Chamoli: As temperatures plunge to sub-zero levels in Uttarakhand’s hills amid rains and snowfall, tourists are flocking to Niti Valley in Chamoli district to witness the frozen rivers, streams, and waterfalls despite the severe cold. The freezing of these water bodies has captivated visitors, who are thrilled by the sight.
In response to the influx of tourists, many shops and homestays have opened in the area, providing accommodations and amenities to enhance their experience. The picturesque frozen landscapes and the warm hospitality of the locals are making Niti Valley a popular destination during this cold spell which is located in Jyotirmath tehsil of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand.
The number of tourists is flocking to Niti valley
Despite the biting cold, tourists are eagerly taking selfies near the frozen waterfalls. Currently, visitors from Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and other regions are flocking to the valley. People from the entire valley come for their winter stay, unlike in previous years when villagers were seldom seen in the valley at this time.
Shops and homestays are open in villages around
The surge in tourism has led to the opening of shops in many villages of Niti Valley. Nowadays, shops and homestays are open in several villages, including Gamshali and Malari, ensuring that tourists have no trouble finding food, drinks, and accommodation. Situated at an altitude of 3,600 meters, Niti Valley is located 80 km from Jyotirmath and 147 km from the district headquarters in Gopeshwar.
Increased cold and snowfall in Uttarakhand
Amid festivities of Christmas and New Year, the cold has intensified in Uttarakhand. The plains experienced a notable chill due to a cold wave triggered by snowfall and rain in the hilly districts on Monday. The drizzle in the plains caused a sharp drop in temperature, while the sky remained overcast throughout the day. Heavy snowfall occurred in the high-altitude areas of Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, and Tehri. Additionally, Chakrata and Mussoorie in the Dehradun district witnessed the season’s second snowfall. This led to increased cold from the mountains to the plains.
Temperatures and snowfall
The minimum temperature in Badrinath reached -8 degrees Celsius, while the maximum was -3 degrees. In Niti Valley, temperatures ranged from a maximum of -6 degrees to a minimum of -11 degrees. Gangotri experienced a low of -19 degrees, and Kedarnath recorded a temperature of -11 degrees.
Today’s forecast
There is a possibility of rain and snowfall in the hilly districts today. According to the forecast issued by the Meteorological Center, light rain and snowfall are expected in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Almora, Champawat, and Nainital, including the mountainous areas of Dehradun.
