Good month · Garhwal
Garhwal in January
The four dhams are shut and their deities sit in winter seats at Kharsali, Mukhba, Ukhimath and Joshimath. This is ski month at Auli, and Chopta often lies under snow, which turns the Tungnath walk into a winter trek. Rishikesh and Mussoorie are cold, clear and quiet, with low hotel prices outside New Year week. Roads to Joshimath and Ukhimath stay open but black ice is common at dawn.
Photo: Vaibhav 369 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsWhere to go
Our picks for January
Photo: Vaibhav 369 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Auli & Joshimath
Ski slopes and meadows facing Nanda Devi, above Joshimath
Photo: McKay Savage from London, UK · CC BY 2.0 · Commons
Rishikesh
Where the Ganga leaves the hills and the yatra begins
Photo: Paul Hamilton · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Commons
Mussoorie & Landour
A Raj-era ridge town, and the quiet cantonment above it
Trips
Trips at their best in January
No published trip peaks in January
We still plan Garhwal in January where the roads allow. Send your dates and budget and we suggest a route that works this month.
Plan Garhwal in JanuaryElsewhere in January
Other hives this month
Questions
Garhwal in January, answered
Is January a good time to visit Garhwal?
The four dhams are shut and their deities sit in winter seats at Kharsali, Mukhba, Ukhimath and Joshimath. This is ski month at Auli, and Chopta often lies under snow, which turns the Tungnath walk into a winter trek. Rishikesh and Mussoorie are cold, clear and quiet, with low hotel prices outside New Year week. Roads to Joshimath and Ukhimath stay open but black ice is common at dawn.
What is the weather like in Garhwal in January?
Rishikesh 7–20 °C; Auli −5 to 6 °C with snow. Conditions differ by altitude and coast, so check the forecast for each stop a week before you travel.
Where should we go in Garhwal in January?
We suggest Auli & Joshimath, Rishikesh, Mussoorie & Landour. Book GMVN ski courses at Auli early, as the January batches fill first.