Coldest Places in India You Must Experience

Known For : Kargil War Memorial Minamarg Matayen

Dras is a lonely town in the infamous Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir, popularly known as 'The gateway to Ladakh'. Dras is the coldest place in India and often touted as second to the coldest place inhabited on Earth. Dras is a convenient staging point for treks to Amarnath, Suru valley and Sialkot. On an average during the freezing winters, the temperature can drop down to a bone-chilling -45℃.

Lowest Temperature: Lowest temperature recorded in 1995 is -60℃.

Best Time: June to September

7 Dras Attractions

Siachen Glacier, located in the eastern Karakoram range of the Himalayas, is the highest battlefield in the world. Stretching over 76 km, it is one of the coldest and most challenging regions where the Indian Army is stationed year-round. The extreme weather conditions, with heavy snowfall and strong winds, make survival and operations incredibly difficult. The glacier is a strategic military zone, contested between India and Pakistan, and remains one of the most inhospitable places on Earth. Temperatures here often plummet far below freezing, making it one of the coldest places in India.

Lowest Temperature: The lowest recorded temperature in Siachen Glacier is around -60℃.

Known For : Pangong Lake Khardung La Nubra Valley

The capital of the ancient kingdom of Ladakh, Leh is a very popular tourist destination. As much as it is rich in culture and history, it makes an ideal place to visit in summer in India where a temperature of 7°C is nothing extraordinary. Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Pangong lake and a multitude of other lakes and monasteries make Leh a must visit. The average minimum temperature in the region is between -20℃ to -15℃.

Lowest temperature: -28.3 °C.

Best Time: April - Mid-July

70 Ladakh Attractions

Known For : Key Monastery Chandratal Lake Pin Valley National Park

A valley so surreal and strangely enchanting that it is hard to believe it exists, just like any other place. Spiti means the 'Middle land' i.e. the land that lies between India and Tibet. It is famous for its rich Buddhist culture similar to what is found in Tibet and Ladakh. Kaza, which is the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti is perched at an altitude of 3,800 m on the lofty Himalayas. As much as it is known for its unique Yak momos, it is also quite popular for its monasteries, Ki and Tabo being one of them.

Lowest Temperature:  -30°C in the winter months.

Best Time: Mid May to Mid Oct

40 Spiti Attractions

Located in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, Selang is a high altitude pass which connects the Buddhist town of Tawang to Tezpur and Guwahati. It remains snow clad throughout the year making it ideal for aesthetes. Sela Pass sits high in the mighty Himalayas at a height of 4,170 m. There is also a tremendous number of lakes around it which are revered to Buddhists. Take a beautiful, spiritual journey to one of the best summer holiday destinations in India.

Lowest Temperature: -15°C in winter.

Known For : Lachen Monastery

Lachen is a scenic mountain village in North Sikkim, known for its pristine landscapes and breathtaking views. Nestled at an altitude of 2,750 meters, it serves as a base for travelers heading to the stunning Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley. The village is sparsely populated, with traditional wooden houses, monasteries, and a serene atmosphere that offers a peaceful retreat. Winters in Lachen are harsh, with heavy snowfall transforming the region into a white wonderland, making it one of the coldest places in India. The freezing temperatures and snow-covered terrain add to its charm but require travelers to be well-prepared.

Lowest Temperature: The temperature in Lachen can drop as low as -40℃ in peak winter.

Best Time: March to June and October to December

1 Lachen Attractions

Known For : Mulbekh Monastery Kargil War Memorial Kargil main street

Making news more often than not, the town of Kargil is one of the coldest places in India. It is situated along the banks of Suru river (Indus) and perched at an altitude of 2,676 m.  Closest to Kargil at distance of 15 kms from it is a historic town of ruins of castles on hillocks called Pashkum. A little further is an interesting small Buddhist village called Mulbek on the Kargil-Leh road.

Lowest Temperature: The temperature here often drops to as low as -48°C in winters.

Best Time: June to September

9 Kargil Attractions

Hemkund Sahib, also known as Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji is a Sikh pilgrimage located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The place adorned by a glacial lake is surrounded by seven snow-clad peaks, each bearing a Nishan Sahib. At an astounding altitude of 4,362 m, Hemkund Sahib attracts a great number of tourists every trekking season. It is only accessible during summer as it is totally snowbound during the winter season.

Lowest Temperature: During the coldest months, the temperatures can dip to as low as -10°C to -11°C .

Known For : Gurudongmar Lake Yumthang Valley Lachen

A district in the popular state of Sikkim, North Sikkim is home to one of the tallest peaks in the world, Kanchenjunga.  North Sikkim place is one of the coldest places in India. Thick vegetation all the way up till alpine heights before disappearing into Tundra and numerous waterfalls only make it the most picturesque place. Zero points, Yumthang valley, Lachung monastery, Crows lake and the list doesn't seem to end. Go here to make the most of your summer vacations.

