Last Chance: Where to See Snow in India in March 2027
Is it too late for snow by March? Not if you know where to look. The plains are warming up, but India’s high Himalaya often has some of its best snow days of the season in March. Last year proved it. After a dry start to the 2025–26 winter, late-March western disturbances brought fresh snow to Gulmarg, Sonamarg and the Atal Tunnel in the second half of the month.
This guide covers the seven most reliable places to see snow in India in March 2027: Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Auli, Manali and Solang, Spiti, North Sikkim and Tawang. For each one you’ll find what the snow actually looked like last March, the permits and road rules that changed in 2026, and warm places to stay.
TL;DR: For snow in March, go high. Gulmarg is the most reliable: its slopes held 4–6 ft of base snow in late January 2026 and got fresh snow on 20 and 29 March. Sonamarg is now reachable all winter through the Z-Morh tunnel. Plan for the second half of March, keep two buffer days, and book North Sikkim and Tawang permits in advance.
In this Blog
Where Can You See Snow in India in March?
March marks the transition from winter to spring across India. However, several mountainous regions in North India and the Himalayas still experience snowfall or maintain snow-covered landscapes during this period.
The best snow falling places in India during March include:
- Gulmarg, Kashmir
- Auli, Uttarakhand
- Manali and Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh
- Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
- Yumthang Valley, Sikkim
- Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
These destinations either receive fresh snowfall from late western disturbances or preserve snow due to high altitude.
Comparison: Best Snow Places in India in March
| Destination | State | Average Temperature | Snowfall Chances | Best For |
| Gulmarg | Jammu & Kashmir | -4°C to 8°C | Very High | Skiing, gondola views |
| Auli | Uttarakhand | -2°C to 10°C | Moderate | Ski slopes, Himalayan views |
| Manali | Himachal Pradesh | 2°C to 12°C | Moderate in nearby valleys | Snow activities |
| Spiti Valley | Himachal Pradesh | -10°C to 5°C | Snow-covered terrain | Remote winter landscapes |
| Yumthang Valley | Sikkim | -3°C to 7°C | Moderate | Snow valleys and hot springs |
| Tawang | Arunachal Pradesh | -5°C to 8°C | Moderate | Himalayan monasteries |
What did snow in India look like in March 2026?
Last winter is a useful guide to how March snow behaves. In Kashmir, Chillai Kalan was dry for the second year running, and the season’s first proper snow only arrived on 23 January 2026. Even so, by the time Gulmarg’s slopes reopened on 26 January, they had about 4 ft of snow at Kongdori and 6 ft at Phase II (Greater Kashmir, Jan 2026).
March itself started warm. Then the western disturbances came back:
- 15 March: sudden heavy snow at the Atal Tunnel’s south portal left about 1,000 vehicles stuck, and only 4x4s were allowed beyond Solang Nala (Aaj Tak, Mar 2026).
- 20 March: Gulmarg got 5–6 inches of fresh snow, with more at Sonamarg and Razdan Top (Tribune, Mar 2026).
- 28–29 March: more snow fell at Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, and the Srinagar–Leh highway and Bandipora–Gurez road were closed (AIR, Mar 2026).
The lesson for 2027: don’t write March off as the tail end of winter. The second half of March brought last season’s freshest snow. It also brought the road closures, so keep two buffer days.
Why Gulmarg in March is the Best Place for Snowfall in India
Gulmarg remains one of the most reliable destinations for snow in March in India. Located at an altitude of around 2,650 metres in Kashmir, the region often receives late winter snowfall even toward the end of the month.
Gulmarg Weather in March
Gulmarg’s March snow comes in bursts. Early March 2026 was unusually warm, but western disturbances brought fresh snow on 20 March and again on 28–29 March. If you’re flexible, aim for the second half of the month. Gondola tickets are sold online only and can be booked up to 60 days ahead, so lock in your Phase 2 slot early.
Best Snow Spots Near Gulmarg in March
- Apharwat Peak (Phase 2 Gondola summit with deep snow fields)
- Khilanmarg meadow overlooking the Kashmir Valley
- Drung Waterfall area where frozen ice formations appear in late winter
- Alpather Lake trail near Apharwat which often remains frozen
Things to Do in Gulmarg in March
- Ride the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world
- Try skiing or snowboarding on Apharwat slopes
- Walk across frozen meadows and snow-covered forests
- Experience snow biking and sledging
Accommodation options include boutique lodges, ski resorts, and several stays in Gulmarg designed for winter travellers.
Places to stay in Gulmarg
Swiss Chalet – Tangmarg
Suroor w/ Central Heating – Tangmarg
Frozen Fall @ Dewdrop Cottages
Sonamarg in March: snow without the closed road
Sonamarg used to be cut off all winter. Since the 6.5 km Z-Morh tunnel opened on 13 January 2025, the town is reachable year-round. In March 2026 it got fresh snow twice, on 20 and 29 March. It’s about 80 km from Srinagar and easy to combine with Gulmarg. One caveat: Thajiwas Glacier, Zero Point and the Zojila pass stay closed until spring.
