Best time to visit Spiti Valley
Spiti Valley captured by @shivkantsharma_ The majestic Spiti Valley, nestled in the Himalayas, is a perfect getaway to escape your monotonous life in the city. The sublime beauty of this hill station is a crowd puller, attracting travelers from around the globe. The snow-capped mountains, the lush forests, and the beautiful waterfalls are a paradise for nature lovers, bird watchers, and shutterbugs. The numerous trekking trails lure trekkers and campers who seek solitude amidst nature. Spiti Valley offers breathtaking views throughout the year, with pros and cons to each season. Here’s a guide to help you plan your trip to Spiti in summer, monsoon, or winter. Summer Monsoon Winter Summer season Spiti in summers by @scenicmyths on Instagram The summer season is undoubtedly the best time to visit Spiti Valley. The months between April to June are highly suitable for a vacation in the hills, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can enjoy adventure activities like paragliding without being worried about the weather. Rock climbing and mountain cycling are considerably safer to do at this time without any fear of avalanches. The days are warm and sunny as the glaciers start to melt, making way for activities like river rafting. The valley is greener than ever, attracting trekkers and campers from all over the country. In addition to the scenic view, the locals celebrate numerous festivals and carnivals in this season. So, plan your trip in the summers to enjoy the best of both worlds. AVERAGE TEMPERATURE – In summers, the temperature ranges from 15 degrees Celsius during the day to 5 degrees Celsius at night. Monsoon season Spiti Valley during monsoon as captured by @aqilmohammednizar on Instagram From July to September, Spiti Valley experiences occasional rainfall that often causes damage to life and property. In the last few years, there have been some instances of cloudbursts and downpours that went on for days. These result in massive landslides and dangerous avalanches that you should avoid at all costs. Road conditions are also terrible after heavy showers, making it nearly impossible to travel. However, it is not impossible to travel during monsoons if you take all necessary precautions. If you are starting from Shimla, chances of rain start dying after you reach Reckong Peo. If you are travelling on a motorcycle during monsoons, you must waterproof everything properly. Seek advice from the locals and drive slow. The valley reveals its pristine beauty after a few showers, making the troublesome journey worth it. AVERAGE TEMPERATURE – In monsoons, the temperature varies from 10-15 degrees Celsius during the day to 3-4 degrees Celsius at night. Winter season Spiti in winters by @the_vagabonnd._ on Instagram The winter months of November to February are so harsh that many passes are closed to restrict tourists from the freezing conditions of Spiti Valley. The valley experiences infinite snowfall, causing most guest houses and hotels to close. Only a few places like Dhankar and Hikkim are accessible during this time. Although most people do not prefer to visit Spiti in winter, some find the heavy snowfall and cold weather appealing. This gives them a chance to stay at homestays with the locals and experience their lifestyle. Covered in white, Spiti Valley has a certain charm in winters that offers tranquility to the visiting tourists. There are fewer tourists, and the rates at the homestays are pretty low too. AVERAGE TEMPERATURE – In winters, the temperature reaches 0 degrees Celsius during the day and ranges from -20 to -30 degrees Celsius at night.
