As December rolls in, painting the landscape in shades of winter, India unveils its snowy vistas, turning some of its regions into breathtaking wonderlands. The sheer magic of snowfall in December transforms ordinary landscapes into scenes reminiscent of a fairytale. From serene hill stations to remote hamlets, India boasts several destinations that offer a surreal experience of snow-blanketed landscapes. Here’s a guide to some places in India where you can witness the winter wonder of snowfall in December.
With its thick snow cover and breathtaking views of the Pir Panjal mountain range, Gulmarg is among the best spots to visit during snowfall in India.
Located in Kashmir, Gulmarg is renowned for its skiing activities, which are becoming more popular among young travellers. Due to its scenic beauty and the best skiing terrain, this region attracts many international skiers.
January and February are the best times of the year to witness snowfall in Gulmarg.
Getting there: The airport that is nearest to Gulmarg is Srinagar. From Gulmarg, it is around 56 kilometres away. To reach the location, Jeeps and taxis are waiting outside the airport.
Nestled in Uttarakhand's Garhwal district, Auli is one of the world's best ski resorts. It is located at an elevation of about 10,500 feet amid snow-covered peaks. November brings good snowfall at Auli, offering stunning 180-degree views of the neighbouring Himalayan ranges. Currently, the entire area is covered with snow and is breathtaking.
The slopes of Auli are a sight to behold when covered with snow adorned with oak trees and coniferous deodar.
Getting there: The closest airport to Auli is Jolly Grant Airport or Dehradun Airport, which is located at a distance of about 220 kilometres away. From here, tourists can easily hire a bus or a taxi to get to Auli.
Indicators of early snowfall in Manali appear as early as the beginning of November. Manali, one of the most popular places for tourists, is also where most people go to witness snowfall in Himachal Pradesh.
The best ways to experience Manali's snowfall are to stay at an Old Manali hotel or homestay and watch the snow fall from your window, or you can sit in one of the artsy cafés with a steaming cup of coffee.
Getting there: Kullu-Manali Airport (KUU), in Bhuntar, is the nearest domestic airport to Manali. It is located 50 km away from Manali. Several taxi and bus services are operating outside the airport.
Ladakh has a whole different vibe in the winter. When covered with snow, the countryside takes on an unadulterated quality.
With its vast landscapes and expansive panoramic views, Ladakh is one of the best locations in India to witness snowfall. During wintertime, temperatures drop extremely low; therefore, prepare accordingly before you go. Ladakh is a tourist destination with enough to offer visitors of all kinds, including trekking trails and well-known winter festivals. A glimpse into the Ladakhi people's unique culture can be observed during the winter celebrations.
Getting there: Flying is the quickest and easiest way to reach Ladakh. If there are no exceptional circumstances, it is the only mode of transportation available to the place all year round. The only airport, known as the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, is situated in the town of Leh.
Pahalgam, a breathtaking hill town located at an elevation of approximately 8,957 feet above sea level, invites a sizable influx of tourists each year. Pahalgam provides some of the most charming memories for sightseeing, horseback riding, trekking, and leisurely walks away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. Among the renowned treks from Chandanwari are those to Baisaran, Sheshnag Lake, and the beginning of the Amarnath Yatra. There's also a golf course in Pahalgam.
Getting there: To get to Pahalgam, the nearest airport is Srinagar Airport, from where one can hire a cab or a taxi.
Located 100 km from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Lambasingi is locally known as Korra Bayalu. The translation is "someone would freeze like a stick if they stayed out in the open." It is the only region in Southern India that witnesses snowfall.
It generally occurs in the early morning hours of November through January (sometimes between 4 and 9 AM). When the temperature drops below sub-zero and snow begins to fall, Lambasingi in South India becomes a truly magical place to visit in winter.
Getting there: Vishakhapatnam Airport is the nearest airport from Lambasingi at a distance of 107 kilometres from where you can hire a bus or taxi.
With a blanket of snow covering everything, the picturesque town appears breathtaking. If you drive to Sonamarg, you will witness breathtaking scenery, including meadows, valleys, slopes, and more. This contributes to its popularity as one of India's best places for snowfall. Don't forget to explore some of Sonmarg's top attractions while you're here for a truly memorable journey.
Getting there: The quickest and easiest way to reach Sonmarg is by flight then take a taxi or a bus from the airport.
