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Top 10 coldest places in India

Explore India's coldest destinations with our ultimate guide to the top 10 coldest places, revealing icy landscapes and winter wonders.
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Top 10 coldest places in India
When we think of cold places, we might picture snowy mountains or icy tundras, but there are many regions around the world that experience some of the coldest temperatures on earth. 
From the Arctic Circle to the high altitudes of the Andes, these places can be both beautiful and challenging to live in.  
 
Similarly India may be known for its warm and sunny climate, but did you know that it also has some of the coldest places in the world? Brace yourself for some shivers as we dive into the coldest temperature ever recorded in India. The northern part of India is the coldest part of India and some places feel bone chilling cold even though the coldest temperature in India goes below - 45 degrees. 
 
Here is a list of the top 10 coldest places in India with their respective temperatures:
 
  1. Dras Valley, Jammu and Kashmir - 45 degrees
  2. Siachen Glacier, Ladakh -50 degrees
  3. Sela Pass, Tawang -15 degrees
  4. Lachen and Thangu Valley, North Sikkim -10 degrees
  5. Leh Ladakh -35 degrees
  6. Munisiyari, Uttarakhand -10 degrees
  7. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh -30 degrees
  8. Sonmarg, Jammu & Kashmir -6 degrees
  9. Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir -30 degrees
  10. Rohtang Pass, Manali     -5 degrees
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Kargil Tour Packages

1. Dras Valley 

Dras Valley, situated in the Kargil district of Ladakh, is known as the coldest place in India. The valley lies at an altitude of 10,990 feet above sea level and is surrounded by the majestic Himalayan Mountains. It is located approximately 60 kilometers away from Kargil and is known for its stunning landscapes, beautiful rivers, and mesmerizing views.
The Dras Valley is known for its extreme temperatures and during the winter season, it experiences heavy snowfall, with temperatures dropping to as low as -45°C. The valley is covered in a thick blanket of snow for most of the year, making it an ideal location for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
 
The Dras Valley is home to a number of small villages and settlements, where people still follow traditional ways of life. 
The valley is also famous for its trekking routes, which attract adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. The popular trekking routes in the region include the Amarnath Yatra, which takes place during the months of July and August, and the Trek to Suru Valley, which is known for its stunning views of the mountains and the beautiful landscape.
 
Best time to visit: The best period for visiting Dras Valley in Ladakh, India is from June to September. During this time, temperatures hover around a pleasant 15°C, providing an ideal climate for sightseeing and exploration.
1. Dras Valley View Gallery - 11

Places to visit in Ladakh

Bactarian Camel Safari Nubra Valley
Bactarian Camel Safari Nubra Valley
Chemrey Monastery
Chemrey Monastery
Diskit Monastery Lachung Temple And Hundur Monastery
Diskit Monastery Lachung Temple And Hundur Monastery
Gol Market
Gol Market
Gotsang Gompa Hemis
Gotsang Gompa Hemis
Hall Of Fame Museum
Hall Of Fame Museum
Handicrafts Industrial Cooperative Shop
Handicrafts Industrial Cooperative Shop
Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary Hemis
Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary Hemis
Hemis Monastery
Hemis Monastery
Kargil
Kargil
Khardung La Pass
Khardung La Pass
Lamayuru Monastery Lamayuru
Lamayuru Monastery Lamayuru
Lamayuru Town
Lamayuru Town
Leh Palace
Leh Palace
Likir Monastery
Likir Monastery
Magnetic Hill
Magnetic Hill
Maitreya Buddha Nubra Valley
Maitreya Buddha Nubra Valley
Moonland Lamayuru
Moonland Lamayuru
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley
Panamik Village Nubra Valley
Panamik Village Nubra Valley
Pangong Lake
Pangong Lake
Phuktal Monastery Zanskar
Phuktal Monastery Zanskar
Samstanling Monastery Nubra Valley
Samstanling Monastery Nubra Valley
Sankar Gompa
Sankar Gompa
Shang Gompa Hemis
Shang Gompa Hemis
Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa
Spituk Monastery
Spituk Monastery
Stakna Gompa Hemis
Stakna Gompa Hemis
Stok Palace
Stok Palace
Trekking
Trekking
Tso Moriri Lake
Tso Moriri Lake
Wamda Wood Carving
Wamda Wood Carving
Wanla Gompa Lamayuru
Wanla Gompa Lamayuru
White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting
Yarab Tso Sumur
Yarab Tso Sumur
Ladakh Tour Packages

