Never Seen Snow? Here Are 8 Places In India To Experience It In December & January
With winters fast approaching along with Christmas holidays, the urge to immerse in a snowy vacation gradually intensifies! Acting on this if you are about to book a snowy vacation for the first time, here are some places that you absolutely must consider for a stunning unforgettable experience:
1. Kufri | Shimla
Kufri is one of the lesser-known hill stations that happen to be overshadowed by the popularity of Shimla. This can be credited to the fact that it is only at a distance of 20kms away from Shimla! Kufri is the ultimate winter spot. It has all the characteristics of a perfect winter that one seeks. These are ample snow, beautiful scenarios, yak rides and even skiing! There are a number of picnic spots for quiet evenings as well. To add more to the attraction, the hill station also has the Himalayan Nature Park. The park has an expansive collection of animals and birds. These are exclusively found only in Himachal Pradesh. Kufri also has the Indira Tourist Park which provides a stunning landscape of snow-covered slopes around it. Further, Kufri provides an excellent opportunity for adventure-seeking enthusiasts to explore the largely untouched land on horseback.
Distance between Delhi and Manali: 538 kilometers
Distance between Manali and Rohtang Pass: 51 kilometers
2. Narkanda
Narkanda is a picturesque village located in the glorious Himachal Pradesh. Pine trees, steep valleys, colourful little houses, snow-capped slopes, the village is a winter wonderland in the months of December to Jan! Narkanda is a renowned ski site. It is also known as India’s oldest ski destination. Around thousands of ski-fanatics gather at this gorgeous destination to ski their heart out. Not just skiing, Narkanda also offers trekking opportunities. The village has a hill called Hatu Nag which is ideal for trekking. For those of you who don’t seek sports and adventure, the village has something to offer for you as well! Narkanda has a beautiful lake called the Tannu Jabar which is scenic and calms away from the city chaos. Just happens to be perfect to just sit and ponder!
3. Lachung
Lachung is one of the toughest places to access, but the effort is certainly worth the payoff. The village is located in North Sikkim near the Indo China border. Lachung isn’t well explored by tourists due to the lack of adequate roads and freezing temperature, but it’s a beauty you simply must not miss! Put in the extra effort in travelling to see the infamous Gurudongmar Lake and Zero Point. The Zero point is located at a stunning altitude of 15,300 ft above the mean sea level. Even more, visit the Lachung Monastery to see a stunning religious wonder. The monastery sits amid glorious apple orchards just opposite the sparkling Lachung Chu river. Visit the monastery in December to immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience. Many Buddhist dance festivities take place at the monastery in December which is a must-see.
4. Tawang
Tawang Valley is an absolute necessity to visit for all the heritage enthusiasts. The valley is an especially sacred place to Buddhists. Owing to this, the valley has multiple monasteries scattered around. The region is also the birthplace of Dalai Lama which further adds to the spirituality of the region. The town is loaded with historical archives and tones of religious origin. Walk around the town and sink in the history that surrounds you for an immersive experience. Tawang also has a stunning orchid sanctuary and the infamous Tipi Orchid Sanctuary which is bound to blow you away. Not just a visual, the town is a delight for your tastebuds as well! Tawang has a fascinating street food culture. The valley has the most vibrant and striking food culture which has foods that you have probably never even heard of!
5. Sonamarg
Tired of sunny skies and beaches? This is the place to go then! Sonamarg is nothing but snow-covered mountains and freezing temperature with the occasional snowfall. There is no other place more stunning than this, however. The majestic and serene mountains of J&K stretch as far as the eye can see. Sonamarg is at a 3-hour drive from Srinagar. Jammed between two Himalayan glaciers the temperature here drops to as low as an astounding minus 10 degrees. For those who can bear the cold and seek excitement, there are a number of opportunities to ski as well as mountains trails to hike or to trek on! You can even take a pony ride up to the zero point in the mountain or camp out in the valley among the pine, fir, and birch trees for a distinctly solitary experience.
6. Leh
Leh is also fondly known as The light of Himalaya. Leh is a well-known travel destination for tourists all over the world. This owes to the fact that it extremely tourist-friendly. It has adequate hotel and travel facilities among other benefits. It is the perfect winter spot to visit as a family since it has something for all age groups. From bustling bazaars to museums, this old town has it all. Leh is situated close to Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake which are astounding sights to visit as well. For adventure-seeking outdoor folks, The river rafting in Zanskar river is an unforgettable experience. Speaking of unforgettable experiences, the barren expanse of Hunder Sand Dunes provides a unique opportunity to participate in a camel safari!
7. Auli
Auli is the most intriguing town located in the state of Uttarakhand. It is the most famous and garners tourists for being a ski town. The town is also a common honeymoon destination that attracts newlyweds from all over. Filled with oak forests and lush green hills, Auli is brimming with nature. Do take a walk in the forest to soak in the glory of greenery and nature that seems amiss in daily lives!
8. Manali | Rohtang Pass
Distance between Delhi and Manali: 538 kilometers
Distance between Manali and Rohtang Pass: 51 kilometers
These are some places in India that you absolutely must visit! Take into due consideration the mean temperature of the place and the convenience of your companions before picking a place. As not all travellers are comfortable with extreme temperatures or long hours on the road!
