Snow Places In India You Must Visit During Winter

There is something magical about snowfall. The experience of throwing snowballs, making a snowman, or simply feeling the tingling sensation of fresh snow is unmatched. The best part? You do not need to go to Switzerland to experience a snowfall when you can have a brilliant time experiencing one in India.

Best snow places in India you must visit during winter

During the winter, mountains in North and Northeast India are adorned with a glistening white layer of snow. Taking advantage of the New Year to explore India’s many bewitching snowfall destinations is a great idea. Plan your next trip to these best snow places in India.

 

Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir

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Located in Jammu and Kashmir, Gulmarg is one of the best places in India to see snowfall. Snow blankets this hill station in the winter months, making it a sight to behold. While here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the highest peak in India. 

Probably the most enjoyable time to visit Gulmarg is during the winter months when tourists can enjoy an array of adventure sports activities, including skiing and snowboarding. Additionally, Gulmarg is a popular base camp for mountaineers travelling to the Pir Panjal Range and Nanga Parbat.

By Air: The Srinagar Airport is the closest to Gulmarg. Outside the airport, taxis and Jeeps are available for transportation.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi, located around 290km away. To get to Gulmarg from the station, take a taxi or bus.

By Road: There is good road connectivity between Gulmarg and the major cities via national highway 1-A. Visitors can often catch state-owned buses or private deluxe buses to reach here.

Sonamarg, Kashmir

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With a blanket of snow covering the town, it looks breathtaking. Sonamarg’s road route offers awe-inspiring scenery, which includes slopes, valleys, meadows, and more. Besides being a hill station, it also serves as a popular ski resort, which means you can enjoy skiing or even hike in the mountains. Don’t miss exploring Yusmarg, Baltal Valley, Gangabal Lake, and the Kheer Bhawani Temple for a memorable journey.

By Air: Sonamarg is approximately 80 kilometres from Srinagar International Airport, the nearest airport. From Srinagar, state-run buses or taxis run daily to Sonamarg.

By Rail: Several trains run to and from Srinagar railway station, which is the nearest to Sonmarg. 

By Road: The NH 1D, also known as the Srinagar-Ladakh Road, is the best road to Sonamarg. In addition to taxis and personal vehicles, you can also take tourist buses. 

 

North Sikkim, Sikkim 

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It is common for snow to fall almost all year long in North Sikkim. Most of these areas, however, are prone to blockages and shutdowns due to heavy snowfall. It is, therefore, wise to always verify and check before planning a trip here. Despite the pain, the spectacular views one gets while in one of India’s best snow spots are totally worth it. Waterfalls and lakes abound here, and after a snowfall, they become magical.

By Air: Sikkim’s capital city, Gangtok, is about 125 km from Bagdogra Airport. When you arrive at the airport, you can hire a taxi or cab to take you to your destination. 

By Rail: The nearest railway station, New Jalpaiguri, is nearly 120 km away. Cabs and buses can easily be accessed from the railway station.

By Road: Luxury coaches and state-run buses make Gangtok easily accessible from neighbouring cities.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

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Manali’s name is featured on most lists of top snowfall destinations in the country. You’ll be blown away by the beauty of a meandering river, emerald meadows, and chilly Himalayan winds. The hill station also offers a variety of adventure sports throughout the year, including trekking, paragliding, and more.

By Air: Manali is within 10 km of the Bhuntar airport, which serves this region. The airport is connected to all major cities by flight.

By Rail: Manali is connected to several important cities in the country via the Jogindernagar railway station. Other train options to reach Manali include Chandigarh and Ambala. At reasonable rates, one can get taxis and buses from railheads.

By Road: There is a great state bus service in Himachal Pradesh, and frequent buses travel to various parts of the country at reasonable rates. The hill station is also connected to different parts of the state by private buses.

 

Nainital, Uttarakhand

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If you like snowfall in India without the extreme cold temperatures of places higher up north, Nainital is the place to visit. It has lakes, viewpoints, and simple tourist spots. Nainital’s Snow Point, accessible via the Ropeway, is a great place to see snowfall. Even though the place has become quite commercialised, you will absolutely love your visit here.

By Air: Nainital does not have direct air connectivity. Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi is the closest commercial airport to Nainital. A bus or private taxi can take you to Nainital from Delhi.

