7 best Himalayan destinations for Winter holidays

Winters in the Himalayas? This sounds harsh enough for summer people. But it doesn’t have to be bleak if you are creative. The image we have of the Himalayas is of cold and icy temperatures, sparse heating facilities, frequent power outages, roadblocks due to heavy snows, freezing beds, and so on.

Yes, few of these may still exist today, but due to advancement and affordability in modern technology with heating appliances, standby generators, and bed warmers, for many Himalayan regions these are practically non-issues nowadays.

Why travel the Himalayas in the Winters?

Himalayas are best in Spring for flora, and Autumn for the snow peaks. But it is the Winter that holds the charm. It gives you a synoptic experience of what it is to be in the mountains of the Himalayas. Here are some of the Himalayan regions that you can visit in the winters without worrying about the chill.

1. Foothills of Darjeeling & Kalimpong

With altitudes ranging from 200 m to 1250 m asl, the foothills of Darjeeling & Kalimpong are pleasant winter getaways. Paragliding, hiking, cultural experiences and many more awaits you if you decide to visit these areas in the winters.

View of Kalimpong Town – *Image credit @Lobay Tamang (Pexels)*

2. Sikkim

While most of North Sikkim, and the higher altitudes in West, South, and East Sikkim are fiercely cold in winters, the lower belts of these regions are relatively warm and balmy. Many activities like river rafting, camping, and picnicking are popular during the season.

Breakfast setting @ Yangsum Heritage Farmhouse, Rinchenpong – *Image credit @Vishal Eli Chamling*

3. Nepal

Nepal is famous for its mountains, and most travellers are attracted by them. However, this mountain paradise is also an excellent winter destination with Chitwan, Pokhara and the Terai belts welcoming revelers with nature, culture, safari, and overall fun-filled holidays!

Phewa Tal Lake. Pokhara – *Image credit @Nicky Stevenson (Getty Images)*

4. Himachal Pradesh

Visiting this Himalayan destination in the winters should be in your bucket list. The valleys of Kangra and Tirthan offer perfect Himalayan experience of pilgrimage, and adventure. The cultural experience in the “Tibetan Government in Exile” areas of Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj are a must do while in HImachal Pradesh. Visit the Norbulingka Institute, and the Tsuglakhang Complex – the temple of His Holiness the IVth Dalai Lama.

Norbulingka Institute, Dharamshala – *Image credit @Jose Coso Zamarreño (Getty Images)*

5. Nagaland

One of the most popular festivals of Nagaland is held in the winters. The Hornbill Festival enthralls the locals and visitors alike with the display of tribal heritage of Nagaland. This is indication enough that this eastern Himalayan destination is a perfect winter holiday getaway.

Dzukou Valley, Nagaland – *Image credit @Votso Sothu (Pexels)*

6. Uttarakhand

This amazing destination, popularly also known as the ‘Land of Gods and Deities”, is at its best in the winters. Places like Haridwar, Nainital, and Almora can immerse the visitors in its spiritual and natural beauty. Tigrophiles can peek into Jim Corbett’s world at Corbett National Park.

Badrinath Temple, Chamoli – *Image credit @Sujithkumar VD (Getty Images)*

7. Bhutan

No Himalayan destination is complete without the mention of Bhutan, whose tourism brand is reflected by adages like “The Land of Peaceful Dragon”, or “Happiness is a Place”. Although Bhutan is largely a high altitude region, places like Punakha, Trashiyangtse, Trashigang, Mongar, Haa, and Samdrup Jongkhar are some tourist friendly winter holiday destinations in Bhutan.