Every winter, one of the most common questions many of my friends and relatives ask me is “Brother, can you please tell me some places to see snowfall near Delhi or snow near Delhi?” And honestly, I have lost count of how many times I have heard this over the years 🙂

Having heard this question so many times, I thought it is better to write down a couple of articles on DoW where I can pen down such places near Delhi to find snowfall or snow. In the past, I did write one about places to find snowfall near Delhi in Himachal. I am sure it was helpful to many of you who love snow or snowfall in the Himalayas.

In this article, I will share with you ten places in Uttarakhand where you can see snow or snowfall near Delhi, most of which you can cover as a 3 to 5 day trip from Delhi. Some of these places are just 300 km from the capital, making them perfect for a long weekend drive.

Last Updated: February 2026

What Are the Best Places to See Snowfall Near Delhi in Uttarakhand?

The best places to see snowfall near Delhi in Uttarakhand include Chopta, Chakrata, Kanatal, Auli, Harsil, Kedarkantha trek, Munsiyari, Kausani, Khirsu, and Landour. Most of these are within 300 to 510 km from Delhi and can be covered in a 3 to 5 day weekend trip between December and March.

Here is the complete list at a glance.

  • Chopta, Tungnath, Deoriatal (450 km, snow Dec to March)
  • Chakrata, Kanasar, Deoban (320 km, snow late Dec to Feb)
  • Kanatal, Chamba, Dhanaulti (300 km, snow late Dec to mid-March)
  • Landour, Nag Tibba (290 km, snow late Dec to March)
  • Auli (510 km, snow Jan to mid-March)
  • Harsil, Sukhi Top, Dharali (470 km, snow Dec to March)
  • Chaukori, Munsiyari (490 km, snow late Dec to March)
  • Kausani (405 km, snow Jan to Feb)
  • Khirsu (380 km, snow Jan to Feb)
  • Juda Lake, Kedarkantha Peak (440 km, snow late Dec to April)

Let’s look at each of them in detail one by one.

Quick Practical Info for Winter Trips from Delhi

Before we get into the places, here are a few practical things to keep in mind for winter driving in Uttarakhand.

  • Best months: December, January, February (peak snowfall is usually mid-January to mid-February)
  • Road conditions: Most NH routes stay open but higher altitude roads (above 2500 m) can get icy or blocked temporarily. Carry chains for your tyres if possible.
  • What to carry: Warm layered clothing, good trekking shoes with grip, sunscreen (snow glare), basic medicines, a thermos flask for hot water, and fully charged power banks (cold drains batteries fast).
  • Budget (per person, 3 days): Rs 3,000 to Rs 8,000 depending on destination and accommodation type. GMVN/KMVN rest houses offer rooms from Rs 800 to Rs 2,000 per night. Private hotels start from Rs 1,500 in off-season winter.
  • Driving tip: Always start early from Delhi (4 to 5 AM) to clear the plains traffic. Keep headlights on in foggy patches between Delhi and Haridwar/Dehradun.
List of places to see snow in Uttarakhand near Delhi
Infographic: 10 places to see snowfall near Delhi in Uttarakhand

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10 Places to See Snowfall Near Delhi in Uttarakhand

By November, winters settle in most parts of the Himalayas like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Kashmir, etc. It is also the time that many of the high altitude places like Leh – Ladakh, Spiti Valley, Lahaul Valley, Pangi Valley, Zanskar Valley, etc. will go under hibernation for about the next 5-6 months.

However, the lower hills of Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Kashmir will still be connected. These places become the favorite spots for the lovers of the Himalayas who are fond of snowfall or snow in particular 🙂 …

In these winter months of late November, December, January, and February, there are many places in Uttarakhand where one can see snow or snowfall near Delhi. I will share with you ten places in Uttarakhand to witness snowfall in the coming winters 🙂 🙂 …

By saying “Snowfall Near Delhi,” I mean places which you can cover in 3 to 5 days from Delhi at max, or you can say long weekend trips from Delhi for seeing snowfall or snow. Beyond 3 to 5 days, there are more viable options I believe, but let’s know some places in Uttarakhand where you can travel over the long weekend from Delhi to see snow or snowfall.

