Every winter-lover knows that a trip during winter remains incomplete without experiencing snow. Luckily, nature has blessed India with the majestic Himalayas, parts of which experience snow during the winter and become all the more gorgeous. From a couple’s romantic holiday, a family’s holiday destination, an adventurer’s adrenaline rush, a nature lovers’ peace, an explorer’s wanderlust to a simple mountain lover’s love for hills - Himachal and Uttarakhand has all the options to fulfill the needs and wishes of every individual traveller.

 

With numerous hill stations, lakes, ridges, peaks, passes, hiking and trekking trails, Himachal and Uttarakhand offer experiences that’s different and unique for every place. Keep in mind, once you start exploring these places, you will start falling in love with these hills and you might end up planning your next trip back here before you finish one.

So, here at Moxtain, we bring you 12 best places to visit near New Delhi to witness snowfall this winter.

Top 12 Best places to visit near New Delhi to wintness Snowfall this winter

Kasol

Kasol is a winter paradise in every sense. Strategically placed in the banks of river Parvati by the one true artist called Nature, Kasol is known for its aesthetic beauty. From the green hills, the mountains you can climb, the snowfall you can experience to the enriching sunshine and the warmth of the cosy cafes, Kasol has it all.

 

Not only for nature’s beauty but also for the ambience and warmth of the people and cafes in this Himachal Pradesh’s suburb, a winter in Kasol is worth experiencing. The peace and the captivating sights that this place offers, makes it much more than an awe-inspiring destination for any backpacker.

What to look out for :

• Treks, Hikes, River Rafting and Adventure Camping: The banks of the Parvati river attracts tourists for the tranquil experience of walking beside the calming waters with rumbling rocks underneath it and beautiful vibrant vegetation on either side of the river. Also, river rafting on the Parvati river is a must when you are in Kasol.
• Treks and Adventure Camping: Along with its beauty and mythological importance, the trek to Kheer Ganga peak ends with a surprise- a hot bath in the natural hot springs. Kasol is also famous for its camping experience. The experience of laying down on the ground under the stars with your friends, beside a fast-flowing river while enjoying the warmth of a campfire, is something every friendship needs.
• Scenic beauty of the towns.
• Villages and their unadulterated culture: Kasol is famous for its villages and their traditions. While Tosh is famous for its cafes, Naggar Village for its temples, Malana is famous for its undiluted culture since it avoids connection to the outside world.
• Cafes hopping and Cuisines.
• Snowfall in Kasol

How to reach:

• By Flight: Nearest airport- Bhuntar Airport in Kullu District is the nearest airport.
• By Train: Nearest railway station- Joginder Nagar railway station.
• By Road: Kasol is accessible with all the major cities of India by road and there is bus service available from most of the major cities.

Weather in Winter:

Winter starts from October in Kasol and lasts till early March. Mild to heavy snowfall along with dry cold winds is common during this time. The temperature remains within a comfortable range of 16 degree Celsius to 4 degree Celsius during this time, which does dip a bit when it experiences snowfall.

Manali

Famous for its snow-covered mountains, Manali is a perfect winter destination. From honeymoon, family trips to solo adventures, Manali should be your ideal choice to experience snowfall in winter. From making snow-man, playing with the snow to enjoying the snow slopes to skiing, Manali offers innumerable possible snow activities.

 

For nature lovers and photographers, a walk through the peaceful serene snow-covered city is euphoric, for in winter- Manali becomes the city covered in white. With multiple snow activities and events taking place, and the sight of snow-covered Manali in mind, Manali in winters is a must if you want to experience snowfall.

What to look out for :

• Skiing and Heli-Skiing: The rush of skiing down the snow slopes, severing left and right as you take sharp turns as you move through the snow-covered valleys is an experience of a lifetime.
• Snowboarding and Sledging down the slopes: The fun of floating and jumping on the milky white snow, steering through the vast stretches of snow at high speed are a delight of every adventure sports lover.
• Gondola Rides.
• Manali Winter Carnival.
• Ice Climbing and Ice Skating.
• Snowfall and the scenic beauty of Marhi.

How to Reach:

• By Flight: Nearest airport- Bhuntar Airport in Kullu District.
• By Train: Nearest railway station- Joginder Nagar railway station.
• By Road: Manali is accessible with all the major cities of India by road and there is bus service available from most of the major cities of India.

