5 Best Places to Visit in India Before Snow Makes Them Inaccessible

With winter approaching, some of India's most beautiful mountain destinations gear up to don their snowy white cloaks. The transformation is mesmerizing, but such heavy snowfalls accumulate roadblocks, and mountain passes close their doors, restricting access. If scenic drives, clear skies, and tranquil Himalayan escapes are on your itinerary, then October to early November is your chance to visit these fantastic high-altitude destinations before winter closes on them.

Here are the five best mountain destinations to visit in India before the snow takes hold.

🏔️ 1. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Spiti Valley lies nestled between Tibet and Ladakh and is famed for dramatic landscapes, rocky mountains, turquoise rivers, and centuries-old monastic establishments. In winter, with heavy snowfalls closing Kunzum La and Rohtang Pass, Spiti shrugs into an almost cut-off terror. But with idyllic clear weather prevailing, it can be taken advantage of for road trips, photography, and hoping for a stargazing opportunity under the Himalayan night sky.

❄️ 2. Zanskar Valley, Ladakh

Zanskar is one of the most remote and dazzling areas in Ladakh. It is completely isolated in the winter months, and the only link to the region, the frozen Zanskar River, is renowned for the legendary Chadar Trek which comes in January. Get hold of a trip before the snow has arrived to behold the golden afternoon light, intense azure skies, ancient monasteries clearly marked with jagged peaks, and glacial streams.

🏞️ 3. North Sikkim

With surreal landscapes and some highest motorable terrains in India, North Sikkim must be a thrill for adventure seekers. The drive from Lachen to Gurudongmar Lake at an altitude of 17,800 feet is amongst the most scenic in the entire Himalayan range. Snow-covered roads and cold, biting winds descend upon the region in winters, making access all but impossible. Hurry up to drink in the otherworldly aura before it freezes over.

🕉️ 4. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

High in the Eastern Himalayas, Tawang combines spirituality, history, and natural beauty. The majestic Tawang Monastery, the largest in India, looks down upon peaceful valleys and snow-greyed peaks. Descending temperatures and snowfall usually make crossing Sela Pass (13,700 ft) difficult and isolates the entire region. Pack your bags for an easy passage and unfettered views of mountains and serene experience of Himalayas even before the snowflakes start flying.

🚗 5. Rohtang & Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh

Lying just outside Manali, Rohtang Pass opens up the scenic Lahaul Valley dotted with monasteries, glacial rivers, and vast mountain views. By mid-November, Rohtang usually closes because of heavy snowfall, thereby cutting off road access from the Kullu side. The Lahaul is your last chance of exploration before it enters into wintertime hibernation. Even though Atal Tunnel provides for limited year-round access from there, many high-altitude roads continue to stay closed due to snow until spring.

🏕️ Final Tip

If you've been craving a Himalayan road trip of your own, don't wait till the last minute. These next few weeks offer a perfect window of weather to visit these destinations in all their glory before snow closes down till spring.