By Rail: There is a railway station located approximately 34 kilometres away from Nainital called Kathgodam Railway Station. From there, you can take a private taxi or a shared taxi to Nainital.

By Road: Nainital has an excellent road network connecting it with several small towns and cities in north India. Nainital is also accessible by bus from Delhi and Kathgodam. 

Ladakh

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Located in north India, Ladakh is one of the best holiday destinations in the world. Mountains covered with snow, meandering rivers, ancient monasteries, and pristine lakes adorn its landscape. Snowfall brings glistening white beauty to the place, raising its beauty several notches. When it comes to experiencing the most amazing snowfall in India, the Chadar Trek here will not disappoint.

By Air: The main airport in the area is Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. Because of its military nature, security checks at the Leh Airport are much stricter than they are elsewhere. You can easily get taxis from the airport terminal to your lodging or resort.

By Rail: Ladakh is 700 km from Tawi, the nearest railway station. Several important destinations are served by trains from this railway station, including Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi, among others. You can find cabs at the station to take you to Ladakh.

By Road: Ladakh can be reached via two routes: Srinagar to Leh and Manali to Leh. Both can be travelled by bike, jeep, or taxi. Buses from Srinagar and Manali are also available.

Auli, Uttarakhand

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Among India’s most exquisite snow places, Auli is dotted with old oak and pine forests, apple orchards, and the rolling Garhwal Himalayas. In addition to the tantalising slopes, Auli has rustic mountain cottages that give the town a Swiss-like vibe. Auli is a famous skiing destination in India, known for its snowfall in the winter. Beautiful panoramic views of Mana Parvat, Nanda Devi, and Kamat Kamet can be enjoyed from here.

By Air: The distance between Auli and Jolly Grant Airport is approximately 220 km. Auli can be reached by bus or taxi from the airport. 

By Rail: There is only one railhead serving Auli, which is Rishikesh Railway Station, located about 230 km away. Outside the railway station, visitors to Auli can hire taxis, cabs, or budget buses.

By road: Buses connect Dehradun and Haridwar with Auli easily. Private taxis and shared taxis can also be used to reach Auli along this route.

 

Patnitop, Jammu & Kashmir

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Located in the Shiwalik range of the Himalayas, Patnitop is a hill resort in Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir. With its pine and deodar forests and serene Chenab river, it’s famous for its alluring natural surroundings. During the winter season, when snowboarding and skiing are popular outdoor activities, this paragliding destination only gets better.

By Air: It takes around 4 hours to travel from Jammu airport to Patnitop, which is around 110 km away. From the airport, taxis and buses are easily accessible.

By Rail: Udhampur and Jammu (Jammu Tawi) are the closest railheads.

By Road: A state road system connects Patnitop with all major cities in Jammu and Kashmir. There are frequent buses from Jammu to Patnitop. Private coaches and taxis are also available for hire.

Munsiyari, Uttarakhand 

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A part of Uttarakhand, Munsiyari is a small town near the foothills of the Himalayas. It is referred to as Little Kashmir because of its raw natural surroundings and enchanting beauty. Additionally, its name literally means ‘A place with snow’. Despite being a relatively unknown destination, it is slowly becoming more popular.

By Air: Munsiyari is 249 km away from Pantnagar, the nearest airport. Other options include Naini Saini Airport in Pithoragarh, though flights from this airport are not as frequent.

By Rail: The nearest rail heads are Kathgodam (275 km) and Tanakpur (286 km) for reaching Munsiyari by train. Munsiyari can be reached by taxi or bus from the station.

By Road: There is a well-maintained road network connecting Munsiyari with many major cities in Uttarakhand and neighbouring states. Delhi and other states are served regularly by state-owned and private buses. 

 

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

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Shimla is a great place to visit in winter, especially for those who enjoy snow sports. Among the most heavily commercialised hill stations in India, it has become very popular among tourists. There are several remnants of Colonial-era architecture in this city, which used to be the summer capital of colonial India. Shimla has always been known for its good winters – the chance to enjoy the snow and picturesque scenery in pleasant weather. You won’t be disappointed.

By Air: Jubbarhatti airport is located about 25 kilometres from the main city. Because of its seasonality, Chandigarh or Delhi are recommended as connecting airports instead. From these locations, you can take a cab or a bus.

