If you've spent the larger parts of life in plains in India, or have always lived at its southern tips, chances are your fascination with snowfall in India would still be intact. With dry harsh winters in the northern plains, and temperature that steers clear of single digits in the south, its time we gave you a list of all snow places in India where you can have snowball fights, see snow fall and occasionally slip and fall, irrespective of the time of the year. Why? Because everyone deserves a snowman that can melt for you (aww, olaf)!
Here is the list of Snowfall Destinations in India :
1) Kashmir (Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonmarg) - For A Snowy Wintertime Look
Pine trees and sloping roofs covered in snow paint a pretty picture. The beautiful town looks breathtaking covered in a snow blanket. Sceneries are awe-inspiring if you take the road route to Sonmarg, which encompasses slopes, valleys, meadows, and more. This definitely makes for it to be popular amongst the top places for snowfall in India. Also, huge skiing scapes give enough fodder to the adventure freaks to visit Pahalgam and Gulmarg, two of the snowfall places in India in January.
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, tranquil Gangabal Lake; Yusmarg – a famous picnic spot; Baltal Valley; and the Kheer Bhawani Temple
Winter Activities And Adventure Sports: Ride in the cable car, Gulmarg Gondola; rejuvenate at The Khyber Spa; enjoy golf at the Gulmarg Golf Course; and ski to your heart’s content at Gulmarg Ski Resort
Best Time: October to February
2) Ladakh - For Beautiful Landscape
Ladakh, the former Buddhist kingdom, is breathtakingly beautiful and also one of the best places for snowfall in India. Arid terrain, spectacularly topped granite outcrops, scenic gompas, meditational main walls, and multi-coloured flags are just a few of the sights that highlight Ladakh's grandeur. Ladakh's harmonious traditional society has plenty to offer Western nations regarding environmental consciousness.
Ladakh is a stunning and untouched Himalayan wilderness. It is a paradise for everyone looking to satisfy their insatiable thirst for adventure. Ladakh in winter is an entirely different sight. The region is covered in a blanket of snow and December to February are really cold here. The lake is completely frozen and remains so until April. Zanskar river freezes too, offering adventure enthusiasts a mind-blowing Chadar Trek.
Key Attractions: The Pangong Lake (Frozen), Khardungla Pass, Monateries, Frozen River, BongBong La Snow Valley, and the Ladakhi Losar.
Best time to visit: April to July is the best time to visit Leh Ladakh for snowfall.
3) Auli - For Snowboarding And Skiing
Auli is a mountain station in the Garhwal area of Uttarakhand, India. The qualities of its terrain have correctly given it the name Auli, which means "meadows." The mountain town is on slopes and has long stretches of visually appealing meadows. Witness all of it with the Auli Tour Packages. Auli is where the natural world comes to life in splendour and magnificence. It is abundant in resources of nature and gives a breathtaking view of the adjacent hills.
The hill station has flowers and trees like oak, coniferous, deodar, and pine woods. The cliffs here, up to 9000 feet above sea level, provide breathtaking views of the neighbouring Himalayan peaks, including Kamet, Dunagiri, Nanda Devi, and Mana Parvat. There are several attractions at the hilltop station. The ropeway is the most renowned among tourists. It is the highest and longest in India and Asia, providing breathtaking Himalayan range vistas.
Key attractions: The breathtaking 180-degree panorama of the Nanda Devi range and the fact that it is one of the globe's highest ski resorts are the primary attractions.
Best Time to Visit: Auli Uttarakhand snowfall time is from November to March.
4) Nainital - For Spectacular Views
Nainital, a hill tourist town in the same district, gets its title from the green, glazed, eye-shaped lake (Tal) around the town. P. Baron, a British sugar trader, established the place in 1841.
There is no better place to escape the rush and hustle of the cities. The transition to the picturesque beauty of the attractions is a delight to the senses, a particular balming ecstasy of a sensation that one can only appreciate via live encounters with the greatest tourist spots to visit in Nainital.