Best Time to Visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands
If you are planning to spend your workstation or staycation in Andaman, we have you covered. We have narrowed down the best time to visit Andaman just for you so that you can make the most of your vacation. You can visit Andaman all year round but as a popular saying” It is better to wait until you get the right thing, at the right time and in the right place; than to race for the wrong thing, at the wrong time and in the wrong place”. If you want a complete experience of Andaman it’s better to wait for the best time. A picture from Unsplash- Sebastine Jermer Best Time to Visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Winter season Summer season Monsoon season Winter season(October-February) A picture from Unsplash-Jeremy-bezanger The best time to visit Andaman is from October- March. It is the time of Winter in Andaman. The Winter seasons are the best time to visit Andaman. The weather is calm and pleasant during the daytime with mild temperatures ideal for all the water and adventure activities. This is also the best time to visit Andaman for scuba diving. But Andaman doesn’t have a typical winter season as such. The temperature during this season ranges between 20-30 degrees Celsius which is perfect for sightseeing. A bonus of this time is that you can witness turtle nesting during this season. Winter will be the best time if you are looking for an Eye-delight Vacation. If you are looking for a less crowded time to Visit Andaman, the Winter seasons are the best. You can also take part in the Andaman film festival and the Island tourism festival if you visit Andaman during this time. Most tourists flock to the Andaman Beaches in the winter after Goa for Christmas eve and New Year welcome Parties. Considering the peak season for tourism, the prices are usually high during Year-end. Best Things to Do: Attend the film festival and tourism festival. Celebrate and Welcome New Year’s. Best time to experience dry sports and activities. Summer season(April-June) A pic from Unsplash- Ahmed Sayeed Summer in Andaman starts in April and ends in July. The temperature during Summer in Andaman is slightly hot when compared to other seasons. Apart from that summer is also the best time to visit Andaman. The minimum temperature during this time is 24 degrees Celsius maximum can go up to 37 degrees Celsius. So it is better to stay indoors in the afternoon. Since it is vacation time, people come pouring in during the summer season. The pleasant sunny and bright climate is ideal for all the water activities. The clear skies bestow a better sky diving experience and balmy days offer great underwater views. If you visit Andaman during the summer, you can witness the Andaman beach festival and Subhash meal to celebrate and commemorate the birth of renowned leader Subhash Chandra Bose. Plan an Adventure trip to Andaman Best Things to Do: Try hands-on Fishing and Scuba Diving(Fewer water levels). Snorkeling and Sky Diving. True colors of Marine life. Monsoon season(July-September) A Picture from Unsplash- Mickey-o-neil Monsoon season is not a very recommended time to visit Andaman. Monsoon in Andaman is a very unpredictable time to visit. The rainfall can be moderate or heavy but it is not the right time to enjoy and explore the island. The Southwest Monsoon is from May-September and another Northeast Monsoon is from November to Mid-January affecting the Water activities. The temperature ranges between 22 to 33 degrees Celsius with humidity at its peak. The tourist influx is comparatively less during this time but tourists still come to see and enjoy the different beaches and food festivals. If you are someone who loves spending time close to nature, then this is an ideal season. You can be in the comfort of your room and enjoy the beautiful scenery and the iffy monsoon rains. Best Things to Do: Relish contemporary cuisines on water. Spend less, experience more(Off-season). Good time for Pre-wedding shoots. Best time for Family and Group Trip: A family time during summer vacation at Andaman, you can find your favorite little sports for all age groups like a safari at the national park, a Cruise experience, meals other n water, and camp nights. A group trek to the hilltops, a deep dive into the waters, or a disco night at the club can be planned in April to expedite your plans. Best time for Honeymoon: The best time for the love birds to fly to these secluded places and plan their wedding shoots is during the Off-season from Mid-April to June end. As it’s less crowded and prices are Comparatively less for the stays and resorts. A few islands and water activities are closed due to high tides. Best time for Solo Travel: Traveling at the peak season with the most crowd would be good for hitchhiking and Safe travel for solo travelers. April and the end of September can be a great time to land on these white sands and dunes with fewer tourists and activities to take part in. FAQs 1.Do we need any special permits for Andaman? A: Local do not need any permit yet for non-Indians to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands, The permits can be obtained from the immigration office at airport, or waterways port/stations for 30 days, subject to availability of valid visa. 2.What is the weather like in Andaman? A: The temperatures an average hover from 24C-37C on in a year. 3.Cheapest flights for Andaman? A: The Flights rate range between₹ 2,880 one-way, and ₹ 6,590 for round-trip. 4. How many Islands do we get to see in Andaman? A: Out of 372 we get to see only 36. Conclusion: Andaman is beautiful all year round but more people visit
Escape to the Winter Wonderland – Auli
