Being a tropical country, India experience dry and wet climate most of the year. While the scene becomes different in winter especially in North India due to abundant snowfall and chilling weather as it lies on the Himalayan range. Like all other parts of the world, snowfall in India is synonymous with bewitching sceneries and is one of the best events during the winter season as nothing can be more mesmerizing than watching the tiny snowflakes fall from the sky and cover the surroundings like a pure white blanket. Check here the list of some awesome hill stations in North India where you can enjoy the snowfall and experience the beauty of it as part of our India Tour Packages.
Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
No better place in India to witness snow fall than Gulmarg, the picturesque hill station of Kashmir. Snowcapped mountains, freezing winds, blooming varieties of flowers and panoramic views of snow covered plains make Gulmarg one of the best places to visit in winter and among the favourite destinations for snow lovers as well as honeymooners. It also attracts skiing enthusiasts from around the world as it is famous for being one of the best skiing destinations in India as well as in Southeast Asia. The exceptionally beautiful Gulmarg has been the venue of many Bollywood films and also acts as base camp for Nanga Parbat and Pir Panjal Range trekking. A trip to Gulmarg is incomplete without taking a breathtaking Gondola Ride, world’s highest cable car. December to February is the best time to visit Gulmarg as it looks like a fantasy land.
Auli, Uttarakhand
If you want to test or improve your skiing skills then Auli, a small cute hill station in Uttarakhand is the perfect destination for you. With 2500 to 3000 m high tantalizing slopes dotted with skiing resorts, Auli is a popular destination for skiing in India and among the best hill stations near Delhi for a weekend trip. Auli has been the venue for Skiing Festivals since 1986. It is one of the best places in India for witnessing snow along with the panoramic view of the lofty peaks of the Himalayas like Trishul, Nanda Devi, etc. December to February is the best time to experience the amazing snowfall or partake in some skiing adventure in Auli. Besides, Auli is also famous for the longest cable car starting from Joshimath. Gurso Bugyal, Auli Lake, Chattrakund, Bhavishya Badri Temple, Tapovan and Joshimath are some of the interesting places to visit in Auli.
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
With its colonial architecture, breathtaking landscape and rejuvenating views of lofty snow-clad Himalayas, Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is an all-time favourite holiday destination for many travellers. This pretty hill station of Himachal Pradesh transform into winter wonderland when a snow blanket cover the place beautifully. Shimla is one of the most romantic Honeymoon Destinations in India and among the popular Tourist Places near Delhi. The Ridge, Mall Road, Vice Regal Lodge, Christ Church, Annandale, Chadwick Falls, Jakhu Hill and Toy Train are some of the best places to include in Shimla Tour Packages. The popular ski resorts of Kufri and Narkanda are also located close to Shimla and are worth visiting between January and February during snow fall season.
Most Popular Tour Packages for Snow Lovers
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
A hidden beauty in the North-east India, Tawang is a beautiful town situated in the extreme northwest corner of Arunachal Pradesh. Steep hilly roads with grassy valleys, snow clad mountains, and gushing waterfalls make Tawang a scenic getaway for travellers looking for something out of the ordinary. This is the one of the popular attraction you must include in your honeymoon tour. Besides, this remote hill town is also one of the most culturally-rich and lesser-known destinations for snowfall enthusiasts in India. The snowfall season in Tawang is primarily during December and January and it looks like the piece of heaven has fallen on earth. Apart from its natural scenic beauty, Tawang also houses 400 year old monastery Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Taktsang Gompa, Gorichen Peak, Shonga-tser Lake, Nuranang Waterfalls, and Bumla Pass.
Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir
Perched at an altitude of 8,957 feet, Pahalgam is a wonderful hill station in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. The snow-capped peaks, freezing weather conditions and surrounding calmness make Pahalgam one of the mesmerizing places to visit in India during winters. Also, huge skiing scapes of Pahalgam attract huge crowds of adventure freaks. Aru Village, Golf Course, Kolahoi Glacier, Betaab Valley, and Baisaran Hills are the popular places to visit in Pahalgam. This little hill town is also the base camp for famous Amarnath Cave Trek. December and January are the best months to enjoy snow fall in Pahalgam when the temperature drops down to sub-zero levels and the entire mountain range as well as the rough terrain get covered with the snow.
