Located en route to Kailash Mansarovar, Dharchula is a quaint town in the Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand. Covering multiple trekking trails and offering majestic views of the Panchachuli peaks on the west, Dharchula is undoubtedly one of the best towns to visit. The charm of Dharchula in winter expands and multiplies tenfold. With the surroundings covered in snow and the chilly weather, the quaint town becomes the perfect spot for a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Be it for solace, adventure, or to connect with nature, you will not regret visiting Dharchula during the peak winter months.
Dharchula In Winter
Image Credit: Inder S Kharayat for Wikimedia Commons
Dharchula experiences a cold and crisp winter, with temperatures dipping to sub-zero levels at times. The Dharchula in winter temperature can range from -3°C (27°F) during the nights to a maximum of 15°C (59°F) during the daytime. Due to its high altitude location at 940 m above sea level, Dharchula also experiences continuous snowfall during the peak winter months, particularly during December and January.
Dharchula winter snowfall is usually moderate during the December months but becomes extensive during January. The snow-laden landscapes are also great for your photography adventures, so don’t miss out on that.
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Things To Do In Dharchula In Winter
Due to its remote location, Dharchula is not a tourist-heavy spot. This can work out in your favour because you get to indulge in a variety of unique activities without any hassle.
Following are a few of the top Dharchula winter activities to indulge in:
1. Snow Trekking
Don’t get deterred by the Dharchula in winter temperature because that’s the perfect time for you to embark on nearby trekking expeditions. Before anything, get a local guide. There are many available that you can find online or you can ask for references at the hotel or homestay you are in. Having a guide, especially during times when the weather is unpredictable, is extremely vital. It’s fun, engaging and adventurous, all at the same time. Once you reach the top, the views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges are quite enrapturing, to say the least.
Address: Khaliya Top Trek
Timing: Best done during early morning
2. Visit Narayan Ashram
Image Credit: Monisankar54 for Wikimedia Commons
The Sri Narayan Ashram is a spiritual and socio-educational centre located in the Deodar forests in Dharchula. The beauty and serenity of the place, especially during the winter months when everything is covered in snow, are a treat to witness. The ashram was founded by Narayan Swami in 1936 and remains a popular site among spiritual enthusiasts. The Ashram also offers insights into the local culture and traditions.
Address: XMC4+33C, Post. Kailash, Dist. – Pithoragarth, Punla Bhataka, Uttarakhand 262547
Timing: 24 hours
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3. Explore Jauljibi
Located 27 km from Dharchula, Jauljibi is a popular town that you must visit during the winter months. The town is located at the confluence of the Kali and Gori Rivers. One of the highlights of visiting Jauljibi is attending the annual fair hosted on the day of Makar Sankranti every year. It is in January. They also host Thal fair during April or May but that’s not in the winter months. Beyond the fair, the town itself is quite remotely located, perfect for travellers looking for some peace.
Address: Jauljibi, Dharchula
Timing: 24 hours
4. Munsiyari Excursion
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Much like Jauljibi, a trip from Dharchula to Munsiyari is a must during the winter months. This is among the best Dharchula winter activities because Munsiyari opens up a treasure of experiences, including skiing and snowboarding. You can also trek to witness the Himalayan ranges and Panchachuli peaks, which are bound to take your breath away. The nearby village explorations in Munsiyari add to the experience further.
Address: Munsiyari, 93.8 km from Dharchula
Timing: 24 hours
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5. Explore The Serenity Of Om Parvat
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The beauty of the Adi Kailash Om Parvat is one of the must-visit sites, especially during the winter months. It is fairly close to Adinath Peak, which is another natural marvel. You do have to hike through complex routes but the result is truly magical. The main attraction of this peak is that the snowfall deposits on it in a way that it resembles “Om,” an important marker in Hinduism.
Address: Dharchula, Pithoragarh
Timings: Best to start the hike in the morning
6. Relax In The Hot Springs In Madkot
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Located on the banks of the Gori Ganga River, Madkot is known for its amazing hot water springs. It falls enroute from Jauljibi to Dharchula. The high sulphur content in the water is the main reason why the springs have warm water. You can stop to take a dip in them. Given that the temperatures are fairly low in Dharchula during winter months, taking a dip in the warm thermal springs is the perfect thing to do. Carry a change of clothes, though.
Address: Madkot, Pithoragarh
Timings: During daytime
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7. Visit Chirkila Dam
Chirkila Dam is a hydropower plant on the Kali River, roughly 20 km from the main town of Dharchula. The dam generates about 1500 kilowatts of power, which is very significant for the locals. During the winter months, the entire area around the dam is covered in snow and fog, which makes it a charming spot to visit and explore.
Address: XHHG+727, Suwa, Uttarakhand 262545
Timings: Best visited during daytime
8. Kali River Rafting
This is a hit or miss among tourists, especially during the chill months of the winter. However, river rafting on the Kali River is quite popular. It is an exhilarating experience, and with the rapid currents and icy waters, you have to indulge in this activity without thinking twice. During the winter months, the surrounding area is covered in snow, which further adds to the place’s charm.
Address: Kali River, Pithoragarh
Timings: 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM
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How To Reach Dharchula In Winters?
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Flights to Patnanagar Airport are available during the winter months. So, you can take a play until Patnanagar and then hire a taxi or a shuttle jeep to reach Dharchula from there. Cross-check the flight operations before your trip since excess snowfall might lead to cancellations.
The most common way to reach Dharchula during winter is via road. Local buses ply from the nearby cities in Uttarakhand, including Dehradun and Haldwani. Once you reach Pithoragarh or Munsiyari, you can hire a taxi or jeep again to embark on your journey to Dharchula. It is a fairly tedious and long journey, but witnessing the Dharchula winter snowfall makes it worth the time.
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Dharchula in winter is a destination that offers a blend of adventure, natural beauty, and thrilling experiences. However, the town’s remote location also gives you the privacy and serenity you might have been lacking in city life. The peace, calm, and pristine white snow in the surroundings are nothing short of a treat to witness in real time. A trip to Uttarakhand, including Dharchula in your itinerary for 3-4 days, is perfect for an offbeat winter getaway experience.
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Cover Image credit: By Kuldeep Vittan for Wikimedia Commons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dharchula In Winter
What should I pack for a winter trip to Dharchula?
Winters in Dharchula can experience sub-zero temperatures, especially during the night. So, pack warm clothing, layers, sturdy snow boots, skincare, medications, etc.
Are there any special permits required to visit Dharchula?
No special permits are required for Indian nationals. However, foreigners need to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit certain restricted areas near the border.
Can I find ATMs and medical facilities in Dharchula?
You can find all the basic amenities like ATMs and medical facilities like hospitals and pharmacies around the main town.
Is local transportation available in Dharchula?
There are taxis, buses and jeeps available in Dharchula to take you to other places. You can also rent cars for sightseeing.
What local cuisine should I try in Dharchula?
Local Kumaoni cuisine is the highlight in Dharchula, so that’s what you need to try while you are in town. Dishes like Aloo Ke Gutke, Bhatt Ki Churkani, and Singodi are a must.
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