Walk up to the ‘awe-so-beautiful’ places in Uttarakhand to seek solace and incredible inner peace. As you ascend the hills, every twist and turn you take on the roads of Uttarakhand, offers sight to sigh! When the shower of snowflakes falls graciously on the hills, it makes it more appealing.
You are awakened by the spark of wanderlust, making you restless to explore this white paradise, far and wide. As you keep reading this blog, you will be taken to several of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in the winter season. Only this time, they would be covered in the surreal blanket of snow.
Check out: Best Affordable Uttarakhand Sightseeing Tour Packages
Take a peek and decide which could be your next winter destination to spend the holiday in Uttarakhand
- Auli
- Munsiyari
- Chopta
- Rishikesh
- Chaukori
- Harsil
- Jim Corbett National Park
- Kausani
- Khirsu
- Lansdowne
- Binsar
- Nainital
- Pithoragarh
- Ranikhet
- Kartik Swami Temple
Auli, Garhwal Himalaya
For those looking for winter getaways in India that offer eye-popping views of the mountains covered in a blanket of thick snow and a number of slope roof resorts, Auli is one of the best options, a popular skiing destination in Uttarakhand. Auli is one such place where you can dive into a melange of snow sports and venture for a trek to Gorson Bugyal.
Auli provides a perfect spot for winter family holidays in Uttarakhand and also is quite a nice honeymoon destination. During your winter holiday in Auli, you can witness, in fact ride Asia’s longest cable/ chair car that starts from Joshimath to Auli and vice-versa.
There are several best places to visit in winter near Auli such as Joshimath and Trishul Peak. Vansh Narayan Kalpeshwar, known for valley and caves is also another site to visit. (there are less chances to visit if snow blocks the road).
How to Reach?
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airport located in Dehradun at a distance of 277 from Auli.
By Rail: Haridwar is the closest railway station located near Rishikesh at a distance of 292 km from Auli.
By Road: Local buses and taxis both government and private are available from Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh to Auli via national highway 07.
Places to Stay
Auli has a series of impressive resorts that offer all basic amenities and comfortable rooms to the guests. You can also find dormitories in some of hotels making it a budget-friendly destination in Uttarakhand.
Recommended Tour Package
Munsiyari, Kumaon Himalaya
A place where time stops, where the beauty captures the eyes of the beholder, and where one can’t help but fall in love, Munsiyari is yet another beautiful skiing destination in Uttarakhand. This small town in Kumaon Hills is widely known for its pleasant weather during summer and reputed to be a place where thick layer of snow covers the hill station during winter season.
It offers a refreshing ambience, several awe-inspiring attractions and a quiet murmur of wind, no wonder it is tagged as Uttarakhand’s very own Kashmir. The popular tourist attractions in Munsiyari in and around are Birthi Falls (35 km), Kalamuni Top (14 km) and where an ancient Kali temple is located; two freshwater lakes – Thamri Kund and Maheshwari Kund.
There also exist a hot water natural spring, Madkot. Munsiyari is perfect for the family vacations and can be considered as a top honeymoon getaway in Uttarakhand.
How to Reach?
By Air: The closest airport to Munsiyari is located in Pantnagar at a distance of 313 km.
By Rail: Haldwani and Kathgodam are the closest railway stations to reach Munsiyari at a distance of 285 km.
By Road: There is no direct transport to Munsiyari, however, you can get a bus to Almora and change the bus to Munsiyari (days may vary, you may have to spend a night in Almora).
Places to Stay
Here, you can find a number of luxury hotels to budget guest houses and even resorts serving posh amenities to the guests.
Also Read: Top Things to Do in Uttarakhand
Chopta Tungnath, Garhwal Himalayas
A vacation in Chopta, one of Uttarakhand’s best places, makes for an ideal getaway. For those looking for an offbeat retreat in the hills surrounded by alpine grassland, it’s the best option. This destination is gaining a reputation for being one of the top travel destinations in the state. It can, in fact, be called one of the gems Uttarakhand possesses that is blessed with rich flora and fauna & natural splendours. It is also the starting point to various trekking places. Adventure enthusiasts who want to enjoy winter treks can visit it during winters. The two popular trekking places in Chopta are Tungnath and Chandrashila.