Weather in Winter:

Winter starts from October in Manali and lasts till early March. Expect mild to heavy snowfall along with dry cold winds. The temperature remains within a comfortable range of 14 degree Celsius to 4 degree Celsius during this time, which does dip a bit when it experiences snowfall.

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Shimla

A trip to Shimla is present in almost every mountain lover’s wishlist. With Shimla being one of the most famous hill stations of India, its beauty transforms into a different avatar altogether in the winter season.

 

Cover in fresh soft snow, Shimla, the ‘Queen of Hills’ looks gorgeous when it gets decked up to celebrate the Christmas day and New Year’s Eve. Although Shimla remains a tourist magnet in the summer season as well, the experience of winter events and snow activities that one can have in Shimla during the winter season makes the snowfall season the best time to visit the hill station.

What to look out for :

• Toy Train Ride to Shimla: Journey to Shimla starts with a toy train ride from Kalka. The exciting narrow-gauge toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla through the mountains and villages has been declared a World Heritage Site of the Mountain Railways of India.
• City of Shimla, The Queen of Hills: In the latter half of the last month of the year, the city experiences light to moderate snowfall and becomes a snow-covered marvel. From places like Christ Church to the gorgeous shopping alley of Mall Road, celebrating Christmas and New Year in places like these give a special touch to the ending of your year and the beginning of a new one.
• Experience the beauty of Nature in places like Mashobra, Summer Hill, Rohru, Annadale Ground and Kiala forest.
• Important landmarks like Shimla Ridge, Viceregal Lodge, Scandal Point, Jakhu Temple, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Military Museum At Annandale, Kuthar Fort and Johnnie’s Wax Museum.
• Experience of snow in Kufri.
• Ice Skating Rink
• Experience nature and wildlife up close in Pine Forests, Kiala Forest, The Glen, Chadwick Waterfall, Majathal Wildlife Sanctuary and Water Catchment Sanctuary.
• River Rafting At Tattapani, Paragliding, and Camping in the woods.
• Shopping at Lakkar Bazar and Mall Road

How to Reach:

• By Flight: Nearest airport- Shimla Airport in Jubbarhatti.
• By Train: Nearest railway station- Shimla railway station which is connected to Kalka by a narrow-gauge rail track.
• By Road: Shimla being the capital of Himachal Pradesh is accessible with all the major cities of India by road and there is bus service available from most of the major cities of India.

Weather in Winter:

Snowfall in Shimla starts during the latter half of December and lasts till early February. During winter temperature ranges from 18 degree Celsius to 4 degree Celsius which does dip a bit when it experiences snowfall.

Nanital

Because of its comfortable climate, the mystic charm of the town of Nainital attracts tourists with its picturesque landscapes, pristine lakes, adventurous activities, and wildlife sanctuary. Nainital is a perfect destination for a trip with family, friends or even solo travel.

 

With the backdrop of vibrant green hills and rich vegetation, the old cottages, temples and various other heritage buildings offer the euphoric sight of beauty and peace to this town. Although its moderate climate makes Nainital a year-round destination, winter with its chill in the air and light cover of mist and fog builds up a different atmosphere which gets all the more beautiful with the episodes of snowfall that it experiences.

What to look out for:

• Breathtaking view of Sunset/Sunrise from Tiffin Top, Snow View Point, and Hanuman Garhi.
• Enjoy the beauty of lakes and get involved in boating and various activities in lakes like Naini Lake, Bhimtal Lake, Sattal, Sariyatal, Naukuchia Taal and Khurpa Taal.
• Corbett Falls for nature lovers and waterfall.
• Ropeway ride of Nainital Ropeway at Malital.
• Be amongst the wildlife and birds in Corbett National Park, Pangot And Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, Nainital Zoo and Eco Cave Gardens.
• Get close to nature and enjoy tranquillity with spectacular views at Jeolikot, Land’s End, Himalayan View Point, Lover’s Point, Peora and Ramgarh.
• Visit religious sites at Naina Devi Temple, Hanuman Garhi, and Kainchi Dham.
• Hiking and Trekking trails to Naini Peak and Binayak.
• Historical landmarks such as St. John’s Wilderness Church, Gurney House, and Raj Bhawan – Governor’s House.
• Astronomical Observatory at Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES).
• Shopping artifacts, home décor, and souvenirs at Mall Road and Tibetian Market.

