Every winter, one of the most common questions I get from friends and fellow travelers is, “Where can I see snowfall near Delhi?” Having heard this question so many times over the years, I thought it is better to write a proper guide listing the best places in Himachal Pradesh where you can enjoy snow or witness live snowfall within a 3 to 5 day trip from Delhi.
I already wrote a companion article about places to see snowfall near Delhi in Uttarakhand. This one covers seven tried and tested destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Each of these places is accessible over a long weekend from Delhi or Chandigarh, and the snow window typically runs from late November through March, depending on the altitude and the year.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Which Are the Best Places to See Snowfall Near Delhi in Himachal?
Here are seven destinations in Himachal Pradesh where you can see snow or snowfall near Delhi. All of them can be covered within a 3 to 5 day trip, making them perfect for long weekends.
- Manali and Solang Valley
- Jalori Pass and Shoja (Tirthan Valley)
- Prashar Lake near Mandi
- Hatu Peak, Narkanda, Kufri, and Shimla
- Pabbar Valley (Kharapathar, Rohru, Chanshal)
- Triund near McLeod Ganj
- Khajjiar and Dalhousie
By “snowfall near Delhi,” I mean places you can reach overnight from Delhi, spend a day or two enjoying snow, and return within 3 to 5 days. The core snow season across these destinations is mid-December to late February, with some higher altitude spots holding snow well into March. Keep in mind that snowfall is never guaranteed on a specific date. But if you travel in January or February, your chances are quite high at most of these places.
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How Early Does Snowfall Start in Himachal Pradesh?
By November, winters settle across most of the Himalayas. High-altitude regions like Spiti Valley, Lahaul Valley, Pangi Valley, and Zanskar Valley go into hibernation for 5 to 6 months. Roads close, passes get buried under snow, and life slows down considerably. However, the lower and mid-altitude hills of Himachal, between 6,000 and 10,000 feet, remain connected by road and become the go-to destinations for weekend travelers from Delhi who want to play in the snow or witness live snowfall.
The first snowfall at places like Narkanda, Kufri, and Jalori Pass can happen as early as late November. But for reliable, thick snow cover, January and February are your best months. According to IMD records, Himachal Pradesh typically receives its heaviest snowfall between late December and mid-February.
What Should You Pack for a Snowfall Trip from Delhi?
Before I get into the destinations, a quick note on preparation. Snow trips need a bit more planning than your regular hill station visit. Here is what I always recommend.
- Layered clothing: thermal inner, fleece mid-layer, waterproof outer jacket. Check my guide on budget winter jackets under Rs 5,000 if you are buying new.
- Waterproof shoes: regular sneakers get soaked in snow within minutes. Invest in waterproof trekking shoes.
- Gloves, woolen cap, and sunglasses: snow glare is real and painful. Do not skip sunglasses.
- Cash: ATMs in hill stations run out of cash during peak winter weekends. Carry Rs 5,000 to 8,000 in cash.
- Chains for tyres: if you are driving, carry snow chains. They are available at most hardware shops in Manali, Shimla, and Narkanda for Rs 500 to 1,000 per set.
Where Can You See Snowfall Near Delhi in Himachal? (7 Destinations)
Let me walk you through each destination, including when to go, how to reach, what to expect, and roughly how much it will cost.
1. Manali and Solang Valley
Manali is the most popular and arguably the most reliable place to see snowfall near Delhi in Himachal. The probability of finding snow here between mid-November and late March is very high. Solang Valley, Gulaba, and Marhi have snow almost the entire winter, and if you visit Solang Valley between December and February, you may witness live snowfall too.
How to reach: Take an overnight HRTC Volvo from Delhi ISBT (Kashmere Gate) to Manali. HRTC Volvo fare is around Rs 1,000 to 1,400 per person one way. Private Volvo buses cost Rs 1,500 to 2,500. The journey takes about 12 to 14 hours. From Chandigarh, the travel time is about 8 to 9 hours.
Snow window: Mid-November to late March at Solang, Gulaba, and Marhi. Rohtang Pass area holds snow even into June, but the road opens only around May.
Budget for a weekend: Rs 4,000 to 6,000 per person for a 3-day trip (bus fare + budget hotel + meals).
You should check my complete travel guide for Manali for sightseeing places, accommodation options, and food joints. Also, if you are specifically planning a winter visit, do not miss my article on 5 reasons to travel to Manali in winters.
Hence, Manali and Solang Valley remain the top choice for snowfall near Delhi. The snow is almost a sure shot in winters. Having said that, these are some of the most crowded spots, so book your stay well in advance if you are going during Christmas or New Year 🙂
2. Jalori Pass and Shoja (Tirthan Valley)
Jalori Pass (10,800 ft) and the quiet village of Shoja are wonderful alternatives if you want snow without the Manali crowds. They sit in the Tirthan Valley corridor and receive good snowfall from mid-December through February.
