Winter is coming, and so is the highly awaited winter vacation! The most beautiful time of the year should not be wasted sitting at home and watching television. Especially when you have so many destinations to explore, which turn into a mystical winter wonderland when snow hits the ground. Scroll down to find out all about the cities where you can travel to experience a breathtaking snowfall in India!
Manali
Manali is one of the most widely loved and visited places when it comes to wintery destinations not just in India, but all over the world. If adventure is your thing, it is the place you should be heading to.
As the temperature falls down to single digits, the array of activities broadens to snow-sports such as skiing, hiking, snowboarding, and mountaineering. Quad biking, snow zorbing, and snow scooter riding are some new thrilling activities catching every tourist’s attention. But even if you’re not up for adventures, there’s a lot for you to enjoy at one of the most beautiful towns to experience snowfall in India.
There are scenic landscapes that have inspired so many painters and writers, scrumptious delicacies prepared at innumerable eating joints, markets where you can shop for gorgeous winterwear, cable cars that offer an aerial view of the town, and so much more.
Snowfall is most likely between October and March.
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Mussoorie
It’s a must to mention Mussoorie when talking about snowfall in India. Mussoorie, popular as the queen of hills, offers an unmatched and pristine view of the mighty Himalayas. In colonial times, it was a very popular summer getaway. Now, however, it is not just an escape from the summer heat. Mussoorie is also a wonderful place to enjoy frosty winter.
There is no shortage of travel options when it comes to Mussoorie. Other than driving oneself, one can take a bus or train to reach Dehradun, and hop into a cab for the remaining journey. There are several places to see here. Begin your trip with the highest point of the city known as Laal Tibba. The view of snowy Himalayas from this spot is worth a million bucks, but all you have to pay is INR 20 as an entry fee.
The Mall Road is a hub for keepsake hunters. Look for authentic Garhwali handicrafts at cutesy little shops, and cozy little eateries that sell ice creams, momos, Maggi, and various other mini-meals to give warmth to your belly and soul.
The gushing waterfalls of Mussoorie need no introduction. The Kempty Falls promise the onlooker an icy cold nose-tip, and a majestic view. The Bhatta Falls are not as popular as John Mekinan’s Kempty Waterfalls. Here, one can find a stunning pond that’s open for tourists to enjoy a swim. However, avoid stepping into the pond during winter.
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Want to know more? Check out our blog on all the things one can do in Mussoorie.
Chopta
Blanketed between alluring green meadows is Uttarakhand’s famous hill station, Chopta. It’s one of those places where the visitors can reach the epitome of peacefulness simply by looking at the pristine landscapes.
Sit in the comforting lap of the Himalayas and enjoy the view of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba peaks till your heart’s full. During the summer, the colorful flora of this region makes an unmissable attraction. But even during winter, Chopta is full to the brim with tourists.
Some activities in which the travelers can indulge for entertainment or relaxation are:
Trekking: Amid the forests of hamlet, oak, and conifer, in and around Chopta, one can find numerous paths for trekking and hiking. The most well-known are Chandrashila, Devariyatal, and Bisurital.
Camping: The thrill of spending a night or two, camping in a tent surrounded by the wilderness is indeed an incredible experience. Give it a shot!
Yoga & Meditation: People retreat at Chopta to calm their nerves and relax far away from the hustle and bustle of metropolises. Yoga and meditation are very popular among those who’ve come to the town for a small but revitalizing break.
Finding daily supplies might be a challenge as the closest market is nearly 30 km away from Chopta, in Ukhimath. The travelers are also advised to keep some cash in handy, as finding a fit ATM machine is anything but easy at Chopta.
Want to experience the epitome of calm and witness a very alluring snowfall in India? Visit Chopta between December and February.
Tawang
The cutesy little hill station called Tawang can be found in Arunachal Pradesh. It’s also popular as the Scotland of India. The route to Tawang from Bhalukpong passes through the extremely picturesque Bomdila, Dirang Valley, and Tenga Valley.
This North-Eastern town also houses the biggest monastery in India. The grand and golden Buddha Statue is sure to take your breath away. When in town, do visit Paradise Lake as well, which is a still lake with crystal clear water.
In simple terms, Tawang is a passionate traveler’s heaven. It’s a cherry on top if you visit the town in winter. It’s indeed an extremely beautiful and serene place to view snowfall in India. A thick snow blanket covers every bit of surface and the temperature drops all the way to -12 degrees in December and January.
Chamba
At a distance of 118 kilometers from Pathankot, and an elevation of 3268 feet, lies Chamba. The Himachali town observes the confluence of the Ravi and Sal rivers. There’s a large list of things to see in this historically wealthy town.
