The 12 Best Skiing Destinations In India

Northern India is blessed with the mighty Himalayas that provides ample opportunities for people to try skiing here. There are 5 prominent skiing destinations in India distributed among 4 states and 1 UT, namely Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, respectively. The snow-bound mountains and the icy cold climate give you a breathtaking skiing experience. If you the love snow and enjoy skiing, we recommend these top 10 skiing destinations in India that promise you a wonderful and adventurous experience. Scroll below and read on.

The Best Skiing Destinations In India: Jammu and Kashmir

1. Pahalgam

Pahalgam is a quaint little town in the Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir. The town is surrounded by the western region of the Himalayas and is stunning in its scenery.

Pahalgam is famous for trekkers because of the fabulous routes here. During the winters, there is heavy snowfall, which turns it into an ideal skiing spot. The main skiing point in Pahalgam is Aru which is a short distance apart and an ideal place to feel the adrenaline rush and ecstasy while skiing here.

• Best time to visit Pahalgam for skiing: October to February
• Important tips: Wear proper skiing shoes and carry enough medicine for cold and flu. Also pack good, warm clothes while planning a skiing activity here.
• Reaching Pahalgam: You can reach Pahalgam via air, rail or road. Via Air: Srinagar is the nearest airport from Pahalgam located at a distance of 96kms. One can book a cab from Srinagar to reach Pahalgam. Via Rail: One can reach Udhampur or Jammu via train and then take a cab or bus to Pahalgam. Via Road: Taking a cab/taxi or bus to Pahalgam and travelling via road gives a chance to soak in the incredible vistas along the way to Pahalgam.
• Skiing Organised by: Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports

2. Gulmarg

Gulmarg will remind you of a Swiss village right here in India. One of the top skiing destinations in India, Gulmarg is a place laden with snow in the winters and a perfect place to enjoy the sport amid paper-white snow and the mountains. Gulmarg is also popularly known as the heartland of winter sports in India. You can commence skiing from two points in Gulmarg – Kongdori and Aparwahat Peak. You can either ski on the 450m slope of Kongdori or challenge yourself by skiing the 800m ridge at Apharwat Peak. Both the points provide you with an exhilarating experience!

Gulmarg is known for offering the best skiing in India and it ranks as the 7th best skiing destination in Asia. In Gulmarg, you can also ride the high cable car ride called the Gulmarg Gondola.

• Best time to visit Gulmarg for skiing: December to March
• Important Tips: Carry warm jackets and woollens as it will be extremely cold. Familiarise with skiing rules which are speed, overtaking, respecting others, avalanches and route choice before starting to ski.
• Reaching Gulmarg: You can reach Gulmarg via air, rail and road. Via Air: Srinagar is the nearest airport to Gulmarg and a 90-minute ride in a taxi or cab will get you to Gulmarg from the airport. Via Rail: Jammu or Udhampur is the nearest railway station and from there you will have to hire a cab or taxi. Via Road: Board a bus or cab from Srinagar and you can reach Gulmarg while enjoying the pristine landscape of Kashmir along the way.
• Skiing Organised by: Powerhounds

Skiing Destinations in India: Himachal Pradesh

1. Solang Nala

Solang Nala is a lush green valley in Manali and is also one fo the best places for skiing in India. The valley is well known for hosting many winter games, skiing being the favourite among all. There are many tournaments conducted in the valley that invite both amateurs and professional athletes. Located around 14kms from Manali Solang Nala that also has the
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. If you are looking for skiing training in India, you can visit this institute to learn the basics and start skiing on your own.

In the institute, many workshops are conducted to teach skiing and other sports. Besides skiing, you can take part in adventure activities like parachuting, paragliding, skating and zorbing.