How to Reach:

• By Flight: Nearest airport- Pantnagar Airport, Pantnagar
• By Train: Nearest railway station- Kathgodham Railway Station
• By Road: Nainital is accessible with all the major cities of India by road and there is bus service available from most of the major cities of India.

Weather in Winter:

In Nainital, winter begins in October and lasts till February. The temperature ranges between 14°C and 0°C. November onwards the hill station becomes misty and colder. December onwards the mercury drops further as it experiences snowfall.

Mussoorie|Kanatal|Dhanaulti

Mussoorie, Kanatal, and Dhanaulti hold a myriad of hidden treasures, activities and adventure sports that are quite underrated and people don’t talk about much. From caves, monasteries, temples, markets, waterfalls, to medicinal springs, there’s a lot to be explored and experienced. Famous author Ruskin Bond fell in love with Mussoorie for a reason, and the reason being the beauty, thrill and the sense of mystery that this place offers along with peace and serene silence for being located far away from the rush and noise of the polluted cities.

 

Mussoorie along with the peaceful escape to nature offers multiple adventurous activities. Though not so popular, Kanatal is picture perfect and presents itself with beautiful scenery, lush green flora and fauna, and various other snow activities. Due to lack of popularity amongst tourists, expect the serene calmness and peace that you are looking for in your gateway trip away from your city life.

Dhanaulti, a small town near Mussoorie, beautifully nestled among the high and gorgeous Himalayan peaks. It is a serene pit stop for travellers heading for longer journeys or a holiday in Uttarakhand. The three together as well as individually, is an ideal destination for an escape from the chaos of the city, all the more so in the winter season. In winter Mussoorie, Kanatal and Dhanaulti get engulfed in a serene sense of calmness as they experience snowfall.

What to look out for: Mussoorie

• Kempty Falls, Happy Valley, Camel’s Back Road, Gun Hill, Mussoorie Lake, Jwalaji Temple, The Mall, and Lake Mist.
• Adventure activities like Cable Car, Sky Bridge, Skywalk, Zipline adventure, and Zip Swings.
• Adventure sports like Rock Climbing, Paragliding, Rafting, and Roller Skating.
• Trekking and Hiking to Nag Tibba Summit, Bhadraj temple and forest trek, Har ki dun trek, Yamunotri Saptarishi Kund trek, and Dodital trek.
• Experience the scenic beauty from Lal Tibba and Dhanaulti.
• Kellogg Memorial Church.
• Wildlife Safari at Benog Sanctuary, Jabarkhet Wildlife Sanctuary, and Corbett National Park.
• Boating at Mussoorie Lake.
• Food hopping for local cuisines.
• Winemaking and Winetasting.
• Shopping artifacts, home décor, and souvenirs at Library, Kulri Bazaar, and Landour Bazaar.

Kanatal

• Surkanda Devi Temple.
• Picturesque sceneries and sunset at Chamba and Dhanaulti.
• Hiking at Kodai Jungle.
• Camping.
• Valley Crossing, rock climbing, and rappelling.
• Jungle Safari in Kodia forest.
• Hilltop of Kanatal.

Dhanaulti

• Religious sites of Surkanda Devi Temple and Dashavatar Temple.
• Historical visit to Deogarh Fort and Chanderi Town.
• Be close to nature at Eco Parks, Potato Farm, Apple Orchard Resort and Tehri Dam.
• Camping at Camp Thangdhar and Kanatal Adventure Camp.
• Adventure sports at Dhanaulti Adventure Park.

How to reach:

Mussoorie|Kanatal|Dhanaulti

• By Flight: Nearest airport- Jollygrant Airport, Dehradun.
• By Train: Nearest railway station- Dehradun Railway Station.
• By Road: Mussoorie, Kanatal, and Dhanaulti are accessible with all the major cities of India by road and there is bus service available from most of the major cities of India.

Weather in Winter:

The climate of Mussoorie in winter is quite cold. The lowest temperature here in December can go down to negative but the average temperature this month ranges from 20 degree Celsius to 7 degree Celsius which further goes down when it experiences snowfall.

Dharmshala

Dharmshala has recently become quite a favourite weekend gateway from Delhi in recent years. Also, after the inauguration of the new cricket stadium, many people got to know about the place as they marvelled at the beauty of the backdrop of the stadium. The overwhelming beauty of Himalayas in Dharamshala attracts tourists from all over the world.

