Sweltering climate, exhausting heat waves, and merciless drought & dust makes life in summers agonizing. On the contrary, winters bring an uncharacteristic hope that appeases the soul. People are content, festive, and brimming with energy that was once sapped out of them. Thus, they start looking for options to travel. And Uttarakhand is one such option. Uttarakhand, or Devbhumi as it is fondly called, boasts of serene, quaint, and economical destinations that would be a definite help in getting over the summer woes. As most of these places are relatively unexplored, they seem promising and won’t cease to surprise you. Have a look at some of the most beautiful places to visit in Uttarakhand in winter.
1. Dehradun And Mussoorie – The All Familiar And Rustic Towns
In between the Himalayas and the thick Doon valley are these quintessential hill stations that make it to every list mentioning the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in winter. Breathtaking places to witness snowfall in India, Dehradun and Mussoorie are known for their heritage charm, snow-capped mountains, and lush greenery. These quaint countrysides should be your go-to place this winter. Especially if you are looking for snowfall places in Uttarakhand, then Mussoorie should be your top pick.
How to reach
By air: Jolly Grant Airport, located 22 km east of Dehradun, is the nearest airport. You can take a bus or a private cab till Mussoorie.
By rail: Dehradun Railway Station is the nearest railhead.
By road: Dehradun and Mussoorie are well linked with a network of bus services. You can also drive as the roads are decently maintained.
Best time to visit: April – June and November – February. It snows in December and January.
Things to do: Hiking, trekking, camping, and paragliding
Where to stay:
Club Mahindra Resort, The Solitaire, Lemon Tree Hotel, and Four Points by Sheraton are the best places to stay in Dehradun.
The Golden Palms Hotel & Spa, Hotel Brentwood, and Hotel Drive Inn are some of the best hotels in Mussoorie near Mall Road
2. Auli – The Winds Of Winter
A favorite skiing destination, Auli is among the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in December. This is from the list of snow places in Uttarakhand. The ski slopes of Auli rise from 2,500 to 3,050 meters above sea level and both amateur and professional ski enthusiasts head to Auli for a rejuvenating holiday experience. The awe-inspiring & panoramic views of some of the highest Himalayan peaks – Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat, and Dunagiri – make Auli a much sought after destination in India.
How to reach
By air: Jolly Grant Airport (279 km away) is the nearest airport. Taxis are available from the airport till Auli.
By rail: Nearest railhead is Raiwala near Rishikesh (250 km away).
By road: Buses ply regularly between Joshimath and Rishikesh. Auli to Joshimath is approximately 15 km.
Best time to visit: Auli has a refreshing climate throughout the year. March – June are pleasant and November – February witness heavy snowfall.
Things to do: Skiing, trekking, gondola rides, and camping.
Where to stay: The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam has its own resorts that offer both comfort and luxury. Dormitories are also available.
3. Chopta – A Blend Of Adventure And Quietude
Among the unexplored winter destinations in Uttarakhand, Chopta is the starting point for treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila. This tiny abode is an ideal getaway for those wishing to travel on the road less taken and escape the hustle-bustle of city life.
How to reach
By air: Jolly Grant Airport (226 km away) is the nearest airport.
By rail: The nearest railhead is in Rishikesh which is approximately 200 km away.
By road: Chopta is well connected by road to cities such as Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, and Pauri.
Best time to visit: April – June and September – November
Things to do: Trekking (Chopta Chandrashila Winter Trek), yoga, photography, birdwatching, and camping
Where to stay: Mayadeep Resort, Alpine Adventure Camp, and Magpie Camps Resort are the best places to stay in Chopta.
Don’t miss: The Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary located close by.
4. Chamoli – The Stepping Stone To Jouissance
Also known as the ‘abode of Gods’, Chamoli is among the important places to visit in Uttarakhand in winter. It is the perfect blend of culture, adventure, and sightseeing. The dramatic landscapes along with freezing cold, make Chamoli a haven for backpackers.
How to reach
By air: Jolly Grant Airport (222 km away) is the nearest airport.
By rail: The nearest railhead is in Haridwar, which is approximately 150 km away. Buses and taxis are available from Haridwar.
By road: Buses and taxis are easily available from Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, and Rudraprayag.
Best time to visit: November – March and July – August
Things to do: Take a trek to Valley of Flowers National Park and Hemkund Sahib.
Where to stay: Himalayan Eco Lodge, Hotel Snow Crest, and Valley of Flowers Camp are economic stay options.
5. Binsar – The Land Of Supreme Bliss
A trekker’s paradise, Binsar is among the famous places to visit in Uttarakhand in November. With undulating walking trails, snow-capped Himalayan peaks, and picturesque valleys, Binsar is an oyster for those seeking solitude and peace.
How to reach
By air: Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is the nearest airport, approximately 150 km away.
By rail: Kathgodam (120 km away) is the nearest railhead.
By road: Buses are easily available from Nainital, Almora, and Haldwani.
