Ranthan Kharak Trek in December: Weather, Temperature & Is It Worth It?

Description

◐ Shoulder season — possible with care Ranthan Kharak Trek in December

Weather, temperatures, packing and honest advice — from the team that runs this trail.

The quick answer

December is a shoulder month for Ranthan Kharak. The core season is Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov, so conditions can work with the right preparation — but check with our team about your specific dates. The trek runs 6 days from Pithoragarh, Kumaon, reaching 11,810 ft at its highest point, and is graded Moderate-Difficult (4/5). The fee is ₹13,999 + 5% GST with permits, meals, camping and certified trek leaders included.

Why this window works: December sits at the edge of this window, so conditions vary year to year — check with our team for your dates.

Weather & trail conditions in December

Expect snow on the upper sections of the trail and frozen water sources near camps. Micro-spikes and gaiters (provided on our snow treks) become essential above the snowline, and daylight hours are short — days start early and end early. On Ranthan Kharak, expect daytime temperatures around 8°C on the trail and roughly -7°C at the highest camps after dark in December.

December in the Himalayas

Daytime

~8°C

Night at camp

~-7°C

Highest point

11,810 ft

Grade

Moderate-Difficult

What to pack for December

✓ Thermal base layers (top and bottom) — never cotton

✓ A fleece mid-layer plus a padded jacket (rentable at ₹499)

✓ Woollen cap, neck gaiter and two pairs of gloves

✓ High-ankle waterproof trekking shoes with woollen socks

✓ Sunscreen and sunglasses — snow doubles the UV

Don't own the gear? Rent shoes, jackets and more on our rentals page — sanitised after every trek.

Booking notes for December

Christmas–New Year batches are the year's fastest sellers; book by October if possible. The best months for Ranthan Kharak are Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov .

Frequently asked

Is December a good time for the Ranthan Kharak trek?

December is a shoulder month for Ranthan Kharak. The core season is Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov, so conditions can work with the right preparation — but check with our team about your specific dates.

How cold is Ranthan Kharak in December?

Plan for daytime temperatures around 8°C and nights near -7°C at the higher camps. Our sleeping bags are rated for well below these temperatures.

Can beginners do Ranthan Kharak in December?

Ranthan Kharak is graded Moderate-Difficult (4/5), so we recommend at least one prior Himalayan trek. Beginners should start with Nag Tibba, Dayara Bugyal or Kedarkantha instead.

Ranthan Kharak · ₹13,999 + 5% GST

6 days · 11,810 ft · permits, meals & leaders included

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Ranthan Kharak in other months

January February March April May June July August September October November

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