Highlights
- The quieter Kedarkantha.
- A 360° Yamunotri-valley summit view.
- Beginner-suitable winter snow.
Overview
The trek follows a classic Yamunotri-valley line. From Dehradun, drive 160 km up the Yamuna valley to Hanuman Chatti (2,400m) — the road head and trek base. The walk goes Hanuman Chatti to Channi Camp (2,700m) to Seema Thatch (3,474m) to the Gulabi Kantha summit (~4,020m), with summit day done as a long out-and-back from Seema Thatch back down to Channi Camp. Operators report the summit between 3,790m and 4,020m; we use the brochure figure of ~4,020m (13,200 ft), which is operator-reported rather than from a survey database. Day 5 retraces the line down to Hanuman Chatti and drives back to Dehradun. Roughly 25 km of trekking total.
Who climbs with us
Gulabi Kantha is our gentlest winter expedition on terrain — a snow trek that tops out at ~4,020m (operator-reported) — though Dec-Feb still means deep snow and camp nights commonly -10 to -15C, so warm kit matters. Recent groups have been mostly first-time Himalayan trekkers coming for the snow, alongside experienced trekkers looking for a quiet trail. One of our reviewers called this her first trek. The trip is built to make a first Himalayan winter trek work, given proper layers.
Itinerary
5 days, Dehradun to Dehradun.
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Day 1 Dehradun to Hanuman Chatti
2,400mAssemble at Dehradun by 5:30 AM and drive up the Yamuna valley to Hanuman Chatti — the Yamunotri-side road head and trek base. Settle in, gear check, early dinner.
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Day 2 Hanuman Chatti to Channi Camp
2,700mA short, easy first walking day onto the trail to acclimatise. Steady gain through forest to the Channi Camp clearing.
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Day 3 Channi Camp to Seema Thatch
3,474mClimb out of the forest onto the higher meadows. Camp at Seema Thatch — a wide alpine bowl that sits below the summit ridge. Summit briefing in the evening, sleep early.
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Day 4 Seema Thatch to Gulabi Kantha summit (~4,020m), back to Channi Camp
~4,020m summit, return to 2,700m campPre-dawn start with headlamps. Walk up the ridge from Seema Thatch to the Gulabi Kantha summit at ~4,020m (13,200 ft, operator-reported). 360° view across Bandarpunch, Swargarohini, the Shivaliks, Bali Pass, and the Sarutal–Fachu Kandi ridges. Long descent past Seema Thatch back down to Channi Camp.
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Day 5 Channi Camp to Hanuman Chatti to Dehradun
2,400m road headShort walk down to Hanuman Chatti. Vehicle waiting; drive back to Dehradun. Trip ends in the evening.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation — stay from Day 1 to Day 5 in tents/stay
- Food — all meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6
- Permits & camping charges — all trekking permits and national park charges
- Trekking and safety equipment — tents, sleeping bags, gaiters, micro-spikes
- Certified trek leaders, expert trek team, backpack offloading charges
- Transport — Dehradun to Hanuman Chatti / Nishni village and back
Not included
- Meals during transit
- Rescue — insurance and rescue expenses
- Insurance
- Personal expenses of any kind
- Anything apart from the inclusions
- Customary tips
Dates & availability
No fixed dates yet — get in touch for the next Dec – Feb batch or private/custom dates.
No public slots are available for this trek yet. Reach out and we'll share the next departure as soon as it's confirmed, or set up a private group on dates that suit you.
or email us →Need different dates? Private departures are possible through Dec – Feb with a minimum of 4 trekkers — message us on WhatsApp.
Your leaders
Subodh Bhadauriya ITRA
Lead Trek Leader · 8+ years
Grew up in the Garhwal Himalayas. Reads weather and terrain the way most people read signs — instinctively. Over 15 summits above 6,000m.
Frequently asked
What is the Gulabi Kantha Winter Trek?
A 5-day, 4-night winter snow trek in the Yamunotri Valley of Uttarakhand. It tops out at ~4,020m (13,200 ft, operator-reported) and the terrain is graded easy — beginner-suitable as a first Himalayan winter trek with proper winter kit.
How long is the trek?
5 days, 4 nights, Dehradun to Dehradun, with about 25 km of walking spread across days 2–5.
How much does it cost?
₹12,000 per trekker. Includes accommodation from Day 1 to Day 5, all meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 6 breakfast, all trekking permits and national park charges, tents and sleeping bags, gaiters and micro-spikes, certified trek leaders, and backpack offloading.
How difficult is it?
The terrain is easy: max ~4,020m (operator-reported), longest single day is summit day at ~14 km, no technical skills. The winter window adds real load, though — Dec-Feb brings deep snow underfoot and camp nights commonly -10 to -15C. It is beginner-suitable for first-time Himalayan winter trekkers in good general fitness who carry proper warm kit; it is not a fair-weather walk.
When does the trek run?
Winter — December through February, when the Yamunotri valley is reliably under snow.
Where exactly is Gulabi Kantha?
In the Yamunotri Valley, Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The road head is Hanuman Chatti — the same Hanuman Chatti on the Yamunotri pilgrimage route.
Is it less crowded than Kedarkantha?
Yes. Kedarkantha draws very high winter foot traffic; Gulabi Kantha sees a small fraction of that for a similar snow-trek brief at a similar altitude.
What can I see from the summit?
A 360° Yamunotri-valley panorama including Bandarpunch, Swargarohini, the Shivalik range, Bali Pass, and the Sarutal / Fachu Kandi ridges.
Do I need a permit?
All trekking permits and national park charges are included in the trek fee and handled by TVT.
What's the cancellation policy?
More than 60 days before the start date — full refund. 60 to 30 days before the start date — 50% refund. Less than 30 days before the start date — no refund.
What gear is provided versus what do I bring?
We provide tents, sleeping bags, gaiters, and micro-spikes. You bring trekking boots, layered warm clothing, gloves, headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen, and personal essentials. Full gear list shared on confirmation.