come winter in Uttarakhand finds itself preparing for one of the best seasons to explore the snowy landscape. winter uttarakhand Nestled in the Himalayan and Shivalik Ranges, it is an abode to pristine lakes, alluring landscapes, and exhilarating adventures. In Devbhoomi Uttarakhand The two main regions here namety Garhwal region and Kumaon region welcome travellers with the calmness. of snow-clad peaks. gushing streams, and various snow-based activities that promise them an experience of a lifetime.
Winters Uttarakhand can be best experienced between November and February. Famously called Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand closes its routes to Chota Char Dham and other Pilgrimage sites in November which ensures fewer crowds than usual. It enters the season with slushy snowfall and snowy slopes that make for a perfect destination winter in uttarahand for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Natural snowfall areas in Winter Uttarakhand
- Switzerland of India Auli Hill station
Switzerland of India Auli Hill station is Located in the Chamoli district of Garhwal region. Auli enjoys snowfall from November to February. The hill station tops the list for travellers who wish to experience the season at its best Located at a height of approximately 8.219 ft. Auli offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks along with its interesting range of adventure activities that travellers can participate in.
- Tehari Garhwal
Tehri Garhwal is a district in the hill state of Uttarakhand The chilling winters in Tehri garhwal present a moist climate and freezing experience with temperatures falling below 10 degrees celsius. The season reveals a mesmerizing landscape of the valley as the snow falls on its deodar pine trees and covers the entire village under a thick blanket of snow.
- Munsiyari The Little Kashmir
Those seeking a thrilling road trip experience in Uttarakhand should definitely take a turn towards snowy Munsiyari, also called the ‘little Kashmir’ of Uttarakhand. Nestled in the Himalaya. this quaint little town enveloped in snow. as the name suggests, és filled with jaw-dropping views of mountains and roads that will surely excite travellers to go for a quick ride or even better, spend some time lazing in the layer of white. The name ‘Munsiyari’ refers to a ‘place with snow’. Situated on the banks of Goriganga river, it is a fast-growing tourist destination.
- Chopta Tungnath The highest Shiva temples in the world
Located in the Rudraprayag district. Chopta creates a serene and chilling atmosphere during winters. It is the ideal hill station for trekkers and travellers who want to escape the city grind and spend a few days living the quaint mountain life.
- Mussoorie Queen of hills
Blessed with spellbinding views of snow ranges in the northeast. the picturesque landscape of the Doon Valley. and mighty Shivalik peak in the south. Mussoorie is often considered a paradise for nature lovers. Being a colonial town, it houses some of the renowned educational intuitions, churches, and markets in the state. During winters.
this ‘queen of hills’ transforms into a winter land like no other. From its first snowfall of the year to the last. Mussoorie manages to charm every tourist that visits its ice-capped hills and assures them of a chilling escapade that they are unlikety to ever forget.
- Dhanaulti
Situated in proximity to many other hill stations in the state, Dhanaulti is emerging as the new winter destination in Uttarakhand that tourists are increasingly flocking to. Surrounded by lush deodar forests, and less touristy spots. It is an ideal location for trvellers seeking magnificent views of the himalaya and a tranquil experience in the lap of nature.
Best places to Adventure in winter Uttarakhand
- Mukteshwar or Chauli ki Jali
Mukteshwar is a one of tourist destination in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The famous Mukteshwar temple with main deity as Lord Shiva is a famous attraction here. Identified in Jim Corbett’s book as ‘the Temple Tiger’ or ‘Muktesar’ this tourist destination is recognised for its pleasant panoramic views of the Himalayan range and thrilling adventure activities at its popular spot called ‘Chauli ki Jali’.
it is believed that after fighting a fierce battle with the demon at the same place, Lord Shiva granted him satvation or ‘mutti, leading to the name being kept ‘Mukteshwar’, as it is known today. On a more adventurous note, the place offers a wide range of activities—from tock climbing and rappelling at Chauli ki Jali to a trek to the famous Mukteshwar temple to winter camping amid the deodar forests.
- Sattal (seven freshwater lakes)
Popularly referred to as the cluster of seven lakes, Sat Tal or Sattal is located amid the hills of the Lower Himalayan Range near Bhimtal Kumaon region. In addition to its scenic beauty. the place is also highly regarded for its boating activities. bird watching experiences. fishing and angling opportunities by the banks, camping spots. and adventure sports that range from rock climbing to mountain biking.
- Rishikesh Yoga Capital of the World
Cherished for the crystal clear waters of river Ganges, Rishikesh Yoga Capital of the World finds itself located at the centre of all the adrenaline rush and gratifying serenity. Often remembered for its two identical swinging bridges. Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, the holy city is a hub of several yoga institutions and adventure sports. Whether it is rafting through glimmering but freezing waters of Ganges or trekking to the edge of the cliff and experiencing a heart-pounding bungee jump, Rishikesh will never fail to impress the adventure junkie in you.
