Winter is here! 5 places in India that are witnessing snowfall right now

Winter’s arrived early in some of the places this year, while the mountains have already pulled out their white coats. As October unfolds, several of India's picturesque hill stations have reported early snowfall, and have transformed into enchanting winter wonderlands. So, here's a curated list of five hill stations where it's snowing right now, along with travel tips and essential information.

Gulmarg, often referred to as the "Meadow of Flowers," has recently witnessed its first snowfall of the season, marking an early onset of winter in the Western Himalayas. The snow has blanketed the landscape, delighting tourists and snow enthusiasts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecasted the first snowfall of the season in the higher reaches October 5 to 7, 2025, attributing it to an active western disturbance impacting the region. Travel tip: Ensure to check road conditions before traveling, as snowfall can lead to temporary road closures.

Manali, a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, has been experiencing heavy snowfall for the third consecutive day, significantly impacting daily life. The entire Lahaul Spiti district, including areas like Sissu, Keylong, and Jispa, received over a foot of snow, leading to the continued blockage of roads such as the Manali-Leh highway. Travel Tip: Road conditions may be challenging; it's advisable to use 4x4 vehicles and stay updated on weather forecasts.

High on the Indo-China border in East Sikkim, Nathula Pass reportedly witnessed its first snowfall of the season on October 5, 2025, blanketing the pass region in white. The early snow has lit up images across social media and local news, marking the onset of winter in these high-altitude terrains.

On October 6, 2025, Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand received its first snowfall of the season, blanketing the surrounding high ridges and valleys in snow and signaling the arrival of winter. The best time to visit this place is from October to February. Travel tip: Due to the high altitude, visitors should be prepared for cold temperatures and potential altitude sickness.

As predicted by the IMD Dehradun, Hemkund Sahib and Kedarnath Dham witnessed the season’s first snowfall this afternoon, bringing the higher reaches of Uttarakhand under a white blanket. The sudden change followed increased rainfall in Dehradun and surrounding plains, intensifying the cold. Snowfall was also reported in Yamunotri valley, with light drizzle in lower areas. Pilgrims at Hemkund and Kedarnath rejoiced in the fresh snow, even as helicopter services were suspended and administration arranged bonfires to keep visitors warm.