• Best time to visit Solang Nala for skiing: October to March
• Important Tips: Carry a sunscreen, first-aid kit, torch, windcheater, warm clothes. Keep cash with you for spending locally.
• Reaching Solang Nala: You can reach Solang Nala via air and road. Via Air: Bhuntar and Kullu are the nearest airports to Solang Nala that are located 10kms and 90kms away, respectively. One can take local busses or cabs from there to reach Solang. Via Road: You can board the Himachal Road Trasport Corporation busses from nearby cities like Haryana, Delhi or Punjab and reach Kullu-Manali via NH21. From there you can either take another local bus or cab and reach Solang.
• Skiing Organised by: Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports

2. Rohtang Pass

While visiting Manali, it is a must for all amateurs and professional skiers to visit Rohtang Pass, another popular skiing destination in India. Situated at a height of 3978 m, Rohtang Pass indeed is a skiing delight and promises you a breathtaking and exhilarating experience. It is located 51kms from Manali and can be reached passing through the road while soaking in the charming and alluring sceneries climbing uphill.

Experience the best skiing in India here at Rohtang Pass but do ensure you adhere to the safety measure for skiers. Along with Gulmarg, Rohtang Pass is another destination for trying heliskiing in India.

• Best time to visit Rohtang Pass for skiing: December to February
• Important Tips: Take appropriate medicines for altitude sickness and carry enough woollens for your skiing activity. Purchase skiing equipment, snow clothes from government authorized outlets only.
• Reaching Rohtang Pass: You can reach Rohtang Pass via air or road. Via Air: Bhuntar is the nearest airport to Manali and from the airport, you can take a bus or a cab to Rohtang Pass. Via Road: Many Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation buses ply between Delhi or Chandigarh to Manali. You can book a deluxe bus to Manali and from here book a cab or local bus to Rohtang Pass.

Must Read: 16 Amazing Places for Snow in India

3. Narkanda

Narkanda is a small secluded town situated at a height of 2708 m above sea level on the Hindustan Tibet Road. High snow-clad mountains form the town’s backdrop, leaving its visitors mesmerized with its beauty. One of the many skiing destinations in India, Narkanda is a perfect location in the Himachal where skiers both amateurs and experts can enjoy a ride through the snow. Different slopes of varying difficulty are available in Narkanda making it easy for the beginners and the experts to challenge themselves as per their level and comfort.

The temperature here during the winter drops to as low as -10 degree Celsius – this is the best time to go skiing. Narkanda is also surrounded by beautiful apple orchards and dense forests.

• Best time to Visit Narkanda for skiing: October to February
• Important Tips: Ensure to wear appropriate woollens and carry a few extra. Carry a torchlight, first-aid kit, water, snacks and important medicines. Make sure to wear the right footwear and rent skiing equipment from authentic shops.
• Reaching Narkanda: You can reach Narkanda via road, rail and air. Via Air: Jubarbhatti Airport in Shimla is the nearest one to Narkanda. Book yourself a cab from the airport to cover the distance of 87kms to Narkanda. Via Road: You can easily book a cab or take a bus from Shimla to Narkanda and travel via road enjoying the beautiful scenery. Via Rail: Kalka Railway Station is the nearest to Narkanda and one can take a cab or bus from the station to the skiing point from there.
• Skiing Organised by: HPTDC and International Youth Club

4. Kufri

Kufri is a gem hidden in Himachal Pradesh. The place attracts many tourists, especially skiers. Kufri is surrounded by tall deodar trees and green pines that add to the location’s calm and regal aesthetics. Kufri’s snow-covered slopes are ideal for skiing and are a treat for skiers both beginners and advanced. Kufri definitely is a popular destination for snow skiing in India and each year hundreds of skiers from around the country flock here to ski and indulge in some adventure. The white snow carpet is perfect for the skiers and they can have a smooth skiing experience.

Kufri’s popularity as a skiing destination in India remained undiscovered until it was chanced upon by the British Raj in 1819. Now it has grown to be one of the most coveted spots for skiing in India.

• Best time to Visit Kufri for skiing: December to February
• Important Tips: Test for altitude sickness before heading to Kufri and also carry important medicines for an emergency. Listen and follow the instructions provided by the instructors in case you are skiing for the first time. Rent equipment from authorised shops and ensure to wear appropriate footwear.
• Reaching Kufri: You can reach Kufri via road, rail and air. Via Air: Jubarbhatti Airport in Shimla is the nearest one to Kufri. Book yourself a cab from the airport to cover the distance of 87kms to Kufri. Via Road: You can easily book a cab or take a bus from Shimla to Narkanda and travel via road enjoying the beautiful scenery. Via Rail: Kalka Railway Station is the nearest to Kufri and one can take a cab or bus from the station to the skiing point from there.

