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Satisfy your craving for adventure in the snow-laden landscapes of Uttarakhand. It's time to bring some magic back into your winter.
On paper, I am a Delhite. But in my soul, I sincerely believe that I am a pahadi (a demonym for hill people) and I consider Uttarakhand to be my proverbial home. I know we are nearing the end of winter. I also know that you are still on the lookout for places in Uttarakhand where you can satisfy your craving for snowball fights and sculpting snow angels and snowmen, perhaps indulge in a bit of skiing, maybe sledging. Don’t worry, I got you covered. These places in Uttarakhand will bring the magic back into your winter, along with plenty of chills and thrills. After all, it is the season to be merry!
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I've visited Chopta more times than I can remember. And even after all these years, it continues to take my breath away. It is a land of ethereal beauty. It has lush green meadows, surrounded by oaks and rhododendrons and a breathtaking view of the towering Himalayas above all. Now, imagine all that covered in thick sheets of white and you've got yourself a dreamland you'd never want to leave! There are plenty of snowball fights to be had along the way. Chopta is located around 161 km from Rishikesh.
Pro tip: If you are feeling adventurous, trek up to the Chandrashila summit for a panoramic view of the Himalayas. However, be sure to take a guide along. The path to the top is usually buried in snow in winter and navigating on your own will be both difficult and risky.
A small town with picture-perfect views, Auli receives snowfall in the winter months. It is also one of India’s premier ski resort destinations. And you know what that means, don’t you? That means there’s plenty of fun to be had besides making snowmen and engaging in snowball fights. So, go ahead and try your hand at skiing on the slopes of Auli. Chills, thrills, and a rollicking good time on the snow are yours for the taking. Auli is around 258 km from Rishikesh.
Pro tip: Auli is a perfect vantage point to see India’s second-highest peak, the 7,816-m-high Nanda Devi in all her winter glory. Try not to miss it during the golden hours.
The first time I visited this gorgeous valley, I thought I had walked straight into a fairy tale. Harsil is a heaven unlike any other, with a dense deodar cover as far as the eye can see and the Bhagirathi river keeping you company. If you visit the place during winter, you will find every pine, stone, and home draped in velvety snow. This quaint hamlet is perfect for those who don't like their solitude to be interrupted by throngs of tourists. Harsil is around 243 km from Rishikesh.
Pro tip: Gangotri is merely 25 km from Harsil. Although the temple is closed during winter, the drive is spectacular and is not to be missed.
Dhanaulti has all the makings of a memorable snow-laden hill station. It is easily accessible yet not too mainstream like some of its nearby counterparts. It retains a mystic charm, with a thick forest cover full of deodars, oaks, and rhododendrons. Its valleys open up to offer a breathtaking view of the highest Himalayan peaks in India. Dhanaulti gets a good amount of snow in the winter months that turns it into a true-blue (or white?) winter haven. I guarantee the snow sculptor in you will be in for a real treat! Dhanaulti is about 36 km from Dehradun.
Pro tip: If you have time and don’t mind traffic snarls when it snows, you can also visit Mussoorie and Landour. Don't say I didn't inform you so.
If you don't mind a little legwork and want your snow experience to be accompanied by the thrills of trekking, look no further. I, for one, second you. There is no greater joy than sweating and exhausting yourself to earn gorgeous views. A trek to Kedarkantha will ensure that by the time you submit you will have earned a whole lot more than just exquisite views and some selfies with snowmen. Its easy scalability makes it popular among newbie trekkers. The trek is roughly 20 km and starts from Sankri, which is about 187 km from Dehradun.
Pro tip: Dress up in layers: base, fleece, down, and a windproof jacket. High-quality trekking shoes and a pair of snow goggles are a must. Hydrate even if you don't feel thirsty.
What was once the summer retreat of high-ranking officials of the East India Company is now every offbeat traveller’s delight. Situated roughly 7,000 feet above sea level, Chakrata is a perfect winter destination with lots of snow to satisfy the need for snowball fights. And when you are done, I'm sure you'll find it just as good a place to hang back and bask in nature’s glory. Its sweeping valleys that open up to a breathtaking, uninterrupted view of the Himalayas are a sight to behold for sore eyes and tired souls. Chakrata is situated about 87 km from Dehradun.
Pro tip: When you're on one of your quiet walks, be on the lookout for spotted deer, panthers, and a wide variety of birds.
Every time I visit Mukteshwar, I'm swept by its laid-back charm. I was awestruck by its natural beauty and a vibe that cannot be easily put into words. All the charm in the world cannot match the allure of a fresh spell of snow in Mukteshwar. When everything turns white here, the blues go away. And ordinary events, such as chirruping birds and clouds kissing distant Himalayan peaks, and then slowly parting to make way for the rays of the sun, take on a whole new meaning. Mukteshwar is about 64 km from Haldwani.
Pro tip: Mukteshwar also offers scenic trekking routes and adventure sports, such as rappelling, rock climbing, and paragliding.
Pro tip: Book yourself a stay at KMVN TRH Binsar within the sanctuary. Trek up to Zero Point to get a wide-angled, 300-km view of the Himalayas, from Gangotri peaks on the left to peaks of western Nepal. You can also look forward to views of over 200 species of birds and deer, foxes, and leopards.
A drive across Someshwar Valley leading up to Kausani and I understood why Mahatma Gandhi called it the “Switzerland of India”. It is not often that an entire valley and the snow-covered Himalayan peaks can fit into a frame this perfectly. The scene is made even more enchanting by distant bird songs and sweet-rolling winds. Kausani checks all these boxes, only to tear them away and create an even dreamier setting when the snow starts falling. A true nature’s paradise, if ever there was one! Kausani is around 141 km from Haldwani.
Pro tip: Sit back, relax, and watch some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets, creating colourful symphonies on Himalayan peaks.
Pro tip: Trek up to Khaliya Top to enjoy the most astonishing view of the Himalayas you’ll ever see. It will feel like it is only an arm’s length away.
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