When God’s luminous day star stops tickling your skin with its hottest vibes, you know, it’s the time for winter to brighten your soul.
It’s time for you to see your breath rise in visible puffs, it’s time for you to see the beautiful migratory birds like Siberian cranes, Amur Falcon, greater Flamingo, blue throat, bar headed goose etc breaking the gloomy silence caused by summer and fill the atmosphere with a renovating warmth.
It’s time for you to see the places decked with glittery snow. You have the chance to sing the white winter hymns in some of the Indian dreamy destinations.
Ideally, you’d witness some people choosing famous tropical places in the country that are far from the cold weather for their family vacation. But for those who prefer to capture the perfect Instagrammable moments with the backdrop of the Himalayan white wonderlands, you’d probably get enticed by the surreal beauty of the northern hilly states in India.
In this blog, we have a list of 15 best winter destinations to visit in India. We are sure that these winter destinations like a delicious dessert will tickle your soul’s taste buds. So, get your backpacks ready and go build a snowman and snow-angel this winter vacation.
10 Best Destinations to Visit in Winters in India
- Kalpa, Himachal
- Zuluk, Sikkim
- Mechuka, Arunachal
- Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
- Zanskar Valley, Ladakh
- Tawang, Arunachal
- Nelong Valley, Uttarakhand
- Manali, Himachal
- Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
- Khati Village, Uttarakhand
1. Kalpa – Mighty Mountains of Himachal Pradesh
The teensy town in Himachal, Kalpa is one of the best places you’d probably want to visit time and again. Located very close to its district headquarters, Reckong Peo, Kalpa can be expected to be dressed in white during the winter season in India. It is one of the best travel destinations for winter vacation in North India.
Since Kalpa is situated at a high altitude, this place becomes fluffier with snow in the months between November and March.
This small town is considered to have the cleanest air in India, and since it is away from all that rush of tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, it looks no less than a land from the fairytale when it comes to winter.
Top Things to Do in Kalpa
- Visit religious places like Nag Nagini Temple, Chandika Devi Temple and the Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar Monastery.
- Kinnaur Kailash, suicide point, Sapini Fort etc are some of the best places for sightseeing in Kalpa.
- Chaka Trek is the most thrilling trek for adventure lovers.
- Enjoy the magnificent views of scenic villages like Kothi and Roghi to make your winter holidays the best.
2. Zuluk – A surprise on the Hairpin Route of Sikkim
A small Sikkimese village of Zuluk as unusual the name may sound, the place offers a riveting ambience for winter adventures. It is one of the best winter destinations in India.
Although the roads here may challenge you during winters making it slippery, once you reach your destination, you’ll thank God for creating such a masterpiece.
Basically, this hilltop tourist place is a transit point within the Silk Route offering a sight of the 32 dramatic hairpin turns. Most tourists visit Zuluk to catch a glimpse of it and of course experience a ride on this famous road.
An ideal place to get a panoramic view of the roads and mighty Kanchenjunga is from Thambi viewpoint. Also, this rare destination is home to one of Sikkim’s sacred Kupup lake and Nag Temple which look dreamlike when covered in snow during winter. Zuluk is never disappointing when it comes to the best places to vacation in winters in India with family and friends.
Tourist Attractions in Zuluk
Sightseeing in Zuluk would elevate your winter vacation experience in India to a different level. Some of the best places to visit in Zuluk are –
- Thambi View Point
- Lungthung
- Nag Temple
- Tukla Valley
- Old baba mandir
- Kalapokhri Lake
- Nathula Pass
3. Mechuka – The forgotten valley of Arunachal Pradesh
Gradually turning into a popular winter tourist destination, Arunachal has a lot of beautiful places to visit, one such destination is Mechuka./
This amiable valley is surrounded by wavering lush greenery for the rest of the year while during the winters, it turns into a surreal destination with snow blanketing everything.
The attraction to visit in Mechuka is the 400-year-old Gumpa also known as the Samtem Yongcha. And since it is situated atop a hilltop, you can get a 360-degree view of the entire valley.
For adventure lovers, you can hire a local guide to take you for a hiking tour to the villages of Singbir, Galling to explore the local lifestyle of the people living in the extremely cold places of Arunachal. There is also a small Gurudwara, a little away from Mechuka.
