Imagine enjoying star gazing on a chilled night and chatting around bonfire. And the next morning when you wake up the whole valley is covered in white sheet of snow as if some fairy has waived her magic wand at night and magic dust in the form of light fluffy snowflakes is still floating in the air. It's not a very difficult-to-achieve dream. There are many places around Delhi where you can experience snow.
And staying with a local in a homestay will further enhance your experience. You can use their knowledge about the place to have an offbeat experience.
And staying with a local in a homestay will further enhance your experience. You can use their knowledge about the place to have an offbeat experience.
MUKTESHWAR
Mukteshwar
is a quaint little hill town in Nainital district just 8 hrs drive from Delhi.
Kathgodam is the nearest railway station from where you can hire a cab. It is
just 2 hrs drive from there.
Crisp
mountain air laden with the fragrance of oak and pines and stunning views of
snow clad Himalayas will welcome you to this sleepy hamlet.
Spend quiet
holidays with your family at a secluded homestay located in oak forest where
you can enjoy fresh organic meals and mesmerizing
sunset views.
While staying at this little paradise you
can do day trips to Bhimtal (37 km), Naukuchiatal (41 km), Sattal (41 km),
Nainital (47 km) and Almora (52 km)
NADDI
Naddi is a small village in kangra valley,
Himachal just 4 kms from McLeodganj.
The best way to reach Naddi is
overnight bus from Delhi to Mcleodganj. Start your journey with traffic and
noise of the city and wake up in a quiet paradise.With amazing views of Dhauladhar ranges
on one side and the stunningly beautiful kanga valley on the other, Naddi is a perfect
place to spend a few days in the lap of Himlayas.
Stay with a local family who can guide
you with some amazing nature trails. Enjoy your morning tea with spectacular
view of snowcapped Dhauladhar range and a mesmerizing sunset with a bowl of hot
maggi or pakoras.
While staying here you can plan
excursions to Mcleodganj (4km) • Dharamshala (13km) • Palampur (42km) •
Bir-Billing (75km)
RANGRI
Rangri, a small
village just 13kms from Manali, Himachal Pradesh, is perfect to experience the
winter snow charm of Manali while staying away from the crowds. Take an overnight
Volvo bus from Delhi to Manali. Post the snowy season in Manali, the
snow-filled peaks and valleys are perfect for outdoor activities. With the slopes covered in snow, you
can indulge in snow sports like skiing and sled in day and cozy around bonfire at night.
Stay at a traditionally built cottage style home far away from
noise and crowd.
Plan to visit Rohtang, Gulaba, Solang
Valley and Bijli Mahadev during your visit to Rangri.
UKHIMATH
And if you want to snow trek,
you will love Ukhimath. It is 455 kms from
Delhi. You can break the journey at Rishikesh if required. Below is the trail
to follow:
Delhi -Haridwar
– Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Agastyamuni - Kund – Ukhimath.
Ukhimath is base for treks to Madhmaheshwar, Tungnath, Deoria Tal and many
other picturesque places. All these treks are full of snow between November and March.
Stay at a 60 yrs old pahadi village home nestled in dense forests of Oak and, Rhododendron.
Below are the places you can visit from
Ukhimath:
Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi (15 km) •
Kalimath (15 km) • Deoriya Tal (15km) • Chopta (17km) •
Tungnath (23km) • Chandrasila (24.5 km) • Rakeshawri Temple (Chandramaa)
(30 km) • Madhymaheswer Temple (45 km) • Triyuginarayan (Wedding place of Shiva
and Parvati) (52 km) • Kedarnath (60 km)
KALPA
If you have more time and want to go on a longer vacation Kalpa is perfect place. 565 kms from Delhi, Kalpa is a small town in the Sutlej river valley in Kinnaur district of Himachal. It is located in the shadow of mighty Kinner Kailash. There is no rail or air connectivity to Kalpa. The only option to reach there is either by the public buses to Rekong peo which is 5 kms from Kalpa or the private vehicles on the below trail from Delhi.
Delhi - Shimla – Rampur – Karchham- Recong Peo – Kalpa.
Take a night halt somewhere around Shimla. Chitkul and Sangla can also be clubbed in the same tour if roads to Chitkul are open.
The village has an exquisite scenic beauty. Enjoy the magnificent view of snow covered mountains while having tea in the garden of your homestay. Witnessing the sun rising over the Kinner Kailash ranges and the changing colors of the peak while sun sets. There is a possibility of snowfall at Kalpa till March.
*Pictures are sourced from the homestay owners
