From Kalpa To Sandakphu: 5 Snow Destinations To Explore By Train This Winter

India's winter is very much about the landscapes as well as the hill stations. You've got snow clad villages, quiet mountain roads, pine forests and Himalayan viewpoints to keep you happy and there are a number of places that would be a very good alternative to the usual winter hill station getaways. Kalpa, Munsiyari, Chopta, Sandakphu and Patnitop all come to mind.

The good news is that you can start these trips by train. None of the destinations are directly accessible by rail, but there are nearby rail stations which will get you to the mountains via road trips, local transport and in some cases via trekking. Here are five snow destinations in India that are definitely worth a look if you're after a winter break.

Snow Destinations To Explore

1. Kalpa, Himachal Pradesh

If you're after a Himalayan winter without the crowds of Shimla or Manali then Kalpa is definitely worth a look. It's in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh and is a traditional mountain village with its characteristic wooden houses, apple orchards and stunning views of the Kinner Kailash range. In winter, it can be a truly magical place with the village effectively turned into a white view of snow on the roofs and snow capped mountains all around.

How to reach by train:  Kalka, Chandigarh or Shimla by rail. From there head by road via Narkanda and Reckong Peo to Kalpa. It's a long journey by mountain road so allow plenty of time for the journey. December to February will be freezing with the possibility of snow but the roads can be very poor.

2. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand

Surrounded by the spectacular Panchachuli peaks, Munsiyari is one of the most scenic winter getaways in India. It's in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand and is a very picturesque mountain town with magnificent Himalayan views, traditional Kumaoni villages and a host of trekking trails. January and February are the months of choice for those wanting to experience the snows of the Himalayas. The Khaliya Top trail is a popular trek, though the climb can be quite demanding in winter.

How to reach by train:  Take a train to Kathgodam, from there you then take a taxi or bus to Munsiyari . The road trip is long so it's sensible to add an extra day to your trip. Always check the snow and road conditions prior to setting off, especially in January and February.

3. Chopta, Uttarakhand

Often referred to as the 'Mini Switzerland' of Uttarakhand, Chopta is a great snow destination for those who like snowy meadows, mountain forests and a tranquil atmosphere. It's in the Garhwal Himalayas and forms the starting point for the Tungnath and Chandrashila treks. The area gets snow in winter and is very popular with photographers and thrill seekers. The roads and trails can be quite difficult to access in the event of heavy snowfall.

How to reach by train:  Haridwar or Rishikesh by train and then road via Rudraprayag and Ukhimath to Chopta. That's a few hours journey depending on the road conditions. Jan/Feb are the months people generally go for the snow but you should check local access prior to booking any accommodation or planning a trek.

4. Sandakphu, West Bengal

For those looking for something more than a run of the mill hill station holiday, Sandakphu is a very special Himalayan experience. It's West Bengal's highest peak, situated on the Singalila Ridge and famous for its views of the Kanchenjunga range. On clear days you can actually see the distant peaks of Everest too. The winter snowfall is a real treat with the trails all frosted over, the forests snowed in and the mountain sunrises absolutely spectacular.

How to reach by train:  Take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and then ride it over to Manebhanjan. From there you can either go on a guided trek or check whether there's any permitted local 4x4 available. Winter travel is very much an issue as the snow and ice can make the route very difficult. Sandakphu is at approximately 3,657 m so altitude and weather are not to be sneezed at.

5. Patnitop, Jammu And Kashmir

Patnitop is a lovely winter getaway for people seeking snow, forested hills and Himalayan scenery without having to go on a strenuous trek. It's in the Jammu region and is surrounded by pine and deodar forests. In winter the roads and open areas can be covered in snow so it's a very popular destination for a mountain holiday. Nathatop in the vicinity is very popular for the views and for the snow sports you can do when the snow is on the ground.

How to reach by train: Take a train to Jammu Tawi, then then head out by road to Patnitop. Buses and taxis are available from Jammu although journey times can be affected by the weather in winter. The main period to be in the area for snow is December to February, with January and February generally being the better months for snow. Nathatop is also an option to visit (subject to road access).

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What Should You Know Before Planning A Winter Trip?

Although you can get to these places by a combination of rail and road, none of them have a direct rail link to the snow. Mountain roads can get very slippery and are occasionally closed completely during periods of heavy snowfall (particularly at the higher altitudes). Train tickets, accommodation and onward transport therefore need to be planned as a package.

Snowfall is by no means guaranteed on any particular date so always check the weather forecast, road conditions and local transport prior to setting off. Pack warm layers, waterproof footwear, and gloves as well as any needed medicines. It can make a world of difference to your trip if you simply have an extra day in your itinerary should the weather turn bad and you end up delayed.

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Author's Note

This is all drawn from the official state tourism websites as well as the district admin websites for Kalpa, Munsiyari, Chopta, Sandakphu and Patnitop. It covers the winter offerings, snowfall, the Himalayan scenery, the treks and transport (rail access to the places in question).

Summing Up

From Kalpa's views of Kinner Kailash to the absolutely stunning Himalayan vistas at Sandakphu, these five places are a great demonstration of just how varied India's winter landscape can be. Munsiyari and Chopta are the obvious choice for those who want to get out into the mountains and do some trekking. Patnitop is a very different proposition and is more of a winter getaway.

If you're after some off the beaten track snow destinations in India then these are certainly worth looking at. Your choice of destination will be down to how much time you have, how comfortable you are with mountain roads and how much you're after in terms of outdoor pursuits. A train journey could be the start of it all, but the scenery that awaits you once you get off the train is absolutely worth the longer journey.