Winter in India transforms the landscape into a quiet, magical world where nature slows down and familiar places take on a dreamlike charm. While snow-covered mountains and winter festivals often steal the spotlight, India also hides a breathtaking secret, its frozen lakes and waterfalls. These stunning waterbodies, which turn into glittering sheets of ice or towering icy sculptures, offer some of the most surreal winter sights in the country.
From high-altitude lakes that freeze solid to waterfalls that turn into dramatic walls of ice, these frozen wonders deserve a spot on every traveller’s winter bucket list.
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Nerak Frozen Waterfall, Ladakh
A jewel of the famous Chadar Trek, the Nerak Frozen Waterfall stands as a towering wall of ice deep in Zanskar Valley. Reaching it involves trekking over the frozen Zanskar River, making the journey as unforgettable as the destination. The waterfall freezes into layers of blue and white, giving it an almost sculpted appearance.
Chandratal Lake, Himachal Pradesh
Popularly known as the Moon Lake, Chandratal is famous for its crescent shape and ethereal charm. When winter arrives in Spiti Valley, the lake freezes completely, turning its shimmering waters into a white, icy canvas. The frozen lake, surrounded by snow-draped mountains, offers a sight that feels both peaceful and otherworldly.
Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim
Situated at 3,753 m, Tsomgo Lake, or Changu Lake, turns into a breathtaking frozen sheet during peak winter months. The icy surface mirrors the surrounding mountains, giving the entire valley a pristine, frozen glow. Locals consider the lake sacred, and its winter form feels nothing short of divine. Visitors are often mesmerised by its quiet beauty and the sense of calm that envelops the area.
Drung Waterfall, Kashmir
Near Gulmarg lies one of India’s most iconic frozen waterfalls, the stunning Drung Waterfall. As temperatures drop, the cascading water turns into solid, shimmering formations that look like frozen curtains of glass. The entire valley around it gets covered in thick snow, adding to its fairytale-like aura. Tourists flock here every winter to witness this rare natural transformation.
Lingti Frozen Waterfall, Himachal Pradesh
Hidden in the remote stretches of Spiti Valley, the Lingti Frozen Waterfall is a secret gem for adventure lovers. During winter, the waterfall turns into crystal-like ice formations hanging from towering cliffs. Its isolated setting adds a raw, untouched charm that few places can match. Lingti perfectly captures the rugged beauty of Spiti’s winters.