1. How to Reach Chopta, Tungnath, and Deoriatal for Snow?

One of the most amazing places in Uttarakhand to play with snow or witness snowfall near Delhi in winters is the region around Chopta, Tungnath, and Deoria Tal. These places are all located nearby each other and are about 450 odd km from Delhi.

So, one can reach Deoriatal or Chopta in a day’s drive from Delhi. You can start early morning and be there by evening. Then the next day, you can play in the snow at any of these places and finally start the journey back on Day 3. If you happen to have a day or two more, then you can cover all three places.

Depending upon the time of travel, you can even visit Chandrashilla peak ahead of Tungnath Temple but that is possible only when there is less snow up there and is safe to trek. You can find snow at these places from December to March and further at Chandrashilla, almost till late April.

The road to Chopta also gets closed due to winters. One has to walk about a couple of miles from Duggalbitta. You can always stay at GMVN, Ukhimath, and make day excursions from Ukhimath to these places. Deoriatal also has camps up there and an FRH, if you are interested to stay up there or do camping on your own.

Pro tip: GMVN Ukhimath has rooms starting around Rs 800 to Rs 1,500 per night in winter. Book through GMVN’s official website as walk-in availability can be tricky during peak snowfall weekends. The Chopta region receives 2 to 4 feet of snow in January, making it one of the most reliable snow destinations near Delhi.

Chopta, Tunganath or Deoria Tal, a place to enjoy Snowfall near Delhi
Snow trek to Tungnath from Chopta in winter
Chopta, Tunganath or Deoria Tal, a place to enjoy Snowfall near Delhi
Snow-covered trail near Chopta in Uttarakhand

2. Is Chakrata Good for Snowfall Near Delhi?

Second on the list of places to see snowfall near Delhi in Uttarakhand is Chakrata or Deoban / Kanasar Meadows. You can find snow or snowfall at these places easily in the winter months of late December, January, and February. Being just 320 km odd from Delhi and about 2,100 metres in altitude, Chakrata is one of the closest places around Delhi to see snowfall or snow in winters.

You can take the route to Chakrata from Delhi via Dehradun or reach Chakrata via Vikasnagar and can even cover Mussoorie over a 3-day trip to Chakrata. You can leave Delhi by Friday night and reach Chakrata by early morning, play in the snow for a day and either go to Mussoorie the next day or come back to Delhi if you have just the weekend at hand.

Chakrata is a cantonment town and can be accessed from Paonta Sahib / Nahan route from the Himachal side too. So, in case interested, you can do the circuit of going from Uttarakhand and exiting from the Himachal side. There are meadows/forests of Kanasar, Deoban, and a place Chilmiri around Chakrata, which also gets good snow in the winter months. Especially Deoban, which is almost 3,000 metres in altitude, gets decent snow.

There is one popular waterfall by the name Tiger Fall in Chakrata, which is a nice place to spend time in solace. However, in the winter months, it may not be as dense of a waterfall to look majestic. Keep in mind that Chakrata being a cantonment area, some areas may require permission to visit.

Chakrata - Deoban, a place to enjoy Snowfall near Delhi
Snow at Chilmiri Neck near Chakrata, Uttarakhand

3. Can You See Snow at Kanatal and Dhanaulti on a Weekend?

Kanatal, Chamba is another place with an overnight journey from Delhi where you can find snowfall or snow in the winter months from late December to mid-March. You need to follow the Delhi – Dehradun – Dhanaulti route or Delhi – Rishikesh – Narendra Nagar – Chamba route in order to reach Kanatal as it is just a matter of a day’s drive.

Since Kanatal is also just about 300 odd km from Delhi, it is considered among one of the nearest places to witness or play with snow around Delhi. I believe it is less than Chakrata in distance. So, ideally, you can cover this over a weekend drive.

