Five winter snow destinations beyond Shimla and Manali: Chitkul, Kalpa, Munsiyari, Tawang, Mechuka
Chitkul, Kalpa, Munsiyari, Tawang and Mechuka offer snow, monasteries, valleys and adventure sports for winter travellers.
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Winter trips to cold, snow-covered places have a charm of their own. Snowy landscapes, a chilly atmosphere and a range of activities double the fun of a trip. Most people pick destinations such as Shimla and Manali for winter travel, but there are five other places in the country that can be visited.
The first is Chitkul, a picturesque village in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district. Its beauty is described as so striking that even Shimla and Manali fall short. The village lies at the very last edge of the India-Tibet border. Visitors can see old wooden houses and spend quiet time on the banks of the Baspa river, which flows down from the mountains.
The second is Kalpa, also in Himachal Pradesh, 260 km from Shimla. It is said that the place became better known after Lord Dalhousie visited in the 19th century. It offers a fine view of the Kinner Kailash range, which is called the winter abode of Lord Shiva. For those who want to be in the lap of nature in winter, Kalpa is a perfect choice.
The third is Munsiyari in Uttarakhand, which is called the Kashmir of Uttarakhand. A beautiful sheet of snow lies spread here, and it is a good option for a winter visit. Munsiyari is in Pithoragarh district at an elevation of about 2,200 to 2,300 metres. It offers a panoramic view of five Himalayan peaks.
The fourth is Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, situated at about 10,000 feet above sea level. It has the second largest Buddhist monastery in the world and the largest in India. Visitors should note that an Inner Line Permit is required to experience the snowy surroundings in Tawang.
The fifth, also in Arunachal Pradesh, is Mechuka. The McMahon Line is about 29 to 30 km from Mechuka. Visitors can see greenery, snow-capped mountain peaks, flowing rivers and beautiful valleys. A three-day sports festival called Adventure at Mechuka begins here every year between November 23 and 25, with adventure sports.
In Himachal, Uttarakhand and Arunachal, there are chances to enjoy snow along with Buddhist monasteries, valleys and adventure.
