India is known for its diverse climate and has several enchanting destinations that transform into winter wonderlands during the colder months. From snow-capped peaks to frozen lakes, these places offer a unique experience for those seeking a chilly escape. In this article, we will explore 15 of the coldest places in India during the winter season, providing details about their names, descriptions, locations, winter temperatures, how to reach them and the activities one can indulge in to make the most of the frosty charm.
Detailed Overview Of Top 15 Coldest Places In India During The Winter Season
| Name | Temperature During The Winter Season |
| Dras, Jammu and Kashmir | Temperatures dropping to as low as -20°C to -25°C. |
| Leh, Ladakh | Temperatures in Leh can plummet from -15°C to -20°C. |
| Kaza, Himachal Pradesh | Temperatures in Kaza can drop from -15°C to -20°C. |
| Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir | Temperatures ranging from -4°C to – 10°C. |
| Auli, Uttarakhand | Temperatures ranging from -2°C to -8°C. |
| Manali, Himachal Pradesh | Temperatures in Manali range from -7°C to 10°C. |
| Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir | Temperatures in Kupwara can drop to -5°C to -10°C. |
| Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh | Temperatures in Spiti Valley can plummet to -20°C to – 25°C. |
| Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh | Temperatures ranging from -5°C to – 10°C. |
| Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir | Temperatures in Pahalgam range from -2°C to 7°C. |
| Gangtok, Sikkim | Temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C. |
| Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh | Temperatures in Narkanda range from -10°C to 5°C. |
| Chillar, Himachal Pradesh | Temperatures in Chillar can drop from -5°C to -10°C. |
| Pelling, Sikkim | Temperatures ranging from 2°C to 8°C. |
| Keylong, Himachal Pradesh | Temperatures in Keylong can drop to -15°C to -20°C. |
Dras, Jammu and Kashmir Coldest Place In India During The Winter Season
Nestled in the Kargil district, Dras best coldest place in India during the winter season is often referred to as the Gateway to Ladakh. It boasts breathtaking landscapes including snow-covered mountains and meadows.
- Location: Dras is situated about 60 km from Kargil and is accessible by road.
- Winter Temperature: Dras experiences extremely low temperatures with winter temperatures dropping to as low as -20°C to -25°C.
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Srinagar and regular buses and taxis connect Dras to major cities like Srinagar and Leh.
- Activities: Winter sports enthusiasts can indulge in activities like snowboarding and skiing. The stunning Dras War Memorial is also a must-visit.
Leh, Ladakh Coldest Place In India During The Winter Season
Leh best coldest place in India during the winter season is the capital of Ladakh and it is renowned for its monasteries, pristine lakes and rugged terrains.
- Location: Situated in the northern part of India, Leh can be reached by road or air.
- Winter Temperature: During winter, temperatures in Leh can plummet to -15°C to -20°C.
- How to Reach: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh operates regular flights. Additionally, Leh is connected by road to Srinagar and Manali.
- Activities: Explore monasteries like Thiksey and Hemis experience the frozen Pangong Lake and embark on an adventurous trek in the snow-covered landscapes.
Kaza, Himachal Pradesh Coldest Place In India During The Winter Season
Tucked away in the Spiti Valley, Kaza best coldest place in India during the winter season is a high-altitude desert town surrounded by majestic mountains.
- Location: Kaza is accessible by road and the nearest airport is in Kullu.
- Winter Temperature: The winter temperatures in Kaza can drop from -15°C to -20°C.
- How to Reach: The road journey from Manali to Kaza is famous for its scenic beauty. Alternatively, buses and taxis connect Kaza to Shimla and Manali.
- Activities: Visit the ancient Key Monastery, indulge in stargazing and take a drive through the stunning Spiti Valley.
Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir Coldest Place In India During The Winter Season
Gulmarg best coldest place in India during the winter season is often called the Meadow of Flowers and is a popular hill station and skiing destination.
