Snowfall is the main attraction of the winter trips. Everyone wants to plan their winter vacation to places where they can enjoy snowfall and snow sports. There are many places in North India and North-East India where you can enjoy snowfall.
For those seeking a magical escape, the prospect of witnessing snowfall near Delhi is an irresistible allure. From pristine hill stations to charming hamlets nestled in the Himalayan foothills, the neighborhoods around Delhi offer a myriad of options for snow enthusiasts. These destinations not only promise a serene retreat but also the chance to experience the pure joy of snowfall, transforming the surroundings into a winter wonderland.
If you are living in Delhi NCR or near this place and planning to enjoy your winter vacation then this list is for you. Here we mentioned the places near Delhi where you can enjoy snowfall and snow activities.
Snowfall Places Near Delhi
Check these Places To Visit Near Delhi To Witness Snowfall In 2023-2024:
1. Nainital:
Distance: 310km
Nainital is one of the famous travel destinations among Delhi NCR people. This is the nearest place to Delhi where you can find snow in winter but not every year. This place shares subtropical highland weather that’s why you can get snowfall here once every 2-3 years. You can witness snowfall in Nainital in January and it makes this place even more gorgeous.
There are many places near Nainital to explore like Bhimtal, Nakuchiatal, Pangoot, and more. Don’t forget to go to the snow view point in Nainital to witness the beautiful view of snow-covered Nanda Devi Peak, Nanda Kot Peak, and Trishul Peak. The temperature here varies between 0 degrees to 15 degrees.
2. Mussoorie:
Distance: 314.7km
Mussorie becomes a cool and pleasant place in winter with moderate snowfall. You can experience the snow in Mussorie from the start of January to mid-February.
The best way to reach Mussoorie is by road. You can take a bus from Kashmiri Gate, New Delhi to Dehradoon from where you can take a private taxi to Mussoorie. You can also go to Mussoorie from your car but be careful while driving in hilly areas during snowfall.
The temperature goes down to 2 degrees Celsius during snowfall in Mussoorie. This is the nearest place to witness snowfall from Delhi.
3. Dhanaulti:
Distance: 317.5km
Dhanaulti is the perfect place to enjoy your weekend. This hilly town has velvety rhododendrons, deodar, and tall oak forests that look even more beautiful during snowfall. Dhanaulti faces heavy snowfall during January. The temperature here goes down to 1 degree Celsius at this time of the year.
You can reach Dhanaulti from Delhi by road. The best route to reach Dhanaulti is Delhi -> Meerut -> Muzaffarnagar -> Roorkee -> Chhutmalpur -> Dehradun -> Mussoorie -> Dhanaulti.
4. Kanatal:
Distance: 338.6 km
Kanatal is a small village in Garhwal Himalayas in Uttrakhand. It is a three-day trip from Delhi where you can witness snowfall during December, January, and February.
If you want to enjoy snow near Delhi away from the rush, this is one of the best places. This place is 78km away from Dehradun and 12km from Chamba.
You can book this beautiful camping place named Camp Carnival in Kantal and enjoy adventure activities here.
5. Chakrata:
Distance 353km
Chakrata is a small hilly town in Uttrakhand which is 98km away from Dehradun. This place is less crowded than Nainital and Mussoorie. So, if you want to enjoy snowfall peacefully, then go to Chakrata.
You can witness the highest snowfall in Chakrata during January. The temperature goes down to -5 degrees Celsius during this time of the year.
6. Mukteshwar:
Distance: 358.1km
Mukhteshwar is a tourist destination in Uttrakhand near Nainital. This place is 51 km from Nainital and 350 km from Delhi. You can enjoy snowfall in Mukhteshwar in the months of December and January.
The minimum temperature of Mukhteshwar during snowfall goes to 3 degrees Celsius which is pretty cool for experiencing snowfall here.
