Winter casts its icy spell on the Indian Himalayas, and these four destinations shine the brightest. India’s snowy Himalayas are a treat for the eyes –
magnificent slopes, frozen rivers, and majestic mountains. Equally enticing are the countless adventurous winter sports and activities you can partake in those regions. The tranquillity of the mountains combined with the thrilling adventures makes these spots the perfect getaway destinations for your next winter trip. Gulmarg offers incredible skiing variety, while Auli is a paradise for adventure-lovers who want to trek and snowboard on the snowy slopes. Ladakh is a playground for the adventurous, where they also get to dive into the local culture. Tawang, with its majestic monasteries, looks like an invitation for the most comforting stay during the cold season. These areas share one thing in common – the promise of unforgettable, memorable winter experiences.
Gulmarg: Kashmir’s Skiing Paradise
The winter period in Kashmir’s Gulmarg, in the months of January and February, sees the place covered in snow. The town is turned into an ideal ski destination where a lot of sports can be enjoyed, like off-piste skiing, heli-skiing, and snowboarding. The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, offers views of snow-covered mountain summits that leave visitors in awe. You can also try snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and taking a day trip to Srinagar with a shikara on the frozen Dal Lake to complete your trip.
Auli: The Skiing Gem of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand's Auli is the top skiing destination in India. The skiing area here is designed to international standards, and the gondola carrying the skiers is the longest in Asia, from where one can witness the breathtaking Himalayas. Aside from skiing, people can perform snow trekking, snowboarding, or pitch a tent in the pristine white wilderness.
Ladakh: Winter Adventures and Culture
Ladakh is an area known for its tough land features. Travelers can picnic on the frozen Zanskar River, explore the frozen Pangong Lake, and visit the Magnetic Hill. There might be some road closures between towns due to snowfall, but driving on internal roads, you can still easily reach different attractions like the Nubra Valley and Tso Moriri. Besides that, the monasteries and the Buddhist culture are things that make the experience complete by emphasising its spiritual side.
Tawang: Arunachal’s Snowy Retreat
Tawang, a town in Arunachal Pradesh, is a tranquil place to spend your winter holidays. Going there in January or February is the best time for you if you want to see nature covered in white. With a variety of interesting attractions to offer tourists, the tri-city area is home to the largest monastery in India - The Tawang Monastery. Additionally, breathtaking views of snow-blanketed nature will remain forever etched in your memory.
