Uttarakhand in December: Top Places to Visit and Explore

December is the ideal month to visit Uttarakhand. With its crisp, cold air, bright sunshine, and sparkling nights, it’s the perfect setting for a relaxing getaway. Uttarakhand offers a unique experience during the chilly winter, with temperatures ranging from 3 to 15 degrees Celsius. If you’re looking to enjoy a stunning winter landscape, Uttarakhand is a great choice. However, since it’s a large area with many hidden gems, it might be hard to decide where to go. To help you out, we will explore the top 10 destinations in Uttarakhand to visit in December.

11 Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand in December.:

Uttarakhand is well-known for being loaded with sacred rivers, religious temples, monasteries, the Himalayas, and the exotic natural beauties of the surroundings. It is situated in Northern India. The Ganga and Yamuna rivers are also present in Uttarakhand. So let’s explore the top 11 destinations of Uttarakhand.

1. Dehradun And Mussoorie

There is the Himalayan range on one side, and on the other side, there is Doon Valley. Among these, two spots, there are the most famous hill stations; Dehradun and Mussoorie. From trekking to campaigning and from photo sessions to bonfires, everything can be fulfilled in these spots.

Dehradun and Mussoorie are some of the most popular destinations in the entire Uttarakhand. The beautiful green scenery will surely captivate your soul. You can enjoy the snowfall also in December.

Why visit Dehradun and Mussoorie in December?

• Weather: Cold with a chance of snowfall in Mussoorie.
• Attractions: Sahastradhara, Robber’s Cave, Tapkeshwar Temple in Dehradun; Gun Hill, Kempty Falls, Lal Tibba in Mussoorie.
• Activities: Cable car ride to Gun Hill, shopping on Mall Road, enjoying hot Maggi at Cloud’s End.

Accommodations: 

• Dehradun: Four Points by Sheraton, Lemon Tree Hotel, Hotel Madhuban
• Mussoorie: JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa, The Savoy, Fortune Resort Grace

How to Reach:

By Air:
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, which is approximately 30 km from Dehradun and 60 km from Mussoorie. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach these destinations.

By Train:
The Dehradun Railway Station is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Once in Dehradun, you can take a cab or bus to Mussoorie (35 km away).

By Road:
Regular buses run from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Dehradun. From Dehradun, taxis and local buses are available to Mussoorie.

2. Auli

If you wish to know about the best skiing destination, then Auli has no alternative.

Auli is one of the best snow-coated spots in Uttarakhand. Dunagiri, Nanda Devi, Kamet, etc., are the famous attractions of this place. Also, read 20 Popular Skiing Destinations in India

It is the skiing paradise of Garhwal. So, when you visit this place, make sure to enjoy skiing.

Why visit Auli in December?

Several attractions in and around Auli are worth checking out: 

Auli Artificial Lake, Auli Ropeway, Auli Ski Resorts, Chattrakund, Ghangaria, Gurso Bugyal, Hemkund Sahib, Joshimath, Kuari Pass Trek, Malari, Nanda Devi National Park, Nandprayag, Rudraprayag, Trishul Peak, Vasudhara Falls

• Weather: Sub-zero temperatures with heavy snowfall.
• Attractions: Ski slopes, artificial lake, views of Nanda Devi.
• Activities: Skiing, cable car ride from Joshimath, photo
• Accommodations: Cliff Top Club Resort, The Tattva Resort, Auli Resort (The Royal Village), Auli Eco Nature Resort, Devi Darshan Lodge

How to Reach:

By Air:
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, located around 280 km from Auli. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to reach Auli via Joshimath.

By Train:
The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, about 260 km away. From Rishikesh, buses and taxis are available for Joshimath, followed by a 16 km drive to Auli.

By Road:
Auli is well-connected by road. You can drive or hire a taxi from Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun. Buses to Joshimath are also available, followed by a short cab ride to Auli.

3. Chopta

Are you fully tired from the fast-paced life? Do you want to spend quality time in the lap of nature? Then Chopta Valley is just calling you. The white snow and blue beauty are great to hail you in the refreshing atmosphere.

Chopta Valley is also the beginning point of trekking to Chandrashila. So just get free from your hectic life and run towards Chopta Valley. Read More: Travel Guide: Chopta Valley in Uttarakhand

Why visit Chopta Valley in December?

• Weather: Extremely cold with snow.
• Attractions: Tungnath Temple (might be closed), Chandrashila Peak.
• Activities: Snow trekking (if accessible), camping.
• Accommodations: Mayadeep Herbal Resort, Magpie Camp Chopta, The Alpine Adventure Camp

How to Reach:

By Air:
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, 220 km from Chopta. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Chopta.

By Train:
The closest railway stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh, located 200-220 km from Chopta. From these stations, you can hire taxis or take buses to reach Chopta.

