Want To Witness Snowfall Right Now? 5 Best Places To Visit In India

5 Best Places To Witness Snowfall In India

If you are planning a quick snow trip this month, here are 5 places where you have the highest chance to witness live snowfall right now.

1. Gulmarg, Kashmir

Gulmarg is India's most reliable snow destination. The first snowfall of the season starts here by mid-November, and the high mountains and pine trees get covered in snow. 420c

What to see: Gulmarg Gondola - one of the highest cable cars in the world to Apharwat Peak, skiing slopes, snowboarding, Khilanmarg, and Alpather Lake.

Best time: Mid-November to February. January is peak snow, but November means fewer crowds and golden chinar leaves in Srinagar.

How To Reach

• By Air: Fly to Srinagar Airport (SXR), then 50 km taxi to Gulmarg (2 hours)
• By Train: Jammu Tawi, then taxi to Srinagar
• By Road: Srinagar to Gulmarg via Tangmarg, shared cabs available

2. Manali - Solang Valley - Sissu (Via Atal Tunnel), Himachal Pradesh

Manali town may not have snow yet, but go up, not to the town. In November, snowfall is seen in the higher reaches of Manali and the Lahaul-Spiti Valley near Atal Tunnel. Sissu and Koksar beyond Atal Tunnel already have snow on the ground by late November. 420c

What to see: Solang Valley for paragliding and ropeway, Atal Tunnel, Sissu village and Sissu Lake, snow point at Koksar, Hidimba Devi Temple, Old Manali cafes, Jogini Falls.

Best time: Late November for Sissu, late December for Manali town snow.

How To Reach

• By Air: Fly to Bhuntar Airport (KUU), 50 km from Manali, then taxi
• By Bus: Overnight Volvo from Delhi ISBT to Manali (12-14 hours)
• By Road: Delhi - Chandigarh - Mandi - Manali, then Manali to Sissu via Atal Tunnel (1.5 hours)

3. Auli, Uttarakhand 

Auli is called Mini Switzerland of India. By the end of November, the temperature falls significantly, and sometimes snowfall also occurs. Even if live snowfall misses you, the top slopes already have snow and the view of Nanda Devi is unbeatable. 420c

What to see: Auli Ropeway (one of Asia's longest) from Joshimath to Auli, skiing and snowboarding lessons, Gurso Bugyal trek, Chenab Lake, Nanda Devi viewpoint, and Joshimath's Narsingh Temple.

Best time: Late November to March. January-February for heaviest snow.

How To Reach

• By Air: Fly to Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport, then drive 270 km to Joshimath
• By Train: Haridwar / Rishikesh station, then taxi/bus to Joshimath
• By Road: Delhi - Rishikesh - Joshimath (9-10 hours), then ropeway or taxi to Auli

4. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh 

If you want snow without the usual Himachal-Kashmir crowd, head to Tawang. High areas like Tawang can get snow as early as November. The monastery in snow looks straight out of a postcard. 

What to see: Tawang Monastery (largest in India), Sela Pass (13,700 ft) - almost guaranteed snow, Madhuri Lake (Sangestar Tso), Bum La Pass (Indo-China border), Nuranang Waterfall, and Tawang War Memorial.

Best time: November to February. Roads to Bum La may close in peak winter, so November is perfect.

How To Reach

• By Air: Fly to Guwahati, then drive to Tezpur - Bomdila - Tawang (2 days, night halt at Bomdila)
• By Road: Guwahati to Tawang is 450 km, 12-14 hours. Shared Sumos available from Tezpur.
• Permit: Indian tourists need ILP (Inner Line Permit), easily available online. Foreigners need PAP.

Pro Tip: Carry extra woollens; Sela Pass temperature drops to -10°C.

5. Narkanda - Hatu Peak, Himachal Pradesh 

Narkanda is the hidden gem near Shimla. It has been seen to get snowfall as early as November, while December is most common. It is perfect for a 2-day weekend snow trip. 89b5

What to see: Hatu Peak (11,000 ft) and Hatu Mata Temple, apple orchards covered in snow, skiing at Narkanda slopes, Kufri, and Shimla Mall Road on the way back.

Best time: Late November to February.

How To Reach

• By Air: Fly to Chandigarh, then 150 km drive to Narkanda
• By Train: Kalka, then toy train to Shimla or taxi
• By Road: Delhi - Chandigarh - Shimla - Narkanda (8-9 hours, 400 km). Narkanda is just 60 km from Shimla.

Quick Tips Before You Go For Snowfall

• Check live weather and road status 1 day before travel. Snowfall depends on western disturbance and can change without notice.
• Carry thermals, waterproof gloves, snow boots, and lip balm. Rent snow gear in Manali/Gulmarg to save money.
• Book Gondola tickets for Gulmarg and ropeway for Auli online in advance.
• Keep 1 buffer day. Roads like Atal Tunnel, Sela Pass, and Jalori can close for a day after heavy snow.

If you want guaranteed snow on the ground, choose Gulmarg or Sissu. If you want to see snowfall falling, travel just after a western disturbance alert.

Where Should You Go This Winter?

If you want snowfall right now and don't want to wait till December, head straight to Gulmarg or Sissu near Manali - they are your safest bets for live snow in November. If you want a budget weekend trip from Delhi, pick Narkanda. If you want skiing and fewer crowds, pick Auli. And if you want a once-in-a-lifetime snow trip, pick Tawang before Bum La road closes in peak winter. Wherever you go, check the weather one day before, pack warm, and keep one buffer day. Snow is unpredictable, but that first snowfall is always worth the wait.

(Image Credits: Pinterest)

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