There is a temple of Surkanda Devi ahead of Kanatal, but the roads are mostly closed due to snow ahead towards it in winter. To reach the top at the temple, you need to trek about 2-3 km but not that hard a trek even if roads are open ahead of Kanatal.

So, even if you do not have snow around Kanatal, the road or trek towards Surkanda Devi Temple, which is at an altitude of about 3,000 metres, will surely have snow in the early and late parts of winters as well. Dhanaulti is also about 20 km from Kanatal and experiences snowfall in winters. There are a few nice eco parks at Dhanaulti where you can enjoy snow with family. Accommodation at Kanatal ranges from Rs 1,500 to Rs 4,000 per night depending on the property.

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Kanatal - Chamba, a place to enjoy Snowfall near Delhi
Snow at Kanatal near Chamba, Uttarakhand. Photo Credit: Gaurav Dutt

4. How to Plan a Snowfall Trip to Landour and Nag Tibba?

Next on the list is Landour, Nag Tibba where you can enjoy snow or snowfall near Delhi in the winter months of late December, January, February or even mid-March at least on the trek to Nag Tibba.

Landour is a very easy 8-9 hour drive from Delhi via Mussoorie or one can take an overnight Volvo to Dehradun and then go over to Mussoorie by a taxi from where Landour is just about 40 km away. If you are lucky, you will get the snow at Landour itself. But if there is not much snow at Landour, then the next day drive to Devalsari village from Landour.

The trek to Nag Tibba starts at Devalsari village. There is an FRH at Devalsari, so you can reach Devalsari on Day 1 itself and stay there. Since it is a trek of about 13 km, making it to the top in the snow is an extreme adventure and difficult to be done in one day.

Hence, you should follow the trail and reach as deep into the snow to play as you are comfortable and then return safely back to Landour or Devalsari. The next day you can return home after enjoying snowfall or snow around Nag Tibba trail or Landour. In summers, people camp up there at Nag Tibba.

Keep in mind that Nag Tibba is at about 3,022 metres (9,915 feet) and is the highest peak in the lower Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The temperature can drop to minus 5 to minus 10 degrees Celsius in peak winter, so do carry proper winter gear. A good pair of waterproof trekking shoes is essential here.

Naag Tibba, a place to enjoy Snowfall near Delhi
Snow trek to Nag Tibba from Devalsari. Photo Credit: Mukesh Verma

5. Is Auli Worth Visiting for Snowfall Near Delhi?

Auli is the most popular of the places in Uttarakhand to find snow near Delhi. It is an important but not so famous ski destination in the Himalayas in India. Auli is located about 510 odd km from Delhi. So, you will need about four days to make an easy trip to Auli and enjoy the place with ease.

Auli has one of the best ski slopes in India and many times winter games are held up there. You can even register for a course on skiing in Auli, which starts in January. The ski course is conducted by GMVN and costs around Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 for a basic 7-day program (as of 2024, verify with GMVN for current rates). You can find snow or snowfall at Auli in the winter months of January to mid-March. In peak January, snow accumulation can reach 3 to 5 feet, making it perfect for skiing and snow activities.

To reach Auli, you need to go to Joshimath following the route from Rishikesh – Dev Prayag – Karn Prayag and then reach Joshimath, the portal to Badrinath shrine. Joshimath to Auli, there is a narrow road of about 16 km, but in winter months, many times the road is snowbound.

Hence, the four km long cable car at Auli (Asia’s longest) is the only option to reach it from Joshimath. The cable car takes about 20 minutes for one side ride. As of 2025, the cable car fare is around Rs 750 per person (one way) and the chairlift costs about Rs 300 per person.

Important note: Joshimath experienced subsidence issues in early 2023. As of 2025, the situation has stabilized and Auli is open for tourists. However, I suggest checking with the Uttarakhand Tourism website for any advisories before planning your trip.

Auli, a place to enjoy Snowfall near Delhi
Snow-covered slopes of Auli, one of the best ski destinations in India

6. What Makes Harsil and Dharali Special for Winter Snow?

Harsil is about 470 km from Delhi and is a drive of around 12-14 hours. It is located at an altitude of 2,620 metres (7,860 feet) and is about 25 km before Gangotri temple.

