Himalayas

Himalayan destination are perfect for a visit anytime of the year. While summer brings in pleasant weather, winters come with a layer of snowfall., as we know that most places could be unreachable due to snowfall. So if you want a cold, cold adventure to end the year with, here are your options.

Ladakh

Leh-Ladakh forms a huge chunk of the cold desert in the Northern part of the Great Indian Himalayas. Rich natural beauty, stunning landscapes and beautiful Buddhist Monasteries, makes this place an ideal location to spend some days of your life connecting with nature. Besides nature lovers and holiday seekers, Leh-Ladakh is also a hub for adventure buffs who come here to indulge themselves in the fun of trekking, mountain climbing and mountain biking.

Another great option for a wonderful peaceful holiday in Ladakh Himalayas region is the breath-taking ‘Nubra Valley’ which lies at a distance of 150 km. from Leh. Surrounded with harsh arid mountains and blessed with immense natural beauty, a stay at Nubra Valley is a unique experience in itself. In contrast to other mountainous areas that are beaming with greenery, at Nubra Valley you will find mountains to be dry and rugged. This is the only mountain region in India where you will find sand dunes. A sand dune safari sitting on the back of the Bactrian camels is one of the most terrific experiences one can have in his lifetime.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Located on the banks of the sacred Ganga River in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, the holy city of Rishikesh needs no introduction. Situated on the foothills of Garhwal Himalayas, Rishikesh makes for an ideal escapade from the crowded and polluted city life.

Nothing can be more spiritualistic and relaxing than attending the serene ‘Ganga Aarti’ at the ‘Triveni Ghat’ during evening or taking a dip in holy waters of River Ganges to wash off all your sins. Even sitting at one of the Ghats for hours, dipping your feet in the ice-cold waters of the Ganga River admiring the scenic beauty of the place can be a heavenly experience.

Nicknamed as the ‘World’s Yoga Capital’ and dotted with numerous ashrams and Yoga retreat centres, you cannot miss indulging yourself in a life-changing experience of yoga and meditation at the famous ‘Swarg Ashram’ located near ‘Ram Jhula’.

For those seeking fun and adventure, Rishikesh also offers plethora of activities like white water rafting, kayaking, rappelling, camping and bungee-jumping.

Kashmir

If you have enough winter clothes, and the will to see snow, then there is nothing like Kashmir in December. The beautiful paradise looks ten times more gorgeous during the winter months. Gulmarg is a must visit during this time of the year.

Manali

Manali never goes out of season. The large mountains surrounding the charming hill town gets covered in snow during this time, and of course we can never have enough of it. If you are looking for a special year-end destination then Manali does the trick.

Darjeeling

Always charming, and a favourite among people in the state of West Bengal, Darjeeling in December is a beauty. If you find a winter sun here during your visit, then Kanchenjunga will be visible in all its glory. That is certainly worth the visit.

Mcleod Ganj

Wake up to the winter sun here in the holy Himalayan destination. Home to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, this is wonder that is full of spirituality and beauty. It can also be your introduction to the Tibetan community of India, their culture, and cuisine.

Dehradun

A perfect getaway at the end of the year, Dehradun is even more charming during the winter months. The Doon valley makes a stunning impression, as the hills start to take shape from its depth. With nearby hill stations receiving snow, the valley can get quite cold during this time.

First trip out of Delhi since Covid changed life for all of us, and I must say, we couldn’t have chosen a better place to go to. Set among Pine and Deodhar trees at an altitude of about 2600 meters above sea level, a perfect getaway from the heat, dust and pollution of Delhi. 

At first we were rather apprehensive about traveling in Covid times, concerned about cleanliness and safety, but within a few minutes of getting to Wildflower Hall, we actually realised that we felt a lot safer there than we did in Delhi. The new normal, rigorously followed by the hotel, started with the car being sanitised prior to entering, our luggage being sanitised prior to entering, our temperature being checked prior to entering, staff all wearing masks and face shields, rooms sanitised daily etc . 

The experience was only slightly different to normal, with menus being QR codes, the walk through the lobby being with masks, but other than that it was like old times, and very very good with the legendary Oberoi hospitality.

The short 4 day trip has actually given us the confidence to be traveling (at least within India for the moment) again, and has also served the purpose of reaffirming my thoughts , that it’s the good, safe, professionally managed hotels and resorts that will see recovery earlier than the others. Travel is something ingrained in our DNA and it’s bound to bounce back, and safe travel is what everyone is going to be looking for, at least for the near future.