11 Incredible Snow Places in India | Experience Snowfall in India

“With every falling flake, a unique spark of interest falls from heaven”

P. Miller

Every winter, millions of tourists from around the world flock to the snow-clad mountains and valleys of India.

Resorts such as Gulmarg in Jammu & Kashmir, Auli in Uttarakhand, Nainital in Uttarakhand and Manali in Himachal Pradesh are among the most popular destinations for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.

The season of snowfall is upon us and it’s hard to not get excited about the white magic that covers our surroundings with an add-on layer of beauty.

India has a wide variety of landscapes, ranging from high altitude deserts to tropical forests and everything in between. No matter where you are, there is bound to be some form of snowfall nearby.

Want to cherish in the incredible experience of Snowfall in India? Here are the best destinations in India to go for a snowy adventure!

Most Incredible Snow Places in India

The Leisure Winter Wonderland – Manali Himachal Pradesh

If you have been following me or the blog, you might have an idea what Manali means to me.

I have travelled to many different hill stations across India, but Manali remains to be the closest to my heart. It’s not just a merely wonderful place for me to experience nature, snow and fun with family or friends.

Manali is an emotion to me. And holds a really special place in my heart and in the hearts of thousands of people who have experienced it.

Manali, when clubbed with Shimla, makes for a perfect holiday for an Indian family. Everyone loves these two cute small and beautiful towns.

Manali has plenty to offer for whoever comes here. From late night café live performances to delicious food items to mesmerizing Himalayan views to incredible adventure activities like Skiing, Yak riding, etc.

Related – manali itinerary for 2 days

Must do things in Manali

1. Adventure Activities in Solang Valley

Solang Valley is one of the most popular sites to experience in Manali.

It offers an incredible snow exposure along with some interesting snow sports opportunities like Skiing, trekking along the slippery snow surface, ATV riding and a mesmerizing view of the Himalayas.

2. Visiting the ultimate snow point at Rohtang Pass

Another awe-inspiring place to visit around Manali is the Rohtang Pass. Experience and play along within the Winter Wonderland covered with white heavy snow from all over.

3. Riverside Camping in Manali

Manali has a beautiful river flowing along mostly everywhere you go within the city or on the outskirts. Camping near the Beas River is a very magical experience. The background with snow mountains, the floating singing river of Beas and the night full of shining stars – what a wonderous view to register, right?

Checkout this amazing list of the best camping equipment you must have on an adventure into the wild.

4. Strolling at Mall Road

Mall road is the central place for all travellers visiting Manali. Shop away at the artistic and lovely looking souvenirs, eat out at the various restaurants and cafe’s spread throughout the street or just stroll around with your partner through the crowd – it all feels magical!

Heaven on Earth in All it’s Meanings – Kashmir, J&K

Kashmir is a literal heaven on earth. And anyone who happens to visit here even once, knows that for a fact.

A ridiculously pretty place to exist simultaneously with the chaos people bring all over it, Kashmir stands to be and even feel like the Crown of a beautiful country.

The perfect example of calm in the chaos experience is when you have a Shikara ride over the magnificent Dal Lake in Srinagar.

Among the lot of the different snow places in India to explore, Kashmir is absolutely one of the most stunning picks. With the snow-capped mountains, peaceful vibes, extraordinary (and sometimes quite a weird) sense of calmness, and so many adventure opportunities, Kashmir is a perfect weekend getaway to experience snowfall in India.

Must do things in Kashmir

1. First and Foremost, Experience the Shikara Ride

Moving away from the hustle and bustle and what not of the city life, a Shikara ride in Srinagar (Kashmir) takes you to a place of peace and calmness.

As you ride along over the beautiful Dal Lake with enigmatic houseboats and many floating weavers selling the beautiful clothes and antiques from the city, it feels as if you’ve travelled to a different world, altogether.

2. Stay in a Houseboat

Kashmiri Houseboats experience is a one of its kind. The luxurious boats provide an adventurous and unique experience with the mouth watering food and drinks, a warming people experience and just the mere thought of living inside a boat for a couple of nights.

The houseboats are perfectly designed for family, solo travellers as well as honeymooners and are laced with latest technology like Wi-Fi and even has airport transfer facilities included in the package.

3. Gandola Ride Experience

Another among the things you must do in Kashmir, is to experience the Gandola or Cable Car Ride with the breathtakingly amazing landscape views to register.

