Preparing for a Winter Trek in the Himalayas: Essential Information and Tips
Preparing for a Winter Trek in the Himalayas: Essential Information and Tips
The winters in the Himalayas can be harsh, but they also offer an excellent opportunity for trekking. To fully enjoy a trek during this season, it is crucial to make proper preparations. Neglecting simple tasks such as wearing appropriate layers or bringing a thermos can lead to unnecessary discomfort. Unfortunately, we often forget about these small details. As winter treks approach, I will provide a detailed guide on preparing for a trek in the Himalayan winter.
Difficulty of trekking in the Himalayas during winter
Many people wonder about the difficulty of trekking in the Himalayas during winter, particularly if they are beginners. The answer is that while it is not excessively challenging for beginners, it is more demanding than trekking in other seasons. Winter trekking involves two additional obstacles: cold temperatures and snow. However, the good news is that even beginners can easily overcome these challenges.
1. How to conquer negative temperatures
To conquer negative temperatures, the key is to dress in layers. Regardless of your hometown’s climate, whether sweltering Chennai or humid Mumbai, layering up will help you brave a Himalayan winter. Here’s a helpful tip: pack five warm layers, including a pair of thermals for chilly nights, two sweaters, a fleece jacket, and a padded jacket. Remember to bring warm accessories like a woolen cap, gloves, woolen socks for nighttime, and a neck warmer. With these essentials, you’ll be able to face even the coldest nights with confidence. Check Out here – Essential Layers To Wear For A Himalayan Winter Trek.
Recognizing the optimal moment to add layers to your outfit is crucial. Many hikers make the novice error of postponing layering following a day’s trek. Their bodies are still warm from physical activity and don’t feel chilly when this occurs. However, this is precisely when they should begin putting on additional layers.
During a trek, the body generates heat through physical effort, making additional layers unnecessary. Nevertheless, after the trek, the body starts to cool down and lose heat. To prevent this heat loss, it’s essential to layer up and change into something dry immediately after completing your daily trek. This helps maintain core body temperature.
2. Strategies for dealing with snowy conditions
During other times of the year, trekking involves walking on uncovered ground without concerns. However, during winter, once you ascend to a specific elevation (typically above 9,000 feet), there is no more uncovered ground. Instead, every step you take is on snow. This presents a challenge when the snow reaches above ankle level, as your foot sinks in and requires exertion to lift it and take the next step. There are several methods for addressing this snowy situation.
When planning a snowy trek
The snow layer is relatively thin in December, but it gradually deepens throughout January, February, and early March. Remember the following tips during these months to ensure a successful and safe trek.
1. Commence your trek before sunrise
This is a traditional technique that all mountaineers and trekkers adhere to. Walking on snow during the early hours of the day, well before the sun rises, is advisable. The snow becomes firm and compact in freezing temperatures at night. Walking on hard, packed snow is more manageable as your feet won’t sink. Please note that you will need equipment such as microspikes attached to your shoes for traction on the hard snow. During your trek, this equipment will be provided at the camp by Trekup India trek leaders. However, as the sun rises, the snow starts to soften and melt, causing your feet to sink. Therefore, it is ideal to begin your ascent to the summit (where the snow is highest) by 5 am. The aim is to finish your day’s activities before noon.
2. Follow the path left by previous trekkers
When walking on snow, the depth of the snow can be a significant hazard and cause trekkers to feel unsteady and fearful. However, there is usually a clear trail to follow when trekking in winter. Previous hikers have created this trail, and it is the easiest path to walk on. Even when walking in a line, it is best to step into the footprints of the hiker ahead of you. Each footprint creates a small depression in the snow, allowing you to gauge the depth and slope of the terrain. Doing this allows you to maintain balance and stability while walking on snow.
3. Employ microspikes and gaiters
If you are trekking with Trekup India, we will furnish you with microspikes and gaiters that can be affixed to your footwear. These will be given to you right before you enter snowy terrain. Microspikes offer exceptional traction on snow, akin to Spiderman’s grip. Gaiters safeguard the opening of your shoes, preventing snow from seeping inside. This ensures your feet remain dry and cozy.
4. Put in additional effort towards improving your physical fitness
It is widely known that hiking in snowy conditions is more exhausting than walking in normal conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the importance of preparing your body for this challenge.
How To Get Fit For Winter Himalayan Treks
Preparing for a winter trek requires more effort than trekking in other seasons. Even a trek considered “easy-moderate” in non-winter conditions, like the Kedarkantha trek, becomes “moderate” in winter. It is essential to begin your preparation 1.5-2 months in advance. Aim to run 5 kilometers in under 40 minutes as part of your training.
Many individuals interested in trekking express concern about their ability to attain the required level of physical fitness. This anxiety is often voiced by novice trekkers, older adventurers, or those planning to trek with children. To alleviate such worries, I am happy to share a straightforward and effective fitness routine to help you prepare for your trekking journey.
Begin with brief runs of 1-2 kilometers daily, focusing on extending the distance gradually. Reach a comfortable 5-kilometer mark before shifting your attention to timing. Aim to decrease your running time by a few seconds daily, ultimately achieving a 40-minutes to cover 5 km. Allow ample preparation time by planning your trek at least two months ahead.
What is the lowest temperature experienced during a winter trek?
During Himalayan winter treks such as Kedarkantha, Brahmatal, Marchoi Trek, Deoriatal – Chandrashila, Dayara Bugyal, Chadar Trek & Kuari Pass Trek the temperatures can reach negative numbers, dropping as low as -10 °C after sunset. Interestingly, it is coldest just after rain or snowfall, although not as cold during the actual snowfall. On average, expect daytime temperatures to range from 8 °C to 15 °C, allowing for trekking with only one or two layers during the day. Nighttime temperatures are usually between 3°C to -5°C, requiring the use of all five warm layers after sundown.
Why TrekupIndia?
Since 1993
- Trekup India has been one of the most recommended partners for trekking adventure tourism for more than 29 years. Featuring more than 75 Himalayan treks makes us supreme in the domain.
- We have explored trails like Kedarkantha Trek, Rupin Pass Trek, Borasu pass, Bali Pass, etc.
- Trekup India is India’s Oldest, Safest And direct operation trekking organisation. Trekup India has more trekkers than any other organization. 15,000 plus for 2022
We Are Approved And Certified By :-
- Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI)
- Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF)
- State Tourism Department
What We Do?
- Trekup India is the most trusted trekking company in India. We also sets safety standards for the entire trekking industry.
- Trekup India is the pioneer of trekking in India. Trekup India has brought most trekking routes, trekking systems and trekking equipment to India for Indian trekking.
Save The Trail
- Trekup India’s Save The Trails program is a favorite among trekkers. Our Save The Trails program has made trails, where Trekup India runs trekking, pristine. Save The Trails is a great way for trekkers to leave our mountains better that we found them.
- Trekup India is a unique trekking company that offers the Trekup India’s Trekkers best experience. These transformative experiences are well-designed and leave an indelible impression on trekkers. These have been around for 29 years.
