India is home to a wide range of climates, and some places experience extremely cold temperatures. From the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas to remote valleys that freeze over, the top coldest places in India offer a unique charm. These destinations are ideal for those who love snow adventures and the magical atmosphere that snow brings.
Top 10 Coldest Places in India
Here’s a guide to the top coldest places in India, perfect for an amazing vacation.
1. Drass
Drass, located in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir, is known as the coldest place in India during winter. In winter, temperatures here can drop as low as -45°C, making it one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth.
This small town is often referred to as the “Gateway to Ladakh.” Despite the freezing conditions, the stark beauty of Drass, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, makes it one of the top cold tourist places in India. Visitors who brave the cold can enjoy the quiet, peaceful landscapes that make this region so unique.
- Lowest Temperature:-45°C
- Best Places to Visit: Drass War Memorial, Tiger Hill, and Ningoor Masjid
- Location: Dras, 194102
2. Siachen Glacier
While not open to tourists due to military control, Siachen Glacier is one of the top coldest places in India. Temperatures here plummet to as low as -60°C, making it the most coldest place in India in summer.
It’s the highest battlefield in the world. Even though you can’t visit, the sheer idea of such extreme conditions at Siachen adds to its mystique.
- Lowest Temperature: Around -60°C
- Best Places to Visit: Siachen Glacier Base Camp, OP Baba Shrine, Siachen War Memorial, Nubra Valley, Panamik Hot Springs, Yarab Tso Lake
- Location: Siachen Glacier
3. Leh
Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is the coolest place in India during winter. During the season, the entire region is transformed into a winter wonderland with stunning views of snow-clad mountains.
Leh is one of the most popular snowfall places in India, offering both scenic beauty and a range of winter activities. The town is perfect for those interested in adventure sports or just soaking in the beauty of a snowy landscape.
- Lowest Temperature:-28.6°C
- Best Places to Visit: Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Lamayuru, and Chilling Village
- Location: Leh
4. Spiti Valley
Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most remote and coldest places in India. The valley gets cut off from the rest of the country during peak winter due to heavy snowfall. This makes it the coldest place in India during winter.
With its stark snow-covered landscapes and ancient monasteries, Spiti offers a rare combination of peace and natural beauty. It’s also a favourite for adventure lovers seeking an offbeat winter destination in India.
Overall, if you’re looking for the best tourist place in India in July, Spiti should be on your list.
- Lowest Temperature:-30°C
- Best Places to Visit: Key Monastery, Tabo Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, and the high-altitude villages of Komic, Langza, and Hikkim
- Location: Marango Rangarik, Himachal Pradesh 172114
5. Gulmarg
Gulmarg, located in Jammu and Kashmir, is the coldest place in India in summer. Famous for its snow-covered slopes, Gulmarg offers some of the finest skiing and snowboarding experiences in the country.
The town’s beautiful views and cold climate make it a popular spot for winter sports enthusiasts. With temperatures dipping well below freezing, Gulmarg is easily one of the coldest hill stations in India.
- Lowest Temperature:-8.2°C
- Best Places to Visit: Gulmarg Gondola, Alpather Lake, Khilanmarg, the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
- Location: Gulmarg, 193403
6. Manali
Manali in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most popular places to visit in the month of July in India. It’s known for its beautiful snow-covered scenery, making it a favorite spot for tourists.
During the cold months, Manali transforms into a snowy paradise, attracting travellers looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Combined with a variety of activities like skiing and snowboarding makes it the coldest place in India during summer too.
- Lowest Temperature:-7°C
- Best Places to Visit: Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Hidimba Devi Temple, Manikaran Sahib, Old Manali, Vashisht Village, Jogini Falls, Beas River
- Location: Himachal Pradesh
7. Lachen
Lachen, located in North Sikkim, is another lesser-known but stunningly beautiful cold tourist place in India. In winter, the village is blanketed in snow, turning it into a peaceful retreat far from the usual tourist crowds.
The cold weather and natural beauty make Lachen a must-visit for those seeking a unique winter experience. Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world, is also nearby and often frozen during the winter months, making it one of the coldest places in India.
- Lowest Temperature: around -40°C
- Best Places to Visit: Gurudongmar Lake, Thangu Valley, Chopta Valley, Lachen Monastery
- Location: Sikkim 737120
8. Auli
There are compelling reasons to visit Auli in winter that make it truly special. Auli, situated in Uttarakhand, is another fantastic destination renowned as the coldest place in India during summer.
With panoramic views of snow-covered peaks and chilly weather, Auli is known as one of the best places to visit for snow in India, which offers well-maintained slopes perfect for skiing.
- Lowest Temperature: ranges from -4°C to -2°C
- Best Places to Visit: Auli Artificial Lake, Gurso Bugyal, Auli Ski Resort, Auli Ropeway, Nanda Devi National Park
- Location: Auli Laga Salude, Uttarakhand 246443
9. Keylong
Keylong in the Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh is again one of the coldest places in India that transforms into a winter wonderland.
In winter, Keylong becomes inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, but its scenic beauty and quiet atmosphere make it a top destination for adventurers. If you’re willing to brave the cold, Keylong offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains and peaceful valleys.
- Lowest Temperature:-16.5°C
- Best Places to Visit: Kardang Monastery, Gondhla Fort, Shashur Monastery
- Location: Himachal Pradesh 175132
10. Tawang
Tawang, located in Arunachal Pradesh, is famous for its monasteries and snow-covered peaks. As the coldest place in India during summer, Tawang experiences freezing temperatures, making it a perfect spot for those looking for a peaceful yet chilly getaway.
The cold weather adds to the town’s charm, especially with its beautiful Buddhist monasteries providing a cultural backdrop.
- Lowest Temperature: around -13°C
- Best Places to Visit: Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Madhuri Lake (Sangetsar Tso), Tawang War Memorial, Bumla Pass, Nuranang Falls, and Jaswantgarh War Memorial
- Location: Tawang, 790104
Which is the coldest place in India?
India's diverse geography offers incredible cold destinations that showcase nature's frozen beauty. From Drass's bone-chilling -45°C to Siachen's extreme conditions, these locations provide unique experiences for adventure seekers.
The top 10 coldest places in India each offer distinct attractions, whether it's Leh's winter wonderland, Gulmarg's skiing slopes, or Spiti Valley's remote monasteries. These destinations prove that India isn't just about tropical heat – it's home to some of the world's most extreme cold weather conditions.
Planning a visit to any of these places promises unforgettable memories and a true appreciation for India's climatic diversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the coldest place in India?
Drass in Jammu and Kashmir is considered the coldest place in India, with winter temperatures dropping as low as -45°C. This small town in the Kargil district experiences extreme cold conditions.
Which is the most coldest place in India?
Siachen Glacier holds the record as the most coldest place in India, with temperatures plummeting to around -60°C. However, it's not accessible to tourists due to military operations.
Which is the coldest place in India right now?
The current coldest places to visit in winter in India vary by season, but Drass typically maintains extremely low temperatures throughout winter, making it consistently one of the coldest inhabited places in India.
What is the lowest temperature in India ever recorded?
The lowest temperature in India was recorded at Drass, reaching approximately -60°C. Siachen Glacier also experiences similar extreme cold conditions, making these locations India's temperature extremes.