By Road:
Chopta is well-connected by road to nearby cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Srinagar (Garhwal). Regular buses and taxis operate from these cities.

4. Chamoli

Far away from the busy roads, Chamoli is a place where you can take a deep breath in the calm and cool air. Chamoli is packed with religious centers. So, in the atmosphere of Chamoli, you can feel an aesthetic pleasure.

Chamoli, the district of “Garhwal” the land of forts, was ruled by King Bhanu Pratap during the 6th century A.D. He established Chandpur-Garhi as its capital. As a result of an earthquake in 1803, the Garhwal Dynasty was eventually weakened, leading to the formation of a separate district in 1997.

Why Visit Chamoli in December?

• Weather: Cold with snow-covered landscapes.
• Attractions: Vistas of Himalayan ranges, and local temples.
• Activities: Nature walks, village tourism.
• Accommodations: Hotel Heaven Chamoli, Kedar Camp-Resorts, Hotel Le Meadows

How to Reach:

By Air:
Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport, located 222 km from Chamoli. Taxis and buses are available from the airport.

By Train:
The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, approximately 202 km away. From here, taxis and buses are the best options to reach Chamoli.

By Road:
Chamoli is well-connected by road to major Uttarakhand cities like Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. Regular buses and taxis are available.

5. Binsar

Are you dreaming of adventurous trekking? Then plan this December to spend this trekking in Binsar of Uttarakhand. The valleys and the Himalayan peaks will capture your eyes and make you fall in love with this place. While coming to Binsar, make sure to visit the Binsar forest.

One of the most popular attractions in Binsar is the panoramic view of the mountains that can be seen from Zero Point. Binsar is also well known for its wide variety of flora and fauna that it is well known for. It is an ideal getaway for bird watchers, nature lovers, and landscape photographers. Read more 5 Best Places to Visit in Binsar, Uttarakhand

Why Visit Binsar in December?

• Weather: Cold but usually clear skies.
• Attractions: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Zero Point.
• Activities: Wildlife-spotting, photography, nature walks.
• Accommodations: Binsar Eco Resort, Club Mahindra Binsar Valley, The Kumaon

How to Reach:

By Air:
The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, located around 140 km from Binsar. From Pantnagar, you can hire a taxi to reach Binsar.

By Train:
The closest railway station is Kathgodam, about 110 km away. Buses and taxis are available from Kathgodam to Binsar.

By Road:
Binsar is accessible via well-maintained roads. Buses and taxis are available from Almora (30 km), Nainital, and Kathgodam.

6. Jim Corbett National Park

You may read a lot about the Jim Corbett National Park in magazines, journals, and books. Now the time comes for you to visit the Park physically this December.

Here, you can enjoy the rides on elephants, and Jeep salaries through the deep forests. There are so many beautiful zones. It is the best for its huge collection of birds.

Why Visit Corbett in December?

• Weather: Pleasant during the day and cold at night.
• Attractions: Bengal tigers, diverse wildlife, Dhikala zone.
• Activities: Jeep safaris, elephant rides, bird watching.
• Accommodations: The Riverview Retreat by Leisure Hotels, Jim’s Jungle Retreat, Corbett The Baagh Spa & Resort

How to Reach:

By Air:
The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 80 km from the park. Taxis are easily available from the airport.

By Train:
Ramnagar Railway Station, 12 km from the park, is the closest railhead. It is well-connected to Delhi and other nearby towns.

By Road:
Jim Corbett is well-connected to Delhi (245 km) via NH9. Regular buses and taxis operate between Delhi and Ramnagar.

7. Chaukori

The world-famous flora and fauna are one of the best attractions of Chaukori. Have you ever seen a tea garden in your life? If you have never seen it, you surely have to visit Chaukori to enjoy the aroma of tea in the tea gardens. Panchachuli, Nanda Kot, etc., are the most outstanding places to visit furthermore.

Why Visit Chaukori in December?

Your eyes will get some relaxation from the countless elegance of the surroundings of Chaukori. To catch the sweet and scorching sun rays, you must visit Chaukori in December.

• Weather: Cold with the possibility of snow.
• Attractions: Tea gardens, views of the Panchachuli peaks.
• Activities: Tea estate visits, nature walks, stargazing.
• Accommodations: Ojaswi Himalayan Resort. Hotel Himshikhar, Misty Mountains Retreat

How to Reach:

By Air:
The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, located approximately 205 km away. From the airport, taxis are available to Chaukori.

By Train:
The closest railway station is Kathgodam, around 180 km from Chaukori. Taxis and buses can be hired from Kathgodam.

By Road:
Chaukori is connected by road to nearby towns like Almora and Pithoragarh. Regular buses and taxis ply to Chaukori from these locations.

8. Almora

Excellent as a family trip destination and a romantic place, Almora is one of the best spots in Uttarakhand. The winter sunlight gushing through gorgeous hill stations, including the colonial design, expands to the elegance of this ancient, old city. You’ll additionally head to Almora for the festive seasons. Read The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Almora, Uttarakhand.

