India is known for its unique diversity and rich tradition. The climatic condition of this diverse land is also compelling. While some regions have the unbearable heat of 50 degree Celsius, other zones experience the bone-chilling cold breeze. The exotic land comes with endless options for the travellers, but there are also places of spine-shivering cold. Here is a glance at top 10 coldest places in India,
Coldest Places In India
1. DRAS
The gateway to Ladakh is no less than a paradise on Earth. Situated at 10,990 feet above sea level, Dras is the second coldest inhabited place in the world. Here winter is not just confined to three months. The snow-capped mountains shining under the bright sunlight seems like a flawless piece of poetry penned by Earth. The beautiful valleys and wildflowers in Dras, makes one believe that it is truly crafted by God. But it takes immense courage to survive at an average temperature as low as -45 degree Celsius in winter. As winter arrives, the rivers and the valleys freeze. Frequent snow storms make it more dangerous for the inhabitants. In 1995, the temperature dropped down to an alarming temperature of -60 degree Celsius. Also, read about things to do in Kashmir.
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2. LEH
The Mountains in Leh are crowned with snow in winter. The valleys and Buddhist monasteries fill the atmosphere with serenity. The Leh-Ladakh trip is in every traveller’s bucket list. But this highest altitude plateau region experience extreme cold throughout the year Tourists are allowed to visit only during June to September as rest months of the year witnessed heavy snowfall. The temperature in winter falls down to -42 degree Celcius and in summer days it is 7 degree Celsius in an average. Also, read about fascinating facts about India you probably didn’t know.
Related: Top 10 Most Amazing Temples in India
3. KARGIL
Kargil city in the Kargil district of Ladakh region is known for the unforgettable Kargil War fought between India and Pakistan 18 years back. Located at 8,780 feet above the sea level, it is the second largest town of Ladakh. While the average temperature in Kargil is 8 degrees Celsius, winter is hard to survive with the temperature lower than -40 degree Celsius. The Kargil War memorial stands as an epitome of patriotism and bravery. Kargil is also an abode for adventure lovers. Sani, Rangdum, Zongkhul etcetra are major attractions. It is one of the most beautiful and coldest places in India.
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4. SRINAGAR
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir is a major tourist attraction Of India. The picturesque Srinagar’s temperature falls to -2 degrees Celsius at night and its jewel “Dal Lake” even freezes. Roads often get blocked. But the atmosphere becomes more scenic in the winter season. Kashmiris welcome the tourists with Harisa and Kahwa. Though the chills of winter breeze make it difficult to visit Srinagar, nearly six lakhs migratory birds from different parts of the world fly to Hokersar wetland, which is 10 km away from Srinagar.You will love reading about most spectacular waterfalls in India.
5. SPITI
One of the coldest places in India has ancient monasteries dating back to 1000 years, valleys, rivers and mountains; Spiti is heaven for all the nature lovers. This place of Himachal Pradesh witnesses just 250 days of sunlight. The harsh and unpredictable weather in Spiti, demands incredible courage of the traveller and the local people too. The average temperature here is as low as -30 degree Celsius, making it tough to survive. One can reach Spiti through Shimla via the Kinnaur valley or through Manali.
6. KEYLONG
The district headquarters to Lahaul and Spiti district, Keylong is situated at an altitude of 10,000 feet. Keylong is famous for Kardhand Monastery (which is the third highest lake in India), Barachaa La Pass, Suraj Tal and Pin Valley National part among other beautiful places. The average temperature in summer is 25 degree Celsius, making it feasible to travel. But during October end to mid-May, heavy snowfall at Rohtang Pass makes it impossible to visit Keylong. Depending on the traffic, it takes from 4 hours to 10 hours to reach Keylong from Manali. We have also listed best tourist places in India.
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7. MUNSIYARI
A popular base camp four mountaineers and glacier trekkers, Munsiyari is located at 7,200 feet above the sea level in the Kumaan Himalayas in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. The Gori river basin in Munsiyari is home to numerous rare, endemic and endangered bird species. This trekking site is covered with greenery, but as winter approaches even the smallest leaf gets covered with snowflakes. The temperature falls down to minus from November to February. One can expect to see snowfall from late December to Early February.
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8. SELA PASS
The sacred site of Tibetan Buddhism, Sela Pass is located in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. At 13,700 feet above the sea level, Sela Pass remains partially snow-covered throughout the year, but the rough weather in winter cuts it off from the outside world as the temperature falls down to -10 degree Celsius and even the Sela lake freezes. The legend of Jaswant Singh and Sela narrates the tale of love and war. The region has scarce vegetation due to its climatic condition.
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9. GANGTOK
Established as a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the 1540s, Gangtok is the heart of the Himalayas and the capital of Sikkim. It is located in the Sivalik Hills of the eastern Himalayan Range. With multiple monasteries, majestic lakes and small villages, Gangtok is a hub of different cultures and tradition. Rumtek monastery of Gangtok is one of the oldest Tibetian monasteries in the world. Though a major tourist attraction, this place experiences extreme cold in winter. The temperature falls down to 4 degree Celsius. Gangtok is well connected by air, rail and road.
10. MANALI
At an altitude of 6,726 feet in the Beau River Valley, Manali is a popular tourist destination in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The temperature in summer ranges from 4 degree Celsius to 15 degree Celsius but in winter, it falls down to -15 degree Celsius. Tourists enjoy hiking, mountaineering, river rafting and trekking through the snow-capped city. One famous site in Manali is the Hadimba Devi temple, dedicated to Hadimba Devi, the wife of Bhima. Manali is well connected by air, rail and bus.
Now, please share in comments how many of these coldest places in India you have visited?
