13 Coldest Places in India You Must Experience

The following list of some of the coolest places in India is filled with fun, and cosy things to do that will excite every individual – young or old. So, get packing with your fuzzy winter clothes and inclusive travel insurance to make a journey you will remember forever:

• Dras

A hill station situated near the Kargil district in Ladakh is one of India’s most coldest places, often known as the ‘gateway to Ladakh.’ The chill of this place is such that it is often claimed to be the second coldest place on Earth, boasting the lowest temperature in India.

Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of majestic mountains and beautiful valleys, the landscape of Dras makes a traveller feel like they are in heaven. Those who enjoy trekking will be happy to know that Dras is conveniently staged for adventurous treks to Sialkot, Suru valley, and Amarnath. The temperature goes as low as –45℃ during winters making it the coldest city in India.

Best Time to Travel to Dras: June to September

• Kargil

Situated along the banks of the Suru river, Kargil is one of the coldest cities in India. Perched at an astounding height of 2,676 m, Kargil is a winter wonderland beckoning travellers who cannot help but be captivated by the freezing beauty of the landscape. The temperature during winter drops to –48℃, which is perfect for those who enjoy playing in snowy chills. During a visit to Kargil, one could even choose to explore destinations close to the place, such as the historic town of Pashkum or the Mulbek – a small Buddhist village.

Best Time to Travel to Kargil: June to September

• Hemkund Sahib

Adventurous trekkers searching for some of the most coldest places in India are about to be thrilled – Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji is a Sikh pilgrimage in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, that is only accessible during the summers as the frost of the winters is such that the place during this time becomes completely snowbound. Perched at an altitude of 4,362 m, this beautiful landscape is embellished with seven snow-clad peaks, each accommodating a Nishan Sahib.

Best Time to Travel to Hemkund Sahib: This place is only open from June until October

• Leh Ladakh

It won’t be an exaggeration to claim that Leh Ladakh is every traveller’s dream come true. A rich blend of culture, history, and unparalleled beauty, Leh boasts of being the coolest place in India during the summer temperatures of India. Whether it is Shanti Stupa, the Leh Palace, and even the famous Pangong lake, this destination is sure to take your breath away with its multitude of travel options.

Best Time to Travel to Leh Ladakh: June to September

• North Sikkim

Kanchenjunga, one of the tallest peaks in the world, is nestled in one of the coldest states in India – Sikkim. The dense vegetation of North Sikkim that continues its climb up alpine heights offers the landscape a most picturesque and serene view that is sure to captivate the hearts of any traveller. The bountiful waterfalls, lakes, and valleys all combine to afford the place with the most scenic sight.

Best Time to Travel to North Sikkim: April to June and October to December

• Spiti Valley

The surreal beauty of Spiti, meaning “middle land” – since it is the land between Tibet and India – is too beautiful to be real. Brimming with both cultural and scenic offerings, Spiti Valley is a complete traveller package with monasteries, local markets, activities such as star gazing, safaris, and for the food lovers, the Yak momos. One of India’s most coldest places, the temperatures in Spiti Valley drop as low as –30℃ during winters.

Best Time to Travel to Spiti Valley: Mid-May to Mid-October

• Sela Pass

Covered with snow all year round, the Sela Pass is one of the most coldest places in India that connects the Buddhist town of Tawang to Guwahati and Tezpur. Perched in the majestic Himalayas at the height of 4,170 m, the temperatures in Sela Pass drop as low as –15℃ during winters.

Best Time to Travel to Sela Pass: September to October

• Munsiyari

With a panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains, Munsiyari is a scenic village in Uttarakhand that is one of the most popular trekking destinations and, with temperatures dropping to –3℃, is one of the coldest places in India. Two of its most popular treks are the Khalia trek which rewards travellers with a view of lush green meadows, and the Thamri Kund trek, which is a modest alternative for those who are new to trekking.

Best Time to Travel to Munsiyari: April to June and October to November

• Amarnath

For those who wish to make a journey closer to God in the frosty chill that excites adventurous devotees, there is hardly a destination better than the long summer trek of Amarnath. The rocky caves and icy stalagmites promise a view unlike any other, and for those looking to travel to cold places with family, Amarnath is a destination that will incite joyous conversations in the young and the aged alike. Boasting some of the lowest temperatures in India, winters in Amarnath go as low as –20°C.

Best Time to Travel to Amarnath: May to September

• Srinagar

No list of cold places is complete without the mention of Srinagar, located in the coldest state in India – Jammu and Kashmir. Famously known as paradise on Earth, the claims are not an exaggeration as the pleasant climate with a plethora of scenic views make this destination a must-visit.

Best Time to Travel to Srinagar: April to October

• West Sikkim

The elevated landscape of West Sikkim beckons trek enthusiasts from the world over. The several tourist attractions, including towns such as Geyzing, Pelling, and Jorethang, as well as lakes, monasteries, and palaces, combine to give a package of attractions for every kind of traveller. With winter temperatures ranging from 0°C to -1°C, this is amongst the coolest place in India.

Best Time to Travel to West Sikkim: March, May, and October to Mid-December

• Rohtang Pass

Maggi lovers will find a renewed excitement in enjoying a steaming plate surrounded by snow. The Rohtang Pass that connects Kullu valley to Spiti valley and Lahaul is a popular tourist destination that promises captivating views all year round. The place has some of the lowest temperatures in India.

Best Time to Travel to Rohtang Pass: April and May to October

• Kalpa

The spectacular views of Kalpa are sure to make every journey memorable. The temples and monasteries provide a spiritual rumination surrounded by the silence of the majestic mountains. Its famed apple orchards are another reason to visit Kalpa. The recorded lowest temperature of Kalpa is –15°C making it one of the coldest places in India.

Best Time to Travel to Kalpa: March to September.

To conclude, the exotic Indian landscape offers a host of destinations to satiate the travel experience of every kind of traveller. However, whether your journey is domestic or international, a travel policy is essential to secure your journey against unpredictable circumstances in unknown destinations. In addition to offering peace of mind, travel insurance covers several risks of travel, including medical emergencies and trip disruptions. Therefore, before investing in a travel policy, it is important to compare travel insurance plans to find the best one that meets all your requirements.