Posted 14 December 2022 in Winter wandering

Let it snow! Visit these places in Himachal Pradesh for a magical winter

Himachal Pradesh has one of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire country. With snow-capped mountains, lush green forest, quaint villages and serene rivers, Himachal Pradesh is a major tourist destination every season. Located amidst the majestic Himalayas in the North, Himachal Pradesh attracts nature lovers, photographers, trekkers, adventure enthusiasts and people who just want to spend some time in serenity avoiding the chaos of city life.

Himachal is not just known for its greenery, but snow too. Tourists visit the state in the winter season to experience snowfall. A large number of tourists flock to Himachal Pradesh, for this reason, every year. While the temperatures drop to minus degrees Celsius, it does not stop the tourists from enjoying themselves in the snow in Himachal Pradesh.

Here’re the places to visit in Himachal Pradesh to experience snow -

1. Manali

Manali is synonymous with snow, nature and vacation. Manali is every mountain lover's paradise with hilly slopes, charismatic views, beautiful cottages, hypnotic waterfalls and a spell-binding ambience. Nestled in the lap of nature on the banks of the Beas River, Manali is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh with a view of the Himalayas. The beautiful town holds a status as a honeymoon destination and a favourite among backpackers. The freshness of its pines and the enduring fragrance of the place will make it hard for you to end your vacation.

The best time to experience snow in Manali is from October to February. Tourists can witness fresh snow in January.

How to reach?

By air: Bhuntar Airport, also known as the Kullu Manali Airport, is the nearest to Manali. The airport is conveniently connected to all major airports of the country through Delhi. There are regular flights from and to New Delhi. The distance between Bhuntar Airport and Manali is 52 km. Tourists can take a private car or bus from the airport to Manali.
By rail: The nearest railway station to Manali is Joginder Nagar Railway Station. It is located at a distance of 144 km from Manali. Reach Joginder Nagar Railway Station and then take a bus or a cab to Manali.
By road: There are several Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation buses that run to and from Manali, connecting it to nearby cities. Buses are the most convenient and easiest modes of transportation. Many private and luxury buses run daily from Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla to Manali.

2. Solang Valley

Solang Valley is the perfect destination for all the snow and adventurous activities like paragliding, skiing and gondola rides. Tucked away between Solang Village and Beas Kund, Solang Valley is situated 13 km from Manali. It is popular for its breathtaking glimpses of the snow-capped mountains and glaciers.

Solang Valley is crowded every year, especially during the winter season. Tourists come here to witness its beauty and snow-white splendour. The whole Solang Valley is covered in milky white snow and looks like a movie.

How to reach?

By air: Bhuntar Airport is the nearest airport to Solang Valley. The airport is well-connected to all major cities of the country via regular flights to Delhi. The distance between Bhuntar Airport and Solang Valley is 63 km. Take a cab or bus from the airport to Solang Valley and it will take two and a half hours to reach.
By rail: The nearest railway station to Solang Valley is Joginder Nagar Railway Station. It is located at a distance of 175 km from Solang Valley. Reach Joginder Nagar Railway Station via a train from Delhi and then take a bus or a cab to Solang Valley.
By road: Many Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation buses run to and from Manali, connecting it to nearby cities. Also, several private and luxury buses run on a daily basis from Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla to Manali. From Manali, take a cab to Solang Valley.

3. Lahaul-Spiti

Immerse in the landscaped beauty of snow-capped mountains in Lahaul-Spiti, which is located 33 km from Manali. The valley starts with the Atal Tunnel. Atal Tunnel works as the link between Manali and Lahaul. Lahaul was tough to reach earlier before the construction of the tunnel. Earlier, tourists and trekkers used to reach Lahaul via Rohtang Pass. Now, one can reach Lahaul in just 35 minutes from Manali.

Witness the raw beauty of the river Chandrabhaga flowing quietly alongside giant snow-covered mountains. Lahaul-Spiti is one of the best places to experience snow. The whole area is covered with a blanket of snow in the winter season. Spiti is loaded with Tibetan monasteries and is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh during winters.

How to reach?

By air: Bhuntar Airport is the nearest airport to Lahaul-Spiti Valley. The airport is well-connected to all major cities of the country via regular flights to Delhi. The distance between Bhuntar Airport and Lahaul-Spiti Valley is 85 km. A cab or bus can be taken from the airport to reach Lahaul, and it will take around two and a half hours.
By rail: The nearest railway station to Lahaul-Spiti Valley is Joginder Nagar Railway Station. It is located at a distance of 90 km from Lahaul-Spiti Valley. Reach Joginder Nagar Railway Station via a train from Delhi and then take a bus or a cab to Lahaul.
By road: Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation operates several buses to and from Manali, connecting it to nearby cities. Many private and luxury buses run daily from Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla to Manali. From Manali, take a cab to Lahaul and Spiti Valley.