- Location: Located in the Pir Panjal range, Gulmarg is accessible by road from Srinagar.
- Winter Temperature: Gulmarg experiences winter temperatures ranging from -4°C to – 10°C.
- How to Reach: Srinagar International Airport is the nearest airport and Gulmarg is well-connected by road to Srinagar and other major towns.
- Activities: Enjoy skiing on the snow-clad slopes, take the Gulmarg Gondola for panoramic views and explore the historic Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve.
Auli, Uttarakhand Coldest Place In India During The Winter Season
Auli best coldest place in India during the winter season is a picturesque hill station known for its oak and coniferous forests offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks.
- Location: Situated in the Chamoli district, Auli is well-connected by road.
- Winter Temperature: Auli experiences winter temperatures ranging from -2°C to -8°C.
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Dehradun and Auli is accessible by a scenic drive from Joshimath.
- Activities: Auli is a haven for skiing enthusiasts with its well-maintained slopes. Additionally, the Auli Artificial Lake is a must-visit for its surreal frozen beauty.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh Coldest Place In India During The Winter Season
Nestled in the Beas River Valley, Manali best coldest place in India during the winter season is a popular hill station surrounded by snow-clad mountains.
- Location: Manali is well-connected by road and is approximately 250 km from Shimla.
- Winter Temperature: The winter temperatures in Manali range from -7°C to 10°C.
- How to Reach: Bhuntar Airport in Kullu is the nearest airport and Manali is accessible by road from major cities.
- Activities: Engage in adventure sports like paragliding and skiing, visit the Hadimba Devi Temple and take a stroll through the snow-covered Mall Road.
Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir Coldest Place In India During The Winter Season
Kupwara best coldest place in India during the winter season is in the northern part of Kashmir and it is known for its pristine beauty, dense forests and glistening lakes.
- Location: Kupwara is accessible by road from Srinagar.
- Winter Temperature: Winter temperatures in Kupwara can drop to -5°C to -10°C.
- How to Reach: Srinagar Airport is the nearest airport and Kupwara is well connected by road.
- Activities: Explore the stunning Lolab Valley, visit the historic Kupwara Fort and enjoy the tranquility of the pristine Manasbal Lake.
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh Coldest Place In India During The Winter Season
Known for its stark landscapes and Tibetan Buddhist culture, Spiti Valley best coldest place in India during the winter season is a high-altitude desert mountain valley.
- Location: Spiti Valley is accessible by road from Manali.
- Winter Temperature: The winter temperatures in Spiti Valley can plummet to -20°C to – 25°C.
- How to Reach: The road journey from Manali to Spiti Valley offers breathtaking views and buses and taxis connect the region to major towns.
- Activities: Visit ancient monasteries like Key and Tabo, marvel at the frozen Chandra Taal Lake and experience the unique culture of the region.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh Coldest Place In India During The Winter Season
Tawang best coldest place in India during the winter season is situated amidst the Eastern Himalayas and is known for its monasteries, serene lakes and snow-covered landscapes.
- Location: Tawang is accessible by road and the nearest airport is in Tezpur.
- Winter Temperature: Tawang experiences winter temperatures ranging from -5°C to – 10°C.
- How to Reach: Tezpur Airport is the nearest airport and Tawang is connected by road to major towns like Guwahati and Tezpur.
- Activities: Explore the Tawang Monastery, visit the stunning Shonga-tser Lake and take a scenic drive to the Indo-China border at Bum La Pass.
Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir Coldest Place In India During The Winter Season
Pahalgam best coldest place in India during the winter season is situated on the banks of the Lidder River and it is a charming town surrounded by coniferous forests and snow-capped mountains.
- Location: Pahalgam is approximately 95 km from Srinagar and is accessible by road.
- Winter Temperature: Winter temperatures in Pahalgam range from -2°C to 7°C.
- How to Reach: Srinagar International Airport is the nearest airport and Pahalgam is well-connected by road.