Get awe-inspiring views of the snow capped humungous peaks as you travel up and above the city limits. A gandola cable car ride is one of the best things to do here.

4. Shop for authentic Kashmiri items

As almost all the places in the world, Kashmir also has plenty of shopping opportunities to provide to its visitors.

From the antiques and souvenirs to the more designer and infamous Pashmina shawls, exquisite hand-woven carpets, unique dry fruits of Kashmir, expensive Doda Sapphire and so much more.

The Mystical Queen of Hills – Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

I have mentioned the queen of hills previously a couple of times on different blog posts, and it is essentially one of the most famous places to experience snowfall in India and remains to be one among the most mystical snow places in India in summer as well as in winters.

Mussoorie is a small town filled with touristy vibes all over. But still, when you visit there and roam around the mall road, visit the infamous parts of the city and let it open up to you, it does not take much time to feel like home.

The Queen cares for her visitors and doesn’t let anything disappoint them when they visit her.

Must do things in Mussoorie

1. Trek towards the Lal Tibba

Lal Tibba is the highest point in the Queen of Hills and provides a magical view of the surrounding surreal landscape. Also, the trek above is an experience for which Mussoorie has been getting quite a lot of adventure lovers lately.

With the height of more than 7600 ft above sea level, just imagine the vibe the peak could burst out with the most picturesque landscape views of the Garhwal Himalayas!

2. Stroll around the Mall Road

The Mall Road is arguably one of the most busiest and also famous points in the small town of Mussoorie. Eat out, stroll around, take pictures and do all the touristy stuff when you visit here.

You can visit the two ends of the mall road where on one end stands the Library while on the other is a unique Picture Palace.

3. Do not miss the ropeway to Gun Hill

Gun Hill Point in the Queen of Hills is a marvelous place and one of the most famous spots to visit in Mussoorie.

Fun Fact – It is said that from this peak, the British used to fire a standard each evening to help the locals know the time.

This pinnacle offers staggering views of the snow-clad Himalayan ranges. Furthermore, the mind blowing perspective on Mussoorie town and Doon Valley would leave you totally enchanted.

4. Kempty Falls Experience

Coming to visit Mussoorie amidst the mist and not heading to Kempty Falls at least once would leave your vacation incomplete. Kempty Falls completes and compliments the Queen of Hills.

The falling enduring cascades spout down from a tallness of around 12 meters. The most outstanding aspect of visiting the Kempty Falls is the way that you can wash up under the falls!

The Ski Capital of India – Auli, Uttarakhand

India has plenty to offer when it comes to travelling and experiencing adventure. Auli or the Ski Capital of the country is one such place to experience the best adventure snow activities in India.

Auli is situated in the setting of the Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat mountains and its coniferous and oak timberlands are simply ideal for nature sweethearts.

Auli is getting immense amount of popularity during the recent couple of years and why not – I mean the place is actually one of the most amazing offbeat places to experience and see snowfall in India.

Must do things in Auli

1. Experience Skiing in Auli

Standing at a height of about 3000 meters above sea level, Auli is known to be an epic location to ski with friends and family and is considered to be the “Switzerland of India“. Skiing is what attracts majority of travel lovers and adventure junkies over there every year during winters.

2. Visit the highest man-made lake in the world

The Auli Artificial Lake was worked by the public authority to accommodate snow when the snowfall by the season was insufficient for skiing purposes. Aside from that, the lake clearly additionally has a grand scenic experience as well.

3. Visit the Nanda Devi National Park in Auli

Favored with staggering landscape views, precipitous air, fascinating plant life and rich biodiversity, this public park stands apart from other natural life safe-havens. UNESCO has granted the Nanda Devi National Park the title of a world legacy site.

4. Camp beneath the stars in Auli

During the day captivate in a plenty of fun and adventurous activities or take part in an invigorating trek. End your astounding day while you set up camp in the midst of nature’s ideal and warm yourself by a bonfire and dive into a luscious supper before you resign into comfortable tents under the brilliant shining sky.

The ‘land of lamas’ – Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

If you are even a little bit interested in the heavenly Himalayan mountains in India and the various beautiful treks and valleys it hides within, you might already know why Spiti Valley would always have a place in the wonderous list of snow places in India.

Proclaimed to be one of the most attractive among the various snow deserts in the world, the Spiti Valley stands at a precious point. People travel there to experience the very raw nature and to experience a world different than any other place in India.

