Top 10 Winter Destinations In India To Visit With Friends

OT Staff & Waquar Habib

Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh

Bir Billing’s paragliding mecca offers tandem flights, café culture and relaxed guesthouses; friends can push boundaries, share airborne thrills, bonfire nights and scenic valley walks for a memorable winter trip.

Paragliding in Bir Billing | Shutterstock

Chopta–Tungnath, Uttarakhand

Chopta–Tungnath’s snowy trails reward groups with accessible alpine trekking, panoramic Himalayan views, shared camps, simple meals, starry nights and the climb to Tungnath shrine for bonding with friends.

A view of Deoriatal near Chopta, Uttarakhand | Shutterstock

Yusmarg, Jammu & Kashmir

Yusmarg’s expansive snowfields lend themselves to wide walks, pony rides, secluded picnics and laughter-filled explorations; groups relish quiet winter landscapes, rustic stays and unhurried days for memorable friendly escapes.

A view of the lush Yusmarg landscape | Shutterstock

Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Ziro Valley’s pine-fringed rice terraces host music, bonfires and tribal hospitality; friends stay in homestays, explore villages, attend festivals, share unplugged winter evenings over tea and long talks together.

Ziro is a nature lover's dream come | Shutterstock

Bhandardara, Maharashtra

Bhandardara’s lakeside evenings, stargazing and waterfall treks suit budget groups; camp by Arthur Lake, hike viewpoints, swap stories, sip chai and gather around bonfires beneath clear skies for lifelong memories.

The Randha Falls is the chief source of hydropower in the Bhandardara region | Shutterstock

Manali (Solang/Old Manali), Himachal Pradesh

Manali’s Solang Valley and Old Manali combine snow sports, cafés, trekking and nightlife; groups enjoy paragliding, hot springs, pub hopping and cosy shared dorms after adrenaline-packed winter days with laughter.

Trek to see breathtaking mountain views | baz_taha_/Instagram

Goa

Goa’s beaches and night markets offer warm winter escapes for friends: sunlit days, seafood shacks, beach parties, live music and affordable stays for groups seeking festive coastal freedom and fun.

Vintage buildings in Goa's Fontainhas

Auli, Uttarakhand

Auli’s ski slopes, gondola rides and snow-covered meadows offer beginner-to-pro runs, cosy mountain huts, evening bonfires and group lessons — perfect for adventurous friends craving alpine thrills and memories.

The landscape of Auli | Shutterstock

Rann Utsav (Dhordo), Gujarat

Rann Utsav’s white salt desert, tented camps and folk performances create festive winter nights; friends can enjoy camel rides, craft shopping, starlit desert dinners and cultural immersion together nightly.

Dhordo is famous for hosting the annual Rann Utsav | Shutterstock.com

Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Spiti Valley’s lunar landscapes, high-altitude villages and remote monasteries reward road-trip groups with rugged camping, motorbike routes, starry skies and challenging passes and shared survival stories.Spiti Valley

A vertical shot of Buddha statue in Langza village, Spiti Valley in winter | Shutterstock

Planning A Winter Spiti Trip? Here's Your Complete Guide

Trekking across the stunning landscapes of Spiti | Shutterstock
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