Key Attractions: Lake tour of the famous Nainital – The Indian counterpart of Lake District of London; Nainital Zoo – you can also see snow leopards here.
Best Time: October to February
5) Narkanda - Attracts Nature Lovers
Not located very far from the famous hill station Shimla, Narkanda is the place to go if you aren't looking for anything extreme but to simply enjoy skiing, hill station ambience and views. This lovely snow place in India offers a splendid view of the snow-capped Himalayas along with the lovely, dense forests and heavenly apple orchards! Thanedar is a place about 17 kms from Narkanda which is known for having some of the best apple orchards in the country.
Winters are the best time to visit this small hill station, when skiing opportunities are at their prime, owing to the thick blanket of snow which covers Narkanda. A scenic pass called Jalori pass can also be visited while here.
Key Attractions: Hatu Peak, Skiing , Stokes Farm, Hatu Mata Temple, Tannu Jubbar Lake, Jau Baug, Derthu Mata Temple
Best Time: October to February
6) Kufri - India's Most Popular Hill Stations
Shimla and Kufri have world-renowned snowfalls. Every year, a diverse range of tourists and wildlife enthusiasts converge at this location. Despite its commercialisation, even in the dead of winter, it remains the ideal escape for friends, families, and couples. Snowfall in Shimla and snowfall in Kufri are world-famous.
The spectrum of tourists and nature lovers flock to this place, every year. Though its quite commercialized, it doesn’t cease to be the perfect getaway for friends, couples, and families, even during winter.
Key Attractions: The comparably quieter streets of Kufri; Himalayan Nature Park at Kufri; and the Kufri Adventure Park.
Winter Activities And Adventure Sports: Enjoy skiing on the slopes of Shimla and Kufri; ice-skating, skiing, trekking, river-rafting, and snowball-fighting; and window shopping at the Mall Road
Best Time: March to June
7) Dalhousie - A Non-Touristy Trip
Doesn't this image remind you of the episode from The Chronicles of Narnia? Prepare for snowfall in Dalhousie, embellished with lofty street lamps, massive trees, and charming pathways. Dalhousie is unquestionably an outstanding location for snowfall in India in December or any other winter month.
This charming hill station in Himachal Pradesh has been well known since the Colonial era, when it served the purpose of being a summer retreat for the British bureaucrats. It's a popular hill station in the Himachal and clubbed with Khajjiar, it's one of the ideal places to visit if one wants to see snow in India. Though the winters here are exceedingly harsh here due to very low temperatures, this is the time when it snows the most and tourists flock this place to experience the snow and also avail some nice discounts on travel packages. Snowfall in Dalhousie is absolutely beautiful during the winter season.
Key Attractions: Enchanting boat trips in lakes; Chamera Lake and Ganji Pahari with Dalhousie tour packages.
Winter Activities & Outdoor Sports: Try trekking, paragliding, outdoor camping, hiking, and horseback riding
Best time to visit: March to May is the best time to visit Dalhousie for snowfall.
8) North Sikkim - One of the Most Serene Snow Lovers' Dream
North Sikkim provides an exceptional winter experience because most of the land is blanketed in a layer of snow, making it one of the top snowfall sites in India. During the best time to see snow in Gangtok, you will get to check out numerous lakes and falls that transform into a magnificent environment after a winter.
North Sikkim, nestled within the Himalayan mountains, offers a variety of tourist destinations to visit. It is home to a plethora of waterfalls and lakes that turn into a magical land after a snowfall. Nestled amidst the Himalayan ranges, North Sikkim offers a range of attractions to explore to a tourist.
Key Attractions: Lachen, Lachung, Khangchendzong National Park, Yumthang
Winter Activities And Adventure Sports: Trek to Dzongri La, walk over the frozen Tsomgo Lake, go skiing in Yumthang Valley
Best Time: May to September
9) Almora - A Captivating Hill Station
If you want a fantastic escape from your frantic, hectic schedule, head to Almora. Almora is a gorgeous hill station in the heart of nature with abundant foliage in the divinely gorgeous state of Uttarakhand and one of the best places to see snowfall in India. Almora, located in the Kumaon area of the Himalayas, is proud of its natural beauty. Nanda Devi, commonly called the Town of Temples, is a prominent Hindu Temple in the middle of the town.
