Looking for the best places for skiing in India? Here is all the insider scoop!
Winter is here, it is snowing all over the world. This is an incredible season for skiing lovers as they can enjoy the experience of skiing on the snow-shrouded heaps of Indian Himalayas.
Skiing isn’t only a fascination in western nations alone. Indeed, even in a tropical peninsula like India, skiing can be appreciated more than ever. If you are planning to visit India during winter, don’t forget to include skiing in your tour packages. What can be the most excellent destination to ski than the snow-covered Himalayas?
There are many best places for skiing in India.
8 Best places for skiing in India
Here is a small rundown yet worth encountering places to have the best insight of skiing in India.
What to pack for skiing in India?
In the event that you’re not from an especially cold and frigid region, the thought of packing the “right” garments can be daunting.You really want something beyond ski gear for an ideal skiing get-away.
To assist you with abstaining from hauling around cumbersome gear that contains everything except the things you really need, we have a rundown to assist you with packing just the necessities for your ski trip this winter.
Check out the Kosha layers mentioned below so you can be prepared for whatever adventure you embark upon.
Check out Kosha’s winter wear collection here!
Outerwear like puffer jackets, parkas or a coat
Winter layering incorporates three fundamental kinds ; specifically Outerwear or shell layers, mid-layers and base layers. The outerwear classification incorporates winter clothing made of thick textures like jackets, parkas, puffer coats, etc.
Grey Lapel Collar Wool Coat | Men
Winter in India can get somewhat outrageous towards the north.The cold experience gets excessively much particularly to the people of less colder regions. Winter layering should be kept in mind as it is smarter to be completely ready during trips.
Kosha’s scope of parkas, puffer coats is a requirement. These winter coats guarantee warmth and solace in a temperature range as tremendous as 0 degrees Celsius to – 20 degrees Celsius.
Sweaters and Pullovers
Sweaters and Pullovers are considered as the mid-layers. They are worn later by the base layers. We at Kosha offer merino fleece sweatshirts, armada pullovers, and Buttoned Cardigans for women.
Black Merino Wool V-Neck Pullover | Men
Change around your style with Kosha’s reversible sweatshirts, team neck sweatshirts by turning it back to front for an alternate tone. Merino Wool is sleek, skin-accommodating fleece that has dampness wicking and odour free attributes worked in. It very well may be worn over a t-shirt or shirt, and it can likewise be utilised as a mid-layer for added warmth.
Base layers
A base layer is a layer worn directly on the skin. Kosha’s itch-free base layers can also be bent over as a T-shirt. It’s appropriate for temperatures between 15 and – 20 degrees Celsius.
It’s made of Merino fleece and Bamboo and has odor- free qualities. Kosha’s base layers can be utilised without washing for 3 to 5 days. It dries rapidly because of its similarities to fish scales.
Aqua Merino-Bamboo Full Sleeves Thermal Set | Women
Woollen bottoms – Snow Pants
While you plan and pack for a skiing trip, do carry your snow pants. As the climate will be breezy, it is ideal to carry your snow Kosha’s exceptionally adaptable hardshell jeans to explore the cold slopes
It is made of 100% Nylon with PU Breathable covering. The steady and comfortable fit makes it simple to move in. It is a decent choice for skiing in cool temperatures. Accessible for all kinds of people. It is appropriate up to – 20oC to 5oC.
Warm accessories
Your trip for skiing in winter will have some danger of freezing and a chill climate. Aside from the layered dressing you additionally need to deal with your hands, heads and neck area cautiously. Reduce the danger of freezing and frostbites with Kosha’s merino wool accessories.
From simple to stylish choices like stoles, beanies, mufflers reasonable for special occasions to more technical designs like curve support socks and touch-enabled gloves, kit yourself from head to toe at one place and travel freely. Stylish accessories are accessible for Men, Women, Boys and Girls.
Remain warm in style with this delicate woollen beanie in an ageless knit and shading.
Navy Blue Acrylic Wool Cable Knit Winter Beanie | Men
Warm shoes or boots
Snow boots or warm shoes offer waterproof or water-resistant protection while likewise giving ankle support and amazing grasp to save you from the heavy fall on the ice. Winter boots are more lightweight and flexible than snow boots and are viewed as more stylish, however they won’t give adequate insulation in the snow.
A thicker strong boot will give more warmth than a common shoe.Inside wool covering and cushioning will protect your feet and keep you warm in the chilly mountain climate.
