Sweat and humidity are basically everything that summers in India offer us. But surprisingly not many people know about the coldest places in India. There are many! After all, the Indian subcontinent is home to the largest percentage of Himalayas. In these winter destinations in India, the temperature is nearly always low, making it the perfect retreat for anyone looking to escape from humid Indian summers. From the Siachen Glacier to Srinagar, India has an interesting mix of tourist places with cold weather. If you want to travel to some coldest places out of India, check Natvisa for visa policies.
Table of Contents
Here Are Some Of The Coldest Places To Visit In Winter In India
1. Leh, Ladakh – The Highest Residential Point Of Human Settlement
Location: Ladakh
Winter Temperature: -20°C- 15°C
Best time to visit: June to September
How to get here: The easiest way to get to Leh is by air. The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport located in Leh which is connected to many international airports across the country.
Leh is a very popular tourist destination. The place is rich in its history and culture. The temperature in summer goes up to 7°C. There are many monasteries and lakes that make Leh, a must-visit. Leh is also home to the highest residential point of human settlement, 3000 meters above sea level. The magnetic gravity hills of Ladakh are at a height of 11,000 feet above sea level making for a gorgeous sight.
2. Dras, Kargil – The Gateway Of Ladakh
Location: Kargil District
Winter Temperature: -45°C
Best time to visit: June to September
How to get here: The closest airport to Dras is Shaikh ul-Alam Airport in Srinagar. From the airport you can take a bus or a cab to Dras. National Highway 1 connects Dras to neighboring cities like Kargil, Leh and Srinagar and Delhi.
Dras is a rare gem making it an unconventional tourist destination. The place is known as “The gateway of Ladakh” and is one of the coldest places in India. Located in the Kargil district, Dras plays as a staging point for the people who trek to Amarnath and Sialkot. At an elevation of 10,761 feet (3,280m) above sea level, Dras has scenic landscapes, stunning ridges and snowy mountains to offer tourists who are brave enough to battle the bone-chilling cold!
3. Sela Pass, Tawang – Natural Beauty All-Around
Location: Border between the Tawang and West Kameng Districts
Winter Temperature: -15°C
Best time to visit: October, November, March, April and May
How to get here: You need to acquire a mountain pass along the Tawang road route as well as ‘Inner Line Permit’ (ILP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh to access Sela Pass.
Known for its natural beauty, Sela Pass is a must visit destination. The town connects the Buddhist town of Tawang to Tezpur and Guwahati. Summers there are often pleasant but the winters are chilling. The town experiences snowfall during the winter. It sits in the Himalayas at a height of 4170 m and you can take this beautiful journey in the months of October, November, March, April, and May. Roads are least likely to be blocked by snow during these months. Close to Sela pass is the Sela Lake (sometimes called Paradise Lake because of its beauty) which is either partially or fully frozen during winter.
4. Srinagar – Home To The Famous Dal Lake
Location: Kashmir
Winter Temperature: -2.5°C
Best time to visit: April to October
How to get here: Srinagar has a domestic airport connected to all major cities in India. You can also get there by bus from Delhi, Jammu and Chandigarh.
Srinagar is located at an elevation of 1,585 meters. This beautiful city is known for its culture and sceneries and lies along the banks of the Jhelum River. Being home to the famous Dal Lake, Srinagar is the coldest state capital of the country. Srinagar is home to many famous mosques and temples including the Jāmiʿ Masjid (Congregational Mosque) that was built in the 15th century. It is considered to be the largest mosque in Kashmir. Close to Kashmir is the quaint town of Gulmarg that offers splendid views of the Vale of Kashmir and of Nanga Parbat, which is one of the highest peaks in the Himalayas.
5. Siachen Glacier – The Coldest Place In India And The Non-Polar World
Location: Karakoram Range
Winter Temperature: -50°C
Best time to visit: NA
How to get here: You can drive up to the Siachen base camp which is the last point up to which a driveable road is present.
The Siachen Glacier is located in the northern Karakoram Range. Siachen is not only one of the coldest places in India, but it is also the coldest place in the entire non-polar world. It receives the highest snowfall in the world. The minimum temperature goes up to -50°C making it one of the coldest places in the country. Siachen doesn’t have summers. The summer temperature there goes up to -10°C. For decades this place has been a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan. Due to the cold climatic conditions, many soldiers have even lost their lives. Civilians were allowed to visit Siachen in 2008 but the area is still restricted and you will need special permission to enter here.
