When it’s winter, it snows—we often hear this from our friends living in Europe or America. But thanks to the mighty Himalayas, India also has several high-altitude hill stations where we can experience snow.
As winter sets in, temperatures start to drop across most parts of the country. In the Himalayan regions, it often falls below freezing point.
Snowfall begins in many hill stations of the Himalayan region during this time, gradually covering the hills and towns in a cold, white blanket.
Well, India has plenty of hill stations where you can enjoy the magic of snowfall. So, here are some of the most popular ones you can plan to visit this winter with your family and friends.
Hill station to experience Snow in India
Manali
The town of Manali in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most loved destinations for honeymooners and snow enthusiasts. Surrounded by the stunning Himalayan mountains and picturesque valleys, Manali turns into a winter wonderland from December to January, making it the perfect time to experience snowfall. You can enjoy thrilling activities like skiing, sledding, and snowmobiling during this season.
Travelers often pair a visit to Manali with a trip to the iconic Rohtang Pass, where they are guaranteed to see snow almost year-round.
The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport, also known as Kullu Manali Airport, located about 50 km away. It is well-connected with flights from Delhi.
Manali is also easily accessible by road, with regular Semi luxury, luxury, Volvo bus services operating between Delhi and Manali, ensuring a comfortable journey.
The only downside—and perhaps the biggest drawback—of Manali is tied to its accessibility and popularity. Since it’s easily reachable by road, you can often expect heavy traffic jams, especially while entering the town. Additionally, hotel prices tend to surge during the Christmas holidays as large crowds of visitors flock to enjoy the festive season and snowfall.
Auli
Auli, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, has recently gained fame as a top hiking and skiing destination. It has quickly become a favorite spot for snow lovers in India.
Auli, known as one of India’s premier skiing destinations, offers the best skiing experience between late November and March.
Perched at an altitude of around 9,200 feet above sea level, Auli is surrounded by dense oak forests that provide breathtaking views of majestic mountain peaks like Nanda Devi and Mana Parvat.
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 250 km away, while the closest railway station is in Rishikesh.
Shimla
Shimla, one of the most popular hill stations in India, attracts visitors year-round, but it’s especially ideal during the winter to experience snow. The capital of Himachal Pradesh, situated at an altitude of 7,467 ft, was once the summer capital of British India. Its colonial charm is still reflected in buildings like Christ Church and the Indian Institute of Advanced Study.
The best time to witness snowfall in Shimla is during January and February.
In addition to the snowfall and the impressive British-era architecture, the Kalka–Shimla Railway line, built by the British, is another major tourist attraction that offers a unique travel experience.
Jubbarhatti Airport iserves Shimla, located 23 kilometers (14 miles) from the city, with regular flights to Delhi. Chandigarh Airport, located about 116 km away, is the nearest major airport.
Shimla is well-connected by road, making it easily accessible from all major cities in North India.
Just like Manali, one of the main cons of Shimla in winter is the heavy tourist influx, leading to crowded areas and traffic jams.
Another popular spot in Himachal Pradesh is Kufri, a skiing hotspot which is situated around 20KM from the Shimla.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg, a town in the Kashmir Valley situated in a cup-shaped valley of the Pir Panjal range, is a popular skiing destination. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush greenery.
Situated at an altitude of 8,690 feet, this hill station offers a lot to explore.
The winter season begins at the end of October, and by December through February, you can expect ample snowfall.
One of the popular activities is the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world. The ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour between Gulmarg and a shoulder of the nearby Apharwat Peak.
The nearest airport is Srinagar Airport, located 60 km from Gulmarg.
Srinagar is the closest air junction to Gulmarg, and cabs are available from there to reach Tangmarg, the base of the hill station.
Gulmarg tends to get much colder during winter, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. As a result, the winter season lasts until early March, and the heavy snowfall can make travel and outdoor activities more challenging at times.
Leh
Leh, a cold desert town in Ladakh on the Tibetan plateau, is a popular destination for adventure seekers. A Leh-Ladakh trip often includes visits to Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake, two of the most famous spots in the region.
In winter, you can only reach Leh by air, as heavy snowfall closes all the roads.
Leh has an airport that connects well to Delhi, with additional flights from Chandigarh, Jammu, and Srinagar.
