For travellers hoping to experience snowfall this winter, the Indian Himalayas offer options beyond the most familiar holiday destinations. From forested mountain towns to remote Himalayan settlements,
these places offer a chance to experience winter against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks, traditional villages and quiet mountain landscapes. Since snowfall varies across locations and seasons, travellers should check weather forecasts and road conditions before finalising their plans.
Mashobra, Himachal Pradesh
Located around 12 km from Shimla, Mashobra offers a forested mountain setting surrounded by pine and cedar trees. Its proximity to Kufri, an established winter destination known for snow-related activities, makes it a useful base for travellers hoping to experience snowfall while staying away from the busiest parts of Shimla. Mashobra also offers a slower pace, where luxury is defined by privacy, space and a close connection to nature rather than a packed sightseeing itinerary.
Harsil, Uttarakhand
Set along the Bhagirathi River, Harsil is a Himalayan hamlet known for its apple orchards, pine forests and traditional village landscape. The surrounding mountains create a dramatic winter setting, and the area receives heavy snowfall during winter. Its relatively remote location makes it an option for travellers seeking a more immersive Himalayan experience, although winter road access should be checked before departure.
Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh
Located around 65 km from Shimla, Narkanda offers a winter landscape of forested slopes, apple-growing country and mountain views. It is an established skiing destination, with opportunities for beginners to take lessons during the winter season. For travellers looking beyond the main Shimla circuit, Narkanda combines the possibility of snow with a smaller mountain-town setting and access to Hatu Peak.
Kalpa, Himachal Pradesh
In Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district, Kalpa is known for its striking views of the Kinnaur Kailash range, traditional architecture and apple orchards. Winter brings colder conditions and snow to the surrounding high-altitude landscape, creating a different experience from the more developed hill stations. Travellers should plan for winter road conditions and distinguish between snow on the surrounding peaks and fresh snowfall in the village itself.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Situated in the Eastern Himalayas, Tawang offers a distinctive winter landscape shaped by high mountains, Buddhist heritage and the region’s dramatic terrain. The Tawang Monastery is a major landmark, while the surrounding high-altitude areas can receive substantial snowfall in winter. It is a longer and more involved journey than a typical hill-station break, so travellers should plan transport carefully and check local advisories before travelling.
Sonamarg & Thajiwas Glacier, Jammu and Kashmir
Located around 80 km from Srinagar, Sonamarg is a high-altitude valley framed by rugged Himalayan peaks, alpine meadows and the Sindh River. Its main snow attraction, Thajiwas Glacier, lies roughly 3 km from the town and retains snow on its upper slopes for much of the year. In winter, Sonamarg becomes a dramatic white landscape, though heavy snowfall and avalanche conditions can restrict access to the glacier trail. The Z-Morh Tunnel has improved all-weather access to Sonamarg town, but travellers should check local road, weather and safety advisories before planning a snow trip.
Yumthang Valley & Lachung, Sikkim
Situated in North Sikkim, Lachung is a scenic mountain village and the usual base for visiting Yumthang Valley, a broad Himalayan valley known for its river, forested slopes and high peaks. Between late December and February, the region can receive fresh snowfall, transforming the landscape into a striking winter setting. However, Yumthang Valley is often closed or difficult to access from December to March because roads can become snow-clogged, so the journey requires flexibility and up-to-date permits and road information. Lachung offers a quieter, remote alternative for travellers seeking winter scenery rather than a conventional ski holiday.