Patnitop, Jammu & Kashmir
Patnitop is a scenic hill resort nestled in the Shivalik range of the Himalayas in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. With endless meadows, alluring natural surroundings, expansive apple orchards and panoramic views of the snowcapped peaks of the Himalayas, Patnitop is a perfect place to experience nature at its best. This little hamlet at the foot of the Kashmir Valley is considered as one of the most peaceful places to witness snow in India, especially with glittering white snow sprinkled on everything. Nathatop, Kud Park, Sanasar, Naag Mandir, Mantali, and Jungal Gali are the top places to visit in Patnitop as part of Kashmir Tour Packages. Besides, Patnitop is also known for activities like skiing and trekking as well as water springs.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali, one of the top places to visit near Chandigarh, is renowned for its snow-covered mountains, scenic valleys and gushing rivers. Also, it is one of the romantic places to visit on Valentine’s Day and among the best place to enjoy snowfall in its full frozen glory. Hidimba Temple, Bhrigu Lake, Vashist Temple, Manu temple, Naggar Castle and Manikaran are the must include places in Manali tour packages. For skiing, paragliding and snow- boarding visit Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass, among the must visit Manali Tourist Places. Though Manali is a year round destination but winter is so special when the entire landscape is carpeted by a blanket of snow. However, the snowfall season for Rohtang pass stays until December and is usually closed from January to April due to heavy snow.
Nainital, Uttarakhand
Famous for its incredible natural scenery, salubrious climate, and snowcapped mountains, Nainital is one of the most popular hill stations in Uttarakhand and among the best places in India to experience snow without facing intense harsh temperature. This lake town looks more beautiful during winters especially from December to January when one can admire the elegance of snow covered Nanda Devi peak and Naina Lake at their best. Nainital Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Mall Road, Naina Peak, Snow View Point, High Altitude Zoo, Bhimtal and Sattal are the top places to visit in Nainital as part of your Nainital Tour Packages. Besides, there are many interesting activities for tourists like walking trails, horse riding, boating and rope-way ride.
Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir
The Meadow of Gold, Sonamarg is a secluded alpine valley in Jammu & Kashmir. Another popular destination for the snow and mountain lovers, Sonmarg is a beautiful place covered with flowering meadows, frozen lakes, towering glaciers and miles of white snowy carpets. Sonamarg is only place in India where one can witness the snowfall till April from November. Though the excessive snowfall and subzero temperatures in winter can make visiting the area a bit difficult but the snow vistas at this time are picturesque. Gangabal Lake, Yusmarg, Baltal Valley, Kheer Bhawani Temple, Kolhoi Glacier, Thajiwas Glacier, and Machoi Glacier are the popular places to visit in Sonamarg.
North Sikkim
There is no better place in India than North Sikkim to witness snow. Though it is not as popular as north Indian states for witnessing snowfall but the winter experience in North Sikkim is unparalleled with its snow covered Himalayan peaks, ice-covered lakes and waterfalls. Lachung, Yumthung, Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake and Gurudongmar Lake are some popular places to experience snow fall in North Sikkim as part of Gangtok Tour Packages. Yumthang Valley is known for experiencing snow almost all year round but sometimes shut down due to heavy snow so, it’s advisable to check and confirm before you plan a trip to this place.
Ladakh
Ladakh, the ‘land of high passes’ is one of the top tourist places in India and among the best winter destinations in India. With picturesque beauty, rich culture, snow-clad peaks, ancient monasteries and frozen rivers, it draws numerous tourists from all over the world. It can be visited from May till October or November only. Though Ladakh remains beyond reach for most winters given the harsh conditions but it looks absolutely magnificent in winter with rolled out snowy carpet and reeks of adventure. Regions like Zanskar become hotspots for winter treks alongside frozen lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Khardung La, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri, Leh, Sham Valley and Monastery Circuit are some of the beautiful places to visit in Ladakh.
Dalhousie
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, mighty trees and quaint passages, Dalhousie is one of the charming hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. Combined with Khajjiar, Dalhousie is a dream destination for those who want to experience snowfall in India. Ganji Pahari, Dainkund Peak, Khajjiar, Noorwood Paramdham, Bara Pathar temple, Hariraya Temple, St. Patrick Church, Chamera Lake, Satdhara Falls, Kalatop Sanctuary, and Panchpula are the must visit places in Dalhousie tour packages. Though the winters here are extremely harsh, it is an amazing experience to see the meadows of Khajjiar and legendary Himalayan peaks blanketed in snow.
Also Read: Most Popular Places to visit in Dalhousie
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
If you are one of those people who find delight in the white magic of snowfalls then Dharamshala is the place for you. Often called as the gateway to Kagra Valley, Dharamshala is a beautiful Himachal hill station and among the fascinating hill stations in India. Known for its acclaimed and religiously significant monasteries, this little town is adorned with breathtaking natural beauty especially under the white blanket of snow during winter. The lack of heavy tourism and the chilly environment gives it a romantic sense of quiet seclusion. Chamunda Temple, Dalailama Temple, Namgyalma Stupa, Bhagsunath Temple, Norbulingka Institute, Gyuto Monastery, Dharamkot and Triund Hill are some of the best places to visit as part of your Dharamshala Packages.
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