No other country carve such a deep, lasting impression on a wanderlust as India does. Right from the palm-fringed southern beaches to trekking snow-capped mountains in the north, no matter where you travel in India, a keen sense of adventure is awaiting for you. Overall these years, the country itself acts as a travel destination and is growing popularity all the time.
Now if you have already spent the larger parts of life in plains in India, or have always lived at its southern tips, chances are there that you might get fascinated to check out the snow world. With dry harsh winters in the northern plains and temperature that steers clear of single digits in the south, it’s time to consider the following post that offers a list of the best snow places in India to visit at least for once.
- Sonamarg, Kashmir
“Agar firdous baroye zameen ast, hami asto, hami asto hami ast”- It means if there is a paradise upon earth, it is here, it is here, and it is here. Surrounded by glaciers, frozen lakes, snow carpets rolled out till the horizon, Sonamarg can be considered as any snow lover’s paradise in winters. Covered with a beautiful sheet of snow in the peak winters, it acts as the most popular destinations among the snow and mountain lovers especially during winters. And since the summers hit this area a bit late, in May, you can occasionally find snow in April. In fact, it’s also a great place for trekking and river rafting. So you got plenty much time to pack!
- North Sikkim
Right from Tsomgo Lake to Nathula, Yumthang, these places are most likely to have snow for almost the entire year. However, there are times when most of the areas here are prone to blockages and being shut down due to heavy snow. Henceforth, it is always advisable to check and confirm before you plan a trip to this place. Also if you are visiting during winters, be prepared to struggle with extremely harsh winter conditions. Overall, the spectacular views one gets while in one of the best snow places in India is totally worth the pains. Being a snow enthusiast, one shouldn’t avoid such experience.
- Manali and Rohtang Pass
This is a must visit! From October to March for Manali and October to December for Rohtang. Being one of the famous hill stations in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India, Manali is often visited with the Rohtang pass. Adventure sports activities such as skiing, mountaineering, and trekking are some of the must-do activities. Besides, Rohtang is also famous for blockages and traffic jams are common, so always check before you head out. It’s usually closed from January to April, so avoid those months too. Also, definitely avoid visiting these places during the monsoon season.
- Gulmarg
Wanna try activities like Skiing and Snowboarding? From December to early March, Gulmarg is one of the best skiing destinations and snow places located in India. Bing a premier hill resort, it offers an exceptional beauty of proximity to Srinagar. Also, don’t forget the Gondola cable ride and Panoramic views of the highest mountain peak in India, Mount Kanchenjunga can be enjoyed while here. This destination in particular even acts as a base camp for mountaineers on their way to climb the Nanga Parbat and peaks in the Pir Panjal Range.
- Nainital
With lakes and viewpoints and simple tourist spots, Nainital is the place to go when you want to experience snow without facing the extraordinary harsh temperatures of the snow places in India which are higher North. I perfectly find this one of the best places to view snowfall in Nainital is from the Snow Point which is accessible via the Ropeway. Though it’s become quite a commercialized place, but the amazing experience you’ll have here is totally worth it.
- Ladakh: Chadar (The frozen river) Trek
This one is my dream destination. Yes, I haven’t been to Leh-Manali highway before but I guess it is supposed to be experience like no other. And being a true traveler/ trekker I have this on the top of my bucket list. The Chadar trek is basically a nine-day challenging trek across the frozen Zanskar River which starts from January in several batches and continues till February/ March. A piece of advice for you, this trek is not for novices and is meant for trekkers who’ve had relatively good experience in this arena. Overall, the trek is bound to fascinate you if you want to experience the most amazing snow places in India. There is also a certain Stok Kangri Trek, as challenging as the Chadar.
- Auli – A winter wonderland
Located in one of the cold city of Uttarakhand, Auli is all about slopes dotted with skiing resorts and calendars marked with skiing championships and festivals. Popularly known for its perfect snow-clad slopes meant for skiing, Auli is the best places considered for snow lovers. Although it wasn’t as famous as it is now, it was just considered as a small offbeat hill station. One can enjoy some beautiful panoramic views of the tall, lofty mountain peaks of the Himalayas, such as Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, and Kamat Kamet.
- Hemkund Sahib Valley of Flowers
Have you ever thought about visiting a place where there is a Gurudwara between a lake and snow? In the literal sense ‘Lake of Snow’, Hemkund Sahib and the valley remains closed from December to May. A short window of October and early December is ideal for snowfall. Situated at a height of 4600 meters above sea level, the Gurudwara is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru of the Sikhs. Conditions are pretty much harsh and hence reaching the place is not an easy feat at all. But the experience is splendid.
Like I said before if you wish to experience snowfall, India offers a plethora of opportunities in the northern regions like Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, and Himachal Pradesh. The chilly winter is, even more, fun with winter sports like skiing, ice skating, ice climbing, sledging, and snowboarding.
So what are you waiting for, plan your holiday now!