Top Places in Uttarakhand where you must visit in winter

Uttarakhand is a beautiful state located in northern India, and it is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty and spiritual significance. Winter is a magical time to visit Uttarakhand, with snow-capped mountains, misty valleys, and charming hill towns that offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

If you're planning a winter vacation in Uttarakhand, there are several must-visit places that you should consider adding to your itinerary.

Some of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in winter include:

Auli, Chamoli district of Uttarakhand

Auli is a picturesque hill station located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and is a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts. The hill station is situated at an elevation of 2,500 to 3,050 meters above sea level and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and meadows.

Auli is particularly famous for its ski resorts and ski slopes, which are considered among the best in India. The slopes are ideal for both beginners and experienced skiers, and the ski resorts offer modern amenities and facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The best time to visit Auli for skiing is from December to February, when the slopes are covered with a thick layer of snow.

Apart from skiing, Auli also offers several other outdoor activities such as trekking, camping, and sightseeing. The Nanda Devi National Park, situated nearby, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its stunning alpine meadows and diverse flora and fauna.

The best way to reach Auli is by road from Rishikesh, which is the nearest railway station. The journey from Rishikesh to Auli takes around 8 hours and offers stunning views of the Himalayas.

Nainital, Kumaon region of Uttarakhand

Nainital is a charming hill station situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, surrounded by lush green hills and nestled around a beautiful lake. It is a popular tourist destination in India, known for its pleasant weather, natural beauty, and serene ambiance.

The town of Nainital is situated at an altitude of 2,084 meters above sea level and is famous for its beautiful Naini Lake, which is surrounded by hills on all sides. The lake is a popular spot for boating, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery and cool breeze while rowing around the lake.

Apart from the Naini Lake, Nainital is also known for its beautiful temples, including the Naina Devi Temple, Hanuman Garhi Temple, and St. John in the Wilderness Church. Visitors can also take a cable car ride to the top of the Snow View Point to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Nainital is also an excellent base for exploring the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, with several popular tourist destinations situated nearby. These include Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Mukteshwar, and Ranikhet, all of which offer stunning natural beauty, adventure activities, and a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle.

The best time to visit Nainital is between March and June and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. Visitors can reach Nainital by road from Delhi or Dehradun, or by train to Kathgodam, which is the nearest railway station.

Mussoorie

In the foothills of the Himalayas. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, Mussoorie is a popular tourist destination in India and attracts tourists from across the country.

The city of Mussoorie is situated at an altitude of 2,006 meters above sea level and is famous for its spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Visitors can stroll along the famous Mall Road and enjoy the scenic views, or take a cable car ride to Gun Hill, which offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding hills.

Mussoorie is also known for its beautiful waterfalls, including Kempty Falls and Bhatta Falls, which are popular places for picnics and bathing. The city is also home to several temples and churches, including Christ Church, which is a beautiful example of British colonial architecture.

Apart from sightseeing, Mussoorie also offers a number of adventure activities like trekking, camping, and paragliding. The nearby town of Dhanaulti is a popular destination for trekking and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The best time to visit Mussoorie is between March and June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and the sky is clear. Visitors can reach Mussoorie by road from Delhi or Dehradun, or by train to Dehradun, which is the nearest railway station.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a spiritual city located in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges and is considered one of the holiest places in India. Rishikesh is known for its serene environment, natural beauty, and spiritual importance.

Rishikesh is considered the "Yoga Capital of the World" and attracts visitors from all over the world who come to practice yoga, meditation, and other spiritual practices. The city is home to several ashrams and yoga centers, including the famous Parmarth Niketan and Sivananda Ashram.

Apart from spirituality, Rishikesh also offers many adventure activities, such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, and hiking. Visitors can take a dip in the holy river Ganges, or stroll along the famous Laxman Jhula, a suspension bridge that offers spectacular views of the river and the surrounding hills.

Rishikesh is also known for its cultural attractions, such as Triveni Ghat, which is a popular place for evening aarti (prayer ceremony), and the Beatles Ashram, where the famous band, The Beatles visited and wrote some of their songs.

The best time to visit Rishikesh is between September and November and March to May when the weather is pleasant and the sky is clear. Visitors can reach Rishikesh by road from Delhi or Dehradun, or by train to Haridwar, which is the nearest railway station.

Chopta, Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand

Chopta is a beautiful hill station located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,680 meters above sea level and is surrounded by beautiful forests of oak, deodar, and rhododendron. Chopta is a popular destination for trekking and nature lovers and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks.

