When most of India bakes in the summer heat, some hidden Himalayan gems stay wrapped in winter’s chill. Far from the touristy chaos, these serene escapes offer crisp mountain air, quiet trails, and snow-kissed views—perfect for those craving peace, cold, and natural beauty. Let’s explore 9 such chilly Himalayan Hill Stations where summer feels like winter!
1. Kasol
Often referred to as the Amsterdam of India, Kasol is a charming hill village nestled in the scenic Parvati Valley of Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by scenic nature, Himalayan views, and crisp mountain air, Kasol remains pleasantly cool even in peak summer, making it a perfect gateway for summer vacation. Kasol is also known as “Mini Israel” due to the significant presence of Israeli people here, and hence can taste authentic Israeli foods here aside Indian dishes.
- Top Attractions: Manikaran Sahib, Parvati River, Nature Park Kasol, Tosh, Malana, Chalal Village, trekking (Kheerganga, Yanker Pass, Sar Pass, Pin Parvati Pass).
- Summer Temp/ Altitude: 0°-16°C/ 1580 m
- How to reach: Nearest airport is Bhuntar (40 km).
- Spend: 3-4 days
Munsiyari
Munsyari is a serene tribal village with a daunting view of snow covered Pachachuli Peak from almost every nook, offers delightfully cold ambience even during peak summer. Apart, the forests of pine and deodar and misty Birthi Falls are the iconic trumps of this village; nevertheless, Munsyari serves as the base for treks like Milam Glacier and Ralam Glacier which is delighting fact if you are an adventure enthuasist. If you are happy with staying options with basic facilities while enjoying the untouched natural beauty of this little hilly hamlet, it’s must be your favourite destination in this summer.
- Top Attractions : Munsiyari Tulip Garden & Eco Park, Thamri Kund, Nanda Devi Temple, Khaliya Top, Pine and deodar Forest, Birthi Falls, Choukori (97 km), Trek to Milam and Ralam Glacier.
- Summer Temp/ Altitude: 8°-22°C/ 2200 m
- How to reach: The nearest active airport is Pantnagar (249km), Nearest Railway station is Kathgodam (282 km). Take a taxi from airport/ railway Station to reach Munsiyari.
- Spend: 3-4 days
Tawang
Located in the northeastern part of India, Tawang is a picturesque hill station that stays refreshingly cool and misty even when the rest of the country bakes in summer heat. This serene Himalayan town is best known for the iconic Tawang Monastery, pristine frozen lakes, and panoramic mountain vistas. Summers in Tawang resemble a magical Alpine spring, with blooming rhododendrons, crisp cold air, and breathtaking natural beauty all around. If you’re seeking a perfect blend of spiritual serenity, untouched landscapes, and a true escape from the summer heat, Tawang promises an unforgettable experience.
- Top Attractions: Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Madhuri Lake, Bum La Pass, Dirang Monastery.
- Summer Temp/ Altitude: 8°-20°C/ 2669 m
- How to reach: The nearest airport is Tezpur Airport (330km), followed by Guwahati Airport (435 km). Take a taxi from airport to reach Tawang; remember, it’s a very long journey.
- Spend: 6-7 days
Lachung, Sikkim
Lachung, a tiny village in North Sikkim, feels like a scene straight out of a fairytale—surrounded by lush mountains, waterfalls, and glistening glaciers. It’s an ideal summer getaway, especially until the end of May, offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Lachung is best known for the stunning Yumthang Valley and the snow-covered beauty of Katao. While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to visit Lachen and make your way to the breathtaking Gurudongmar Lake. The journey to Gurudongmar feels much like a Ladakh adventure—a lifetime experience.
- Top Attractions : Lachung river, Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, Katao, Lachen, Gurudongmar Lake.
- Summer Temp/ Altitude: 10°-22°C/ 2,700 m
- How to reach: The nearest airport is Bagdogra AP (249km), Nearest Railway station is NJP (282 km). Take a taxi from airport/Railway Station to reach lachung via Gangtok (1 night stay here).
- Spend: 1-3 days (3 days including Lachen)
Kalpa, HP
Nestled at around 3,000 meters in Kinnaur Valley, Kalpa is a picturesque Himalayan village that remains pleasantly chilly even in the peak of summer. When the plainlands are baking in tremendous summer heat, Kalpa enjoys a delightful temperatures between 8°C and 15°C. The awe-inspiring views of snow-capped Mt. Kinner Kailash, lush apple orchards, ancient temples, and charming wooden houses make it a dream destination for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike.
- Top Attractions : Mt. Kinner Kailash, Rolla Cliff, Apple garden, Chaka Trek, Narayan-Nagini Temple, Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar monastery, Sapni & Kamru Fort, Roghi, Kothi, Batseri.