 

From laid back activities like star gazing and camping to adventure sports like paragliding, trekking, along with numerous monasteries and temples- Dharmshala has it all. Winters in Dharamshala are freezing, as it experiences snowfall. Yet, winter is the best time to visit a place like Dharmashala as experiencing snowfall in the calming presence of Buddhist monasteries is something you don’t want to miss.

What to look out for:

• Spiritual retreat at Namgyal Monastery, Gyuto monastery, St. John’s Church, Bhagsunag Waterfall, and Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lama Temple.
• Cafes and Restaurants for local cuisines.
• Camping.
• Adventure sports like Paragliding, Rock Climbing, Ziplining, Hiking, Fishing, and Cycling.
• Be close to nature at Tea gardens and Dal lake.

How to Reach:

• By Flight: Nearest airport- Gaggal airport.
• By Train: Nearest railway station- Pathankot Railway Station.
• By Road: Dharamshala is accessible with all the major cities of India by road and there is bus service available from most of the major cities of India.

Weather in Winter:

In Dharmshala winter begins in October and lasts till February. The temperature ranges between 20°C and dips below minus. It does experience snowfall and expects cold chilly winds to make you feel the winter chills.

Ranikhet

Ranikhet or Rani ki khet, if translated from Hindi it means queen’s meadow. This hill station in the Almora district of Uttarakhand is worthy to be a queen’s meadow in every sense. Known for its historical importance during India’s colonial rule, the hill station has been a place of retreat, for the British, from the heat of Indian summer. In winter, Ranikhet experiences snowfall and gets wrapped in the snow carpet and transforms itself into a white beauty.

 

If someone is looking for a break from a hectic life, Ranikhet with its numerous activities and beautiful resorts amidst lush green meadows and beautiful forests act as an instant energy replenisher. Being so close to nature, Ranikhet’s beauty increases threefold in the winter when it experiences snowfall. From being a visual treat and offering peace and calmness to the sore eye of the city dwellers, nature being wrapped in the snow is an experience unique in itself. Ranikhet is the perfect destination for a beautiful experience and is a perfect place to spend a quiet and relaxing weekend.

What to look out for:

• Spiritual experience at Golu Devta temple, Jhula Devi Temple, Haidakhan Babaji Temple and ancient shrines at Dwarahat.
• Ashiyana Park.
• Rani Jheel and Naukuchiatal
• Orchards at Chaubatia Gardens.
• Get close to nature at Bhalu Dam.
• Golfing at Upat Golf Course.
• Katarmal Sun Temple.
• Become spellbound by the view of the Himalayas from Majkhali.
• Gandhi Kuti- a museum dedicated to the life of Mahatma Gandhi.

How to reach:

• By Flight: Nearest airport- Pantnagar airport
• By Train: Nearest railway station- Kathgodam Railway Station
• By Road: Ranikhet is accessible with all the major cities of India by road and there is bus service available from most of the major cities of India.

Weather in Winter:

Due to its close proximity to the Himalayan ranges, Ranikhet experiences a fair amount of snowfall in the winter season. It does get quite cold in winter but yet stays within a comfortable and bearable range of 16°C to 3°C. Since it experiences snowfall, expect a dip in the temperature.

Auli

Famous for having the highest man-made lakes in the world, Auli’s Artificial Lake was built by the government to provide for snow during the skiing season. There are places that are a must-visit in the winter season. Auli is one such destination. The land that stays surrounded by a green landscape in the summers gets covered up in blankets of snow in winter and becomes the ideal spot for skiers to ski on. The expansive snow blankets, and high slopes that rise to an altitude of 3 km, along with the strong winds boost up the thrill quotient of skiing in Auli. The little town of Auli is one great picturesque ski destination in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.

 

Along with skiing and various other snow activities, Auli is known for its beauty during the winter season. The view of the changing hues as sunlight shines on the thick blankets of snow, dense coniferous forests, and unobstructed views of Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat mountains in the background is mesmerizing enough to attract tourists of every generation.

The flora and fauna, especially the pastures and meadows along with the birds make this magical snow land bustle with nature lovers and adventure seekers. While relaxing activities like nature walks, birding tours, camping, and food tours bring a sense of calmness and peace to any peace-loving soul, Auli’s ropeway ride and skiing bring in the town’s thrill, adventure, and fun factor.

