Summer vs Winter Trekking in the Himalayas: A 3-Day Adventure from Gurgaon with Friends

• By Pankaj Kumar
• - February 23, 2026

If you are planning Char Dham Yatra in 2026, read our complete Chardham Yatra Packages covering routes, registration, best time and packages. Summer vs Winter Trekking in the Himalayas: A 3-Day Adventure from Gurgaon with Friends There’s something magical about leaving the city before sunrise — especially when you’re headed to the Himalayas with your closest friends. This 3-day trekking trip started at 5 AM from Gurgaon, seven of us half-awake but fully excited, stuffing backpacks into our trusty Innova. The plan? Escape deadlines, traffic, and notifications — and compare what the Himalayas feel like in summer vs winter. And of course, no road trip is complete without a stop at Shiva Dhaba for chai and parathas. But more on that later. The Road Trip Begins: Gurgaon to the Mountains By 5:15 AM, we were travelling out of Gurgaon. The city lights slowly faded, replaced by highway fog and laughter inside the car. Someone started a 90s playlist, someone passed around homemade sandwiches, and someone was already asleep. Around 8 AM, we stopped at our favorite highway gem — Shiva Dhaba. Hot aloo parathas dripping with butter. Steel glasses filled with sweet chai. Truck drivers, families, and travelers all sharing that same early-morning hunger. It set the tone for the trip — simple, authentic, and full of warmth. Summer Trekking in the Himalayas If you’ve ever trekked in summer, you know it feels alive. Weather Pleasant mornings Slightly warm afternoons Cool evenings Clear blue skies Summer is forgiving. You don’t need extreme layers, and walking feels lighter.  Scenery Green valleys Blooming wildflowers Flowing streams Snow only visible on distant peaks The trails are vibrant. Birds are active. Waterfalls gush louder. Challenges Slight dehydration if you’re careless Occasional afternoon heat More tourists on popular routes But overall, summer trekking feels welcoming — perfect for beginners or friend groups wanting fun with manageable difficulty. Our experience? We laughed more than we struggled. We clicked photos endlessly. Even the steep sections felt like a team game rather than a survival test. Winter Trekking in the Himalayas Now winter… that’s a different story. Weather Freezing mornings Snow-covered trails Early sunsets Icy winds The first breath outside the homestay feels sharp and unforgettable. Scenery White landscapes Frozen streams Pine trees dusted with snow Silent forests Winter transforms the Himalayas into a dreamscape. Everything feels slower. Quieter. More powerful. Challenges Slippery trails Need for proper layering Limited daylight Physical endurance tested During our winter trek, we moved slower. Conversations reduced. Focus increased. Every step mattered. But reaching the viewpoint — surrounded by snow and silence — felt like we earned it. Why Choosing the Right Season Matters Here’s what we realized: Summer Winter Easier trails Physically demanding Social & lively Peaceful & intense Great for beginners Ideal for experienced trekkers Comfortable temperatures Extreme cold Your season defines your experience. Want bonding, laughter, scenic walks? → Go in summer Want challenge, solitude, dramatic beauty? → Choose winter Our 3-Day Itinerary Day 1: Gurgaon to the Hills 5 AM departure in Innova Breakfast at Shiva Dhaba Reach base village by afternoon Check-in at a cozy local homestay Evening village walk & local dinner (rajma, mandua roti, fresh chutney) The homestay was simple but soulful. Wooden rooms. Mountain views. Homemade food. And stories from the host about snowfall and village life. Day 2: Trek & Exploration Early breakfast Trek to scenic viewpoint Packed lunch on trail Photography & group moments Evening local food tasting in the village We tried local snacks, butter tea, and even helped in the kitchen. Seven friends, one bonfire, and countless stories under the stars — that’s what makes trekking unforgettable. Day 3: Sightseeing & Return Journey Relaxed morning Nearby waterfall visit Quick market stop for souvenirs Lunch before departure Return drive to Gurgaon by evening (around 10 PM) The return journey was quieter. Tired legs. Happy hearts. Phones full of memories. The Real Highlight: Friendship Honestly, the Himalayas change with seasons. But what truly defines the experience is who you travel with. In summer, we teased each other for sweating too much.In winter, we helped each other walk on icy trails. In both seasons, we grew closer. Summery If you’re planning a 3-day escape from Gurgaon with friends: Leave early. Stop at Shiva Dhaba. Stay in a local homestay. Taste local food. Choose your season wisely. And most importantly — travel with people who match your energy. The Himalayas don’t just change with seasons. Food, People & Overall Experience Local Uttarakhand food was simple, healthy, and delicious Hotel stays were clean and comfortable Local people were extremely polite and humble The group felt safe and well-guided throughout the journey Pankaj Kumar