India is famous for diversity in terms of religion, language, culture, and even in climatic conditions. While some places face unbearable heat of around 50 degree Celsius, others face cold breezes and snowfall. The Indian subcontinent has the biggest fraction of the Himalayas, the largest mountain range in the world. So, when it comes to the coldest tourist attractions, India makes up for the best destination in the world through its high-altitude hill stations. There are many places in India where the temperature gets below 0 degrees and tends to remain cold throughout the year, making them ideal places to visit during summer. A trip to any of these places would make an unforgettable experience. From Spiti to Siachen Glacier and Gangtok, India has a great combination of the best tourist destinations with cold weather. Here is the list of the top coldest places in India that you can visit to escape the hot and humid summer this year.
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Situated at an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, Spiti Valley is bordered on all sides by the Himalayas. It is a heavenly gateway for those looking for serenity and peace in the bliss of nature. This high-altitude region of the Himalayas is bordered by Ladakh in the North, Kinnaur in the South-East, Tibet in the East, and Kullu valley in the North. Here, the winter temperature drops down to the freezing point and can be from 0 to 3 degrees. This magnificent cold desert valley in Himachal Pradesh is home to snow-clad mountains, pine forests, high-altitude wildlife, green meadows, inhabited villages, and beautiful monasteries, leaving you awe-struck.
Gulmarg, Jammu, and Kashmir
Also known as the heartland of winter sports, Gulmarg is a small yet beautiful village in the Pir Panjal Peaks in the western part of the Himalayan range. The literal meaning of Gulmarg is the Meadow of flowers. Famous as one of the best snowfall places in India, Gulmarg looks captivating in every way. While the climate reaches the zero range, with winds getting stronger and colder by November, the landscape gets covered in thick sheets of snow by December, making it a popular ski destination in the country. Gulmarg is a dreamy place with an abundance of natural beauty, heritage, religious sites, and many adventure sports facilities.
Kufri, Himachal Pradesh
A quaint town 20km away from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, Kufri is a striking hill station encircled by breathtaking scenery all around. Situated near the Himalayan range, Kufri is a paradise for trekkers and hikers and a hub for adventure activities like skiing and sledding. Despite being a small tourist destination, Kufri has many striking places to visit that you would want to explore during your visit. The peaceful atmosphere and cool vibes make the sightseeing experience a lot more fun and memorable experience. Some major attractions include Nagsons Amusem*nt Park, Indira Tourist Park, Himalayan Nature Park, and more. If you want to experience heavy snowfall, visit Kufri between December and February, when the snow-covered slopes come alive with skiers.
Kargil, Jammu, and Kashmir
Next on the list of the top coldest places in India, Kargil is bestowed with natural beauty and adventure, making it a popular tourist hotspot. Nestled at a height of 2704 metres above sea level, Kargil is close to the line of control between India and Pakistan. It has a rich history dating back to the 16th century, combining Turkish and Buddhist architecture. Kargil is home to the famous Nun Kun Peaks, which offers tourists great potential for trekking and mountaineering. Also, Kargil is dotted with apricot farms and is the largest producer of apricots in India. While the average temperature of this striking place is around 8 degrees Celsius, it reaches -40 degrees Celsius during winter, making it India’s Most Coldest Place. The Kargil War Memorial, warm locals, and sumptuous food are some of the key highlights of this town.
Coorg, Karnataka
Located at an altitude of 1525 meters on the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Coorg is one of the coldest hill stations in South India. Also referred to as the Scotland of the South, Coorg is one of the places that receive the highest rainfall in India. A perfect mix of exquisiteness and serenity, Coorg is the most popular quaint getaway destination offering diverse activities such as rock climbing, trekking, hiking, and much more. With lush forests, misty hills, undulating streets, dense tea and coffee plantation, chilled mornings, and beautiful landscapes, Coorg makes a paradise for nature lovers.
Sela Pass, Tawang
Located at an elevation of 4,170 metres in the great Himalayas, Sela Pass is always covered with snow, making it one of the coldest places in India and an ideal place to visit in summer. Rich in natural beauty, Sela is popularly called the icebox of India. It is an elevated route that connects the Buddhist city of Tawang with Guwahati and Tezpur. The area around this pass has many small and big lakes of which the most accessible is the striking Sela Lake on top of the pass. Owing to its massive height, the lake remains frozen for the maximum part of the year. The plain and rugged terrain does not have vegetation and is covered with a white sheet of snow, offering a marvellous sight of the majestic Himalayas.
Siachen Glacier, Ladakh
One of the coldest places in India, Siachen Glacier is famous as the highest battleground in the world. Nestled at a height of 6000 meters in Ladakh, it has extremely cold weather conditions, making it difficult for army officials to survive in this region. Recently, Ladakh Tourism opened the Siachen base camp for domestic tourists. This move will allow people to see the tough and gallant lives of warriors who fight in severe weather conditions to ensure the safety of the nation and its citizens. As the coldest place in India, this place has become a prime attraction for adventure lovers travelling to Ladakh.
Gangtok, Sikkim
The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, is one of the most beautiful and coldest places to visit in India in the summer. It is a hill station known for its picturesque beauty and outstanding views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain peak in the world. Nestled in the eastern Himalayan range, at an elevation of 5,410 ft, Gangtok is enclosed by lush greenery, beautiful lakes, and tranquillity to help you create unforgettable memories. Gangtok is the only coldest place in India that has a unique mix of culture and urbanization. The city has great natural beauty and attractions, including Ban Jhakri falls, Tsomgo Lake, Tashi viewpoint, beautiful Buddhist monasteries, and more. Here, the awe-inspiring landscapes will help you unwind and relax amid spectacular surroundings and serenity.
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Known as the coldest place in South India, Kodaikanal, is blessed with lush greenery, beautiful valleys, majestic lakes, cascading waterfalls, and grassy hills. With a pleasant climate, mist-covered manicured cliffs, and serenity, this Lakeside resort town of Tamil Nadu makes an ideal hill station in South India to enjoy a vacation with family and friends during summer. Located at an elevation of 2,000 meters above sea level, Kodaikanal is also called the princess of the Indian hill station, bordered by evergreen forests. It is definitely the best and coldest hill station in South India to experience romantic weather, delectable dishes, and breathtaking views.
Dras, Jammu and Kashmir
Well, in a list of the coldest places in India, we cannot forget to mention Dras, a beautiful town and hill station in the Kargil district of the union territory of Ladakh. Popularly known as the Gateway to Ladakh, Dras is the second coldest place in the world, with the temperature dropping down to as low as minus 45 degrees Celsius in winter. It serves as a convenient base for many Himalayan treks, including Suru valley, Amarnath, and Sialkot. Despite being remote and extremely chilly, Dras attracts plenty of tourists every year due to its exquisite sights and jaw-dropping vistas surrounding the region. If you are looking forward to a trip filled with adventure and serenity, Dras must be on your bucket list.
To visit these places, you can easily find the best tour packages in India that suit your budget and requirement. Get ready to weave some amazing memories on your trip to the top coldest place in India that you’d cherish for a lifetime!