Important: The road to Jalori Pass typically closes for vehicles from mid-December to early March due to heavy snow. However, Shoja village (about 5 km before the pass) remains accessible and itself gets a generous snow cover. You can also do a snow trek to Serloskar Lake if conditions allow, but only with a local guide and after checking with villagers at Shoja about feasibility.
How to reach: Take the overnight Volvo to Manali from Delhi and get down at Aut (before Mandi). From Aut, local taxis to Shoja cost around Rs 1,500 to 2,000. Alternatively, buses run from Aut to Banjar, and from Banjar you can get a shared taxi or local bus to Shoja.
Snow window: Mid-December to February at Shoja. Jalori Pass holds snow until March but the road stays closed.
Budget: Rs 3,500 to 5,000 per person for a 3-day trip. Homestays and guesthouses in Shoja range from Rs 800 to 1,500 per night.
In case you want to explore the area in detail, check my Tirthan Valley travel guide which covers Shoja, Jalori Pass, and nearby attractions.
3. Prashar Lake near Mandi
Prashar Lake (8,960 ft) near Mandi is one of the most rewarding winter snow treks you can do from Delhi within a long weekend. The lake freezes partially in peak winter, and the views of the snow-covered trail with the ancient Prashar temple are absolutely stunning.
How to reach: Follow the Delhi to Chandigarh to Mandi highway. From Mandi, it is about 1.5 to 2 hours to Baghi village via Kuatalya. From Baghi, the road climbs another 20 km to Prashar Lake. In summer, cars can reach almost to the top. In winter, when there is heavy snow, you may need to park your vehicle near Baghi and trek the remaining stretch. The snow trek can take about 3 to 4 hours depending on conditions.
From Mandi, taxis to Prashar Lake cost about Rs 1,800 to 2,500. You can also take an overnight Volvo to Mandi from Delhi (fare around Rs 800 to 1,000) and arrange a taxi from there.
Snow window: December to March. January and February offer the best chances for fresh snowfall and a semi-frozen lake.
Where to stay: There is a forest rest house at Prashar Lake. For booking, check my guide on how to book HP PWD rest houses. Small wooden shelters near the lake offer tea and snacks. Camping is possible but you need to carry your own gear in winter.
Pro tip: Do not forget to carry a water bottle when trekking to Prashar Lake in winter. There are no drinking water sources on the route once the snow sets in. Winter temperatures at the lake drop to minus 5 to minus 10 degrees Celsius at night, so carry proper sleeping gear if you plan to stay overnight.
4. Hatu Peak, Narkanda, Kufri, and Shimla
If you want the closest snowfall experience from Delhi in Himachal, this belt is your answer. Narkanda (8,100 ft) and Hatu Peak (10,600 ft) are among the most accessible snow destinations, and in a good winter year, even Kufri and Shimla get a white blanket, especially around the New Year window.
How to reach: Narkanda is an 8 to 9 hour drive from Delhi via Shimla, or you can take an overnight HRTC Volvo to Shimla (fare around Rs 800 to 1,200) and then a local bus or taxi to Narkanda, which is just 60 km ahead. Check my Shimla and Manali trip planning guide for route details.
Snow window: January and February at Narkanda and Hatu Peak. Mid-March at Hatu Peak. Kufri and Shimla receive snowfall sporadically, mostly in January, but it melts quickly at these lower altitudes.
Budget: Rs 3,000 to 5,000 per person for a weekend trip (2 to 3 days). Hotels in Narkanda range from Rs 1,000 to 2,500 per night.
These are the closest places to Delhi where you can realistically find snowfall in Himachal Pradesh. You can leave Delhi on a Friday night and be back by Sunday late night, which makes them perfect for a standard weekend without taking leave.
5. Pabbar Valley (Kharapathar, Shelapani, Rohru, Chanshal)
Pabbar Valley, about 120 km from Shimla, is one of Himachal’s best kept secrets for winter snow. The valley includes places like Kharapathar, Shelapani, Rohru, and goes all the way up to Chanshal Pass (14,830 ft), which holds snow from November through May. This is an offbeat destination in Himachal that sees far fewer tourists than Manali or Shimla, even in peak season.
How to reach: Take the diversion from Theog (ahead of Shimla) towards Kotkhai and then to Rohru. The road condition is not always great, especially in winter. I recommend at least 4 days for this trip so you can enjoy the journey rather than just rushing to find snow.