Chopta is also known as the "Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand" because of its beautiful snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and picturesque landscape. The town lies on the way to the famous Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world, and is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Apart from trekking, Chopta also offers many adventure activities like camping, birdwatching, and rock climbing. Visitors can also take a dip in the area's natural hot springs, which are known for their therapeutic properties.

The best time to visit Chopta is between March and June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and the sky is clear. Visitors can reach Chopta by road from Delhi or Dehradun, or by train to Rishikesh or Haridwar, which are the nearest railway stations.

Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand and is situated in the Doon Valley between the Shivalik Hills and the Himalayas. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty, pleasant weather, and cultural heritage.

Dehradun is surrounded by lush green forests, and several famous rivers, including the Ganges and the Yamuna, run through the city. The town has several attractions, including Robber's Cave, a natural cave formed by a river; Mindroling Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist temple; and the Forest Research Institute, a historical landmark dating back to the British era.

Apart from its cultural and natural attractions, Dehradun is also known for its adventure activities like trekking, camping, and rafting. Tourists can explore nearby hill stations like Mussoorie and Dhanaulti or visit Rajaji National Park, which is known for its wildlife and biodiversity.

The best time to visit Dehradun is between March and June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and the sky is clear. Visitors can reach Dehradun by air, rail, or road, as the city has an airport and a railway station, and is well connected by road to major cities in India.

Haridwar

Haridwar is a holy city located on the banks of the river Ganges in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the seven holiest places for Hindus and is considered the gateway to the Char Dham Yatra (pilgrimage to the four holy shrines in Uttarakhand).

Haridwar is famous for its spiritual and cultural heritage and is visited by lakhs of devotees every year. The city is home to several ancient temples, including the famous Har Ki Pauri, a ghat on the banks of the Ganges that is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu left his footprints.

Apart from its spiritual significance, Haridwar is also known for its Kumbh Mela, one of the largest and most important in the world, which is held every 12 years. The city is also a center for yoga and meditation, with several ashrams and yoga centers offering classes and workshops.

Haridwar is well connected by road, rail, and air, and visitors can easily reach the city from Delhi or other major cities of India. The best time to visit Haridwar is between October and February when the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded.

Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most famous national parks in India located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The park is named after Jim Corbett, a famous hunter, and conservationist, and is known for its rich wildlife and biodiversity.

The park is home to several species of animals, including tigers, elephants, leopards, deer, and various bird species. Visitors can go on jungle safaris, elephant rides, and nature walks to explore the forest and wildlife of the park.

Apart from wildlife, Jim Corbett National Park is also known for its natural beauty, with several rivers, waterfalls, and valleys located within the park. Visitors can also indulge in adventure activities like river rafting, camping, and trekking.

The park is open from November to June, and the best time to visit is between December and February when the weather is pleasant and the park is less crowded. Visitors can reach the park by road, rail or air from the nearest airport located at Pantnagar and the nearest railway station located at Ramnagar.

Kedarnath

Kedarnath is a town located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level. The city is famous for its ancient Kedarnath Temple, which is one of the four temples of the Char Dham Yatra.

The Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites. The temple is located near the source of the Mandakini River and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making it a popular destination for spiritual seekers and nature lovers.

Apart from the temple, Kedarnath is also known for its natural beauty and trekking trails. Visitors can take the Kedarnath trek, which is a 14 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, and offers stunning views of the Himalayas and the surrounding valleys.

Kedarnath is open to visitors from May to November, and the best time to visit is between May and June or September and November, when the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded. Tourists can reach Kedarnath by road or helicopter from the nearest airport located at Dehradun and the nearest railway station located at Haridwar.

Valley of Flowers

Valley of Flowers is a national park located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, known for its stunning meadows of alpine flowers and diverse flora and fauna. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers.

The park is home to several species of animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, and musk deer, and several species of birds, including the Himalayan monal and snow pheasant. Visitors can take guided hikes through the park to explore the diverse flora and fauna and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.

The valley is open to visitors from June to October, and the best time to visit is between July and September, when the flowers are in full bloom. Tourists can reach the park by road or by trekking from the nearest airport located in Dehradun and the nearest railway station located in Rishikesh.

Apart from the valley, the park is also known for its trekking trails, including the Hemkund Sahib Trek, a 19 km trek from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib, a Sikh pilgrimage site situated at an altitude of 4,329 meters above sea level.