Whether you’re a fan of quiet snowy nights or excited by the thrill of a snow-covered escape, Uttarakhand’s winter destinations are calling your name.
The festive season has started and it is also the sign of the beginning of winters. Yes, that winter in which you love the warmth that blanket provides, the sweetest morning sleep that begs you for 1 more extra minute everytime, the every sip of ginger tea that feels completeness to your taste buds, and that happiness seeing and being in the shining sun. Winter brings celebrations, such as Christmas, along with new beginnings for the New Year, as well as opportunities for travel, adventure, and excitement. Exception; for Game of Thrones fans “Winter is coming” has a completely different meaning.
For those looking for places to visit in Uttarakhand in Winters (in December, January and February) we’ve curated the ultimate guide to the best places to visit in winter.
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15 Best Places to visit in Uttarakhand in winters
Enjoy a peaceful winter hike in Chopta or gaze upon the snow-dusted valleys in Nainital. If you are feeling adrenaline rushing into your veins, Auli’s renowned ski slopes will quench your thirst for excitement. Whether your search is for the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in December or the ideal location for an intimate holiday, this region offers wonderful opportunities. Are you ready for an adventure? Here are the 15 best places to visit in Uttarakhand this winter!
1. Auli
District – Chamoli
Auli is well-known for its world-class skiing slopes, the place welcomes both beginners and experts alike, as it offers training in skiing and snowboarding, making it an inclusive destination for all. There is a distinct joy in trekking amidst snow-covered peaks, an unparalleled thrill. As you settle into your cozy retreat, you can enhance your experience by savoring hot beverages like coffee or tea around the bonfire with fellow travelers in the evenings.
- Main attractions- Gurson Bugyal, Auli Artificial Lake, Auli Ropeway
- Activities to do– Skiing, Snowboarding, Ropeway Riding
2. Mussoorie
District – Dehradun
Mussoorie looks stunning during winter after the snowfall. You can have a wonderful time, and revel in the joy of trekking amidst picturesque mountains. After returning from trekking or a walk from Mall Road, you can sit around a bonfire in the open sky near your accommodation, eat your favorite food with your loved ones, and chat for hours. During the daytime, you can experience the thrill of visiting nearby beautiful attractions.
- Main attractions- Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Lal Tibba, Mall Road, Camel’s Back Road, Jharipani Falls
- Activities to do- Snow trekking, Ice skating, Bonfire, New Year’s Eve Celebrations, Paragliding
3. Chopta
District – Rudraprayag
In winter, you can’t miss a place like Chopta, the entire region gets covered with a snow blanket. Chopta is a preferred destination for numerous travelers seeking to make the most of their winter break. Travelers who want to visit Tungnath Temple or summit Chandrashila Peak also like to visit Chopta. In contrast to numerous other hill stations, Chopta remains less crowded, preserving its natural charm and tranquility.
- Main attractions- Tungnath Temple, Chandrashila Peak, Rohini Bugyal, Chopta Valley, Sari Village
- Activities to do- Trekking, Camping, Photography, Birdwatching
4. Nainital
District – Nainital
Nainital’s winters have a unique charm, making it one of India’s most sought-after hill stations and holiday destinations. Every year many tourists, accompanied by their families and friends, descend upon this town to revel in the snowfall, enjoy cable car rides, and indulge in various other activities.
- Main attractions- Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Tiffin Top, St. John’s Church, Snow View Point, GB Pant High-Altitude Zoo, Eco Cave Park,, Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Nainital Winter Carnival
- Activities to do- Boating in Nainilake, Nainital Ropeway Ride, Rock Climbing, Shopping on Mall road
5. Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti experiences the onset of winter before Mussoorie, owing to its higher elevation. As a result, the region starts experiencing cold weather from November onwards. However, if you want to enjoy snowfall, it would be better to come a bit later, so plan your trip during peak winters from Dec to Feb and is the popular winter destinations in Uttarakhand. Due to the increasing crowds in Mussoorie, many tourists are now opting for Dhanaulti, especially those who want to lose themselves in the serene, beautiful environment and experience complete peace.
