Winter wanders into December and suddenly every Indian starts dreaming of escaping to pristine snow-white landscapes like they’re in a romantic Yash Chopra movie. While we cannot make your cinematic dreams come true, we can definitely fuel your winter wanderlust by recommending the best places to experience white Christmas in India and abroad. The kind of Christmas that’s white, thanks to the snowy landscapes! Wrap yourself in a warm blanket, grab your cup of hot cocoa, and keep reading!
Christmas Vacation Spots With Guaranteed Snow: 5 Indian And Foreign Destinations Each
Where To Experience Snowfall Within India
1. Gulmarg
On the top, we have the undisputed capital of snow adventures in India – Gulmarg. The snowy hill station in Jammu & Kashmir is one of the most pristine locations in the country, with every corner looking like it’s straight out of a winter postcard. When in Gulmarg, make sure to ride the Gulmarg Gondola, the world’s second highest gondola ride. Book your tickets in advance as Gondola booking takes place fast. Spend your time in Gulmarg trying out other winter activities like snowboarding, skiing, etc, as well as exploring orchards and strawberry farms, and nearby markets, villages, and towns.
Average temperature during winter: -10°C to 11°C
Nearest major airport: Srinagar International Airport (35 to 50 km away)
Major attractions and experiences: Gulmarg Gondola, Apharwat Peak, Kongdori, Maharani Temple, Mary’s Church, and experiences like snowboarding, skiing, snow trekking.
Recommended number of days: 3 to 4 days
2. Tawang
Next, we have a town located at above 10,000 feet above the sea level, in the Northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. While most of the Northeast is known for its abundant rain and ethereal cherry blossoms, there are places like Tawang where you can even experience snowfall! The town promises unparalleled beauty, especially in the winter months. Explore a mix of cultural sites and natural wonders, all of which seamlessly fit into the diverse, untapped culture of Arunachal Pradesh.
Average temperature during winter: -11°C to 7°C
Nearest major airport: Guwahati International Airport (480 km away)
Major attractions and experiences: Tawang Monastery, Nurannang Waterfalls, Jaswant Garh, Madhuri Lake, Urgyelling Monastery, Bumla Pass, and experiences like nature walks, trekking, skiing.
Recommended number of days: 3 to 4 days
3. Kufri
Kufri becomes a winter wonderland during Christmas, making it a dependable pick for families seeking accessible snow. It has beginner-friendly slopes, pony trails, and viewpoints delivering picturesque views of the Himalayas. Kufri, overall, is a great place for a family crowd, especially as it has a few amusement parks and nature parks for people of all ages to enjoy. Also, its proximity to Shimla, one of the more popular winter destinations, makes it ideal for an extended winter tour when visiting the former.
Average temperature during winter: -5°C to 10°C
Nearest major airport: Chandigarh International Airport (100 to 138 km away)
Major attractions and experiences: Himalayan Nature Park, Green Valley, Indira Tourist Park, Chini Bangla, and experiences like skiing at Mahasu Peak, go-karting at Kufri Fun World
Recommended number of days: 1 to 2 days
Also Read: North Sikkim Reopens For Tourists: Know How To Visit, Apply For Permits, And More
4. Solang Valley
Solang Valley has almost always been under snow by Christmas, so no doubt why we are recommending it. Here, you can try skiing, ATV rides, and tubing, only operational in the snowy winter months. Also, it is easily accessible from Manali, making it ideal for day trips or a short stay. The valley is home to many popular spots, including the famous Hadimba Devi Temple featured in the Hindi movie Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. Solang Valley is great for both family tourists and adventurers alike as it provides a mix of family-friendly activities and adrenaline-pumping experiences!
Average temperature during winter: -10°C to 10°C
Nearest major airport: Chandigarh International Airport (180 km away)
Major attractions and experiences: Sissu Village, Anjani Mahadev Temple, Atal Tunnel, Rohtang Pass, and experiences like skiing, snowboarding, ATV quad biking.
Recommended number of days: 1 to 3 days
5. Auli
Nestled in the mountains of Uttarakhand, Auli promises quieter landscapes compared to the more popular Manali, Shimla, and Nainital. The snow paradise, tucked in the Garhwal Himalayas, is a great skiing destination for adventurers. Also, during winters, you must not miss out on the Joshimath cable car here – one of Asia’s longest cable car rides at 4.15 km in length. Besides, the quaint town is a great destination to unwind, enjoy winter sports, go on nature treks, and seek shelter in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Average temperature during winter: -10°C to 10°C
Nearest major airport: Jolly Grant Airport (280 to 300 km away)
Major attractions and experiences: Joshimath Cable Car, Gorson Bugyal, Auli Artificial Lake, Vishnuprayag, experiences like skiing, snowboarding, trekking, camping.
Recommended number of days: 3 to 4 days
Also Read: Skip Malaysia And Sri Lanka – Explore These 5 Visa-Free Countries In 2026 Instead
Where To Experience Snowfall Near India
Now that we recommended some of the best places to experience white Christmas in India, it’s now time to explore countries near India that offer an equally enjoyable winter experience.
1. Nepal
Nepal is easily one of the most beautiful and easily accessible countries for Indians wishing to experience snow. Nepal’s higher-altitude regions, such as Mustang and the lower Annapurna belt, get early winter snowfall. Trekking routes remain mostly open, but make sure to confirm before setting out on an adventure. Pokhara witnesses a pleasant atmosphere, creating ideal trekking conditions to such high altitude regions. Visitors get clear mountain views, snow-kissed trails, and postcard perfect scenery on all sides.
Average temperature during winter: Broadly from -10°C to 20°C
Major attractions and experiences: Pokhara, Kathmandu, Chitwan National Park, Bharatpur, Mustang
Recommended number of days: 4 to 7 days
2. Bhutan
Bhutan’s beauty lies in its solitude, peace, and untouched natural beauty. Around Christmas, Dochula and the hills around Thimphu sometimes receive soft snowfall. This adds a calm, pristine feel to the surroundings, with pleasant daytime temperatures. When visiting Bhutan, do note that visitors need special permits and they must pay a daily environmental fee. Even though these processes might sound tedious, we guarantee that a trip to Bhutan in the winters will offer you an otherworldly experience.
Average temperature during winter: Broadly from -6°C to 17°C
Major attractions and experiences: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Dochula Pass, Haa Valley, and experiences like visiting monasteries, nature hikes, hiking to the famed Tiger’s Nest.
Recommended number of days: 5 to 7 days
Summing Up
From family friendly snow activities to adrenaline-pumping sports like snowboarding and ATV rides, there is so much to experience in India during winter. Especially when the country’s mountainous regions start receiving snowfall. In this article, we’ve not only mentioned places in India but also places near India to visit during snowfall season. This Christmas, it’s time to pack your bags and set out on your own winter adventure at one of these places.
