Gulmarg, Auli and Manali’s Snow Boom Drives India’s Winter Tourism Surge

Published on December 12, 2025

India’s winter season is fast becoming a magnet for travellers seeking snowy escapes instead of traditional beach holidays, with destinations such as Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, Auli in Uttarakhand, and Manali in Himachal Pradesh reporting vibrant travel activity. Early data and commercial travel trends show that Indians are booking winter trips earlier and opting for longer stays focused on experiences in snowy and cold‑climate destinations. This shift in travel behaviour is helping boost local economies and expand the country’s tourism footprint during the winter season.

According to tourism industry booking data, early winter bookings for travel between December 2025 and February 2026 have increased sharply compared to previous years, with a reported 34 per cent rise in early bookings and travellers planning longer, experience‑led trips. Domestic hill stations and cold‑weather regions are among the top choices for this surge, reflecting a broader change in how Indians plan their seasonal travel.

Snow‑Covered Hill Stations See Record Interest

In the Himalayan region, Gulmarg remains a standout winter destination thanks to its reliable snowfall and range of snow sport options. Visitors flock to Gulmarg for skiing, snowboarding, and scenic mountain views that transform the landscape into a winter wonderland. The extensive snow terrain and winter infrastructure support both leisure travellers and adventure seekers.

Himachal Pradesh’s Manali and Uttarakhand’s Auli are also drawing expanding tourism flows this season. Manali’s snow‑blanketed valleys and proximity to passes like Rohtang make it a prized destination for domestic visitors. Auli’s gentle ski slopes and panoramic views of the Nanda Devi range are particularly appealing for family travellers and first‑time snow tourists.

Rising Demand Reflects Evolving Traveller Preferences

This winter travel shift underscores a wider change in Indian travel preferences, with tourists increasingly seeking out meaningful and immersive travel experiences. Industry insights suggest that travellers are prioritising extended itineraries, engaging cultural encounters, and unique winter activities over short beach breaks. This trend supports growth in lesser‑known destinations such as Sangla, Kasol, and Tirthan Valley, which recorded strong momentum in tourism demand.

Tour operators and travel service providers confirm that travellers are booking earlier and staying longer, reflecting confidence in winter travel even amid cooler conditions. These patterns signal a rising comfort level with cold‑climate travel and a broader appetite for experience‑based holidaying rather than routine sun, sea, and sand trips.

International Winter Experiences Attract Indian Travellers

While domestic snow destinations flourish, Indian travellers are also exploring international winter experiences. Reports highlight growing Indian interest in destinations such as Japan, where winter illumination festivals draw visitors with elaborate light displays and cultural events, making these locations popular with couples and families. This international demand complements domestic trends and underscores Indians’ expanding winter travel aspirations.

Government and Local Initiatives Strengthen Tourism Infrastructure

Government efforts to enhance winter travel infrastructure and promote year‑round tourism contribute to this surge. Authorities in Uttarakhand have emphasised the state’s potential as a winter tourism hub, noting enhanced connectivity and adventure tourism offerings in places like Auli and Chopta. Such initiatives improve accessibility for travellers and create new economic opportunities for local communities in colder regions.

At the regional level, festival programming and cultural events are also emerging as tools to extend the tourism season during winter. For example, the revival of the Dalhousie Winter Festival in Himachal Pradesh aims to showcase cultural heritage and arts, offering heritage walks, folk performances, and interactive activities to attract tourists during late December.

Winter Tourism’s Economic Impact on Local Communities

The expansion of winter travel benefits not only established hill stations but also surrounding communities. Increased visitor flows support hospitality providers, local artisans, transport operators, and seasonal service workers. For many destinations, winter tourism helps balance seasonal income by extending demand beyond peak summer months and creating year‑round opportunities.

Smaller hill towns and valleys are increasingly part of this economic uplift, with places like Sangla and Kasol reporting substantial growth in visitor numbers. This distribution of tourism activity fosters sustainable economic development across regions that traditionally saw uneven travel flows.

Looking Ahead: Winter Tourism Continues to Grow

As winter progresses, travel insights suggest that India’s winter tourism segment will maintain strong momentum. The combination of scenic snow destinations, cultural programming, outdoor activities, and improved travel services is shaping a diversified tourism landscape for the season ahead.

For travellers, this means more options for meaningful winter experiences, from snowy mountain valleys to international winter festivals. For tourism stakeholders, the evolving winter travel patterns signal a valuable growth opportunity that supports broader economic development and regional visibility in India’s diverse tourism sector.