With Christmas around the corner, everyone is looking for some holiday magic to enjoy the snow with their loved ones and family. If you are planning a trip and looking for the best snowfall places in India, you would be shocked to know that the list is endless. These places are undoubtedly located in the northern parts of the country and mostly fall under states like Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, West Bengal, and Himachal Pradesh.
The Best Snowfall Places to Visit in India
If you are looking for snow in India while planning your next vacation, here is a comprehensive state-wise list of all the mindblowing and marvellous destinations you can choose from.
1. Kashmir- Ladakh, Sunmarg, and Gulmarg
Kashmir is popularly known as heaven on Earth. The most common places that tourists visit in Kashmir include Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam. Among these, Gulmarg and Sonmarg receive the most snowfall from December to February, even though some parts of Kashmir start receiving snowfall in late October. All three destinations are excitingly attractive to anyone looking to enjoy some snowfall. You can enjoy Gondola rides and snow activities like skiing and snowboarding.
Another popular travel destination in Kashmir includes Ladakh. Ladakh is a breathtakingly beautiful travel destination that receives the first snows during early December and continues to have picturesque snowfalls all through January.
2. Uttarakhand- Auli, Munsiyari, Almora, Dhanaulti, Nainital, Mussoorie, Chopta, and Hemkund Sahib
Auli, one of the hidden gems when it comes to the best snowfall places in India, is located in Uttarakhand and has gorgeous views of the Nanda Devi mountain range that you can enjoy while skiing. It is among the top places in India for skiing and also hosts a series of skiing festivals and competitions.
Munsiyari in the Kumaon region is another offbeat destination where you can find snow in India. It is also known as Little Kashmir and acts as a gateway to Johar Valley. You can either choose to immerse yourself in adventure sports and hot springs or venture out to try to get a glimpse of the famous snow leopards of the area.
Among the more popular travel destinations is Nainital which is not just extremely well connected via roadways and railways but also offers a wide range of accommodation. Unlike offbeat destinations, this is both safer and easier to travel with family children and older parents.
Like Nainital, Mussoorie is yet another destination that attracts tourists all around the year. While people rush to Mussoorie to take a breath of fresh cold air during the summers, winters mostly consist of tourists who want to enjoy the snow-covered view of this famous historical and cultural city.
Every traveller has a different drive and Uttarakhand has something for everyone. If you are looking for India’s trekking paradise there is no better place than Chopta. It is where treks to Tunganath, Deoria tal, and Chandrashila begin and is a picturesque Hamlet where there is no lack of snowfall.
To find your snow-laden winter wonderland, where you can spend a comfortable and cosy winter vacation, you must visit Dhanaulti. Among the prettiest offbeat tourist destinations in Uttarakhand, this hidden jewel is covered with snow during the entire winter season. If you are lucky enough you will be able to experience the precious and magical snowfall during your stay.
While adventure sports and activities in the snow give you the perfect rush of adrenaline you are looking for, Hemkund Sahib offers the calmness and composure a religious place has to offer. It is named after the lake of snow because of its natural beauty and tranquillity. Unknown to most people, the highest Gurudwara in the world lies in Hemkund Sahib making it a must-visit for people looking for snow in India.
3. Sikkim- Katao and Yumthang
For anyone who can adjust to high altitudes such as 15000 feet, Katao has to be on the list of places to visit in India. Located in Sikkim, people every year rush to this small mountain village not just for skiing, trekking, and camping, but also to experience what it feels like to visit the Switzerland of Sikkim. However, you should remember that it is 150 km away from Gangtok and a visit requires a special permit from the Indian army.
If you have not visited Yumthang, the valley of flowers, this is the universe’s sign. There is an abundance of not just snow but also frozen lakes, hot springs, and acres of rhododendron flowers.
4. Arunachal Pradesh- Tawang
It is impossible to list down places to find snow in India and not include the gorgeous virgin North East India that lies for discovery. Tawang located in Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most important places any adventure and travel enthusiast should visit once in their lifetime. It has a 400-year-old monastery alongside breathtaking waterfalls and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Spend your vacation munching on thukpa, dumplings, and other local cuisines in one of the most beautiful places in the country.
5. Himachal Pradesh- Shimla and Manali
If there is a travel hotspot when it comes to snow in India it has to be Shimla and Manali. The historical, architectural, and natural attractions of Shimla and Manali require no introductions. Shimla is commonly known as “the summer capital of British India”, “Queen of Hills”, and also “the honeymoon capital of India.” Unlike most destinations in Northern India, both Manali and Shimla are extremely accessible through various means of transport and due to their popularity, they offer both budget and luxury accommodations.
Things to Remember While Visiting Snowfall Places in India
Here are some things to remember while visiting snowfall places in India.
- Carry waterproof winter gear with multiple layers.
- Beware of altitude sickness.
- Check for permits and documents required.
- Book tickets and hotel accommodations beforehand to avoid surge prices and unavailability.
Conclusion
Even though India has a tropical climate and is not particularly known for its snowy Christmas, there are innumerable magical travel destinations where snow can be found.