9 winter wonderlands around India, from Mcleod Ganj in Himachal to Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh

Gulmarg's igloo restaurant. In addition to skiing in Gulmarg, Kashmir, visitors can partake in heli-skiing, ice-skating, snowboarding, snow-shoeing, sledding, and trekking.

The winter season is around the corner, and we can’t help but plan our end-of-year getaway. And what better place to spend the colder months than in a tranquil winter wonderland? For this reason, we have curated a guide to the top 9 winter wonderlands in the country. Under a sheet of white, these quaint towns are encompassed by majestic mountains, frozen lakes, and charming markets. Bookmark this guide if you dream of snowball fights and cosy winter nights in picturesque mountain towns.

In Mussoorie (Photo by Sumitrajsharma8 via Wikimedia Commons 4.0)

1. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

About a 2-hour drive from the Dehradun airport, Mussoorie is a quaint hill station in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range.

Mussoorie usually receives snowfall during the winter months of December, January, and February. The heaviest snowfall typically occurs in January.

During the winter, Mussoorie’s Mall Road is beautifully decorated, and the coffee shops and restaurants are buzzing with activity.

While in Mussoorie, visitors can go for guided hikes, cycling and walking trails in the hills, or sightseeing tours of the nearby villages or the hill stations of Landour or Dehradun.

2. Mcleod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh

Mcleod Ganj, in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, is a sight to behold, particularly in the winter months. To witness snowfall, the best time to visit Mcleod Ganj is from late December to February.

This scenic hill station is renowned for its awe-inspiring natural beauty and vibrant Tibetan culture.

Mcleod Ganj is situated in the majestic Dhauladhar mountains, and when snow falls, the entire region is transformed into a winter oasis.

Moreover, the town hosts numerous winter festivals, such as the International Himalayan Festival and the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF).

3. Nainital, Uttarakhand

Nainital is a charming hill station in Uttarakhand. The best time to visit Nainital to see snowfall is between December and February.

There are several things to do in Nainital in the winter months. Travellers can go for a stroll or hike in the snow, visit the partially frozen Naini Lake, check out the Snow View Point and shop at the Tibetan markets.

Moreover, Nainital is the venue for fun winter festivals, including the Nainital Winter Carnival.

Dine at Café Chica, Abbotsford Estate’s European al fresco eatery, which provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

4. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

Gulmarg, situated in the Pir Panjal mountains, is one of the country’s best ski resorts. The town offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountain ranges.

Gulmarg experiences snowfall from December to March. The heaviest snowfall usually occurs in January.

Featuring good infrastructure and a gondola that takes you up to 14,000 feet, Gulmarg is a favourite of skiers.

In addition to skiing, visitors can partake in heli-skiing, ice-skating, snowboarding, snow-shoeing, sledding, and trekking.

Try the Kashmiri wazwan, an extensive platter that is served on festive occasions and weddings.

In Gulmarg (Photo by Imad Clicks via Pexels)

5. Gangtok, Sikkim

Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is visited by tourists from all over the world, for its unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty.

Snowfall can occur in Gangtok from December to February.

In Gangtok, check out Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake encompassed by snow-capped mountains; the Nathula Pass, a high-altitude mountain pass on the Indo-Chinese border; Tashi viewpoint; Gangtok Market; and Rumtek Monastery.

Gangtok is home to numerous hotels and homestays, including Bhaichung Bhutia’s well-appointed homestay, about 8 km from the city. Hotels such as the Mayfair Gangtok and the Oriental are also popular.

6. Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar is situated on the banks of the Jhelum River, between the Hari Parbat and Shankaracharya hills.

The best time to visit Srinagar for snowfall is between December and February.

In the winter months, visitors can visit the frozen Dal Lake and the Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh gardens. The gardens are more breathtaking in the winter, when the flowers and trees are covered in a blanket of snow.

7. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Ziro Valley is a stunning hill station in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Known for the Ziro Festival of Music, this area typically receives snowfall in the months of December, January and February.

The Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, the Dolo Mando viewpoint and the Himalayan Heritage Park are must-visits.

8. Leh, Ladakh 

Leh has striking natural landscapes, rich culture, and hospitable people.

The months of January and February are the best time to visit Ladakh to see snow. In the winter months, travellers can go skiing or snowboarding in nearby Nubra Valley.

Additionally, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Hemis Monastery and Pangong Tso Lake are worth checking out.

In Tawang (Photo by Rohan Chowdhury via Pexels)

9. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang is one of the highest hill stations in India. It is surrounded by imposing peaks and verdant forests, which are covered with snow from November until May.

The best time to visit Tawang for snow is between the last weeks of November and the first weeks of December.

Don’t miss the Tawang Monastery, Madhuri Lake, the Tawang War Memorial, and the Torgiya Festival, a Buddhist festival celebrated annually in Tawang in January.