6. Lachen And Thangli Valley – Snow-Capped Peaks Await You
Location: North Sikkim
Winter Temperature: -15°C- 10°C
Best time to visit: November and June
How to get here: New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station from Thangu Valley. The closest airport to Sikkim is Bagdogra airport from where you can take buses or jeeps to reach the valley.
The most beautiful snow-capped mountain peaks are located in North Sikkim. The two coldest places in Northern Sikkim that you can visit are the Lachen and Thangu Valley. Lachen and Thangu Valley are located at an elevation of 2,500 m and face a sub-zero level temperature. This temperature is almost constant throughout the year.
7. Keylong – Willow Trees And Water Streams Everywhere
Location: Himachal Pradesh
Winter Temperature: -2°C
Best time to visit: May to October
How to get here: Bhuntar airport in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh is the nearest airport from where you can travel to Keylong by road.
Keylong is situated on the main road to Leh. It sits on an altitude of 3340 m above the sea level and is full of willow trees, water streams and mountains covered with snow. This beautiful destination is not very far from Manali, Kaza and Leh. So this makes it a perfect stop if you are on a road trip to any of these destinations.
8. Sonamarg – The Meadow Of Gold
Location: Kashmir
Winter Temperature: -6°C
Best time to visit: May to November
How to get here: Sonamarg doesn’t have a railway station or an airport. The nearest airport is in Srinagar from where you can take buses to Sonamarg.
Sonamarg is one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in Kashmir. It is a perfect summer destination. During the winter, the climate can often get harsh. Amarnath is in proximity to Sonamarg making it a base for a journey to the pilgrimage site. Sonamarg translates to ‘the meadow of gold’ and is located at an elevation of 2,800 m with the Sindh River flowing through the valleys.
9. Shimla – Queen Of The Hills
Location: Himachal Pradesh
Winter Temperature: -1°C
Best time to visit: June to March
How to get here: Jubarhati is the nearest airport to Shimla, only 23 km from the main town. There are regular flights to Jubarhati from Chandigarh and Delhi. Buses and trains are also available.
The capital of Himachal Pradesh is known for its handicraft shops, a pedestrian avenue, shopping markets and weather. It sits on an elevation of 2,276 m. The average temperature during the summer goes up to 19-28 °C which is very pleasant. Named after Goddess Shyamala, Shimla is known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’. It is the only coldest place in the country to have a natural ice-skating ice rink that was founded in 1920 under the British rule. It is also home to the oldest post office in all of North India.
10. Gangtok – Sikkim’s Most Visited Destination
Location: Sikkim
Winter Temperature: -4°C
Best time to visit: September to June
How to get here: The airport closest to Gangtok is 124 kilometers away in Bagdogra, West Bengal. From the airport, a shared taxi or a private vehicle will get you to Gangtok in about two hours.
Sikkim has some of the most beautiful and most visited travel destinations. Gangtok, the state capital, is one of them. It is home to a significant portion of Himalayas and contains breathtaking mountain peaks. Gangtok is located at an elevation of more than 1,600 m. Every year Gangtok hosts an International Flower Festival which attracts tourists from different parts of the globe. The city also houses the Rumtek Monastery which is one of the biggest in East Sikkim.
11. Mussoorie – The Queen Of Mountains
Location: Uttrakhand
Winter Temperature: -2°C
Best time to visit: December – February (month of snow)
How to get here: Jollygrant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Mussoorie. Direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai are available to Dehradun. State government and private buses connect Mussoorie with nearby places like Delhi, Dehradun.
Mussoorie sits on an elevation of 2,005.5 m above the sea level and is usually pleasant throughout the year. The Queen of Mountains is located 35 km from Dehradun, this hill station is something you should never miss. The highest point in Mussorie is Lal Tibba situated at a height of 2,290 m offering spectacular panoramic views. This quaint little town gets its name from the Mansoor herb found at the Himalayan foothills.
12. Rohtang Pass, Manali – Spend A Mesmerizing Winter Here
Location: Manali
Winter Temperature: -5°C to -6°C
Best time to visit: December – January (month of snow)
How to get here: The nearest airport is in Bhuntar about 104 km from Rohtang Pass. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation buses operate from Manali and go as far as Leh via Rohtang Pass and then through Keylong.
