Snuggled in the Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, Lansdowne is a hidden gem. A relatively uncharted and underrated hill-station, its cool climate and dramatic views make it a charming destination.

Lansdowne’s weather is dazzling throughout the year. It gets considerably chilly in the winter (October - March) with temperatures plummeting to 0°C. In the summer (April - June) the weather is ideal, with temperatures rising to a high of 32-37°C. The monsoon (July-September) tends to bring out the true scenic beauty of the surrounding area. However, Lansdowne can be subjected to hefty rainfall on occasion. Additionally, the Sharadotsav Festival in autumn is also an exciting time to visit Lansdowne.

Summer is the most eventful time of the year, with both local and international travellers pouring in to relish a bit of peace and seclusion amidst the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas. Additionally, summer offers crystal-clear skies and average temperatures of 15-37°C, perfect for trekking to ‘Tip n Top’ and Hawaghar, birdwatching at the Kalagarh Tiger Reserve or even boating on the Kho River.

Summer also attracts visitors with its festivals, most notably The Mahashivratri Festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. The entire town comes to a halt, taking sanctum in prayer and creating a unique experience. The Tarkeshwar Mahadeva Temple is the most renowned temple, where the heart of the festivities take place.

On occasion, Lansdowne is known to experience heavy monsoons, with incessant rainfall and foggy skies causing reduced visibility for travellers. Rainfall in and around Lansdowne also results in hostile road conditions or landslides, making it avoidable for most visitors. The temperature tends to average between 24-29°C. However, during light showers, visitors are in for a visual delight. The surrounding area is blanketed in dew during first light and the oak and blue pine forests shimmer with beauty.

The winter season in Lansdowne is another tourist favourite, with temperatures between 0-24°C. Jaw dropping views of the snow-capped Himalayas in all their might, in addition to the old-world charm of the town being coated with white snow, makes for an ideal Christmas celebration. Nevertheless, temperatures do tend to dip to the sub-zero range and carrying suitable apparel is suggested. There tends to be continuous snowfall from October to January. Travelling to Lansdowne during the onset of winter is also recommended as it tends to be less risky.