Where To Find Snow In India In March: 5 Stunning Winter Wonderlands
India, a vast and diverse country, is home to a wide array of landscapes, ranging from arid deserts to lush jungles and, of course, snowy mountains. While many associate snow with colder regions of the world, India, especially in its northern regions, offers stunning winter wonderlands that can be explored year-round. Even as the rest of the country begins to warm up by March, the towering Himalayan ranges continue to offer travelers a chance to experience the magic of snow. Whether you’re an avid skier, a snow lover, or simply someone looking to escape the heat, March can still be an excellent time to visit snowy destinations in India.
As the season starts to transition from winter to spring, March marks the tail end of the snow season in many parts of India. But this doesn’t mean that the snow is entirely gone. In fact, several places still offer a mesmerizing winter experience with snow-covered landscapes, and visiting them in March means you’ll avoid the harsh winter chill while still getting to enjoy the serene beauty of snow-capped peaks and snow-laden valleys. Let’s dive into five stunning winter wonderlands in India that are perfect to visit in March.
- Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Gulmarg, located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of India’s most popular winter destinations, renowned for its spectacular snowfall, pristine beauty, and world-class ski slopes. Situated at an altitude of around 2,650 meters (8,661 feet), Gulmarg means “the meadow of flowers,” but in the winter months, it is transformed into a glistening white wonderland.
Why Visit Gulmarg in March?
By March, the ski season is still in full swing, with a thick blanket of snow covering the ground and the skiing conditions perfect for both beginners and experienced skiers. The temperature during this time tends to hover around 0°C (32°F) but remains comfortable enough for snow sports and outdoor activities.
While the main attraction is skiing, Gulmarg also offers other snow-related activities such as snowboarding, snowshoeing, and even a gondola ride that takes visitors to the highest point of the area for a panoramic view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. The Gondola Ride in Gulmarg, one of the highest cable cars in the world, offers jaw-dropping views of the mountains and snow-covered valleys.
For those not inclined toward adventure sports, Gulmarg still offers an incredible winter escape. The snow-clad meadows and pine forests, with their thick layers of snow, are perfect for peaceful strolls or horse rides. The views of the Kashmir Valley are spectacular in March, with the contrast of snow against the clear skies providing a serene and picturesque scene.
How to Reach Gulmarg:
By Air: The nearest airport is Srinagar, located about 50 kilometers away. Regular flights from major cities like Delhi and Mumbai connect to Srinagar.
By Road: You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Srinagar to Gulmarg, which takes about 2-3 hours.
By Train: The nearest railway station is in Jammu, from where you can travel by road to Gulmarg.
- Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Nestled in the picturesque Kullu Valley, Manali is a well-known hill station located in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, this charming town is a year-round destination, but it truly becomes magical in the winter months. By March, the town and its surrounding areas are still covered in thick snow, offering a beautiful wintry landscape.
Why Visit Manali in March?
By March, Manali remains enveloped in snow, and the temperature hovers around 2°C to 5°C, providing ideal conditions for snow lovers. It is also an excellent time to experience the quieter side of Manali, as the rush of the high tourist season has begun to taper off. The Solang Valley near Manali is particularly famous for winter sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing.
For those who love nature walks, the Rohtang Pass, one of the most famous snow destinations near Manali, remains snow-covered well into March. Though the pass can be closed during harsh winters, March typically sees it open to tourists, offering a scenic drive with stunning views of snow-covered peaks.
In addition to winter sports and snow activities, Manali’s picturesque villages, such as Old Manali, also offer a peaceful winter retreat. The snow-covered apple orchards and quiet, snow-dusted cottages present a lovely sight during this time of year.
How to Reach Manali:
By Air: The nearest airport is in Bhuntar, about 50 kilometers from Manali. From there, taxis or buses can take you to Manali.
By Road: Manali is well connected by road to major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Dharamsala. The journey offers scenic views of the mountains, making it a great road trip.
By Train: The nearest railway station is in Joginder Nagar, about 165 kilometers from Manali, and from there, you can take a taxi or bus.
- Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli, located in the state of Uttarakhand, is known as one of India’s premier ski destinations. Perched at an altitude of around 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), it is blessed with a picturesque setting amidst snow-clad mountains, dense oak forests, and beautiful meadows.
Why Visit Auli in March?