Almora is a lesser-known place on the list of snowfall sites in India because it is not a famous tourist attraction. The selling qualities are the wide scenery, snow dusting, and adorable small cottages. It's time to unwind in the heart of Uttarakhand.
Key attractions: Highlights include the folk-art sculptures, meticulous artistry at Nanda Devi Temple, and the breathtaking sunsets and sunrises at Bright End Corner.
Winter Recreation and Adventure Sports: Reunite with your soul by volunteering at Panchachuli Weavers Factory; take a cup of Tea at Bansal Cafe; have a meal in Martola's gorgeous vegetation; and pay your respects to the Hindu deity Kali at Kalimuthu.
Best time to visit: August to November is the best time.
10) Munsiyari: A Lesser-Known Hill Station
Munsiyari, situated in the easternmost section of Uttarakhand, is a charming hamlet known as Little Kashmir. It is also one of India's best places for snowfall, with some of the most breathtaking Himalayan views.
Munsiyari is also the starting point for three gorgeous Himalayan glaciers, the Milam, Namik, and Ralam Glaciers, and has magnificent snowfall in the winter. Here, you can see deep evergreen forests dusted with pearl-white snow particles.
If you desire solitude and tranquillity, this is not a popular destination. Munsiyari, with its lush greenery and pearl-white dust of snow, is a great site to witness snowfall in India. Munsiyari is one of India's unfamiliar hill stations with snowfall.
Key Attractions: Unusual Maheshwari Kund, rumoured to be Yaksha's property, Panchchuli's towering peaks, Betulidhar's Rhododendron Garden, and Birthi Falls.
Adventure Sports and Activities: Try some adventurous snow sports, walk to Khaliya Top, and unwind by the side of Thamari Kund.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
11) Tawang - A Scenic Gem In Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang, located at an elevation of 3048 metres in the majestic Himalayas, is recognised for its stunning scenery, waterfalls, and religious significance. One of the most culturally rich and vibrant snowfall places in India is Tawang. The authentic cuisine tastes delicious and the cozy houses comfort the distressed souls against these pristine white backgrounds. Tawang is one of the most visited places by tourists who want to experience snowfall in Arunachal Pradesh.
Whether you wish to enjoy the beauty of nature or learn about the rich history of the northeast, the town provides plenty for everyone. The charming hill resort is also well-known for its numerous Buddhist temples, attracting visitors yearly. Tawang's tourist attractions span from the mesmerising Gudpi hills to the ethereal Madhuri Lake and Tawang Valley.
Key Attractions: Attend the colorful festivals like Gaden Namchoe, Lhabab Duechen, and Dukpa Tse She, against the pristine white backdrop of snowy Tawang; Tawang monasteries; and Tawang War Memorial
Winter Activities And Adventure Sports: Trek through the Sela Pass; enjoy the gushing of Nuranang Falls, and pose against the backdrop of Madhuri Lake
Best Time: March to October
11) Lava: Attracts The Nature Buffs & Trekkers
Lava is nothing short of a paradise in the winter season which is dotted with tall trees covered with fresh snow which is why it is one of the best places to visit for snowfall in India. Apart from this, you also get a splendid view of the famous Mt. Kanchenjunga which is a magnet for trekkers and nature lovers. You might also get to witness a variety of beautiful birds.
