While we think of witness snowfall in India we usually think of the likes of Shimla, Manali and Kashmir. While these places are overtly crowded by tourists we bring you a few offbeat places to witness snowfall in India:
Lava, West Bengal:
The little hamlet in West Bengal has all that a traveler needs – beautiful pine forests, snow-clad mountains and scenic views. The best part is you get to witness snowfall minus the crowd. Traveler’s delight, isn’t it? Wait there’s more – you get the unparalleled views of the mighty Kanchenjunga as well as other snow peaks such as Mount Siniolchu.
The main attraction is the famous Lava Monastery. You would surely be surprised by its beauty and the unique architecture. The Neora Valley National Park is located nearby. It is a bird watcher’s delight with lush green valleys and some rare orchards to the company.
See this video to see the beauty of Lava –
Chopta, Uttarakhand:
Chopta is a small hamlet of forest area which is a part of Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary in Uttarakhand. This is a perfect place to witness snowfall in India. Located at a height of 2,680 meters, it is surrounded by forests of pine and deodar. It is a very scenic place, totally unspoilt by tourists. Chopta is also referred to as the Mini-Switzerland of India and it is a simply a heaven in Uttarakhand.
Chopta is famous for one more reason and that is it is enroute the famous Tungnath shrine which is the world’s highest Shiva temple and Chandrashila peak. The entire region being a forest is rich in fauna and flora. The trekking route from Chopta to Chandrashila takes you through green meadows and quaint villages and the beautiful coniferous forests. During winter months, the whole area turns into a carpet of snow.
The small lake of Deoria Tal is located quite close and is a popular trekking and camping destination.There are tents set out near the lake for camping and staying here is a experience in itself.
Check this video –
Munsiyari, Uttrakhand:
Munsiyari is located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of approximately 2,300 meters. It is also called as the ‘Little Kashmir’ and was used as a trade route to Tibet. The place is covered with Himlayan ranges and you can see the gorgeous ranges of ‘Panchachuli’ which is a group of five peaks. It is said that the last meal cooked by the Pandavas of Mahabharata was in Munsiyari before they went to heaven and the five peaks are named after them.
Munsiyari is the base camp for Nanda Devi trek which is a fairly easy trek. It also acts as the entrance to Johar valley. Another attraction here is the Khaliya top trek and camping to witness the beautiful sunrise. It is what all the trekkers love to do!
See this video to see the snow –
Have you planned any winter trips? Do you have plans to witness snowfall in India?
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This is the best season to travel and sometimes I feel I should take a month long holiday and just go vagabonding. What do you say?