Best snow destinations in India
17 curated snow destinations across 6 states, each with the months it is worth going and the months it is not.
Best of snow India
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Kheerganga
Himachal Pradesh
Hot-spring trek camp, a backpacker rite of passage
Peak: May to Jun and Oct to Nov
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Chopta
Uttarakhand
Basecamp for the Tungnath-Chandrashila alpine trek
Peak: Apr to May and Oct to Nov
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Gulmarg
Jammu and Kashmir
India's top ski resort - Gondola to 3,979m, real powder
Peak: Dec to Mar
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North Sikkim (Lachen-Lachung)
Sikkim
Yumthang valley and Gurudongmar Lake near the Tibet border
Peak: Apr to May and Oct to Nov
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Roing & Mayudia Pass
Arunachal Pradesh
Idu Mishmi valley below a 2,600 m pass that really does get snow
Peak: Nov to Feb
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Sandakphu
West Bengal
West Bengal's highest point - sunrise over 4 of 5 top peaks
Peak: Mar to Apr and Oct to Nov
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Narkanda & Thanedar
Himachal Pradesh
Apple country ridge with Hatu Peak and a one-slope ski hill
Peak: Apr to May and Sep to Oct
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Nag Tibba
Uttarakhand
Weekend snow summit at 3020 m above Pantwari village
Peak: Oct to Mar
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Patnitop
Jammu and Kashmir
Deodar ridge on the Jammu-Srinagar highway under Nathatop snow
Peak: Apr to Jun and Oct
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Zuluk
Sikkim
Zigzag Old Silk Route road through homestay-only villages
Peak: Mar to Apr and Oct to Nov
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Chitkul
Himachal Pradesh
Last inhabited village toward the Indo-Tibet border
Peak: May to Jun and Sep to Oct
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Auli
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand's top ski slopes with Nanda Devi views
Peak: Dec to Feb
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Sonamarg
Jammu and Kashmir
Meadow of Gold below Zoji La, base for the Great Lakes trek
Peak: Jun to Sep
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Kalpa
Himachal Pradesh
Old Kinnaur capital facing sacred Kinnaur Kailash
Peak: May to Jun and Sep to Oct
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Harsil
Uttarakhand
Deodar and apple village on the Bhagirathi below Gangotri
Peak: May to Jun and Sep to Oct
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Khajjiar
Himachal Pradesh
Saucer meadow and lake nicknamed 'Mini Switzerland'
Peak: Apr to May, Oct and Dec
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Rakcham
Himachal Pradesh
Willow-lined hamlet in the Baspa valley, Kinnaur
Peak: May to Jun and Sep to Oct
When to go
April, May and October are the months with the most snow places in peak season.
By state
Himachal Pradesh (6)Uttarakhand (4)Jammu and Kashmir (3)Sikkim (2)Arunachal Pradesh (1)West Bengal (1)
Common questions
How many snow destinations are there in India?
This catalogue lists 17 tagged snow, across 6 states and union territories. It is a curated list, not an exhaustive one: places earn a spot on the strength of the landscape or the heritage.
When is the best time for a snow trip in India?
April, May and October put the most of them in peak season. Each place carries its own window, though, so check the one you are aiming at.
Which states have the most snow destinations?
Himachal Pradesh (6), Uttarakhand (4), Jammu and Kashmir (3), Sikkim (2) and Arunachal Pradesh (1).
Other themes
MountainsBeachHeritageSpiritualWildlifeTrekBackpackerDesertIslandLakesWaterfallsCityOffbeatPartyCulture