Just a few km ahead of Harsil lies Dharali, which is an equally picturesque location as Harsil but has a long market now. So, anything in between can be as good as it can get to be away from the crowd.

You can follow the route as Delhi – Rishikesh – Chamba – Uttarkashi – Harsil. You can reach Uttarkashi if that long drive does not suit you and from Uttarkashi, Harsil is about 70 odd km only. It is a cantonment area right on the banks of the Bhagirathi river. The idol of the Hindu River Goddess Ganga (Ganges) is brought down from the shrine at Gangotri in the upper Himalayas after Diwali and kept at ‘Mukhba’ village near Harsil. It remains there throughout the winter when Gangotri is snowbound and inaccessible.

From December end, it starts snowing heavily around Harsil and beyond Harsil towards Dharali, Bhairon Ghaati, and further towards Gangotri. So, you can find ample snow in the region all round from December to March.

Since it is not the yatra time, perhaps it is one of the best times to visit this beautiful valley in Uttarakhand. Sometimes, you might not even reach Harsil as the region ahead of Sukhi Top has too much ice on roads for safe passage. The vehicle tends to skid at Sukhi Top due to ice on roads. You can always inquire about road conditions before going in the winter months of January or February. The Harsil region in winters is truly something special, if you can make it there safely.

Harsil Dharali Snow walls
Snow walls on the road near Harsil and Dharali in winter

7. How to Plan a Snow Trip to Chaukori and Munsiyari?

Chaukori is located in the Pithoragarh district of the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand. It is located about 490 km from Delhi and takes about 12-14 hours of a drive. It is not recommended to drive in a day from Delhi. Rather, you do the drive to Chaukori in a couple of days with a first night halt at Nainital or Ramgarh / Mukteshwar.

So, a four-day trip is recommended to visit Chaukori and in case you want to extend the trip to Munsiyari then adding a day is a much better choice. Otherwise, if you are OK with stretching drives then Munsiyari can also be done in four days. You can always refer to my most recommended itinerary of Kumaon.

You may find snow up there at Chaukori in January to February, and Munsiyari, you can find snow from late December to March at least in the nearby short hikes from Munsiyari like Thamri Kund at Khaliya Top. Munsiyari is at about 2,290 metres and offers stunning views of the Panchachuli peaks covered in snow.

Travel tip: The road from Birthi Falls to Munsiyari can be tricky in January and February due to ice patches. I suggest starting early and driving slowly on this stretch. KMVN has a Tourist Rest House in Munsiyari with rooms from around Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 per night. For a more detailed guide, do check my Chaukori travel guide.

Playing in snow at Munsiyari
Playing in snow at Munsiyari with Panchachuli peaks in the background

8. Does Kausani Get Snowfall in Winter?

Kausani at an altitude of 1,890 metres, is about 85 odd km from Chaukori back towards Delhi and 52 km from Almora. The route goes via Bageshwar – Baijnath from Chaukori in case you plan to visit Chaukori and Munsiyari too, with lovely views of Panchachuli, Mrigthuni, and Trishul alongside the road.

It is a place which gives a feeling that time has just stopped there, and you cannot stop ogling at the high and handsome peaks in front. Of course, the time of Golden Glow Hour of Sunset / Sunrise at Trishul Peak is just too majestic. If you are interested in sightseeing around Kausani, then you can visit Anashakti Ashram, Lakshmi Ashram, Tea Gardens, and Baijnath Temple which are among some of the tourist attractions around Kausani. For a more detailed guide, check my complete guide to Kausani.

Kausani also gets snowfall in January and February. Though it is not that frequent, it does get snow sometimes. So, if there is not much time on hands to make a trip to Munsiyari or Chaukori, then you can make a three-day trip to Kausani after inquiring about snow presence up there from KMVN 🙂 🙂

Kausani, a place to enjoy Snowfall in Uttarakhand
Snowfall at Kausani with views of the Trishul range

9. Is Khirsu a Good Hidden Gem for Snow Near Delhi?

About 380 km from Delhi ahead of Pauri (19 km), Khirsu is situated at an altitude of about 1,700 metres and does get snowfall in the winter months of January and February.

