Winter in Uttarakhand — what to do when the temples close

The Char Dham temples close in November. The highway to Badrinath is sealed by BRO by early December and stays closed until late April. Most hotels above Joshimath pull their shutters down.

But Uttarakhand in winter is not dead. The snow is reliable at altitude, the roads in lower and mid-altitude areas stay open, and some of the state's best experiences -- Auli skiing, Chopta snow treks, Kedarkantha summit -- are at their peak between December and March.

Auli skiing (January to March)

Auli (2,519 m) is India's best-developed ski facility. The GMVN Ski Resort operates seven slopes from beginner to intermediate level, with two chair lifts and the Joshimath-Auli gondola ropeway -- 4.15 km long, one of the longest cable car rides in Asia, covering 1,110 m of vertical ascent in 25 minutes.

Season: January through March. Peak conditions in February -- the most reliable snow cover and the clearest visibility windows for Nanda Devi and the surrounding peaks.

Cost (2026): Gondola ropeway round trip is 1,000 rupees per adult, 500 rupees for children under 12. A basic one-hour skiing session with instructor and gear costs 500-1,500 rupees. Full-day skiing with gear and instruction runs 3,000-5,000 rupees. GMVN also runs 7-day and 14-day skiing courses with accommodation.

Access: Joshimath is accessible year-round by road. BRO keeps NH-7 open to Joshimath as a strategic military supply route. From Joshimath, the gondola or a 16 km road serves the Auli ski resort.

Auli in February with Nanda Devi in full view under a clear sky is one of the genuine mountain highlights of India. The scale of the backdrop is beyond comparison.

Chopta-Tungnath snow trek (December to March)

Chopta meadow (2,680 m) receives heavy snowfall from December. The 3.5 km trail to Tungnath temple (3,680 m) and onward to Chandrashila summit (4,130 m) becomes a proper snow trek. The Tungnath temple sanctum is closed in winter, but the exterior is accessible and the summit views of Kedarnath, Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and Trishul in winter clarity are exceptional.

Guesthouses in Chopta operate reduced service in winter. Carry micro-spikes or crampons for the upper section above 3,400 m where ice forms on the trail. The road to Chopta from Ukhimath can close temporarily after heavy snowfall -- check conditions locally before setting out in January-February.

Kedarkantha trek (December to February)

Kedarkantha (3,810 m / 12,500 ft) in Uttarkashi district is the most popular winter trek in Uttarakhand. The base village of Sankri (1,950 m) is accessible by road year-round. The 5-day trek through snow-covered Govind National Park passes forest campsites and summits with 360-degree Himalayan views.

Multiple commercial operators run weekly departures from December to February. Cost ranges from 5,500-11,000 rupees per person for a 5-day all-inclusive package (tent, meals, guide, equipment). Night temperatures can drop to minus 10 degrees C at higher camps.

Har Ki Dun valley (November to February)

Har Ki Dun (3,566 m) in Uttarkashi district is a hanging valley with year-round access. The 26 km trail from Sankri passes through traditional Garhwali villages (Osla, Seema) that remain inhabited in winter. The snow-covered valley is spectacular. Commercial treks are available; independent trekking requires navigation experience in snow.

Cost: 8,500-11,000 rupees per person for a 7-day guided trek from Sankri.

Dayara Bugyal (January to March)

Dayara Bugyal (3,750 m) near Uttarkashi is a high-altitude alpine meadow that transforms into a snow field in winter, suitable for both trekking and informal skiing. The 4-day trek is easy to moderate and suitable for beginners. Night temperatures drop to minus 10 degrees C. Views of Bandarpoonch, Srikanth, and the Gangotri range from the summit.

Rishikesh in winter

November to February is excellent at Rishikesh. Temperatures are 10-22 degrees C (cool nights, pleasant days), the Ganga is calm after the monsoon, yoga centres and ashrams run full programmes, and the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan draws smaller, more intimate crowds. For non-trekking visitors, basing yourself in Rishikesh with day trips to Devprayag and Tehri is a comfortable winter option.

Mussoorie in winter

Mussoorie (2,005 m) occasionally receives light snowfall in January. Even without snow, the winter atmosphere is pleasant -- fewer tourists, clear views, and temperatures around 2-10 degrees C. The Mall Road and Landour are at their quietest.

Badrinath temple: Closed from November until late April (reopened 23 April 2026)

Badrinath highway: Closed from December until late April (BRO clears road annually)

Kedarnath temple: Closed from November until late April (reopened 22 April 2026)

Hemkund Sahib gurudwara: Closed from October until late May

Valley of Flowers National Park: Closed from November until 1 July

Yamunotri and Gangotri temples: Closed from November until late April (reopened 19 April 2026)

Can I visit Joshimath in winter?

Is there skiing anywhere in Uttarakhand besides Auli?

Does it snow in Rishikesh in winter?

When do the Char Dham temples reopen after winter?

Which winter trek is best for beginners?

Related guides: Uttarakhand in May | Where to stay in Badrinath | Yamunotri guide