10 coldest places in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, often called Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods), is a Himalayan state in northern India known for its towering mountains, glaciers, sacred rivers, and high-altitude pilgrimage sites. During winter, many regions of Uttarakhand experience extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and sub-zero temperatures, making it one of the coldest states in the country.
Most of the coldest places in Uttarakhand are located in the higher Himalayan belt, where altitude plays a major role in controlling the climate. As winter approaches, temperatures in these regions drop sharply, roads get blocked by snow, and daily life becomes challenging. Some towns remain inhabited despite severe cold, while others are completely closed for months due to heavy snowfall.
In this article, we will explore the 10 coldest places in Uttarakhand, step by step. Each section will explain why the place is cold, how low the temperature falls, and what makes it unique during winter, helping readers understand Uttarakhand’s harsh yet beautiful winter climate.

Why Uttarakhand Has Such Cold Places

Uttarakhand experiences extreme cold mainly because of its geographical location and Himalayan terrain. Several natural factors combine to make many regions of the state severely cold during winter. The most important factor is altitude. As altitude increases, air becomes thinner and temperatures drop rapidly. Many towns and pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand are located above 2,500 meters, where winter temperatures frequently fall below freezing.

Another major reason is the presence of the Himalayan mountain range and glaciers. Cold winds descending from snow-covered peaks and glacier zones keep surrounding valleys cold for long periods. Areas close to glaciers experience longer winters and heavier snowfall.

Snow cover also plays a crucial role. Once the ground is covered with snow, it reflects sunlight instead of absorbing heat. This prevents daytime warming and keeps temperatures low even during daylight hours.

Additionally, many valleys receive limited sunlight in winter due to high mountains blocking direct sun rays. Shorter days and low sun angles further reduce heat, increasing the overall cold intensity. Because of these factors, several regions of Uttarakhand record temperatures between -10°C and -25°C, making them some of the coldest places in India.

Overview of the Coldest Places in Uttarakhand

Before going into detailed explanations, it’s important to understand which regions of Uttarakhand are considered the coldest and what type of places they are.

The coldest places in Uttarakhand generally fall into three categories:

• High-altitude pilgrimage sites – These places are located above 3,000 meters and face extreme winters. Most remain closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.
• Remote Himalayan towns and villages – These areas stay inhabited despite severe cold and limited connectivity.
• Glacier and protected regions – These are the coldest zones with no permanent population and temperatures dropping far below zero.

In this article, we will cover the following 10 coldest places of Uttarakhand, explained one by one in upcoming steps:

• Auli
• Munsiyari
• Chopta
• Hemkund Sahib
• Badrinath
• Gangotri
• Kedarnath
• Joshimath
• Nanda Devi region
• Harsil

Each upcoming step will focus on one place at a time, explaining:

• Winter temperature range
• Altitude and location
• Why the place is extremely cold
• Its winter condition and accessibility

1. Auli

• Altitude: ~2,800 meters
• Winter Temperature: -4°C to -10°C (occasionally below -12°C)
• Snowfall Months: December to February
• Average Snow Depth: 2–5 feet

Auli experiences prolonged winter cold due to its open alpine terrain and constant Himalayan winds. Snow remains on the ground for weeks, preventing surface warming. Even daytime temperatures often stay near freezing. Frost formation and black ice are common, making roads slippery. Among tourist destinations, Auli has one of the longest snow-retention periods in Uttarakhand.

2. Munsiyari

• Altitude: ~2,200 meters
• Winter Temperature: -5°C to -15°C
• Snowfall Months: December to March
• Permanent Population: Yes

Munsiyari is one of the coldest permanently inhabited towns in the state. Its proximity to the Panchachuli glacier system results in intense cold winds. During peak winter, water pipelines freeze, road access becomes unreliable, and wind chill pushes real-feel temperatures far below recorded values.

3. Chopta

• Altitude: ~2,680 meters
• Winter Temperature: -5°C to -12°C
• Snowfall Months: December to March
• Winter Population: Nearly uninhabited

Chopta remains snowbound for extended periods because dense forests block direct sunlight. Snow melts slowly, keeping the ground frozen for months. Most accommodations close during winter. Night temperatures frequently drop below -10°C, and strong winds increase exposure risk.