Is Auli in March Still Covered in Snow?
Yes, Auli in March usually retains snow on its ski slopes and surrounding peaks. Located in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas, Auli sits at about 2,800 metres, which helps preserve snow into early spring.
Weather in Auli in March
Daytime temperatures generally range from -2°C to 10°C. While heavy snowfall becomes less frequent after early March, the slopes and surrounding Himalayan views remain snow-covered for several weeks.
Best Snow Spots Near Auli in March
- Auli Ski Slopes near the ropeway station
- Gorson Bugyal meadow which often remains snow-covered in early March
- Kuari Pass trekking route with Himalayan snow views
- the chairlift area above the ski slopes.
Things to Do in Auli in March
- Ski on one of India’s longest ski slopes
- Drive up the 16 km road from Joshimath. The Joshimath–Auli ropeway has been shut since January 2023.
- Enjoy views of Nanda Devi and surrounding peaks
- Walk through snow-laden oak forests
Auli’s slopes held enough snow last season to host the National Skiing Championship and Winter Carnival from 13 to 16 February 2026, with 17 teams including the Army and ITBP competing in alpine skiing and snowboarding (AIR, Feb 2026). A new 4.5 km Joshimath–Auli–Gorson ropeway is planned, but it’s still at the project stage. For now, Auli is a road trip.
Manali in March: Can You Still See Snow?
Manali in March offers a mix of winter snow and early spring weather. While snowfall inside Manali town becomes less common toward the end of the month, nearby valleys continue to experience snow.
Manali Weather in March
Temperatures typically range between 2°C and 12°C. Late snowfall occasionally occurs due to western disturbances, especially during early March.
Best Snow Spots Near Manali in March
- Solang Valley
- Atal Tunnel region
- Gulaba viewpoint
- Sethan village
Best Snow Spots Near Manali”
Solang and the Atal Tunnel are where Manali’s March snow is, but they’re also where it causes trouble. On 15 March 2026, sudden heavy snow at the tunnel’s south portal left about 1,000 vehicles stuck, and police allowed only 4x4s beyond Solang Nala. Plan these as daytime trips, and turn back if snow starts falling.
Rohtang Pass doesn’t open until mid-May (15 May in 2026), so it isn’t an option in March.
These locations often have snow well into March, making them ideal for snow activities.
Things to Do in Manali in March
- Skiing and snow tubing in Solang Valley
- Snow scooter rides
- Paragliding when weather permits
- Visiting frozen viewpoints along the Atal Tunnel road
Many travellers also choose villas in Manali and mountain stays that provide panoramic snow views.
Villas in Manali
Nirvana @ Himalayan Retreat
Whitestone @ Riverside Symphony
Golden Pine @Retreat Cottages
What Is Spiti Valley Like in March?
Spiti Valley in March remains deep in winter conditions. The high-altitude desert valley stays snowbound with temperatures frequently below freezing.
Weather in Spiti Valley in March
Temperatures can range from -10°C to 5°C. Roads from Manali are usually closed due to heavy snow, while access via Shimla–Kinnaur may remain partially open depending on conditions.
Best Snow Spots in Spiti Valley in March
- Key Monastery hilltop overlooking frozen Spiti landscapes
- Kibber village and wildlife region with deep winter snow
- Chicham Bridge area offering dramatic snowy canyon views
- Langza village beneath the snow-covered Buddha statue
What Makes Spiti Special in March
- Vast snow-covered landscapes
- Frozen rivers and lakes
- Winter monasteries with very few tourists
- Opportunity to experience remote Himalayan life
This is a destination suited to experienced winter travellers.
In March, the only way into Spiti is through Shimla and Kinnaur, because Kunzum Pass on the Manali side stays closed until late May. Spiti’s Losar (New Year) celebrations also fall around this time; in 2026 they began on 18 February.
Yumthang Valley in March: Snow and Early Spring Together
Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim often holds snow through March, particularly at higher sections of the valley.
Yumthang Valley Weather in March
Temperatures range from around -3°C to 7°C. Snow patches remain visible across the valley floor and surrounding mountains.
Best Snow Spots Near Yumthang Valley in March
- Zero Point (Yumesamdong) where snow remains deepest
- Lachung valley viewpoints with snow-covered mountains
- Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary upper sections
- Mountain passes between Lachung and Yumthang
Things to Do in Yumthang Valley
- Visit the Zero Point snow region
- Experience the Yumthang hot springs
- Walk through snow valleys and mountain rivers
- Spot early alpine blooms toward late March
Travellers typically stay in Lachung, where several hotels in Yumthang Valley region cater to visitors exploring North Sikkim.