Must Read: 20 Majestic Hill Stations in North India for a Cool Holiday

Skiing Destinations in India: Uttarakhand

1. Munsiyari

Munsiyari is another well-known skiing destination in India which is located at the entrance of the Johar Valley. When translated into English, the name literally means ‘a place covered with snow’. Munsiyari is blessed with a climate and terrain that makes it a go-to haunt for mountaineers, glacier enthusiasts and high altitude trekkers. The snow-clad slopes also offer a great opportunity to check your skiing skills.

The place is often used by trekkers as a base camp for their trek to Khalia. Munsiyari is located by the Goriganga River.

• Best time to visit Munsiyari for skiing: October to February
• Important Tips: Carry appropriate footwear, essential medicines, first-aid kit, torch, water and some snacks. Pack adequate woollens and jackets as well.
• Reaching Munsiyari: You can reach Munsiyari via air, rail and road. Via Air: Pantnagar Aeroplane Terminal is the nearest airport to Munsiyari from where you will have to hire a cab to travel 300kms to reach here. Via Rail: If you are taking a train, you will have to travel up till Kathgodam Railway Station which is 280kms away and then take a taxi from there to reach Munsiyari. Via Road: In order to reach Musiyari, you will have to reach Pithoragarh and from there take a bus or cab and reach here.

2. Auli

Auli is located in the western region of the Gharwali Hills at an altitude of 2500 to 3000 meters above sea level. The town remains mostly untouched by the general public and is extremely clean. Apart from being one of the best skiing destinations in India, Auli also offers every skier a scintillating view of numerous snow-clad peaks such as Dunagiri, Mt Nanda Devi, Nar Parbat, Mana Parwat, Ghori Parbat, Nilkanth, Beethartoli and Hathi Parbat.

Auli is situated approximately 250 kilometres from Rishikesh and is well known by some of the most experienced skiing professionals in India. The beautiful slopes, along with the climate, makes for a truly memorable skiing experience.

• Best time to visit Auli for skiing: November to March
• Important Tips: Carry all the essential items such as torchlight, medicines, first-aid kit, good winter garments, jackets and appropriate footwear.
• Reaching Auli: You can reach Auli air, road and rail. Via Air: Jolly Grant in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Auli and one can take a bus or cab to reach Auli. Via Rail: The nearest railway station to Auli is Dehradun Railway Junction. You can take a cab or a bus from the station to reach Auli. Via Road: There are a number of intercity buses that ply between Joshimath, Rishikesh, Dehradun and other cities. You can reach any of these spots and then take a local bus or book a cab till Auli.
• Skiing Organised by: Auli Ski and Snowboard School
• Must Read: 20 Best Places to Visit in January

3. Dayara Bugyal

Dayara Bugyal is one of the most scenic skiing spots in India. It is located in the state of Uttarakhand. Dayara Bugyal has lush grasslands and steep snowy slopes. It is situated amid two snow-clad peaks – Bandar Poonch and White Peak. Although Dayara Bugyal is a lush green meadow in summers, it turns into an amazing skiing destination in the winters as it is completely covered in thick snow, ideal for the best skiing experience.

Dayara Bugyal overlooks the snow-laden Himalayan peaks such as
Draupadi ka Danda, Srikanth, John Lee and. The place also has the Barnala Tal lake which makes for an excellent camping spot.

• Best time to visit Dayara Bugyal: Mid October to January
• Important Tips: Carry your ID proof, enough warm clothes, waterproof gloves and jackets, important medicines and a first-aid kit.
• Reaching Dayara Bugyal: You can reach Dayara Bugyal via road and rail. Via Road: You can take a bus from other cities and reach Barsu and from there reach Dayara Bugyal. Via Rail: Reach Haridwar via train and from there you can take a bus or cab to Barsu.
• Skiing Organised by: Neo Adventures and Renok Adventures

4. Mundali

Mundali is located in the district of Dehradun and is covered with dense green forests. This, however, does not deter the most experienced skiers from having a gala time here. It is one of the best places for skiing in India and you can also enjoy the picturesque beauty of the surroundings.