2. Siachen Glacier

Siachen Glacier, located in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, is known as the second coldest place in India after Dras Valley. It is the world's highest battlefield, situated at an altitude of approximately 20,000 feet above sea level.
 
The glacier is around 76 km long and is surrounded by some of the tallest peaks in the world.
Siachen Glacier is a remote and inhospitable place, which can only be accessed by air. It is the largest glacier in the Karakoram range and is a part of the Himalayas.
The temperature at Siachen Glacier drops to as low as -50°C during the winter months, making it one of the coldest places in the world. 
The Siachen Glacier is of strategic importance for India, and the Indian Army has a permanent presence there.

Despite the challenging conditions, the Siachen Glacier is a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts and trekkers. The trek to Siachen Glacier is a challenging and arduous one and requires prior experience and physical fitness.
The trek passes through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region, including snow-capped peaks, frozen lakes, and majestic glaciers.
 
Best time to visit: May to September marks the prime season for visiting Siachen Glacier Base Camp, offering more stable weather conditions and warmer temperatures.
2. Siachen GlacierView Gallery - 11

Places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir

Amarnath
Amarnath
Anantnag
Anantnag
Gulmarg
Gulmarg
Khilanmarg
Khilanmarg
Pahalgam
Pahalgam
Patnitop
Patnitop
Pulwama
Pulwama
Srinagar
Srinagar
Kargil
Kargil
Kashmir
Kashmir
Shankaracharya Temple
Shankaracharya Temple
The Hazratbal Mosque
The Hazratbal Mosque
Doodhpathri
Doodhpathri
Sonmarg
Sonmarg
Kokernag
Kokernag
Yusmarg
Yusmarg
Gurez Valley
Gurez Valley
Jammu and Kashmir Tour Packages

3. Sela Pass

Sela Pass, located in Tawang district in Arunachal Pradesh, is known as the third coldest place in India after Dras Valley and Siachen Glacier. The pass is situated at an altitude of around 13,700 feet above sea level and is a popular destination for tourists and adventure enthusiasts.
The Sela Pass is a gateway to Tawang, a popular tourist destination in Arunachal Pradesh. It is surrounded by the Eastern Himalayas and offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and lush green valleys. The pass is also home to a number of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, including the Himalayan black bear, red panda, and musk deer.

The pass is also prone to landslides and avalanches, which can make the journey even more challenging. The temperature goes down to -15 degree. 

The pass is known for its trekking routes, which attract trekkers from all over the world. The trek to Tawang via the Sela Pass is a popular route and passes through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region.
 
Best time to visit: Best time for visiting, Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh shines during October to November, along with March, April, and May. These months promise less risk of snow blockage and boast pleasant weather conditions.
3. Sela PassView Gallery - 11

Places to visit in Tawang

Bap Teng Kang
Bap Teng Kang
Gorichen Peak
Gorichen Peak
Jaswant Garh
Jaswant Garh
Pt Tso Lake
Pt Tso Lake
Sela Pass
Sela Pass
Shungatser Lake Alias Madhuri Lake
Shungatser Lake Alias Madhuri Lake
Tawang Monastery
Tawang Monastery
Tawang War Memorial
Tawang War Memorial
Tawang Tour Packages

4. Lachen and Thangu Valley

Lachen and Thangu Valley, located in North Sikkim, are known as the coldest places in India. These remote valleys are situated at an altitude of around 13,000 feet above sea level and are known for their extreme weather conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as -40°C during the winter months.
 
