Now that winter is upon us, a lot of us, including yours truly, want nothing more than to snuggle up in bed with a large mug of hot chocolate and a book. A little sunshine would be nice. But if you really fight off your lazy tendencies, you will realise that winter is also the best time to travel in India, considering how hot it can be once summer sets in. Here are some must-visit places to truly experience winter in all its glory.

Gulmarg – Kashmir

A popular skiing destination, Gulmarg in the state of Kashmir is best experienced in winter. It is just about a couple of hours by road from Srinagar, the state capital and the closest airport. The town has a number of resorts catering to the flood of tourists that come here every year. The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the world’s highest cable cars, is a key attraction here.

Yumthang – Sikkim

This rugged terrain in the north eastern state of Sikkim shows you a tougher side of the Himalayas. The Yumthang Valley is about 150km from the state capital, Gangtok, and is one of the coldest places in the state. It is also known as the ‘Valley Of Flowers’ because of the rhododendrons that are in full bloom. Roads may sometimes be blocked due to heavy snowfall.

Auli – Uttarakhand

Another stunning hill station in the Himalayas, Auli is a key skiing destination in the state of Uttarakhand. The closest airport is Dehradun, which is about 280km from Auli. The road to Auli is not in great condition and the weather can be unpredictable. However, it still attracts adventure tourists from across the country. There are plenty of options for those who enjoy trekking and the place offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi, one of the tallest.

Dharamsala – Himachal Pradesh

There is something about Dharamsala. It’s perhaps got to do with the fact that it is now the seat of the Dalai Lama. Or the fact that the place is such a melting point of culture and cuisine. Just beyond Dharamsala is Mcleodganj, which has some great restaurants, one of the most beautiful cricket stadiums, monasteries, waterfalls – the entire package. During winters, the place gets snowfall and the Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas appear completely snow-clad. Triund Hill in the vicinity is a great option for a one-day trek.

Leh – Jammu and Kashmir

Leh is one of those magical places that you will want to keep going back to. Located at an altitude of over 11,000 feet in the Himalayas, it’s a base to explore the entire Ladakh region which boasts of stunning landscapes – from sand dunes in the cold arid deserts to lush green meadows and springs to treacherous treks over frozen rivers in brutally cold temperatures and dizzying altitudes.

So pull out your winter gear and sleeping bags from your Satara trunk and blanket box, and run to the hills!