want-to-see-snowfall-in-november-visit-these-5-places

With winter beginning across northern India, travellers looking to see snowfall in November have the best chances in the higher Himalayan regions. While Manali and Shimla towns may still be waiting for their first substantial snowfall, destinations such as Gulmarg and Sissu can already have snow on the ground.

Five places to see snowfall in India

Destination	Best time	Key attractions
Gulmarg	Mid-November to February	Gulmarg Gondola, Khilanmarg and Alpather Lake
Manali	Late November for Sissu; late December for Manali	Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel and Sissu
Auli	Late November to March; January-February for the heaviest snow	Skiing, Gurso Bugyal trek and Chenab Lake
Tawang	November to February	Tawang Monastery and Sela Pass
Narkanda	Late November to February	Hatu Mata Temple and snow-covered apple orchards

1. Gulmarg, Kashmir

 

Gulmarg is among India’s most dependable snow destinations. Snowfall generally begins by mid-November, covering the surrounding mountains and pine forests. January is usually the peak snow period, while November offers fewer crowds and the added sight of golden chinar leaves in Srinagar.

 

Visitors can take the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the world’s highest cable cars, to Apharwat Peak. Other attractions include skiing and snowboarding slopes, Khilanmarg and Alpather Lake.

 

How to reach: Travellers can fly to Srinagar Airport and take a taxi for the 50-km journey to Gulmarg, which takes around two hours. By train, Jammu Tawi is the nearest major railhead, followed by a taxi journey to Srinagar. Road travellers can take the Srinagar-Tangmarg route, where shared cabs are also available.

Best time: Mid-November to February.

2. Manali, Solang Valley and Sissu via Atal Tunnel

 

Snowfall in November is more likely in the higher areas around Manali than in Manali town itself. Sissu and Koksar, located beyond the Atal Tunnel in the Lahaul-Spiti region, can have snow on the ground by late November. Snow in Manali town is more commonly seen from late December.

 

Key places to visit include Solang Valley, known for paragliding and its ropeway; the Atal Tunnel; Sissu village and Sissu Lake; the snow point at Koksar; Hidimba Devi Temple; Old Manali’s cafes; and Jogini Falls.

 

How to reach: Bhuntar Airport is around 50 km from Manali and can be followed by a taxi ride. Overnight Volvo buses operate from Delhi ISBT and take approximately 12-14 hours. By road, the route runs through Delhi, Chandigarh, Mandi and Manali. Sissu is about 1.5 hours from Manali through the Atal Tunnel.

 

Best time: Late November for Sissu and late December for snowfall in Manali town.

3. Auli, Uttarakhand

 

Auli, often called the Mini Switzerland of India, sees a sharp fall in temperature by the end of November and may receive snowfall during this period. Even when fresh snowfall does not occur, the upper slopes can already be covered in snow, with views of Nanda Devi forming a major attraction.

 

The Auli Ropeway between Joshimath and Auli, described as one of Asia’s longest, is a key attraction. Visitors can also take skiing and snowboarding lessons, trek to Gurso Bugyal, visit Chenab Lake, see the Nanda Devi viewpoint and explore Joshimath’s Narsingh Temple.

 

How to reach: The nearest airport is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, about 270 km from Joshimath by road. Haridwar and Rishikesh are the nearest railway stations, from where travellers can take a bus or taxi to Joshimath. By road, the journey from Delhi through Rishikesh to Joshimath takes around 9-10 hours, followed by a ropeway ride or taxi to Auli.

 

Best time: Late November to March, with the heaviest snowfall generally seen in January and February.

4. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

 

Tawang offers an alternative for travellers seeking snow away from the more frequently visited Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir destinations. The higher areas can receive snow as early as November, and Tawang Monastery presents a striking sight during winter.

 

Important attractions include Tawang Monastery, described as the largest in India; Sela Pass at an elevation of 13,700 feet; Madhuri Lake, also known as Sangestar Tso; Bum La Pass on the India-China border; Nuranang Waterfall; and the Tawang War Memorial. Sela Pass has an especially high likelihood of snow.

 

How to reach: Visitors can fly to Guwahati and travel by road via Tezpur and Bomdila to Tawang, with a night halt at Bomdila during the two-day journey. The road distance from Guwahati to Tawang is 450 km and the journey takes around 12-14 hours. Shared Sumos are available from Tezpur.

 

Indian tourists require an Inner Line Permit, or ILP, which is available online. Foreign tourists need a Protected Area Permit, or PAP. Temperatures at Sela Pass can fall to -10°C, so travellers should carry sufficient woollens. Roads to Bum La may close during peak winter, making November a suitable time to visit.

Best time: November to February.

5. Narkanda and Hatu Peak, Himachal Pradesh

 

Narkanda, located near Shimla, is a quieter option for a short snow holiday. Snowfall has been observed as early as November, although December is more common. The destination is suited to a two-day weekend trip.

 

Attractions include Hatu Peak, which rises to 11,000 feet, and Hatu Mata Temple. Travellers can also see snow-covered apple orchards, try skiing at the Narkanda slopes, and visit Kufri and Shimla Mall Road on the return journey.

 

How to reach: Travellers can fly to Chandigarh and drive 150 km to Narkanda. By train, they can reach Kalka and continue by the toy train to Shimla or take a taxi. The road journey from Delhi through Chandigarh and Shimla to Narkanda takes around 8-9 hours and covers approximately 400 km. Narkanda is about 60 km from Shimla.

 

Best time: Late November to February.

Travel tips for a snowfall trip

• Check the latest weather forecast and road conditions one day before departure. Snowfall depends on western disturbances and can change without notice.
• Carry thermals, waterproof gloves, snow boots and lip balm. Snow gear can be rented in Manali and Gulmarg to reduce costs.
• Book Gulmarg Gondola and Auli ropeway tickets online in advance.
• Keep one buffer day in the itinerary because routes such as the Atal Tunnel, Sela Pass and Jalori can remain closed for a day after heavy snowfall.
• For snow already settled on the ground, Gulmarg and Sissu are among the stronger choices. To see snowfall in progress, plan the trip soon after a western disturbance alert.

Which destination should you choose?

Travellers seeking snowfall in November without waiting until December can consider Gulmarg or Sissu near Manali. Narkanda is suitable for a budget weekend trip from Delhi, while Auli offers skiing opportunities and fewer crowds. Tawang is an option for a longer snow journey, particularly before the road to Bum La closes during peak winter.

 

Weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly. Checking the forecast a day before travel, carrying adequate winter clothing and keeping an additional day in reserve can help manage delays caused by snow.