Time for a winter getaway! The snow-capped mountains, cool wind in your hair, teeth-chattering, and delightful vistas are all ingredients for a divine winter holiday in India’s serene hill stations. Experiencing the cold on a hill station’s mall road is part of most every Indian childhood.
Packing into the car in the wee hours of the morning, we’d set off with our parents on a journey lasting a good seven or eight hours. Notwithstanding the numerous food and coffee stops, they usually made good time! These nostalgic experiences are cherished memories, and now’s the perfect time to rekindle that wintery flame. So, here are a few of our recommended winter destinations for a snowy wonderland getaway, or if you simply just want to see snow in India!
1. See snow in India in Manali, Himachal Pradesh
As a high-altitude town, Manali attracts a lot of attention from travellers from far and wide who want to see snow in India. Especially well-known is Snow Point, where you’ll find majestic yaks standing tall and unperturbed, kids sledging down the slopes wearing their rubber boots, and a convivial ambience to bask in.
Due to abundant snowfall, some of the sights may be off-limits, including the popular Rohtang Pass, but you can still try your luck! Otherwise, there is Solang Valley, on lower ground, an ideal place for adventure sports like paragliding, camping, skiing, ice-skating and interaction with other travellers! If you’re travelling to Leh in Ladakh, Manali would serve as the ideal starting point for your journey.
Snow Season: October – March
2. See snow in India in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Home of the Dalai Lama Temple Complex, Dharamshala is one of the most visited hill stations in India. Tourists can visit the monasteries, like Gyuto Monastery, for a peaceful, soulful escape. With a vast Tibetan population, there are also many places of interest providing a glimpse into Tibetan culture, food, and heritage including institutes, art galleries, restaurants, and more.
The Kangra Valley is a beautiful and mesmerising landscape. Here guests can explore batches of fresh tea leaves, enjoy a lazy afternoon under the winter sun with hot beverages, and gaze at the majestic snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas!
Snow Season: December – February
3. See snow in India in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Another great place to see snow in India is in Shimla – the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The long car ride to Shimla is totally worth the halts and sibling fights once you reach the mall road. Once a summer capital during the British rule, examples of colonial architecture can still be seen around the areas of the Mall and the Ridge. As you traverse the mall road, eating your way across the street, softy cone in hand, Maggi for later, you are sure to feel a warmth enveloping you even in the chilly climate!
Visit the three historic churches, head to the famous Italian restaurant in the Combermere Hotel for brunch, try out the local bakeries for delicious desserts and take a memorable picture wearing local garb!
Snow Season: December – January
4. See snow in India in Gangtok, Sikkim
When travelling to Gangtok, tourists look forward to the peace and serenity of the area, enviable views of Kanchenjunga and its snowy peaks, and easy access to Darjeeling. The most exciting place to visit is the M.G. Road, named for Mahatma Gandhi, a vehicle-free zone, where you’ll need to rent a bicycle if you wish to make your way around town. Leave behind the polluted streets of the big cities as you observe the many sights the rustic way, on two wheels. While winters can be extreme in this part of the country, if you’re wishing for a relaxed holiday where you can sip a hot tea whilst gazing at the mist-covered vista, then this is the place for you! A permits gains you access to Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake during February or March, which is the best time to see and experience snow in India without freezing your fingers off!
Snow Season: December – March
5. See snow in India in Pahalgam, Kashmir
Pahalgam is one of India’s most charming snow towns as well as one of the biggest draws for tourists hoping to see snow in India. Located at an elevation of over 2700 metres above sea level, it is ideal for fans of winter sports like skiing. Don’t forget to taste a few of the local Kashmiri specialities like mutton rogan josh and Kashmiri saag.
Snow Season: December – February
6. See snow in India in Gulmarg, Kashmir
Approximately 46 km away from Srinagar, Gulmarg is very accessible as well as being an absolutely gorgeous place for skiing down snow-capped mountains. Ride on the world’s highest cable car (gondola) and don’t forget your camera!
If you dare to venture further to an even colder spot, Ladakh is a good choice. It’s touted as one of the coldest destinations in India, so be prepared for harsh conditions, freezing winds and thick blankets of snow on the ground!
Snow Season: December – March
7. See snow in India in Auli, Uttarakhand
Hailed as one of India’s best skiing destinations and best places to see snow in India in general, Auli, a hill station located above 2,500 metres in the Himalayas, is slowly becoming known as a year-round tourist destination all year round. However, if you’re looking to spend time snuggled up amidst mountains draped with pristine, white snow, then the month of December would be the perfect time! A few days taking in the scenic panorama of Auli, with its vibrant flora and acres of oak and coniferous trees, really helps put the wonders of the natural world, and the need to preserve them, in perspective.
There are several attractions that you must visit during your trip including the artificial lake – the world’s highest man-made lake – or the Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks for their splendid vistas. Many nearby destinations including Joshimath offer a good starting point for other adventures around Auli including the beautiful ‘Valley of Flowers’.
Snow Season: January – March
