Where to See Snowfall in India: Top 10 Winter Destinations
Snowfall in India
Witnessing live snowfall is one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime. The curiosity to stand under the snow shower grows even more if you have spend most of your life in the plains or the southern part of the country.
So, where can we visit to see snowfall for the very first time? Well, The Upper North India or as we say the Lower and Trans-Himalayan region receives snow throughout winter. From December onwards to March end, all visible to the eyes is white powdery snow. As soon as the temperature hits below freezing level, it starts snowing.
To enjoy Snowfall in India, there are various tourist attractions to visit in Winter. Starting with the Ladakh to Gulmarg in Jammu Kashmir, Auli in Uttarakhand and Delhousie in Himachal Pradesh, there are a number of snow place options.
Here, not can you experience a magical snowfall, but also engage in a number of snow activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, skating, sledging, etc.
Needless to say, the best time to visit these places for snow is in winter, from December to March However, the best of snowfall is experienced in the peak cold months of January and February.
01. Gulmarg
Gulmarg: Gulmarg in Jammu Kashmir has to top the list as one of the best snowfall places in India. It is one of those towns of Kashmir Kashmir where the first snowfall of the season is experienced. As winter progresses, the entire town gets blanketed in thick white snow, making snowfall in Gulmarg a truly magical sight.
You have a lifetime opportunity to catch a live snowfall here, and play in the snow with your family and friends.
It is a sought-after winter destination. It has attained glocal recognition as a popular attraction for an adventurous getaway.
While many winter sports are available here, skiing in Gulmarg is a must-do. With a range of snow slopes and ski resorts like Kongdoori, Apharwat Peak and Mary’s Shoulder, you are in for a unforgettable experience.
Gulmarg is only 50 kilometres away from Srinagar, hence catering easy accessibility.
02. Manali
Manali is a beautiful town located in the foothills of Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh.
Tourists come to Manali throughout the year but the best time would be from November to February when you can enjoy snowfall and winter sports.
A number of activities awaits you in the city such as skiing, snow tubing, zip lining etc.
As you visit Manali in winter for snowfall, the city is coloured in celebrations of different festivals such as the Winter Festival Carnival, Lohri, etc. Visit Solang Valley, Marhi, located nearby for added experience.
Plan a thrilling road trip to Manali from the National Capital City of Delhi via NH 1 and NH21.
03. Auli
There are so many holiday attractions where you enjoy snowfall in India. Auli is among the top one, located in Garhwal hills in the Uttarakhand state.
Heavy snowfall is experienced from December to March. The snow becomes powdery and thick, creating perfect slopes.
Auli is particularly famous for various adrenaline inducing activities. Skiing is the most picked one among adventure enthusiasts. If you’re thinking about skiing in India, Auli is easily one of the top choices. The range of terrains, suitable for both beginners as well experienced skiers, highly developed infrastructure, and skiing schools makes it one of the most visited winter destinations of our country.
The best and most ideal way to reach Auli is by taking an overnight bus to Rishikesh from Delhi. From Rishikesh, book a shared cab to Joshimath. It would take around 8 hours. Now, it’s time to reach Auli from Joshimath via the second largest cable car in India. The ride duration is of around 22 minutes, covering 16 kilometres.
04. Sikkim
While snowfall in India is mostly concised to the Upper Northern region, you can also witness snowfall in the northeastern state of Sikkim.
In the popular cities like Gangtok, temperature during winter ranges somewhere between 2°C to 7°C during daytime. At night, it drops down to -5°C. Various corners receive occasional snowfall from December to early February.
If you are looking to enjoy snow in the early winter or November, visit the Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake. They receive early snowfall due to being located in the higher altitudes. By peak winter in January, the entire state including Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, are covered in snow.
Sports like skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, camping, paragliding are readily enjoyed by adventure enthusiasts in Sikkim.
The state celebrates many festivals during the winter season such as Losar, Bumchu Festival, Sonam Lhhochar, etc.
05.Ladakh
Ladakh is one of the best places for snowfall in India. Due to its location in the alpine regions of Himalayas, the entire landscape turns into a winter wonderland.
In Ladakh, cold season starts from November itself and as soon as the December month starts, it starts snowing here. The best time to visit Leh Ladakh for snowfall is from December onwards when the snow blankets the region.
While Leh city receives moderate snowfall, the valleys in the upper regions experience heaviest snowfall. Nubra Valley, Sham Valley, Zanskar Valley are enveloped in white snow all over. Alpine lakes like Pangong, Tso Moriri are completely frozen to ice.
Enjoying live snowfall isn’t the only activity available here. Among the best treks in Ladakh, the Chadar trek stands out as one of the most adventurous, where you get a chance to walk on the frozen Zanskar river.
