People usually prefer to travel to hill stations and snowy places during winters. In India there are many such beautiful places where tourists go to admire the beauty of the snow covered mountains and white landscape. However, there are some places which get extremely cold during winters, making it very difficult to travel there.

Authorities even prohibit traveling to these places because of extreme drop in temperature, avalanches, snowfall and frozen roads.



Upper Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Temperatures in Upper Spiti drop as low as –30°C during winters.

Temperatures in Upper Spiti drop as low as –30°C during winters. Even the locals move to lower regions because the villages get cut off of basic services. Roads get buried several feet under snow.



Rohtang Pass, Himachal PradeshBlizzards and possibility of avalanches makes Rohtang quiet dangerous for travellers. Hence it is closer every year by mid November.



Sandakphu Trek, West BengalSandakphu Trek is one the best places to view Everest. But during winters it becomes really unsafe. Authorities ban trekking during winters due to slippery trails and storms.



Khardung La Pass, LadakhKhardung La Pass is one of the world's highest motorable passes. But it becomes extremely dangerous during winters. Due to its location on a higher altitude, the oxygen levels become really low. This region also faces constant blizzards and heavy snowfall.



Zanskar Valley, Ladakh

During winters Zanskar is totally isolated because all the high passes freeze.

During winters Zanskar is totally isolated because all the high passes freeze. Having no motor roads available, only the locals can travel by frozen river paths such as the Chadar. It is too risky to get in due to the extreme cold and blizzards.



Gurudongmar Lake, SikkimGurudongmar Lake in Sikkim faces extreme winter conditions. Temperature here can fall below –20°C. It is completely closed for travellers until the weather conditions improve.



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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can tourists visit these areas with special permits?
No, when authorities close them, permits are not issued until conditions improve.

Is it safe to travel to high-altitude regions in winter?
Only to places officially open and safe. Many high-altitude areas are restricted due to harsh weather.

When do these places reopen for tourists?
Most reopen around late April or May, depending on weather and road conditions.