Top 15 Coldest Places In India You Must Visit This Winter

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to walk on a frozen river, watch your breath crystallize mid-air, or sip tea while snow blankets the world outside? Welcome to the coldest places in India, where icy winds meet unmatched beauty, and every moment is wrapped in a serene chill.

India isn't just about tropical heat and sun-kissed beaches. The northern frontier, guarded by the mighty Himalayas, hides some of the most breathtaking, frost-covered destinations in the world. These frozen paradises offer a unique blend of adventure, solitude, and spectacular natural beauty—perfect for those who wish to embrace the thrill of winter travel.

Whether you're a snow enthusiast or simply craving an escape from the mundane, this curated list of the Top 10 Coldest Places in India is your perfect guide to experiencing winter wonderlands at their best.

Top 10 Coldest Places in India You Must Visit
1. Dras, Jammu & Kashmir – The Gateway to Ladakh
Coldest Recorded Temperature: -60°C

Best Time to Visit: June to September
Known as the second coldest inhabited place on Earth, Dras Valley lies at an altitude of 10,597 feet and is nestled in the Kargil district. The temperature here plunges to sub-zero levels in winter, making it a true frozen paradise. Despite its harsh climate, Dras remains a scenic marvel with awe-inspiring vistas of snow-capped peaks.

Highlights:
War Memorial in Kargil
Trekking routes to Suru Valley
Snow adventures during summer
Did you know? Dras is colder than most places in Siberia!

2. Leh, Ladakh – India’s Icy Crown
Coldest Recorded Temperature: -28°C

Best Time to Visit: May to September
Leh is not just about rugged terrain and monasteries—it's also one of the most extreme cold destinations in India. Perched at 11,500 feet, Leh experiences long, bone-chilling winters, with roads often buried under snow.

Highlights:
Pangong Lake (partially frozen in winter)
Magnetic Hill and monasteries
Chadar Trek (Frozen Zanskar River Trek)
Travel Tip: Acclimatize for 1–2 days after arrival to avoid altitude sickness.

3. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh – The Middle Land
Coldest Recorded Temperature: -30°C

Best Time to Visit: May to October
A rugged cold desert nestled between Tibet and India, Spiti Valley is a dream for adventure seekers. Winter months make it one of the coldest destinations in Himachal Pradesh, with mesmerizing white landscapes and ancient monasteries wrapped in snow.

Highlights:
Key Monastery and Dhankar Village
Snow Leopard spotting in Kibber
Frozen Chandratal Lake (if accessible)

4. Siachen Glacier, Ladakh – The Highest Battlefield
Coldest Recorded Temperature: -50°C
Best Time to Visit: Not open for civilians (except limited tourism pilot)
Located at over 18,000 feet, Siachen Glacier is a land of snowstorms, blizzards, and ice—reserved for the brave. While it remains a strategic military zone, India has recently opened limited access to civilians through guided expeditions.

Highlights:
Breathtaking views of Karakoram
Harshest, yet most majestic terrain
This is not a travel destination for everyone—but for adventurers, it’s the ultimate bucket-list spot.

5. North Sikkim – Yumthang & Zero Point
Coldest Recorded Temperature: -20°C

Best Time to Visit: April to June & October to December
From Yumthang Valley to Zero Point, North Sikkim offers postcard-perfect winter escapes. The region is known for its alpine meadows, hot springs, and frozen rivers, offering a dreamy escape during winter.

Highlights:
Lachung and Yumthang Valley
Gurudongmar Lake (one of the highest lakes)
Snow play at Zero Point

6. Kaza, Himachal Pradesh – Winter Desert Town
Coldest Recorded Temperature: -25°C

Best Time to Visit: June to October (summer), Winter for extreme cold experience
Capital of Spiti Valley, Kaza is a remote, snow-wrapped town. The stark, lunar landscape looks magical during winter, turning the town into a cold desert sanctuary.

Highlights:
Stay in homestays with traditional wood-burning heaters
Visit world’s highest post office at Hikkim
Snow treks to nearby monasteries

7. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – Monastery in the Snow
Coldest Recorded Temperature: -15°C

Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to October
Tucked away in Northeast India, Tawang is famous for its Buddhist monastery and snowy mountains. It's not just cold—it’s peaceful and serene, making it a perfect blend of spiritual and natural beauty.

Highlights:
Tawang Monastery – Second largest in the world
Sela Pass covered in snow
Nuranang Falls and Madhuri Lake

8. Kargil, Jammu & Kashmir – Between Leh and Srinagar
Coldest Recorded Temperature: -20°C

Best Time to Visit: May to July
Known for its rich history and high-altitude beauty, Kargil is a must-visit for winter lovers. Unlike Leh, it remains less crowded yet equally stunning in winter.

Highlights:
Mulbekh Monastery
Suru Valley
Adventure biking and snow trekking

9. Hemkund Sahib, Uttarakhand – Pilgrimage in the Clouds
Coldest Recorded Temperature: -11°C

Best Time to Visit: June to October
A sacred Sikh pilgrimage site, Hemkund Sahib sits at 15,200 feet and is covered in snow for most of the year. The trek to reach it is cold and challenging—but incredibly rewarding.

Highlights:
Valley of Flowers nearby
Glacial Hemkund Lake
Spiritual retreat amidst snow

Note: Closed during peak winter due to snow accumulation.

10. Keylong, Himachal Pradesh – Gateway to Lahaul
Coldest Recorded Temperature: -17°C

Best Time to Visit: May to October
Located in Lahaul & Spiti district, Keylong is a hidden gem for cold weather lovers. The entire town slows down in winter, offering the quiet you rarely find elsewhere.

Highlights:
Kardang Monastery
Stunning views of Bhaga Valley
Drive through snow-covered Rohtang & Baralacha La Passes

Honorable Mentions: More Cold Destinations Worth Visiting
Auli, Uttarakhand – Skiing paradise
Manali, Himachal Pradesh – Ideal winter honeymoon
Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh – Snowy colonial charm
Zuluk, Sikkim – Serpentine roads and frosty air

Why Visit the Coldest Places in India?
India’s coldest destinations are more than just freezing temperatures—they offer:
Unspoiled landscapes and Himalayan views
Authentic local cultures and warm hospitality
Unique adventures like snow trekking, frozen river treks, and skiing
Solitude and serenity for travelers seeking peace

Travel Tips for Cold Destinations in India
Dress in layers: Thermal wear, down jackets, gloves, and waterproof boots
Carry essentials: Lip balm, moisturizer, power banks (batteries drain fast)
Stay hydrated: High altitudes dehydrate faster
Check road conditions: Some routes remain closed during peak winter

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Chill with Royal Savoy Holidays
The coldest places in India promise unforgettable adventures—whether it’s the frozen rivers of Ladakh, the snow-covered valleys of Sikkim, or the icy monasteries of Himachal. These destinations are perfect for travelers who crave an offbeat, serene, and soul-refreshing journey.

At Royal Savoy Holidays, we specialize in curating tailor-made luxury winter getaways to India’s most stunning frozen landscapes. From warm stays in cozy mountain cottages to guided snow treks, we bring you closer to the magic of the Himalayas—without the stress of planning.

So why wait? Let Royal Savoy Holidays take you on a journey to the frost-kissed corners of India.

Book your next winter escape today!