- Summer Temp/ Altitude: 0°-22°C/ 2960 m
- How to reach: Nearest airport: Shimla (224 km); Nearest railway station: Kalka (321 km)
- Spend: 3-4 days
Yusmarg, Kashmir
Tucked between Kashmir’s famous tourist hubs—Gulmarg (97 km) and Pahalgam (100 km), Yusmarg is an unexplored hidden wonderland. With summer temperatures rarely exceeding 15°C, Yusmarg offers the perfect escape from the maddening tourist crowds and intolerable summer heat of the nation. Verdant meadows, dense pine forests, snow-capped peaks, and serene rivers create an untouched paradise for those craving peace and pristine natural beauty, escaping hot summer.
- Top Attractions : Nilnag Lake, Doodh Ganga River, Yusmarg Meadows, Sang-e-Safed Valley, Charari Sharief, trekking, camping, horse riding, trout fishing.
- Summer Temp/Altitude: 0°-15°C/ 2396 m
- How to reach: Nearest airport: Srinagar (44 km); Nearest railway station: Nowgam, Srinagar (46 km)
- Spend: 3-4 days (or 10 days including Gulmarg and Pahalgam)
Nubra Valley
Known as Ldumra or the “Valley of Flowers,” Nubra Valley is an awe-inspiring summer destination sandwiched between Tibet and Kashmir. Surrounded by snow-laden Himalayan peaks and crisscrossed by the Shyok and Nubra Rivers, the valley is a visual and spiritual retreat for every traveler. It’s a land of cold desert, ancient monasteries, and dramatic landscapes that make for an unforgettable adventure. thrilling joyrides on the back two humps Bactrian camels Bactrian is a must mentioning activity in Nubra!
- Top Attractions : Khardung La Pass, Hunder sand dunes, Bactrian camels ride, Panamik hot springs, Turtuk village, Diskit & Samstanling monastery, Yarab Tso lake, Siachen glacier.
- Summer Temp/Altitude: -5°-15°C/ 3,150 m
- How to reach: Enjoy roadtrip or biking adventure! Nearest airport: Leh (163 km); Nearest railway station: Jammu (821 km)
- Spend: 2-3 days (or 15 days for entire Leh-Ladakh)
Kibber, HP
Perched at a staggering altitude of 4,720 meters in Spiti Valley, Kibber ranks among the highest inhabited villages in the world. While most of India reels under sweltering summer heat, Kibber stays bone-chillingly cold, swept by brisk mountain winds. Surrounded by barren yet stunning landscapes, majestic mountains, and crystal clear night sky full of billions stars, the village feels like a place from another planet. If you’re searching for heavenly silence around ancient monasteries and endless beauty, Kibber is your ideal summer escape.
- Top Attractions : Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, ancient Kibber Monastery, Tso sonam lake.
- Summer Temp/ Altitude: -5°-16°C/ 4720 m
- How to reach: Ideally take a road trip or bike trip via Delhi–Shimla–Kaza–Kibber route. Nearest airports: Shimla (440 km); Nearest railway station: Kalka (282 km)
- Spend: 6-7 days for Spiti Valley trip
Zanskar Valley
Embraced by Himalaya’s rugged cold, Zanskar Valley in Ladakh is one of the most remote and untouched travel destinations in India. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas and sliced by the wild currents of the Zanskar River, the entire vista of Zanskar Valley feels nothing short of otherworldly. Opened to tourists only in 1995, this “virgin valley” offers chilling temperatures even in peak summer, along with surreal landscapes, and a sense of pure wilderness that straight out of a dream. If you’re craving a truly offbeat, soul-soothing summer getaway, Zanskar is your ultimate retreat.
- Top Attractions: Shafat Glacier & more, Nun-Kun peaks, Ta Tso & Lang Tso lakes, Mountain passes, Monasteries, wildlife, Clear night sky, camping at Twin Lake, Pensi La, Gumbok Rangan, Chadar Trek & more.
- Summer Temp/Altitude: -5°-15°C/ 7756 m
- How to reach: The nearest airport is Leh (273 km); Nearest Railway station is Jammu (725 km).
- Spend: 2-3 days stay
Conclusive Remarks
In a country known for its scorching summers, these hidden Himalayan gems offer a rare kind of relief—cool, quiet, and close to untouched. Whether you’re in search of serene landscapes, spiritual calm, or just a place to wrap yourself in a sweater while the rest of the country sweats, these offbeat escapes prove that sometimes, the best summer destinations are the ones that still feel like winter.
Dr. Suvankar Das is a scientific advisor by profession, associated with a CRO organization. He pursued his doctoral degree in Chemistry in 2015. Later, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher & scientist in a couple of institutes/companies.
Besides his scientific journey, Dr. Das is also a passionate traveler and travel blogger. He loves to share all his travel experiences with other travelers so that everyone can enjoy hassle-free holidays with their own tour plans.
He believes, the most beautiful thing in this world is the WORLD itself. so there is no way to live like a clock; rather live it like a compass!
