Top 8 Best Places to See Snow in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand - crowning glory of the Indian subcontinent is a place where peace and spirituality meet pure natural Himalayan beauty. Steeped in a rich heritage background and dotted with holy shrines, this place has always attracted philosophers, saints, and sages from all over the world. Home to some of the holiest rivers in India, this place has evolved into one of the most loved hill stations over time.

One of the main highlights of Devbhumi remains its snowcapped peaks. Although it remains fairly cold for the entire year, it turns freezing cold during the winter months. Some places even witness some snowfall that turns this beautiful hill station on the lap of the Himalayas into a real-life winter wonderland.

Looking forward to experiencing snow and feeling the real chill of the Himalayan winter? Here are some of the top places in Uttarakhand where you can go and see snow:

Harsil

Considered to be one of the most offbeat and peaceful destinations in Uttarakhand, Harsil is a winter wonderland destination waiting to be explored. During the months of November to February, this place gets completely blanketed in a thick layer of snowmaking it truly a sight to behold. It is recommended for you to carry heavy woolen clothes beforehand. You can watch the snowfall while sipping on a steaming hot cup of chai. Easily reachable from Delhi during the summer months, Harsil springs to life as a spiritual pilgrimage destination on the way to Gangotri Dham. The GMVN rest house offers affordable and comfortable stay options. A must visit this winter vacation 2020.

Kharsali

The sleepy quaint hamlet of Kharsali is one of the most peaceful winter vacation destinations of Devbhumi Uttarakhand. Also referred to as Khushimath, this place graces the district of Uttarkashi. The place is normally a pilgrimage spot that comes just before the Yamunotri temple. This village holds a lot of religious significance since this is the place where the idol of goddess Yamuna is brought down for easy access to offer prayer to the goddess. Did you know that the Shani Dev Temple present here is one of the oldest in India? Winter is the time where every inch of this hill village gets covered in gleaming white snow. Go there for a snowy holiday along with spirituality and culture.

Chopta

Chopta is mainly famous for being home to the highest Shiva temple in the world - Tungnath Mahadev. However, Winter is the time when you can experience the sheer bliss of untouched nature. With less tourists, peaceful surrounding, and impeccable serenity this place is a grand celebration of the Himalayas. This place turns even more pristine during the wintertime. If you are an adventure lover then trekking around the snow-covered snowfields and slopes of Chopta should be on your bucket list. Most winter days are bright and sunny with occasional bouts of snowfall. Going on early morning treks to Chandrashila Peak and Tungnath will be a memorable experience.

Munsiyari

The months of October to February mark the winter, snow season in the scenic hill station of Munsiyari in Uttarakhand. This place offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding snowcapped Himalayan peaks and the temperature dips below 0 to 12-degree Celsius. If you wish to see snow with your family or go on a snow filled adventure holiday with a loved one then Munsiyari is the place to be. There are numerous different types of hotels and accommodation options available that will cater to your needs. Thamri Kund, Nanda Devi Temple, and Maheshwari Temple are some of the must-visit places around this time.

Deoriatal Campsite

The emerald lake of Deoriatal is located on an elevation of 2500 meters above sea level and offers incredibly panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges like the Chaukhamba Peaks. The reflection of these peaks in the crystal-clear river is considered to be one of the most picturesque sights one can see. This trek is also one of the easiest treks in Uttarakhand for people looking to get a taste of nature amidst the beautiful snow. This high-altitude natural lake falls under the area of the Kedarkantha musk deer sanctuary and going there early in the morning before any tourist influx, allows you to get the best of the rich biodiversity of flora and fauna.

Almora

Almora is another one of the most popular yoga capitals of the world. The place is visited by Swami Vivekananda, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Mahatma Gandhi among a plethora of other thinkers, philosophers, and intellectuals. During the winter months of Late December to early February, this place gets entirely covered in snowfall. With lowered tourists, you can even plan on getting the best of some of the most spectacular sightseeing places in Almora. From trees to the hill steppes everything gets encapsulated in a snow cover. Eating delicious local food, savoring wonderful sights, and getting to know more about the heritage and culture of Devbhumi is a great way of spending a holiday in the snow.

Pithoragarh

Winter in Pithoragarh is freezing cold. Due to its location on a higher altitude and its close proximity to the snow-clad hill ranges, Pithoragarh receives a fair amount of snow during the snowy months of December to January. The roads get covered in snow, you may experience snowfall almost on a daily basis and you will also witness some of the most fantastic views of the surrounding peaks on all sides. This place is dotted with numerous viewpoints and sights that will take your breath away. The presence of strong durable roads will allow a smooth movement of traffic to this wonderful hill station. A great way of experiencing snow with your family and loved ones.

Joshimath

Joshimath is mainly known for being the pilgrimage destination just before the holy Vishnu temple of Badrinath in the district of Chamoli. The normally sleepy little hamlet springs to life and color during the winter months when the idol of Badri Vishal is transferred to the ancient temple here as his winter seat. The place was visited by the great 8th-century propagator of Advaita Vedanta Adi Shankaracharya. Located on the banks of the holy Alaknanda River and offering fantastic views of the Badri valley this place is a wonderful winter destination for nature lovers, peace seekers, and people looking to get away from the general snowy locations.