Another popular tourist attraction, Tungnath Temple, remains closed during the winters. This is the highest Shiva Temple and also one of the sacred Panch Kedars. It is located at 3,680 metres above sea level. The architecture of Tungnath consists of a stone spire structure on top. The temple itself is considered to be more than 1000 years old.
Chandrashila on the other hand, is situated at a height of 4000 meters. Trekking your way towards it through a snow-clad trail is definitely an unforgettable experience. Once here, you can admire the imposing view of the Himalayan Mountains of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
Note: While travelling during winters, you may face challenges reaching the starting point of the trek. This is because the roads are occasionally blocked by snow near Chopta.
How to Reach?
By Air: Located around 226 km away in Dehradun, Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Chopta. From here, private taxis and even direct bus options are available.
By Rail: Haridwar and Rishikesh are the two closest railway stations to Chopta. The more preferred option is the railway station of Haridwar, since it connects with major Indian cities.
By Road: Chopta is connected by motorable roads. You have to follow NH 58 from Rishikesh/Haridwar to Rudraprayag. After this, change your route towards Ukhimath. Chopta is around 40 km from Ukhimath. There are buses till Srinagar and Rudraprayag from where one can hire a cab to reach Chopta. Bus and cabs options are also available from all the major cities in uttarakhand.
Places to Stay
The accommodation options in Chopta range from nature camps, homestays & guest houses to tents. You can get well-maintained rooms with nice facilities and amenities.
Check out: Chopta Chandrashila Trekking Tour
Rishikesh, Garhwal Himalayas
A place packed with a mix of varieties of things to do and see, Rishikesh is an integral part of Uttarakhand tourism. This place is known as the gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas making it an obvious stop while heading to the mountains.
Here, you can seek blessing in the pilgrimage sites and also visit many ashram around, learn some new stretches with yoga sessions and also visit the well-known didgeridoo maker in Rishikesh.
The attractions you can visit here are, Ram and laxman Jhula, the Beatles Ashram, Swarg Ashram. Besides that, there are many other places you can visit nearby such as Rajaji National Park, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Narendra Nagar and Haridwar.
How to Reach?
By Air: Jolly Grant airport located at Dehradun is the closest airport to Rishikesh at a distance of 35 km.
By Rail: Rishikesh has a railway station, however, Haridwar is more convenient since it is well connected from other major cities.
By Road: There are plenty of private and government buses that ply to and fro services to Rishikesh from the major north Indian states, Dehradun and Haridwar.
Places to Stay
From budget to luxury, Rishikesh offers a number of hotels and resorts. You can also find guest houses and hostels for backpackers.
Recommended Tour Packages
Chaukori, Kumaon Himalayas
Uttarakhand’s best kept secret, Chaukori displays breathtaking sights, especially during the winter season. Widely famous for its alluring lofty hills, lustrous tea gardens, and varied flora and fauna, Chaukori, to say the least, is one of the underrated travel places in India. What’s best about this destination is also its magnetizing sunrise and sunset views.
Here in this tiny hamlet, you can also camp and trek to nearby guided trails and also from here you can see the mighty mountains like Panchachuli, Nanda Kot, Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba that remain layered in snow during the winter months. To get the best of Chaukori, the month of February is quite apt.
How to Reach?
By Air: The closest airport to Chaukori is located in Pantnagar at a distance of 223 km.
By Rail: Haldwani and Kathgodam are the closest railway stations to reach Chaukori at a distance of 196 km.
By Road: There are no direct buses however, you can find connecting buses from places such as Almora, Pithoragarh, Kausani and Didihat.
Places to Stay
At Chaukori, you can find charming hill cottages and luxe resorts. There are also a number of hotels and guest houses for budget travellers.
Also Read: Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand
Harsil, Garhwal Himalayas
Seated in the lap of nature, Harsil is a beautiful Garhwal Himalayan destination that brilliantly displays green valleys and meandering meadows in the summer but in winters it becomes a fairytale land by being covered in layers and layers of snow.
