Winter is here and so is the time to plan a snowy vacation with your loved ones. India has many places where you can enjoy the beauty of snowfall and indulge in some thrilling activities like skiing, snowboarding, trekking, and more. Whether you want to witness the white wonderland of Kashmir, the scenic slopes of Himachal Pradesh, the charming valleys of Uttarakhand, or the exotic landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh, there is a perfect destination for you. Here are six places to visit for a snowy vacay this season in India.
Auli, Uttarakhand: The Skiing Paradise
Auli is one of the most popular winter destinations in India, especially for skiing enthusiasts. Located in the Garhwal Himalayas, Auli offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks like Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, and Kamet. The place has a 4 km long cable car that takes you to the skiing slopes, where you can glide on the fresh snow and feel the adrenaline rush. Auli also has a beautiful artificial lake that freezes in winter and adds to the charm of the place.
Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir: The Meadow of Flowers
Gulmarg is a picturesque hill station in Jammu and Kashmir, known for its lush green meadows, pine forests, and alpine flowers. But in winter, the place transforms into a white wonderland, attracting tourists from all over the world. Gulmarg has the world’s highest gondola, which takes you to the Apharwat peak, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas and the Pir Panjal range. You can also try skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sledging in Gulmarg, or just relax in the cozy resorts and enjoy the snowfall.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh: The Valley of Gods
Manali is a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, famous for its scenic beauty, adventure sports, and cultural heritage. Manali is surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, which get covered with snow in winter. You can visit the Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Kullu Valley, and other nearby places to enjoy the snow and indulge in activities like skiing, paragliding, zorbing, and snow scooter riding. You can also explore the ancient temples, monasteries, and museums in Manali, or enjoy the hot springs and spas.
Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh: The Land of Lamas
Lahaul-Spiti is a remote and rugged region in Himachal Pradesh, known for its pristine natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and Buddhist influence. Lahaul-Spiti is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, who want to experience the raw and untouched side of the Himalayas. In winter, the region gets cut off from the rest of the world due to heavy snowfall, making it a perfect destination for those who seek solitude and serenity. You can visit the ancient monasteries, lakes, glaciers, and villages in Lahaul-Spiti, or go for trekking, camping, and wildlife spotting.
Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir: The Golden Meadow
Sonamarg is a scenic hill station in Jammu and Kashmir, located on the banks of the Sindh river. Sonamarg is known for its golden meadows, which turn white in winter due to snowfall. The place offers breathtaking views of the snow-clad mountains, glaciers, and valleys. You can visit the Thajiwas Glacier, Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, and other attractions in Sonamarg, or enjoy activities like trekking, fishing, and rafting. Sonamarg is also a base camp for the famous Amarnath Yatra, which takes place in summer.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh: The Hidden Gem of the Northeast
Tawang is a beautiful town in Arunachal Pradesh, located at an altitude of 10,000 feet. Tawang is known for its cultural and historical significance, as it is the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama and the home of the largest Buddhist monastery in India. Tawang is also blessed with natural beauty, as it is surrounded by the snow-capped mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and forests. In winter, Tawang receives moderate to heavy snowfall, making it a dream destination for snow lovers. You can visit the Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Madhuri Lake, Nuranang Falls, and other attractions in Tawang, or enjoy trekking, biking, and shopping.