What to look out for:

• Auli Artificial Lake: highest man-made lakes in the world.
• Skiing in Auli.
• Camping in Auli.
• Kuari Pass Trek.
• Trek to the Gurson Bugyal.
• Trek to Trishul Peak.
• Hike to Kwani Bugyal.
• Joshimath: A quaint town located in the Chamoli District with many stunning temples of Badrinath and Hem Kund. It also serves as a base or starting point for the famous Valley of Flowers Trek, Kuari Pass Trek, and Auli.
• Mythological and religious attractions Badrinath, Pandukeshwar, Gopeshwar, Nanda Devi, Neelkanth, Trishul, Sanjeevani Mountain, Lord Badri Vishal’s temporary residence.
• Ropeway Ride and Chair car Ride: Asia’s Longest Gondola Ride.
• Sunset and Sunrise at Joshimath, Pandukeshwar, and Gopeshwar.
• Nature at Nanda Devi National Park and Chenab Lake.
• Birdwatch tour in Govindghat, Pandukeshwar, and Joshimath which forms the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
• Local Garhwali cuisine.
• Shopping at Joshimath Market.

How to Reach:

• By Flight: Nearest airport- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
• By Train: Nearest railway station- Haridwar Railway Station and Dehradun Railway Station
• By Road: Auli is accessible with all the major cities of India by road and there is bus service available from most of the major cities of India.

Weather in Winter:

Although Auli is a year-round destination, the winter season is perfect for a destination like Auli for its views, snowfall and snow activities. The weather of Auli in Winter stays within a comfortable range for a ski town. The highest temperature does not cross 20°C even during the summer, so expect winter season to have a cold temperature ranging from 10°C to -8°C at times.

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Munsiyari

Located in the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, Munsiyari or Munsiyari is a comely townlet situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. Literally translated to as a ‘place with snow’ Munsiyari is also called ‘The Little Kashmir’ for its splendid spectacle of the expansive yet beautiful snowcapped Himalayas. Perfect to be related as the smaller version of the land of gods, Munsiyari or Munsiyari Hill Station offers a great view of the Higher Himalayan Ranges. Located amidst the gigantic mountain peaks of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Rajarambha and mountains of Nepal, one can get astounding views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

 

While offering a quaint and charming view of the beauty of nature, Musiyari is also known for its trekking routes and trails. It attracts a fair number of trekkers every year as Musiyari serves as the base for Milam, Ralam and Namik Glaciers. Winters in Munsiyari starts from November and lasts till mid-March. The whole region gets covered with sheets of snow and this time is favourable for honeymoon couples or adventure tourists for skiing and other snow activities as this little paradise becomes an ideal destination for any snow lover.

What to look out for:

• Namik Glacier trek
• Trek to Milam, Ralam and Namik Glaciers.
• Enchanting view of the Panchchuli peaks.
• Religious attractions and spiritual places like Thamari Kund, Maheshwari Kund, Nanda Devi Temple, and Darkot.
• Picturesque beauty and simplicity of Gogina and Namik village
• Birdwatching.
• Shopping artifacts, home décor, and souvenirs.

How to Reach:

• By Flight: Nearest airport- Pantnagar Airport.
• By Train: Nearest railway station- Tanakpur Railway Station.
• By Road: Musiyari is accessible with all the major cities of India by road and there is bus service available from most of the major cities of India.

Weather in Winter:

Winter in Musiyari, which starts from October till February experiences the kind of winter that is sure to make one shiver with the chills! Winter temperatures may drop down to -4°C and rise to 16 °C. If its snowfall that you want to experience, it’s advised that you should plan your trip between late December and early February and enjoy the drops of fresh magic fall from the sky.

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Kausani

Called as ‘Switzerland of India’ by Mahatma Gandhi, Kausani is a hill station located in Uttarakhand which is perfect for a quick escape to any city dweller that needs to quench its thirst for wanderlust. Kausani takes you away from the monotonous city life and drops you amidst the untouched beauty of nature as you get surrounded by vibrant shades of green and white. In winter average to heavy snowfall turns the whole landscape into a white wonderland. Apart from admiring the heaven like charm and beauty of the place, Kausani is also known for its temples and ashrams which exhibits brilliant artwork and craftsmanship.

