Hill Stations in India to Witness Snowfall and Celebrate New Year
Winter transforms the Indian landscape into a beautiful snowy scene, creating a magical world. As winter arrives, nature puts on a stunning display, covering everything in a blanket of snow.
Hence, many across the country want to rush to some of the best hill stations in India for snowfall.
From the cosy resorts to the breath-taking views, each element of these hill stations invites you to embrace the enchanting experience in winter. These places provide a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories and celebrate in tranquillity.
The charm of snowfall is truly captivating, and the best way to experience it is by visiting the top hill stations in India.
Here are 10 of the best hill stations for snowfall in India.
- Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Shimla is renowned as one of the best hill stations for snowfall in India. It has emerged as one of the top choices for holiday getaways. While Shimla has served as a summer holiday destination, experiencing it in winter is a unique and captivating adventure.
The charm of Shimla is heightened during snowfall. Whether strolling along the Mall Road or admiring the snow-covered landscape during the day and its illuminated beauty at night, Shimla offers a distinct and enchanting winter experience.
Best Time to Witness Snowfall: January and February, with January being the best month to visit Shimla for snowfall.
- Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli is a lovely hill station in Uttarakhand, perched at a height of 8,200 feet. Found in the Chamoli district in the Garhwal region, Auli is a large meadow called Bugyal, covered in thick snow every winter. Hence, it is on the top of the list of hill stations in India with snowfall
The place has beautiful resorts that offer fantastic views of the Himalayas. You can enjoy nature walks, take pictures, or just relax in your cottage with a hot cup of tea. It's also perfect for skiing in winter due to its ideal slopes.
Best Time to Witness Snowfall: From December to March.
- Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
Srinagar experiences chilly winters and is the best hill station in India for snowfall. Its charm extends beyond its frozen lake, as the entire city becomes a picture-perfect setting for various activities. One of the quintessential experiences is navigating the Dal Lake on traditional wooden boats known as shikaras.
These boat rides offer a unique perspective of the snow-covered surroundings and a tranquil escape. As night falls, the atmosphere in Srinagar becomes even more enchanting. The night bazaar at Dal Lake comes to life with vibrant colours and the enticing aroma of local delicacies. It's a perfect time to sip on kahwa, a traditional Kashmiri tea, while immersing yourself in the lively ambience.
Best Time to Witness Snowfall: December to March
- Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Gulmarg, a charming town in Kashmir, turns into a snowy paradise during winter. It is one of the hill stations in India with snowfall and is covered in a thick blanket of snow, offering a picturesque setting. It's a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, attracting skiers and snowboarders to the renowned Gulmarg Ski Resort.
The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars globally, provides stunning views of the snow-covered surroundings. The frozen landscapes create a peaceful and magical atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking tranquillity amidst the beauty of the Himalayas.
In winter, Gulmarg becomes a simple yet enchanting destination for nature and adventure lovers.
Best Time to Witness Snowfall: December to March, and December and January, in particular, are the coldest months, and the snow cover is at its peak.
- Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Solang Valley in Manali is an exhilarating winter haven, captivating thrill-seekers with its enchanting snowfall spectacle. Situated at 2,560 meters amid the Himalayan peaks, the valley transforms into a pristine canvas covered in glistening white snow.
From November to February, the air becomes this crisp, magical concoction of excitement. It's not just a hill station; it's a playground for adventure lovers. Skiing, snowboarding, and paragliding take on a new level against the breath-taking backdrop of snow-covered landscapes.
Among the hill stations in India with snowfall, Solang Valley is an adventure waiting to happen at every step.
Best Time to Witness Snowfall: From late November to early February. During these months the temperatures drop significantly, and the region receives regular snowfall.
- Leh, Jammu & Kashmir
Ladakh stands out as a dream destination for millennials, featuring the renowned Zanskar River that transforms into the famous Chadar trek when it freezes over in winter. A must-visit attraction is the iconic Pangong Tso Lake, which presents a unique spectacle when solidly frozen.
The winter season in Ladakh brings snow-covered roads and highways, making it less ideal for a road trip. Nevertheless, flying to Leh Airport is a viable alternative during this time.
Best Time to Witness Snowfall: Late November to early March
- Patnitop, Jammu & Kashmir
In the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, Patnitop is a beautiful hill station that is one of the best hill station in India for snowfall.
