Experience the world of stunning scenic views and snowfall this winter on your next trip across India. From the breathtaking valley of Yumthang, the snow-capped mountains of Auli, to the beautiful scenery of Tawang, travel to these heavenly winter wonderlands and have an adventure like no other.
Top 5 Destinations In India To Experience Snowfall This Winter
Here are five iconic winter travel destinations across India where you can experience magical snowfall and enjoy winter adventure activities. Choose from a list of serene cities like Gulmarg, Munsiyari, Yumthang, and Auli, and give your holiday a snowy twist.
1. Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli is known as the ‘Skiing Capital of India’. It is a city surrounded by a gleaming white expanse of snow, coniferous forests and oak trees. It offers majestic views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Trishul.
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Beautiful views of Auli (Image Credits: Pexels)
Elevation: Perched at an altitude of around 2,800 metres in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand
Best Time To Visit: December to March
What To Do: You can ski down the slopes with trained instructors, go on a trek to Gorson Bugyal, and enjoy the views at Auli Artificial Lake on your trip this winter.
2. Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Gulmarg, or the ‘Meadow of Flowers,’ is a traveller’s paradise blanketed in deep, powdery snow from late December through February. It lies in the Pir Panjal range and is also home to one of the world's highest operating cable cars.
Scenic snow capped mountains (Image Credits: Pexels)
Elevation: Sits at an elevation of 2,650 metres in the Kashmir region
Best Time To Visit: December to February
What To Do: You can ride the famous Gulmarg Gondola up to Apharwat Peak for breathtaking views, try snowboarding and heli-skiing, or you can choose to take a scenic sledge ride across the countryside.
3. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang connects a winter snowfall destination to a rich Buddhist monastic heritage. To reach Tawang, you need to pass through the snowbound Sela Pass, which has a mesmerising view of a frozen lake.
Winter wonderland meets history (Image Credits: Pexels)
Elevation: Nestled in the eastern Himalayas at approximately 3,048 metres
Best Time To Visit: December to February
What to Do: You can visit the historic 17th-century Tawang Monastery, enjoy the frozen waterfalls around the valley, and walk along snow-capped roads.
4. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand
Munsiyari is often referred to as ‘Little Kashmir’. It is an offbeat hill station that features up-close views of the five snow-capped Panchachuli peaks.
Snow covered mountain top views to enjoy (Image Credits: Pexels)
Elevation: Lies at the height of 2,200 to 2,298 metres in the Pithoragarh district
Best Time To Visit: Late December to Early February
What to Do: You can hike through the snow-covered trails toward Khaliya Top, watch a beautiful sunrise over white summits, and also experience the hospitality of Kumaoni village homestays during chilly winter days.
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5. Yumthang Valley, Sikkim
Yumthang Valley is known as the ‘Valley of Flowers’ during spring, but this high-altitude valley becomes a winter wonderland during the cold months. It is totally covered by snow during the winter days, with frozen lakes and extremely cold temperatures.
Breathtaking views of Yumthang Valley (Image Credits: Pexels)
Elevation: Rests at 3,564 to 3,575 metres in the North Sikkim region
Best Time To Visit: December to March
What to Do: You can go up the road to Zero Point (Yumesamdong) where roads stop against views of snow-capped mountain peaks. You can also dip your feet into natural hot springs and enjoy local hospitality in the Lachung village nearby.
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Destination | Elevation | Best Time | Top Activities |
Auli, Uttarakhand | 2,800 m | Dec – Mar | Skiing, Gorson Bugyal trek, Auli Lake views |
Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir | 2,650 m | Dec – Feb | Gondola ride, snowboarding, heli-skiing, sledging |
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh | 3,048 m | Dec – Feb | Tawang Monastery, frozen waterfalls, Sela Pass |
Munsiyari, Uttarakhand | 2,200–2,298 m | Late Dec – Early Feb | Khaliya Top trek, Panchachuli views, homestays |
Yumthang Valley, Sikkim | 3,564–3,575 m | Dec – Mar | Zero Point, natural hot springs, Lachung village |
FAQs
Which of these winter destinations is best for first-time skiers?
Auli is the best choice as a winter destination for first-time snow skiers, as it has well-graded slopes which are managed by certified instructors and the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN). Renting gear and getting lessons on skiing is fairly easy in this region.
Which snowfall destination offers the quietest, least commercialised winter experience?
Munsiyari offers the quietest and least commercial winter snowfall experience. It is an offbeat Himalayan Kumaoni hill station with quaint homestays and lesser-known trekking routes like Khaliya Top.
What is the average winter daytime temperature in these snow-laden hill stations?
Temperatures during the daytime in winter generally stay at 2 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. But at night or during storms it falls rapidly to -5 degrees Celsius to -15 degrees Celsius. Pack enough warm clothes for the stay and use heaters to keep the cold at bay.