hat's the best season to explore the Himalayas? The predictable answer is summer. But to experience a pristine winter under zero degree condition, you might like to head to Harsil, 70 km from Uttarkashi in the Garhwal region, for an offbeat trek.

Lying on the way to Gangotri, this sleepy little town with snowy peaks and deodar forests, sits beside the bank of the fast-flowing Bhagirathi river.

It is refreshing (and cold) to walk along the crystal clear waterfalls and streams that flow down from the mountains.

A seven kilometre uphill trek to Sat Tal (Seven Lakes) through the dense deodar forests and slippery patches of snow can be delightful. Do hire a guide on this particular trek as the forest tracks disappear every now and then and it's easy to get lost.

Just in case you decide not to live outdoors by the campfire, there are at least five hotels (the tariff ranges between Rs 150-250), including a tourist guest house run by Garhwal Vikas Mandal Nigam.

Harsil is 220 km from Rishikesh, which is well connected by road and rail. 

Treat this trek as calf muscle-building to take on tougher expeditions like the Gangotri-Gaumukh trek, which is next-doors.