6 Hidden Gems Where You Can Enjoy Snow In India

Winter in India has a way of turning familiar mountains into something almost magical. By December, the higher ranges turn quiet, the air feels sharper, and the landscape slowly gives way to soft blankets of white. But if you have been to the usual hotspots like Shimla, Manali or Gulmarg, you already know how crowded they become the moment the first snowflakes appear. The good news is that India still has several hidden pockets where snowfall feels untouched and peaceful, the kind of places where the only sound is the crunch of fresh snow under your boots. From remote Himalayan valleys to high-altitude meadows, here are six lesser-known destinations where winter feels pure, calm and beautifully slow.

Also Read: Winter Birdwatching In India: Top 6 National Parks For Rare Migrants

Here Are 6 Lesser-Known Places To See Snow In India

1. Auli Bugyal, Uttarakhand

Auli is known for skiing, but the upper Bugyals stay wonderfully aloof during peak winter. These vast alpine meadows turn white, surrounded by silent oak forests and a clear view of Nanda Devi glowing under the winter sun. The air stays crisp, the trails stay quiet, and the landscape feels straight out of a postcard. Once you reach the higher meadows, you will notice how the stillness adds to the charm and connects seamlessly with the calm atmosphere that makes Uttarakhand such a winter favourite.

How to Reach: To reach Auli, first fly to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Then take a taxi to Joshimath. From Joshimath, ropeway, bus and taxi services are available for Auli.

Things to Do: Try snow trekking on beginner-friendly routes, learn basic skiing techniques or enjoy sunrise from Gorson meadow where the mountains turn golden.

2. Zemithang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Representative image. (Photo: Unsplash)

Located near the Bhutan border, Zemithang is one of the most remote and peaceful winter valleys in the northeast. Heavy snowfall transforms its pine forests, wooden houses and frozen streams into a silent white wonderland. The region stays blissfully untouched by tourist rush, giving you long stretches of winter calm and postcard-like landscapes that feel surreal. The pace here flows naturally from the tranquillity of the valley, linking well with the slow-travel style that makes Arunachal such a special winter destination.

How to Reach: To reach Zemithang, first fly to Tezpur or Guwahati. From there, drive to Tawang and then onward to Zemithang.

Things to Do: Visit the 12th-century Gorsam Chorten, walk through traditional Monpa villages and enjoy slow winter photography along the valley.

3. Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh

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India's last village on the Indo-Tibetan border becomes a quiet snow destination once winter settles in. The Baspa River turns icy blue, the mountains rise with fresh white layers and the wooden village homes feel extra cosy. Chitkul is perfect for travellers who want snow without the tourist-heavy crowds of Kinnaur's more popular pockets. As you move from the busy hill circuits of Himachal towards this peaceful corner, the shift in pace becomes noticeable and makes the whole experience feel more grounded.

How to Reach: First drive from Shimla to Sangla, then continue onward to Chitkul by car. Remember, the road access depends on snow.

Things to Do: Explore the quaint riverside, visit the old Mathi Temple and enjoy short, slow-paced winter walks around the village.

4. Yumesamdong (Zero Point), North Sikkim

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Surrounded by towering white walls of the Himalayas, Yumesamdong feels like stepping into a high-altitude winter desert. The region sees steady snowfall and the landscape stays dramatically icy. The approach itself, through snow-packed roads and steaming Yumthang hot springs, makes the journey unforgettable. The air becomes thin but the views stay spectacular, allowing the transition from the lush valleys of Sikkim to this snowy plateau to feel natural and smooth.

How to Reach: Fly to Bagdogra, drive to Lachung and hire a local vehicle with a permit for Zero Point.

Things to Do: Spend time at the valley viewpoint, enjoy snow play in designated safe patches and explore the nearby Yumthang valley.

5. Kugti Village, Himachal Pradesh

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Deep inside Chamba, Kugti feels like a true Himalayan hideout. Winter turns its cedar forests, hanging bridges and wooden houses into a quiet, snow-covered escape. Since very few travellers reach here in peak winter, you get long stretches of untouched scenery and peaceful village lanes dusted white. The journey from Bharmour into these remote hills builds a natural connection to the quieter beauty of this region.

How to Reach: First, you have to travel to Pathankot, then drive to Bharmour and continue towards Kugti, if the weather and the snow permit.

Things to Do: Explore Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary, visit Kartik Temple and take gentle winter walks around the pristine village trails.

6. Gurez Valley, Kashmir

Gurez receives some of the heaviest snow in Kashmir, yet remains offbeat due to its distance from Srinagar. Winter turns the valley into a dramatic landscape of frozen rivers, log houses and the sharp pyramid of the Habba Khatoon peak rising above everything else. It is raw, quiet and incredibly scenic, ideal for slow winter travellers. As you leave the bustle of Srinagar behind and enter this remote zone, the change in scenery feels organic and brings the experience together.

How to Reach: First, fly to Srinagar from any airport. Then drive to Gurez via Bandipora, depending on road clearance.

Things to Do: Visit Dawar village, explore local log architecture and enjoy panoramic winter views along the frozen Kishanganga.

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Tips To Travel Safely In Snowy Regions

• Start early in the day to avoid driving after sunset.
• Always check road and weather updates before leaving.
• Hire local 4x4 vehicles for high-altitude winter routes.
• Walk slowly on ice and use anti-slip grips if available.
• Keep your phone and essential medicines warm inside pockets.
• Avoid venturing into closed trails or avalanche-prone zones.
• Stay hydrated even if you do not feel thirsty.

What To Pack For Winter Travel

Here are some things that you should definitely pack while planning your snow adventure:

• Layered warm clothing (thermal innerwear, fleece, heavy jacket)
• Waterproof gloves, socks and snow boots
• Sunglasses for glare protection
• Lip balm and strong moisturiser
• A small thermos for hot water
• Power bank (cold drains battery fast)
• Compact first-aid kit with altitude-friendly medicines
• Light snacks for long winter drives

So, this winter, skip the popular spots and enjoy these lesser-known gems in India.