During November, the Indian Himalayas witness a transitional shoulder season. The lower hill stations like Shimla, Mussoorie, and Nainital experience crisp, cold weather and clear blue skies, whereas the high-altitude mountain passes, upper valleys, and alpine zones finally get dustings of real snowfall! If you’re looking to experience the fresh snow showers or witness white-dusted peaks before peak winter sets in, it would be prudent to target destinations situated above 8,000 to 10,000 feet. This unstumbled guide gives you a destination-by-destination breakdown of where snowfall actually happens in India during November, along with accessibility details and realistic expectations.
Places That Get Snowfall In India In November
Jammu And Kashmir: Premier Early Snowfall Zone
When it comes to snowfall in India, Jammu and Kashmir are the most reliable regions for it. It begins experiencing flurries and snow-laden winter landscapes right from the end of October to early November. The following places are worth considering when it comes to witnessing snowfall.
1. Gulmarg: Apharwat Peak, Phase 2
Perched at an altitude of 13,780 ft., Apharwat Peak, which you can reach via the Phase 2 Gondola, reliably holds fresh snow throughout the month. Gulmarg, on the other hand, gets light and intermittent dustings in late November. If you’re planning to visit this peak, make sure you book tickets of the Gondola Phase 2 tickets online well in advance. This is because the tickets sell out quickly during the early winter rush.
2. Sonamarg And Zoji La Pass
Sonamarg is known as the ‘meadow of gold’ and is one of the very first inhabited valleys in Kashmir to receive heavy snowfall by mid-to-late November. It sits at an elevation of 8,960 ft., and promises its visitors a nice, mildly snowy destination in November.
Zoji La Pass, located at an altitude of 11,575 ft., is also located quite close to Sonamarg. This place, too, often experiences early snowfall closures.
3. Pahalgam: Upper Altitude Valleys, Chandanwari And Aru
While the main town of Pahalgam remains snowless, yet cold and crisp, its upper reaches are an entirely different story! Regions near Chandanwari, Betaab Valley, and Aru frequently get the flurries and the first snow of the season during late November western disturbances.
Also Read: Snowfall Destinations In Himachal You Should Visit This October & November
Himachal Pradesh: High Passes And Glacier Valleys
The famous mid-altitude towns of Himachal Pradesh such as Manali town and Dalhousie rarely, if ever, see heavy snow in November. However, you can always travel up into the following surrounding high passes. They virtually guarantee snow encounters.
4. Rohtang Pass and Atal Tunnel, North Portal, Sissu
Located at a high altitude of 13,058 ft., the Rohtang Pass gets heavy snowfall throughout November. Even if this high pass closes due to ice, crossing the Atal Tunnel into Sissu in Lahaul Valley brings travelers into snow-dusted, sub-zero landscapes around mid-November. It is also important to keep in mind that visiting Rohtang Pass requires a mandatory Green Permit issued by the local administration.
5. Solang Valley and Anjani Mahadev
Since Solang Valley is situated at an altitude of around 8,400 ft., it receives its first light snowfall by late November. Another short trek to Anjani Mahadev frequently features early seasonal ice formations and snow cover.
6. Narkanda and Hatu Peak
Situated 60 km beyond Shimla and at an altitude of 9,000 ft., Narkanda gets snow earlier than Shimla. You can also drive up to Hatu Peak, which is located at an altitude of 11,150 ft. and has snow-covered pine trails by late November.
Uttarakhand And North Sikkim: High-Altitude Treks And Border Valleys
Uttarakhand, too, has a couple of regions that get snowfall in November. Here they are:
7. Auli and Gorson Bugyal, Uttarakhand
The upper ski slopes of Auli and Gorson Bugyal meadows get initial dustings of snow in mid-to-late November, framed by views of Nanda Devi. While these destinations are known for skiing, this usually does not begin until December and January.
8. Yumthang Valley and Zero Point, Lachung, North Sikkim
Yumthang sits at an elevation of 12,000 ft. and is known to be one of the only places in India that has nearly year-round snow. The Zero Point at Yumesamdong, North Sikkim, which sits at a height of 15,300 ft., is one of the most dependable places in East India for heavy November snow. Temperatures dip well below freezing (0°C to 10°C), turning the valley white. These regions require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) organized via registered Sikkim tour operators.
Also Read: Auli vs Gulmarg: Which Is Better For Snowfall, Skiing And Winter Holidays?
Summing Up
Finding destinations in India that have snowfall in November is not impossible. It mainly requires targeting places located at high altitudes. However, it is important to note that if you’re looking for snow activities such as skiing, you should consider planning a trip at a time other than November. This particular month is best for witnessing light snowfall, and the places listed in this guide provide you with the perfect opportunity to witness this. From riding the gondolas in Gulmarg to going on snow treks, you can do these activities in November in India. So, save this guide if this is something you are planning to do! Just remember to stay safe and carry appropriate winter gear.
Note: The information has been compiled from information available on the Internet as of the date of publication.