The valleys are surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offer stunning views of glaciers, frozen lakes, and alpine meadows. They are a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, who come here to experience the breathtaking beauty of the region.
 
Best time to visit: For an ideal journey, plan your visit between May and June when the entire valley blooms with vibrant alpine flowers, creating a picturesque landscape.
4. Lachen and Thangu ValleyView Gallery - 11

Places to visit in Sikkim

Lachen
Lachen
Gangtok
Gangtok
Pelling
Pelling
Namchi
Namchi
Gyalshing
Gyalshing
Yumthang Valley
Yumthang Valley
Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake
Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery
Zuluk
Zuluk
Padamchen
Lungthung
Sikkim Tour Packages

5. Leh Ladakh

Leh Ladakh, located in the northernmost region of India in Jammu and Kashmir, is known as one of the coldest places in India. It is situated at an altitude of around 11,000 feet above sea level and experiences extreme weather conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as -30°C during the winter months.  Leh Ladakh is known for its stunning landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and high-altitude deserts and Buddhist monasteries. 

Leh is the administrative center of the Leh district while Ladakh is the larger region including the neighboring Kargil district. Leh Ladakh is one of the most sparsely populated regions in the world and is known for its alpine scenery and Buddhist culture. Leh Ladak is one of the sought after tourists destinations in India. 
 
Best time to visit: The best time to explore Leh Ladakh is  the period between April and June for a fulfilling experience.

 
5. Leh LadakhView Gallery - 11

Places to visit in Ladakh

Bactarian Camel Safari Nubra Valley
Bactarian Camel Safari Nubra Valley
Chemrey Monastery
Chemrey Monastery
Diskit Monastery Lachung Temple And Hundur Monastery
Diskit Monastery Lachung Temple And Hundur Monastery
Gol Market
Gol Market
Gotsang Gompa Hemis
Gotsang Gompa Hemis
Hall Of Fame Museum
Hall Of Fame Museum
Handicrafts Industrial Cooperative Shop
Handicrafts Industrial Cooperative Shop
Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary Hemis
Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary Hemis
Hemis Monastery
Hemis Monastery
Kargil
Kargil
Khardung La Pass
Khardung La Pass
Lamayuru Monastery Lamayuru
Lamayuru Monastery Lamayuru
Lamayuru Town
Lamayuru Town
Leh Palace
Leh Palace
Likir Monastery
Likir Monastery
Magnetic Hill
Magnetic Hill
Maitreya Buddha Nubra Valley
Maitreya Buddha Nubra Valley
Moonland Lamayuru
Moonland Lamayuru
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley
Panamik Village Nubra Valley
Panamik Village Nubra Valley
Pangong Lake
Pangong Lake
Phuktal Monastery Zanskar
Phuktal Monastery Zanskar
Samstanling Monastery Nubra Valley
Samstanling Monastery Nubra Valley
Sankar Gompa
Sankar Gompa
Shang Gompa Hemis
Shang Gompa Hemis
Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa
Spituk Monastery
Spituk Monastery
Stakna Gompa Hemis
Stakna Gompa Hemis
Stok Palace
Stok Palace
Trekking
Trekking
Tso Moriri Lake
Tso Moriri Lake
Wamda Wood Carving
Wamda Wood Carving
Wanla Gompa Lamayuru
Wanla Gompa Lamayuru
White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting
Yarab Tso Sumur
Yarab Tso Sumur
Ladakh Tour Packages

6. Munsiyari

Munsiyari, located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, is known as one of the coldest places in India. It is situated at an altitude of around 7,200 feet above sea level and experiences extreme weather conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as -15°C during the winter months.
 
Munsiyari is a popular tourist destination. The town is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains. The views from here are simply stunning. The area is also home to a number of temples and shrines.
The locals here are warm and hospitable.
They are used to the harsh weather conditions and are always happy to help tourists. Munsiyari is a great place to visit in winter. The cold weather and stunning views are sure to take your breath away.

