India is home to some of the most stunning snow destinations, offering everything from thrilling adventure sports to peaceful winter retreats. If you’re dreaming of snow-covered landscapes, frozen lakes, and cozy mountain stays, here are the best places in India to experience snowfall.
Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir – The Skiing Paradise
Gulmarg is India’s top winter destination, known for its powdery snow, thrilling slopes, and breathtaking scenery. Located in Jammu & Kashmir, it’s perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and gondola rides.
Best Experiences:
- Ride the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, for panoramic snowy views. The first phase takes you from Gulmarg to Kongdoi, and the second connects to Alpather Lake.
- Enjoy skiing and snowboarding on world-class slopes.
- Try snow trekking to Alpather Lake, which freezes completely in winter. Located at 4390 m at the foot of the twin Apharwat Peaks, it is surrounded by mountainous ranges and green meadows carpeted with blooming flowers.
- Experience the magic of snowfall while sipping Kahwa (Kashmiri tea) by a cozy fireplace.
- Play golf at the highest golf course in the world in Gulmarg at a height of 2,650 metres (8,690 ft) above sea level. Though it started as a 6-hole golf course in 1890, it now stands at 18.
Best Time to Visit: December to February
Manali, Himachal Pradesh – The Perfect Winter Getaway
Manali offers stunning snow-covered mountains and adventurous winter sports. Lying at the northern end of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, at 2,050 m (6,398 ft) in the Himalayas, on the Beas River (Vyaas in Hindi), this winter wonderland is a picturesque paradise. Tourists flock to the nearby Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass.
Best Experiences:
- Go for paragliding, skiing, and snowboarding in Solang Valley.
- Visit Rohtang Pass at 3979 m (13,050 ft) above sea level for endless adventures and breathtaking views.
- Enjoy a peaceful snow trek to Hampta Pass or Lama Dugh Meadow.
- Relax in the hot water springs of Vashisht, surrounded by icy peaks.
- Visit the Beas Kud, an igloo-shaped temple.
- Enjoy a few minutes of silence inside the Buddhist monasteries.
Best Time to Visit: December to March
Auli, Uttarakhand – India’s Hidden Ski Resort
Auli, nestled in Uttarakhand, is one of the best places for skiing in India. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, Auli offers untouched beauty and some of the finest snowy landscapes.
Best Experiences:
- Experience skiing on some of the best slopes in India.
- Take a ride on the Auli Ropeway, one of the longest cable cars in Asia.
- Embark on a trek to Gurso Bugyal, which is about 3 km from Auli. This beautiful meadow is covered in a thick blanket of snow in winter, and in summer, it transforms into a lush green landscape. Beginners can also enjoy a trek to Nanda Devi, located about 1.5 km from the last ropeway station.
- Marvel at the surreal views of Chattrakund, a lake surrounded by picturesque scenery.
- Don’t miss a visit to Joshimath, a charming hill town nearby.
- Explore the stunning waters of Auli Lake, the highest artificial lake in the world.
Best Time to Visit: December to February.
Shimla & Kufri, Himachal Pradesh – Classic Snow Experience
Shimla, the Queen of Hill Stations, and its nearby town Kufri are among the most accessible places to experience snowfall in North India. These destinations are perfect for families and honeymooners.
Best Experiences:
- Enjoy snowfall at Kufri, just a short drive from Shimla.
- Try ice skating at Shimla’s open-air ice-skating rink.
- Take a scenic ride on the Toy Train through snow-covered pine forests.
- Walk along the Mall Road, enjoying the snow-covered colonial architecture.
Best Time to Visit: December to February
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – Snowy Beauty in the Northeast
Tawang, a hidden gem in Northeast India, turns into a snowy paradise in winter. With its Buddhist monasteries, frozen lakes, and pristine landscapes, it’s perfect for a peaceful winter escape.
Best Experiences:
- See the spectacular Sela Pass and Madhuri Lake, surrounded by white mountains at 4000 meters above sea level.
- Experience Tawang’s snowfall, a rare sight in Northeast India.
- Explore the snow-covered Bum La Pass, a high-altitude border post.
- The Tawang Monastery, a Tibetan Buddist Gompa of the Gelugpa sect is the second largest in the world.
- The Tawang War Memorial is an impressive Indian Army memorial commemorating those who died in the 1962 Chinese invasion.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
India offers some of the most magical snow destinations, from the skiing slopes of Gulmarg and Auli to the snowfall-covered landscapes of Manali and Tawang. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or just someone who loves the charm of snow, these places will give you a true winter wonderland experience. So, pack your woolens, snow boots, and cameras, and get ready to experience the magic of snow in India!