Lowest Temperature: Temperature drop to as low as -40°C in the extreme winters

Best Time: April to June, October to December

15 North Sikkim Attractions

Known For : Birthi falls Maheshwari Kund Panchachuli Peak

Munsiyari, a scenic hamlet in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district, is often referred to as the "Little Kashmir" of India. Nestled at an altitude of 2,200 meters, it offers breathtaking views of the Panchachuli peaks and serves as a base for several high-altitude treks. Winters in Munsiyari are extremely harsh, with heavy snowfall transforming the region into a winter wonderland. Due to its remote location and subzero temperatures, it is among the coldest places in India. Despite the freezing conditions, its natural beauty, adventure opportunities, and serene environment attract nature lovers and trekkers.

Lowest Temperature: The temperature in Munsiyari can drop as low as -12℃ in winter.

Best Time: April to June, October to November

16 Munsiyari Attractions

Known For : Amarnath Cave Amarnath Yatra Baltal

Amarnath is as good for us peripatetics as it is for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Although it is a very cold place in India, this pilgrimage site is thronged with devotees. It is only open during the summer for 45 days when tourists are welcome to spectate the marvellous ice Lingam which is considered to be miraculous and holy. Amarnath Yatra starts from the picturesque Pahalgam.

Lowest temperature: - 20°C in winters

Best Time: May - July

4 Amarnath Attractions

Known For : Dal Lake Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden

Famously known as ‘Heaven on Earth’, Srinagar is every bit the epitome of paradise on earth. As picturesque as the most stunning painting to ever be painted, Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, lies on the banks of the Jhelum river, and has a cool, pleasant climate for most of the year, contributing to the perpetual influx of tourists visiting this city which offers a plethora of gorgeous scenic vistas.

Lowest Temperature: The lowest temperature ever recorded in Srinagar in recent years was -7.6°C.

Best Time: April to October

59 Srinagar Attractions

It's a favourite among trekkers due to its high elevations with Geyzing, Pelling and Jorethang among popular towns of this district. At an altitude of about 3,800 m, it experiences a temperate climate. Khecheoperi lake, Dubdi monastery and Rabdentse palace are among the many attractions. The minimum temperatures in the winters drop to around 0°C to -1°C in the low lying regions.

Lowest Temperature: -15°C and below.

We all have visited Manali in our summer vacation but what really deserves a visit to Rohtang Pass which connects Kullu valley with Lahaul and Spiti valley. Located at an altitude of 3,978 m and snow clad in the most picturesque way almost throughout the year. Especially since it is a tourist destination, it is widely regarded as one of the coldest places in India and it is infamous for unforeseen snowstorms and blizzards.

Lowest Temperature:  -5°C to -6°C.

Known For : Kalpa Monastery Trekking to Chaka Suicide Point

Kalpa, the main village of Kinnaur, in the Sutlej River Valley is a place to remember and cherish. Known for its many beautiful temples and monasteries, this town is also famed for its apple orchards. The majestic Kinnaur-Kailash range peeking from across the Sutlej River makes for a blissful break.

Lowest Temperature: The lowest temperature recorded in Kalpa in recent years was -15°C

Best Time: March to June; October - November

10 Kalpa Attractions

Thangu Valley, located at an altitude of around 3,962 meters in North Sikkim, is a remote and picturesque destination known for its stunning alpine meadows. The valley remains snow-covered for most of the year, making it one of the coldest places in India. It serves as a crucial acclimatization stop for travelers heading to Gurudongmar Lake and the Indo-China border. The breathtaking landscape, dotted with wooden houses and grazing yaks, transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder months. Due to its high altitude and harsh climate, only a few hardy locals reside here year-round.

Lowest Temperature: The temperature in Thangu Valley can drop to around -35℃ in winter.

Known For : Thajiwas Glacier Zoji La Vishansar Lake

Sonamarg, meaning "Meadow of Gold," is a breathtaking hill station in Jammu and Kashmir, located at an altitude of 2,730 meters. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers, it is a popular destination for trekking and adventure activities. The region remains covered in snow for most of the winter, making it one of the coldest places in India. Sonamarg serves as a gateway to the famous Zoji La Pass, connecting the Kashmir Valley to Ladakh. Its pristine beauty, alpine meadows, and gushing rivers attract tourists, especially during the summer months when the snow begins to melt.

Lowest Temperature: The temperature in Sonamarg can drop as low as -35℃ in peak winter.

Best Time: May to October

17 Sonamarg Attractions