Experience the magic of the season’s first snow by exploring these hidden gems of India.

We are always set out on a journey of unforgettable memories and experiences as travel lovers and enthusiasts. It’s not merely about traveling someplace but also about lifelong memories. While some of us want to live the joy of catching a snowflake in our hands, some of us want our kids to remember the snow angels they made. And how can we forget the beloved snowman with a carrot nose? And the best part is you don’t have to visit Switzerland to witness the magic of snow. You can do so in the heart of India. 

Discover the enchanting snow-clad mountains of India as you take in the first snow of the season. Join us as we take you on a journey where the horizon meets and colors everything white. We are certainly making a pit stop at all the best places to experience snow in India listed below:

1. Auli, Uttarakhand:

This underrated gem of Uttarakhand is one of the best places to witness the season’s first snow. One of its kind ski resorts in India, this is certainly a people’s favourite getaway. If you are looking for a lesser crowded peaceful snow destination, Auli should be on your list. With lush dark green mountains that have a heavy blanket of snow on them and beautifully tall dense Oak forests, Auli is a visual treat. What’s more? While you’re at it, you can also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site- Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park, the Zanskar range, and Badrinath Temple that are accessible from here.

• The best time to visit Auli for snow: End of November to March.

2. Sonamarg, Kashmir:

Known as the ‘path of gold’, Sonamarg gets its name from the sun rays that fall on the snow-clad mountains making their appearance golden. Kashmir holds the status of heaven on earth and Sonamarg doubles the glory of it. A popular tourist attraction is The Thajiwas Glacier that looks like a place straight out of a fairy tale. Locals and tourists enjoy sledging, building snow castles and snowman and taking in the scenic beauty of the glacier. The Enormous glacier is located at a distance of 2.3kms from Sonamarg.

• the best time to visit Sonamarg for snowfall: November to April.

3. Gulmarg, Kashmir:

Located at a distance of 49kms from Srinagar, this small Kashmiri snow town of Gulmarg is everything one dreams of when they think of snow. Known for its skiing and snowboarding retreats and activities, Gulmarg translates to ‘the meadow of flowers.’ It comes off as a surprise that Gulmarg was ranked as the 7th best ski destination in Asia. If you love the snow-clad mountains in Bollywood movies, you will be delighted to know most of them are shot at Gulmarg. Dense layers of snow stacked hills, frozen rivers and lakes, will make you fall in love with this snow haven.

• the best time to visit Gulmarg for snow: December to Early March.

4. Nainital, Uttarakhand:

If snow trekking, skiing, snowboarding, and adventure snow sports are not your thing, and you just want to relax and enjoy the beauty of snow, Nainital is a perfect match for you. The Town gets its name from Naini Lake that is located in the heart of the region. The quiet serene valleys and mountains that surround the small town of Nainital bring in the much-required elements of peace and calm. You can visit the Naina Devi Temple or simply get on a cable car to view the densely covered snow mountains of the region. With the rich thriving wildlife of the Kumaon region, Nainital has a lot to offer. 

• Best time to visit Nainital for snowfall: October to February.

5. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh:

Every snowfall fanatic keeps coming back to the small cosy town of Shimla. The town prospers on the British era colonial architecture as it was once their summer capital. Also, this hill station thrives solely on tourism and thus is one of the most commercialised hill stations ever. The accessibility to nearby popular tourist attractions of Kasauli, Chail, etc makes Shimla the first destination to come to every snow lovers mind. You can shop for local souvenirs, relish local cuisines, see glimpses of the culture and tradition of the region while experiencing the season’s first snow is a one-of-a-kind spectacle of snowfall.

• Best time to visit Shimla for snowfall: December to January.

6. Manali and Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh:

When you think of Shimla, Manali goes hand in hand. These two closely located towns are the favourite snow attractions for tourists. Manali is known for tourists who are mainly here for backpacking solo adventures or newly married couples. When you are at it, make sure you visit the very popular Rohtang Pass. The passage or Valley situated in Pir Panjal range connects Kasauli and Spiti Valley and requires a pass or permit before you visit. The flora and fauna that thrives in the extreme climates of Manali add up to the beauty of the town.

• Best time to visit Manali for snow: October to March.
• Best time to visit Rohtang Pass: October to December.

Check Out Dev’s trip to the Himachal belt: https://indiachalk.com/blog/travel-himachal-with-dev-soni/

7. Patnitop, Kashmir:

This cute little town wins hearts as the locals put in their best to give you a memorable experience. Popular Paragliding Destination, Patnitop is located in the Shivalik ranges of the Himalayas. With miles and miles of snow-covered hills and trees as far as your sight goes, this snow haven is one of the most peaceful snowfall places in India. If you want an authentic Pahadi experience, Patnitop is as real as it gets.

• Best time to visit Patnitop for snowfall: December to March.

8. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh:

The place gets its name from the British Governor-General Lord Dalhousie when he established Dalhousie as a summer retreat for British bureaucrats. Moreover, even today we can see a strong presence of British colonial architecture that blends right in with the frosty geography of the region. Imagine having a snowball fight with your loved ones as your accommodation overlooks the stunning mountain ranges of The Himalayas. It is just as pretty in person as it sounds.

• Best time to visit Dalhousie for snowfall: November to February.

9. Chopta, Uttarakhand:

This lesser-known hidden gem is a well-guarded secret that only passionate travellers have discovered. A part of the Kedarnath Wildlife sanctuary, this place strikes the right balance of lush greenery with icy white snow. If you are bored with the monotonous snowfall destinations, Chopta has a lot to discover with the right amounts of vibrant hues. Witness the magic of the season’s first snow here while exploring the untouched beauty of this Himachali land.

• Best time to visit Chopta for Snowfall: October to December. 
• For snow trekking: January to March.

10. Almora, Uttarakhand:

Do you ever wish to visit the mysterious, cold and dense forests and hills of India? Almora is the right fit for you. In fact, the setting of this municipal board town of Uttarakhand has a colonial influence on British architecture and is every bit mystical. Not many are aware of the scenic beauty of this little snow town, and that makes it a lot less crowded as compared to other snow places and isolated snow towns. This could be your break from travelling to tourist destinations that are loaded with people. 

• Best time to visit Almora for snow: December to February.

Did you enjoy this chilly expedition? We are sure you are already looking forward to visiting these stunning snowfall abodes this winter. You could experience snow for months together, but season’s first snow is always as magical as it gets. 

Excited about a trek in the snowclad mountains? Check Out:https://indiachalk.com/blog/think-you-are-a-pro-trekker-try-scaling-these-7-most-difficult-treks-in-india/

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