Top Tourist Attractions to Visit in Mechuka
- Samten Yongcha – Beautiful and mystical Buddhist Monastery
- Gurunanak Taposthan- Spiritual Bliss
- Hanuman Camp – Amazing naturally carved image of Lord Hanuman
- Dorjeeling Village- Scenic landscapes and small hermitage
- Along – Top rated place for adventure activities in Mechuka
- Darka Village – Scenic landscapes and lush greenery of forests all around.
4. Sonmarg – Kashmir’s very own winter Paradise
Sonmarg is extremely scenic during winters, think of the movie the Chronicles of Narnia, yes…that pretty. It’s be a shame if you didn’t visit this famous destination that displays the wide wavering ranges of the Himalayan snow-clad peaks.
And if an endurance traveler you say you are, drive on the roads towards Sonamarg during winters, it can get pretty slippery but the picturesque surroundings can really take your breath away.
It is a perfect destination to visit with family. Though the heavy snow can make your trek slow to the nearby destinations, you may be able to trek (3km) to the frozen lake of Vishansar. Basically, it can be considered a day trip to explore the scenic mountains, a frozen lake and just be there in the moment.
Top Things to Do in Sonmarg
- Trekking is the best thing to do in Sonmarg. Nichnai Pass, Sirbal Peak, Machoi Peak, Amarnath Peak are some of the best places for trekking.
- A beautiful day amidst the beautiful Satsar Lake. Also don’t forget to visit Gadsar Lake and Gangabal Lake.
- A hub of lakes, glaciers and passes – Thajiwas Glacier
- Zoji-la Pass- Dangerous yet thrilling mountain pass you must visit.
- Yusmarg – disappear in secluded serenity.
4. Zanskar Valley- It is where adventure gets its definition
Looking for an adventure of a lifetime? Visit Zanskar for some winter action amid the snow-coated mountains and frozen lakes.
This fabulous destination is one of the best winter tourist places to visit in India. There are so many things to do in Zanskar Valley besides visiting the beautiful Buddhist monasteries. Trekking is the best thing to do here in winter and it is ventured by both domestic and international tourists who make reservations for the famed Chadar trek in advance.
Ideally, Chadar Trek can only be done in the chilly winter months, it passes over Zanskar River which remains stone-cold frozen, from a teensy village of Chilling.
Zanskar trek is also a famous trek in Ladakh where wildlife enthusiasts may catch a glimpse of snow leopards.
Top Tourist Attractions in Zanskar Valley
- Nimu – Best hill views and river rafting
- Sani Gompa- Embrace the divine
- Drang Drung Glacier- Largest glacier in Ladakh
- Zangla- Offbeat destination
- Phuktal Monastery- Place for self-introspection
- Zongkhul- Meditate amidst the serenity
- Panikhar-Best place for adventure lovers
5.Tawang – A place that transports you to a land of your dreams
Somewhere around 3048-metre-high, this paradise-like destination of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh offers a spirit-lifting ambience. It is considered as one of the top winter holiday destinations in India. It may be one of the coldest places in India but everybody wants an experience of it.
Here, one can witness the mash of Indian and Chinese influenced surroundings and of course the Buddhist monasteries that appear to look even more appealing during winters.
The major attraction in Tawang is probably the second largest Buddhist monastery in the world, which looks incredibly gorgeous in the winter season. And a sight not to miss is the 8 m tall statue of Sakyamuni Buddha located inside the monastery.
The Sela Pass Trek from Tawang is widely anticipated by adventurers throughout the year, especially during the winters. It’s fascinating to witness the Sela Lake completely frozen during the month of January and the views from the past are just bewildering, overlooking the mountaintops.
Top Tourist Attractions in Tawang
- Tibetan settlement market – Great place for souvenirs
- Thingbu Hot Spring- Rejuvenate your spirit
- Gyangong Ani Gompa- Embrace Peace
- Narurang Falls- Cascading waterfalls
- Bumla Pass- Frozen beauty
- Gorichen Peak- Trekking Paradise
- Tawang Monastery- Dive deep into the divine vibes
- Nagula Lake- Mountains, Greenery and Bliss
6. Nelong Valley- A hidden treasure chest in Uttarakhand for thrill seekers
The winters in Nelong Valley can be harsh and difficult but guess what, no one can stop the endurance travelers, can they?
This almost offbeat destination in Uttarakhand falls under the Gangotri National Park and it is rather famous for the bone-rattling bridge attached to the walls of the mountain some 3666 m above the mean sea level.
