WINTER IDEAS

Top 5 Places to See Snowfall in India

Gurmeet Kaur

Last updated: Feb 2, 2023

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See

Arunachal Pradesh: Tawang Monastery, second largest monastery in Asia
Sikkim: The Tsuklakhang Royal Chapel and Monastery where many Buddhist festivals are held
Shimla: Mall Road, Christ Church, Shimla Ridge

Click

Arunachal Pradesh: Paradise Lake and Sela Pass in the winter snow
Kashmir:The Dal Lake bathed in golden light during sunrise and sunset
Sikkim: Snow-covered peaks of Kanchenjunga, Phodong and Labrang monasteries from Tashi Viewpoint

Eat

Kashmir: Kashmiri Wazwan, specifically Rogan Josh, Yakhni and Dum Aloo
Sikkim: Melting Point Restaurant for Momos and Thukpas
Shimla: Sample momos and kurkez from Krishna Bakery on the Mall Road

Shop

Kashmir: Pashmina from the Kashmir Shawl Museum and carpets from JK Government Emporium
Shimla: Wooden artwork and handicrafts at Lakkar Bazaar in Shimla

Events

Sikkim: Buddhist festivals such as Phang Lhabsol and the Tibetan New Year are held at Tsuk La Khang Monastery in Gangtok
Shimla: Summer Festival in the first week of June
Arunachal Pradesh: Enjoy Khasi Nongkrem dances at the harvest festival in October-November in Meghalaya

Want To Go ? 
   

As a child I wanted to go to only hill stations for both summer and winter vacations, because I loved winters, especially snow! That feeling when fresh, light snow falls on your skin is something I can’t ever have enough of. This year, I promised myself to take some time out for some snowy escapades. Here’s my list of places in India to visit this winter to witness the snow:

1. Jammu and Kashmir

No other place in the country could possibly top my list. The mesmerizing Jammu and Kashmir is often called jannat (heaven) because of its pristine valleys, the Himalayas in the distance and the glittering Dal Lake at its heart.

Where to find snow:

Pahalgam: At a height of 8,900 (approx.) ft. above the sea level, Pahalgam is one of the biggest tourist attractions for snow lovers and is ideal for winter sports like skiing.

Gulmarg: About 46 km away from Srinagar, this gorgeous place is popular for skiing amid snow-capped mountains.

Ladakh: If you visit  Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, about an hour journey(by flight), is a must visit as currently, it’s one of the coldest places in the country.

Book Your Flight to Leh

Read more: Try These Offbeat Things to Do in Ladakh

2. Sikkim

Sikkim is all about age-old mountains, gushing rivers and luxurious valleys.  Over the years, it has become one of the most-visited hill stations of India.

Where to find snow:

Lachung: This small town in Sikkim will greet you with White Mountains, especially in January.

Book Your Sikkim Tourism Packages Now

3. Uttarakhand

High Himalayan peaks and beautiful forests dotted with temples and ashrams—Uttarakhand is a popular destination for yoga freaks, pilgrims and wildlife lovers alike!

Where to find snow:

Auli: Known as one of the best ski resorts in the world, Auli is 10,500 feet above the ground and is nestled within snow-covered mountains.

Dhanaulti: This peaceful town is located amid pine, rhododendron and cedar forests and will certainly give you a glimpse of snow in January!

Book Your Flight to Dehradun

4. Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most underrated places to visit in India, but it has a lot to offer, be it lush greenery, indigenous wildlife or snowy mountains.

Where to find snow:

Tawang: This small town in Arunachal Pradesh turns completely white and beautiful after the heavy snowfall in January.

Book Your Flight to Arunachal Pradesh

Read more: Things to Do in Arunachal Pradesh

5. Himachal Pradesh

A state popular for snow-sports, extravagant mountains and straight out of portrait type sceneries, Himachal Pradesh is not to miss during winters for all the snowfall lovers.  

Where to find snow:

Shimla: A list of places to visit in India to see snowfall is incomplete without Shimla, one of the best places for adventurous winter sports.

Triund: Known as the ‘crown jewel’ of Dharamshala, Triund is perfectly situated between Dhauladhar mountain and Kangra valley and is snow-covered between the months of December and January.

Book Your Flight to Dharamshala

So, all you snowfall lovers, what are you waiting for? Plan your holiday NOW, or winter will fly away!