The winter holidays are always special, with captivating tourist places. The exhilarating adventures and dramatic views of the places make the holidays memorable. Snowfall allows for a variety of sightseeing opportunities during the winter. Every spot given below holds unique attractions to explore during the winter season.
Auli | Ride the Gondola
Auli is a mesmerizing hill station located in Uttarakhand. It has a handful of tourist attractions. This magical destination is more suitable to visit during the winter season. The cool climate and magnificent spots are the highlights of Auli. It can be described as “heaven” for ski lovers. The thrilling snow skiing activity is one of the main attractions among adventure seekers. You can indulge in the stunning activity of a cable car ride while visiting Auli. This ropeway gives visitors a bird’s-eye view of the landscapes. Then Chatrakund Lake is a popular and tranquil picnic spot situated amidst the jungle. The breathtaking views of the Himalayan range make the difficult Trisul Peak trek worthwhile. Camping and hiking are also famous things to experience in Auli.
Best time to visit: March to June
Dalhousie | Hiking in Khajjiar
It will be a popular destination for those looking for a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Lush green meadows and tall trees like pine, deodar, and oak create perfect surroundings for an escapade to spend some leisure time. From December to February is the right time to experience snow in Dalhousie. The cold weather may be a disturbance, so it’s important to wear clothes that can bear the cold. Khajjiar, located 22 kilometres from Dalhousie, is a family-friendly destination with a beautiful lake. Kalatop Wildlife Reserve will be an exciting place for wildlife lovers. The Himalayan bear is the most prominent animal living in the sanctuary. Panchpula Cascade is a small but damn cute waterfall, and the hiking activity on the nearby spot will be an evergreen memory for a lifetime.
Best time to visit: March to May
Gangtok | Yak Rides to Paragliding
It is the capital city of the wonderful northeast Indian state of Sikkim. Buddhist monasteries and the scenic beauty of nature are the top things to explore in Gangtok. Mainly, the view of the world’s third-highest mountain peak, Kanchenjunga, is a striking highlight of the city. Winter is a great time to visit Gangtok, and it is a quite suitable place for honeymooners. Tsomo Lake is a major tourist spot that offers a fun time with a yak ride. Pretty birds can be witnessed while visiting this blissful place. The magnificent Gurudongmar Lake is one of the largest water bodies in the world, located at high altitudes. Yumthang Valley is adorned with snow-covered, lush landscapes. Tashi’s viewpoint offers a glimpse of the Sunset. Cable car rides and paragliding are also famous things to do in Gangtok. Nathu La Pass and the Himalayan Zoological Park are some of the exciting spots to visit during the Gangtok trip.
Best time to visit: September to November
Gulmarg | Ski the Slopes
Gulmarg is an amazing hill town in the Pir Pinjal Mountain Range in Jammu and Kashmir. Skiing is the most famous activity to try in Gulmarg. So, during the winter, it will be the retreat for the adventure junkies. It’s also a wonderful honeymoon destination. A Gondola Cable Car Ride is an unmatchable activity to enjoy the views of the ravishing valley. You can experience the most dramatic views of the lush green meadows and snow-covered mountains. Children’s Park in Gulmarg is a family-friendly picnic spot to spend some sports time. Alphather Lake holds such scenery that it is suitable for taking painting-like pictures.
Best time to visit: April to June
Leh and Ladakh | Icy Trails
When planning for a snowfall vacation, definitely Leh and Ladakh take place on the bucket list. The scenic spots like Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Shanti Stupa, and Tso Moriri are stunning to visit with the frozen snow. Frozen lakes, frozen waterfalls, and many more places with magical atmospheres are there to experience during winter. High-altitude passes and Buddhist monasteries are some of the main attractions in the Leh and Ladakh regions. Chadar Trek is a world-famous trekking campaign conducted in Ladakh. The Zanskar River becomes a frozen trekking trail in the winter and offers the most thrilling trekking activity.
Best time to visit: April to July
Manali | Romance Meets Adventure
Manali is a hill town located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The romantic ambience and delightful views make Manali the best honeymoon destination. Visitors trek through beautiful scenery to get a glimpse of the charming, cascading Jogini Falls. Rohtang Pass offers a chance to enjoy the views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. The Beas River is an exotic spot to experience thrilling water rafting activities. Skiing, horseback riding, paragliding, camping, and a cable car ride are some of the adventure activities available in Solang Valley. Brighu Lake and Arjun Gufa are two mythological places that can be explored with trekking activity.
Best time to visit: October to February
Nainital | Year-Round Paradise
One of the dramatic places located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand is Nainital. Its chill and romantic weather is a highlight of this enchanting town. You can plan your trip to this destination at any time. Especially during the winter months, snowy landscapes make the place picture-perfect. Tiffin’s Top Viewpoint is a spot to experience the incredible scenery of the surroundings. Naini Lake offers a serene boat ride for some relaxing time during the trip. The Naina Devi Temple is also a must-visit popular place in Nainital. The Nainital Ropeway is a great thing to experience, with enthralling aerial views. Kilbury Bird Sanctuary is home to many pretty bird species and is a treasure for bird watchers.
Best time to visit: March to June
Rishikesh | Yoga and Adventure
The Yoga Capital of the World is Rishikesh city. Ashrams and yoga centres are meditation centres located at every corner of the city. The pleasant weather remains at all times of the year. Once the winter starts, Rishikesh becomes a hotspot for tourism. It has both a tranquil atmosphere and exciting experiences. The River Ganges offers an adrenaline-pumping activity called white water rafting in various places in Rishikesh. Laxman Jhula is a remarkable place for river rafting. Bungee jumping, zip lining, hot air ballooning, paragliding, waterfall rappelling, and kayaking are the other thrilling activities to do in Rishikesh. Rajaji National Park is an interesting place to experience a Jeep safari.
Best time to visit: October to February
Shimla | Skiing to Scenic Treks
Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is a perfect place to experience snowfall. The temperature is between -7° to 10° Celsius during the winter season. So, it is suitable to try winter sports like skiing and ice skating. Then the adventure junkies love the stunning activities of trekking, cable car rides, and a toy train ride in Shimla. The well-known skiing spot Kufri, with its snow-covered trails, offers interesting trekking activities. An adorable spot Shaily Peak is famous for its picture-perfect environment and is a good site for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. Chadwick Falls is one of the charming places nestled in the city. A huge stream jumping from a 100-meter peak looks stunning. Scandal Point and Majathal Wildlife Sanctuary are great to explore with family and friends.
Best time to visit: May to June and December to January
Tawang | Essence of Peace
It’s an awe-inspiring destination located in Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang’s charm lies in its abundance of natural beauty, and Buddhist Pilgrim Centres. The extraordinary Buddhist monasteries in and around the city offer a peaceful experience. Snow lovers can completely enjoy Tawang. It is necessary to wear cold-tolerant clothes to keep the body in good condition during the winter months. One of the highest passes in the world with motorable terrain is the Sela Pass. This pass is also known as “the gift of nature” among adventure seekers. Narurang is a spectacular waterfall that cascades from a 100-meter cliff. It is easily accessible from Tawang, and the monsoon is considered the best time to visit. The Tawang Chu River’s hot stream is famous for its warm water during the cold winter.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to October