Experiencing probably the most elevated passes on the planet, age-old religious monasteries, precious stone blue lakes, beyond the world of innovative obstructions – makes Spiti Valley an exceptionally fine illustration of what we call an ‘offbeat venture.’

Must do things in Spiti Valley

1. Vibe through the waves with a River Rafting Experience

Totally ideal for experience searchers, River Rafting is one of the top activities in Spiti Valley. With frigid mountains, peak cloisters, and pleasant perspectives around, the Spiti and Pin river streams offer an encounter that should not be missed.

2. Pay a Visit to the Buddhist Monasteries

Buddhist monasteries are located at beautiful places and with the snow surrounding the area it makes the peaceful experience more interesting. Explore and get in awe of the architecture of so many different monasteries spread out with a marvelous backdrop of the icy mountain peaks.

3. Trek up the adventurous Dhankar Lake

Coming to the Valley of Adventures and Snow-Mountains and not having a hike or trek up the mystical Dhankar Lake to grasp some great artistic vibes and views of the valley could leave your trip incomplete. While the trek is somewhat difficult, the sublime landscape views that you would get to observe here would totally be worth the effort.

4. Shop Your Heart Out 

Visiting the valley and not shopping is very comparable to an evil deed. Also with the market area of Kaza being so famous, shopping in Spiti is something that should be on the first spot on your list.

The Majestic Meadow of Flowers – Gulmarg, J&K

Gulmarg or the more famously called Meadow of Flowers in Srinagar remains an awe-inspiring place to visit not just to experience snowfall in India but to experience two different sights of nature on a single place during different seasons.

While, the summers here make the name given to the place very much true and the colors of different flowers cover up the land of the wonderful place Gulmarg is. The winters cover the place into a thick layer of shining snow best known for snowboarding and/or skiing adventures.

A place straight out of a postcard, Gulmarg has many different travel opportunities for visitors throughout the year. From trekking up the snow secured mountains to a natural hike beneath those big pine and fir trees, the Meadow is like an everlasting landscape made up of pixy-dust.

Must do things in Gulmarg

1. Witness the interesting flora & fauna of the Meadow

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is covered with majestic landscape views of the conifers and green herbs and trees spread out and many different species of wildlife like Hangul, Leopard, Brown Bear, the cunning Red Fox and the most famous (and endangered) Musk Deer.

2. Try the fresh strawberries at the Gulmarg Strawberry Valley

Strawberry flavor in most of the different hubs or eateries is not one among people’s most favorite option to eat or drink. But when you try the fresh strawberries straight out of the Gulmarg fields, your respect for the fruit would be greater.

3. Gandola ride to the Apharwat Peak

Standing at the altitude of 4200 meters (13780 feet), the Apharwat Peak is seen when you enter the second phase of the gandola cable car ride in Gulmarg. It is one of the most incredible scenic places to visit and experience in the Meadow. One special thing about the summit is that it remains covered with layers of snow – almost throughout the year.

4. Explore the Kanchenjunga Museum to witness the modern warfare equipment

The Kanchenjunga Museum in Gulmarg has in plain view a fascinating exhibit of modern warfare and mountaineering hardware and cog wheels utilized by the Indian Army in the mountains. A lovely treat for history and warfare enthusiasts.

A Celestial Paradise – Tawang Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang, located in Arunachal Pradesh is a well preserved treasure which has the mystical power to enchant the ones that travel there. Other than the majestic feel the place has and the magnificent landscape scenes it provides, the major thing Tawang is very famous for is the 400-year old Buddhist Monastery.

This monastery is one among the biggest monasteries in all over India and remains to be of massive significance to the Buddhists.

Tawang means the “Chosen Horse” and with a name so mystical, how could the place be anything less than magic, right?

Must do things in Tawang

1. Meditate in the Taktsang Gompa

A thing about the snow places in India which makes the travel lovers attracted to them all is also the amount of peace that one can feel when travelling around or inside them.

When you enter a monastery or a temple located in these places – the way it all is constructed, the architectural idea, the immense invisible and positive energy which we can feel there is inexplicable. Taktsang Gompa is one such place.

2. Explore the connection between Tawang and the rest of India

Sela Pass, the only road that connects Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh with the rest of the Indian subcontinent, is one of the most majestic and high altitude motorable roads in all of India and has a paradise-like vibe about it.