Other factors that make Nelong a must visit place is for having a resemblance of the climate and landscape of that of Ladakh and it is a treat for the wildlife and landscape lover as it provides a 360-degree view of the Tibetan plateau and some endangered wildlife species like bharal, snow leopard, musk deer and the Himalayan blue sheep.
7. Manali -Cliched but still an unbeatable winter destination in Himachal Pradesh
It may not need any introduction because it’s Manali after all, the favorite place for holidayers as well as winter lovers in India. It is also a very famous backpacking and honeymoon destination in India.
This destination receives heavy footfall all year round especially during winters because it offers a myriad of adventure activities to be done on snow. It is a very popular winter destination of North India.
The things you can probably get your hands on are skiing, snowboarding, and sledging. The winter months also give an opportunity to witness the culture of Manali in its Winter Carnival.
It is held every February offering delicious Himachali cuisine, folk dances, plays and lots of music to the visitors.
If you are willing to do something out of the ordinary, try heli-skiing that requires you to jump from a helicopter sliding straight down on a snowy slope. Besides, a visit to Marhi in winters will certainly bowl you over.
Top Tourist Attractions in Manali are –
- Hadimba Temple– Seek holy blessings
- Tibetan Monasteries– Divine Peace
- Manu Temple – Dedicated to God Manu
- Jogini Falls- Relax in the lap of nature
- Van Vihar– For lovely evenings and boating
- Rohtang Pass– Picturesque views
- Great Himalayan National Park– Enchanting Flora and Fauna
- Tosh- Enjoy Tosh– Kasol Trek
- Mall Road- For quality time with family and friends
- Old Manali– Cafes and hotels
8.Gulmarg- The one and only Winter sports capital in Kashmir
Kashmir can be an irresistibly good destination to plan a holiday during winters and one of the popular hill stations is Gulmarg, which is looked up to.
It is an ideal and rejuvenating weekend destination that treasures luxurious high-end resorts and amazing winter sports.
In Gulmarg, you will be offered a plethora of sports and one that will surely be available is skiing. A cable car ride is another major attraction in Gulmarg, as it is truly an incredible experience getting a panoramic view of the surroundings.
Hot air ballooning is also an added bonus during your Gulmarg tour. and similar to Manali, you can also find heli-skiing options here as well.
Top Tourist Attraction in Gulmarg
- Strawberry Field- You will love Fresh Strawberries
- Gulmarg Golf Course- Place for Golf Lovers
- Baba Reshi Shrine- Abode of the divine
- Imambara Goom- Sacred and serene
- Seven Springs- Seven water outlets
- Khilanmarg- Spot for Nature Lovers
- Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve- heaven for wildlife lovers
9. Khati Village: Last inhabited village in Uttarakhand and a perfect place to find solace
Need an offbeat winter holiday? Visit one of the least travelled yet beautiful destinations in Uttarakhand, Khati Village. Ideal for peace and solitude lovers, it is accessible only through a trek via Dhakuri Pass.
In fact, it is the last inhabited village that can be traversed while trekking to Pindari Glacier in the Kumaon Region. The winter vibe of the trek is all about the snow-covered trails with tiny winter flowers and forests covered with sun rays, offering a picture-perfect setting.
Besides, the stone houses of the village simply add charm to it. If you are looking for a visit to Khati, go for Pindari Glacier or Sunderdhunga Glacier Valley trek that will pass through dramatic mountain slopes and lush forests covered in snow. It is the best place for a peaceful holiday with family and friends during winter in India.
10. Munsiyari – Perfect place for a solitary stay amid snow and nature
The charm Munsiyari in Uttarakhand offers is beyond words; visit and you’ll find out. It offers pleasant weather year-round but the winter months are simply bewitching – thick layer of snow, perfect to build castles and snowmen.
Like any other hill stations, Munsiyari too is filled with many things for adventure and trekking lovers. There may not be winter trekking options to high altitude places like Namik Glacier but there may be a few available short treks options to Thamri Kund. It is a 3 km trek from Ganesh Temple after you drive 7 km from Munsiyari.
A trek to this freshwater lake is quite easy and for wildlife enthusiasts, you can also encounter musk deer.
Some of the Best Places to Visit in Munsiyari are-
- Goriganga River- Pristine beauty
- Namik Glacier- Beautiful remote glacier
- Birthi Falls- Beauty amidst dense forests
- Mad kot – Verdant landscapes, hot springs, rich flora and fauna
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