Many people around the world know India for its hot weather, but that’s not entirely accurate. This vast country has diverse climates, with some regions never experiencing summer at all. Northern India is much colder than other parts of the country and is home to places like the Dras Valley, where temperatures can drop as low as -60°C, making it a paradise for cold-weather lovers. In this article, we will explore the coldest cities in India, so stay with us until the end!
1. Dras
This valley is located in Jammu and Kashmir and is also known as the “Gateway to Ladakh.” It is one of the coldest towns in India, situated 3,230 meters above sea level, yet surprisingly accessible.
This breathtaking region is the coldest inhabited place in India and the second-coldest inhabited place in the world, where temperatures can plummet to a staggering -60°C. However, it’s not this frigid year-round. Alongside its extreme cold, the valley boasts stunning natural beauty, making it a magnet for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
These unique features have transformed Dras Valley into one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing visitors eager to experience its icy charm and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Top Attractions in Dras:
- Tiger Hill (Famous for Kargil War)
- Dras War Memorial
- Snow trekking in winter
Best Time to Visit: December to February for snowfall
2. kargil
Kargil is another one of India’s coldest regions, where winter temperatures can drop below -48°C. Located in Jammu and Kashmir, this town lies along the Suru River at an elevation of 2,676 meters above sea level.
On average, winter temperatures hover around -20°C, while summers are milder, averaging 10°C. Despite the harsh climate, Kargil boasts unique beauty, with historic landmarks, snow-capped peaks, and picturesque landscapes. The best time to visit is between December and February, when the snowy scenery is at its most striking.
Top Attractions in Kargil:
- Suru Valley
- Kargil War Memorial
- Trekking in Zanskar Valley
3. Leh Ladakh
Leh, the ancient capital of the Ladakh kingdom, is one of the most popular destinations in India tour packages, offering travelers a truly unique experience. While summer (the peak tourist season) brings mild temperatures around 7°C, making it ideal for exploring the city’s many attractions, winter transforms Leh into one of India’s coldest cities, with temperatures plunging to -20°C or even -28°C.
The average winter temperature hovers around -25°C, while summers average a pleasant 15°C. Beyond the cold, Leh is famed for its breathtaking Himalayan vistas and frozen high-altitude lakes, creating a surreal landscape.
Top Attractions in Leh:
- Pangong Lake (Frozen in winter)
- Nubra Valley (A rare blend of sand dunes and snow)
- Leh Palace (A historic marvel overlooking the city)
4. Sikkim
The high peaks in this region make North Sikkim particularly famous among mountaineers. However, these mountainous areas are also home to villages and towns, all located in cold zones that experience extremely harsh winters. Meanwhile, the vast plains of North Sikkim attract tourists during the warmer months—though the weather remains colder than anywhere else in India.
The average temperature in this city drops to -5°C in winter and reaches only 10°C in summer. As a cultural hub of Buddhism, it features snow-covered monasteries, ranking among India’s coldest cities. The best time to visit is from December to February.
Key attractions include:
- Nathu La Pass (India-China border)
- Tsomgo Lake (frozen in winter)
- Rumtek Monastery
5. Spiti
Himachal Pradesh is a stunningly beautiful region, renowned for its bitterly cold winters, which make it one of India’s coldest areas. The Spiti Valley, in particular, offers a unique and captivating landscape. Situated at 3,880 meters above sea level, its winter temperatures can plummet to -30°C, though the average winter temperature hovers around -20°C, rising to just 5°C in summer. The best time to visit is from November to March, when the region’s stark beauty is at its peak.
Top Attractions:
Kibber Village (World’s highest motorable village)
Key Monastery (Oldest in Spiti)
Chandratal Lake (Frozen in winter)
6. Srinagar
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, also ranks among India’s coldest cities. Nestled in the Kashmir Valley at 1,585 meters above sea level, it experiences relatively harsh winters, with temperatures dropping to -8°C and heavy snowfall blanketing the region.
Don’t miss its breathtaking winter wonders:
- Frozen Dal Lake
- Snow-covered Mughal Gardens
- Ski resorts in the surrounding areas
7. Shimla
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a snowy paradise for cold-weather lovers and is famously known as the “Queen of Hill Stations.” Located at 2,205 meters above sea level, it experiences chilly winters with temperatures dropping to -5°C, earning its place among India’s coldest cities. The best time to visit is from December to February.
Top Attractions:
- The Ridge & Mall Road – Snowy Strolls
- Kufri – Shimla’s Snow Playground
- Jakhoo Temple – Trek Through Snow
8. Manali
Manali is one of the coldest cities in India, nestled in the Kullu Valley at an altitude of 2,050 meters. During winter, temperatures drop to -7°C, creating frozen waterfalls, snow-covered deodar forests, and thrilling winter sports, making it one of the best winter destinations in North India. The ideal time to visit is from December to February.
Some of the top attractions in Manali:
- Solang Valley – Adventure Hub
- Old Manali – Hippie Winter Vibes
- Hidimba Devi Temple – Snowy Pagoda
9. Auli
Auli is another coldest city in India, located in the Garhwal Himalayas (Uttarakhand) at an altitude of 2,500 to 3,050 meters. Known as India’s best skiing destination, its slopes rival European resorts. The best time to visit is December to February, when temperatures drop to -8°C to -15°C in winter, while summers hover between 15°C to 20°C.
Top attractions in Auli:
- Auli Ski Resort – One of India’s premier skiing spots.
- Gorson Bugyal Lake – A frozen winter lake with breathtaking views.
- Joshimath – A sacred town at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers.
10. Munsiyari
Munsiyari, nestled in the Kumaon Himalayas at 2,200 meters above sea level, is one of India’s coldest towns. Often called “Little Kashmir,” it offers breathtaking views of the Panchachuli peaks and serves as a paradise for trekkers and nature lovers.
Best Time to Visit: December to February (winter with temperatures ranging from -5°C to -10°C)
Summer Temperature: 10°C to 20°C
Top Tourist Attractions in Munsiyari:
- Panchachuli Peak Base Camp – A trekker’s dream with breathtaking Himalayan vistas.
- Birthi Falls – A majestic waterfall that freezes into icy cascades in winter.
- Khalia Top – Offers panoramic views of the snow-covered Himalayas.
Conclusion
India is generally considered a tropical country, and most travelers who have visited India—especially the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur)—know well that it is a vast and diverse land with varied climates. Contrary to popular belief, northern India experiences cold weather, so much so that the second coldest place in the world is located in this tropical country.
In this article, we explore the coldest cities in India, examining each in detail. Nature lovers, trekkers, and winter enthusiasts can have unforgettable experiences in these regions of India.
Do you have experience traveling to these cold cities?