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Hence, if you are looking for a quick 2-3 day trip to check snow near Delhi, then Khirsu can be a quiet, secluded, calm, little place to enjoy some quality time in the lap of nature. To stay at Khirsu, you should check out Tourist Rest House and Forest Rest House. Khirsu is one of those offbeat places where you will not find the usual tourist crowd, making it perfect for a peaceful winter getaway.

Khirsu, a place to enjoy Snowfall in Uttarakhand
Khirsu covered in snow, a quiet offbeat destination near Delhi

10. How to Plan the Kedarkantha Trek for Snow?

You can find plenty of snow in the winter months of late December to March on a short trek towards Juda Lake. Further up from Juda Lake to Kedarkantha peak, snow can be found even in April.

Juda Lake is at an altitude of about 2,500 metres and is about 440 km from Delhi. You can follow the route as Delhi – Dehradun – Naugaon – Purola – Mori – Sankri. From Sankri Village, Juda Lake trek starts and is about 6-7 km in length.

You can find ample snow in winters on the trek itself, so there is no need to do the entire trek, and if you are keen on seeing a frozen Juda Lake, then it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the lake from Sankri Village. Purola is the major town of this region, and Sankri is about 50 km from Purola.

So, on Day 1 you can reach Purola, rest for the day and next day start from Sankri, do the trek, play in the snow and come back to Sankri and drive back to Purola or stay up there in basic guesthouses in Sankri Village. Or on Day 1 itself, you can reach Sankri for a night stay, enjoy the snow on the trek next day, and then the third day come back to Delhi.

Keep in mind that Juda Lake in itself is not that beautiful, so in case of absence of snow in summer months, it may prove disappointing in case you are not in love with trekking rather more love natural beauty.

Kedarkantha summit at 3,810 metres (12,500 feet) is one of the most popular winter treks in India. The full trek is 4-5 days and is suitable for beginners with basic fitness. Many trekking groups organize guided treks from Sankri between December and March. If you are interested in more easy treks, check my list of easy treks in Uttarakhand for beginners.

Juda Lake - Kedarkantha Peak, a place to enjoy Snowfall in Uttarakhand
Snow at Juda Lake on the Kedarkantha trek trail

Which Place Has the Most Reliable Snowfall Near Delhi?

If you are looking for a quick comparison to decide where to go, here is a summary table that might help you plan better.

PlaceDistance from DelhiAltitudeSnow MonthsDays NeededReliability
Chopta / Tungnath450 km2,680 mDec to Mar3-4High
Chakrata / Deoban320 km2,100-3,000 mLate Dec to Feb2-3Medium
Kanatal / Dhanaulti300 km2,590 mLate Dec to Mar2-3Medium
Landour / Nag Tibba290 km2,200-3,022 mLate Dec to Mar3Medium-High
Auli510 km2,500-3,050 mJan to Mar4-5Very High
Harsil / Dharali470 km2,620 mDec to Mar4High
Chaukori / Munsiyari490 km2,010-2,290 mJan to Mar4-5Medium-High
Kausani405 km1,890 mJan to Feb3Low-Medium
Khirsu380 km1,700 mJan to Feb2-3Low
Kedarkantha440 km2,500-3,810 mDec to Apr4-5Very High

In my experience, Auli and Kedarkantha are the most reliable for guaranteed snow. Chopta and Harsil come next. Places like Kausani and Khirsu are more of a gamble, they may or may not have snow depending on the year. Hence, if snowfall is the primary objective of your trip, I suggest going with one of the top four options in this table.

What Should You Pack for a Snow Trip from Delhi?

Many first-timers underestimate how cold it gets at these places. Here is a quick packing checklist that has served me well over the years.