It is an ideal paradise for solitary and serenity seeking travellers, and is a perfect place to simply come and relax amid nature in their beautiful mountain resorts. One cannot resist the crimson rays of the sun, the chirping of birds and the wide expanse of snow, feeling refreshed already?
How to Reach?
By Air: The closest airport to Harsil is Jolly Grant at Dehradun located at a distance of 253 km.
By Rail: Haridwar and Rishikesh are the two closest airports for Harsil at a distance of 268 km.
By Road: Private and local run buses and taxis are available from the stations to reach Harsil via national highway 34.
Places to Stay
Harsil has a number of resorts and hotels offering posh rooms with well-maintained facilities to the guests.
Also Read: Uttarkashi Tourism Guide
Corbett National Park, Kumaon Himalayas
The place where you can not only be one with nature but also enjoy the splendor of wildlife, Corbett National Park is certainly a place to visit during winter in Uttarakhand. In this season, you get to spend ample time in the wild by going for safari into the dense forest in their many zones, as all of them remain open (Corbett is closed from June to the month of September).
In fact, during your wildlife vacation in Corbett, you can enjoy basking in the warm sun at resorts that are placed just outside the national park. And if you are up for birdwatching, there cannot be any better time than winter to spot rare and migratory birds. A stay in some of the resorts that offer decent amenities will also make your holiday fruitful.
How to Reach?
By Air: Pantnagar airport located at a distance of 123 km from Corbett National Park is the closest airport.
By Rail: Ramnagar is the closest railway station from Corbett National Park at a distance of 12 km.
By Road: Government and private buses go till Ramnagar from places like Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Nainital, Haldwani and Kathgodam after which you can connect to taxis.
Places to Stay
Corbett has many wildlife resorts and hotels offering posh services and comfortable rooms. You can also stay in jungle resorts around the national park.
Check out: Corbett Tourism Packages
Kausani, Kumaon Himalayas
A picturesque hill destination in Uttarakhand, Kausani offers a panoramic 360° view of mighty Himalayan Range. It is one of the top places to visit in the state if you are a nature lover as its thick pine forests and alluring views call one for a rendezvous with nature. In Kausani, the places you can visit are Rudradhari Falls and Caves, Anasakti Ashram, Baijnath Temple, Kausani Tea Estate and Sumitranandan Pant Gallery.
How to Reach?
By Air: Pantnagar airport is the closest airport to reach Kausani at a distance of 177 km.
By Rail: Haldwani and Kathgodam are the two nearby railway stations located at a distance of 141 km from Kausani.
By Road: You can find plenty of shared taxis and buses from Haldwani and Kathgodam to get to Kausani. You can even get private taxis or travel via own car.
Places to Stay
Kausani has a number of mountain villas and resorts offering nice and relaxing ambiance and services. Guest houses are also available in Kausani.
Recommended Tour Package
Khirsu, Garhwal Himalayas
Its undulating meadows that get covered in snow, riveting ambiance and old world charm make one want to choose this place for a rejuvenating vacation in winter. Located in the Pauri Garhwal district, this admirable hamlet called Khirsu is one of the offbeat places that can make an ideal holiday destination, especially during winters, as it is considered the best time to visit for nature lovers. You can come take a dip in this romantic getaway that will make you fall in love with its beauty in winter instantly.
How to Reach?
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport to Khirsu located 145 km away.
By Rail: There are two railway station close to Khirsu, Kotdwar (115 km) and Rishikesh (132 km).
By Road: There are no direct transport to Khirsu but it is well connected from places like Kotdwara, New Tehri, Devprayag and Rudraprayag.
Places to Stay
Khirsu has resorts, guest houses, forest cottages and budget hotels. You can select your choice of accommodation and convenience and spend a calm, composed winter holiday in Khirsu.
