Winter has started making its presence felt across Delhi-NCR, but those hoping to experience fresh snowfall will need to travel towards the Himalayas. November marks the beginning of the snow season in several parts of India. While high-altitude destinations are already witnessing snow, popular hill towns such as Manali and Shimla are still awaiting their first major snowfall.
For travellers planning a winter getaway, several destinations offer opportunities to enjoy snow-covered landscapes, adventure activities and breathtaking mountain views. Here are five of the best places to visit in India to experience snowfall this winter.
5 Best Places to Witness Snowfall in India
| Destination | Best Time to Visit | Major Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Gulmarg | Mid-November to February | Gulmarg Gondola, Khilanmarg and Alpather Lake |
| Manali | Late November for Sissu; late December for Manali | Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel |
| Auli | Late November to March; January-February for heavy snowfall | Skiing, Gurso Bugyal trek and Chenab Lake |
| Tawang | November to February | Tawang Monastery and Sela Pass |
| Narkanda | Late November to February | Hatu Mata Temple and apple orchards |
1. Gulmarg, Kashmir
Gulmarg is among India’s most dependable destinations for experiencing snowfall. The season generally begins around mid-November, when the surrounding mountains and pine forests start receiving fresh snow, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland.
Visitors can enjoy several winter activities and explore popular attractions, including the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the world’s highest cable car systems, which takes visitors towards Apharwat Peak. Other highlights include skiing and snowboarding slopes, Khilanmarg and the picturesque Alpather Lake.
Best time to visit: Mid-November to February. January usually brings the heaviest snowfall, while November offers relatively fewer tourists and an opportunity to enjoy Srinagar’s golden Chinar leaves.
How to reach:
- By Air: Fly to Srinagar Airport (SXR), followed by a 50-km taxi journey to Gulmarg, which takes approximately two hours.
- By Train: Reach Jammu Tawi Railway Station and continue towards Srinagar by taxi.
- By Road: Travel from Srinagar to Gulmarg through Tangmarg. Shared taxi services are also available.
2. Manali, Solang Valley and Sissu, Himachal Pradesh
Although Manali town may not receive significant snowfall in early November, travellers can head towards higher-altitude areas to experience winter conditions. The regions around the Atal Tunnel and Lahaul-Spiti Valley generally start receiving snow earlier than the main town.
By late November, places such as Sissu and Koksar, located beyond the Atal Tunnel, may already have snow-covered surroundings. These destinations are ideal for travellers who want to experience snow without waiting for December.
Popular attractions include Solang Valley, known for paragliding and ropeway rides, the Atal Tunnel, Sissu village and Sissu Lake. Visitors can also explore the snow points near Koksar, Hidimba Devi Temple, Old Manali’s cafes and Jogini Falls.
Best time to visit: Late November for Sissu and nearby high-altitude areas, while late December is generally more suitable for experiencing snowfall in Manali town.
How to reach:
- By Air: Fly to Bhuntar Airport (KUU), approximately 50 km from Manali, and hire a taxi.
- By Bus: Take an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi ISBT to Manali. The journey takes around 12–14 hours.
- By Road: Follow the Delhi-Chandigarh-Mandi-Manali route. From Manali, Sissu can be reached through the Atal Tunnel in approximately 1.5 hours.
3. Auli, Uttarakhand
Popularly known as the Mini Switzerland of India, Auli is another attractive destination for winter travellers. Temperatures begin dropping towards the end of November, and the region may experience its first snowfall during this period.
Even if fresh snowfall does not occur during your visit, the higher slopes can offer snowy landscapes and spectacular views of the Nanda Devi mountain range.
Auli is particularly popular among adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding lessons, take the Auli Ropeway from Joshimath, explore the Gurso Bugyal trekking route and visit Chenab Lake. Other attractions include the Nanda Devi viewpoint and Narsingh Temple in Joshimath.
Best time to visit: Late November to March. January and February are generally considered the best months for heavier snowfall.
How to reach:
- By Air: Fly to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and continue with a road journey of approximately 270 km to Joshimath.
- By Train: Reach Haridwar or Rishikesh Railway Station and take a taxi or bus to Joshimath.
