Winter is coming and with it, longing to see snow and feel it against your skin. As the season arrives, a sparkling white blanket of snow enhances the beauty of already beautiful hill stations. We understand that intriguing urge to go away in the winter and build a snowman or snow fairy, throw up some snowballs, and just be a kid again in the snow. There are many places where you can see snowfall in India. We have created a list of fascinating snow places in India to plan a trip. Let’s see what they are-
Sonamarg (pictured)
Sonmarg “Meadows of Gold” is a picturesque hill station in Kashmir, situated 80km from the capital Srinagar at 2800 meters above sea level. The place is a famous Snow place in India and is known for majestic snow-laden fields, serene lakes, glaciers, and mesmerising vistas that cast a spell on visitors. Surrounded by magnificent Himalayan glaciers, Kolhoi and Machoi glaciers, Sonmarg gives birth to three sisters of Kashmir valley. It is a base camp for many best trekking routes such as Gadsar, Kishansar, Gangabal, and Satsar. Summer is the best time to visit Sonmarg, but if you want to witness the white wonderland or enjoy the freshness of snow, visit in November or December.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is one of the best Skiing destinations in India and snow places in India. Owning its snow-covered mountains like a pride, Gulmarg is located at a height of 2730 meters in Jammu and Kashmir. This famous hill station of the valley was once known as Gauri Marg. Gulmarg is a well-known place among adventurers, nature lovers, honeymooners, and every kind of traveller for the experiences it offers. It has developed over the years as a famous tourist spot in winter as the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering is here. Gulmarg snow festival is not to be missed, where you can push your limit and partake in winter sports such as ice skating, skiing, sledding, snowboarding, etc.
Manali
How could we miss Manali from our list of snow places in India? Manali is one of the famous places in Himachal Pradesh, located in Kullu valley, with marvellous views of the snow-capped Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. With pristine greenery, quaint cottages, cafes, heritage sites, and snow-covered stretches in winter, a trip to Manali is surely bring you close to nature.
What attracts tourists to Manali is untouched nature; green valleys, cascading waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, new villages, and more for an unforgettable trip. Also, Manali is famous for the spectacular Rohtang Pass, Hampta Pass, and Chandrakhani Pass, which are surrounded by snow almost year round. Taking a bus will cost you far less than renting a car, along with full comfort and fun. zingbus offers you several discounts on your first booking. You can directly book bus tickets to Manali from Delhi.
Katao
We bet you have not heard of this snowing place in India. Katao is a tiny beautiful hill station in Sikkim, known as the “Switzerland of Sikkim.” It is at the distance 144km distance from Gangtok and 29 km from Lachung. This surreal offbeat place is in Mt. Katao, and one can plan a day trip while visiting Gangtok. The majestic hill station turns into a snow paradise during winters and offers adventure sports like snow tubing, stone grinding, skiing, and more. Katao is not a usual tourist destination in India, and one has to take a permit from the army to visit it.
Tawang
A hidden gem of northeast India, Tawang is one of the snow places in India to experience nature and snowfall at its finest. With snow-clad mountains, dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and some peace, Tawang has everything to offer tourists looking to spend some time in nature and snow. The hill station is famous for Buddhism and its significant Buddhist monks. It is located at 3048 meters above sea level and is the renowned birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama. The snow season in Tawang is in December and January, and the best time to visit if you want to feel fresh snow touching your skin. Apart from the soul-satisfying natural beauty, Tawang houses a 400-year-old monastery making it a significant pilgrimage for Buddhists.
Munsiyari
A pretty hamlet located in the district of Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, Munsiyari is one of the many snow places in India, but special. The town is known as “Little Kashmir” for its untouched natural surroundings. The scenic place is located at height of 2300 meters amid Himalayan peaks. Munsiyari is famous for trekking excursions and scenic beauty among adventure enthusiasts and trekkers as it serves as a base for Namik, Milan, and Ralam glaciers.
Patnitop
Patnitop is a little hamlet in the foothills of Kashmir valley, nestled between Shiwalik range in Udhampur district of union territory Jammu & Kashmir. It is known for endless vistas of snow-capped Himalayan peaks and water springs. This small hill station is famous among nature lovers and adventurers for activities like trekking, skiing, paragliding, etc. Shiva Ghar, Madhatop, and Nathatop are a few trekking places near Patnitop where you can enjoy its beauty. It is considered one of the snow places in India to spend peaceful winter vacation with loved ones.
Nainital
An amiable hill station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Nainital is our pick for snow places in India to spend a weekend away from a chaotic life. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in North India. Nainital was founded by the British and reflects colonial architecture that simply amplifies its beauty. The famous attraction of Nainital is the seven lakes and viewpoints where one can enjoy snowfall in India with pleasant temperatures and favourable weather conditions.
Shimla
One of the snow places in India which will always welcome you with an open heart. It is the place you’ll never regret visiting. Shimla is an ideal destination to spend winters as it receives intermittent snowfall. Back in the day, it used to be the summer capital of British India, and one can witness the miscellanies of colonial-era architecture across Shimla. Snow-clad mountains, lush green landscapes, misty ridges, adventure sports, and more; will never disappoint you.
Narkanda
Located near Shimla, Narkanda is a place to go if you want to enjoy nature and snow at its best. Narkanda is a little down in Shimla district, famous for skiing in winter. Located at height of 9000 feet, it attracts tourists for its eternal beauty and apple orchards. Amidst majestic hills and tropical forests, Narkanda is a quaint little town that shouldn’t be missed.
Auli
Of many skiing places, Auli is a favorite amongst snow places in India for its perfect snowy slopes for skiing. It is a famous hill station located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and is well-known as the “skiing destination of India.” With perfect snow-clad slopes, orchards, glorious Himalayan peaks, and natural beauty, Auli is worth a trip.
Dalhousie & Khajjiar
A charming hill station nestled in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh; Dalhousie used to be a summer retreat for British Bureaucrats. It was famous in the colonial era and is one of the renowned snow places in India. Clubbed with Khajjiar, Dalhousie is an ideal destination if you want to spend a few days in the snow.
