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Your definitive guide to finding snow in the Indian mainland during Christmas.
When I think of Christmas, I think of snow-covered streets, warm beverages, jackets and mufflers, and baked goodies. You would admit that the colours of Christmas – the greens and the reds – have little charm without the expansive white.
Of course, snowmen and snow fairies are hard to come by in the tropical country of India. And so, I decided to put together the best destinations for experiencing a white Christmas in India. Read on to find out where to head this Christmas.
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I like to explore beyond the obvious. I'd heard a lot about the throngs of tourists heading to the hill station of Shimla. So, I decided to ditch the touristy town of Shimla and decided to head for Narkanda instead. Located about 60 km from Shimla, the winding roads to Narkanda cut through thick forests of oak and coniferous trees. Upon reaching this quaint town, I settled in with a huge blanket and piping hot coffee.
But for me, coming back to my cosy homestay after a long and cold day, sipping some hot tea, and losing myself in my favourite book was the highlight of the day.
How to reach: The closest railhead is 144 km away at Kalka. From Kalka, you can take a taxi to Narkanda. Alternatively, you can take the fun toy train from Kalka to Shimla, and then continue your journey by road. You can also fly to Jubbarhatti Airport and take a taxi to travel around 76 km to reach Narkanda.
Good to know: There are several homestays and luxury resorts in Narkanda that offer welcoming hospitality.
If an adventurous winter holiday is on your mind, then head to Auli. Set amidst the Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat mountains, Auli is one of the most prominent skiing destinations in India. During winter, the hill station hosts a range of skiing and other adventure sports competitions.
On my first day here, I took the cable car ride from Joshimath to Auli. And lo! Instead of a sleepy Hamlet, I encountered such an energetic and active vibe. The tone was set to awaken the outdoorsy adrenaline junkie in me! As a novice skier, I hired a guide to help me experiment with this new skill. A few slips here and there, but I finally got a hang of the skis and slopes. After the ups and downs, I decided to stick to firmer ground the next day. As a beginner, I joined a group trek through the misty mountains to the Kuari Pass, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. I finished my Garhwali adventure with some soul-searching at Nanda Devi Temple amidst scintillating mountain vistas!
How to reach: Take a train to Rishikesh or fly to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Auli is a few hours away by taxi from both places.
Good to know: The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, an enterprise of the Uttarakhand Government, organises 15-day and 7-day skiing courses. These courses run from December to March.
As one can expect from the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama, Tawang is serene and peaceful beyond measure. This far-removed land in Northeast India is steeped in culture and tradition. The many Buddhist monasteries here serve as a great place to indulge one’s deep want for soul-searching. You can also observe the puritanical lifestyle led by the Buddhist monks here.
How to reach: Fly to Tezpur, in Assam, and then take a road trip for around 332 km to reach Tawang.
A quintessential hill station, Patnitop is neither too crowded nor deserted. For these reasons and a few others, it makes for a great year-end escape! I welcomed the season’s first snow by trekking through the coniferous forests here. For me, the secluded hill station offered something unmatched – an opportunity to sit by the window and watch the snow fall while sipping a hot beverage. I had no agenda on my mind but to relax and unwind.
The next day, I went even higher up in altitude by visiting Nathatop! This was followed by another breathtaking escape, Sanasar Lake, which was located further ahead of Nathatop. It had transformed into a winter wonderland blanketed with pure white snow. Patnitop's true allure stems from its remote location and the resulting seclusion it provides in an otherwise hectic world.
How to reach: The nearest railhead is Udhampur. From there, Patnitop is about an hour’s ride away. You can take a cab or a shared vehicle up to Patnitop.
Good to know: December to February is the best time to witness snowfall. Make sure you check the road conditions for the nearby destinations of Nathatop and Sanasar Lake
Gulmarg is one of the most popular and touristy places during Christmas. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The hill station is easily accessible, affordable, and great fun! If you are looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure, then look no further.
Gulmarg is home to the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering and provides some of the highest and longest skiing slopes in the world. Beginners can try their hand (or feet) on the gentler slopes while professionals can look out for the Cross Country Skiing Championship. It is fun to see their acrobatics in cross-country skiing. On the other hand, the elderly or less sporty can spend time relaxing or frolicking in the snow-covered meadows.
I had a great time sliding down a slope on top of a tyre tube! Above all, I enjoyed the ride aboard the Gulmarg Gondola, soaking in spectacular views of the slopes as the cable car rose higher from Phase 1 to Phase 2.
How to reach: Fly to Srinagar and from there, hire a taxi to Gulmarg. Gulmarg is around 58 km from Srinagar Airport.
Good to know: Tourism is at its peak during the snowfall season in Gulmarg. Therefore, it is best to book your trip a few months in advance.
Winter is blissful in Ladakh! Sub-zero temperatures, a thick blanket of snow, and quiet neighbourhoods.
It is no surprise that Ladakh attracts fewer tourists in winter. Not many people find the harsh conditions appealing. But if you know how to prepare for high altitudes and low oxygen levels, then this is your go-to snowfall destination.
Ladakh in winter brought out the real adventurer in me! All it takes is proper preparation and care to ensure you have a great time trekking through the gorgeous landscapes. Things to do in Ladakh include walking on the frozen Zanskar River and skiing on the frozen Pangong Lake. We also trekked to a remote village called Rumbak, in search of elusive Himalayan wildlife. It was an ordeal, but finally, after scanning the snowy slopes for four days, a pop of grey appeared! We'd finally caught sight of a snow leopard!
Finally, we headed back to the capital city of Leh to seek worldly comforts and immersive cultural experiences. My white Christmas ended with a visit to Leh Palace where I learned about the monarchy of King Senge Namgyal. The trip was rounded off with a visit to Shanti Stupa where I indulged in some soul-searching.
How to reach: Fly to Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport.
Good to know: Carry several layers of warm clothes to sustain temperatures that may reach -25°C.
Now, here’s a wild card entry. Say you wish to have a white Christmas but are averse to the extreme cold. Where do you go? Consider heading to the Great Rann of Kutch where you can expect to see white vistas spread as far as the eyes can see!
Rann of Kutch, or the White Desert, is a salt marsh in western Gujarat. The place offers a culturally immersive experience, of which the vibrant Rann Utsav is a must-visit. It is the place to witness folk dances, taste good food, and shop for various local handicrafts. Safe to say, all your Christmas shopping will be taken care of during the cultural festival.
If you want to take a detour from all the chaos and noise of the Great Rann of Kutch, head to the Little Rann of Kutch for some wildlife-watching. Here, I was rewarded with sightings of rare flora and fauna. We spotted a pair of desert foxes as well as a herd of Indian wild asses (or khur as they are locally known) galloping to glory. I enjoyed the intense sunset hues against the vast whites as the reflections faded. And, for a change, I decided to stand in front of the camera rather than behind it! Posing with the sun – gobbling it down, holding it in my hands – I captured some Insta-worthy moments for a perfect vacation recap!
How to reach: To reach Great Rann of Kutch, fly to Bhuj and travel the remaining 120 km by taxi. For Little Rann, fly to Ahmedabad Airport and travel by road to reach Patadi, the gateway to Little Rann. Alternatively, you can arrive at the nearest railhead, Viramgam Railway Station, which is about 109 km away.
Good to know: If you want to attend the Rann Utsav, it is advisable to book accommodation well in advance as there is high demand during peak season. Book a knowledgeable local guide who knows about local wildlife if you plan to go wildlife watching in Little Rann.
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