Well said by Aristotle, “To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” This quote can pack a punch to all those freaky winter lovers who are restlessly waiting to ride the snow board. Just as the whole world is busy streamlining New Year resolutions, Ski lovers would pack their bags and step out to hit the snow. To help them further, here is a list of places in India that can be visited in January as the year’s last dose of winter adventure!

Walk on the Frozen Lake of Zanskar

This January, choose to undertake the Chadar Trek in the Zanskar Range. One of the most daunting of its kind, the thick sheet (chadar) of snow, with sharp wind, is there to test your limits. The trek will take you to the Zanskar River that freezes during the winter (-30 deg) and becomes a thick sheet of ice. Camping can be done in caves along the banks where the ice is stable. Tents can also be set up here.

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What more in Zanskar: Suru Valley, Shafat Glacier, Parkachik Glacier, Pensi La, Nun-Kun Massif, Ta Tso and the Lang Tso lakes, Fort of Rangdum, Zangla Fort or Palace, Dzongkhul Monastery etc.
Other Things to do in Zanskar: Rock Climbing, Trekking, Paragliding and River Rafting.
Best time to Visit: January and February

Things to Keep in Mind:

  • Stay with the group

  • Eat food and drink water frequently

  • Wear warm clothes (enough to sustain in – 30 deg)

  • Carry first-aid and your personal medicines

  • Give your emergency contacts to your trek leader, as your phone might not be reachable.

  • Walk briskly and carefully as the ice sheets are slippery. Listen to your trek leader.

How to Reach:

By Air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is closest to the Valley. From here, hire a taxi.

By Rail: Jammu Tawi is the nearest railhead. From here take a bus/taxi to Srinagar, further to Zanskar.

By Road: One has to reach Kargil and hire an SUV from here.

Snowboarding in Gulmarg – A Big Mountain Nirvana

Arguably the best skiing destination in the country, Gulmarg can be sketched as steep skiing slopes amid breathtaking views. A major draw for ski enthusiasts from all over the world; its Alpine slopes run over a 2 kms with a 700 m drop in the altitude. Whether an amateur or expert, the ski resorts here have multiple packages to choose from.

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What more in Gulmarg: Alpather Lake, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Ningli Nallah, Maharani Temple, Khilanmarg and Ferozepur Nallah.
Other Things to do in Gulmarg: Ride on the Gulmarg Gondola, Walk on Outer Circle and Ningle Nallah, Trek the Apharwat Peak, Try Wazwan and Kahwa.
Best time to Visit: October to February

How to Reach:

By Air: Srinagar Airport is the nearest. Hire a cab/taxi from here.

By Rail: Jammu Tawi is the nearest railhead. From here take a bus/taxi to Gulmarg.

By Road: One has to reach Srinagar and hire a cab/taxi for Gulmarg.

Yumthang Valley – Magic of Nature at its Best

Although less visited then other popular resorts, Yumthang Valley is gradually becoming a hot-spot for adventure lovers, who come here to ski, hike, and do some mountain biking. About 140 km from Gangtok at an elevation of 3,564 m above sea level, it provides skiing of all levels. Sikkim Mountaineering Association (SMA) has come up with this adventure activity as the valley settles in a thick layer of snow.

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What more in Yumthang: Lachen Town, Lachung, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Yumthang Chu and Zero Point.
Other Things to do in Yumthang: Nature walk and Yak ride in Yumthang Valley and know the rhododendrons in Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary.

Best time to Visit: November to March

How to Reach:

By Air: Gangtok Airport is the nearest. Buses, cab and taxi are available from here.

By Rail: Lachung railway station is the nearest railhead. Public transport is available from here.

By Road: Yumthang can be easily reached from Gangtok by road.

Ski on the Glittering Slopes of Auli Uttarakhand

Auli is one of the most popular skiing destinations in India stretches from 400 m to 4 km. You can choose from two types of skiing– Tandem (beginner) and Professional (expert). There are a plethora of ski tour operators here to help out with everything you need. Amid the spellbinding snow-clad mountains, skiers will pass through the apple orchards, oaks and deodars.

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What more in Auli: Auli Ropeway, Trishul Peak, Artificial Lake, Gorson Bugyal, Chattrakund, Kwani Bugyal, Joshimath, Chenab Lake and Narsingh Temple.

Other Things to do in Auli: Camping, Nature Walks, Riding the Auli Gorson Ropeway to Joshimath, Safari in Nanda Devi National Park, Auli Gorson Trek, Kuari Pass Trek,

Best time to Visit: January to March

How to Reach:

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest. Buses, cab and taxi are available from here.

By Rail: Rishikesh Haridwar & Dehradun Railway Stations can be used. Buses are available from there to reach Auli. It is recommended to reach Auli before dusk and the road gets closed.

By Road: State transport buses ply regularly from Joshimath and Rishikesh.

Solang Valley – The World is Here for Winter Skiing Festival

Also famous as Solang Nala, the high altitude valley is where high mountain slopes turn milky white as it snows. A major skiing destination, due to its heavy snowfall, Solang valley becomes host to the internationally acclaimed Winter Skiing Festival. Participants from all over the world pour in here and the slopes of the valley are used for National Skiing Competitions.

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What more in Solang Valley: Hadimba Temple, Beas Kund, Vashisht Baths, Naggar Castle, Rohtang Pass and Manu Temple

Other Things to do in Solang Valley: Paragliding, Zorbing, Quad Biking, Camping, Snowmobiling, Riding the Ropeway or Gondola.

Best time to Visit: November to February

How to Reach:

By Air: Bhuntar (Kullu) 63 km from Solang Valley is the nearest. Pre-paid taxis can be hired from here.

By Rail: Joginder Nagar at 50 km is the nearest railway station.

By Road: Solang Valley, with NH 21, is well connected to cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla via motorable roads. You can easily hire a taxi or board a bus from these cities.

Things to Keep in Mind for Skiing:

  • Take time to acclimatize

  • Bring backcountry safety gear like shovel, probe and transceiver. Learn to use them well

  • Don’t wear cotton or nylon clothes

  • Carry your medicines and also a first aid

  • Carry warm jackets, ski pants, thick gloves goggles and other required things

  • Skiing equipments can be rented almost in every skiing destination

  • Carry cash, as there are very less ATMs in the mountain areas

  • Take lip balm and sun cream

  • Go with your own pace, don’t compete with others