Best time to visit: Ideal for visiting Munsiyari in Uttarakhand, is March to June and mid-September to October, featuring pleasant days around 25–30°C and cool nights, perfect for mountain treks.
6. MunsiyariView Gallery - 11

Places to visit in Uttarakhand

Almora
Almora
Auli
Auli
Badrinath
Badrinath
Bageshwar
Bageshwar
Bhowali
Bhowali
Binsar
Binsar
Chamba
Chamba
Chaukori
Chaukori
Chopta
Chopta
Dehradun
Dehradun
Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti
Gangotri
Gangotri
Haridwar
Haridwar
Kanatal
Kanatal
Kausani
Kausani
Kedarnath
Kedarnath
Lansdowne
Lansdowne
Munsiyari
Munsiyari
Mussoorie
Mussoorie
Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh
Ranikhet
Ranikhet
Rishikesh
Rishikesh
Uttarkashi
Uttarkashi
Yamunotri
Yamunotri
Nainital
Nainital
Dharchula
Dharchula
Joshimath
Sonprayag
Sonprayag
Mukteshwar
Nainital
Ramnagar
Ramnagar
Uttarakhand Tour Packages

7. Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley located in the north-eastern region of Himachal Pradesh is one of the coldest places in India. The valley is sandwiched between the picturesque Himalayas and the barren Trans-Himalayas. The average temperature in the valley during winter is minus 5 degrees Celsius and during winter it goes below - 30 degree.
 
Spiti Valley is known for its stark landscapes, including high-altitude deserts, snow-capped peaks, and deep gorges. It is a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, who come here to experience the unique beauty of the region.
 
Due to its cold climate, Spiti Valley is also known as the 'Little Tibet'. The valley is home to a number of Tibetan monasteries and villages. The Spiti River, which flows through the valley, is the source of water for the locals.
 
Despite the cold climate, the people of Spiti Valley are warm and hospitable. They are known for their simple lifestyle and love for nature.
 
Best time to visit:Best time to visit Spiti Valley is from March to June, boasting pleasant and cool weather, with temperatures ranging from 0 to 15°C.
7. Spiti ValleyView Gallery - 11

Places to visit in Spiti Valley

Roghi Village
Spiti Valley Tour Packages

8. Sonmarg

Sonmarg, located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu & Kashmir, is known as one of the coldest places in India. It is situated at an altitude of around 9,000 feet above sea level and experiences extreme weather conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as -6°C during the winter months.
 
Sonmarg, the picturesque hill station in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, is also one of the coldest places in Jammu and Kashmir. The mercury often dips below the freezing point, making it a cold and inhospitable place to live in. However, this has not deterred people from flocking to Sonmarg to enjoy its natural beauty.
 
Despite the cold weather, Sonmarg is a popular tourist destination. Tourists visit the place to enjoy its snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes and apple orchards. Sonamarg is also known for its trekking routes, which offer some of the most breathtaking views in India.
 
The locals in Sonmarg have devised various ways to keep warm during winter. They use bonfires to keep warm, and keep their houses well-insulated to keep the cold out. 

Best time to visit: Late April to early June and September to October offer the best times to visit Sonmarg in Jammu and Kashmir.
 
8. SonmargView Gallery - 11

Places to visit in Sonmarg

Nilagrad River
Sonmarg Tour Packages

9. Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir

The place known for its serene beauty and picturesque landscape, Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir turns out to be the coldest place in India during winter. With the minimum temperature recorded at -19 degrees Celsius. Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most northern states in India and experiences extreme cold conditions during winters.
 
Tourists and locals usually flock to the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar to enjoy the winter sun and take a break from the chilly weather. However, this winter the cold has been particularly harsh with the minimum temperature dropping to as low as -19 degrees Celsius.
 
Despite the harsh weather conditions, Jammu and Kashmir is a popular tourist destination in winter. Tourists from all over the world visit the state to enjoy the snow-capped mountains and the serene landscape. Explore Kashmir tour packages to visit this coldest place of India. 
 