Warm socks
The adventurous voyagers should carry a decent pair of liner and specialised socks with breathability and ideal curve backing to explore the slopes easily and cherish the snapshots of skiing and trekking.
Kosha’s socks will keep your feet odour free for a longer time as it has superior quality. You can style it with your gloves, mufflers, jackets and beanies.
Olive & Navy Ankle Length Cotton Socks Pack of 2 | Men
#1 Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
If you are looking for the perfect skiing experience in India, head towards Gulmarg. Gulmarg is also popularly known as the heartland of winter sports in India. It has been ranked as the 7th ideal snowboarding and skiing destination of Asia.
Best time to visit Gulmarg for skiing is December to March. Srinagar is the nearest airport and Jammu or Udhampur is the nearest railway station to Gulmarg.
To go skiing in Gulmarg, there are two points from where you can begin this activity; one is Kongdori and the other is Aparwahat Peak. A 450m incline offers an invigorating skiing experience to skiers at Kongdori, while from Apparwat edge there is a 800m plummet that evidently offers once in a blue moon insight.
You can also ride the high cable ride called the Gulmarg Gondola.Other popular interesting activities to experience are trekking, horse riding, camping, long-run, golfing, etc.
#2 Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Skiing in Solang Valley is a mesmerising adventure winter sport every snow-fanatic should experience.Solang Valley, prominently known as Solang Nala, is a renowned winter sport area, nestled at 12 km from Manali.
Best time to visit Solang Nala for skiing in winter is from October to March. Bhuntar at a distance of 10 km from Solang Nala and Kullu located 90 km from Solang Nala are the nearest airports to Solang Valley.
Solang Valley is known for its Ski resorts. It attracts a tonne of foreign tourists from around the world. Skiing in Solang Valley is an absolute necessity for any individual who tries to have some rush. The snow and wind feel like heaven all over as they zoom across the colder regions.
Solang Valley is a heaven for nature darlings with lavish white snow and pleasant foundation of mountain ranges while offering thrill seekers a plenty of various game exercises throughout the winter seasons like skiing, paragliding, river rafting, zorbing, horse riding, and so on in this way making it a favourite tour package.In Jawahar institute, many workshops are conducted to teach skiing and other winter sports.
#3 Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli is the most loved skiing location for some travel junkies because of its wonderful sparkling inclines as well as for the pleasant clean climate. It is located about 250 kms from Rishikesh, the spot is practically similar to paradise on the planet.It is located high up on the Garhwal Hills, Auli is an absolute must visit destination if skiing is your obsession.
Auli is honoured with a magnificent climate, so anticipate your stay to be comfortable. However the best time to visit Auli is from December to March. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Auli and one can take a bus or cab to reach Auli. The nearest railway station to Auli is Dehradun Railway Junction.
Auli is alluded to as the skiing capital of India, it has the right harmony between the beautiful excellence of the strong Himalayas and daring snow sports. Auli is one of the most outstanding skiing destinations in India. Co Winter sports and skiing championship is conducted here every year which draws in bunches of travellers from India as well as from all over the world.
After the first snowfall of winter in December skiing starts here. If you know how to ski then it is great however on the off chance that you don’t then there you can enrol in a 1 to multi week paid course which is coordinated by GMVN.
#4 Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh
One more famous skiing destination in India, the Rohtang Pass in Manali is located at a height of 3978 m and is a skiing delight that guarantees stunning perspectives and an elating experience. It connects two beautiful valleys of Himachal Pradesh – Manali and Lahaul & Spiti.
The best season to visit Rohtang Pass is from May to October.. This is when adventure seekers can serenely take up activities like mountain trekking, skiing, and snow bike riding at the well known Snow Point. The nearest airport is Bhuntar airport in Kullu about 104 km from Rohtang Pass.
Joginder Nagar is the nearest railway station which is about 103 km from Rohtang Pass.
The skiing tour package offers a delightful white snow covered view for nine months of the year. Indeed, even there is legitimate administration of good instructional hubs of skiing and National level ski rivalries organised by the travel and the tourism department. With the advanced facilities, you can also appreciate skiing in the summer season.
A restoring trip to Rohtang Pass is the best solution for your exhausted soul.
# 5 Dayara Bugyal, Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand has some great skiing destinations in its pocket. Dayara Bugyal or Dyara Bugyal is located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is known for proffering incredible skiing opportunities, Dayara has been a famous torment of both domestic and global skiers.
The high measure of snowfall in the winter months makes way for an exciting encounter.
