Table of Contents
Introduction
No matter how old we get, our love for snow never fades. From building adorable snowmen to engaging in thrilling winter sports, snow adds joy to our winter days. Don’t spend the season buried under your quilt because we’ve already planned your perfect winter getaway! Here are the top destinations near Delhi for witnessing snowfall this winter – ideal escape spots that only require a long weekend or perhaps even less.
Manali | Rohtang Pass
Manali transforms into a snowy wonderland during winter and is one of the most popular destinations near Delhi for snowfall. Its sloping mountains against clear blue skies make the city incredibly beautiful during this season.
Top cafes and adventure sports enhance its natural beauty, making it an ideal vacation spot for families and friends.
Distance between Delhi and Manali: 538 kilometers
Distance between Manali and Rohtang Pass: 51 kilometers
Things to do in Manali and Rohtang Pass:
- Enjoy skiing, heli-skiing, and snowboarding. These activities make it one of the top winter honeymoon destinations in India.
- Participate in the Manali Winter Carnival.
- Enjoy a gondola ride.
- Ride snow scooters.
- Try paragliding.
Shimla | Kufri
In recent years, Shimla and Kufri have become extremely popular places to enjoy snowfall near Delhi. Located on the same route, both places get covered in snow and become hotspots for skiing and ice skating. Additionally, unique restaurants in Shimla ensure that winter holidays here are nothing short of delightful.
Distance between Delhi and Shimla: 342 kilometers
Distance between Shimla and Kufri: 17 kilometers
Things to do in Shimla and Kufri:
- Stay at Snow Valley Resorts in Shimla.
- Try ice skating on Ridge Road.
- Visit Kufri Fun World.
- Enjoy skiing.
Kanatal | Mussoorie | Dhanaulti
Kanatal, Mussoorie, and Dhanaulti are all beautiful hill stations near Delhi with snowfall that can easily be covered in a long road trip. The serene atmosphere of these places transforms into a fun, relaxing retreat, and the picturesque hills covered with white clusters form the perfect backdrop for your winter holiday stories. So, when you’re in this beautiful land and wandering around, take back more than just memories!
Distance between Delhi and Kanatal: 320 kilometers
Distance between Kanatal and Mussoorie: 48 kilometers
Distance between Mussoorie and Dhanaulti: 58 kilometers
Things to do in Kanatal, Mussoorie, and Dhanaulti:
- Stay at a hill resort.
- Relax in the lap of nature.
- Visit Snow Adventure Zone.
- Explore the beauty of the forests.
McLeodganj
Despite being a bit further away, McLeodganj is one of the most unique places to visit near Delhi for snowfall this winter and is also the nearest hill station from Delhi with snowfall. When white snow falls on the city in December and January, the valley views and mountain peaks look even more spectacular. And a hot cup of cutting chai with a bowl of Maggi enhances the enjoyment! Don’t forget to bring your warm clothes; you never know when it starts raining in the mountains and gets colder than expected!
Distance between Delhi and McLeodganj: 477 kilometers
Things to do in McLeodganj:
- Shop for excellent woolen garments.
- Visit Tibet Kitchen and enjoy local cuisine.
- Appreciate magnificent views of the Dhauladhar mountain range from Naddi Point.
Dalhousie | Khajjiar
Dalhousie is as beautiful as Khajjiar, especially during the winter. When covered under a blanket of snow, these two places located close to each other become the nearest snow points from Delhi for those who embrace the cold and love playing in the snow like children. What makes them worth seeing is that they look like mini Switzerland in India, and who would want to miss the chance to see that?
Distance between Delhi and Dalhousie: 559 kilometers
Distance between Dalhousie and Khajjiar: 21 kilometers
Things to do in Dalhousie and Khajjiar:
- Enjoy paragliding.
- View beautiful snow scenes from Bakrota Hills.
- Visit Dainkund Peak and then Kali Temple.
Nainital
Of all the snowy places near Delhi, if there’s one place that hasn’t lost its charm over the years, it’s Nainital. Perfectly suitable for quick weekend escapes, this place is the best snowy region near Delhi for an enchanting winter holiday for couples and families. White layers take over the umbrellas and cover the lake, yet ensure that the unique beauty of this place remains unaffected.
Distance between Delhi and Nainital: 304 kilometers
Things to do in Nainital:
- Appreciate the magnificent Himalayas from Snow View Point.
- Shop at the Tibetan Market.
- Take a walk along the iconic Naini Lake.
- Capture fun memories in the snow.
Narkanda
Located about 60 kilometers from Shimla, Narkanda is a small town that is one of the closest snowfall areas to Delhi, looking like a beautiful picture taken from a storybook during snowfall. Some of its attractions and experiences have made it a crowd-puller for a reason in recent years, so if you’re in for a surprise, move ahead from Shimla and discover it yourself!
Distance between Delhi and Narkanda: 402.3 kilometers
Things to do in Narkanda:
- Taste some skiing thrills.
- Visit Hatu Peak.
- Explore the local market.
Almora | Ranikhet
Not as popular as other snowy areas near Delhi, if you’re a snow lover and seek tranquility, both Almora and Ranikhet are worth visiting. The serenity of these places doubles during the winter season, making them ideal for spending holidays at your own pace and relaxing. There are still many remote areas in these places that you have yet to explore! So, pack some extra clothes for the journey ahead.
