBT, or about 6 hours by train from New Delhi. The Kedarkantha pickup is at Prince Chowk, near Dehradun railway station, in the early morning, so travel overnight or arrive the evening before.

Is a winter trek safe for a beginner?

Yes, if you choose the right trek and prepare. Kedarkantha, Dayara Bugyal and Brahmatal are easy to moderate and suit fit beginners who can walk 4 to 6 hours a day. Groups of up to 12 have a certified trek leader, daily health checks, oxygen and a full medical kit. People with heart or breathing conditions should consult a doctor first.

What happens if heavy snow stops the trek?

Safety comes first, so the trek leader may wait or change the plan if the snow is unsafe. Kedarkantha, Dayara Bugyal, Brahmatal and Kuari Pass keep a buffer day for weather delays, paid to the trek leader if used. If bad weather stops you from finishing, Himalaya Shelter lets you rejoin the same trek later without extra fees.

Can I do a trek on 31st December for New Year's Eve?

Yes. Pick a batch that puts you at a campsite on 31 December. On the 5-day Kedarkantha trek that means starting around 27 to 29 December, so New Year's Eve is spent at a snow camp under a clear sky. It is a quiet celebration around dinner and the campfire area, not a party. Check the batch dates on the trek page and book early, because the 31st December batches fill first.

What are the best weekend treks from Delhi for New Year?

Nag Tibba is the best weekend trek from Delhi: 2 days, 9,915 ft, with a drive of about 105 km from Dehradun to Pantwari. In 2026, Christmas falls on a Friday, so the Christmas weekend (25 to 27 December) gives you three days. The New Year weekend is Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 January 2027. Take the overnight bus from Delhi to Dehradun on Friday night and you are back by Sunday night.

Is Kedarkantha good in the last week of December?

Yes, it is one of the best times. Snow usually covers the trail up to the base camp by then, Juda Ka Talab is frozen or close to it, and the skies are often clear for the summit views. Nights at the base camp drop to about -10 °C, so you need proper winter layers. It is also the busiest week of the season, so book 3 to 4 weeks ahead.