Watching the snow fall is probably a highlighted point in everybody’s bucket list. So, here’s a list of the best places to see snowfall in India.
Manali
Situated in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is an essential when it comes to Hill Stations. With sports activities such as skiing, mountaineering and trekking, the place is a hit among the travellers. October to March is the perfect time to have Manali Trip, while the monsoon season should be avoided completely. One of the great attractions of Manali is the Mall Road. It is full of showrooms, shops, cafes and restaurants that you can visit to get a taste of the local food there. A Himachal Emporium is also located here that you can visit to buy handicraft items that are specialty in this place.
Auli
One of the most popular hill stations of Uttarakhand, Auli is also known as the Auli Bugyal aka a meadow. It is known for its rustic mountain cottages, coniferous and oak forests and stunning view of Himalayas. Stated as one of the highest Ski resorts in the world, Auli is often visited for adventurous activities like skiing and snowboarding. Tourists can also ride in a cable car, spend time in a meadow full of colourful flowers, or go on a trek and enjoy the nature.
Rohtang
Rohtang pass has been named so based on the number of people who have lost their lives trying to cross this area. Dark right? Yet, this place is still one of the best if you want to enjoy some snowfall. Typically, open from June to October, this area is a definite stop on the itinerary of people visiting hill stations like Manali, Kullu, and Leh. Since, Rohtang Pass is just a crossing bridge, there are no restaurants or eateries available here. You will have to carry your own food.
Shimla
In winters, Shimla is like a winter wonderland with a blanket of snow wrapping its arms around the hill station. If you want to enjoy fresh snow in the place, visit anytime between December and February. An Ice-Skating Carnival is held at the place in December that you can visit for some more fun. For shopping Chail, Kufri and Shilon Bagh are the ideal stops. Don’t forget to pack your woolens as the temperature in Shimla drops to -2°C at night.
Dalhousie
Dalhousie with its misty mountains, pine valleys and natural landscapes has an old-world charm to it. The place even has Victorian style mansions to complete the picture. Mystic boat tours in striking lakes, Chamera Lake, and Ganji Pahari are some of the major attractions of this Hill Station. You can try paragliding, trekking, hiking, outdoor camping, and horse-riding to make your trip a memorable one. The best time to visit this place would be from March to May.
Bir-Billing
A land of mountains and tea estates, Bir-Billing is a hub for adventure sports like trekking, paragliding and camping. Bir and Billing are at a distance of 14 km from each other with Billing being the take off point for paragliding and Bir being the landing point. The whole region offers a beautiful scenery to the visitors. Bir also houses a lot of Tibetans in the Bir Tibetan colony, after their exile from Tibet in 1960’s. Therefore, you can see a lot of their culture including Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in this place.
Dharamshala
Famous for being the holy residence of Dalai Lama, Dharamshala is a peaceful city located in Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by Cedar forests, the place is known for the peaceful environment in gives its visitors. For a deeper look of the place, you can trek through the beautiful Dhauladhars, an easy and pleasurable trek. You must try the famous Kangra tea of the place which is often counted amongst the best in the country.
Chandrashila
Chandrashila meaning the moon rock is the peak of the Chandranath Parvat. The Tungnath temple of Panch Kedar stands tall on this peak. It is one of the most frequented treks of Uttarakhand and offers a panoramic view of various Himalayan peaks. If you decide to go for the Chandrashila Trek you will have the chance of crossing through Verdant Meadows, deodar forests and the Tungnath shrine.
Mcleodganj
Situated near Dharamshala, Mcleodganj is a mix of Tibetan and British culture. Also called the Little Lhasa, this region is full of lush greenery and majestic hills. In Himachal Pradesh Mcleodganj is the place with one of the most beautiful landscapes. Some of the most famous monasteries like the Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang can be found here. You must visit the Dal Lake if you want a quiet picnic.
Triund
Triund is situated on the dhauladhar mountains and boasts of a beautiful mix of rhododendron, oak and deodar forests. The Triund trek can easily be done by anyone apart from the last one kilometer which is known as the 22 curves, the most tiring part of the journey. Except for January and February due to heavy snowfall, Triund can be visited at any point in the year.
Sethan
Sethan is a Buddhist Village located at a distance of 12 km from Manali. If your goal is complete, relaxation away from the civilization this place will be perfect for you as not many people know about it. Sethan is the beginning point of trek to Indrasana Peak. You will not find any adventurous sports or interesting activities to keep your mind which means you can spend a few days with yourself and the beautiful view of the valley instead.
Tosh
Tosh is located at the far end of Parvati Valley and is completely untouched by the modern life. It has a hippie culture and seems like a completely different world. The whole village is stunning in its simplicity and natural beauty with river Parvati flowing through it. People often visit it to take part in the Kasol-Tosh trek and to get their dose of adrenaline. Tosh is also known for its cannabis plantations and Kheerganga trek route.
Jalori Pass
Jalori Pass is located between Shimla and Kullu and is open all year except for peak winter (December-February) due to heavy snowfall. The whole pass way is quite risky to drive on due to its uneven and bumpy path. Vehicles have often been swept away in the snow. Therefore, mid-June to mid-December is the best time to navigate through the snow laden path and take part in the Jalori Pass trek.