By Rail: Kalka Railway Station is 90 kilometres from Shimla, which is the nearest broad gauge station. Shimla is also just 113 km from Chandigarh Railway station. Buses and cabs connect Shimla well from both railway stations.

By Road: As Shimla is a popular tourist destination, buses run to the town from places like Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Jaipur, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. From Chandigarh and Delhi, as well as any local place, taxis are widely available to take you to Shimla.

 

Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh

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For a long time, Dalhousie was a popular summer getaway for British bureaucrats during the Colonial era. In spite of the extremely harsh winters here due to very low temperatures, this is the time of year when it snows the most, so tourists flock here to catch the snow and benefit from some great travel packages. Dalhousie’s winter snowfall is absolutely breathtaking.

By Air: The nearest airport to Dalhousie is Gaggal Airport, 130 km away. You can reach Dalhousie by private taxi/cab or bus from the airport.

By Rail: The closest railhead to Dalhousie is Pathankot railway station, located about 80 kilometres away. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi for a three-hour journey to Dalhousie.

By Road: Dalhousie is served by regular bus services operated by Haryana Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HPTC).

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

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If you want to experience nature at its finest, Tawang is the place to be in the northeast. The mountains here are sky high, snow covers everything, the waterfalls are gushing, and the forests are dense. During December and January, Tawang receives a lot of snowfall, making it a popular destination for snow enthusiasts. In addition, it is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists all over India because it houses a 400-year-old monastery. 

By Air: Salonibari Airport, the nearest airport, is an approximately six-hour drive from Tawang. The closest international airport to Tawang is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, about 480 kilometres away.

By Rail: Tezpur Railway Station, which has connections to all major cities, is the nearest railway station to Tawang.

By Road: There are numerous private travel services in Tawang, along with the Arunachal Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC).

Katao, Sikkim

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Katao is a small but beautiful hill station situated about 144 km from Gangtok and widely known as the Switzerland of Sikkim. While this is a relatively offbeat place, travellers visiting Gangtok and Lachung should take the time to visit it. There is a stunning view of the mountains here, and the scenery is wonderful. It is a snowy paradise here in winter because of the ample amount of snowfall. 

By Air: Bagdogra, the nearest airport from Katao, is located 8 hours away. You can take a bus or a cab to reach the hill station from there.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Station.

By Road: Visitors can hire a cab or get on a bus to reach Katao from neighbourhood places.

Almora, Uttarakhand

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The hill station of Almora in Uttarakhand attracts tourists from all over the world because of its rich cultural heritage, stunning mountain views, and natural scenic beauty. There is also some Colonial significance associated with it. Thousands of tourists come here every year to enjoy its scenic locales and panoramic Himalayan views.

By Air: Almora is approximately 125 km from the Pantnagar Airport, Uttarakhand, the nearest domestic airport.

By Rail: Almora is the closest to the railway station of Kathgodam. The distance is 81 km away from the city, and it takes more than two hours to get there by cab. 

By Road: There is a regular bus service connecting Almora with Delhi operated by the Uttarakhand State Road Transport Corporation.

 

Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh

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If you want skiing, hill station ambience, and mesmerising views, Narkanda is the place to go, which is not too far away from Shimla. This beautiful snow-covered place in India offers beautiful views of the Himalayas and lush forests with heavenly apple orchards! 

By Air: Located 85 km away, Jubbarhatti Airport is the closest airport. There is good connectivity to Kullu and Delhi from the airport. It is also preferable to fly from Chandigarh Airport since it is better connected to cities like Amritsar, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Indore.

By Rail: Narkanda is 65 kilometres from Shimla, the nearest railway station.

By Road: Narkanda is located 60 kilometres away from Shimla. Regular bus services connect Shimla with most major cities in India.

 

FAQs

Which is the coldest place in India?

There is a small village in Jammu and Kashmir called Dras, the coldest place to live in India, where temperature can drop as low as -60 degrees during winter.

When does it snow in Nainital?

Nainital's winter season begins in November and lasts until February. During this season, the temperature can dip to zero degrees Celsius on the coldest days. The months of December and January are the best times to go if you like snow.

Which places in India have snow in October?

Indian locations where snowfall is common in October include Rohtang, Pahalgam, and Lachung.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at [email protected]