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Escape poor air quality with these five mountain destinations offering cleaner air, winter adventures, and peaceful New Year getaways across India.
Embark on the legendary Chadar Trek across the frozen Zanskar River, where icy gorges, caves, and stark Himalayan landscapes define the journey
The holiday season is an ideal time to escape routine and explore destinations that offer space, atmosphere, and meaningful experiences. From snowbound adventure hubs to slow, misty hill towns and culturally rich escapes, winter travel now caters to every kind of traveller without the rush of peak crowds.
Here are some places you can visit this New Year, offering a mix of adventure, scenic calm, and immersive mountain experiences.
Spiti Valley – For the Adventure Seeker
(26 December 2025 – 2 January 2026)
Winter turns Spiti into a frozen adventure playground, where ice climbing on natural waterfalls in villages like Tabo and Mane pushes both body and mindset. Curated expeditions such as Zo Trips blend adrenaline, expert guidance, and local culture for a truly transformative cold-weather thrill.
Kinnaur – For a Calm, Scenic New Year Escape
(24 – 29 January 2026)
Welcome the New Year with a journey through Kinnaur, where apple orchards, ancient forts, and golden sunrises over Kinner Kailash set the tone. Scenic drives along the Hindustan–Tibet Highway and visits to quiet border villages make this a peaceful, immersive way to begin the year.
Kasol – For a Slow, Riverside Mountain Escape
Perched in the heart of the Parvati Valley, Madpackers Kasol is ideal for travellers who enjoy slow days, riverside views, and a laid-back mountain vibe. With comfortable rooms and social common spaces, it’s easy to spend the day café-hopping, walking along the Parvati River, or simply unwinding to the sounds of nature amid the surrounding mountains.
Dehradun – For a Refreshing Gateway to the Hills
Nestled in the scenic Doon Valley, The Hosteller Dehradun offers travellers a relaxed base in Uttarakhand’s capital, combining city comfort with easy access to the mountains. Well connected to Delhi and serving as a gateway to hill stations like Mussoorie and Lansdowne, it’s an ideal choice for a short, rejuvenating break that blends nature, culture, and convenient travel.
Ladakh – For the Ultimate Winter Adventure
(10 – 19 January 2026)
Embark on the legendary Chadar Trek across the frozen Zanskar River, where icy gorges, caves, and stark Himalayan landscapes define the journey. Curated by Zo Trips with experienced Ladakhi guides, acclimatisation days, and comprehensive safety support, this expedition offers a rare mix of extreme adventure and immersive winter travel.
This holiday season, skip the usual plans and make winter count with experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Whether it’s doing absolutely nothing in the mountains or chasing a new adventure somewhere unfamiliar, choose a getaway that lets you breathe, explore, and reset. Because this winter, the best gift you can give yourself is a change of pace.
December 22, 2025, 22:55 IST