There is something magical about snow that millions of people around the world cannot keep themselves from jumping on an airplane and heading to a snowy resort during the winter season. Tiny perfect snowflakes falling from the sky and enveloping the entire landscape in a glistening white sheet certainly cast a spell on our senses. Fortunately, you do not have to spend a fortune and fly all the way to Switzerland to come across a winter wonderland. There are plenty of remarkable snowfall places in India where you can feast your eyes on this phenomenon.
So, if witnessing snowfall has always been a part of your Bucket List that you never seem to check off, then this blog is for you. Here we talk about the best places in India to experience snowfall. Without taking any more time, let us begin.
Best Snowfall Places in India
Sonamarg, Kashmir
There are no arguments that it is places like Sonamarg that have earned Kashmir the moniker – Heaven on Earth. Imagine vast glaciers, frozen lakes and a giant carpet of snow running as far as the eye can see – that is Sonamarg for you! Nestled at an elevation of about 2,730 m or 9000 feet, it remains blanketed with snow during the entire winter season from November to February. Thus, it is one of the best snowfall places in India.
Gulmarg, Kashmir
Apart from Sonamarg, Gulmarg is another spot in Kashmir that you will find mentioned on most online lists of ‘the best places to see snowfall in India’. It is a small town in the Pir Panjal Range in the Western Himalayas. The place is truly mesmerising during the winter months of December and January with the average temperature of about minus 7 degrees Celsius during January. You can spend your time in Gulmarg snowboaring, skiing, trekking, cable car riding, or simply beholding the snow-clad landscape.
Auli, Uttarakhand
Talk about skiing in India and one name you can never miss to mention is Auli. Calling it the ‘Winter Sports Capital of India’ would not be an exaggeration as a number of skiing festivals and championships are organised here during the snowy season. The umpteen skiing opportunities and the powdery snow render Auli as one of the best snowfall places in India. Therefore, if you like adventure and finally want to check off ‘See Snowfall’ off your Bucket List, then Auli is your destination this winter. You can also capture panoramic views of
Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat and Kamat Kamet from Auli. An excursion to Joshimath can also be a part of your Gulmarg itinerary.
Fun Fact: About two-thirds or 67 per cent of all people in the world have never seen snow in their lives.
Yumthang, Sikkim
North India is not the only place to see snowfall in India. You can also head to Northeast India to marvel at the magic of snowfall. Yumthang – a small town in the state of Sikkim – is one of the best spots for this purpose. What’s special about Yumthang? It is the only name on this list where you can witness snowfall in India almost all around the year. However, we advise that you plan a trip to Yumthang only if you are ready and prepared to brave its harsh weather conditions.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali is easily one of the best holiday destinations in India, and rightfully so. This stunning hill station in the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh draws people with its rugged landscape, salubrious weather, and mostly, its myriad points of interest. As the winter season makes its way to Manali, so does bright white snow that adds to the already marvellous charm of the hill station. Road trip to Rohtang Pass must be a part of your itinerary whenever you come to this incredible snowfall place in India. The Solang Valley is where you can partake in a plethora of adventure activities like skiing, zorbing, zip lining, trekking and more.
Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand
The Dhanaulti hill station is another picture-perfect place to see snowfall in India. It lies in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas, The snow season lasts from December to February and you can plan your trip any time during these months. The imposing rhododendrons, deodar and oak trees covered in snow will remind you of international snow destinations often seen in Bollywood movies.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
If you are looking for off-beat snowfall places in India, then Tawang can be a great pick. Moreover, it is not just another picturesque hill station in Northeast India where you can see snow. This small town in Arunachal Pradesh is renowned the world over for being the home of the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world. Thus, you get the best of both worlds – nature and culture – on your trip to Tawang.
Read more: 8 Best Tourist Places in Manali to have a Ball
Leh, Ladakh
Ladakh rests on the coveted list of destinations in India that everyone must visit at least once in their lifetime. And, no list of ‘the best snowfall places in India’ is complete without Ladakh on it. This high-altitude desert is the abode of dry mountains, shallow rivers, meandering roads, pristine lakes, high passes, and historical monasteries. The area is so cold during December and January that even rivers freeze. Weather conditions can be quite harsh during the winter season. Therefore, you must plan your trip after great consideration. While the roads to Leh remain blocked due to heavy rainfall during the winter season, you can hop on a flight to witness the magic of winters in Ladakh.