Snow window: December to February at Kharapathar and Rohru. Chanshal Pass holds snow until April to May but the road closes in winter. Snowfall at the lower villages (7,000 to 8,000 ft) is common in January and February.
Pro tip: You can combine Pabbar Valley with Chakrata in Uttarakhand. Enter from the Shimla side via Theog, explore Rohru and Kharapathar, and exit towards Chakrata and Dehradun. This makes for an excellent 5 to 6 day circuit.
6. Triund near McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala
Triund (9,350 ft), perched above McLeod Ganj in Dharamshala, is another excellent option for snow near Delhi over a long weekend. The trek from Dharamkot to Triund takes about 4 hours and in winter, the trail gets covered in snow from late December onwards.
Important note: Reaching the summit of Triund in deep winter (January to February) can be challenging and may not always be safe without proper gear. However, even if you do not make it to the top, the trail itself offers plenty of snow to enjoy from about the halfway mark. You can trek for a couple of hours, play in the snow, and return to McLeod Ganj for a comfortable night’s sleep.
How to reach: Take an overnight Volvo to Dharamshala from Delhi (HRTC fare around Rs 900 to 1,300). From Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj is just 10 km by auto or taxi. The Triund trail starts from Dharamkot, which is 2 km above McLeod Ganj.
Snow window: Late December to March on the Triund trail. If lucky, McLeod Ganj itself gets light snowfall in January and February.
Camping: Camping at Triund is now permitted only in designated zones managed by local operators. Overnight camping in winter requires proper cold-weather gear as temperatures can drop to minus 5 degrees Celsius. If you are not into camping, simply do the day hike and return to McLeod Ganj.
Budget: Rs 3,500 to 5,000 per person for a 3-day trip from Delhi.
7. Khajjiar and Dalhousie
Khajjiar and Dalhousie round off this list of snowfall places near Delhi in Himachal. Khajjiar (6,500 ft), often called the “Mini Switzerland of India,” receives good snowfall in January and February. The sight of Khajjiar meadows covered in a white blanket, surrounded by tall deodar trees, is one of those views that stays with you.
How to reach: Dalhousie is about 560 km from Delhi, an overnight drive via Pathankot. You can also take an overnight train to Pathankot (Chakki Bank station) and then a taxi to Dalhousie (about 80 km, Rs 1,500 to 2,000). Khajjiar is 24 km from Dalhousie.
Snow window: January and February. Dalhousie at 7,000 ft gets snowfall a bit more frequently than Khajjiar, but both are good bets in peak winter.
Suggested 4-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Delhi to Dalhousie via Pathankot (overnight drive or morning train + taxi)
- Day 2: Dalhousie to Chamera Lake (21 km), Chamba (40 km), then to Khajjiar (via Gete and Jot)
- Day 3: Rest day at Khajjiar. Explore Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary if accessible.
- Day 4: Khajjiar to Dalhousie to Delhi
Budget: Rs 4,000 to 6,000 per person for 4 days. Hotels in Dalhousie range from Rs 800 to 2,500 per night in winter season.
How Much Does a Snowfall Trip from Delhi to Himachal Cost?
Here is a quick cost comparison to help you plan based on your budget. All figures are per person for a 3 to 4 day trip from Delhi, as of 2026.
| Destination | Distance from Delhi | Bus Fare (One Way) | Budget per Person (3-4 Days) | Snow Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manali / Solang Valley | 540 km | Rs 1,000-1,400 (HRTC Volvo) | Rs 4,000-6,000 | Nov to Mar |
| Jalori Pass / Shoja | 460 km | Rs 800-1,200 (to Aut) | Rs 3,500-5,000 | Dec to Feb |
| Prashar Lake | 430 km | Rs 800-1,000 (to Mandi) | Rs 3,000-4,500 | Dec to Mar |
| Narkanda / Hatu Peak | 360 km | Rs 800-1,200 (to Shimla) | Rs 3,000-5,000 | Jan to Mar |
| Pabbar Valley | 430 km | Rs 800-1,200 (to Shimla) | Rs 3,500-5,000 | Dec to Mar |
| Triund / McLeod Ganj | 480 km | Rs 900-1,300 (HRTC Volvo) | Rs 3,500-5,000 | Dec to Mar |
| Khajjiar / Dalhousie | 560 km | Rs 900-1,400 (bus/train) | Rs 4,000-6,000 | Jan to Feb |
What Other Snow Destinations Can You Explore from Delhi?
If you have more time or want to explore beyond this list, here are a few more options worth considering.
- Uttarakhand: I have a detailed companion article on places to see snowfall near Delhi in Uttarakhand covering destinations like Auli, Chopta, Munsiyari, and more.
