Indians rejoice as the pleasant winter approaches and the morning rays, turning everything around us to gold, warm the hearts. It heralds a season of festivities to reconnect with loved ones and live it up. At the same time, some others prefer visiting winter destinations to enjoy the snowfall. To bring out the pleasure of experiencing snow more, there is currently a plethora of winter activities that you can indulge in. That too, right here in India!
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Let us look at five fun-tabulous destinations in India that offer such winter thrills.
Sonmarg, in Jammu and Kashmir
Best for Expert level Skiing, Ice-skating and Sledging
If snow and adventure activities are what you want, you can have it all in Sonamarg. The sublime beauty of the winter season draws those who love snow skiing. It would be best if you were a skilled skier to take on the slopes of Sonmarg. The thick carpet of glistening snow, the sun’s rays bouncing off glaciers, and the bright blue sky add to the pleasure of skiing. Be warned that it is not a place for first-time skiers. Expert skiers, though, will get an adrenaline rush at Sonmarg!
The frozen glaciers here offer ice skating and sledging activities besides skiing. Sonmarg’s additional charm is the Thajiwas Glacier, a magnificent piece of nature’s making. It is most exciting to walk up the glacier and hire sledges. Once you reach the top, get set to slide down the snow mountain with breathtaking valley views.
Gulmarg, in Jammu and Kashmir
Best for basic & advanced level Skiing, Snowboarding, and Gondola rides
Skiing: Gulmarg has an excellent skiing resort for all skiers, with runs ranging from gentle beginner slopes to the massive two km+ ski run. It is accessible by the gondola.
Ice-skating: For skating lovers, an ice-skating rink has been recently developed in Gulmarg for visitors to indulge in.
Gondola rides: The Gulmarg Gondola is Asia’s highest and longest cable car project. It gives a breathtaking ride from the Gulmarg Meadow (2650m) through pined slopes to Apharwat (3980m). A ski-lift for professionals is available to pick them up when they reach the bottom of the hills.
Heli-skiing: Advanced Skiers are ferried by helicopter to the impenetrable Himalayan peaks for the ultimate skiing action.
Rohtang pass, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Best for Sledge rides, Mountain Biking & riding Snow Scooters
At a place called Snow Point, tourists can enjoy various adventure activities. This place is covered with a carpet of snow in winter. Tourists can create happy memories with activities that include sledge rides, mountain biking, riding snow scooters, and skiing. The equipment required for these activities is available here for rent. Visitors can even make igloos with snow and enjoy snowball fights. Do note no accommodation option is available here.
Auli, Uttrakhand
Best for Skiing, Trekking & Gondola ride
Acres of snowfields, with up to 5 feet of snow, Auli is one of India’s finest destinations for skiing as it has ski stretches of 400 m to 4 km. Two types of skiing can be done here–Tandem and Professional. You can even opt for a trek to a meadow Gurson Bugyal to enjoy natures’ winter splendour.
Auli has Asia’s longest Gondola ride. It has two different ropeway rides—the Joshimath-Auli Gondola (the longest) and the chair car ride from GMNV to Auli (800 m).
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Best for Skywalk, Sky Bridge, Zipline or Flying fox, Zip Swing (new), Valley Crossing, Paragliding, Trekking & Camping
Mussoorie is famous for its natural beauty, views of gorgeous Himalayan peaks, and some exciting adventure activities. The Snow Adventure Zone, located at Buranskhanda, Mussoorie, receives 3 feet of snowfall between December to February. Here, visitors here can accomplish many daredevil actions. They include Sky Walk, Sky Bridge, Zipline or Flying fox, Zip Swing, 360 ft. long Valley Crossing, Trekking, Camping etc.
Now you know that there is no shortage of fun you can have in the snow-clad mountains of India. So go ahead and plan that beautiful white snowy holiday. For easy flight bookings, hotel stays or complete holiday packages for a great winter vacation, visit Aertrip and to enjoy a chilled-out time by booking your holiday.