Distance between Delhi and Almora: 364 kilometers
Distance between Almora and Ranikhet: 46 kilometers
Things to do in Almora and Ranikhet:
- Shop for some winter garments.
- Try paragliding.
- Go for a tour of local sightseeing.
Auli
If skiing in beautiful snow gives you life highs, rest assured because there’s no better stopover in India than Auli. This place is one of the closest snowy places to Delhi, becoming a dreamland for all types of travelers, and the experiences during snowfall make holidays here a unique one-of-a-kind experience. Despite being a small town, Auli never fails to attract many tourists every year for its famous snow-covered mountains!
Distance between Delhi and Auli: 520 kilometers
Things to do in Auli:
- Stay at the Himalayan Eco Lodge.
- Enjoy skiing.
- Visit Gurson Bugyal.
- Appreciate 360-degree views of snow-covered mountains.
Kausani
Located at 1890 meters, Kausani is a fantastic place to see snowfall near Delhi in January. If you don’t have time to go to Munsyari or Chaukori, yet want to go somewhere unusual, this is a better option for holidays with your loved ones. Although time stands still here, the days start to feel very quick.
Distance between Delhi and Kausani: 416 kilometers
Things to do in Kausani:
- See mesmerizing views of mountains from Pindari Glacier.
- Shop for pickles, tea, etc. on Mall Road.
- Build a cute snowman and capture every moment.
Chopta | Tungnath | Deoriatal
Are you looking for a unique place in this list where you’ll find fewer tourists? Head towards Chopta, a small village in Uttarakhand that presents magnificent panoramic views and is one of the top snowy places near Delhi. This is why Chopta is counted among the best snowfall areas near Delhi. Additionally, since Chopta serves as the base camp for the Tungnath trek, many hikers and trekkers come here to rest and start their trek the next day. From Tungnath, some people start their journey back towards Chopta, while others head towards Deoriatal, one of the most beautiful snowfall places near Delhi. Snow sheets throughout the village make this place an amazing spot, as it is the best snowfall area near Delhi.
Distance between Delhi and Chopta: 408 kilometers
Distance between Chopta and Tungnath: 74 kilometers
Distance between Tungnath and Deoriatal: 22 kilometers
Things to do in Chopta, Tungnath, and Deoriatal:
- Go for Tor trekking.
- Choose adventure activities such as paragliding, rock climbing, skiing, and rappelling.
Jalori Pass | Shoja
Another nearest snow point from Delhi is Jalori Pass, from where people go for snow treks to Serolsar Lake. Jalori Pass comes on the way to Manali, and thus, some travelers make weekly plans to explore nearby places together. If you too want to see snowfall and thick snow on the road but don’t want to go to a crowded place like Manali, then Jalori Pass and Shoja are your best options. The best time to see actual snowfall is from December to February. From Jalori Pass, you can head towards Shoja and choose the option of a nature trek. Later, you can head to Shimla.
Distance between Delhi and Jalori Pass: 507 kilometers
Distance between Jalori Pass and Shoja: 5 kilometers
Things to do in Jalori Pass and Shoja:
- Go for nature treks.
- Choose the option of skiing.
Chakrata | Kanasar
Other snowfall places near Delhi are Chakrata and Kanasar. These places in Uttarakhand are perfect destinations for seeing snowfall during the winter season. Yes, during December, January, and February, Chakrata and Kanasar receive heavy snowfall, making these places no less than paradise for travelers. You probably won’t find a better option than Chakrata and Kanasar for the nearest snow point from Delhi.
Distance between Delhi and Chakrata: 325 kilometers
Distance between Chakrata and Kanasar: 30 kilometers
Things to do in Chakrata and Kanasar:
- Tour sightseeing spots and explore places like Tiger Falls and Devban Forest.
- Camp with your friends and enjoy a beautiful view as you wake up in the morning.
Landour | Nag Tibba
The next nearest snowfall area from Delhi is Landour and Nag Tibba, which are again located in Uttarakhand. These places are just an 8-hour drive from Delhi and transform into winter wonderlands in December, January, February, and even March. This place offers countless places to explore and activities for entertainment, which is why tourists visit it time and again. If you’re looking for cold places near Delhi, Landour is where you should go!
Distance between Delhi and Landour: 294 kilometers
Distance between Landour and Nag Tibba: 82 kilometers
Things to do in Landour and Nag Tibba:
- Choose to trek to Nag Tibba with your gang.
- Explore top sightseeing spots at your own pace.
- Meet locals and learn more about the place.
Conclusion
Winter travel in northern India offers magical experiences that simply cannot be matched during other seasons. The destinations we’ve explored in this list provide perfect opportunities to witness the breathtaking beauty of snowfall without venturing too far from Delhi. Whether you’re seeking adventure through skiing and paragliding, tranquility in snow-covered valleys, or simply want to build snowmen and capture memorable moments with loved ones, these 14 destinations have something special for every type of traveler.
Remember to plan your trip between December and February for the best chances of witnessing snowfall, and always pack appropriate winter clothing as temperatures can drop significantly in these mountainous regions. Many of these destinations can be reached within a day’s drive from Delhi, making them perfect for weekend getaways or extended holidays.