Mundali grants an impeccable view of the Himalayan slopes where most skiers go to engage in an adrenaline-filled adventure.

• Best time to visit Mundali: December to February
• Important Tips: Carry all the essential items such as torchlight, medicines, first-aid kit, good winter garments, jackets and appropriate footwear.
• Reaching Mundali: You can reach Mundali via rail, road and air. Via Air: The nearest airport to Mundali is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and you can take a bus or cab from there to reach Mundali. Via Road: You can reach Chakrata via local or intercity busses and from there take a jeep ride to Mundali, located 36kms from there. Via Rail: The nearest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station and you can take a cab from there to cover 129kms and reach Mundali.

You can book hotels in Dehradun to relax and then continue with your journey to Mundali.

Also Read: 15 Stunning Places to Visit in Dehradun

Top Skiing Destination in India: Arunachal Pradesh

1. Tawang

Although a lesser-known destination, Tawang is one of the fabulous skiing destinations in India that you must visit for a truly exhilarating skiing experience. The best place to ski in Tawang is at the Panga Teng Tso Lake or PT Lake. Situated 17kms from the city centre, PT Lake has gliding slopes covered with thick snow in the winters and whether an amateur or professional, skiing on these slopes is a complete delight for every skier.

Tawang is also known for its alluring vistas, dense forests and beautiful lakes that you can visit as well.

• Best Time to Visit Tawang: December to February
• Important Tips: Carry an ID proof and all the essential items such as torchlight, medicines, first-aid kit, good winter garments, jackets and appropriate footwear.
• Reaching Tawang: You can reach Tawang by air, rail and road. Via Air: Salonibari Airport (in Tezpur) and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (in Guwahati) are the nearest airports to Tawang and you can take a cab till PT Lake. By train: Rangapara Railway Station (in Tezpur) is the nearest railway station to Tawang. From here you can take a bus/taxi from here to reach Tawang city and then to PT Lake. By road: There are numerous cabs and buses that ply between Tawang and Tezpur, Udalguri, Bhalukpong (262kms) and other places. You can take any of the government or private transport and reach Tawang and then book a cab till PT Lake.

You can book hotels in Tawang for a comfortable stay and enjoy skiing at PT Lake.

Read More: Top Places to Visit in Tawang

Skiing Destinations in India: Sikkim

1. Yumthang

Yumthang in North Sikkim is another famous skiing destination in India and is also known for other activities like mountain biking, trekking and hiking. In winters the entire valley is blanketed in snow and gives you a surreal experience when you go skiing in Yumthang Valley.

Apart from skiing in Yumthang, you can include some of the best places to visit in Sikkim in your itinerary and enjoy a fantastic vacation here.

• Best Time to Visit Yumthang: November to March
• Important Tips: Carry an ID proof and all the essential items such as torchlight, medicines, first-aid kit, good winter garments, jackets and appropriate footwear.
• Reaching Yumthang: You can reach Yumthang Valley by air, rail and road. Via Air: Gangtok Airport is the nearest airport to reach Lachung and from there you can take a cab till Yumthang Valley. By train: Lachung Railway Station is the nearest railway station and from here you can take a bus/taxi to reach Yumthang Valley. By road: You can reach Lachung from Gangtok and from there you can take a bus or cab to reach Yumthang Valley.

Now that you know the best destinations in India to go skiing, what are you waiting for? Pack your skiing gear and get going on a trip that you will never forget.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 Are there any malls offering skiing in India?

There are a few skiing malls in India where you can enjoy this activity if you are not able to go to the mountains. They include Ski India or Snow World in Delhi NCR, DLF Mall of India in Noida.

Q2 Where can I enroll for skiing course in India?

In order to train well in skiing, you can join a skiing course in India in institutes like Nehru Institue of Mountaineering, Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (Srinagar), Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports (Pahalgam) and Auli Basic Level Skiing Course (Auli). These institutes are popular for their courses and the best place to learn skiing in India.