You call this winter? 5 really cold winter travel destinations

In the UK, the approach of winter is greeted with a groan. The problem with British winters though is that they tend to be not cold enough – just grey, drizzly and windy. Given that we have to face winter, TravelLocal thinks that it makes sense to embrace it and aspire to a proper winter with beautiful snowy landscapes and crisp winter days. Here we present a few of our top winter travel destinations to enjoy the cold.

Winter travel destinations

1. The Harbin Ice Festival, China. With temperatures down to -30 degrees, winter in Harbin is harsh. Lucky then that they have one of the world’s most renowned ice sculpture festivals to buoy them through the winter – and what a festival. Featuring hundreds of huge, complex, colourfully lit sculptures, the festival lasts over a month.
2. The Great Wall, Beijing. Up on the Great Wall of China, it can be icy cold in winter – but the wall snaking across a snowbound landscape is a view you will remember for ever – and one you’ll likely have to yourself too.
3. The Kumaon Himalayas, India. If you’re going to visit the mountains, then winter can be a great time. Crisp winter days mean the views are superb, while the lower temperatures make for more comfortable walking.
4. Mongolia. You need to be hardy to stand a visit to Mongolia in winter. Temperatures are consistently down to -20 degrees. If you do you’ll be rewarded with beautiful snowy landscapes, ice, eagle and camel festivals, and a warm welcome from the locals – who see hardly any visitors at this time of year.
5. Almaty, Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan’s main city can seem a little drab and ‘Soviet’, but really comes alive in winter. The nearby ski resort of Shymbulak has great views and is certainly somewhere a little different to indulge in a spot of skiing.

Make it happen

Check out our China and India pages for some wonderful wintry ideas. All our trips are private and can be tailor-made to your requirements and dates.