Situated at the height of 13,700 feet above sea level, the Sela Pass is one place which you shall not miss to visit and experience if you travel anywhere around Tawang.

3. Witness the Magic of Nature at the Nuranang Waterfall

Waterfalls have always been a fascinating phenomenon to me and to many others. The Nuranang Waterfall in Tawang is an enchanting natural show which takes you to a place you never knew existed!

With the milky white color and the wonderful sound of the water body, the Nuranang waterfalls stands to be one of the most amazing waterfalls of Arunachal Pradesh as well as of India.

4. Tibetan Settlement Market

Tibetan settlement market or Vihara market is a neighborhood which comprises of little shops and side of the road shacks. This spot is additionally well known for its nearby restaurants and shops, which sell customary things, and Chinese ceramics are likewise sold here in plenitude.

A Slice of Paradise – Chopta, Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand or the Land of Gods is filled with many heard and unheard, seen and unseen treasures in the shape of hill stations ready to be explored and experienced. Chopta, the ‘mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand‘ is one of the most incredible and amazing landscapes of the country.

Also known as the “Icy Forest”, Chopta is covered with evergreen dense forests and is famous for its monuments of religious and historical importance. A perfect blend of the wilderness and the snow-capped mountain peaks, the valley is becoming a very popular sight among travellers from different corners of the country.

Experience some incredible trekking and hiking ops, bird watching scenarios and also a unique wildlife encounter while travelling in the Valley.

Must do things in Chopta

1. Trek the Tungnath Temple

One of the many reasons Chopta is very popular among the trekkers and mountain lovers is because it is the starting point or gateway to one of the most religious as well as adventurous treks in all of India – the Tungnath Temple trek.

The trek takes you on a glimmering trail filled with greenery and adventure. The Tungnath temple is believed to be almost a thousand years old and is a place of very high religious significance to many.

2. The Chandrashila Trek

Another great trek opportunity or gateway to adventure and magnificent snowfall in India experiences is the Chandrashila trek. The Chandrashila peak stands to be the highest point in Chopta (at a height of approximately 13500 feet).

It is one such path that is immaculate by commercialization is still very much safeguarded. Accordingly, en route, travelers will undoubtedly go over to the differed wild types of this area like the mountain goats and plenty of birds.

3. Explore the ‘Winter Seat of Kedarnath’

Ukimath, or the place where the Kedarnath shrine is relocated to during the winters, is a small village at a distance of 28 kilometers from Chopta.

The Madhameshwar Mela and an incredible number of old sanctuaries give a more distinctive look into the beautiful culture and liveliness of the spot through fables, tunes, and dance performances.

4. Experience Camping at the Meadow

Chopta comes under the best snow places in India due to the awesome experience of a camping with friends along the natural trails in the land of treks and hikes.

It is likewise viewed as an ideal spot for bird watching action, particularly the Parakeets, which are available in plenitude at Baniyakund Meadows.

The Sikkim Valley of Flowers – Yumthang, Sikkim

Yumthang is one of the most amazing places to witness snowfall in India and had to make our list of incredible snow places in India. Covered most of the year with snow, the conditions at the valley becomes harsh during peak winters thus it is advisable to check before you plan a trip there.

Yumthang is known as the ‘Valley of Flowers’ a result of the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary which is home to in excess of 250 types of wonderful blossoms which typically sprouts during February and June.

Must do things in Yumthang Valley

1. Shingba Rhododendron Sancturary

Yumthang is called as “the Valley of Flowers” due to this particular sanctuary filled with Rhododendrons throughout the area. Witness and explore approximately forty different species of the flower and experience a sense of calm and peace as you run around the majestic valley.

2. Feel the vibe of the Yumthang Chu

The crystal clear water and scenic backdrop of the Yumthang Chu river makes it one of the most popular places to visit in the Valley. If you happen to be with your soulmate here, you wouldn’t wanna leave. That’s how wonderful the place makes you feel.

3. Visit the Zero Point in Yumthang

Situated at an elevation of 15000 feet above sea level, the Zero Point near Yumthang Valley is one of the most amazing places to witness snowfall in India. Due to the proximity of the place to the Chinese border and no further roads to travel along, the place is referred as the Zero Point. It’s as if you’ve reached the end – there’s no going further.

