As Gaddi Shepherds Gets Stuck in Snow, Tourists Discover Offbeat Snow Destinations in Himachal Pradesh
April 2025 has thrown an unexpected twist in Himachal Pradesh’s weather narrative, halting the centuries-old transhumance of the Gaddi shepherds — but also revealing a trail of offbeat snow-laden destinations that are now catching the eye of curious travellers.
❄️ Gaddi Migration Disrupted by Rare April Snow
Every year, the nomadic Gaddi community — guardians of an ancient Himalayan pastoral tradition — makes its spring journey from the lower districts of Una, Bilaspur, Kangra, and Hamirpur to alpine pastures in Bara Bhangal, Chamba, and Lahaul-Spiti. But in 2025, the rhythm is broken.
A surprise wave of snowfall in the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges has stalled their movement. Thamsar Pass, the crucial 18,000-ft-high gateway to Bara Bhangal, is still buried under four feet of snow. Stranded in makeshift camps in Jia Kandwari, Utrala, Baijnath, Chamunda, and Sansal, many shepherds are now grappling with dwindling supplies and the loss of livestock — including a tragic lightning strike that killed 150 sheep near Baijnath just days ago.
For the Gaddis, the snow has brought hardship. But for intrepid travellers and snow lovers, it has quietly transformed this stretch of Himachal into a serene alternative to Shimla or Manali.
🏔️ Offbeat Snow Destinations Emerging in the Wake
📍 Jia, Chamunda & Baijnath – Snow Under the Pines
Typically bypassed by tourists headed to Dharamshala or Bir, the countryside around Jia Kandwari, Chamunda Devi, and Baijnath now lies blanketed in spring snow. These villages, tucked into the Kangra Dhauladhar foothills, offer:
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Snow-lined cedar and pine forests
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Quiet monasteries and ancient temples
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Local markets with Gaddi woollens and dried mountain herbs
For those seeking quiet Himalayan charm with snow, this belt presents a gentle, immersive winter experience — without the Shimla-Manali crowds.
📍 Utrala & Panjala – Gateway to Snow Trails
Once just a shepherd waypoint, Utrala (base for Thamsar Pass) now emerges as a miniature snow station in April. Surrounded by oak and deodar, this belt offers:
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Unmarked trails in the mid-altitude snow zone
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Temporary shepherd shelters and livestock hamlets
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Vistas of the blocked Thamsar ridge dusted with fresh snow
Hikers and photographers keen on raw, off-season snowscapes can follow Gaddi migration trails here, often meeting stranded shepherds and learning about their struggle and resilience.
📍 Sansal & Deol – Alpine Quietude Near Palampur
Near Sansal, highland ridges reveal snow-softened meadows where the Gaddis have paused with their herds. With the backdrop of the snow-capped Dhauladhar, it’s a region that blends:
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Gaddi life and landscapes
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Rustic homes and frozen water channels
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Birdsong breaking the stillness of snow
Perfect for travellers who want to experience snow without long treks or elevation sickness.
🐏 A Glimpse into the Gaddi World
Travellers visiting these snow-affected villages can also witness snippets of Gaddi transhumance culture:
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Wool weaving by hand in village homes
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Camps with sheep huddled beneath pine shelters
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Folk stories of migration, weather, and mountain spirits
With growing interest in community-based and cultural tourism, some Gaddi families have even begun hosting travellers in their homes — sharing meals, stories, and snow-survival tips.
🚫 Travel Advisory
While the snow adds mystique, these zones remain rural and weather-sensitive:
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Access may be limited after heavy snowfall or rainfall
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Some trails and roads like Utrala–Bara Bhangal remain closed till May or June
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Visitors should check with local authorities and forest officials before attempting hikes or remote travel
🌨️ A New Season of Snow Travel?
With Himachal’s climate becoming increasingly erratic, April snowfall may not remain an anomaly. For those willing to explore beyond the usual circuits, this offers a new season of travel — offbeat, snowy, and deeply local.
As the Gaddis wait patiently for their journey to resume, travellers may discover a different Himachal — one where off-season snow meets age-old tradition, and silence drapes the forested valleys with a beauty unspoiled by tourism.
