From Auli to Zuluk, 10 places in India where you can experience snowfall

• From deserts to towns in the South – many places in India experience snowfall and bring joy to tourists.
  
• Many hill stations in Himachal Pradesh are likely to experience snowfall, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
  
• Gulmarg and Leh are among the areas where one can see snowfall according to details shared by EaseMyTrip and MakeMyTrip with Business Insider India.

After the pandemic, people are keen on curating new experiences. If you are one of those and keen on engaging in snowball fights, making snowmen or snow angels, or even enjoying white noise – here are a few Indian destinations you can head to.

According to data shared by travel companies EaseMyTrip (EMT) and MakeMyTrip (MMT) with Business Insider India, here are the ten best tourist locations that are most likely to experience snowfall in the coming weeks.

Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir

A popular skiing destination, Gulmarg in Jammu & Kashmir is home to the world’s highest golf courses. Popularly known as ‘meadow of flowers’, Gulmarg includes multiple famous tourist attractions, such as the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve and the Shrine of Baba Reshi, among others. The area has been receiving regular snowfall since this November.

Munsiyari, Uttarakhand

Munsiyari is another name in the list from Uttarakhand. Located in Pithoragarh district, Munsiyari receives snowfall between December and February every year. It’s often referred to as Little Kashmir and has spectacular views of snow-capped Himalayan ranges, pristine natural beauty, and dense pine and deodar forests.

Auli and Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand

Auli, in Uttarakhand, is another hill station famous for skiing and other winter sports, like snowboarding, trekking, and even chair car riding. Auli is already experiencing chilly winters and light snow showers and is expected to receive complete snowfall in the coming days. According to travel companies EaseMyTrip and MakeMyTrip, Auli is one of the top destinations to experience snowfall in India.

Apart from Auli, EaseMyTrip also listed Dhanaulti in Uttarakhand as a region where there could be snowfall. Dhanaulti is as easily accessible due to its more popular neighbour, Mussoorie - but is far less crowded and still retains the peace and tranquillity that hill stations are known for.

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

MMT also included Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh in the list of places in India to see snowfall. Tawang, famous for its monastery and the Bumla pass, is one of the few places in India where snowfall starts before December. This year, Tawang received the season’s first snowfall in October. While it’s a stunning place to visit, people should be careful as there is a possibility of excessive snow leaving certain areas inaccessible.

Ladakh

From regular tourists to adventure junkies to trekkers, Ladakh is the go-to-destination for most people. Home to the world’s highest saltwater lake – Pangong Lake– Ladakh is one of the few destinations that live up to the hype it generates. During winters, Ladakh is a vision to behold with frozen lakes, and snowcapped mountains, along with the Khardongla pass, Panamik hot spring, and needless to say – snowfall.

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

As per ANI, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recently predicted that many hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, including the more popular and easily accessible capital city Shimla, are likely to receive snowfall in late December. Both MMT and EMT also picked Shimla as one of India’s ‘snowfall destinations’. The news has already led to a surge in tourists travelling to these places. Chamba, Kullu and Spiti are the other regions in Himachal Pradesh where snowfall is predicted.

Narkanda, Himachal

Rikant Pittie, co-founder, travel agency EaseMyTrip, also listed Shimla and Narkanda in Himachal Pradesh among the regions that may experience snowfall. A picturesque town, Narkanda’s major tourist attractions include the Tanni Jubbar Lake, revered Hindu temple of Hatu Mata Mandir, and Shimla’s second-highest peak, Hatu Peak.

Zuluk, Sikkim

The widespread popularity of hill stations in North India makes Zuluk one of the most underrated spots on the list. Situated at the height of 10,000 feet in East Sikkim, Zuluk is a small hamlet that was once a transit point to the historic Silk Route from Tibet to India. During the winters, which start from October and last till February, the area receives 3-5 feet of snow. Zuluk is a restricted area and tourists need to obtain a special ‘Inner Line Permit’ before travelling here.

Lambasingi, Andhra Pradesh

Yet another underrated location shared by EMT, Lambasingi is a small village in Andhra Pradesh. The only place in South India to receive snowfall, Lambasingi is famous for its tea and coffee plantations along with apple and strawberry farms.

Yumthang Valley, Sikkim

MMT also picked Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim for a snowfall experience. Yumthang Valley offers yak rides, stunning views of Panhunri and Shundu Tsenpa peaks, the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, and the Yumthang Hot Spring, where the water remains warm even in the coldest of winters.

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