Top 3 Indian towns with sub-zero temperatures

Why visit in winter?

• In winter, Dras becomes a peaceful, sparkling wonderland. Frozen streams, silent valleys, and trees covered in ice make the town beautiful.
• The Kargil War Memorial, located at the base of Tololing Hill, is open year-round and offers a solemn and insightful experience, even in winter.
• The people of Dras, primarily Shina and Purigpa, preserve their rich traditions. They enjoy hearty winter food and make handicrafts, even in the severe cold.

Tourist tips

•  Accessibility: The Zoji La Pass frequently closes due to heavy snowfall, making road travel unpredictable. Be sure to check for updates before you plan your trip.
• Stay options: Some homestays and small guesthouses stay open in winter. They offer rooms heated by wood and serve hot, local meals.
• Precautions: Bring good thermal clothing, a down jacket, insulated boots, and your own medical kit. The air can be thin, so take time to get used to the altitude.

Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Spiti in winters (Photo: Wikipedia)

The Spiti Valley, with towns like Kaza, experiences extremely cold temperatures from November to March, often dropping to –20°C or lower. In winter, Spiti becomes a quiet, icy desert, mostly cut off from the rest of the world.

Why visit in winter?

• Ice deserts: Spiti’s famous moon-like scenery looks even more striking when covered in snow. Frozen waterfalls and soft, snowy ridges make the area especially beautiful.
• Snow Leopard expeditions: Winter is the peak season for spotting the elusive snow leopard, with guided tours from Kaza drawing wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.
• Monastery stays: Well-known monasteries such as Key, Dhankar, and Tabo welcome visitors seeking a peaceful retreat, even in harsh winter.

Tourist tips

• Accessibility: The Manali route is closed during winter, and only the Shimla–Kinnaur road may be open, depending on the snowfall. Travel can be slow and difficult.
• Stay options: Heated homestays and guest rooms in monasteries are readily available. You can expect simple but warm hospitality.
• Health & safety: Temperatures fall quickly at night. Drink water often, avoid alcohol at high altitudes, and take it slow to prevent altitude sickness

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang winter (Photo: Wikipedia)

Tawang sits approximately 3,000 meters above sea level and experiences heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures in winter, with temperatures sometimes dropping to –10°C or lower. Its Buddhist heritage, clear lakes, and rugged mountains make it one of India’s most special winter destinations.

Why visit in winter?

• Tawang Monastery: India’s largest monastery looks magical against the snowy hills, with monks in maroon robes performing winter rituals.
• Frozen Lakes: High-altitude lakes such as Shonga-tser Lake (also known as Madhuri Lake) and Pankang Teng Tso freeze over in winter, creating stunning icy landscapes.
• Winter festivals: Depending on when you visit, you might see traditional Monpa festivals, masked cham dances, and local winter rituals.

Tourist tips

• Permits: Most travellers need Inner Line Permits (ILP), and there may be additional restrictions in border areas.
• Road conditions: The climb from Bomdila to Tawang features steep hairpin bends and icy patches; consider hiring experienced local drivers.
• Stay options: Hotels, monastery guesthouses, and cosy homestays provide heated rooms and local Monpa meals.