15 Winter Destinations, That are Not Shimla or Manali, to Witness Snowfall for the Very First Time 

Cotton-soft snow flakes gently kissing your face as the entire landscape around you turns into a frosty wonderland -- this is an experience that words can barely do any justice to. This season, embark on a snowy adventure and travel to these 15 less obvious destinations that will give you winter kisses sans overwhelming crowd.

1. Binsar

Binsar is a quiet hamlet hidden away in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. If you are looking for some quiet and peaceful time away from the city, Binsar is your answer.

How to reach: Pantnagar airport is the nearest airport to Binsar, and Kathgodam Railway station is the nearest railhead to Binsar.

Places to stay: Stars & Pines and Savoy Hotel have rooms starting from INR 1300 a night.

Duration: 2-3 days

Key attractions: Binsar Hill, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Khali Estate

2. Sri Nagar

Kashmir, known as heaven on Earth, should be the idyllic destination for a romantic getaway. A perfect or even better replacement of Switzerland, Srinagar is surrounded by colourful flowers, glistening Dal Lake and snow-capped mountains. You can escape finding tranquillity and peace in the lakes of Srinagar.

How to reach: Srinagar has an airport (named Sheikh ul Alam Airport) and railway station.

Places to stay: Houseboats of Srinagar start from INR 1500 a night.

Duration of stay: 3-4 days

Key attractions: A romantic shikara ride in the Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Chashme Shahi, Hazratbal Shrine and Pari Mahal.

3. Darjeeling

Who doesn’t want to have a memorable trip against the backdrop of snowy peaks, tea gardens, monasteries, and unknown hilly trails? Sitting on the lap of the Eastern Himalayas, Darjeeling is one of the best winter destinations in India.

How to reach: Bagdogra in Siliguri is the nearest airport. Darjeeling is 5 hours uphill drive from there. One can also experience the fascinating toy train ride from New Jalpaiguri.

Places to stay: Dekeling Hotel, Ramber’s Nesting Homestay have rooms starting from INR 1500

Duration of stay: 3-4 days

Key attractions: Spot Khangchendzonga and watch the sunrise at Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Ghoom Monastery, Mall Road and Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park.

4. Auli

Giving true meaning to winter wonderland, Auli is a skier’s paradise. Do not miss Asia’s longest cable car and skiing experience at Auli.

How to get there: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is 5 hours’ drive and Rishikesh Railway Station which is just 5 hours’ drive.

Best places to stay: Hotel Manik Resort, Club Group of Hotels, Club Group Resort

Duration: 2-3 days

Key attractions: Skiing, snowboarding, trekking, and chair car ride.

5. Tawang

A quaint town situated at 3000 m in Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang receives heavy snowfall in the winter season. If you are an adventure junkie, this is the place to be!

How to get there: Salonibari Airport, which is 6 hours’ drive away and Tezpur Railway Station.

Best places to stay: Bliss Homestay, Come Inn Homestay, Dondrub Homestay.

Duration: 2-3 days

Key attractions: Tawang Monastery, Giant Buddha Statue and Tawang War Memorial.

6. Mussoorie

The queen of hills, Mussoorie is located at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges. A paradise for travellers, this place is a must-visit in India during winters.

How to get there: Jolly Grant Airport/Dehradun railway station

Best places to stay: Hotel Jaypee Residency, JW Marriott, Honeymoon Inn.

Duration: 3-4days

Key attractions: Kempty Falls, Boating, Ropeway ride, Nature walks.

7. Pahalgam and Gulmarg

Sloped roofs and pine trees covered in a blanket of snow. Pahalgam and Gulmarg are two of the best places to enjoy snowfall in India.

How to get there: Srinagar Airport, which is a 1 hour 40 mins’ drive away from Gulmarg. And, over 2 hours’ drive from Pahalgam. Jammu Railway Station is 9 hours and 20 mins drive from Gulmarg and 7 hours 30 mins’ drive from Pahalgam.

Best places to stay: Hotel Heevan, Royal Hilton, Sheshnag Hotel

Duration: 5-6days

Key attractions: Club Park – the oldest park of Pahalgam; the beautiful Aru Village; Lidder Valley – the camping site; Betaab Valley; and the beautiful landscapes of Apharwat Peak.

8. Sonamarg

Sonamarg encompasses slopes, valleys, meadows, everything that all get covered under a thick sheet of snow for the winters.

