Chopta
Chopta in winter (December to February) transforms into a deep-snow wonderland that is almost completely free of tourists — making it one of the best places in Uttarakhand for snow camping and world-class stargazing. The complete absence of light pollution at 2,680 metres, combined with Himalayan dry-season skies, produces Milky Way views that are among the clearest and most dramatic visible from any hill station in India. Waking up inside a snow-covered tent to a mountain sunrise is a pure, transformative experience.
Temperature at Chopta drops to –15°C in deep winter. Bring a minimum -20°C rated sleeping bag, quality base layers, and do not underestimate the cold even with a tent and fire.