Five Indian Destinations Battling Sub-Zero Temperatures This Winter Season
Winter's icy grip has tightened across the majestic Himalayan ranges, with numerous popular destinations in North India currently recording temperatures far below freezing point. From picturesque hill stations to remote high-altitude cold deserts, these regions are experiencing frosty mornings, snow-covered landscapes, and challenging living conditions as cold waves intensify across the mountainous terrain.
Manali: Experiencing Biting Cold at −4°C
Manali has been enduring particularly harsh winter conditions with temperatures plummeting to approximately −4 degrees Celsius. Recent snowfall has transformed the town and surrounding areas into winter wonderlands while creating hazardous travel conditions. Icy roads and freezing nights have become commonplace, with higher elevations remaining blanketed in snow. The chilly weather and persistent snowfall have significantly disrupted traffic flow and made travel particularly challenging for both residents and visitors alike.
Kalpa: Among Himachal Pradesh's Coldest at −10°C
Kalpa stands out as one of the coldest inhabited locations in Himachal Pradesh this winter season, with temperatures dropping to nearly −10 degrees Celsius. Situated in the Kinnaur region, this destination faces extreme winter conditions due to its high altitude and proximity to the greater Himalayan ranges. The severe cold has resulted in frozen water pipes, apple orchards covered in heavy frost, and rooftops glistening with icy formations that highlight the intensity of the winter experience in this remote area.
Leh: Shivering Through Winter at −4°C
Leh continues to experience biting cold throughout the winter months, with minimum temperatures falling to −4 degrees Celsius. The region typically endures prolonged cold waves that significantly impact daily life and disrupt road connectivity to surrounding areas. Most access roads remain closed as snow clearing operations continue, creating travel disruptions while residents adapt to the challenging winter conditions that define life in this high-altitude desert region.
Spiti Valley: Deep in Winter's Grasp at −8°C
Spiti Valley remains firmly in winter's embrace, with temperatures hovering around −8 degrees Celsius. This cold desert region experiences severe winters annually when heavy snowfall isolates villages and transforms rivers and streams into ice-bound waterways. During peak winter periods, large sections of Spiti Valley become inaccessible for weeks at a time, creating logistical challenges while showcasing nature's formidable power in this remote Himalayan landscape.
Gulmarg: Ski Destination Chills at −2°C
Gulmarg has also been recording sub-zero temperatures, recently registering a minimum of approximately −2 degrees Celsius. The renowned ski destination has seen temperatures plunge steadily, with continuous snowfall blanketing its famous ski runs and pastures in thick layers of pristine white snow. Both tourism activities and daily life in the area have been significantly impacted by the persistent cold, though the conditions create ideal scenarios for winter sports enthusiasts seeking authentic Himalayan experiences.
These five destinations collectively highlight the severity of winter conditions across India's Himalayan belt, where freezing temperatures represent a routine aspect of life during the coldest months of the year. While the brutal cold presents challenges for infrastructure, travel, and daily living, it simultaneously transforms these regions into breathtaking winter landscapes of unparalleled beauty and serenity.
