Winter is in full swing across India, with a delicious chill gracing the northern belt. With expectations that the weather will get chillier, a cup of hot cocoa while snuggling up in your comfy blanket might seem like a promising prospect. But that wouldn't really be the best way to spend your winters, would it?
Places like Himachal, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand are blessed with with winter's greatest gift, snow in abundance. The Himalayan Mountain ranges spread across the three states blanketed by snow provide a perfect setting for seasonal sports. Whether it be in gorgeous hill station of Manali, or in one of the best winter destinations in the world, Gulmarg, it is time for you to get your hands dirty. Skiing, a popular winter sport, provides a flawless opportunity to take in the enchanting locations while enjoying the true spectacle of the cold season. Here are some of India's skiing destinations.
Situated at an altitude of 10,000 ft near the PankangTeng Tso, Tawang is the youngest skiing destination in India. The lake around, 17 kms from Tawang, freezes during winter, and its surroundings are covered in thick layers of snow. While it is mainly recognised for being home to the Tibetan monasteries, Tawang's setting makes it a natural fit for a sport like skiing.
Best time: December to February
An unconventional location for skiing, Yumthang Valley in a fine place to indulge in activities such as skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. A stunning destination particularly during the winters when the valley is covered with unending layers of snow, it is a place made for skiing. Catering to skiers of all kinds -- from tyros to experts -- Yumthang Valley is miles away from all the tireless honking on the traffic hooked roads of the cities.
Best time: November to February
The most popular and well-maintained skiing destination in India, Auli is a pristine retreat situated among the surroundings of the Garhwal Mountains. The skiing slope here are of various ranges, and you can pick the one you find suitable according to your comfort. There is also a ski-lift and chair-lift which will take you to the top of the mountain. If this is your first time, fret not, Auli has a skiing institute, Mountaineering and Skiing Institute, that has classes which you can enrol yourself into.
Best time: December to February
About 12 kms from the much-loved city of Manali, Solang Nala brims with skiers from across India during the winters. Atal Bihari Vajpaye Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institute in Manali teaches novice skiers how to descend from terrifying slopes of Solang Nala. A paradise for budding skiers, skiing competitions are held here every year. If you want to become a master of riding the mountains, then you can learn from the best. With top skiers flooding Solang Nala during winters, this is the place to be.
Best time: December to February
Nestled in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, Gulmarg is regarded as the best skiing destination in the country. Boasting of a scenic view, a major attraction of Gulmarg is the Gondola which is Asia's largest gondola car and allows you to take in the alluring beauty of the location. There are two points from where you can start --- Kongdori and Aparwahat Peak. The Gondola will take you to both these stops. Kongdori's 450-metre slope is for those who are newbies, while the latter is set at 800-metre descend, offering an unforgettable experience.
Best time: December to March