Manali is a place you shouldn’t miss in your summer or winter vacation in India. Rohtang Paa which connects Kullu to Lahaul and Spiti valley is another location that will mesmerize you. It is located at an altitude of 3,978m and its mountains are covered with snow in winters. This picturesque tourist destination is regarded as one of the coldest places in India and one of the best tourist places for winter in India.
Suggested Reads: Best Places To Visit In Summer This Year
Coldest Places To Visit In South India
South India is considered to be hot and humid during the summer months. But contrary to popular belief, as much as the north, the south is also blessed with many beautiful hill stations and cool tourist spots that are worth a visit. Here’s a list of some of the coldest places in South India that’s an ideal vacation spot in any season.
1. Chikmagalur
Location: Karnataka
Winter Temperature: 10 to 15°C
Best time to visit: September to May
Chikmagaluru, translated as the ‘Land of the younger daughter’ is most famous for the spellbinding scenic beauty that this place has to offer. Situated at a height of 3400 feet, Chikmagalur is set against the backdrop of majestic Mullayangiri ranges. The picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, spectacular waterfalls, tea and coffee plantations are what brings in tourists from all over the world.
2. Munnar
Location: Kerala
Winter Temperature: 10 to 15°C
Best time to visit: November to February
Munnar is situated at around 1,600 meters above sea level in the Western Ghats mountain range. It is one of the coldest hill stations in South India and also one of the most sought after honeymoon places in winter in India. The hills of Munnar have earned the tag “Kashmir of South India” because of its rolling beauty and charm. Its beautiful tea plantations, picturesque towns, winding lanes and verdant greenery has the ability to cast a magical spell on the visitors.
3. Kodaikanal
Location: Tamil Nadu
Winter Temperature: 8 to 10°C
Best time to visit: October and March
Nestled amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal is another most famous honeymoon destinations in South India. Kodaikanal stands at an altitude of 2,133 meters above the sea level. As the place experiences a cool climate throughout the year, it is a favorite destination for youngsters, couples, and families. If you are looking for a refreshing vacation to take a break from the rigors of daily city life, then this is the best place to be.
4. Ooty
Location: Tamil Nadu
Winter Temperature: 8 to 10°C
Best time to visit: October to June
One of the most beautiful hill stations in India, Ooty has a cool and soothing climate all year round. The misty hills spread across the lush green carpet and its scenic beauty has earned it the name ‘Switzerland of India’. Escaping into the depths of mystic jungles or the Toy Train ride from Mettupalayam to Ooty are all once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Over the years, Ooty has transformed into one of the most sought-after tourism destinations.
5. Coorg
Location: Karnataka
Winter Temperature: 10 to 12°C
Best time to visit: October to March
Also referred to as the Scotland of the South, Coorg is a perfect blend of beauty and serenity. Chilled mornings and mist make the place even more beautiful. The fascinating hill station has beautiful landscapes and dense tea plantations which makes it a paradise for nature lovers. This quaint getaway destination offers many other activities, including trekking, rock climbing, and much more.
Also Read: 8 More Hill Stations In India To Escape From The Heat This Summer
The coldest places in India make for perfect getaways in the summer months. Since most cities and states in the country have high temperatures throughout the year, finding a destination with the perfect temperature is truly a treat. These destinations have much to offer to tourists aside from their cool temperature. Stunning landscapes, adventure activities, and a range of other experiences await everyone who visits these places during winter in India. Go beat the heat amidst these best places to visit in winter in India and don’t forget to share your experience below.
The Siachen Glacier, Leh, Ladakh and Kashmir are some of the most beautiful places in India which are also incredibly cold in winters. You must definitely check it out in spring or summer if you can when it’s pleasant.
India’s coldest inhabited place is Dras. In Dras, the temperatures can go as low as -22 degrees C in winters.
Winter season in India, especially in the north, is very severe. December and January are considered the coldest months in India when temperatures plummet, especially in the Himalayan regions.
Dras is the coldest place in India and is often considered as second to the coldest place inhabited on Earth.
South Indian winters are much lesser compared to the north. Kodaikanal is the coldest place in South India.
Leh, Lachen, Shimla, Dras, Ooty, Kodiakanal, Munnar are few of the many cold places for honeymoon in India.
Winter months in India are generally between October and February and this is the right time to experience snow in Leh.
good information