It’s that time of the year again when India is sweltering under intense heat. Offering a cool respite, there are a few places in the country where you will find snow blanketing the landscape. So, if you are looking to escape this scorching weather and seek peace in some offbeat summer destinations, here are a few options that you consider:
1. Dras, Jammu & Kashmir: Often touted as ‘The Gateway to Ladakh’, Dras is located 10,990 feet above sea level & is one of the coldest places in India.
How to Reach:
The nearest airport to Dras is in Srinagar, which is about 150 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Dras. The journey by road takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, offering some truly scenic views, especially as you pass through the famous Zoji La Pass.
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Book Flights2. Chopta, Uttarakhand: Known as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’, Chopta will give you breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks and amazing weather. It serves as a starting point for treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila, where snow in June is not uncommon.
How to Reach: The closest airport to Chopta is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 226 km away. From Dehradun, Chopta can be reached by road via Ukhimath, and the drive takes about 7-8 hours. Alternatively, the nearest railway station is at Rishikesh, 209 km away.
3. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand: Glorifying its beauty in the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, Munsiyari is a base for several trekking expeditions and has snowy views during the early summer months.
How to Reach: Pantnagar Airport,located about 312 km away, is the nearest airport. From Pantnagar, you can take a taxi or bus to Munsiyari. The nearest major train station is Kathgodam, situated 275 km away, with bus and taxi services available to reach Munsiyari.
4. Lachung, Sikkim: This picturesque village in North Sikkim remains relatively untouched by mainstream tourism. You can witness snow here on higher altitudes that offer a surreal landscape. Lachung is also popular for birdwatching and enjoying the diverse flora and fauna that thrive throughout the valley.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal, about 200 km from Lachung. From Bagdogra, you can hire a taxi or catch a bus to Lachung. Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is the transit point for road trips to Lachung, and it typically takes around 6 hours to reach from Gangtok.
5. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh: While Spiti is more barren, certain areas around the valley, like Kunzum Pass, has snow throughout the year. This place will let you experience unique and panoramic landscapes that are especially mesmerizing with a touch of snow.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Kullu Manali Airport at Bhuntar, from where Spiti is about 245 km away. However, the more common approach is from Manali by road, which takes you through the stunning Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass. This road journey is preferred by most travelers and takes about 10 hours.
6. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh: If you want to know what beauty is, visit the beautiful monasteries and scenic landscapes of Tawang. And don’t be surprised if you witness snowfall here even during the summer months, especially in the uptown regions.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Tezpur, Assam, about 320 km away. From Tezpur, you can hire a taxi to Tawang, a journey that takes about 12 hours and passes through the scenic Sela Pass. Alternatively, Guwahati, which is further but has more frequent flight connections, is another base to start the road journey to Tawang.
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