Winter travel in 2026 is no longer about crowded ski resorts or predictable hill stations. Travellers are now seeking snow-covered landscapes, offbeat destinations, and immersive winter experiences—both in India and abroad. From Himalayan villages frozen in time to vast Arctic-style landscapes, these destinations promise solitude, adventure, and breathtaking beauty.
Here are 5 unbelievable winter destinations for 2026 that offer raw landscapes, fewer crowds, and unforgettable experiences.
1. Sissu, Himachal Pradesh – The Snow Jewel of Lahaul
Sissu transforms into a postcard-perfect winter village when snow blankets the Lahaul Valley. Surrounded by towering peaks and the frozen Chandra River, it offers a peaceful alternative to Manali’s crowded winter scene. The village feels untouched, quiet, and deeply connected to nature.
Why Visit in 2026:
Improved road connectivity and winter travel infrastructure make Sissu more accessible while still retaining its offbeat charm.
Winter Experiences:
Snow walks, winter photography, frozen waterfalls, village stays, stargazing.
2. Pulga, Himachal Pradesh – A Himalayan Winter Hideaway
Pulga in the Parvati Valley is ideal for travellers who want snow without chaos. Traditional wooden homes, pine forests, and mountain silence define this village. Winter here is slow, intimate, and soulful—perfect for those seeking calm over thrill.
Why Visit in 2026:
Pulga remains largely untouched by mass tourism, even as nearby Kasol grows busier.
Winter Experiences:
Short treks in snow, café stays, temple visits, winter camping, digital detox.
3. Kashmir – India’s Winter Wonderland
Kashmir in winter feels almost surreal. Snow-covered valleys, frozen lakes, wooden houseboats, and whitewashed pine forests create one of India’s most romantic and dramatic winter landscapes. Gulmarg’s powder snow and Srinagar’s winter charm make Kashmir a must-visit in 2026.
Why Visit in 2026:
Improved tourism infrastructure and curated winter experiences have made Kashmir safer, smoother, and more accessible for travellers.
Winter Experiences:
Snow gondola rides, skiing, frozen Dal Lake walks, houseboat stays, scenic drives.
4. Koksar, Himachal Pradesh – The Hidden Paradise (Lahaul’s Best-Kept Secret)
Koksar is a tiny settlement near Rohtang Pass that feels like a world frozen in time. Cut off from crowds and surrounded by vast snowfields, it offers one of the rawest winter experiences in the Indian Himalayas. This is the kind of place where silence is the main attraction.
Why Visit in 2026:
Koksar remains largely unexplored, making it perfect for travellers seeking untouched winter landscapes.
Winter Experiences:
High-altitude snow walks, winter camping, photography, extreme solitude.
5. Russia – Snow Cities, Frozen Lakes & Arctic Magic
Russia is one of the most underrated winter destinations in the world. From snow-covered streets of Moscow and St. Petersburg to frozen Lake Baikal and Arctic towns near Murmansk, winter in Russia feels cinematic and powerful. It offers a completely different scale of winter travel compared to Europe.
Why Visit in 2026:
Visa processes and winter tourism experiences are more streamlined, and Russia offers exceptional value for long winter trips.
Winter Experiences:
Frozen Lake Baikal walks, Northern Lights, palace visits, winter festivals, river cruises.
Why Travel with Desh Videsh in Winter 2026
Winter travel comes with challenges—road conditions, weather planning, and safety. Desh Videsh curates winter itineraries that balance adventure with comfort, taking travellers beyond typical destinations into truly memorable landscapes.
From Himalayan winter expeditions to international snow experiences, every journey is planned with local expertise, reliable logistics, and a strong community vibe.
Conclusion
Winter in 2026 is about choosing experiences that feel rare and personal. Whether it’s the silence of Koksar, the romance of Kashmir, or the frozen grandeur of Russia, these destinations prove that winter travel can be transformative rather than predictable. For travellers ready to move beyond the usual winter checklist, these five places promise unforgettable stories written in snow.