 

The peace and the calmness that this place offers is one of the major reasons why this hill station has so many holy religious sanctuaries and ashramas. This further adds to the calmness, peace, and beauty of the place. Winters are the most awaited seasons in Kausani as it has various fun and adventurous activities. The early hour’s ambience of the day is something you should experience as the green nature gets all fogged up and misty, covered up in a blanket of white snow. Kausani in winter is the time to enjoy snowfall and to capture fascinating views of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountain Ranges.

What to look out for:

• Trek to Pinnath.
• Treks to Rudradhari, Kafni Glacier, Baijnath Temple, Pinnath, Pindari, and Sunderdhunga Glacier.
• Sunrise over Nanda Devi.
• Rudradhari Falls and Caves.
• Camping at Eco-Adventure Camp, Padampuri Camps, and Camp Kalsi.
• Religious shrines like Baijnath Temple, Katarmal Temple, and Bageshwar Temple.
• Birdwatching: Peacock, Great Hornbill, Grey Winged Blackbird, Safed Teetar, Common Hill Partridge, and Red-Billed Blue Magpie are some of the birds you can expect to see here.
• Apricot and pear farms in Kausani.
• Tea Estate in Kausani.
• Anasakti Ashram (Gandhi Ashram).
• Lakshmi Ashram (or Sarla Ashram) and Anasakti Ashram.
• Famous poet Sumitranandan Pant’s gallery.
• Shop traditional craft ware from MG road, Mall Raod and Kausani Shawl Factory.

How to Reach:

• By Flight: Nearest airport- Pantnagar Airport.
• By Train: Nearest railway station- Haldwani Railway Station.
• By Road: Kausani is accessible with all the major cities of India by road and there is bus service available from most of the major cities of India.

Weather in Winter:

During winter months, the temperature in Kausani ranges from 13°C to zero degrees. As Kausani experiences mild to heavy snowfall, expect the region to get covered with fresh soft snow carpet. But keep in mind, the snowfall causes in a dip in the temperature as well.

Dalhousie

Dalhousie is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Known for its vivid fusion of natural beauty and colonial structures, the hill station is named after Lord Dalhousie – a British governor. With lush green hills, glistening rivers, and cool mountain breeze- Dalhousie welcomes the visitors with its classical charm and attractive snow-clad mountains. A hill station beautified with breathtaking Victorian and Scottish architecture, Dalhousie is a delightfully small town that transforms into a winter marvel as the region receives heavy snowfall beginning from December which lasts till of February.

 

Situated in the heart of Dhauladhar mountains, the vintage charm that this little town possesses, undoubtedly makes it a treasure mine of the hills. The place posses the rare old English flavours, untouched natural landscapes of valleys, flower-filled colourful meadows, fast-flowing rivers, magnificent snow-clad mountains and some of the most spectacular views in the world while the setting reminds you of the fresh British flavours.

What to look out for:

• Khajjiar: A small town close to Dalhousie is also known as the 'Mini Switzerland’.
• Sashtdhara Falls.
• Shubhash Baoli: A perennial spring named after the famous freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose, known for its medicinal properties.
• Panch Pulla: Meaning 'Five Bridges', known for its natural beauty and picnic spots.
• Dainkund Peak.
• Scenic beauty of Chamba, Garam Sadak, Chamera Lake, Norwood Paramdham and Ganji Pahari.
• River crossing and River Rafting: River Ravi or Saal.
• Paragliding.
• Rock climbing in Khajjiar.
• Hiking at Sach Pass.
• Trekking in Dalhousie.
• Bakrota Hills.
• St. John’s Church: The oldest church in the town with religious and historical significance.
• St. Francis Catholic Church.
• Chamunda Devi Temple.
• Rock Garden in Dalhousie.
• Rang Mahal: Historical structures with influences of both Mughal and British architecture.
• Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Cafes.
• Tibetan Market: Handicrafts And Souvenirs.

How to reach :

• By Flight: Nearest airport- Pathankot Airport
• By Train: Nearest railway station- Pathankot Railway station
• By Road: Dalhousie is accessible with all the major cities of India by road and there is bus service available from most of the major cities of India.