4. Try the mouth watering Himalayan Momos

The conventional Himalayan foods like rice and momos is something an ordinary delicacy in Sikkim. The Valley of Yumthang does not support many eateries, but the food that you do get here is splendid!

The Lake of the Eye – Nainital

The lake district of India, Nainital is a small but very popular among the snow places in India since years. People tend to visit the peaceful sight for many things like the boat ride on the Naini Lake, fun and games and Himalayan view experience at the Snow View Point and strolling around the Mall Road.

An interesting thing about the name of the city involves a mythological reference. Nainital means the Lake of the Eye – here, the eye is referred to the Goddess Sati.

During the time when Goddess Sati burnt herself, Lord Shiva carried her across the world and parts of her body kept falling at different places. Her eyes, are believed to be fallen over the place now called as Nainital. Interesting, isn’t it?

Must do things in Nainital

1. Boat Ride on the Naini Lake

First and foremost thing that pops over the minds of the travellers visiting Nainital is the boat ride experience over the soothing and calming Naini Lake. With the astonishing views of the mountains covering the valley from all sides and the glimmering lake with colorful boats and a peaceful vibe makes the experience very popular thing to do here.

2. Visit the Snow View Point

The Snow View Point in Nainital is one of the most fascinating sites to capture as you view the Himalayas from a tower looking straight towards you. It is an enigmatic experience which cannot be explained – looking at the Great Himalayan mountains.

3. Intake the bird’s eye view of the landscape

Nainital ropeway provides an incredible bird’s eye view of the city of lakes.

The cable car ride runs from Mallital to Snow View, going through slopes and charming excellence of Naini Lake and other grand environs.

4. Stroll around the Mall Road

The mall road in Nainital is a range of many cute cafes and small shops for souvenirs and other stuff that surrounds the mango-shaped Naini Lake. You can shop away till the sun sets for little souvenirs or famous stuff from the place to take back home and have delicious dinner at one of the restaurants with the incredible lake view.

The Land of the Broken Moon – Ladakh, J&K

Creating a list of the trending and popular best snow places in India and not mentioning Ladakh would make the list worthless.

Breathtaking scenic landscapes, exciting mountain vibes, clear skies, highest mountain passes, beautiful Buddhist monasteries and thrilling adrenaline rush opportunities makes Ladakh a fan-favorite destination to go to when it comes to experiencing snowfall in India as well as to just explore a world of its own.

Ladakh is without a doubt a place which made the road trip scenario in India by storm. People started to bike up and above to explore the land and then slowly, many travellers took out their four-wheelers to the Little Tibet as well.

Must do things in Ladakh

1. Two Humped Camel Ride Experience

Ladakh is famous for a pretty long list of unique things to do and riding a two-humped Camel on the snow dessert is one of the most precious moments on the trip.

A Camel Safari is perhaps one of the best ways to trek down the uneven terrain of the place and experience an incredible experience.

2. Explore Ladakh on a Bike

What made Ladakh reach the masses in the recent years after Phunsuk Wangdu was found there, was the bike rides people took towards and across the land. Ladakh is what made solo bike rides prominent in the Indian market.

The snowy peaks and the steep slopes mark an adventurous experience along with the unpredictable weather and chilly winds.

3. Indulge in the Hemis Festival

Every year in the month of July, the people of Ladakh perform the Cham Dance in the Hemis Festival. The Cham Dance depicts the rise of good over evil with a vibrant and colorful experience. If you plan to visit Ladakh during this time, never miss the festival.

4. Try to Spot the Ghost of the Mountains

The Hemis National Park in Ladakh is a perfect home to explore the interesting flora and fauna with the snowy landscape. Along with other unique species like Ibex, red fox, the Tibetan wolf and the brown bear of Eurasia, you can also spot the ghost of the mountains – the Snow Leapord.

These elusive creatures tend to be pretty shy and can be camouflaged with the snowy background due to the beautiful color of the fur. It is such a fascinating sight and many people even believe the creature to be the Protector of the Himalayas.

Conclusion

That was the list of some of the best and most beautiful snow places in India.

It was not intended to be something like a countdown list so I am not giving any points to any place – they are all incredible and must visit if you want to experience peaceful vibes with the snowy background which creates a magic in the world that seems normal.

Tell me in the comments if you’re favorite destination made the cut. Also tell me which place you think could be the best to experience snowfall in India.

That’s All Folks!