Top 10 Coldest Places to Visit in India l Extreme Winter Chill Destinations (2024)

The Geography of India is varied from east to west and north to south. From the droughty desert of western India to the most rain-receiving hills of eastern India, from beautiful beaches of southern tropical India to snowy icecaps of northern temperate India. India is the most populous country in the world and here are some places where chances of survival of a single human is near to zero. In these places skin freezes in minutes if exposed, droplets present in your breath will turn into crystals when you exhale and you will experience coldbite and sun burn at the same time, where your ordinary thermometer will not work. We are talking about the coldest places in India. You’re gonna need a warmer and a hot coffee as we go off to trek the bone-chilling places in India.

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List of Top 10 Coldest Places to Visit in India:-

10. Rohtang Pass, Manali

Altitude: 3978m

Minimum Temperature: -20°C

Average Temperature: -20 to 30°C

Location: Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Perfect time to visit: between May to November

Rohtang La or Pass is situated in the Pir Panjal Range in the city of Manali of Himachal Pradesh. It connects the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys with Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the highest mountain passes of India with an altitude of 4,111 metres, around 13,500 ft. It remains open from May to November every year. People have to visit Rohtang from Manali or Spiti Valley. Rohtang pass is included in one of the coldest places of India list. Around half of the year the temperature of this place remains below freezing point. The average temperature during winters in this place is -5°celsius. The minimum temperature recorded was -20°celcius. Nearly the whole year this pass remains covered with ice. Apart from being one of the coldest places, Rohtang pass is also a lively tourist destination. The picturesque views of valleys and mountains attract thousands of tourists. It is also well known for its popular snow sports like snow-boarding, skiing and sledding.

9. Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir

Altitude: 1585m

Minimum Temperature: -15°C

Average Temperature: -15 to 30°C

Location: Jammu & Kashmir

Perfect time to visit: April to October

Srinagar is well-known for its picturesque landscape and serene beauty. It is located in Jammu and Kashmir and one of the coldest places in India. The minimum temperature here ever recorded was -15°C. To enjoy the sun during winter and escape the cold, both locals and tourists frequently flock to Srinagar’s well-known Dal Lake. Temperature during winters can fall to -15°C which is very severe to bear. People of Jammu and Kashmir have adapted to the severe weather and have cultivated a number of coping methods for the winter. Normally people wear warm clothes and stay inside in highly insulated homes with heaters and bonfires. Locals know a tremendous method to escape winters and stay warm using caps, shawls and boots. Every year million tourists visit Srinagar despite harsh winters to enjoy serene beauty and snow-capped mighty mountains of Himalayas.

8. Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir

Altitude: 2730m

Minimum Temperature: -15.1°C

Average Temperature: -15 to 30°C

Location: Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir

Perfect time to visit: between April to November

Sonmarg is located in the City of Ganderbal of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a famous tourist destination and also famous as one of the coldest places in India. Its altitude is approx 9,000 feet above sea level and the weather conditions remain harsh almost the whole year. The minimum temperature recorded was -15.1°C during winters while average temperature throughout the year remains -6°Celsius which means even summers are cold. Sonmarg is a beautiful hill station of Jammu and Kashmir. It is nearly inhabitable and hostile as throughout the year temperature remains near the freezing point. But people’s spirit to dive into the beauty of mountains and valleys does not let the shrieking cold stop them. People can visit Sonmarg between April to November. Local people have adapted many ways to survive during harsh winters. They use bonfires and well insulation in the house to keep warmth locked inside. Tourists experience fun horse or pony rides in Sonmarg at different glaciers.

7. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Altitude: 4270m

Minimum Temperature: -30°C

Average Temperature: -30 to 25°C

Location: Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Perfect time to visit: March to June and October-November

Spiti Valley is situated in the northeastern region of State of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the coldest places in India. The Spiti Valley lies between the barren trans-himalayas and mighty Himalayas. The average temperature of the valley is -5°C during winters and the minimum temperature can fall down to -30°C. It is also known as cold desert. Spiti Valley is famous for its sharp landscapes such as high-altitude cold desert, deep gorges and snow-capped peaks. It is a very eminent destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts who come here every year to explore and experience the unique beauty and adventures. Spiti Valley is also famous as Little Tibet because of its cold climate. It is home to numerous Tibetan villages and monasteries. The mighty Spiti river flows through the valley and is a source of water for visitors and people living there. Various activities are organised for tourists in the valley like mountain biking, skiing and trekking. Local people are mostly engaged in animal husbandry and agricultural activities to sustain their livelihood. Tourism is also an important income source for locals.

