What more? Are you already yearning to know more? Read this article to discover 5 reasons why you should visit the mountains this winter. We try to list reasons that go beyond the point of tourism and touch points that you know, but have forgotten in the hustle of your daily life.
1. Stunning Views
As the winter sets in the mountains, slow and steady, tightening its gentle grip over everything, one can’t help but notice the pace of life slowing down a bit. Nights start to get longer, days get shorter and folks in the mountains organize their life around the daylight. The people of the mountains arrange wood and set up heaters in the months of November and December to welcome the snow that grace the valleys in months of January and February. Snow falls in silence, covering the leaves of the trees and entire valleys. As far as you can see, it is colour white. And what a joy to behold when sunrays fall on the snow. In the distance are the mammoths: the great mountains standing in their full glory, covered in white. One is filled with joy, sometimes ecstatic joy, because the cold of the snow and warmth of the sun make you feel more alive than usual. One is inspired and humbled by the sheer scale of the mountains. This deserves a photo, right?
2. Prioritise the Self
Commotion and noise slows down a bit during the winter. People plan their activities during the days when there is an ample amount of sunshine to keep warm. The chaos of daily life reduces a bit and there is much space for the self. One can prioritise their creative and health pursuits. Whether you are a seasoned artist or an aspiring one, winter offers you the space to follow this pursuit. Get comfortable in your room or in the many cafes serving soothing hot chocolates to sit with your book or laptop to jot down your creative thoughts. Nature gives you enough space to create and find inspiration to get to the depths of your being to enrich your art.
Also Read: Winter Artist Residency Program
3. Less Crowded, More Authenticity
Most of the hill stations are less crowded during the winter months. Take, for example, Mcleodganj and Dharamkot in Dharamshala region. This place is generally filled with the tourists from the neighbouring Indian cities of Chandigarh and Delhi given its proximity to the places. Come winter, people and traffic get low. It offers the winter traveller an opportunity to see and witness the authentic mountain culture. One can spot the locals sitting around the tea shops and cafes engaged in tea and conversations. The streets and cafes are empty. It is the perfect time to go on walks and visit the cafes which are usually crowded during the peak seasons. Winter offers you space and time to explore local sights and delights in peace. Most of the hill stations are quiet and serene during winters.
4. Affordability
When the crowd gets less, demand for rooms and other facilities go down, the prices also come down. It is more affordable to visit the mountains, avail amazing properties at fine rates and get greater value for money. The flight charges get low and other activities like sightseeing also get cheaper given that service providers wish to provide their services at low prices during the lean seasons. Even tour guides charge fine prices and are able to deliver better experiences during the off-season.
Also Read: 5 Days Art of Wheel Throwing Workshop
5. Heath Benefits
It is not just about the stunning views, winters come with a gift of great health. But how?
● Cold air is good for the brain as it improves cognitive performance. The body needs to work harder than usual to maintain the core body temperature in the winter leading to enhanced supply of blood and oxygen to the brain. Moderately cold air enhances the focus.
● A cold is good for cardiovascular health. To beat the lethargy and stay active, we indulge in small walks and hikes. This helps the heart to stay healthy. In moderate winter, the heart has to work a little harder than usual to maintain the optimum body temperature.
● Good for sleep: Shorter days and longer nights make the body produce more melatonin. Melatonin helps to sleep better. Usually in the winters, the core body temperature drops faster as compared to the summers, this helps us sleep better.
● Skin health gets better as it gets radiant and vibrant. If one engages in any kind of physical activity, the blood flow to the face increases and the skin looks fresher than usual.
Now that you’ve read the benefits of visiting the mountains in the winter, let us know in the comments below if you are planning a visit this winter. If yes, where?