From snow-covered peaks to wooden huts, Auli is not less than a perfect European village. It is encircled by coniferous and oak woods, with a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks. The slopes are perfect for both expert skiers and novices. Auli has everything that an ideal tourist dreamed for like, Himalayan Views, Meadows, adventure activities, and much more. Photo by Amit Shaw on Unsplash How to reach By Air: The nearest airport to Auli is the Jolly Grant Airport, about 280 km. One can take a bus or a taxi from here to reach Auli. By Rail: The Rishikesh Railway station, 250 km away is the nearest railway station to reach Auli. By Road: Joshimath is the base point of Auli which is very well connected with all the major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh, etc. You can hire a taxi, bike, state own buses, or private buses to reach Joshimath. From Joshimath, you have to use a cable car or you can trek to reach Auli. Photo by Aniket Mandish on Unsplash Best time to visit Auli can be visited throughout the year. But, if you want to experience snow-skiing, then December to February is the best time. The deep blue winter skies, clouds surrounding the hills, with the snowy meadows all around, simply awaken your senses and your soul. However, if you want to get relief from the intense heat waves the best time to visit is from April to June. In summers, the weather remains pleasant and the snow-covered mountains turn to green meadows that offer a picturesque view of the surrounding. Here are some experiences you do not want to miss out on while in Auli. Read more about the travel experience from Auli in the blog written by Vargis Khan. Relax at Chenab Lake Chenab lake is a lesser-known artificial crystalline lake, surrounded by the lush green forests of oak and deodar, coupled with a few river streams. It has a relaxing atmosphere and is the best place for serenity, still unexplored and untouched. The area is almost inaccessible by vehicles. The best way to explore this unexploited beauty is by trekking or setting a camp amidst the greenery, making it a perfect spot for adventure. Visit Nanda Devi National Park Nanda Devi National Park is a biosphere reserve emplaced around the Nanda Devi peak. The park highlights an extraordinary assortment of widely varied flora alongside terrific presentations of nature. It gloats about the rich floral species like birch, juniper, fir, and different others that you can notice while visiting this quarter. It also has a wide fauna arrangement that incorporates panther, wild langur, earthy colored bear, Himalayan musk deer, and a few other remarkable avifauna networks. This land is a true fortune for you. Cable-Car ride from Joshimath to Auli The ropeway from Joshimath to Auli, also known as Gondola, is one of the major attractions in Auli. It is the highest and longest ropeway in India covering a distance of 4 km in 15 – 20 mins. It offers magnificent and majestic views of the Himalayas. Moving at a speed of 3 meters per second, you can enjoy the view of snow-capped peaks in front and the oak forests and verdant green meadows below. Explore Malari village Malari village, also known as the ‘Mini Tibet of Uttarakhand’ is a small village near the Indo – Tibetan border in Uttrakhand. The beauty of the mountains alongside the interesting Himalayan homes with their unique architecture in the slate roofing of old houses will leave you mesmerized. Surrounded by the snow-capped mountains, the Village is inhabited by the Indo-Mongolian tribes known as Bhotia. The valley of perfumes located near this village is home to many types of blossoms, all amounting to make for the most superb of smells. Trek to Gorson Bugyal Gorson Bugyal is a beautiful lush meadow, an ideal trekking destination, surrounded by oak forests and high mountain peaks. It is a 3 km trek from Auli, also famous for skiing. The soft grass and the mesmerizing scenery make it perfect for camping, relax in the sun by day, and sleep under the stars by night. During winters the meadow is covered in thick layers of snow attracting tourists for a winter trek, although the spring season is considered the best time for trekking here for all the greenery and scenic view it offers. Climb up Trishul Peak Trishul is a group of three Himalayan mountain peaks that are in the shape of Trident, a weapon of Lord Shiva. It is one of the most famous and challenging climbs for a trekking enthusiast, only meant for experienced trekkers and not beginners. Trishul is also popular for providing skiing slopes and is among one of the few places where skiing is practiced at a professional level. This place is also known for having the Nanda Devi national park and Roopkund, a spiritual lake at its foot. Skiing in Auli Skiing right through the snow-covered forests of the Himalayan range feels highly thrilling. Skiing is one of the foremost activities in Auli. The extensive snow blankets, and high slopes that rise to an altitude of 3 kilometers along with the strong winds lift the thrill quotient of skiing in Auli. This place is also considered as one of the world’s best skiing destinations in the world and one of the best things to do in Auli. Stroll around Chattrakund Lake Chattrakund Lake is located at a distance of about 4 kilometers from Auli in the middle of a jungle and a small sweet water lake that reflects the blue sky on sunny days. It looks astoundingly beautiful. This lake is easily reachable by road and you can spend hours dozing around it. Kuari pass trek Kuari pass has been attracting thousands of tourists from all over the country and the credit goes to its unparalleled beauty. It is surrounded by mesmerizing views