6. Munisiyari, Uttarakhand

Altitude: 2200m

Minimum Temperature: -12°C

Average Temperature: -12 to 25°C

Location: Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand

Perfect time to visit: March to June and September, October

Munisiyari is an offbeat small town of the city of Pithoragarh,Uttarakhand. It is also called Little Kashmir for its scenic beauty and picturesque views. Munisiyari is one the coldest places in India. It is around 7,200 feet above sea level. Temperature in this place can drop to -15°C during winters.

Munisiyari is a famous tourist destination surrounded by fascinating snow-capped mountains. Goriganga river is located around 17 km from Munisiyari making it a tourist magnet. This tourist place has many shrines and temples which receives thousands of worshippers every year. Local people are very warm and welcoming. People have adopted different ways to survive in harsh climatic conditions and help tourists in many ways. People go to Ralam and Milam Glaciers and Nanda Devi peak for trekking from Munisiyari base.

5. Sela Pass, Tawang

Altitude: 4,170m

Minimum Temperature: -15°C

Average Temperature: -15 to 20°C

Location: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Perfect time to visit: March to May and October-November

Sela pass is located in the heavenly state of Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India. It is situated in the Tawang district and is one of the coldest places in India. Its altitude is around 13,700 feet above sea level. It is an eminent tourist destination and place for adventure enthusiasts. Sela pass is called the gateway to Tawang. Tawang is a popular tourist site in Arunachal Pradesh. Sela is surrounded by snow-capped mountains of Himalayas, lush green valleys and frozen lakes. This place is home to numerous endangered and rare species of fauna and flora involving Red panda, Black bear and Musk deer. The journey to Sela pass is very challenging due to cold conditions, landslides and avalanche prone paths. Instead of challenging and harsh conditions nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts come to Sela pass. Trekking routes of Sela pass are very famous such as the trek to Tawang.

4. Lachen and Thangu Valley, North Sikkim

Altitude: 3962m

Minimum Temperature: -20°C

Average Temperature: -20 to 10°C

Location: Mangan, North Sikkim

Perfect time to visit: May and June

Thangu Valley is located in the Mangan district of the state of Sikkim 30 km north of Lachen. It is located in the northern areas of Sikkim. Picturesque and scenic views and tranquil valleys are the main tourist magnet for this place. It is situated around 3962 m above sea level. Almost the whole year it remains covered in a blanket made of snow. Valley is covered with alpine meadows that are irrigated by the majestic river Teesta. Thangu Village is famous among tourists for its warm welcoming and tasty local cuisine. The main attraction of this valley is Gurudongmar Lake, which receives millions of tourists every year. Short treks are famous activities to do in this valley like Green Lake trek, Chopta Valley trek and Muguthang trek etc.

3. Leh Ladakh

Altitude: 3500m

Minimum Temperature: -35°C

Average Temperature: -35 to 30°C

Location: Leh, Ladakh

Perfect time to visit: April, May and September-October

Leh Ladakh is located in the northernmost India and Ladakh is the newly devised Union Territory of India. Ladakh is called the cold desert of India and it is one of the coldest places in India. The altitude of Ladakh is around 11,000 ft above sea level and it experiences harsh winters and extreme weather conditions. The minimum temperature in winter can go down to -30°C. It is said that one can experience sunburn and coldbite at the same time on a sunny winter in Ladakh. Ladakh is home to numerous buddhist villages and monasteries. It is famous for snow-capped mountains, stunning landscapes, high altitude desert and frozen lakes. Leh is an administrative district and capital city of Ladakh. It is the largest town of Ladakh followed by Kargil. Ladakh is one of the most underpopulated regions of the world.

