As the winter chill descends upon the plains of Delhi NCR, the allure of snow-capped mountains beckons travelers to embark on a magical journey. The northern regions of India, particularly Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, boast an array of picturesque destinations where you can experience the ethereal beauty of snowfall. In this enchanting blog post, we invite you to explore the most captivating places near Delhi NCR, where winter casts a spell of snowflakes and wonder.
Snow Fall in Uttarakhand
Chakrata: Nestled amidst dense forests and lush green valleys, Chakrata is a hidden gem known for its pristine beauty. When winter arrives, usually from December to February, Chakrata transforms into a snow-covered paradise, offering a serene escape. To reach Chakrata, you can take a train to Dehradun and then hire a taxi or take a bus to the town, which is approximately 92 kilometers away.
Kanatal – Dhanaulti – Mussoorie: These charming hill stations, located in close proximity to each other, form a winter trio of delights. The snowfall season starts from December and lasts till February. You can reach Mussoorie by train to Dehradun and then hire a taxi or take a bus to the hill station. From Mussoorie, both Kanatal and Dhanaulti are easily accessible by road.
Chopta – Tungnath – Deoriatal: The trail of Chopta to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world, leads to the enchanting Deoriatal Lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Chopta receives snowfall from December to March. The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, and from there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chopta.
Chakrata – Kanasar: Chakrata’s neighboring village, Kanasar, is renowned for its dense cedar forests, which don a snowy mantle in the winter months. The snowfall season is from December to February. To reach Chakrata, you can take a train to Dehradun and then hire a taxi or take a bus to the village.
Landour – Nag Tibba: A serene colonial town, Landour boasts the Nag Tibba trek, offering mesmerizing views of snow-clad Himalayan peaks. The snow season begins in November and lasts until February. Landour is easily accessible from Dehradun, and you can reach there by train and then hire a taxi or take a bus.
Auli: Auli is a winter paradise and a dream destination for skiing enthusiasts, with vast snowy slopes and panoramic views. The snowfall season in Auli starts in December and continues till February. The nearest airport and railway station are in Dehradun. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Auli.
Harsil – Dharali: The untouched beauty of Harsil and the quaint village of Dharali are adorned with snow during winter, offering a tranquil retreat. The snow season begins in November and lasts until March. The nearest railway station is in Dehradun, and from there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Harsil.
Chaukori – Munsiyari: The charismatic village of Chaukori and the alluring town of Munsiyari offer breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains and picturesque valleys. The snowfall season is from December to February. The nearest railway station is in Kathgodam, and from there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chaukori.
Kausani: Known as the “Switzerland of India,” Kausani treats visitors with postcard-worthy views of snow-laden Himalayan peaks. The snow season is from December to February. The nearest railway station is in Kathgodam, and from there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kausani.
Khirsu: A lesser-known gem, Khirsu’s pristine landscapes captivate the soul as it wears a snowy veil. The snow season starts in December and lasts till February. The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, and from there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Khirsu.
Kedarkantha: The Kedarkantha trek is a thrilling winter expedition where the summit offers a mesmerizing panorama of snow-clad mountains. The snow season begins in December and continues till February. The nearest railway station is in Dehradun, and from there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Sankri, the base camp for the trek.
Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri: These sacred Char Dham sites transform into a divine winter spectacle, where devotion and snow converge in harmony. The snowfall season is from November to March. You can reach these destinations by train or flight to Dehradun and then hire a taxi or take a bus to the respective places.
Snow Fall in Himachal Pradesh
Shimla – Kufri – Mashobra: Shimla, along with its nearby attractions Kufri and Mashobra, offers a delightful winter escape with the promise of snow. The snow season is from December to February. You can reach Shimla by train or flight, as it is well-connected with major cities. From Shimla, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kufri and Mashobra.
Kullu – Manali – Solang Valley – Rohtang: Manali’s winter charm is amplified by the snow-clad Solang Valley and the mesmerizing Rohtang Pass, a snow lover’s paradise. The snowfall season is from December to February. You can reach Kullu and Manali by flight or train. From Manali, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass.
Mcleodganj – Dharamshala: The spiritual abode of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Mcleodganj, and the serene town of Dharamshala receive occasional snowfall during winter, creating a tranquil ambiance. The snowfall season is from December to February. The nearest airport and railway station are in Pathankot. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Mcleodganj and Dharamshala.
Dalhousie: A picturesque town exuding old-world charm, Dalhousie becomes even more enchanting with its winter snowflakes. The snow season is from December to February. The nearest railway station is in Pathankot, and from there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Dalhousie.
Khajjiar: Often called the “Mini Switzerland of India,” Khajjiar’s meadows and forests become a magical canvas of snow. The snowfall season is from December to February. The nearest railway station is in Pathankot, and from there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Khajjiar.
Chail: A lesser-explored gem, Chail charms visitors with its serene atmosphere and occasional snowfall. The snow season is from December to February. The nearest railway station is in Kalka, and from there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Chail.
Narkanda: The quaint town of Narkanda offers splendid views of snow-covered landscapes, making it perfect for winter enthusiasts. The snow season is from December to February. The nearest railway station is in Shimla, and from there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Narkanda.
The winter wonderlands near Delhi NCR, in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, offer a symphony of snowflakes, picturesque landscapes, and heartwarming experiences. Whether you seek adventure, spirituality, or a serene escape, these magical destinations have something for everyone. Embrace the winter charm and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of snowfall as you embark on an unforgettable journey to these mesmerizing places. Winter awaits with open arms; it’s time to embrace the magic of the season!