7. Shimla:
Distance: 405km
Shimla is the most popular destination among tourists to witness snowfall. You can enjoy the snowfall in Shimla from late December to February. The Mall Road in Shimla and Kufri are both the best places to enjoy snow in Shimla. You can enjoy skiing and ice skating here during snowfall.
The average temperature of Shimla during the snow season is around 8 degrees Celsius which goes down to -2 degrees celsius.
The total distance from Delhi to Shimla is 405km. The best way to reach Shimla is to take the toy train from Kalka Railway station and enjoy the beauty of this hill station and the toy train journey together. You can also reach Shimla easily via Road.
8. Kufri:
Distance: 419km
Kufri is just 14.4km from Shimla. So, if you are going to Shimla then I suggest you go to Kufri for the best snowfall experience. You can book a stay here and enjoy the beautiful snowy view in Kufri. You can also enjoy snow sports like skiing, yak riding, and tobogganing here in Kufri.
You can enjoy snow in Kufri between December and February. The lowest temperature in Kufri is -3 degrees celsius.
9. Chopta:
Distance: 422.7km
Chopta is also known as the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand” with a picturesque view. This place is known for its birding paradise. There are almost 240 species of birds like Himalayan monal, Himalayan swiftlet, Himalayan griffon, scarlet finch, and hill partridge.
The snow season in Chopta is from January to mid-March. The Snow in Chotpa lasts till March. You can enjoy snow sports and snow trekking here. The temperature drops to -5 degrees Celsius.
10. Narkanda:
Distance: 466km
Narkanda is a town in Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of 2708 meters and 60km away from Shimla. This place is blessed with a beautiful view and peaceful ambiance. You can witness snow here from November till March and the temperature here goes down to -10 degrees Celsius sometimes.
11. Auli:
Distance: 519.3
One can’t explain the beauty of Auli during winter in words. The view here is picture-perfect like a scenery located at an elevation of 2,800 meters above sea level. This place is India’s premier ski resort destination. You can enjoy various snow activities here.
You can enjoy snow here from the start of December and lasts up to March. The temperature in Auli dips to -13°C during winter which is very low.
You can book a cab from Delhi to reach Auli. If you don’t want to book a taxi then reach Rishikesh from Delhi and take a shared taxi or Bus to the nearest place Joshimath. Auli is just 11km from Joshimath and it will take only 30min to reach here. There is a ropeway to Auli from Joshimath or you can book a local taxi from Jhoshimath to Auli.
12. Mcleodganj:
Distance: 532.4 km
The Mcleodganj is a beautiful place near Dharmshala in Himachal Pradesh. This place is very popular among trekkers. You can experience snow in Mcleodganj in the month of December, January, and February. The temperature drops here to -1 degrees celsius. The weather is very chilli after sunset during snowfall but you can experience beautiful views here.
13. Jalori Pass:
Distance: 561.9km
The Jalori Pass trek is about 12 km from Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh. This trek is of 8km and takes you to beautiful places like Sereolsar Lake, Sakiran, Lambri, Bashleo, and the Great Himalayan National Park. We recommend you to go to Jalori Pass if you have some trekking experience.
You can experience snowfall in Jalori Pass in the months of January and February. The temperature drops down to -8 degrees Celsius during snowfall.
14. Manali:
Distance: 589.8km
Manali is one of the most popular destinations from Delhi to experience snowfall. Manali is the favorite place among the honeymooners in India. You can enjoy snow activities like skiing here and
Manali has snowfall from the end of December end to January. The temperature goes down to -8 degrees Celsius during snowfall.
15. Dalhousie:
Distance: 619.2km
The Dalhousie is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh that is famous for its Victorian architecture, picturesque landscapes, and adventurous activities. Dalhousie looks very beautiful during snowfall.
Dalhousie temperature drops to -3 degrees Celsius during winter. You can enjoy snow in January here.
You can book a car from Delhi or you can also drive to this place. The best and most economical way to reach Dalhousie is by taking the train to Pathankot and then booking a taxi from there. Dalhousie is just 82 km away from Pathankot and it will take 2.5 hours to 3 hours to reach here from Pathankot railway station.