  • Thermal innerwear (top and bottom, at least 2 pairs)
  • Fleece or woolen jacket as a middle layer
  • Windproof / waterproof outer jacket
  • Waterproof trekking shoes with good grip (this is non-negotiable for snow)
  • Woolen socks (2-3 pairs) and gloves
  • Muffler, cap/beanie, and ear covers
  • Sunglasses (snow glare can cause snow blindness)
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+ (UV rays are strong at altitude even in winter)
  • Power bank (cold weather drains phone battery fast)
  • Torch / headlamp (power cuts are common in remote areas)
  • Basic medicines: Paracetamol, cold medicine, Diamox if going above 3,000 m

How to Reach These Snowfall Places from Delhi?

All these places are accessible by road from Delhi. You have three main corridor options.

Via Dehradun (NH 44 / NH 7): This is the route for Chakrata, Landour, Nag Tibba, Kanatal, Dhanaulti, Mussoorie, Kedarkantha/Sankri. Drive time Delhi to Dehradun is about 6-7 hours. Uttarakhand Roadways and private Volvo buses run overnight services from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate to Dehradun. Fare is around Rs 400 to Rs 1,000 depending on bus type.

Via Rishikesh – Devprayag (NH 58): This is the route for Chopta/Tungnath, Auli, Harsil, Uttarkashi. Drive time Delhi to Rishikesh is about 5-6 hours. From Rishikesh, take the Badrinath highway for Auli (via Joshimath) or the Gangotri highway for Harsil (via Uttarkashi). Uttarakhand Roadways operates direct buses to Joshimath and Uttarkashi from Rishikesh and Haridwar.

Via Haldwani – Almora (NH 9): This is the route for Kausani, Chaukori, Munsiyari, Khirsu. Drive time Delhi to Haldwani is about 5-6 hours. KMOU (Kumaon Motor Owners Union) runs buses from Haldwani to various hill stations. Overnight Volvo buses from Delhi to Nainital/Haldwani are widely available from Rs 500 to Rs 1,200.

What is the Best Time to See Snowfall Near Delhi in Uttarakhand?

The best time to see snowfall near Delhi in Uttarakhand is between mid-December and late February. However, the exact timing varies by altitude and location.

  • December (late): Fresh snowfall begins at higher altitudes (above 2,500 m). Chopta, Auli, Kedarkantha, and Harsil start getting their first significant snow.
  • January: This is the peak snow month. Almost all 10 places on this list will have snow. Auli gets 3 to 5 feet of snow. Kedarkantha gets buried in white.
  • February: Still excellent for snow. Western disturbances bring periodic fresh snowfall. Lower altitude places like Kausani and Khirsu have the best chances in this month.
  • March: Snow starts melting at lower altitudes. Only higher places like Auli, Chopta (above Duggalbitta), and Kedarkantha still have snow. Chandrashilla peak retains snow till April.

I always suggest checking India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a few days before your trip. A western disturbance typically brings 2-3 days of snowfall followed by clear skies, and that clear period right after fresh snowfall is the best time to visit.

Conclusion

Now, you know about these ten places to visit in Uttarakhand near Delhi to see snowfall or play with snow in the coming winters. I am sure that you are not going to visit them all in just a year 😀 …

So, now I believe that this series of two articles for Himachal and Uttarakhand will help you upgrade your winter travel list to play with snow near Delhi in winters for the next 3-5 years. For more offbeat winter destinations, also check my offbeat places in Uttarakhand guide.

If you happen to know any other such places in Uttarakhand where we can enjoy snow or snowfall near Delhi over a weekend trip of 3-5 days, please feel free to share them with me in the comments section below. I will be happy to hear from you and add them to this list for the benefit of all 🙂

Feel free to share this article with your friends or families who are planning a trip to Uttarakhand in coming winters to play with snow or enjoy snowfall near Delhi. Also, if you are looking for travel partners for your winter trip, do check out the DwD Community and the DoW Travel Calendar from the link in the main menu of the website.

Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions about traveling to the Himalayas.

