List Of Top 10 Coldest Places In India | Don’t Miss the Hidden Gem at Number 10!

India, a tropical region known for its diverse climatic conditions, is home to places with extreme conditions. 

While we think that there could be no other place colder than where we are at this moment, there are regions across the country where the temperature can dip lowest to minus 60 degrees Celsius. Regions like Dras and Leh Ladakh are known as the coldest regions of India and remain cold even during the summers.

To find out more about these chilling places, have a look at the top 10 coldest places in India. 

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List of Coldest Places in India

1) Siachen Glacier, Ladakh

Source: The Hindu

The coldest place in the entire world in a non-polar region and located in the northern Karakoram range, Siachen Glacier is the coldest place in India and is located at an altitude of 5,753 meters. 

As a result, the temperature of the region may dip as low as -50 °C in January.  During summers, the temperature remains around -10°C. 

A part of the disputed territory between India and Pakistan, the region is one of the most hostile places in the world. While only army personnel can be seen at this place, they are provided with special clothing and equipment to withstand extremely cold conditions.

Due to the harsh climatic conditions such as heavy snowfall, snowstorms, and avalanches, thousands of military personnel from both countries have died here.

2) Dras Valley, Jammu and Kashmir

Source: Flickr

Titled the coldest place in India and the second coldest inhabited place in the country, Dras is located at Kargil town in Ladakh. Located at an altitude of 3280 meters above sea level, it is also known as the 'Gateway to Ladakh.

The region also serves as the trekking base for the pilgrims travelling to visit Amarnath Cave and Sialkot. 

With its scenic landscapes, ridges, snowy mountains, and bone-chilling cold, this region is home to the Dras War Memorial, which was built in memory of Kargil war martyrs at Dras.

3) Leh Ladakh, Ladakh

Source: SkyHike

The famous Union territory of India Leh Ladakh falls in the northernmost part of India, close to the Himalayan mountain ranges. At an altitude of 6000 meters above sea level, the region makes it one of the coldest places in India. The temperature here varies from -12°C centigrade to minus 2°C. 

The town of Leh, located in Ladakh, is blessed with unique landscapes and various natural attractions. Home to Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and stupas and mesmerising locations, the place is hostile during winter due to heavy snowfall and temperatures dipping as low as minus 35°C.

4) Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Source: Pluto Tours

The cold desert mountain Spiti Valley is located in Himachal Pradesh. The word 'spiti' stands for middle land, and as the name suggests, it is situated between India and Tibet. 

Also known as the 'little Tibet,' the climate, vegetation, and topography are similar to Tibet. The temperature of Spiti falls as low as minus 30°C in winter, while in summer the temperature rises, which makes the climate pleasant.

Located at an altitude of 2745 meters above sea level and bordered by Ladakh; on the east by Tibet; on the southeast by Kinnaur; and on the north, this region shares the border with Kullu Valley. 

Home to numerous Buddhist monasteries and scenic natural sites, this jagged landscape of the valley is cut by the Spiti River that flows through valleys and deep gorges.

5) Sela Pass, Tawang

Source: Travelsetu.com

Located between Tawang and West Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh, Sela Pass is known as the icebox of India. 

It is located at an altitude of 4170 meters and links Tawang to Tezpur and Guwahati, and the temperature in winter of this region dips as low as minus 15 °C. Covered with snow, Sela Pass provides a picturesque view of the eastern Himalayas and beautiful lakes in Tawang known as the Sela Lake. 

A sacred place for Tibetan Buddhists with 101 sacred lakes on its premises, the region has made its name as a famous travel destination.

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6) Munsiyari, Uttarakhand

Source: Jagran

One of the coldest tourist destinations in India, Munsiyari is a hill station located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.

Placed at an altitude of 2500 meters above sea level, Munsiyari usually remains dry and cold throughout the year, while the temperature falls up to minus 10 degrees centigrade in winter. Home to icy lakes and snow-covered mountains, the place is also referred to as 'Little Kashmir'. 

The place provides immense trekking trails and mesmerising views of Panchachuli peaks, which are a group of five peaks. Known as the 'Gateway to Johar Valley,' Munsiyari acts as a base for trekking to the Namlik, Ralam, and Milam glaciers and other parts of the Kumaon Himalayas.

7) Lachen and Thangu Valley, North Sikkim

Source: Taxi in Sikkim and Darjeeling

Lachen and Thangu valleys are the coldest towns in North Sikkim, India, located at an altitude of 2500 meters above sea level. The region can have a minus 10-degree temperature in winter. 

With a valley full of alpine meadows bordered by the River Teesa and wooden houses, the towns provide a picturesque view of the mountains. The weather is usually pleasant during summers, and the temperature is around 10 °C. 

The place is culturally rich, with Yak races held during the summer.

With the world's highest motorable road, iconic Magnetic Hill, the turquoise-coloured Pangong Lake, the highest passes, and more, this valley is a perfect place for tourists; however, during winter, the climate here becomes hostile and experiences heavy snowfall. 

8) Sonamarg Valley, Jammu & Kashmir

Source: Tripadvisor

Sonamarg is a popular hill destination located in the Ganderbal district in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Sonamarg stands for 'the meadow of gold' and is situated at the base of the Zoli La Pass that leads to Ladakh.

The temperature can fall as low as minus 6°C, situated at an altitude of 2800 meters from sea level. Heavy snowfall can be seen in this cold place in the winter; hence, summer is the best time to visit this place.

9) Rohtang Pass, Manali

Source: The Tribune

The high mountain pass located at the eastern end of the Pir Panjal Himalayan Range at a distance of 51 km from Manali, Rohtang Pass, also known as Rohtang La, links the Kullu with the Lahaul and Spiti valleys of Himachal Pradesh. 

'Rohtang' means 'ground of corpses' because a number of people lost their lives while crossing this pass. This place is located at an altitude of 3980 meters above sea level and provides beautiful views of the Himalayan peaks, glaciers, Lahaul valley, and the Chandra River.

10) Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir

Source: Traveleva Blogs

The tourist-famous Srinagar city, located in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, is found on the banks of the Jhelum River at an altitude of 1585 meters above sea level. In winter, its temperature reaches around minus 3°C, while snowfall is common in winter with occasional cold waves.

The region is popular for its lakes, gardens, houseboats, and food and culture, especially the beautiful Dal Lake. Referred to as 'Heaven on Earth', the place is home to Mughal-age gardens such as Shalimar Bagh, Chashm-E-Shahi, and Nishat Bagh.

Which is the coldest city in India?

The coldest city in India is Dras, located in the Kargil district of Ladakh. Often referred to as the "Gateway to Ladakh," Dras experiences extremely cold temperatures, especially during the winter months. 

Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,280 meters (10,761 feet) above sea level, Dras recorded temperatures as low as -60°C (-76°F) in 1995, making it one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth.

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