Haridwar Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Dayara Bugyal. Nearest Airport from Dayara Bugyal is Jolly Grant Airport which is at a distance of 218 kms. The best time to visit Dayara for skiing is from December to February. The slopes of the hill station are carpeted in snow and are perfect for adventure.
There are slants that shift from simple to troublesome and for amateurs there is even a ski training institute . Different amazing places where you can go for skiing in Uttarakhand are Bdeni Bugyal, Chiplakot, Kedar Kantha, Kush Kalyani and Natya.
There are various slopes.Slopes are classified for specialists and fledglings. As per your advantage and skill, get to the top for a completely exhilarating downhill excursion with skis on your shoes. Ski away and appreciate to the fullest to your soul’s content on the most fascinating slopes of Dayara Bugyal.
#6 Yumthang Valley, Sikkim
The amazing valley in the cradle of the immaculate Himalayas is the place where you should be if you have the guts and buts to arrive at the extremely excellent paradise of India, the Eastern India. Yumthang valley is located in Sikkim and offers incredible degrees of Skiing both for beginners and experts.
Gangtok Airport is the nearest airport to reach Lachung and from there you can take a cab till Yumthang Valley. Lachung Railway Station is the nearest railway station. January to March is the best time to indulge in the winter sports. After a fresh snowfall you are likely to have the most fun.
The whole Yumthang Valley offers wonderful snow blanketed slopes in the winters. The Sikkim Mountaineering Association (SMA) has organised skiing for tourists in the valley. The natural slopes have the essentials of invigorating skiing. Fledglings can get the hang of the game and experts can enjoy the rush.
Apart from skiing, other adventure sports in the valley include trekking, mountain biking, hiking. If you are in search of real pleasures of skiing, plan your tour package to Yumthang Valley in Sikkim.
#7 Phuni Valley, Sikkim
Phuni Valley is another name, yet an awesome destination for skiing in India with enormously developing prevalence.It is situated around 18kms away from Lachung in Sikkim.The snow here is at a height of 1100 feet and the smooth inclinations on the mountains make it a pleasant skiing experience.
The best time to visit Phuni Valley is between January and March. Gangtok Airport is the nearest airport to reach Lachung and from there you can take a cab till Phuni Valley. Nearest railway station to reach Phuni Valley is Lachung Railway Station.
Phuni Valley is another addiction to the rundown of places in India that are great for skiing. The staggering scene all around adds to Phuni Valley’s allure and is an incredible winter sports destination. Additionally, alongside a thrilling skiing experience, one has the chance to enjoy the beautiful valley that looks exquisite when the snow covers all the trees.
The stunning landscape all around adds to Phuni Valley’s appeal and is a great winter sports destination. It is one of the significant skiing winter vacations and romantic getaway destinations. This valley is extremely tranquil and has numerous pleasant spots to appreciate apart from skiing.
#8 Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh
Narkanda is a little confined town located at a height of 2708 m above ocean level on the Hindustan Tibet Road. It is situated at a rise of 2,708 m on the Hindustan Tibet Road, Narkanda is among the chief snowboarding and skiing destinations in India.
The temperature here throughout the winter drops to as low as – 10 degree Celsius – this is the ideal time to go skiing. Narkanda is encircled by lovely apple orchards and thick timberlands. Best time to Visit Narkanda for skiing is from October to February in winter.
Jubbarhatti Airport in Shimla is the nearest one to Narkanda.Kalka Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Narkanda and one can take a cab or bus from the station to the skiing point from there. Hatu peak is one of the prime attractions in Narkanda.
In Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation has been leading skiing and snowboarding courses for a long time. Sightseers love this place for its dazzling foundation and peacefulness. Adventure junkies and thrill seekers are intrigued by the snowboarding choices.There are a tonne of skiing courses that begin in January in Narkanda.
Conclusion: Should you visit India for skiing?
Perhaps the biggest myths encompassing India is that there are no good destinations to ski here. Northern India is honoured with the mighty Himalayas that gives plentiful freedoms to individuals to have a go at skiing here.
There are 5 prominent skiing destinations in India among 4 states and one Union territory, specifically Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The snow-bound mountains and the frosty cold environment give you a stunning skiing experience.
There are many institutes in India conducting vocational courses in Skiing. Some major institutes are Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and winter sports. Since you know the best destinations in India to go skiing, what are you waiting for? Pack your skiing gears, hop on a cable car and get rolling out travelling that you will always remember.
This post was written by Kosha Team member – Mansi Rai
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