4. Hemkund Sahib

• Altitude: ~4,329 meters
• Winter Temperature: -10°C to -20°C (often lower)
• Snowfall Months: October to May
• Winter Access: Completely closed

Hemkund Sahib is among the highest and coldest locations in Uttarakhand. Snow accumulation reaches several meters, oxygen levels drop sharply, and temperatures remain below freezing all day. The lake freezes solid, and surrounding slopes are prone to avalanches.

5. Badrinath

• Altitude: ~3,300 meters
• Winter Temperature: -8°C to -15°C
• Snowfall Months: November to April
• Winter Population: Migrated

Badrinath experiences persistent sub-zero temperatures with continuous snowfall. Katabatic winds from surrounding peaks intensify cold conditions. Snow depth can exceed human height, cutting off roads and forcing complete winter evacuation.

6. Gangotri

• Altitude: ~3,100 meters
• Winter Temperature: -10°C to -18°C
• Snowfall Months: November to April
• Winter Population: Seasonal

Gangotri is strongly influenced by glacial winds from the Gaumukh region. Frost forms continuously on buildings and roads. Water sources freeze, and heavy snowfall forces most residents to migrate during winter.

7. Kedarnath

• Altitude: ~3,583 meters
• Winter Temperature: -12°C to -20°C
• Snowfall Months: October to May
• Winter Access: Fully closed

Kedarnath faces blizzards, whiteout conditions, and high avalanche risk. Snow accumulation is extreme, and wind speeds remain dangerously high. It records some of the lowest winter temperatures among Indian pilgrimage sites.

8. Joshimath

• Altitude: ~1,890 meters
• Winter Temperature: -3°C to -10°C
• Snowfall Months: December to February
• Permanent Population: Yes

Joshimath remains active during winter but experiences persistent cold, frost, and icy roads. It functions as a winter shelter town for residents migrating from higher-altitude settlements.

9. Nanda Devi National Park

• Altitude Range: Up to 7,816 meters
• Winter Temperature: -15°C to -25°C (or lower)
• Snowfall: Year-round at higher elevations
• Human Settlement: None

This region represents the coldest climatic zone in Uttarakhand. Extreme altitude, glaciers, and isolation result in near-permanent freezing conditions. Survival without specialized gear is impossible during winter.

10. Harsil

• Altitude: ~2,620 meters
• Winter Temperature: -5°C to -12°C
• Snowfall Months: December to March
• Permanent Population: Yes

Harsil experiences long, harsh winters with frozen rivers and snow-covered terrain. Road conditions remain difficult for weeks, and daily life slows significantly. Locals rely on traditional heating methods and winter storage practices.

FAQs

Which is the coldest place in Uttarakhand?

The coldest place in Uttarakhand is the Nanda Devi region. This extreme high-altitude zone ranges from 4,000 to 7,800 meters. Due to permanent glaciers, minimal solar radiation, and thin atmosphere, winter temperatures often fall between -25°C and -35°C. There is no permanent human habitation.

Which is the coldest inhabited place in Uttarakhand?

Munsiyari is considered the coldest permanently inhabited town. Situated at around 2,200 meters, it records winter temperatures of -10°C to -15°C. Snowfall lasts 3–4 months, roads frequently close, and water pipelines freeze, yet residents live here year-round.

Why does Uttarakhand experience extreme cold in winter?

The extreme cold is caused by high altitude, Himalayan geography, glacier proximity, and katabatic winds flowing down from snowfields. Many regions lie above 2,500 meters, where thin air and weak winter sunlight reduce heat retention.

Do temperatures in Uttarakhand go below zero?

Yes. Sub-zero temperatures are common in winter. High-altitude towns record -5°C to -15°C, while glacier regions drop much lower. Frozen water sources, frost, and icy roads are routine.

Which pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand is the coldest?

Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib are the coldest pilgrimage sites. Kedarnath experiences -12°C to -20°C, while Hemkund Sahib can fall below -20°C. Both remain closed for nearly 6 months due to heavy snow and avalanche risk.

Why are Kedarnath and Badrinath closed during winter?

These sites receive continuous snowfall from October to April, with snow depth often exceeding 6–10 feet. Roads become impassable, oxygen levels drop, and temperatures stay below freezing, making habitation unsafe.

Is Auli colder than Mussoorie and Nainital?

Yes. Due to its higher altitude and open alpine terrain, Auli is significantly colder. Mussoorie and Nainital rarely drop below 0°C, while Auli remains below freezing for weeks with 2–5 feet of snowfall.

