With the onset of winters in the northern plains, you will be greeted with harsh and extreme climatic conditions. For some, this is an opportunity to leave the extreme and dry cold weather and move to the hills in order to experience the fresh, pure, and unadulterated Himalayan winter. Waking up each day to the sight of the glorious Himalayas and experiencing the magical snowfall, a visit to these snow-capped hills will definitely be an experience of a lifetime. You will be able to indulge in fun activities like skiing and snow trekking, or you may simply relax, sit back, and give yourself some much-deserved time off.
Here are a few places in India where you can experience snowfall just like in fairy tales:
When someone mentions snowfall in India, the tranquil hill station of Gulmarg comes to mind. With snow-laden alpine trees, a refreshing environment, and some of the most stunning flowers, wintertime in Gulmarg seems nothing less than a winter wonderland. The refreshing ambiance and rejuvenating air make it the perfect spot for snow-related adventure sports like skiing, snow trekking, and experiencing Asia’s largest and the world’s second-largest cable car project.
This is probably one of your best bets if you don’t want to miss out on experiencing snow in India this winter. This trek will take you on a mesmerizing journey through steep mountains, snow-covered paths, and almost vertical cliffs reaching up to a height of 600 meters. Not only will you experience magical snowfall, but you will also be walking on a frozen lake of the Zanskar River (a tributary of the Indus). The best time to go on this trek is when the entire region is frozen, i.e., between January and February.
The scenic hill town of Auli is known as the most popular skiing destination in India. Particularly popular during the winter months, when the Bugyals of Auli are covered in a thick layer of stark white snow. The region also witnesses a large number of pilgrims on their sacred Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand who are looking to visit the holy shrine of Badrinath, located in close proximity to Auli. These undulating meadows are then converted into a paradise for skiing enthusiasts. Other than skiing, you can also indulge in other adventure activities like trekking in the nearby regions. Located at an elevation of 2,800 meters above sea level, Auli also has an artificial lake, which is one of the must-visit destinations there.
People generally visit Manali in winter as one of the best options for a summer getaway since the temperature remains pleasant and comfortable. However, if you want to experience the Himalayan snowfall, visiting Manali during the winter months of December to January or even early February is advised. Being a popular holiday destination for families and friends, there are a number of snow activities like sledding, skiing, zorbing, snow tubing, snow scooter rides, and so much more. Experiencing the snow in Manali should definitely be on your bucket list.
Situated in the stunning and picturesque district of Chamoli at an elevation of 5,029 meters above sea level, and known for its dense forests, undulating surrounding meadows, and panoramic views of the majestic snow-clad mountain peaks like Trishul and Nanda Devi, which overlook this clear high-altitude glacial lake, Roopkund is one of the most loved winter treks in Uttarakhand. Also known as the Mystery or the Human Skeleton Lake, the lake is surrounded by grey loose rocks and has gathered international attention for its skeletal findings, believed to be the remains of people killed in an unexpected hailstorm.
Sitting at an elevation of 3,048 meters above sea level in the tranquil and peaceful state of Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang is undeniably one of the most serene and rejuvenating winter destinations in India. With the arrival of winter, the entire town of Tawang gets covered in a magical blanket of fresh white snow, turning this historically rich destination into a complete winter wonderland. Spending your winter vacation in Tawang is a great way to utilize your holidays, as you’ll be greeted with clear blue skies, stark white snow, and pleasant people who will welcome you with a smile.
Literally translating to ‘source of a lake’ in the Bhutia language, Tsomgo Lake is situated on the eastern end of the stunning northeastern state of Sikkim. Sitting at an elevation of 3,753 meters above sea level, this high-altitude glacial lake is one of the prime attractions, as it is highly revered by spiritual Buddhist monks and the local Sikkimese population. It is a sight to behold during the winter months when the entire region gets blanketed in snow. The oval-shaped lake covers a surface area of almost 60 acres and is the venue for the grand celebration of Guru Purnima.
Also referred to as the ‘Meadow of Gold’, this pristine hill station is located at a scenic distance of 80 km from Srinagar. Sonamarg is responsible for giving rise to the famous and glorious ‘three sisters’ of Kashmir. Wintertime in Sonamarg results in the complete blanketing of the entire valley, making it look like Lapland in Finland. The Himalayan glaciers, namely Kolahoi Glacier and Machoi Glacier, lay close to this valley and consist of massive peaks. Surrounded by scenic, snow-capped mountains, and with clear blue water snaking through the valley, Sonamarg is truly every traveler’s paradise.