How to get there: Srinagar International Airport and Srinagar Railway Station which is a 2 hours’ drive from Sonamarg

Best places to stay: Hotel Village Walk, Hotel Divine Inn, Green Glamping Resort

Duration: 3-4 days

Key attractions: The tranquil Gangabal Lake; Yusmarg – a famous picnic spot; Baltal Valley; and the Kheer Bhawani Temple.

9. Patnitop

Glittering white snow sprinkled on everything, the beauty of this place is enchanting. The vast expanses of apple orchards and mighty-high trees make Patnitop breathtaking.

How to get there: Jammu Airport which, is 3 hours’ drive from the place and Udhampur Railway Station, which is over an hour’s drive away.

Best places to stay: Hotel Samson, Hotel Patnitop Heights, Green Cottage Patniptop

Duration: 2-3 days

Key attractions: Picturesque apple orchards; and trekking circuits such as Patnitop-Gourikund, Sundarani- Jungal Gali-Jasarkote-Sanasar, Patnitop-Sanasar, Kud-Sanasar, Sudmahadev, Manali, Jammu-Katra-Vaishno Devi, Latti-Dhuna.

10. Ladakh

Ladhak doesn’t need any introduction to adventure seekers. The frozen lakes and the mountains that have turned white is a vision to see. Frozen Zanskar River offers adventure enthusiasts a mind-blowing Chadar Trek.

How to get there: Leh airport and Jammu Tawi railway station.

Best places to stay: The Grand Dragon, Tushita Ladakh, Jigmet Ladakh

Duration: 7 days

Key attractions: BongBong La Snow Valley, Pangong Lake (Frozen), Ladakhi Losar.

11. Munsiyari

Evergreen forests showered with pearly white dust, Munsiyari is a lovely place to experience snowfall. A hill station that is still unknown, head over to Munsiyari for a peaceful winter retreat.

How to get there: Pantnagar Airport, which is 7 hours’ drive and Kathgodam Railway Station, which is just 4 hours 30 mins’ drive away.

Best places to stay: Milam Inn, Himalayan Glamping, Hotel Bala Paradise

Duration: 2-3 days

Key attractions: The majestic peaks of Panchchuli; the strange Maheshwari Kund, supposedly, the property of Yaksh; Birthi Falls; and the garden of Rhododendrons at Betulidhar.

12. Almora

Almora is the underdog of hill stations to witness snowfall. Sweeping views of the valley and cute little cottages are the selling points here.

How to get there: Pantnagar Airport, which is 3 hours 20 mins’ drive away and Kathgodam Railway Station, which is 1 hour 20 mins’ drive away.

Best places to stay: The Himalayan Woods, Deodar Home Stay, Shantiniketan

Duration: 2-3 days

Key attractions: Folk-art carvings and intricate detailing at Nanda Devi Temple; and stunning sunrises and sunsets at Bright End Corner.

13. Chopta

A view of the Himalayan range and glittering snow are the selling points of Chopta.

How to get there: Jolly Grant Airport, which is 226 km away and Haridwar at a distance of 230 km.

Best places to stay: The Meadows Chopta, Shivanandi River Lodge, Bajwal Homestay

Duration: 3-4days

Key attractions: Chandrashilla peak, Chopta looks like a mini-Switzerland covered in a blanket of snow.

14. Chopta

Snowfall in Dalhousie which is adorned with high lampposts, mighty trees, and quaint passages makes it look like you have walked right into Narnia.

How to get there: Pathankot Airport, which is 2 hours 20 mins drive away and Pathankot Railway Station, which is 2 hours 10 mins away.

Best places to stay: Grand View Hotel, Alps Resort, Snow Valley Resorts

Duration: 3-4 days

Key attractions: Mystic boat tours in lakes; Chamera Lake, and Ganji Pahari.

15. Khajjiar

A perfect Winterland, Khajjjar has picture-postcard beauty.

How to get there: Gaggal airport in Dharamshala at a distance of 120 km and Pathankot Railway Station, which is 118 km away.

Best places to stay: Hotel Devdar, Anjali Cottage, Gautam Guest House

Duration: 2-3 days

Key attractions: Dhauladhar range, snow-covered meadows.

Now all you need to do is pack your warmest clothes and head over to these locations and enjoy the warmth of hot chocolates and wine. Nothing can beat the pristine newly fallen snow, snowball fights and building a snowman with your loved ones. So, where will you go first? Let me know in comments below!

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