However, one of the cons of visiting Leh in winter is the extreme cold, with temperatures often plunging below freezing, making outdoor activities challenging. Additionally, the high altitude can cause altitude sickness, especially for those who aren’t acclimatized.
Nainital
Nainital, located in Uttarakhand, is one of the best destinations to experience snowfall in India. The city, overlooking the serene Nainital Lake, offers many scenic viewpoints and attractions.
Kathgodam, located 35 km from Nainital, is the nearest railway station. Pantnagar Airport is the closest airport, which is about a 2-hour drive away, but flight options are limited. The road network connects the city well, providing easy access from major cities like Delhi and Dehradun.
One drawback of visiting Nainital in winter is the large number of visitors, which can result in congested attractions and a lack of privacy. Additionally, the snowy roads can make driving tricky, leading to delays and potential travel hassles.
Khajjar
Khajjiar, often called the Mini Switzerland of India, is an ideal winter destination for snow lovers.
In winter, temperatures often drop below zero, covering the area in snow.
Khajjiar is easily accessible by road from all major cities in North India. The nearest airport is Dharmshala, which is 120 km away, and Pathankot, located 120 km from the town, is the nearest railway station.
Just like every other popular hill station, you can expect heavy crowds during the peak winter season in Khajjiar. This can lead to overcrowded attractions and longer wait times at key spots. Additionally, the cold temperatures and snow-covered roads can make travel challenging for some visitors.
Tawang
Tawang, situated at an altitude of 8,700 feet in Arunachal Pradesh, is one of the lesser-explored destinations in India.
The winters in Tawang can be particularly harsh, so it is advisable to travel only after the end of January. The main tourist attraction is the 400-year-old monastery, while other popular destinations include the Indo-China Border and the War Memorial.
The town is well-connected by road to the main cities of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The nearest airport is Tezpur Airport, located around 400 km from the city, and the nearest railway station is Rangapara Railway Station, also about 400 km away.
Munsiyari
As the locals say, “Munsiyari” translates to a “place with snow.” This charming hill station in Uttarakhand, located on the banks of the Goriganga River, has become a favored destination for mountain enthusiasts. Located at an altitude of 7,200 feet, Munsiyari is one of the best places in India to experience snowfall.
Munsiyari is the starting point for some popular high-altitude treks and offers a stunning view of the Panchchuli range, a group of five snow-capped peaks.
Dehradun is the nearest major airport, located 215 km from the hill station, while Kathgodam is the nearest railway station, 275 km away. Munsiyari is easily accessible by road, linking it to all major destinations in Uttarakhand.
Lachen
Lachen is a hill town in North Sikkim, situated at an elevation of 2,750 metres. The name Lachen means ‘Big Pass.’
The town also serves as a base for Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake. Given the town’s altitude, you can easily expect snowfall during the winter.
Winter in Lachen is the best time to experience snow, with the winter season lasting from October to March.
This beautiful hill station is located far from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
It is about 200 km away from Bagdogra Airport and approximately 190 km from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. A new airport has recently opened near Gangtok (Pakyong Airport), which is about 135 km from Lachen. However, Pakyong experiences unpredictable weather, with low visibility most of the time, leading to temporary flight cancellations.
The roads to Lachen from Gangtok can be a bit bumpy, and it takes about 5 hours to drive from Gangtok. You need to obtain a permit to visit Lachen, and you can acquire it in Gangtok.
Pahalgam
Situated at an elevation of 8,990 feet above sea level, Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir is, therefore, one of the popular tourist destinations in India to visit during winter to experience snow, particularly between December and February.
Located by the Liddar River and surrounded by pine forests, Pahalgam offers many trekking options.
Srinagar is the nearest airport, located 90 km away from the town. Jammu Tawi, located about 250 km from Pahalgam, serves as the nearest major railway station and connects to all major cities in India.
Concluding Note
This list is just the tip of the iceberg, as India boasts numerous other hidden gems where you can experience the magic of snowfall. From the scenic beauty of the Himalayas to the lesser-known spots tucked away in various states, there’s something for everyone. Words can hardly do justice to the breathtaking charm of these hill stations; it’s a beauty you need to experience firsthand.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or someone simply looking to unwind, the snow-covered landscapes offer a unique and tranquil escape. I hope this guide sparks your wanderlust and helps you plan the perfect winter getaway, so you can immerse yourself in the serene snowfall and create memories to cherish forever.
