Snowfall in Uttarakhand: Where to See Snow This Winter, and When

Snow in Uttarakhand is a question of height and timing. Above about 2,500 metres it settles every winter; between 2,000 and 2,500 metres it comes and goes with each western disturbance; below that, in Dehradun or Rishikesh, it never falls at all. Pick a place by height and by how easy the road is in winter, and stay somewhere you can reach even after a heavy fall.

When does it snow?

The first snow on the high places usually comes in December, and the most reliable spell is from late December to February, when weather systems from the west bring two or three days of cloud and snow at a time. March can still bring fresh falls higher up. No date is guaranteed: watch the India Meteorological Department's forecast for Uttarakhand a few days out, and be ready to move your trip by a day or two.

Where to see snow in Uttarakhand

Auli: the surest snow

Auli's meadows above Joshimath hold snow through most of January and February, and it is the only place in the state with proper ski slopes and courses. The road climbs from Joshimath; the ropeway runs when it is in service, so ask before you go. Stay in Joshimath if you want shops, more rooms and an easier drive out after a storm. Our Auli guide covers the slopes, and hotels in Joshimath lists verified stays with real photos.

Chopta: snow on the way to Tungnath

Chopta's forests and meadows lie under deep snow in mid-winter. Tungnath temple is closed from around Diwali, when the deity moves down to Makkumath, but the walk towards it in snow is still popular with fit walkers going with a local guide. The road from Ukhimath can be blocked for days after a heavy fall, so keep a spare day. Read our Tungnath and Chandrashila guide, and see hotels in Guptkashi for a lower base that stays open all winter.

Harsil: a snowbound village on the Bhagirathi

Harsil, in its apple orchards below Gangotri, turns white most winters, and Mukhba across the river is where Gangotri's goddess spends the winter. The temple at Gangotri is closed and the road beyond Harsil is usually shut, so Harsil itself is the destination. Ask about the road from Uttarkashi before setting out. See hotels in Harsil, and our winter Char Dham guide for darshan at Mukhba.

Mussoorie, Landour and Dhanaulti: snow close to Delhi

For a short trip, Mussoorie is the easiest. The town itself gets a few snowy days in a good winter, Landour above it more, and Dhanaulti, about 25 km further on, more again. On the day after a snowfall the road to Dhanaulti and the lanes of Landour fill with cars and can jam for hours, so go early and come back before dark. See hotels in Mussoorie, and our Christmas and New Year in Mussoorie guide for the busiest week.

Driving in the snow

• Hire a local driver used to winter roads, or carry snow chains and know how to fit them.
• Black ice forms on shaded bends in the early morning; drive in the middle of the day.
• Roads close after heavy falls until they are cleared, so keep one day spare at the end of the trip.
• Mobile signal and ATMs are patchy higher up: carry cash and download maps.
• Take layers, waterproof shoes, gloves and a woollen cap; nights fall well below freezing.

Where to stay

Book a room with heating, hot water you can rely on, and a road that is cleared quickly: Joshimath for Auli, Guptkashi or Ukhimath for Chopta, Mussoorie for Landour and Dhanaulti. Ask the hotel about the road and power backup the day before you set off; they will know before any website does.