Check out: Pauri Garhwal Tourism Guide
Lansdowne, Garhwal Himalayas
For perfect winter city breaks a visit to a place set in a serene atmospheric Garhwal Himalayan mountains, Lansdowne is one of the top destinations in Uttarakhand. This place was developed under the British rule and it holds strong history of freedom fighters of India.
During your winter trip here, you can visit some places known for history, nature and architecture like the War Museum located in the centre of Lansdowne – Darwan Singh Sangrahalaya, an Anglican church – St. Mary’s, two vantage points – Snow View Point and Tiffin Top, and a famous Hindu pilgrimage place – Tarkeshwar Mahadev.
How to Reach?
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport located 117 km away from Lansdowne.
By Rail: The closest railway station to Lansdowne is in Kotdwar (40 km), you can get taxis from here.
By Road: There are plenty of private and shared taxis that ply to Lansdowne from these stations.
Places to Stay
In Lansdowne you can find accommodations that range from moderate to expensive offering luxurious rooms and services to the visitors. For budget travellers, there are also reasonable hotels around the town.
Recommended Tour Package
Binsar, Kumaon Himalayas
Filled with supreme bliss, Binsar is a trekker’s paradise in Uttarakhand. Its undulating misty mountains offer perfect place for adventure activity like trekking, and who wouldn’t want to walk amidst the thick forest surrounding the earthy brown trails that leads to some jaw-dropping views, right? Here in Binsar, the obvious things you can do is trek, hike, click amazing photographs of birds hovering above you and even go for a local sightseeing around.
How to Reach?
By Air: Pantnagar Airport is the closest airport located 150 km away from Binsar.
By Rail: Haldwani and Kathgodam are two prominent railway heads for people travelling to Binsar (112 km).
By Road: For Binsar, you can get direct taxis and buses from Haldwani, Kathgodam and Pantnagar.
Places to Stay
At Binsar, you can relax in its charming cottages and guest houses amid nature, you can also find luxury resorts and hotels with picture perfect view of the mountains.
Check out: Popular Trekking Places in Uttarakhand
Nainital, Kumaon Himalayas
Nainital is a great place to see snowfall, though commercialized immensely, the charm of this place never gets old and it does remain one of the top tourism places of Uttarakhand. Its shimmering lake surrounded by high mountains is often a crowd pulling factor, romantic boat rides anyone on a cold day?
Besides, winters too bring out the beauty and charm in Nainital. Here, it is not just the lake where you can row…row…row your boat but also you can visit some tourist places like Snow-View, China peak, Tiffin Top, Cave Garden, Nainital Zoo and Tibetan Market, and also ride the cable car breaking the mist that comes in your way. To get the best out of Nainital, make sure to visit during January.
How to Reach?
By Air: Pantnagar Airport is the closest airport to reach Nainital, located 67 km away.
By Rail: Haldwani and Kathgodam are two railway stations for people travelling to Nainital that is located 40 km.
By Road: Local and private taxis and buses ply on regular basis from Haldwani, Kathgodam, and Pantnagar to Nainital.
Places to Stay
A wide range of hotels ranging from luxury to budget can be found in Nainital offering comforting amenities and room services with a beautiful sight to sigh!
Check out: Nainital Tour Packages
Pithoragarh, Kumaon Himalayas
An ethereal beauty that is surrounded by snow covered mountains, Pithoragarh located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand is a must visit the place, especially for winter holidays. It’s riveting sights of the Himalayas will baffle you, so much that you wouldn’t want to leave this attractive place.
You can venture to this land with a solo travel itinerary or even for family tours, honeymooning, amongst the best attractions. This go-to-place has some fun winter activities too like kayaking, canoeing, fishing as well as skiing.
How to Reach?
By Air: Pantnagar Airport is the closest airport to reach Pithoragarh, located 250 km away. (Naini Saini Airport in Pithoragarh may soon start operation of flights)
By Rail: Haldwani and Kathgodam are two railway stations for people travelling to Pithoragarh that is located 182 km.
By Road: A number of government and private taxis and buses ply on regular basis from Haldwani, Kathgodam, and Pantnagar to Pithoragarh.
