Key takeaways
- Most reliable snow: Gulmarg in Kashmir, from about December to February.
- Easiest first snow with sightseeing: Shimla–Manali — Kufri and Solang Valley, with Sissu beyond the Atal Tunnel.
- Himalayan lakes and passes: Sikkim’s Tsomgo Lake (about 3,750 m) — Yumthang is officially closed from December to March.
- Permits: Rohtang needs an online vehicle permit; Sikkim’s protected areas need a permit arranged through a registered operator.
For snow from Kerala, choose Gulmarg in Kashmir if you want the deepest, most reliable snow from December to February; Shimla–Manali if you want an easy first snow trip combined with sightseeing; and Sikkim if you want high Himalayan lakes and passes. The altitudes and rules below come from official government sources.
Snow destinations compared
| Place | Altitude | Usual snow | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulmarg (Kashmir) | about 2,650 m | December–February | Gondola; skiing best late January–February |
| Sonamarg (Kashmir) | about 2,740 m | Winter | Reachable in winter since the Z-Morh tunnel opened in 2025 |
| Kufri (near Shimla) | about 2,510 m | December–February | Winter Sports Festival in February |
| Atal Tunnel & Sissu (near Manali) | about 3,060 m | Winter | In snow, only 4×4 vehicles may be allowed beyond Solang |
| Tsomgo Lake (Sikkim) | about 3,750 m | Winter | Protected Area Permit; open 7:30 am–4:30 pm |
| Yumthang (North Sikkim) | about 3,600 m | Closed December–March | Visit April to mid-June or October instead |
Kashmir: the deepest snow
Gulmarg’s nights average below freezing from November to March (IMD data), and the Government of India’s tourism site describes “pristine snow” from December to February. Most Kerala families spend two nights in Gulmarg for the gondola, sledging and a beginner ski lesson. Heavy snow can close the highway and delay flights, so keep a buffer day. Read our Kashmir month-by-month guide.
Shimla and Manali: the easy first snow
Kufri near Shimla has snow from December to February, and Manali’s Solang Valley and Sissu (through the Atal Tunnel) make a full snow day. In heavy snow, police often stop ordinary cars at Solang and allow only 4×4 vehicles further.
- Rohtang Pass needs an online vehicle permit: ₹500 plus a ₹50 congestion charge, with a daily vehicle limit, bookable up to two days ahead on the Himachal government portal.
- Rohtang is usually closed in deep winter; winter snow trips focus on Solang and Sissu.
Sikkim: lakes and high passes
Tsomgo Lake sits at about 3,750 m and is often snowbound in winter; Nathu La (Indian nationals only) is higher still. Both need a Protected Area Permit, arranged a day ahead through a registered operator — carry a Voter ID, driving licence or passport, as Aadhaar is not accepted. Yumthang Valley is officially closed from December to March due to heavy snowfall, so for North Sikkim plan April to mid-June or October.
How to choose
- Guaranteed snow in January: Gulmarg.
- First snow with children and easy sightseeing: Shimla–Manali.
- Honeymoon in the snow: Gulmarg and Pahalgam, or Manali.
- High-altitude lakes and monasteries: Sikkim — but keep altitude in mind for elders.
Frequently asked questions
Where can we see snow in India in December?
Gulmarg and Sonamarg in Kashmir, Kufri near Shimla, Solang and Sissu near Manali, and Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim.
Which is better for snow, Kashmir or Manali?
Gulmarg in Kashmir usually has deeper, more reliable snow in mid-winter. Manali is easier to combine with Shimla and suits a first snow trip.
Do we need a permit for Rohtang Pass?
Yes — an online vehicle permit costing ₹500 plus a ₹50 congestion charge, with a daily limit on vehicles. Rohtang is usually closed in deep winter.
Can we visit Yumthang Valley in winter?
No. Yumthang is officially closed from December to March because of heavy snow. Visit from April to mid-June or in October.
Snow and road access change with each season’s weather. This article reflects official sources checked in September 2026.