Key Attractions: Lava View Point, explore the Neora Valley National Park, calm your senses at Kagyu Thekchen Ling Monastery, Ramitey Dara View Point, Rachela Pass
Winter Activities And Adventure Sports: Go for a canopy walk, trek to Samthar Plateau and Rachela Pass, opt for mountain biking, rock climbing, and archery in Pedong
Best Time: October to February
12) Manali: Best Visited Around New Year
Manali, located in the phenomenal Himalayas, boasts a plethora of gorgeous valleys filled with woods of oak, deodar, fir, and pine. It includes nature, cuisine, adventure sports, and ancient heritage. This is the exact place where YJHD was shot amidst all the snow and fun. The chilling winds, ultra-white surroundings, and quiet spots to cozy-up make snowfall in Manali special and popular, beyond others. Rohtang Pass is located near Manali and it attracts a lot of tourists. If you are searching for places to witness snowfall in India in June, head to Manali. The Beas River splashes brightly through the valley.
Key Attractions: Old Manali, Naggar Castle, and the Rohtang Pass.
Adventure Sports and Winter Activities: Snowboarding in Rohtang; hand gliding, skydiving, paragliding, and Solang Valley; and Club House leisure activities
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Manali for snowfall is October through February.
13) Chopta: A Place For Adventure Lovers
Just like December to February is the best time to visit Mussoorie to see snowfall, Chopta is a wonderful place in India to view snow from November to March. Chopta, a trekker's heaven in Uttarakhand, is one of India's top snowfall locations. It is the base camp for various treks, including Deoria Tal, Tunganath, and Chandrashila, and provides some of the most magnificent snowfall views.
November to March is also the season for snow trekking, though the renowned Deoriatal Chandrashila Snow Trek remains closed during the winter. If you're seeking one of the top snow spots in India, come here.
Key Attractions: Chandrashilla summit, Chopta resembles a miniature Switzerland coated with snow.
Winter Recreation and Adventure sports: Camping, skiing, winter trekking, and rock climbing are all sports.
Best time to visit: Compared to the best time to visit Mussoorie for snowfall, you should visit Chopta between March to May is the best time.
14) Patnitop: A Destination For Religious Visitors
The huge stretches of orchards of apples and mighty-high oaks make Patnitop an unforgettable site to experience snow in India, particularly with shimmering white snow sprinkled over everything. This location's beauty is so enticing that visitors come everywhere, even during winter.
Immerse in breathtaking landscapes, serene lakes, and cultural richness. Let us craft your perfect journey to Kashmir's enchanting beauty. Being one of the leading snowfall places in India in December, Patnitop’s beauty is so enticing that visitors come everywhere, even during winter.
Major Attractions: Beautiful orchards of apples and hiking circuits like Sundrani-Jungle and Patnitop-Gaurikund, Manali, Sudmahadev, Latti-Dhuna, Jammu-Katra-Vaishno Devi, Patnitop-Sanasar, Gali-Jasarkote-Sanasar, and Kud-Sanasar.
Winter Recreation and Adventure Sports: Golfing at Sanasar's 9-hole golf course, skiing at Madhatop, paragliding at NathaTop-Kud or Sanasar-Kud, rock climbing in Kud, and Madhatop, Sanasar, or Kud.
Best time to visit: January through March is the best time to visit Patnitop for snowfall.
15) Darjeeling - A Popular Destination
Darjeeling often evoked in our imaginations by lush tea plantations, ethereal mists, and the awe-inspiring panorama of the Himalayas, is a sanctuary for those yearning to break free from urban routine. Situated in the Indian state of West Bengal, this picturesque hill station promises a rejuvenating experience. But the secret to unlocking the full magic of Darjeeling lies in picking the perfect time for your visit. The season in which you travel will influence not just the sights you’ll witness, but also the activities that will be available to you.
Darjeeling is a relaxed hilltop city that is synonymous with tea. While a trip to a tea plantation is a popular activity there are many other places to visit in Darjeeling that don’t involve the local drink.
Major Attractions: The Toy Train , Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Tiger Hill - Watch The Sunrise, Tea Gardens, Kalimpong Monastery, Peace Pagoda, Batasia Loop
Winter Recreation and Adventure Sports: Toy Train
Best time to visit: December through March is the best time
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