Coldest Hill Station in Himachal Pradesh: Snowfall in India may seem like a legendary tale, but the reality is that there exist numerous snow-covered regions in Himachal Pradesh. The enchanting charm of the snowy mountainous landscape is truly breathtaking. Situated in the Western Himalayas, at the base of the Dhauladhar Range, Himachal Pradesh is often referred to as the Snowladen Mountainous Province.
One fascinating aspect of this northern state of India is the vast range of elevations it encompasses, which greatly influences its climatic conditions. From late November to mid-March, during the winter, the alpine areas of the region experience varying degrees of snowfall, ranging from light to heavy.
Here we will discuss the Coldest Hill stations in Himachal Pradesh.
#1. Spiti Valley
It’s a dream come true and feels like the gateway to paradise. The entire region is covered in a thick layer of freezing snow throughout the day, which might seem unconventional and chilly. However, aside from the white snow, this cold desert valley situated at an altitude of 12,500 ft offers pristine air quality, breathtaking landscapes, and natural beauty in every direction. Spiti Valley is the coldest hill station in Himachal Pradesh.
This small village transports you to a bygone era, far away from the bustling cities. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Buddhist monasteries adorned with their iconic prayer flags and prayer wheels, as well as the Chandratal and Dhadkhan Lakes. Moreover, you can embrace your adventurous side by engaging in thrilling activities such as hiking, rappelling, camping, and more.
How to Reach:
To reach Spiti Valley, the closest airport is Bhuntar Airport, situated around 285 km from the valley. If you are coming from nearby areas, you can reach Spiti Valley by using either state-owned or private buses, as well as private cabs
What to See There:
Make sure to schedule your trip to this region when you can take part in the Halda Festival, which is observed by the Lamas of Himachal. This extraordinary occasion displays the abundant cultural legacy of the area, making it a truly remarkable experience.
#2. Rohtang Pass
Situated at an altitude of 13,054 ft, this renowned mountain pass is commonly known as the Gateway to Spiti Valley and Leh. This is another hill station which comes among the coldest hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. What makes this Pass intriguing is that it can only be visited by tourists during the summer months when it is accessible. Known as the Ground of Corpses in the local language, Rohtang Pass, nestled within the Pir Panjal Mountain Range, remains closed in winter due to heavy snowfall. Consequently, even if you are unable to witness the falling snow, you will always be greeted by a landscape blanketed in snow.
This location offers an incredible opportunity to partake in thrilling adventure activities, explore nearby hot water springs, observe majestic glacier summits, and take in the breathtaking sights of the Chandra River and the twin peaks of Geypan.
How to reach:
To reach Spiti Valley, the closest airport is Bhuntar Airport, which is located around 285 km from the valley. If you are coming from nearby areas, you have the option of reaching there via state-operated or privately-owned buses, as well as by hiring a private taxi.
What to see there:
During winter, when you decide to visit Rohtang Pass, you will be able to appreciate the scenic beauty of a mountain range covered in snow as you gaze upon it from Manali. However, if your visit is scheduled for summer, you will have the opportunity to reach Rohtang Pass and engage in exciting activities such as skiing and snowball fights.
#3. Shimla
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the most conveniently accessible locations to experience snowfall. Also, Shimla is known as one of the coldest hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. Its majestic beauty is undeniable, making it the top tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. Take pleasure in witnessing the snow-covered landscape and appreciate the captivating charm of this place. In addition to enjoying the snow, you can also embark on treks through the lush alpine forests to visit Jakhoo Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, and Tara Devi Temple. Other notable attractions include the Christ Church, Gorton Castle, Bantony Castle, the Ridge, and indulging shopping at Mall Road.
How to Reach:
Jabbarhatti or Shimla Airport is the closest air terminal to access Shimla. If you are coming from nearby areas, you have the option to reach this destination by using state-owned or private buses, as well as private cabs.
