Summer is here but with corona outbreak, nobody can plan vacation. Some of you might already have planned winter break to some destinations in southern and western parts of India. After all, in chilly cold weather, who would mind resting on sun-kissed beaches or camping under the stars in desert! However, the peak season of these destinations and experiences means two things: increased prices and heavy crowd. These factors can often lead to not so enjoying holidaying experience.

But if you are nature fan and love mountains, you are in for big surprises that too at pocket friendly prices. All you must do is pick a holiday tour package for any of the following Himalayan destinations this winter and be ready for a holiday that will stay in your memories forever.
 

Looking for some quiet and peaceful place near Shimla? The secluded and peaceful village of Kotkhai, which is about 58 km from Shimla, is the right place you should visit this winter. Famous for its natural beauty, apple orchards and the renowned Kotkhai Fort, the village is also home to stunning views and completely peaceful surroundings, which make it a great holiday option to Shimla.

Things to do:

In winters, this village receives heavy snow, yet most parts of it can be reached by road. You can relish playing in the snow, visit the Kotkhai Fort, its famed apple orchards, the cultural wonders in the region, and if you have little more time you can discover the nearby small hill towns of Cheog, Fagu, and Theog.

Situated perfectly on a ridge between Tedong and Maenam hills, Ravangla, is also famous as Rawangla, is a peaceful, little old fashioned but picturesque hill station located in the southern region of the north-eastern state of Sikkim. At a height of 8,000 feet, Ravangla offers stunning views of the greater Himalayas, by then it is one of the least known destinations in the Northeast. While you may not be able to explore the upper town of Sikkim in winter, it wouldn't be a bad pick in fact will turned into a best choice to spend a few days in this offbeat destination.

Things to do:

Visit Buddha Park, Ralong hot springs, Ralong Monastery, go Kheunpheling Carpet Centre from where you can buy different local handicrafts, Mangbrue Gompa, the viewpoint, and Samdruptse Hill. Don't forget to explore nearby destinations like Kaluk, Peling and Namchi. Treat your hunger with the authentic north-eastern delicacies at the local restaurants.

Located beautifully in the Pir Panjal range at over 1,400 metres, Karsog is a small and magnificent hill town that continues to stay in the shadow of Shimla. As per the Hindu mythology this is the sacred place where Bhima, one of the five pandavas, killed a demon who used to torture and kill the innocent villagers in the ancient times, this town now holds chief religious and cultural significance for the locals.

Thick fields, vast apple orchards, lush green fields, and free-flowing streams, with small cosy homes, and almost zero crowd; isn't that the kind of dream hill station you'd want to spend a day or two in?

Things to do:

Go for hiking and appreciate gorgeous views of the valley from the viewpoints, one must try their local cuisine, go camping, and capture the bewitching beauty of this place in your camera which is not known by many in the world beyond its boundaries. Besides, you can plan to visit its ancient local temples.

Imagine yourself standing in the vast stretches of aromatic tea and fruit gardens with dense forest in the distance with the enacting snow-covered Himalayan peaks against the impeccably blue backdrop of the clear sky; that's Chaukori for you. This small wonderland resting peacefully over 2,000 m above sea level in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand is not like a regular hill station where tourists flock every weekend, but it has much to offer in terms of beauty.

It's one of the incredible places which offer stunnung views of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Panchachuli which makes it a perfect destination for those who are looking for peaceful and relaxing holiday tour.

Things to do:

In Chaukori, you will find many temples including Arjuneshawar Shiva Temple, Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple and Ghunsera Devi Temple. Go for hiking or just relax at your hotel or homestay and enjoy breath-taking sunrise view and the stunning night sky an indulge yourself in the pure natural beauty of this place.

Harsil in winters, is a perfect place for adventurers who love exploring Himalayan villages in the cold weather. Located nearly 72 km from the major town of Uttarkashi in a magnificent valley on the sides of River Bhagirathi, Harsil is another gem but lesser known exciting Himalayan destination in Uttarakhand which offers glorious views of deodar forests and huge snow-covered mountains. And if you can defeat the cold, you are in for the views that seem straight out of a fairy-tale!

Things to do:

Hiking and trekking is the best thing to do in Harsil. Watch out for different exotic birds and other amazing views in the sky, both during the day and night. Beside this place you can also visit Sattal, the place near Harsil that's famous for its seven lakes.

Are you looking for a perfect romantic tour with your partner at some lovely place that's not crushed by tourists already? Try Khirsu which is just 10 km from Pauri in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, Khirsu makes for a fantastic destination to surprise your adventure-loving partner with nearly all kinds of views you can think of in a Himalayan village. Welcoming locals and the endless beauty of the landscape which looks even more gorgeous in winters and make you go slow and take in the ambiance of this serene village.

Things to do:

Hiking, gazing at natural views, or just staying inside your cosy hotel make for a great relaxing experience in Khirsu.