Places to Stay
Pithoragarh has accommodations offering well-maintained rooms and services. You can find lodges, resorts and even guest houses here.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Ranikhet, Kumaon Himalayas
‘Star gaze underneath the dark blue sky in Ranikhet. If you are visiting during winter, this popular getaway will welcome you with snow everywhere, it is also good place for nature sightseeing.
This cantonment town located in Uttarakhand’s Almora district is widely visited by families and couples, however, you may even see some backpackers lautering around the town. Here, the vacationers indulge in long walks visiting local tourist attractions and also partake in some popular tourism activities like adventure sports.
How to Reach?
By Air: The closest airport to Ranikhet is located in Pantnagar at a distance of 109 km.
By Rail: Haldwani and Kathgodam are two railway stations near Ranikhet located 82 km.
By Road: Buses are available till Almora from there you can hire a cab to Ranikhet.
Places to Stay
Ranikhet has a number of comfortable resorts, inns and hotels, offering facilities that will make your stay comfortable.
Recommended Tour Package
Kartik Swami Temple, Garhwal Himalayas
Set up at a splendid location with an imposing Himalayan Range as the backdrop, the temple of Kartik Swami is one such place you have to visit during your winter holidays in Uttarakhand. Surrounded by a varied mix of natural beauty, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s eldest son, Kartikeya. And the best part is, this holy shrine is accessible only via trek from Kanakchauri village.
This three kilometre trek to some 3048 metres in altitude will offer an incredible experience and the locals even claim that the sound of the bells in the temple can be heard from a distance of 800 metres.
In order to get to the main shrine where the idol is kept, you have to pass a series of stairs and from the top, you will get a delightful and uninterrupted 360-view of the snow-clad Himalayas.
You can also get a beautiful sight of other religious important peaks like Kedarnath Dome, Chaukhamba, Nanda Ghunti, Trishul and more.
How to Reach?
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport and from here private taxis and even bus options are available to Haridwar-Rishikesh. Further changing to a shared taxi for Rudraprayag to Kanak Chauri Village.
By Rail: Haridwar is the preferred place to halt while on your way to Kartik Swami Temple. You can get taxis to Rudraprayag further changing to another shared transport to Kanak Chauri Village.
By Road: You can take a shared taxi from Rudraprayag to Kanak Chauri Village which is around 40 kilometres. There are bus options also from Haridwar to Rudraprayag, for a cheaper means to travel, however, the timings may vary.
Places to Stay
Kanak Chauri village is the base for Kartik Swami Trek and it has a few accommodation options. There is also an Ashram near temple and instead of offering money, grocery items like rice, flour or even tea bags are appreciated by the local priests.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
We hope the 15 mentions above intrigued you to visit when they are covered in snow, if it did, give us a thumbs up and share this blog around your social media handles. A visit to one of these places may result best for all kind of holiday, perhaps you can visit during your honeymoon or even on a family vacation or solo travelling are not a bad idea either.
You can always call us at +91-9212553106 or send us an email at info@tourmyindia.com if you find it difficult planning a holiday to Uttarakhand, we’ll make sure you get the best tour packages at a cost that will provide a comfort to the wallet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What are the best places to visit near Dehradun?
Some of the top places to visit near Dehradun are:
- Mussoorie
- New Tehri
- Dhanaulti
- Rishikesh
Q.What are the top snowfall places in Uttarakhand?
Top snowfall places in Uttarakhand are
- Auli
- Chopta Tungnath
- Mussoorie
- Nainital
- Ranikhet
- Dhanaulti
- Kedarnath
- Badrinath
- Joshimath
For more Read this blog: Uttarakhand Snow Tourist Places
About the author
Abhishek Gurung is a writer whose passion for food and travel is an unending affair. He likes going on treks and camping in the woods, loves exploring forts and architecture, he is a cycle enthusiast who likes to contribute something to the environment, travel photography and videography is another interest as he sees life in a cinematic point of view. He likes the idea of living in offbeat destination where the mode of communication is to interact with each other. Coming from Nagaland, he has visited some beautiful valleys and remote villages and appreciates nature as it is and as it should be.
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