Which month is the coldest in Uttarakhand?

January is the coldest month. Night temperatures are lowest, snowfall peaks, and daylight hours are shortest. December and early February follow closely.

Do people migrate from cold regions during winter?

Yes. Seasonal migration is common in Badrinath, Gangotri, and Kedarnath. Entire villages move to lower altitudes due to frozen water sources and road closures. Munsiyari and Joshimath remain inhabited.

How cold does Kedarnath get in peak winter?

During January and February, temperatures stay between -15°C and -20°C. Strong winds increase wind-chill, and blizzards and avalanches are common.

Is Chopta accessible during winter?

Chopta is partially accessible. Roads may close after heavy snowfall, most hotels shut down, and temperatures range from -5°C to -12°C. Camping without professional gear is unsafe.

Why does snow remain for months in Uttarakhand?

Snow persists due to low sun angle, short daylight hours, dense forest cover, and continuous sub-zero temperatures. In shaded valleys, snow may remain until April or May.

Which cold place is safest for winter tourism?

Auli is the safest winter destination due to road connectivity, medical facilities, power backup, and trained staff, allowing controlled tourism.

Can temperatures fall below -20°C in Uttarakhand?

Yes. Glacier zones and protected high-altitude regions frequently record temperatures below -25°C, especially during clear winter nights.

Are roads closed every winter in Uttarakhand?

Yes. Roads to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Hemkund Sahib close annually due to snowfall and avalanche risk.

Is Joshimath colder than Auli?

No. Auli is colder due to higher elevation and greater exposure. Joshimath lies lower and remains operational throughout winter.

Do rivers freeze in Uttarakhand?

Major rivers do not fully freeze due to strong flow, but small streams, springs, and shallow sections freeze partially in high-altitude areas.

Why is the Nanda Devi region uninhabited?

Extreme altitude, oxygen scarcity, permanent snow, temperatures below -30°C, and environmental protection laws prevent permanent settlement.

Is winter travel recommended in Uttarakhand?

Winter travel is recommended only to well-connected destinations with proper gear. Remote glacier regions should be avoided without experience and official clearance.

How long does winter last in cold regions of Uttarakhand?

In higher Himalayan zones, winter lasts 5–6 months, usually from October to April, and sometimes extends into May.

Which cold places remain open throughout winter?

Munsiyari, Joshimath, and Harsil generally remain open, though snowfall may temporarily disrupt transport and power.

What are the top 10 coldest places in Uttarakhand?

The top 10 coldest places are Auli, Munsiyari, Chopta, Hemkund Sahib, Badrinath, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Joshimath, Nanda Devi National Park, and Harsil, with winter temperatures ranging from -5°C to below -25°C.

What are the top 5 coldest places in Uttarakhand?

The top 5 coldest places are Nanda Devi National Park, Kedarnath, Hemkund Sahib, Gangotri, and Munsiyari, known for extreme cold and heavy snowfall.

Which is the coldest hill station in Uttarakhand?

Auli is the coldest hill station, with prolonged sub-zero temperatures and continuous winter snowfall.

Which cold place in Uttarakhand is best for tourists in winter?

Auli is the best winter destination for tourists due to skiing facilities, accommodation options, road access, and emergency services.

Which are the coldest inhabited places in Uttarakhand?

The coldest inhabited places include Munsiyari, Harsil, and Joshimath, where winter temperatures commonly fall to -10°C to -15°C.

Which are the best cold places in Uttarakhand for snowfall lovers?

For snowfall lovers, the best places are Auli, Chopta, Munsiyari, and Harsil, offering frequent snowfall and scenic winter landscapes.

Uttarakhand stands out as one of India’s coldest Himalayan regions, offering a wide range of climates from inhabited cold towns to extreme, uninhabited glacier zones. Places like Auli, Munsiyari, Chopta, and Harsil represent cold destinations that remain accessible and livable during winter, while high-altitude pilgrimage sites such as Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Hemkund Sahib experience such severe conditions that they must be closed for several months every year. The Nanda Devi region marks the absolute cold limit of Uttarakhand, with temperatures dropping well below -25°C, highlighting how altitude, glaciers, wind patterns, and limited sunlight shape the state’s winter climate. Whether the focus is on tourism, habitation, or geography, the coldest places in Uttarakhand clearly demonstrate the raw power and diversity of the Himalayas.