What to see There:
When you travel to Shimla, make sure to take part in the renowned Shimla Summer Festival, a vibrant and spirited event that lasts for five days. Experience a burst of colours, happiness, and excitement during this festival, which is held exclusively during the summer.
#4. Manali
When it comes to snowy destinations in Himachal Pradesh, one cannot overlook Manali, which is known as the dwelling place of Manu. Situated in the Kullu Valley, also referred to as the Valley of the Gods, a trip to this location provides a comprehensive experience of natural beauty. It encompasses forests adorned with pine, oak, fir, and deodar trees, the rushing Beas River that surges through the tourist town, and captivating waterfalls such as Jogni and Rahala Falls.
These attractions offer adventurous tourists a wide range of activities like whitewater rafting, trekking, paragliding, and more. During the winter season, visitors can delight in the abundant snowfall and partake in skiing activities. If you are looking for the coldest hill station in Himachal Pradesh to visit, you can go to Manali.
How to Reach:
To reach Manali, the closest airport is Bhuntar Airport situated in Kullu. If you are coming from nearby areas, you have the option of reaching there through state-owned or private buses, as well as private cabs.
What to see There:
Make sure to schedule your trip to this region when you can attend the Kasol Music Festival, an event brimming with music that highlights the authentic musical traditions and heritage of the location.
#5. Narkanda
Narkanda, situated amidst the enchanting forests, is renowned as one of Himachal Pradesh’s finest destinations for experiencing snowfall. It stands at an elevation of 8884.5 ft above sea level. Apart from its fame for the Tannu Jubbar Lake and the Stokes Apple farms, Narkanda offers a winter climate that is intensely frigid and frosty. The entire region becomes blanketed in snow, with temperatures ranging from -1 degrees to -5 degrees Celsius from December to March.
How to Reach:
To reach Narkanda, the closest airport is Jabbarhatti Airport, which is situated approximately 80 km from the destination. If you are coming from nearby areas, you can reach Narkanda by utilizing either state-owned or private buses, as well as private cabs.
What to see There:
Visit incredible sites likeHatu Peak, Hatu Mata Mandir, Mahamaya Temple and Tannu Jubbar Lake.
#6. Kufri
Located a short distance uphill from Shimla, this charming village offers stunning vistas of majestic snow-capped mountains. The natural beauty and lush greenery of the area are unmatched, making it a delightful destination to visit in the summertime. However, during the winter, the town transforms into a winter wonderland, as it gets blanketed with a thick layer of pristine snow. From December to March, snowfall is a regular occurrence, with an average accumulation of two to three inches and frigid temperatures dipping below zero.
If you’re seeking an authentic snow experience, this location in Himachal Pradesh is highly recommended as one of the top snowfall destinations. This is also, one of the coldest hill stations in Himachal Pradesh.
How to Reach:
To get to Kufri, the closest airport is Jubbarhatti Airport, which is around 285 km away from Spiti Valley. If you’re coming from nearby areas, you can arrive there by taking state-owned or private buses or private cabs.
What to see there:
When you visit Kufri, you can discover incredible landmarks such as Fagu, Indira Tourist Park, Mahasu Peak, Kufri World Park, and the Himalayan National Park.
#7. Solang Valley
If you desire to relax and observe the snowfall, consider visiting Solang Valley in winter. From October to March, temperatures drop below freezing, transforming the entire scenery into a pristine white expanse. Situated approximately 13 km away from Manali, the valley is a popular destination for thrilling outdoor activities. While summertime allows tourists to revel in the greenery of the alpine forest, the cold season presents opportunities for snowball fights and skiing.
Other exhilarating adventures to be had here include exploring the Great Himalayan National Park, enjoying an exciting ride on the Solang Ropeway, and camping amidst the lush green meadows. Consider visiting Solanf Valley, if you want to visit the coldest hill stations in Himachal Pradesh.
How to Reach
To reach Solang Valley, the closest airport is Bhuntar Airport. If you are coming from nearby areas, you can get here by using either state-owned or privately-operated buses, as well as private cabs.
