4 Exquisite Places to Experience Snowfall in India
Snowfall is something you cannot see everywhere in India in winters. But believe us, snowfall in India is the most magical affair in the few places where it occurs! Enchanting vistas everywhere and myriad fun-filled activities — winter vacations can’t get any better than this, right? If you are already beaming with joy thinking of the snowflakes, snowball fights, snowman competitions, and the thrill of other snow sports, then this article is for you! We have come up with the best places to experience snowfall in India. Pack your bags and book flights to India now; else you’ll have to wait till December to see snowfall in this country!
Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir:
Gulmarg is a winter wonderland without mentioning which you cannot talk about snowfall in India! Situated in the Pir Panjal Range of the Western Himalayas, this beautiful hill station is a perfect place to enjoy both a relaxing respite or/and an active holiday. It’s the best place to enjoy snow sports such as skiing, heli-skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
Must-see places: Apharwat Peak, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Children’s Park, Shiva Temple, Alpather Lake, Ningle Nallah, Ferozepur Nallah.
Must-do activities: Gondola rides, trekking, golfing (at the Gulmarg Golf Course), and skiing (at the Gulmarg Ski resort).
Nearest airport: Srinagar Airport
Nearest railway station: Jammu railway station
Auli, Uttarakhand:
The beauty of snow-covered oak and deodar forests at the backdrop of majestic Himalayan peaks blows you away the moment you set your eyes on this tiny hill station situated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand! Dubbed as the Skiing Capital of India, Auli is one of the best snow places in India for all those who are itching to feel the adrenaline rush.
Must-see places: Auli artificial lake, Gorson Bugyal, Joshimath, Trishul peak, Rudraprayag, Chattrakund, Nanda Devi National Park.
Must-do activities: Cable car rides, skiing, trekking, and camping.
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun
Nearest railway station: Rishikesh Railway Station
Manali, Himachal Pradesh:
This enchanting hill station of India, one of the favorite summer destinations among families and honeymooners, turns all the more magical with the arrival of winter! Manali ensures you an unforgettable experience of snowfall in India with the views of its towns covered in a carpet of snow and surrounded by snow-capped mountains! It’s a perfect place to take a breather from monotony!
Must-see places: Rohtang pass, Solang Valley, Old Manali, Mall road, Naggar Castle, Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali Sanctuary, Gulaba village.
Must-do activities: Mountaineering, skiing, heli-skiing, snowboarding, sledging, ice climbing, ice skating.
Nearest airport: Kullu Manali Airport
Nearest railway station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station
Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir:
Touring Ladakh in winter is an adventure in itself! This high-altitude cold desert experiences extreme weather conditions, due to which the roads to Ladakh remain closed in the winter season. Nonetheless, snow-loving adventure junkies couldn’t resist going on a trip to Ladakh to witness the ethereal beauty of Ladakh’s landscape in winter! Chadar trek that involves walking over the frozen Zanskar River is the main highlight of winter activities in Ladakh!
Must-see places: Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, Shanti Stupa, Zanskar Valley, Hemis National Park, Khardung La Pass.
Must-do activities: Chadar Trek, Snow Leopard Trek, experiencing Ladakhi winter festivals, and wildlife spotting at Hemis National Park.
Nearest airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh
Nearest railway station: Jammu Tawi railway station, located at a distance of 712 km from Ladakh.
You could also visit Mussoorie, Munisyari, and Dhanaulti in Uttarakhand; Lava in West Bengal; Shimla, Dalhousie, Mcleodganj, and Kufri in Himachal Pradesh; Srinagar and Pahalgam in Kashmir; Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh; Patnitop in Udhampur; and Lachung in Sikkim for the best experience of snowfall in India.