Weather in Winter:

The ideal climatic conditions of Dalhousie makes it a year-round destination. Winter in Dalhousie starts in October and lasts till February. If you plan to experience snowfall, make sure to visit Dalhousie in December as it starts snowing here from late-December. But, if you are planning to take part in adventure activities, then the months of October, November, and February are ideal. The temperature in the winter season ranges from 10°C to zero degrees. The snowfall causes a dip in the temperature as well during peak winter months.

Chopta

A small townlet located in Uttarakhand is every trekker's ideal destination. Chopta serves as a base camp of treks like Tugnanath, Deoria Tal and Chandrashila. Surrounded by the mighty Himalayas, the evergreen forests and meadows lend a surreal feel to this place. Camping in Chopta amidst all the white snow is a sheer delight for mountain lovers as one gets to have glorious views of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and Trishul Peaks. Camping in such a setting is every traveller’s dream come true. The experience of camping in the open grassy meadows of Chopta that slopes on softly, among alpine, pine, deodar and rhododendron trees is a unique feature of Chopta.

 

Chopta’s view is dominated by the beautiful snow-covered peaks of Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhambha. Also, Chandrashila Trek with Chopta and Tungnath is one of the most famous trek routes of this region. At 13000 feet, beautified with mists, coniferous, and snow, this is one trek every trekker must try out in their lifetime. The outside ambience of Chopta is ideal for any group of young travellers, couples, honeymooners or solo adventurers. Chopta experiences quite an amount of snowfall but you are bound to have a brilliant time regardless of the weather.

What to look out for:

• Tungnath and Chandrashila trek.
• Tungnath: Highest Shiva temple in the world.
• Ukhimath: Or winter Kedarnath. It houses Lord Shiva when Kedarnath shuts down during winters.
• Madhyamaheshwar Mandir: Or Lord Shiva’s stomach.
• Experience tranquillity and peace amidst the scenic beauty of Deoria Tal, Chandrashila.
• Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary.
• Camping in Chopta.

How to Reach:

• By Flight: Nearest airport- Jolly Grant Airport.
• By Train: Nearest railway station- Rishikesh Railway station.
• By Road: One can reach chopta by taking a cab or Private or government bus from rishikesh or Dehradun.

Weather in Winter:

Chopta experiences cool & hospitable weather all around the year. The mercury drops to sub-zero levels in Chopta in the winter. Winter is the best time if you are planning to camp if you to visit Chopta. Light a campfire and sleeping under the stars as you enjoy the local cuisine. Trekking on snow is very popular at Chopta, for the paths are well-marked, and the view is spectacular. The winters are quite cold and one can experience the maximum temperature of 5°C which can drop to a minimum of -15°C with a lot of snowfall.

How to pack your Backpack

Now that you have decided what your destination is going to be in this winter to experience snowfall, its time you learn how to pack your backpack.

Before you start stuffing your backpack, it’s always a wise choice to gather all the things you want to travel with and categorize them according to their weights. This will help you carrying your backpack much easier as the weight will get evenly distributed and there are your hikes, treks, and travels will be much comfortable. So, the categories of your travelling should be

• Heavy Items: This should be kept on the backside of your bag, that is, closer to your back. These are generally your food items, water bottles, heavy woollens, jackets and things that are heavy. Make sure you pack them in a way that they stay closer to your spine. The idea behind this is to create a comfortable centre of gravity and distribute the weight evenly.
• Lighter Items: This should be kept on the front side of your bag, that is, away from your back. These are generally your lighter set of clothes, your sleeping bag and other things that are comparatively lighter. Use these to keep the heavier belongings in place in the bag.
• Frequently Used Items: This should be kept on the top half of your bag. Here you include your snacks, energy bars, fast-aid kit, map and other necessary items that you might need while you travel.
• Less Used Items: This should be kept on the bottom half of your bag. Here you can include your sleeping bags, blankets and other non-essentials that you don’t see yourself using during the travel and won’t need until you set camp.

In the end, tighten up all the compression straps of your bag to limit the load shifting. Also, tighten the shoulder strap so that your bag stays close to your body and you feel easier to carry. To get additional help, always keep in mind to use your sternum strap and hip belt so that you carry the bag with your entire body and not just your shoulders, thus reducing the chances of any shoulder injury.

Always remember, giving time to pack your backpack is as important as planning your trip, as a properly planned packing can make your treks, hikes, and journeys much easier and help you create happy memories.