Read More, Best Places to See Snowfall in India
Whether it’s the picturesque town of Shimla, the tranquil hills of Manali, or the hidden treasures in Uttarakhand, each destination possesses a unique charm that captivates the hearts of travelers. These are the best places near Delhi to witness snowfall in winter. If you love the white beauty of nature and want to enjoy some snow activities, do go to these beautiful places once in a lifetime.
If you have any queries regarding Snowfall Places Near Delhi and how to reach there, you can ask us in the comments. We will be happy to help you.
If you’re looking for the closest places to experience snowfall near Delhi, you can consider several destinations in the northern regions of India, especially during the winter months. Here are a few options:
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh:
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a popular hill station and is around 342 kilometers from Delhi. It experiences snowfall during the winter months, typically from December to February. The Ridge and Mall Road are picturesque locations to enjoy the snow.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh:
Manali, located about 538 kilometers from Delhi, is known for its scenic beauty and is a great destination for snow enthusiasts. The winter months, especially from December to February, bring snowfall to places like Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass.
Auli, Uttarakhand:
Auli, around 500 kilometers from Delhi, is a popular skiing destination. It experiences heavy snowfall during the winter, making it a picturesque location for winter sports and snow-related activities.
Nainital, Uttarakhand:
Nainital is a charming hill station located approximately 300 kilometers from Delhi. While heavy snowfall is not guaranteed, you might experience some snowfall during the winter months, especially in places like Snow View Point and nearby areas.
Dhanaulti, Uttarakhand:
Dhanaulti is a lesser-known gem, around 310 kilometers from Delhi. It offers a peaceful retreat and has the potential for snowfall during the winter. Eco Park and Surkanda Devi Temple are popular attractions.
Chopta, Uttarakhand:
Chopta is known as the “Mini Switzerland” of India and is around 400 kilometers from Delhi. It can experience snowfall during winter, providing a serene environment for nature lovers.
Remember that the occurrence and intensity of snowfall can vary each year, so it’s advisable to check current weather conditions and forecasts before planning your trip. Additionally, road conditions may be affected by snow, so be prepared for potential travel disruptions during heavy snowfall.
Delhi, being located in the northern plains of India, has a subtropical climate. Snowfall is a rare occurrence in Delhi due to its geographical location and the relatively low winter temperatures. The city experiences cold winters, with temperatures sometimes dropping close to or below freezing point, but snowfall is extremely uncommon.
Historically, Delhi has witnessed snowfall on very few occasions, and even then, it was usually a light dusting that did not accumulate significantly. The last notable snowfall in Delhi occurred in January 2003, and before that, there were instances in 1967 and 1973.
The primary reason for the rarity of snowfall in Delhi is its geographical location and the absence of significant geographical features like mountains that usually contribute to snowfall in other regions. The Himalayan range to the north of Delhi acts as a barrier, preventing moist air from reaching the city and causing snowfall.
Among the popular hill stations near Delhi, Shimla in Himachal Pradesh is known for experiencing some of the lowest temperatures during the winter months. Shimla is located at a higher elevation in the Himalayan region, contributing to colder temperatures, especially from December to February.
Other hill stations near Delhi that can also have low winter temperatures include:
Manali, Himachal Pradesh:
Manali, situated at a higher altitude than Shimla, can experience very cold temperatures during the winter, often accompanied by snowfall.
Nainital, Uttarakhand:
Nainital, while not as high in altitude as some other hill stations, can still experience chilly temperatures in the winter months, with the possibility of snowfall.
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh:
Dharamshala, located in the Kangra Valley, can have cold winters, especially in the higher regions. It is known for being the residence of the Dalai Lama and offers beautiful mountain views.
Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir:
While a bit farther from Delhi, Gulmarg is known for its cold temperatures and heavy snowfall during the winter. It is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.