North Sikkim is fully back on the map. On 9 March 2026, permits for Lachen and Gurudongmar resumed for the first time since the October 2023 glacial-lake flood, 887 days earlier. The district magistrate confirmed that the road from Chungthang to both Lachen and Lachung was open (EastMojo, Mar 2026). Permits for Lachung, Yumthang and Zero Point are issued only through registered Gangtok tour operators, so book a day ahead with ID and two photos.
Short on time? Tsomgo (Changu) Lake near Gangtok is a day trip that often holds snow in March. Its permits are cancelled on days of continuous snowfall, so keep a backup day.
Tawang in March: Snow and Monasteries in Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang sits at an altitude of over 3,000 metres and continues to experience cold winter conditions in March.
Tawang Weather in March
Temperatures usually range between -5°C and 8°C. Snow remains across mountain passes such as Sela Pass.
Best Snow Spots Near Tawang in March
- Sela Pass with frozen lakes and heavy snowbanks
- Bum La Pass near the Indo-China border
- Pankang Teng Tso (PT Tso) Lake surrounded by snow peaks
- Madhuri Lake (Sangestar Tso) with frozen winter scenery
Things to Do in Tawang in March
- Visit the historic Tawang Monastery
- Cross the snow-covered Sela Pass
- Explore frozen lakes and Himalayan viewpoints
- Experience local Tibetan-Buddhist culture
Getting to Tawang in winter is much more reliable now. The Sela Tunnel, open since 9 March 2024, carries traffic about 400 m below Sela Pass, and you can still drive up to the pass for the snow and the frozen lake. Indian visitors need an Inner Line Permit. Bum La (15,200 ft) and Madhuri (Sangetsar) Lake also need clearance from the Tawang DC office and the Army (Tawang district). Arrange these on your first day in town.
Where to Stay?
Hoongla Inn
Travel Tips for Seeing Snow in India in March
The following tips improve the chances of experiencing snowfall or snow-covered landscapes.
- Choose higher altitudes above 2,500 metres
- Travel during early to mid-March for better snowfall probability
- Monitor western disturbance forecasts in the Himalayas
- Keep buffer days in the itinerary due to weather disruptions
- Pack thermal clothing, waterproof boots, and gloves
FAQs
Snow in March in India is most likely in Gulmarg, Auli, Solang Valley near Manali, Spiti Valley, Yumthang Valley in Sikkim, and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. These high-altitude regions either receive late snowfall or retain snow cover through early spring.
Yes. Gulmarg often experiences snow in March due to western disturbances. Even when fresh snowfall stops, the ski slopes and meadows usually remain covered in snow throughout most of the month.
Manali town may see limited snowfall in March, but nearby areas such as Solang Valley, Gulaba, and the Atal Tunnel region usually retain snow and offer winter activities.
Yes. Auli remains one of the best snow places in India in March. The ski slopes and surrounding Himalayan views stay snow-covered, making it suitable for skiing and winter scenery.
Yes. Spiti Valley remains largely snowbound in March with temperatures well below freezing. Travel conditions can be challenging, but the region offers dramatic winter landscapes.
Yumthang Valley often retains snow patches in March, especially near Zero Point. The valley also begins transitioning into early spring toward the end of the month.
Yes, snowfall is still possible in high-altitude Himalayan regions such as Gulmarg, Auli, and parts of Himachal Pradesh due to late winter weather systems known as western disturbances.
No. The Joshimath–Auli ropeway has been shut since January 2023, after the Joshimath land subsidence cracked one of its pillars. Visitors now drive the 16 km road from Joshimath to Auli. A new 4.5 km ropeway from Joshimath to Auli and Gorson is planned, but it isn’t under construction yet.
Gulmarg in Kashmir. Even after a dry start to winter, its slopes held 4–6 ft of base snow by late January 2026 and got fresh snow on 20 and 29 March. Sonamarg, reachable all year through the Z-Morh tunnel since January 2025, is a good second stop.
Yes. Lachung, Yumthang and Zero Point permits are issued only through registered Gangtok tour operators. Tawang needs an Inner Line Permit for Indian visitors. Bum La Pass and Madhuri Lake also need clearance from the Tawang DC office and the Army, so arrange these on arrival.
No. Rohtang Pass usually opens only in mid-May; in 2026 it opened on 15 May. In March, head to Solang Valley or the Atal Tunnel area for snow instead. Snow there can close the road suddenly, as it did on 15 March 2026, so go in daylight and check police advisories first.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for snow in March in India, high-altitude Himalayan destinations still offer a final window to experience winter landscapes. Places like Gulmarg, Auli and Manali in March continue to hold snow or receive late-season snowfall. From ski slopes in Kashmir to snowy valleys in Himachal and Sikkim, these snow falling places in India remain among the best options for travellers hoping to witness the last stretch of winter before spring fully arrives.