Enjoy the exotic wildlife at Kalatop and Tundah Wildlife Sanctuaries. Residents of this sanctuary are the regular deer, barking deer, jackals, leopards, Eurasian jays, blackbirds, and several other beautiful animals. Herds of tourists can be spotted enjoying camping, and picnics over here.
One can also take romantic boat rides in Chamera Lake and Panch Pulla. The landscape from Chamba’s Central Park, popular as Minjri Garden is so mesmerizing, you’ll wish to stay there forever!
Like every hill station, even Chamba has a number of options for trekking and hiking. Some of them are Manimahesh Range, Chobia Pass, Kugti Pass, Baleni Pass, etc. Stay very careful and keep an appropriate pair of shoes if you plan on embarking upon a trek in the snow.
McLeodganj
McLeodganj is a town inhabited by Tibetans. Due to their population, it’s also known as Little Lhasa and Dhasa. The calm and blissful culture is something everyone must experience once in their lifetime. The scenic beauty of this town is also incredible and indescribable.
Serene waterfalls amid the lush greenery of this pristine town make perfect spots for picnics, camping, and even hikes. One of the most famous treks all over India is the Triund Trek. One needs to walk strenuously for a few hours to reach the destination and back. People prefer spending the night at Triund after completing the 7 km long journey and returning the next day.
McLeodganj also has the monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama, the Namgyal Monastery. The list of famous places of worship includes Masroor’s rock-cut temples, Gunna Devi Temple, and St. John in the Wilderness Church.
All in all, McLeodganj is a stunning place to relax for a couple of days, and experience the winter from outdoors. Come here in winter to view the gorgeous amalgamation of wilderness and snowfall in India. Want some awesome stay options? Here are some fabulous Treebo hotels in McLeodganj.
Sikkim
The entire state of Sikkim reminds the onlooker of Switzerland during the winter. The north-eastern state doesn’t get very hot even during the summers. Winters, needless to mention, are extremely cold. The areas of Sikkim perfect for an adventure amid the snow are:
Lachung
This small hill station is home to the 19th century Lachung Monastery. The views from Yumesomdong and Mt. Katao are beyond magical in the snow. One can spend an entire day looking at the white peaks.
Zero Point
At quite a distance from Lachung, one can find the Zero Point of Sikkim. The area of land goes white generally between late November and February. With the popularity it has gained, it’s hard to find a place for yourself. It is always swamped with tourists.
Tsomgo Lake
Want to try walking on a lake? No, I haven’t gone bonkers! When the temperature falls low, the Tsomgo Lake freezes. Walk over it, indulge in a snowball fight, or enjoy Yak rides.
Sikkim has numerous different places, and each offers a unique experience of snowfall in India.
Gulmarg
There’s an assurance of the most spectacular snowfall in India in the country’s own synonym to heaven, Gulmarg. Lush meadows, colossal mountains, clear skies, and burbling streams…Gulmarg’s landscape is something painted out of your dreams and imagination. It’s a must to capture this in your memory from every angle.
Do ride the highest ropeway car, popular as Gondola Ride, when in Gulmarg. The city also has a small strawberry plantation which can be visited in winter.
The list of fun outdoor activities covers begins with skiing. It’s the ultimate ski destination in India. Apart from that, one can enjoy yak rides, snowball fights, and sledding.
Click here to check out all the activities you can enjoy in Gulmarg.
Shimla
In colonial times, Shimla was declared the summer capital of India. The hill station is nestled between mountains, and ornamented with an abundant scenic charm. Shimla may witness snow anytime between December and February.
The city is thoughtfully developed to attract tourism. Hence, to keep the visitors entertained, there is an assortment of fun activities. Some of them are shopping, adventure sports, sightseeing, and of course, food!
One can go trekking, hiking, skiing, ice skating, or even sledding.
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Planning to enjoy snowfall in India? Do keep these points in mind
It may look like it’s all fun and games, but such weather conditions may cause inconveniences. Here are some tips which the tourists must keep in mind when visiting such cold places.
- Pack smartly. You will find yourself trembling even after wearing layers and layers of clothing. Carry your warmest winter wear to such locations.
- Wear comfortable shoes that cover your toes and have a good grip. Long boots give an adequate warmth.
- Moisturizers are an absolute must!
- Plan your travel and stay well in advance.
- Carry cash as functional ATMs are hard to find.
- You may or may not find good network service up on the hills. Be prepared for the network outage.
Actualize your dreams of making snow angels and creating snowmen statues. Pull out your warmest coats and socks. It’s time to put them to good use. The most magical time of the year is almost here! Which of the best snowfall places in India are you heading to?