Located at an altitude of 6,640 feet, it provides a picturesque setting for activities such as skiing and sledging during January and February. You can enjoy traversing the snow-covered slopes or taking leisurely walks amidst the scenic beauty of Patnitop.
If you're a novice, don't worry—ski resorts in the area also provide courses for beginners to learn and enjoy the experience of skiing.
Best Time to Witness Snowfall: December to March
- Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh
Narkanda, a small town in Himachal Pradesh with around 2,500 residents, is located about 62 kilometers away from Shimla. It's the perfect spot to experience snow, being situated at an altitude of 2,708 meters, and is well-known as a favoured destination for skiing.
Narkanda, in January, is transformed into a snowy paradise, making it one of the best hill station for snowfall in India. It is an ideal location for various snow sports. The skiing slopes here are comparatively easier, making them suitable for beginners or those without much experience.
Best Time to Witness Snowfall: December to March
- Sonmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Sonmarg is this adorable little hill station tucked away in Kashmir, standing tall at 2,739 meters. They call it 'The Meadow of Gold.' From December to April, it becomes one of the best hill stations in India for snowfall.
The views of the nearby mountain ranges are gorgeous and prove how beautiful nature is. They are perfect for snapping some beautiful shots.
And guess what? You can do more than just admire the scenery. Get your adventurous side on because trekking and snow sledging are on the menu! It's about 85 kilometres from Srinagar, and the drive there through the Sindh Valley is something else.
Best Time to Witness Snowfall: Typically from December to April.
Club Mahindra Winter Resorts
Club Mahindra's exquisite resorts in India's scenic hill stations become enchanting havens during winter. The snow-kissed landscapes transform these retreats into magical escapes, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.
Each of the Club Mahindra Winter Resort promises a cosy, premium stay. Embrace the warmth of these beautiful resorts in winter.
Here are some of the resorts in some of the best hill stations in India with snowfall.
White Meadows, Manali
Located in the snow-kissed Himalayas, Club Mahindra's resort in manali is an ideal family holiday haven, especially during this magical season. The allure of Manali resort in winter is an invitation to immerse yourself in the serene and enchanting embrace of the snowy season.
Manali being one of the best hill stations for snowfall in India, you can experience nature transformed into a captivating spectacle of ethereal beauty. The gentle snowfall enhances the picturesque landscape, offering luxury, warm hospitality, and festive cheer.
Indulge in Himachali delicacies, from traditional thalis to freshly farmed trout. A special bonfire dinner under the starry sky creates precious family moments. Immerse in nature, soak up the local culture, and relish the opulence of the resort, making Manali a charming and festive family retreat.
Kandaghat, near Shimla
It is one of the best Club Mahindra winter resorts to celebrate New Year.
The surroundings seamlessly blend the pristine beauty of snow-covered terrain with areas untouched by snow, creating a harmonious contrast. Elegantly designed accommodations boast luxurious amenities, delectable cuisine, and impeccable hospitality, ensuring every family member's desires are met.
Explore local culture through heritage walks or village tours, and for adventure seekers, engage in activities like rock climbing, rappelling, zorbing, and paintball. Take in the magnificent views of Himachal's longest zip line. Back at the resort, savour local Himachali delicacies, including festive Dham prepared by the chef.
Whether watching fiery sunsets or venturing along scenic trails, this resort promises a cosy and enchanting destination for an indelible family holiday experience.
Janjehli, Himachal Pradesh
A hidden gem in Himachal Pradesh, Club Mahindra Janjehli gives you a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located in the town's heart, the resort showcases elegant Himachali architecture and offers guests a panoramic vista of towering Himalayan peaks and verdant landscapes. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature walks, partake in thrilling adventure activities, and tantalise their taste buds with authentic local Himachali cuisine, making it an ideal retreat for a harmonious blend of relaxation and exploration.
Celebrate New year in India's snowy hill stations. From Shimla's enchanting Mall Road to Auli's ideal slopes for skiing, each destination offers a unique winter adventure. Make lasting memories amidst white landscapes in tranquillity at these hill stations in India with snowfall. Explore the snowy charm of India's best hill stations with Club Mahindra's winter resorts. From Manali's White Meadows to Ladakh's Driftwood, each promises a cosy retreat.
