Winter travel advisory: As soon as the winter season arrives, the mountains are seen in their full glory. Snow like cotton falling from the sky, valleys covered with white sheets and silence spread far and wide… as if the earth has turned into a magical world. But behind this beauty lies a truth which is very important for every traveler to know. In fact, during December-January, there are many high-altitude places in India which become complete “no-go zones”. Forget reaching here, even trying is like inviting danger. In these places, snowfall is so intense that roads disappear, there is danger of avalanche at every turn and the temperature is such that it is difficult to even breathe. So let’s know Those 5 places in India, where travelers completely stop visiting in winter.
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh —
The eyes of adventure lovers sparkle on hearing the name of Spiti Valley. Unpaved roads, high mountains and severe cold. This is the identity of this place. But from November to April Spiti becomes like another planet. Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass are sealed due to heavy snowfall. Here the roads become slippery and dangerous in the cold of –20°C. It becomes impossible to move even a kilometer here for several weeks. Therefore, do not plan for Spiti in winter.
Zanskar Valley, Ladakh —
The feeling of thrill while walking on the frozen river in Zanskar is different. But the reality is that Zanskar remains almost closed for travelers in winter. Pensi-La and other roads get blocked due to heavy snowfall. Even the air starts stinging at a temperature of –25°C. It is not possible for vehicles to move due to black ice and avalanches. That means winters in Zanskar are only for expert survivalists and not for the common traveller.
Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh —
Every tourist visiting Manali definitely wants to see Rohtang Pass. But the truth is that by the time November arrives, Rohtang is completely closed. Roads become obscured by heavy snowfall and sudden snowstorms make travel dangerous. Avalanches also occur frequently in this area. Therefore the administration seals it completely in winter.
Khardung La, Ladakh —
Khardung La is counted among the highest motorable passes in the world, but in winter this route becomes as dangerous as death. Snow storms, frozen roads and strong winds do not allow any vehicle to move forward. Many times this pass remains closed for weeks. The oxygen level also falls so much that breathing becomes difficult.
Yumthang Valley, Sikkim —
Although Yumthang Valley looks adorned with colorful flowers in summer, it looks like a desert of snow in winter. In temperatures of –15°C, the risk of black ice and landslides increases so much that the army cannot reach here without special permission.
Therefore, if you are planning to see the beauty of the Himalayas in winter, then remove these places from your list. As beautiful as winters are, they are also equally dangerous in these places. Therefore, it would be better if you wait for a few more months to visit these places.