- By Road: Travel from Delhi via Rishikesh to Joshimath, followed by a ropeway or taxi journey to Auli.
4. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
For travellers looking to experience snowfall away from the crowded destinations of Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir, Tawang is worth considering. Located in Arunachal Pradesh, this beautiful mountain destination can receive snowfall in its higher-altitude areas as early as November.
The combination of snow-covered mountains, peaceful surroundings and traditional monasteries makes Tawang an appealing winter travel destination.
The major attractions include Tawang Monastery, the largest monastery in India, Sela Pass, located at an altitude of 13,700 feet, and Madhuri Lake, also known as Sangestar Tso. Travellers can additionally explore Bum La Pass near the Indo-China border, Nuranang Waterfall and Tawang War Memorial.
Best time to visit: November to February. November is a suitable month for planning a trip before heavy winter conditions potentially lead to the closure of roads towards Bum La Pass.
How to reach:
- By Air: Fly to Guwahati and continue by road through Tezpur and Bomdila to Tawang. The journey generally requires two days, with an overnight halt at Bomdila.
- By Road: The distance between Guwahati and Tawang is approximately 450 km, taking around 12–14 hours. Shared Sumo services are available from Tezpur.
- Permits: Indian travellers require an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which can be obtained online. Foreign tourists need a Protected Area Permit (PAP).
Travel tip: Carry sufficient woollen clothing, as temperatures at Sela Pass can fall to -10°C.
5. Narkanda and Hatu Peak, Himachal Pradesh
Located close to Shimla, Narkanda is a quieter alternative for travellers seeking a short winter getaway. The destination has occasionally experienced snowfall as early as November, although December is generally a more common period for snow.
Its peaceful surroundings, snow-covered apple orchards and mountain views make it a suitable choice for a two-day weekend trip.
Visitors can explore Hatu Peak, situated at approximately 11,000 feet, and the Hatu Mata Temple. Other attractions include the apple orchards, Narkanda’s skiing slopes, Kufri and Shimla’s famous Mall Road.
Best time to visit: Late November to February.
How to reach:
- By Air: Fly to Chandigarh and continue with a road journey of approximately 150 km to Narkanda.
- By Train: Reach Kalka and take the toy train to Shimla or hire a taxi.
- By Road: Travel from Delhi through Chandigarh and Shimla to Narkanda. The journey covers approximately 400 km and takes around 8–9 hours. Narkanda is approximately 60 km from Shimla.
Important Tips Before Planning a Snowfall Trip
A little preparation can make your winter journey safer and more comfortable. Before travelling, check the latest weather forecasts and road conditions at least one day in advance. Snowfall depends on western disturbances, so weather conditions can change unexpectedly.
Pack essential winter clothing, including thermal wear, waterproof gloves, snow boots and lip balm. Travellers can also rent snow gear in popular destinations such as Manali and Gulmarg to reduce expenses.
If you are planning to visit Gulmarg or Auli, consider booking Gondola and ropeway tickets online in advance to avoid last-minute inconvenience.
Keeping one additional day in your travel schedule is also advisable. Heavy snowfall can temporarily close mountain roads, including routes near the Atal Tunnel, Sela Pass and Jalori Pass.
For travellers looking for snow-covered landscapes, Gulmarg and Sissu are among the better options. However, those specifically hoping to witness snowfall should plan their journey around a western disturbance forecast, as fresh snowfall cannot be guaranteed.
Which Snow Destination Should You Choose This Winter?
The best destination depends on the kind of winter experience you are looking for. Gulmarg and Sissu near Manali are strong choices for travellers hoping to find snow in November. Narkanda is a convenient option for a short weekend getaway from Delhi, while Auli is suitable for those interested in skiing and a relatively quieter mountain experience.
For a more adventurous journey with beautiful landscapes and fewer conventional tourist crowds, Tawang is another excellent option, particularly before peak winter conditions affect access to Bum La Pass.
Whichever destination you choose, check the latest weather updates, prepare for cold temperatures and keep an extra day in your itinerary. Snowfall is unpredictable, so planning ahead can help make your winter holiday more enjoyable.