Best time to visit:The best time for visiting Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir, is from May to November, offering pleasant weather. During the summer months (May–August), it's perfect for exploring the Mughal Gardens and enjoying leisurely shikara rides.
 
9. Srinagar, Jammu & KashmirView Gallery - 11

Places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir

Amarnath
Amarnath
Anantnag
Anantnag
Gulmarg
Gulmarg
Khilanmarg
Khilanmarg
Pahalgam
Pahalgam
Patnitop
Patnitop
Pulwama
Pulwama
Srinagar
Srinagar
Kargil
Kargil
Kashmir
Kashmir
Shankaracharya Temple
Shankaracharya Temple
The Hazratbal Mosque
The Hazratbal Mosque
Doodhpathri
Doodhpathri
Sonmarg
Sonmarg
Kokernag
Kokernag
Yusmarg
Yusmarg
Gurez Valley
Gurez Valley
Jammu and Kashmir Tour Packages

10 . Rohtang Pass, Manali 

Rohtang Pass is located in the Pir Panjal Range in the Manali district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a high mountain pass connecting the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys in the state of Himachal Pradesh. At an altitude of 4,111 metres (13,500 ft), it is one of the highest mountain passes in India. The pass is open from May to November each year. People need to visit Rohtang from Manali. 
 
Rohtang Pass is one of the coldest places in India. The temperature here often falls below the freezing point. The average temperature in winter is −5 °Celsius. The temperature can drop to as low as −20 °C. The pass is covered with snow for most of the year.
The Rohtang Pass is an important tourist destination. It offers beautiful views of the mountains and the valleys. The pass is also known for its snow sports. Skiing, snowboarding and sledding are popular here.

Best time to visit: May to October marks the ideal time to explore Rohtang Pass in Manali, India.
10 . Rohtang Pass, Manali View Gallery - 11

Places to visit in Manali

Adventure Activities
Adventure Activities
Beas Kund
Beas Kund
Bhuntar
Bhuntar
Chandrakhani Pass And The Parvati Valley
Chandrakhani Pass And The Parvati Valley
Gayatri Temple
Gayatri Temple
Hadimba Temple
Hadimba Temple
Kullu
Kullu
Malana
Malana
Manali Sanctuary
Manali Sanctuary
Manikaran
Manikaran
Manu Temple
Manu Temple
Naggar
Naggar
Nehru Kund
Nehru Kund
Old Manali
Old Manali
Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass
Solang Valley
Solang Valley
The Great Himalayan National Park
The Great Himalayan National Park
Van Vihar
Van Vihar
Vashisht Baths
Vashisht Baths
Manali Tour Packages
Tripclap Story Author

Debalina Deb Roy

A seasoned travel writer with a passion for exploring off beat destinations and uncovering the hidden gems. My ultimate goal is to inspire people to step out of their comfort zones and explore the world.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What are some of the coldest places in India?

Some of the coldest places in India include Dras in Jammu and Kashmir, Leh in Ladakh, and Keylong in Himachal Pradesh.

2. When is the best time to visit these cold destinations?

The best time to visit these cold places is usually during the summer months, from May to September, when the weather is milder and more suitable for travel.

3.  What are the average temperatures in these cold destinations?

The average temperatures in these cold places can vary significantly depending on the season. During the winter months, temperatures can plummet below freezing, while in the summer, they can range from cool to mild.

4. Are there any specific activities to do in these cold destinations?

Yes, these cold destinations offer a range of activities such as trekking, skiing, snowboarding (in winter), exploring monasteries and cultural sites, and enjoying the breathtaking natural landscapes.

5. How should I prepare for a trip to these cold places?

It's essential to pack appropriate clothing such as heavy jackets, thermal wear, gloves, and hats, especially if you're traveling during the winter months. Additionally, ensure you have sturdy footwear and carry essentials like sunscreen, lip balm, and hydration packs.
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