- Main attractions- Surkanda Devi Temple, Eco Park (Chamba), Kanatal,
- Activities to do- Trekking, Camping, Apple Orchard, Zip-Lining, Rappelling
6. Lansdowne
In December, Lansdowne looks even more beautiful in the warm winter sunshine. December is the month of the winter solstice when the sunsets are longer than usual, offering a unique opportunity to witness the sunset for longer hours. To experience such wonders, you should choose Lansdowne.
- Main attractions- Bhulla Tal, Tip n Top (Tiffin Top), Garhwali Mess, St Johns Church, St Mary Church, Bhim Pakora, Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Hawa Ghar, Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple (38 km from Lansdowne).
- Activities to do- Trekking, Boating, Birdwatching, Camping, Sightseeing
7. Pangot
Pangot is a small hill station of the Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand, counted among the prime offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand in November December and January. No wonder, you have never heard its name, as this place is still unknown to many people. One special thing about Pangot is that it is an eco-village, which sets it apart from the rest. And their focus has always been on sustainability and achieving zero waste emissions.
During the day, the weather is pleasant with a slight chill, and the night becomes colder.
- Main attractions- Kilibury Bird Sanctuary, Naina Peak, Naina Devi Bird Sanctuary, Nainital Lake, Snow View Point, Naina Devi Temple, Tiffin Top
- Activities to do- Birdwatching, Trekking and Hiking
- It is 15 km from Nainital
8. Kausani
District- Bageshwar
In December, Kausani’s skies turn brilliant blue, while the snow-covered mountain peaks glitter like diamonds when slight sunlight falls on them. If your eyes open up in the early morning, you will see mists and fogs wandering outside the window of your room. Possibly, you may get to see up to 25 mm of rainfall this month, this fact also makes this place different from all other places.
- Main attractions- Kausani Lakshmi (Sarala Behn) Ashram, Kausani Gandhi Ashram, Kausani Tea Estate, Rudrahari Mahadev Temple, Starscapes Observatory, Baijnath Temple (Garur), Rudradhari Falls and Caves, Someshwar, Sumitranandan Pant Gallery, Kausani Shawl Factory.
- Activities to do- Trekking, Camping, Stargazing
- Around 38 km from main Bageshwar
9. Chakrata
District- Dehradun
Chakrata, a serene spot is located about 100 km away from the main Dehradun, and also includes a cantonment township. You will consider yourself lucky to visit this place, just imagine the beautiful snow-clad mountains, lush forests, and cozy cottages nearby. Here you will be able to experience nature very closely, from enjoying outdoor activities such as skiing to building snowmen with your loved one. This offbeat location is among the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in December.
- Main attractions- Tiger Falls, Chilmiri Neck, Deoban, Mundali, Mahasu Devta Temple, Ramtal Garden & Sunrise Point, Moila Top & Budher Caves (40.9km/1 hr 32 min)
- Activities to do- Camping, Trekking to Tiger Falls, Birdwatching in Deoban
- Around 100 km from Dehradun City
10. Binsar
District- Almora
Binsar’s winters are spine-chilling, with the minimum temperature reaching 0 degrees Celsius. But nature lovers and couples who wish to enjoy lower temperatures can opt for Binsar. Keep one thing in mind, you just can’t skimp on packing warm clothes. In peak winters, there are chances of snowfall, so If you want to see snow-covered mountains and trees then make your plan for January. You can also do fun or adventurous activities in winter.
- Main attractions- Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Binsar Zero Point, Bineshwar Mahadev Temple, Mary Budden Estate, Kasar Devi Temple (17km/45 min) Gairar Golu Devta Dham.
- Activities to do- Paragliding, Trekking, Bird Watching, Skiing, Forest Walk
11. Chaukori
District- Pithoragarh
Although winters start here in November itself, Chaukori will look quite dull to you till the end of December. After this, due to the onset of snowfall from the end of December to the beginning of January, its actual winter beauty will begin to shine. In the entire January, the Chaukori will be sitting quietly under the blanket of beautiful snow, after that, as February begins, with each passing day, the snowfall will reduce.