- Winter treks: For those who enjoy trekking, check my list of easy winter treks in Uttarakhand and Himachal that are perfect for beginners.
- Kinnaur in winter: If you want something more adventurous, Kinnaur Valley in winters offers a raw and beautiful experience, though the roads can be tricky.
- Spiti in winter: For the truly adventurous, Spiti Valley in winters is an experience like no other, though it requires serious preparation and at least 7 to 10 days.
- Kasol weekend trip: While Kasol (5,180 ft) does not receive heavy snowfall, the surrounding areas like Tosh and Kheerganga do. Check my weekend trip to Kasol itinerary for a quick winter getaway.
What Are the Most Common Mistakes People Make on Snow Trips?
Over the years, I have seen fellow travelers make some avoidable mistakes on their snow trips from Delhi. Here are a few you should watch out for.
- Not checking road status before leaving: Roads to Jalori Pass, Chanshal, and sometimes even Narkanda can close after heavy snowfall. Always check with the local administration or Himachal Pradesh transport authorities before starting.
- Wearing cotton clothes: Cotton absorbs moisture and makes you colder. Always go with synthetic or wool layers.
- Driving without snow chains: If you are driving your own car, carry chains. Many roads become dangerously slippery after fresh snowfall.
- Underestimating distances in winter: A road that takes 3 hours in summer can take 6 hours in winter due to snow, ice, and reduced visibility. Plan accordingly.
- Not carrying enough warm clothing for kids: If you are traveling with children, pack extra layers and waterproof shoes. Kids get cold faster than adults.
Conclusion
So there you have it, my friend. Seven tried and tested places in Himachal Pradesh where you can see snowfall near Delhi within a 3 to 5 day trip. From the popular snow points of Manali to the quiet trails of Pabbar Valley, there is something for every kind of traveler. I am sure you are not going to cover all seven in a single winter, so pick one or two each year and build up your snow travel bucket list over the next few seasons 🙂
Together with the Uttarakhand snow destinations article, this gives you well over a dozen options to enjoy snowfall near Delhi. That should keep your winters exciting for the next several years.
If you know of any other places in Himachal where you have enjoyed snowfall on a weekend trip from Delhi, please feel free to share them in the comments section below. Your suggestions help other travelers in the community plan better trips.
Feel free to share this article with your friends or family who are planning a trip to Himachal this winter. If you have any questions or need help planning your snow trip, drop a comment and I will try my best to help.
Last Updated: March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the closest place to see snowfall near Delhi?
Kufri and Shimla are the closest snowfall destinations from Delhi in Himachal, at about 340 to 360 km. In a good winter year, Kufri receives snowfall in January and February. If you want more reliable snow, Narkanda (60 km beyond Shimla) is a better bet. You can cover it in a standard weekend without taking extra leave.
What is the best month to see snowfall near Delhi in Himachal?
January and February are the best months for seeing snowfall near Delhi in Himachal Pradesh. Most destinations above 7,000 feet receive snow during these months. December can also bring early snowfall at higher altitudes like Narkanda and Solang Valley, but January remains the most reliable month across all seven destinations listed here.
Can I drive my own car to see snow in Himachal from Delhi?
Yes, you can drive to most of these destinations. Manali, Shimla, Narkanda, and Dalhousie are all accessible by car in winter. However, carry snow chains for your tyres, drive slowly, and avoid driving after dark on mountain roads. Roads to Jalori Pass and Chanshal may close after heavy snowfall, so always check the current status before driving.
Is it safe to visit Triund in winter for snowfall?
The initial portion of the Triund trail from Dharamkot is safe in winter and you will find snow along the way. However, reaching the summit in January or February can be risky due to deep snow and icy patches. If you are not an experienced trekker, I recommend hiking for 2 to 3 hours on the trail, enjoying the snow, and returning to McLeod Ganj rather than pushing for the top.
How much does a snowfall trip from Delhi to Himachal cost?
A budget snowfall trip from Delhi to Himachal costs Rs 3,000 to 6,000 per person for 3 to 4 days, depending on the destination. This includes bus fare (Rs 800 to 1,400 one way), budget accommodation (Rs 800 to 1,500 per night), and meals. Manali and Dalhousie tend to be slightly more expensive, while Prashar Lake and Shoja are more budget-friendly.
Do I need to book hotels in advance for a winter trip to Himachal?
For Manali and Shimla, definitely book in advance if you are visiting during Christmas, New Year, or Republic Day weekends. These are peak tourist windows and hotels fill up fast with prices going up 2x to 3x. For offbeat destinations like Shoja, Prashar Lake, or Pabbar Valley, advance booking is less critical but still recommended, as options are limited and some guesthouses close for winter.
