You Should Know The Top 5 Best Places to See Snowfall

Listen to this article

One of the best things about winters in India is snowfall, the best experience of which can be enjoyed at several North Indian places tucked away in the foothills of the Himalayas. If witnessing snowfall in India is one of your bucket list things to do, then here are the best places you can visit and indulge yourself in a variety of snow-themed activities, from silly snow fights to thrilling adventures like skiing and snowboarding. The following snowfall places in India turn into winter wonderlands at the peak of the winter season, thus attracting scores of snow-loving travelers from across the country and even the world.

Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir

Gulmarg, nestled in the Pir Panjal Range of the Western Himalayas, is one of the best places in India to see snowfall. This gorgeous hill station gets all decked in a blanket of snow during the winter season, and Gulmarg’s snowy landscapes are a treat for the eyes! This scenic hill station is also a popular destination for various winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and heliskiing among others. Mid-January to February is the best time for skiing and other activities. Gulmarg’s gondola ride is a must-try for all travelers. A ride along Asia’s highest cable car circuit allows you to enjoy the best views of Gulmarg’s landscapes.

Nearest airport: Srinagar Airport

Nearest railway station: Jammu railway station

Top Tourist Attractions in Gulmarg: Apharwat Peak, Alpather Lake, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Children’s Park, Shiva Temple, Ningle Nallah, Ferozepur Nallah, Gulmarg Ski Resort, and Gulmarg Golf Course.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Snowfall starts quite early in Manali, most probably by the end of November or the start of December, and lasts till February. This hilly paradise welcomes a large number of travelers during its snowfall season. The white sheen of snow adorns the lush greenery of this valley, making it all the more beautiful. No wonder Manali is a favorite haunt for solo travelers, families, friends’ groups, and honeymooners too. Manali and its surrounding places also offer various adventure sports like mountaineering, skiing, heli-skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice climbing, ice skating, etc. Head to the nearby Solang Valley or Rohtang Pass to take part in these thrilling activities.

Nearest airport: Kullu Manali Airport

Nearest railway station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station

Top Tourist Attractions in Manali: Rohtang pass, Solang Valley, Old Manali, Mall Road, Manali Sanctuary, Naggar Castle, Hidimba Devi Temple, and Gulaba village.

Auli, Uttarakhand

Any list of the best snowfall places in India is incomplete without a mention of Auli, a small yet beautiful ski resort surrounded by gorgeous oak, deodar, and coniferous forests, and snow-capped Himalayan mountains. This splendid hill station located in Chamoli district in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand is also one of the best skiing destinations in the country, often dubbed the ‘skiing capital of India.’ The snow-covered mountain slopes in Auli are perfect for both newbies as well as experienced skiers.

Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun

Nearest railway station: Rishikesh Railway Station

Top Tourist Attractions in Auli: Joshimath, Auli artificial lake, Gorson Bugyal, Trishul peak, Rudraprayag, Chattrakund, Nanda Devi National Park, and Auli-Joshimath gondola rides.

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Perched at an elevation of 3,048 m above sea level, Tawang is yet another best place to witness snowfall. Tawang is among the first places that receive snowfall in India and it often experiences heavy snowfall during the peak winter season, i.e. in December and January. This small yet beautiful town in Arunachal Pradesh is rather an unexplored destination, and thus, is the ideal place for those looking for an alternative option to avoid the huge crowds at other famous snowfall places in India like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Auli, etc. Don’t forget to visit its many lakes, waterfalls, and Buddhist monasteries.

Nearest airport: Salonibari Airport in Tezpur

Nearest railway station: Rangapara Railway Station in Sonitpur

Top Tourist Attractions in Tawang: Tawang Monastery, Peng Teng Tso Lake, Bumla Pass, Sela Pass, Tawang War Memorial, Nuranang Falls, Thingbu Hot Spring, Gorichen Peak, and Jaswant Garh.

Munsiyari, Uttarakhand

A lesser-known hill station settled at the base of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Munsiyari is known for its scenic and tranquil environs. Winter is one of the best seasons to enjoy its bewitching charm when the entire town is draped in a thick layer of white snow. Kids would love to build snowmen and snow castles at this place. Munsiyari is also popular with trekking and mountaineering enthusiasts. At the end of your trek, you can enjoy amazing views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Nearest airport: Pantnagar Airport

Nearest railway station: Kathgodam and Tanakpur Railway Stations

Top Tourist Attractions in Munsiyari: Panchachuli Peaks, Birthi Falls, Maheshwari Kund, Thamari Kund, Nanda Devi Temple, Madkot village, Darkot village, Khaliya Top, and Kalamuni Temple.

Which of these snowfall places in India are you planning to visit? Find the best flight deals on USA-India flights at Indian Eagle and book your tickets now!