Complete Guide to Best Snowfall Places in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand's elevation ranges from 300m (Rishikesh) to 7,800m (Nanda Devi). Snow falls at different altitudes at different times — plan your visit based on how much snow you want and how high you're willing to go.
| Place | Altitude | Snowfall Months | Snow Depth | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auli | 2,519–3,049 m | Dec–Mar | 60–100 cm | Gondola from Joshimath |
| Munsiyari | 2,200 m | Dec–Feb | 30–60 cm | Road (may close in heavy snow) |
| Chopta | 2,680 m | Dec–Mar | 50–80 cm | Road (may close); 4WD recommended |
| Chakrata | 2,118 m | Dec–Feb | 20–50 cm | Road from Dehradun (90 km) |
| Dhanaulti | 2,286 m | Dec–Feb | 20–40 cm | Road from Mussoorie (25 km) |
| Mussoorie | 2,005 m | Jan–Feb | 5–20 cm | Road from Dehradun (35 km) |
| Kedarkantha | 3,800 m | Nov–Mar | 100–150 cm | 4-day trek from Sankri village |
| Dayara Bugyal | 3,048 m | Nov–Apr | 80–120 cm | Trek from Barsu village |
| Brahmatal | 3,450 m | Dec–Mar | 100–200 cm | 5-day trek from Lohajung |
| Kanatal | 2,590 m | Dec–Feb | 15–30 cm | Road from Mussoorie (38 km) |
Best Time to See Snowfall in Uttarakhand
- November: First snowfall at high altitudes (Auli, Chopta, Munsiyari) — pristine powder
- December: Snow spreads to mid-altitude (Dhanaulti, Kanatal, Chakrata); festive season
- January (Peak): Maximum snowfall across all elevations; Auli 60–100 cm; even Mussoorie can see 10–20 cm
- February: Heavy snow continues; Auli ski season peak; treks like Kedarkantha at their best
- March: Melting begins but upper Auli still skiable; Brahmatal and Kedarkantha still snow-covered
How to Reach Top Snowfall Destinations
- Auli: Rishikesh → Joshimath (250 km, 8 hrs) → Gondola to Auli
- Dhanaulti / Kanatal: Dehradun → Mussoorie → Dhanaulti (60 km total)
- Chakrata: Dehradun → Chakrata (90 km, 3 hrs)
- Chopta: Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Chopta (210 km, 7 hrs)
- Munsiyari: Kathgodam → Almora → Pithoragarh → Munsiyari (260 km, 9 hrs)
Budget and Hotels for Snowfall Trip
| Destination | Budget/night | Mid-range/night | Snow season premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auli | ₹1,800–₹3,000 | ₹5,000–₹9,000 | +50–100% |
| Dhanaulti / Kanatal | ₹1,200–₹2,500 | ₹3,500–₹7,000 | +30–50% |
| Chakrata | ₹600–₹1,200 | ₹1,800–₹4,000 | +20–30% |
| Mussoorie | ₹1,500–₹2,500 | ₹4,000–₹8,000 | +40–60% |
Travel Tips and FAQs
- Carry snow chains or hire a 4WD for drives to Chopta, Munsiyari and Auli in January–February
- Check road status daily (Uttarakhand Police Twitter / Devbhoomi Uttarakhand portal) before departing
- Snowfall is most reliable at Auli — the gondola keeps running even when roads are blocked
- Dhanaulti is the easiest snowfall destination from Delhi — road accessible; great day trip from Mussoorie
- Snow treks (Kedarkantha, Brahmatal) require prior trek registration and a licensed guide
FAQ: Which place in Uttarakhand gets the most snow? High-altitude treks like Kedarkantha (3,800m) and Brahmatal get 1–2 metres of snow. Among road-accessible destinations, Auli (2,519–3,049m) receives the most reliable and deepest snowfall each winter.