- Corbett India’s oldest national park
Established in 1936 as the land of roar trumpet and song. Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most visited places in winter in Uttarakhand. Situated in Nainital, this farnous national park is the abode of the Royal Bengal tiger along with various other species of wild animals and birds. Going on an early morning safari in an open jeep during December or January not only guarantees a memorable ride in the wild but also promises wildlife enthusiasts an experience that they will cherish for avery long time.
- Ranikhet
Ranikhet is famous for the Gandhi Kuti and the temple of Golu Devta. Wanting to tick off that dream of playing golf at one of the picturesque hilltops in the country? Then Ranikhet is right up your alley. Not only does this town in Almora offer one of the best golf courses but also houses colourful plants. flowers. and fruits at Chaubatia orchards through which one can explore trekking trails to a number of scenic locales including Holm Fram, Bhula Dam and jhula Dev temple.
How to adopt winter adventure and magic in winter Uttarakhand
The Experience of travelling to winter Uttarakhand is not really complete without indulging in the range of adventure and snow-based activities and sports that this valley has to offer to those looking for a dose of adrenaline rush in the midst of snow-clad peaks.
- Trekking
Chopta Tungnath trek, fondly recognised for the highest Panch Kedar Temple and The highest Shiva temples in the world on its peak, Do requires trekkers, in winter uttarakhand to walk through thick blankets of snow and visit the thousand-year-old temple. However, the trails towards the temple are open a till November after which it is closed to avoid blocked roads and freezing climates. Throughout the trek, one can spot many named and unnamed peaks at a distance.
The trek to Kedarnath is the kind that instills one with faith to reach even the highest of peaks. With pilgrims walking side by side, the experience of trekking through slippery snow patches and uneven, rocky paths becomes bearable and the eight to 12 hour wait before one finally enjoys a glimpse of snow-covered Kedarnath Temple seems worth it.
Considered one of the best in the country, the Kedarnath Trek provides. the thrilling experience of climbing a Himalayan peak Following the list are many easy and difficult treks like Nag Tibba trek, Chandrashila trek, Har Ki dun trek, pindar ghati, Pakhwa Top trek and Brahmatal trek.
Get yourself a pair of tight gripped shoes and a few woolen apparel if you ever plan to trek in Uttarakhand.
- Paragliding
Paragliding is one of the most exhilarating experiences that one can enjoy in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range. Some of the ideal paragliding sites in Uttarakhand are Maldevta in Dehradun, Bhimtal, Nainital, Kota Bagh, Bageshwar and Kausani
There is no better way to witness the scenic beauty of Uttarakhand than to see it through the bird’s eye, and with Paragliding, you can make that wish come true. Accompanied by trained professionals, it is easy to opt for tandem paragliding at places like Mukteshwar, Nainital, and Ranikhet that present breathtaking vistas of tall oak forests, and snow-capped Himalayan ranges that add to the grandeur of the scene.
- ZipUning
From fearlessly moving across lakes in Nainital to feeling the thrill while crossing over the Ganges in Rishikesh to holding on to those ropes a little tighter at Mussoorie, the fun of ziplining is worth adding to your bucket list. Moreover,ilpining is cansidered on of the safest and easy adventure activities for adults.
- Canoeing
In Winter uttarakhand Canoeing and kayaking are the two major water sports in Uttarakhand that are avidly enjoyed by tourists from around the country. Nainital has pristine lakes that offer canoeing in its free flawing waters. However, if you wish to take your canoeing experience a notch higher, consider doing a week-long course in Rishikesh. It will teach you to row your kayak through rapids and train you with the required equipment.
- Bungee Jumping
Want to overcome your fear of heights? Or want to experience a free fall from the top of the 83 metres cliff? Bungee jumping in Rishikesh is conducted by professional teams who harness you and ensure that you have the most enjoyable experience of your life.
- Skiing
Out of very few skiing locations in India, uttarakhand houses some of the best ski resorts in Auli, Betulidhar, Dayara Bugyal. Kedarkantha trek, Munsiyari, Khatiya Top. Mundali, and a few other spots where skiing is done at a smaller level November to March is considered a good time to enroll in a ski course and master the art of gliding down some Natural snowy slopes.
- White Water Rafting
Chasing easy ‘sweet sixteen’ rapids to difficult ‘double trouble’ rapids in Rishikesh, water rafting is an adventure that many wish to experience once in their lifetime. Accompanied by an instructor, while water rafting dose not expect one to learn swimming or have any rowing skills. Ideal for groups of friends and families. rafting makes you cherish some cool splashes in the River Ganges and leaves you feeling refreshed and motivated to try on other adventure activities in the place.
- Camping
Whether it is trekking through unexplored trails, finding hidden waterfalls, setting up a tent and bonfire for the night, or spending a day or half by the mighty Himalayan range. camping in Uttarakhand comes in a wholesome package that cannot be missed. tt is the best way to experience Uttarakhand and its natural beauty and captivating snowy landscapes. During winters, the state operates several camping destinations for travellers in places such as Mukteshwar, Pindari Glacier, and many others.