By the end of the year, as the New Year approaches, the hill town of Himachal Pradesh turns into a snowy magical land and is one of the best places to experience the chills of the Himalayas. This place is typically crowded with tourists during the summer months who visit to beat the heat. However, during the winter months, it turns into a snowy dreamland, looking like a mini Switzerland with its gothic churches and alpine trees.
Named after the Earl of Dalhousie, this place is located in the vibrant district of Chamba and offers some of the most stunning views of the snow-clad peaks. Spanning across 5 different hills at an elevation of 1,970 meters above sea level, Dalhousie is not only an ideal summer retreat but also allows you to savor some of the most iconic sights of the surrounding hills. People visit this place as part of their pilgrimage journeys and to explore Hindu culture, art, handicrafts, and so much more. Road access to Dalhousie gets completely encapsulated in fresh white snow, offering ethereal views of its surroundings.
Placed at an elevation of 2,708 meters above sea level and on the Hindustan-Tibet road, the snowy wonderland of Narkanda is located 65 km from Shimla and is overlooked by the snow-capped peaks of the Shivalik Ranges. This hill town is visited by tourists from various parts of India to experience the wonderful Himalayan winter days when the temperatures can drop as low as -10°C. People experience soulful snowfall during these months, and the entire region gets covered in a thick sheet of snow.
The homely and quaint hamlet of Munsiyari is located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, nestled in the lap of the snow-capped Himalayas. Perched at an elevation of 2,298 meters above sea level, and lovingly known as ‘Little Kashmir’, Munsiyari is every travel lover’s paradise. Surrounded by the magnificent views of the mighty hills of Nanda Devi, Nandakot, Rajarambha, and the Himalayas of Nepal, the tranquil ambiance of Munsiyari attracts a number of visitors from India and abroad who are looking to rejuvenate themselves in the clean, snowy winter air.
The lake hill town of Nainital is considered one of the most visited destinations on the undulating hills of Uttarakhand. These graceful hills get completely covered in snow during the peak winter months, giving visitors a fun winter surprise. Holiday-goers and those looking to celebrate the New Year among the stark white snow should consider Nainital as the best option. With its magnificently glimmering blue lake, Nainital is an oasis of opportunities for people looking to explore this snowy winter destination. There’s no dearth of places to visit in and around Nainital, including the numerous lakes.
Located in the district of Udhampur, above sea level and close to the Chenab River, this place is blessed with wholesome snowfall every winter. During this time, the entire region gets completely covered in white snow, turning everything into a white dreamland. Being a focal point for snowfalls, the region gets blanketed during the winter months, which also causes some delays to the influx of tourists. The pleasing views that Patnitop has to offer seem like something out of a movie, making it an ideal destination for honeymooners and peace-seekers.
Situated at an elevation of 3,978 meters above sea level, this pass serves as a natural divide between the Kullu Valley and the arid landscape of Lahaul Spiti Valley. This higher region of Manali remains covered in snow year-round, and during winter, more snow is added to this white wonder. People flock to this place hoping to witness snowfall and indulge in fun snow activities like snowball fights and building snowmen. The pass is open for visitation from May to November when you can easily encounter a lot of snow and sometimes even experience a peaceful snowfall.
Situated just 24 km from the iconic and peaceful destination of Dalhousie, Khajjiar is a popular tourist destination for people looking to escape the summer heat, as well as those wanting to experience the Himalayan winter. Located at an elevation of 2,000 meters above sea level and surrounded by thick, thriving green cover that turns into a snowy paradise, Khajjiar should definitely be visited during the winter months if you want to experience snowfall amidst nature.
Spiti, located in the northeastern part of Himachal Pradesh, is known for its cold desert mountain landscape. The place’s surreal and snowy landscape gets covered in snow during the winter months, and this increases the beauty of this valley exponentially. The entire region provides a peaceful retreat to travelers looking for some solitude, along with snow-capped peaks and ancient monasteries, giving this place a spiritual and mystical aura. Visiting this valley during snowfall offers a combination of winter beauty and peace.
India’s snow-covered destinations offer a magical winter experience, from the serene lakes of Tawang to the adventurous slopes of Gulmarg. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or simply looking to relax amidst snowy landscapes, these spots provide the perfect getaway. Embark on a winter vacation to one of these destinations and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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