NOTE: I have given the Photo Credits with proper links to the people whose pictures have been used as DoW strongly opposes Plagiarism. In case, any of the owners of these pictures feel that the proper credit with a link is not enough, please send an e-mail or leave a comment and I will remove the picture immediately and replace them from my known friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the nearest place from Delhi to see snowfall?

Kanatal and Dhanaulti at about 300 km from Delhi are the nearest places in Uttarakhand to see snowfall. Chakrata at 320 km is another close option. Both can be covered in a 2-day weekend trip. However, snowfall at these places is not guaranteed every day, it depends on western disturbances. For guaranteed snow in January and February, Chopta at 450 km is a more reliable choice.

Can I take a sedan or hatchback to these snowfall places?

Most of these places are accessible by sedan or hatchback on their main routes. However, when there is heavy snowfall, the last few km to places like Chopta, Deoban, or Auli may require chains on tyres or a 4×4 vehicle. I suggest keeping tyre chains handy if you are driving a sedan in peak winter months. For Kedarkantha, the road to Sankri is narrow and can get icy, so a vehicle with good ground clearance is recommended.

Is it safe to drive to these places in winter?

Yes, it is safe to drive to most of these places as long as you drive carefully, especially on icy patches. Always start early so you are not driving on mountain roads after dark. Check road conditions before starting your trip. The national highways and state highways are well-maintained. The risk increases on higher altitude roads above 2,500 metres during or right after heavy snowfall. Keep in mind that fog on the plains between Delhi and Haridwar/Dehradun can be dangerous in early morning hours.

What is the budget for a 3-day snow trip from Delhi to Uttarakhand?

For a budget trip with 2-3 friends sharing a car, expect to spend around Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 per person for 3 days. This includes fuel (Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 shared), GMVN/KMVN rooms (Rs 800 to Rs 1,500 per night shared), and food at dhabas (Rs 200 to Rs 400 per day). For mid-range comfort with private hotels and restaurants, budget Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000 per person for 3 days. Bus travelers can do these trips for as low as Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 per person including stay and food.

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Can I see snowfall in Mussoorie or Nainital?

Mussoorie gets light snowfall in January and February, mostly around Lal Tibba and the upper Mall Road areas. However, it is not as reliable as Chopta or Auli. Nainital rarely gets snowfall at its main lake level (1,938 m) but Snow View Point and Tiffin Top may get some snow in peak winter. If snow is your primary objective, I would suggest the 10 places listed in this article over Mussoorie and Nainital, as they offer a much better snow experience.

Do I need any permits for these winter trips?

No special permits are required for any of the 10 places mentioned in this article. Chakrata is a cantonment area, so there might be minor entry formalities but nothing that would stop you. For Auli, you just need a ticket for the cable car or chairlift. For treks like Kedarkantha and Nag Tibba, no permit is needed, but registering with the local forest department or your trekking group is always a good idea for safety.

Which place is best for snowfall with family and kids?

For a family trip with kids, I would suggest Auli, Kanatal, or Dhanaulti. Auli has well-maintained GMVN properties and the cable car ride is an experience kids love. Kanatal and Dhanaulti are the closest options and have eco parks where kids can play safely in the snow. Avoid longer treks like Kedarkantha or Nag Tibba with young children as the cold and altitude can be challenging for them.

Is there mobile network available at these places?

BSNL has the best network coverage across most of Uttarakhand’s hill stations. Airtel and Jio work at Mussoorie, Kanatal, Dhanaulti, Kausani, and the main towns like Dehradun, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, and Joshimath. At places like Chopta, Harsil, Sankri (for Kedarkantha), and Munsiyari, mobile network can be patchy or absent. I suggest downloading offline maps and informing your family about expected network issues before heading out.

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I am Dheeraj Sharma - a traveler, techie, and Himalayan lover. Since 2009, I have been helping thousands of travelers every year plan memorable & budget-friendly trips to the Himalayas - Smartly, Safely, and responsibly. I also run GenAI Unplugged, where I teach AI automation for solopreneurs and small businesses. My free n8n Zero to Hero course covers everything from your first workflow to production-grade AI automation.

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