What to see There
You can engage in thrilling sports like skiing, paragliding, horseback riding, and zorbing.
#8. Triund
Triund, located amidst the majestic Dhauladhar mountains, holds the esteemed position as the most exquisite gem of Dharamshala. With its strategic positioning, it offers an impeccable panorama of the awe-inspiring Dhauladhar range on one side and the picturesque Kangra Valley on the other. Renowned as a highly sought-after destination for trekking enthusiasts, Triund entices a significant number of tourists annually, both from within India and around the globe. It is a small but one of the most beautiful and coldest hill stations in Himachal Pradesh.
How to Reach
Kangra Airport is the closest airport to access the Triund Trek. If you are coming from nearby areas, you can reach it by using either state-owned or private buses, as well as private cabs.
What to see here:
Be sure to stop atBhagsunath Waterfall, Tibbet Museum, and Bhagsunath Temple when you travel to this breathtaking location.
#9. Malana
The small village of Malana rests in the Parvathi Valley, nestled at an elevation of 8701 ft above the sea. It is renowned for the Malana Hydro Power Station and the production of Malana Cream, derived from locally cultivated Cannabis plants. This village stands apart from the typical tourist destinations. Parvathi Valley can be found on the northeastern side of the Kullu Valley. The scenery is breathtaking, with the village positioned on a plateau that receives nourishment from the Malana River and is encompassed by the majestic peaks of the Chanderkhani and Deo Tibba mountains.
It is an awe-inspiring destination to experience the beauty of live snowfall during the winter season. You must visit this place at least once as this is one of the coldest hill stations in Himachal Pradesh.
How to Reach:
The closest airport to this location is Bhuntar Airport. If you are coming from nearby areas, you can arrive here using either government-operated or privately-owned buses, or by hiring a private taxi.
What to see:
Consider organizing your trip to this region and engage in the Fagli Festival, an event that offers an opportunity to gain insights into the local culture, lifestyle, culinary delights, and musical traditions of this area.
#10. Dalhousie Hill Station:
Dalhousie, one of the coldest hill stations of Himachal Pradesh, is known as Little Switzerland within India. It is renowned as one of Himachal Pradesh’s top destinations for experiencing snowfall. The town’s Victorian-style architecture and overall atmosphere contribute to its distinctiveness. During the summer season, Dalhousie transforms into a heavenly retreat with its picturesque meadows and flower-filled valleys.
However, when winter arrives, the hill station becomes a winter wonderland, receiving abundant snowfall that blankets the area from December to February. With average temperatures ranging from 25 degrees to 4 degrees Celsius, the cold and frosty weather enhances the value of your stay, creating a truly memorable experience.
How to Reach:
To reach Dalhousie, the closest airport is Pathankot Airport, which is situated around 87 km from the destination. If you are coming from nearby areas, you have the option of reaching Dalhousie via state-owned or private buses or by hiring a private cab.
What to see there:
Consider scheduling your trip to this region when you have the opportunity to partake in the Minjar Fair, an event that offers valuable insights into the area and its inhabitants.
Conclusion:
So, these are among some of the coldest hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. If you are someone who loves to play with snow or love the terrific winter, you must visit the hill stations during the winter months. You will enjoy the snowfall in these hill stations. Also, you can plan your trip during summer if you want to get rid of the scorching heat of the Sun.
FAQs:
Q. Which is the coolest place in Himachal now?
Tabo, Chitkul, Chanshal, Gushaini, Kalpa etc. These are some of the coolest places in Himachal now.
Q. Where is heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh?
Winters are very snowy in the places like Shimla, Manali, Kufri, and others.
Q. Is there any snowfall in Himachal Pradesh?
Yes, Himachal Pradesh, which is situated at the base of the Dhauladhar Range, gets a lot of snow throughout the winter.
Q. Where in Himachal Pradesh is it the coldest?
The Spiti Valley and Lahaul are two of Himachal Pradesh’s coldest regions.
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