4. Shimla

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Situated 342 km away from Delhi, Shimla is one of the closest weekend getaways from Chandigarh and Delhi. It is a beautiful hill station loaded with dense lush green forests of Oak, Pine and Deodar. The popular hill station is visited by thousands of tourists annually. Other than being known for its beauty and snow, Shimla is also popular for adventure sports and activities to do during winters. The exquisiteness of this hill station makes it perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

How to reach?

By air: Shimla Airport located in Jubbarhatti is the nearest airport to Shimla. Situated at a distance of 22 km from Shimla, the airport is connected to major cities of the country via regular flights to Delhi and Chandigarh. There are cabs and taxis available from the airport to Shimla.
By train: Kalka is the nearest railway station to Shimla. Shimla is located at a distance of 96 km from Kalka and you can take a toy train from Kalka to Shimla. There are regular trains from Chandigarh and Delhi to Kalka.
By road: Regular private and state-owned buses are available to and from Shimla. Buses are the most convenient modes of transportation for Shimla. An overnight bus from Delhi will take you to Shimla.

5. Kufri

Located at a distance of 15 km from Shimla, Kufri is another beautiful town to visit in Himachal Pradesh to experience snow. Kufri is nestled in the Himalayan ranges and is a favourite among snow lovers and honeymooners. Kufri is all green during the summer season whereas it turns milky white in the winter season, offering breathtaking views. Tourists love skiing during winters in Kufri.

Not just the locale, but Kufri is also famous for its flora and fauna. While most of the towns uphill in the mountains are not well-maintained, Kufri is developed and presents several adventure opportunities for its tourists. Kufri is also home to the Himalayan National Park which attracts trekkers and wildlife lovers.

How to reach?

By air: Shimla Airport is the nearest airport to Kufri. Situated at a distance of 20 km from Kufri, Shimla Airport at Jubbarhatti is connected to major cities of the country via regular flights to Delhi and Chandigarh. There are cabs and taxis available from the airport to Kufri.
By train: Kalka is the nearest railway station to Kufri. It is located at a distance of 100 km from Kalka and you can take a toy train from Kalka to Shimla and then a cab or taxi to Kufri. Regular trains are available from Chandigarh and Delhi to Kalka.
By road: Shimla is the nearest bus station for Kufri. Regular private and state-owned buses are available to and from Shimla. An overnight bus from Delhi will take you to Shimla. From Shimla, you can take a cab or taxi to reach Kufri.

6. Narkanda

Narkanda is a beautiful town in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a picturesque location for winters and one of the best destinations to visit in the winter season in Himachal Pradesh. Narkanda is nestled in the lap of dense forest and woodlands. Narkanda in winter is very cold and everything is covered in snow. It is a popular destination for skiing.

How to reach?

By air: Chandigarh Airport is the nearest airport to Narkanda. The airport is located at a distance of 188 km from Narkanda. There are taxis and cabs available to Narkanda from the airport.
By train: Kalka is the nearest railway station to Narkanda. It is located at a distance of 65 km from Kalka and you can take a toy train from Kalka to Shimla and then a cab or taxi to Narkanda. There are regular trains available from Chandigarh and Delhi to Kalka.
By road: Regular private and state-owned buses are available to and from Narkanda. Buses are the most convenient modes of transportation for Narkanda. An overnight bus from Delhi will take you to Narkanda.

Travel tips

Respect the local culture and traditions as most of the towns in Himachal Pradesh are pretty conservative.
Carry your ID proofs wherever you travel in Himachal Pradesh. You may require them at any point of your journey.
Wear woollen clothes according to the temperatures. Carry sufficient clothes for minus temperatures too.
Carry your own water bottle, and if you are buying, then take a sealed one always.

Best time to visit Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh can be visited in both the summer and winter seasons, depending on your preferences. For nature and greenery lovers, the ideal time to visit Himachal Pradesh is between February and June. November to February is the best time for tourists who love snow and adventure enthusiasts who love winter treks and skiing.

Climate/Temperature

The climate and temperature of Himachal Pradesh differ in different parts of the state. The climate is warm and temperate in the northern areas of the state, hot and tropical in the southern parts and cool and temperate in the eastern mountain ranges. Himachal is hot in the summer season with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 37°C. During winters, the temperatures drop to 0°C and go up to 15°C.

Conclusion

Himachal Pradesh is one of the best places to visit in any season, but it is more beautiful particularly in winters. The place is covered with a blanket of milky white snow. The white snow on the leaves of pine trees looks extra beautiful during the winter season. With so many places to visit during winters in Himachal Pradesh, the state is surely a favourite tourist destination.