To reach Ladakh, book your air tickets to the Leh Airport, and have a comfortable journey to the Land of High Passes.
06. Shimla
We all have dreamed of visiting Shimla in winters at least once in our life. Well, if you want to see Snowfall in India, it is the suitable choice.
Shimla is popularly known as the Queen of Hills and is also the capital of state of Himachal Pradesh.
In the cold season of Winter, the city is covered in white blanket of snow. People from all over the country are seen enjoying live snowfall and activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledging, etc. The city is highly crowded throughout the winter.
Some popular places to see Snowfall in Manali are Kufri, Narkanda, Mashobra, etc. They are in close proximity to the city.
Do book your accommodation in Manali beforehand as the peak season often results in pre-booking of the hotels.
07. Sonamarg
Apart from Gulmarg and Pahalgam, Sonamarg in winter is another magical hill station in Kashmir where you can experience snowfall. Similarly, the first snow of the season is experienced here as well.
The popular local attraction to visit in Sonmarg for snowfall is Thajiwas Glacier where you can play with the snow and build sandcastles and snowmen.
Another place to visit in Sonmarg is the Nilagrad river. With reddish colour, it is frozen in winter and fun activities like ice-skating are available here, offered by the locals.
Don’t forget to bring a camera to click postcard perfect pictures in Sonmarg as the Valley of Golden Light is stunning in winter.
08. Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti, a serene hill station in Uttarakhand, becomes a winter wonderland when snowfall blankets the town.
The snowfall usually starts in December and continues until February, covering the tall deodar and oak trees in a soft, white layer.
The peaceful surroundings, combined with the fresh, crisp air, create a magical atmosphere. Visitors from nearby cities come here to witness the snow, enjoy scenic views, and experience the quiet beauty of nature.
The snow-covered paths invite travelers to take leisurely walks, while adventure lovers can try activities like trekking and camping.
The Eco Park and Surkanda Devi Temple look especially beautiful during this season.
Watching snowflakes gently fall to the ground is a mesmerizing sight that leaves visitors in awe.
The charm of Dhanaulti’s snowfall lies in its simplicity, offering a perfect winter retreat for anyone seeking peace and natural beauty away from the crowded tourist spots.
09. Dalhousie
Snowfall in Dalhousie is a magical experience, attracting tourists from all over the country.
Located in Himachal Pradesh, this hill station transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder months, especially from December to February.
The mountains, trees, and roads get covered with a thick blanket of snow, creating a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere.
The chilly air, snowflakes gently falling from the sky, and white landscapes make it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
People enjoy activities like snowball fights, building snowmen, and trekking through the snowy trails.
Popular spots like Khajjiar, known as “Mini Switzerland of India,” and Dainkund Peak look stunning during snowfall.
The sight of snow-capped peaks and the calm surroundings provide a refreshing break from busy city life. If you want to experience the charm of winter and snowfall, Dalhousie is a must-visit destination during the winter season.
10. Pahalgam
Pahalgam is another beautiful town of Jammu and Kashmir, a perfect place to enjoy Snowfall in India. While Pahalgam is generally visited during the balmy summer months for trekking and river rafting, Pahalgam in winter offers a completely different charm.
While Pahalgam is generally visited in the balmy weather of Summer for trekking and river rafting, winter visits are a different experience.
Like the rest of the valley, “Meadows of Shepherd”, Pahalgam also receives heavy snowfall for the entire winter season.
In Pahalgam a must visit local attraction would be the Aru Valley. It is located at a distance of about 12 kilometres from the main town. Apart from a beautiful valley to enjoy snowfall, it is well-suited for beginner skiers. There are many ski schools with skilled instructors to teach you the basics of skiing. Since the snow slopes formed here are smooth and trailed, it is quite popular among the adventure buffs. In and around Aru Valley, there are many lakes and rivers that are frozen in winters. You can explore them and spend some time nearby.
More places to enjoy snowing in Pahalgam include the Betaab Valley, Chandanwari, Baisaran valley and Strawberry Valley.
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FAQ's
The best months to see snowfall in India are December, January, February and March. Different hill stations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Auli, Manali, Delhousie are covered in white snow throughout the winter.
While it is difficult to mention just one place, winter destinations like Gulmarg, Ladakh Auli, Manali, Sonmarg, Sikkim are some of the most famous in India to see Snowfall.
The coldest snow in India is received in the Drass region of Ladakh. It is the second coldest inhabited place in the world.
The States of Jammu and Kashmir (Ladakh, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg), Himachal Pradesh (Manali, Kufri, Spiti Valley) and Uttarakhand (Auli and Munsiyari) have the most snow.
Drass, located in the Kargil district of Ladakh, is the coldest city in India. The temperature goes as low as -50°C during winter nights.
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