Many mighty rivers flow through Ladakh such as Indus, Nubra, Shyok, Zanskar and Suru. Thousands of people come to Ladakh on their bikes every year to experience the cold desert of India.

2. Siachen Glacier

Altitude: 5400m

Minimum Temperature: -50°C

Average Temperature: -50 to -10°C

Location: Karakoram, Ladakh

Perfect time to visit: May to September

Siachen Glacier is the second coldest place in India. It is located in Karakoram, Ladakh. It is known as the world’s highest battle ground at an altitude of around 20,000 ft above sea level. The Siachen glacier is around 76 kilometres long and it is surrounded by the tallest peaks of snow-capped mountains. It is an inhabitable and remote place which can only be accessible by air. It is part of the Himalayas and the largest glacier present in the Karakoram range. Rivers like Nubra and Shyok flows in this region. It receives snow and ice from nearby mountains. Winters are very harsh with rough climatic conditions, the temperature can go down to -50°C. This place is very prone to blizzards and avalanches which makes it a very dangerous place to work and live. The glacier holds a strategic importance for our country and our Indian army permanently lives there to hold it.

1. Dras

Altitude: 3300m

Minimum Temperature: -45°C

Average Temperature: -45 to 35°C

Location: Kargil, Ladakh

Perfect time to visit: June to September

Dras valley is known as the coldest place in India. It is situated in the city of Kargil of Ladakh Union Territory of India. Dras valley is situated at an altitude of 10,990 ft above sea Level and it is surrounded by mighty Himalayan mountains. It is nearly 60 kilometres far from Kargil. Dras valley is known for its beautiful rivers, stunning landscapes and mesmerising views.

Extreme climatic conditions and harsh weather with extreme temperatures makes Dras valley almost inhabitable during winters. Mostly all winter it experiences snowfalls. Temperature can drop down to -45°C in this region. Most of the year Dras is covered in a blanket of ice which makes it ideal for all the winter sports like snow-boarding, ice skating and skiing. Local people of Dras valley still follow their traditional methods to fight with winters. It is also famous for the trekking routes which works as a magnet for adventure enthusiasts from around the world. Amarnath Yatra is a very famous trekking route of this region which holds a great spiritual and religious significance.

FAQs:

1. What are the coldest places in India?
Answer: The coldest places include Dras, Siachen Glacier, Sela Pass, Lachen and Thangu Valley, Leh Ladakh, Munisiyari, Spiti Valley, Sonamarg, Srinagar, and Rohtang Pass.

2. What is the minimum temperature recorded in these places?
Answer: Temperatures can drop as low as -50°C in places like Siachen Glacier and Dras, making them extremely cold regions.

3. Are these places accessible to tourists?
Answer: Yes, although some places like Siachen Glacier may have restricted access due to security reasons, many others are open to tourists seeking adventurous experiences.

4. What is the best time to visit these cold destinations?
Answer: The ideal time to visit is generally from April to November, depending on the specific location and accessibility during different seasons.

5. What activities can tourists enjoy in these cold regions?
Answer: Tourists can indulge in activities like trekking, skiing, snowboarding, and exploring the stunning natural landscapes and frozen lakes.

6. How do locals cope with the extreme cold in these areas?
Answer: Locals use traditional methods, warm clothing, and insulated shelters to survive the harsh winters, along with heating sources like bonfires and heaters.

7. Are there any unique features or landmarks in these cold regions?
Answer: Yes, many of these places are known for their picturesque landscapes, frozen lakes, and religious or cultural landmarks that attract tourists.

8. Do these cold regions experience any wildlife or vegetation?
Answer: Some cold regions, despite their extreme temperatures, support unique flora and fauna adapted to survive in harsh conditions.

9. What transportation options are available to reach these remote cold destinations?
Answer: Depending on the location, tourists can reach these places by road, air, or sometimes even trekking through rugged terrain.

10. Are there any safety precautions tourists should take when visiting these cold places?
Answer: Yes, tourists should dress in layers, carry essential supplies like food and water, and be prepared for sudden weather changes and altitude sickness.