Best time to visit: April – June and September – November
Things to do: Hiking, trekking, local sightseeing, photography, and jeep safari
Where to stay: Binsar Forest Retreat and Club Mahindra Valley Resort Villa are excellent stay options.
6. Jim Corbett National Park – The Home To Royal Bengal Tigers
Changing with seasons, terrain, and time of the day, Jim Corbett National Park is among the foremost places to visit in Uttarakhand in winter. The reserve is split into various zones and tourists can decide which zone to visit based on their interests. Where Dhikala is the largest and is known for its vast grasslands, Durgadevi and Sonanadi engage tourists with jeep safaris. The Jhirna zone is preferred by birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
How to reach
By air: Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport, approximately 50 km away.
By rail: Ramnagar (12 km from Corbett) is the nearest railhead.
By road: Buses till Ramnagar are available from Dehradun, Nainital, Rishikesh, and Kathgodam.
Best time to visit: November – June
Things to do: Jeep safaris, elephant rides, unplanned excursions, wildlife photography, and bonfire nights
Where to stay: Corbett Leela Vilas, Jim’s Jungle Retreat, and The Golden Tusk are some luxurious stay options. Corbett Jungle Treasure and Country Inn Corbett are comfortable and economical places to stay in the region.
7. Chaukori – In The Land Of The Mighty Himalayas
Famous for its tea gardens, diverse flora & fauna, and lofty peaks, Chaukori is one of the underrated destinations in India. The mighty peaks of Nanda Devi, Panchachuli, Nanda Kot, Trishul, and Chaukhamba are distinctly visible from this tiny hamlet. Renowned for its captivating sunrise and sunset, Chaukori is among the essential places to visit in Uttarakhand in December.
How to reach
By air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, approximately 205 km from Chaukori. Taxis are available to Chaukori from the airport.
By rail: Kathgodam (180 km away) is the nearest railhead.
By road: Buses to Chaukori are available from Almora, Kausani, Pithoragarh, and Didihat.
Best time to visit: April – June and October – March
Things to do: Taking long walks, camping, star gazing, and visiting tea gardens
Where to stay: Misty Mountains Resort, Chestnut Grove Himalayan Lodge, and KMVN Tourist Rest House are some of the best stay options in Chaukori.
8. Ranikhet – Sprawling In The Queen’s Land
A cantonment town in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, Ranikhet is a popular getaway for couples and families. The scenic walking trails, coupled with local sightseeing and adventure sports, make Ranikhet one of the prime destinations in Uttarakhand.
How to reach
By air: Pantnagar Airport (110 km away) is the nearest airport.
By rail: Kathgodam (approximately 75 km away) is the nearest railhead.
By road: Buses to Almora and Kathgodam are easily available throughout Uttarakhand. You can then take a private cab.
Best time to visit: April – June and September – November
Things to do: Paragliding, local sightseeing, and taking long walks
Where to stay: Chevron Rosemount, Woodsvilla Residency, and Ranikhet Club offer the best-in-class accommodation in the region.
9. Chamba-Kanatal-Dhanaulti – A Rendezvous With Nature
Tiny suburbs located near Mussoorie, Chamba-Kanatal-Dhanaulti are noteworthy places to visit in Uttarakhand in November and December. Scenic drives, small hikes, casual strolls, and umpteen adventure options make a holiday to these pockets in Uttarakhand memorable.
How to reach
By air: Jolly Grant Airport, which is 83 km away from Dhanaulti, is the nearest airport.
By rail: Dehradun (60 km from Dhanaulti) is the nearest railhead.
By road: Cabs are easily available from Mussoorie and Rishikesh.
Dhanaulti to Kanatal is a 40-minutes’ drive and reaching Chamba takes another half an hour.
Best time to visit: March – June and November – February
Things to do: Camping with barbecue & bonfire, rappelling, valley crossing, and other adventure activities
Where to stay: Camp Thangdhar, Kanatal Adventure Camp, The Terraces, and JW Marriott are some of the finest stay options in the region.
10. Khirsu – Misty Meadows In Monochrome
Relatively undiscovered, Khirsu exhibits an old world charm. It is among prime winter destinations in Uttarakhand and holds a lot of potential for development. Situated in the Pauri Garhwal district in between oak, deodar, and apple orchards, Khirsu is ideal for solo trips as well as romantic getaways.
How to reach
By air: Jolly Grant Airport, 145 km away from Khirsu, is the nearest airport.
By rail: Kotdwar (115 km away) and Rishikesh (132 km away) are the nearest railheads.
By road: Khirsu is well connected from Kotdwara, Devprayag, New Tehri, and Rudraprayag.
Best time to visit: April – June and September – November
Things to do: Basking in the sun, walking amidst lush greenery, and photography
Where to stay: Government guest houses and bungalows are available. GMVN Khirsu – Tourist Bungalow and Sahil Shikhar are some of the affordable stay options.