Auli is often referred to as the “Ski Capital of India” and offers some of the most stunning views of snow-covered peaks, including the Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Neelkanth mountains. By March, the region remains covered in thick snow, providing an ideal setting for snow sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Auli is one of the best destinations in India for skiing. The slopes here are well-maintained, and the region has become a favorite among adventure enthusiasts for snowboarding and skiing. With minimal crowding in March, visitors can enjoy undisturbed snow activities with excellent visibility and great snow conditions.
In addition to skiing, Auli also offers the Auli Ropeway, one of the longest cable car rides in Asia, which gives visitors stunning views of the surrounding snow-covered landscapes. For those who enjoy winter trekking, Auli is also a base for various treks to places like Gorson Bugyal, which is often covered in deep snow in March, offering a surreal winter trekking experience.
How to Reach Auli:
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 279 kilometers from Auli. From there, you can hire a taxi to reach Auli.
By Road: Auli is well-connected by road to major cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. A scenic drive to Auli through winding roads amidst the mountains is a treat.
By Train: The nearest railway station is in Haridwar, from where you can continue the journey by road to Auli.
- Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
Leh-Ladakh, located in the northernmost region of India, is a unique and awe-inspiring destination, known for its barren landscapes, high-altitude desert, and snow-capped mountains. While many people think of Leh as a summer destination, it is also an incredible place to visit in March, especially for those who enjoy cold weather and snowy landscapes.
Why Visit Leh in March?
Leh is a high-altitude desert, but the nearby mountains are covered in snow throughout the year. In March, the snow begins to melt in some areas, but many of the mountain ranges around Leh remain blanketed in white, offering a serene winter wonderland experience.
March is considered an off-season month in Leh, meaning fewer tourists and a quiet atmosphere. The roads to Leh may still be closed due to snow in March, but certain areas like Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake can still be reached, and snow can be found at these sites in abundance. The dramatic landscapes of Leh, including frozen rivers, barren mountains, and snow-covered villages, offer a surreal atmosphere in March.
For adventure enthusiasts, the Chadar Trek (also known as the Frozen River Trek) remains a must-do activity, where trekkers walk on the frozen Zanskar River in sub-zero temperatures. Though challenging, this trek is a unique way to experience the beauty of Leh’s snowy winter wonderland.
How to Reach Leh:
By Air: Leh is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, with direct flights available. The airport in Leh is open year-round.
By Road: The Manali-Leh highway and Srinagar-Leh highway are closed in winter, but one can take the Srinagar-Leh highway, which opens around late March.
By Train: Leh doesn’t have a railway station, but trains to Jammu or Delhi can be taken, followed by road transport.
- Kufri, Himachal Pradesh
Kufri, a small hill station near Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, is one of the most popular destinations for snow in India during the winter months. Situated at an altitude of 2,510 meters (8,250 feet), Kufri transforms into a snow-laden wonderland in March, making it an excellent choice for those seeking snow without venturing into the higher altitudes.
Why Visit Kufri in March?
Kufri is well-known for its ski slopes, and while March marks the end of the ski season, the place still retains its winter charm. The snow cover in Kufri usually lasts well into March, and the region’s tranquility, paired with snow activities, makes it an attractive destination.
In addition to skiing, Kufri offers activities like tobogganing, snowboarding, and horse riding on snow. The area also features a Himalayan Nature Park, which houses rare species of flora and fauna. If you’re a snow lover who wants to enjoy the beauty of the snow without the heavy crowds, Kufri is an ideal getaway.
How to Reach Kufri:
By Air: The nearest airport is in Shimla, about 16 kilometers away. Shimla is connected to Delhi and Chandigarh by regular flights.
By Road: Kufri is well-connected by road to Shimla, and the scenic drive offers a beautiful view of the mountains.
By Train: Shimla Railway Station is the nearest railhead, and from there, you can take a taxi to Kufri.
Conclusion
March is an ideal time to visit these snow-covered winter wonderlands in India. Whether you’re looking to indulge in thrilling snow sports, enjoy the peaceful beauty of snow-clad landscapes, or simply experience the magic of winter before it gives way to spring, these destinations offer the perfect escape. From the pristine slopes of Gulmarg to the surreal landscape of Leh, each location provides its own unique winter experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in India’s breathtaking snowy beauty even as the rest of the country begins to warm up.