Why Visit Almora in December?

• Weather: Chilly with less likelihood of snow than higher altitudes.
• Attractions: Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Kasar Devi, Nanda Devi Temple.
• Activities: Explore the cultural heritage, and shop for local handicrafts.
• Accommodations: Kasaar Jungle Resort, Binsar Eco Camp, AyurVAID Kalmatia

How to Reach:

By Air:
The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 115 km from Almora. Taxis are available from the airport.

By Train:
The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, 85 km away. From Kathgodam, you can take a taxi or a bus to Almora.

By Road:
Almora is well-connected by road to cities like Delhi (370 km), Nainital (65 km), and Kathgodam. Buses and taxis are readily available.

9. Ranikhet

An encampment city within the Almora state of Uttarakhand, Ranikhet is a widespread getaway for lovebirds and families.

The spectacular walking paths native look, and journey sports make Ranikhet one of the popular spots to go to in Uttarakhand in the time of winter. More read Top 10 Famous Places to See in Ranikhet.

Why Visit Ranikhet in December?

• Weather: Cold, occasional snowfall.
• Attractions: Chaubatia Gardens, Jhula Devi Temple, Golf Course.
• Activities: Nature walks, golf, visit army cantonment area.
• Accommodations: Woodsvilla Resort, West View Hotel, Chevron Rosemount

How to Reach:

By Air:
The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 110 km from Ranikhet. Taxis are available from the airport to Ranikhet.

By Train:
The closest railway station is Kathgodam, approximately 75 km away. Buses and taxis are available from Kathgodam to Ranikhet.

By Road:
Ranikhet is well-connected by road. Regular buses and taxis are available from Kathgodam, Nainital, and Delhi.

10. Rudraprayag

Generally referred to as the ‘land of Shiva’, Rudraprayag prevails at the convergence of Alaknanda and Mandakini creeks. It’s a major point for the Kedarnath & Badrinath.

However, Rudraprayag is known as a very important spot in the Hindu myth. Chamunda Devi Temple and Basukedar are necessary locations to go to in Rudraprayag. And, is also one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in December.

Why visit Rudrprayag in December?

• Weather: Cold, particularly at night.
• Attractions: Confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini, Rudranath Temple.
• Activities: Pilgrimage, photography, river rafting if operational.
• Accommodations: Monal Resort, Hotel Pushpdeep Grand, Hotel Mandakini

How to Reach:

By Air:
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, 155 km from Rudraprayag. Taxis and buses are available for onward travel.

By Train:
The closest railway station is Rishikesh, about 140 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Rudraprayag.

By Road:
Rudraprayag is well-connected by road to Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. Regular buses and taxis operate on these routes.

11. Chakrata

The offbeat destination of Chakrata offers majestic views of the mountains and offers many places to visit. There are several dauntless activities available in Chakrata’s sky-scraping mountainous ranges, including heart-throbbing mountain climbing. Emblazoned by the sun-lit Himalayas, the bonny hill station is dotted with coniferous forests.

Some places worth exploring when in the Chakrata hill station are; Tiger Falls, Chilmiri Neck, Ramtal Horticultural Garden, Deoban, Budher Caves,

Why visit in Chakrata December?

The best time of the year to visit is from April to June, September to November

• Weather: Cold, particularly at night, with potential snowfall in higher regions.
• Attractions: Tiger Falls, Budher Caves, Chilmiri Neck, Deoban with panoramic Himalayan views.
• Activities: Trekking, caving, bird watching, and nature photography.
• Accommodations: Blue Canvas Resort, Hotel Himalayan Paradise, Ramtal Resort

How to Reach:

By Air:
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, around 110 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to reach Chakrata.

By Train:
The nearest railway station is Dehradun, located 85 km from Chakrata. Taxis and buses are available from Dehradun.

By Road:
Chakrata is accessible via road from Dehradun, Delhi (320 km), and nearby hill towns. Regular buses and taxis operate on these routes.

Chakrata Package: 2 Nights 3 Days Chakrata Trip Itinerary

Travel Tips:

• Check Accessibility: Confirm the accessibility of high-altitude places like Auli or Chopta as heavy snowfall may block roads.
• Warm Clothing: Pack heavy woolens, thermals, and waterproof boots.
• Accommodation: Book hotels in advance as some places have limited options.
• Local Travel: Consider hiring local drivers familiar with the mountain roads.
• Health: Be prepared for high altitude sickness and carry necessary medications.
• Weather Updates: Keep checking the weather forecast and plan your itinerary accordingly.

Conclusion

Hope these top 11 places will make you crazy about going to the places this coming December. If you are willing to go for a fantastic trip, then pick out any place from this above list and flee away to explore the utmost beauty of Uttarakhand.