- Main attractions- Patal Bhuvneshwar (37km/1hr 9 min), Berinag, Gangolihat(1hr/36 km), Dharamgarh, Hanging Rocks, Mahakali Temple, Jayanti Temple Dhwaj
- Activities to do- Nature Walks
12. Ranikhet
District- Almora
Ranikhet is a hill station as well as a cantonment town, this lovely place is also known as the ‘Queen of Meadow’. You will see large crowds during the winter months, the major reason for this is the mystical snowfall of Ranikhet. The breathtaking views of its valley tell a different story. Tourists love the botanical garden and fruit orchard here.
- Main attractions- Haidakhan Babaji Temple, Chaubatia Gardens, Jhula Devi Temple, Upat Golf Course, Majkhali, Mankameshwar Temple, Tarikhet Village, Bhalu Dam (41km/1hr 42min),
- Activities to do- Nature walks, Trekking, Fishing
13. Munsiyari
District- Pithoragarh
Munsiyari is one of the rarest gems of Uttarakhand. This beautiful place falls in the easternmost part of the state, around the Nepal and Tibet border. Apart from all the winter sports, tourists also love to do birdwatching here, as many unseen migratory bird species are also found here. If you are fond of photography, then winters are ideal for capturing the elegance of Panchachuli, Hansling, and Thanri Kund.
- Main attractions- Birthi Falls (33km/1hr 15 min), Panchachuli Peaks (24km), Balanti Potato Farm (10km), Madkot Hot Water Springs(23km/55min), Darkot Village(6.5km/16 min), Betuli Dhar(10.7km/26min), Maheshwar Kund(1.2km/6min), Khaliya Top(12.8km/30min), Nanda Devi Temple (Munsiyari), Kalamuni Temple(16km/36 min), Thamri Kund(30.8km/1hr 14 min).
- Activities to do- Trekking, Bird Watching, Sightseeing, Photography
14. Kedarkantha
District- Rudraprayag
Kedarakanta is a trekking paradise, carry proper warm clothes and trekking gear for it. The temperature here falls to -7 degrees Celsius in winter, and in January and February, you will feel freeze-cold even during the daytime. In winter, the meadows here are completely covered with snow, and it looks no less than a paradise. Nearby river streams freeze, and despite being covered with a thick layer of snow, its trek route remains easily accessible. You just have to complete your journey carefully keeping some precautions in mind.
- Main attractions- Kedarkantha Submit, Juda Ka Talab or Kedarkantha Lake, Sankri, Saru Tal Trek (Sar Lake)*, Ruinsara Tal Trek*, Bali Pass Trek, Mori, Sankri, Taluka, Har ki Dun Trek (38 km from)-
- Activities to do- Trekking, Skiing, Ziplining
- Treks start from Sankri
15. Joshimath
District- Chamoli
Joshimath or Jyotirmath is the winter abode of Lord Badrinath. Although many major tourist attractions and roads in and around Badrinath are closed during peak winters due to heavy snowfall, you can still explore some places from here. Joshimath is regarded as the gateway to many astonishing places such as Baijnath, Nainital, Almora, and Ranikhet. From here, you can also visit Auli, one of the best ski destinations in India.
- Main attractions- Narsingh Temple, Auli Ropeway, Nanda Devi National Park, Kalpavriksha, Shri Shankaracharya Math, Vishnuprayag, Bhavishya Badri, Ghangaria, Tapovan, Govindghat, Bagini Glacier, Niti Valley
- Activities to do- Auli Ropeway, Auli Chair Lift, Trekking, Rappelling, Climbing, Rescue Training, River Crossing, Horse Riding
Conclusion
Uttarakhand is worthy of exploration when it comes to beautiful winter destinations. This state is referred to as Devbhoomi because coming here makes one realize that God resides in a divine environment. The magical fresh air and the scenic beauty of the Himalayas will relieve your stress. If you are fond of adventure activities or you are spiritual, then you make your itinerary accordingly.
Many traveling enthusiasts will be looking for a beautiful place for New Year’s celebration, so any of the above destinations can be your next winter destination in Uttarakhand in December January. Get ready for your next winter vacation!
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