1. Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir – Winter Wonderland & Ski Capital
- Why Visit: Gulmarg is perhaps receives the highest amount of snowfall in India and has the best skiing slopes and winter scenery.
- Best Time to Visit: December to February
- How to Reach: Flight to Srinagar and then 2 hrs drive to Gulmarg.
- Range of price for stay: Budget stay options for ₹2,000 to ₹3,500
Things to Do:
- Skiing and Snowboarding
- Take a cable car ride to Apharwat Peak via the Gulmarg Gondola – it is one of the highest
- Snow Walking and Photographs
- Snowy Pine Forests Visit
- Snowy pine
2. Himachal Pradesh: Solang Valley & Manali – The Classic Snow Escape
- Reasons to Visit: Manali is a winter destination. Manali receives regular snowfall, especially in the ‘Solang Valley’ as well as in the ‘Rohtang Pass’ areas.
- Best Time to Visit: December to February
- How to Reach: Flight to Bhuntar Airport (50 km from Manali), Bus/Volvo from Delhi.
- Budget (Per Person): ₹6000-8000
- Food To Try: Sidu, Tudkiya Bhat, Himachali Thalis, Hot Tea in Tea Stalls
Things to Do:
- Snow scooter rides + ATV adventures
- Skiing for beginners
- Find Hadimba Temple & snow cafes
3. Auli, Uttarakhand – The Skiing Destination of India
- Reason to Visit: Known as one of the best places in the world to enjoy unblemished snowy mountain ranges and ”skiing festivals,” Auli has the perfect combination of adventure and peace.
- Best Time to Visit: December to February
- Budget (Per Person): ₹2000,5000
Things to Do:
- Skiing And Snow Trekking
- Auli Ropeway Ride
- Scenic routes that go around the oak and pine trees that are commonly witnessed during the winter months
4. Shimla & Kufri – Romantic Snow
- Why Visit: This is the Best Place for couples in india, The traditional snowy experience, witnessed by couples as well as families, in Shimla, with its colonial setting and snowfall in Kufri during winters.
- Best Time to Visit: December to January
- How to Reach: Toy train to Kalka, and bus to major North Indian cities.
- Budget Per Person: ₹5000 -7000
- Food to Try: Trout Fish, Chana Madra, Hot Apple Cider
Things to Do:
- Stroll Mall Road in the snow
- Skiing & Snow Tubing in Kufri
- Go for a ride on the Kalka-Shimla
5. Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir — Snowy Alpine Valley
- Reasons to Visit: Scenic snowy valley situated alongside the Sindh river, compared to the more populated Gulmarg quite peaceful.
- Best Time to Visit: December to February
- Budget (Per Person): ₹6000-8000
- Food to Try: Kashmiri cuisine, particularly stew and rice.
Things to Do:
- Visit Thajiwas Glacier
- Snow trekking and camping
- Sled rides and Winter Photography
6. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – Snow & Culture
- Reasons to Visit: Snow-capped mountains, historic monastery sites, and the naturally steady winter weather make Tawang one of the finest unexplored snowy spots.
- Best Season to Visit: December to February
- How to Reach: The easiest way is by flight from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport (
- Budget: ₹4000-6000
- Food to Try: Thukpa, Zan, Local Cuisine
Things to Do:
- visit Tawang Monastery
- Sela Pass & frozen lakes
- Snow Photography Excursions
Best Time for Snowfall Travel in India It is important to note that the figures mentioned below are averages and tend to fluctuate every year.
Early snow may arrive in some regions as late as late November. Transport conditions vary. Snowfall could block roads leading up to high mountain passes (like Rohtang Pass/Sela Pass).
Conclusion
Whether it’s the snowy ranges of Gulmarg and Manali, the cultural cold of Tawang, or the hidden gems of Chopta and Dhanaulti, this winter season offers countless snow-filled experiences to explore. Twisty Trails captures these journeys through detailed travel stories, local food discoveries, and real experiences—bringing you closer to destinations, flavours, and winter vibes that make every trip unforgettable.
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