Planning A Winter Trip? Six Snow-Covered Destinations Across India To Consider

Winter changes several mountain regions in India into snow-covered getaways. These places offer quiet surroundings, cold weather, and open views. Some are easy to reach, while others are remote but give a different kind of winter experience. Here are six snow places you can plan for this season, with added details to help you understand each one better.

1. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand

Munsiyari is a small town in the Kumaon side of Uttarakhand. It receives regular snowfall in winter, and the roads and houses often stay covered for days. The town faces the Panchachuli peaks, which gives visitors a clear look at the Himalayan range from close distance.

There are simple trails around Munsiyari where people can walk in the snow without any rush. The place is also known among trekkers because many long routes start from this region. Since it is not crowded, travellers can spend time quietly, meet the local people, and enjoy slow mountain living.

2. Auli, Uttarakhand

Auli is known for its ski slopes and ropeway. It often receives snowfall early in the winter season, and because of its height, the snow lasts longer. The ski slopes are managed, and trainers are available for beginners, making it suitable for learning skiing at a basic level. People who don’t want to ski can still ride the ropeway, walk around the snow-covered areas, or stay in nearby places like Joshimath. During winter, the temperature here stays very low, so travellers must carry proper winter clothing. Auli is one of the few places in India where organised snow activities are available.

3. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manali is a common winter stop for many travellers because it can be reached easily by road. The main town sees snowfall, but areas like Solang Valley and the side towards Rohtang usually receive heavier snow.

Solang Valley offers different winter activities such as snow biking, tubing, cable car rides and basic paragliding depending on the weather. Shops and rentals provide winter wear for those who need it. Manali has many hotels, cafés and places to stay, so even in winter, travellers find it comfortable. The Beas River, pine trees and small villages around Manali also get covered in snow, giving the area a steady winter feel.

4. Gulmarg, Kashmir

Gulmarg receives some of the highest snowfall among Indian hill stations. It has a long ski season, and its gondola system takes travellers up to higher areas where the snow is deeper.

The slopes in Gulmarg are used by skiers from India and abroad. Even people who do not ski can walk around the snow-covered meadows or take the gondola ride for wide views. The weather stays cold, and the snow layer becomes thick as the season continues. Gulmarg also has open spaces, forests and a calm atmosphere, which adds to the winter experience.

5. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang lies at a high altitude and becomes snow-covered during winter months. Reaching Tawang involves driving through Sela Pass, which itself receives heavy snow. Because of this, the journey becomes part of the experience, with frozen lakes and snow on both sides of the road.

In Tawang, travellers often visit the Tawang Monastery, local markets and nearby viewpoints. The winter weather remains cold, and the area can get sudden snowfall, so planning and checking road conditions is important.

The combination of snow, mountain roads and local culture makes Tawang different from typical winter hill stations.

6. Lachen and Lachung, North Sikkim

Lachen and Lachung serve as the starting points to see places like Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley. During winter, these regions stay snow-covered for long periods, and temperatures drop sharply.

The roads sometimes freeze, and travel becomes slow, but the mountain views and snowfields make the journey special. The villages are small, with limited shops and local homestays, which gives travellers a quiet and simple winter stay. The snow in North Sikkim is often thick, especially near Yumthang Valley. People visit to see open white landscapes, frozen rivers and calm winter surroundings that feel untouched.