- Activities: Enjoy a scenic walk along the Lidder River, visit the Betaab Valley and embark on a trek to the stunning Aru Valley.
Gangtok, Sikkim Coldest Place In India During The Winter Season
Gangtok best coldest place in India during the winter season is the capital of Sikkim, is perched at an altitude and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
- Location: Gangtok is accessible by road and the nearest airport is in Bagdogra.
- Winter Temperature: Gangtok experiences winter temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C.
- How to Reach: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport and Gangtok is well connected by road to Siliguri and other towns.
- Activities: Visit the Rumtek Monastery, take a cable car ride for panoramic views and explore the Nathula Pass, which shares the border with China.
Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh Coldest Place In India During The Winter Season
Narkanda best coldest place in India during the winter season is nestled in the Shimla district and known for its apple orchards, dense forests and snow-covered landscapes.
- Location: Narkanda is accessible by road and is approximately 65 km from Shimla.
- Winter Temperature: The winter temperatures in Narkanda range from -10°C to 5°C.
- How to Reach: Shimla Airport is the nearest airport and Narkanda is well connected by road.
- Activities: Engage in skiing at the Hatu Peak, visit the ancient Hatu Mata Temple and enjoy the tranquility of the Tannu Jubbar Lake.
Chillar, Himachal Pradesh Coldest Place In India During The Winter Season
A lesser-known gem, Chillar best coldest place in India during the winter season is a small village in the Kullu district surrounded by snow-covered peaks and apple orchards.
- Location: Chillar is accessible by road and is approximately 20 km from Manali.
- Winter Temperature: The winter temperatures in Chillar can drop from -5°C to -10°C.
- How to Reach: Bhuntar Airport in Kullu is the nearest airport and Chillar is connected by road to Manali.
- Activities: Experience the local culture, take a stroll through the apple orchards, and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Pelling, Sikkim Coldest Place In India During The Winter Season
Pelling best coldest place in India during the winter season is situated at an altitude that offers stunning views of the Kanchenjunga Mountain range and is known for its monasteries and waterfalls.
- Location: Pelling is accessible by road and the nearest airport is in Bagdogra.
- Winter Temperature: Pelling experiences winter temperatures ranging from 2°C to 8°C.
- How to Reach: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport and Pelling is well connected by road to Gangtok and other towns.
- Activities: Visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, explore the Khecheopalri Lake, and trek to the scenic Sangachoeling Monastery.
Read More: One Day Trip In Coimbatore 10 Enchanting Destinations
Keylong, Himachal Pradesh Coldest Place In India During The Winter Season
Keylong best coldest place in India during the winter season is the administrative center of the Lahaul and Spiti district which is surrounded by snow-clad peaks and offers a serene atmosphere.
- Location: Keylong is accessible by road and is approximately 120 km from Manali.
- Winter Temperature: The winter temperatures in Keylong can drop to -15°C to -20°C.
- How to Reach: Bhuntar Airport in Kullu is the nearest airport and Keylong is connected by road to Manali.
- Activities: Visit the Kardang Monastery, experience the local culture and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the Chenab River.
Conclusion
These 15 coldest places in India during the winter season offer a diverse range of experiences from snow sports to cultural explorations. Whether you’re seeking adventure on the slopes or a tranquil escape amidst snow-covered landscapes these destinations provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable winter getaway. Plan your trip wisely, pack warmly and get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of India’s coldest locales.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Coldest Places In India During Winter
The coldest place in India during the winter season is Dras located in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dras is situated at a high altitude and is surrounded by snow-covered mountains, contributing to its extremely low winter temperatures.
Winter temperatures in Dras can drop to as low as -20°C to -25°C.
Dras is accessible by road and is approximately 60 km from Kargil. The nearest airport is in Srinagar and regular buses and taxis connect Dras to major cities like Srinagar and Leh.
Winter sports enthusiasts can engage in activities like snowboarding and skiing, visiting the Dras War Memorial is a recommended cultural experience.
