Top 5 Himalayan destinations to find snow in summer

Summer is at its peak, it is time to climb up the mountains for some respite.

Yes, the snow is melting in many parts of the Himalayas around this time. But the ones mentioned below still enjoy snow and beckon you to join the fun!

This alluring valley in North Sikkim is located at 3,564 meters altitude. It sometimes called the Valley of flowers as there are 24 species of the Rhododendron blooming, of which Shingba Rhododendron is the state flower of Sikkim.

There is snow all the year round; perfect for clicking those bewitching Insta pics.

Activities

One can visit the following unique places in this valley…

Lalchung, the last place of civilization.
Zuluk is the silk route in this state with lots of snow.
The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is a popular tourist attraction and a favorite go to place for Botanists
The Zero point at Yumthang valley is a place where 3 rivers meet

How to reach

By Air

Pakyong airport in Gangtok is the nearest airport. The distance between the valley and Gangtok is 120 kms.

By Rail

This valley is 148kms away from Siliguri. So you can take a train to both Siliguri and Gangtok and travel by road from there to Yumthang. Rail heads of Gangtok and Siliguri connected to major cities such as Kolkata and New Delhi.

By Road

Road Transportation is available from Gangtok. The roads however are treacherous due to weather conditions. If you are self driving please note the weather conditions before attempting.

2. Drass

Drass is gateway to Ladakh at a height of 10990 feet. This valley is coldest place in India and probably the second coldest place in the world at -45 degrees in winter. In summer while lower regions are turning green, the higher regions are still covered in snow.

This land is of significance for trekkers and hikers. Travelers spend a night enroute to Kargil. Drass also is a place to view the grandeur of Tloling, Mushki valley and Tiger hill.

Activities

Goashan is a picnic spot. It is also has a horse polo ground and you can watch exhibition matches arranged for tourists in summer.
You can also visit some religious sites such as Drupati Kund, Bhembat, Stagsboo Drass, Ningoor Masjid.

How to reach

Srinagar Airport is the nearest airport.

By Train

Nearest rail head is Jammu Tawai about 470 kms away from Kargil

By Road

Drass 180kms from Srinagar and 60 kms from Kargil by road

3. Gulmarg

This place is an all-round-year destination that features high on the summer tourists bucket list as well.

Gulmarg means a Meadow of flowers and it really is one filled with colorful daises, buttercups and forget-me-nots in summer months.

White with snow at 9000 feet above sea level, this land is also called Switzerland of India. Its deep ravines and forested hills are a sight not to miss

Activities

Check your Skiing skills at Apharwat peak at the beginners level at 7000 feet or 10000 feet or higher depending on your expertise in this area
Hole in one at the highest golf course in the world at elevation of 2650 metres. This course lies under a fat layer of snow in winter but is open between April and November for Public.
Take a trip in the Gondola, the highest cable car in the world, and get amazing views of the mountains up from the top.
Heliskiing is a popular activity here.
Visit Sonmarg, “the Meadow of Gold” a place near Gulmarg for some fun picnics, river rafting and treks to nearby lakes, valleys and glaciers.

How to Reach
By Air
Nearest Srinagar airport – 56 kms from Gulmarg
By Rail
Nearest rail head is Jammu some 290 kms away
By Road
Many private cabs are available from Srinagar to this scenic place

4. Rohtang pass

Rohtang Pass is at an altitude of 3979 kms. It is located some 53 kms from Manali and connects the Kullu valley to Lahaul and Spiti Valley.

This pass offers glimpses of enthralling glaciers and peaks in Lahaul valley. It also gives access to the cold desert, Ladakh. The twin Geypan peaks are visible from here. Rohtang pass is also a watershed between rivers Beas and Chenab

The pass is open in peak summer between June to October.

There are no lodging options in the pass. You can probably put up a tent along the roadside, otherwise get back to Manali. Tour operators like Kashti adventures could take care of your tour plan, food and and lodgings in Manali.

Do note

that the pass is a busy place and delays are common here.
you need a permit to reach here. This place is closed for tourists on Tuesdays.

Here are some fun activities to do on your visit

Volunteers are taken to the snowy peak in helicopter and are dropped at a certain location for some time of fun in snow. Pick up is after the duration is done

Sledge slide

Children, especially, love this activity and they can race down slopes in a sledge at certain safe points in the pass

2. Skiing

Skiing is most popular adventure sport here. There are professionals employed to oversee operations. Enjoy the scenery around with backdrop of Himalayas right in the middle of hot summer months of the continent You could enjoy up to 3 hours of skiing at the pass.

National level ski competitions are also held by the travel and tourism department..

3. Ice climbing

This adventure is also undertaken by few taking all necessary precautions.

4. Horse riding

This activity is also popular here.

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport is in Bhuntar which is 104 kms away from the pass..

By Rail

Nearest railhead is Jogindernagar which is 4 hours away from Manali

By Road

The Himachal Road transport buses start from Manali and go through Rohtang pass to Leh. Private operators also run deluxe coaches here.

5. Khardungla Pass, Leh

Khardungla pass is situated at an altitude of 18380 feet. It is also called the “Pass of Lower Castle” It is 40 kms from Leh and a gateway to Nubra and Shylok valleys.

The Pass is full of adventurous bikers testing their driving skills on one of the most difficult and the second highest motorable road in the country.

Activities at Khardungla Pass

Biking on the second highest motorable road in the world
Clicking pics to show off the adventurous side of your personality
Visiting places of interest nearby such as 1. Leh Palace,
Stok Palace Museum – displaying Chinese Thangaks paintings and crowns, dresses and jeweler pieces of royalty of the region
Jama Masjid
Spituk Monastery inhabited by 100 monks and houses a collection of ancient arms, masks and other icons

How to Reach

By Air

The Leh is the nearest airport to this pass.

By Rail

Nearest rail head is Jammu Tawai

By Road

Take buses going from Leh to Nubra passing through Khardungla Pass

Other places that you can enjoy snow in summer are

Solang valley in Himachal Pradesh for adventure sports including paragliding, ropeway, quad biking, skiing, zorbing, snowmobiling and more. You can even take a ride on a Himalayan yak
Pahalgam is sometimes called valley of Shepherds. It is the starting point of annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath, the sacred place of Hindus. The Liddar valley that has 37 glaciers is located at a higher ground in Pahalgam.
Gulaba view point lies on the Manali- Leh highway about 14 kms from Manali Bus stand. This again a place for paragliding, trekking and other activities.
Shimla is a summer destination even during the British Raj. This place now is the official retreat building for the President of India.