Winter is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh. The state is covered in a blanket of snow, making it a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. And if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, there are plenty of other activities to keep you occupied.
So, if you’re looking for a winter getaway that’s off the beaten path, Himachal Pradesh should be at the top of your list. Here are 15 places to visit in Himachal Pradesh during the winter months.
Shimla
Shimla: The Queen of Hills, as it is popularly called, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Situated at an altitude of 2,206 m, Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and is known for its Victorian architecture, which is reflected in various buildings like the Viceroy Lodge and Christ Church. It also has several tourist attractions like The Ridge, Jakhoo Hill, and The Mall. Winter is the best time to visit Shimla as one can enjoy snowfall here.
Manali
If you’re looking for a place to escape the cold this winter, Manali is the perfect destination. This hill station in Himachal Pradesh is blanketed in snow and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. There are plenty of things to do in Manali, from skiing and sledding to simply admiring the snow-capped mountains. You can also visit some of the nearby villages, which are full of traditional architecture and friendly locals.
Kullu
Kullu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 1,220 meters in the Beas River Valley. The town is famous for its temples, nice weather, and scenic beauty. It is also a starting point for many trekking and adventure activities in the region.
Some of the popular places to visit in Kullu are Bijli Mahadev Temple, Raghunath Temple, Jagannathi Devi Temple, and Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara. Bijli Mahadev Temple is situated at an altitude of 2,438 meters on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the valley below.
Raghunath Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is one of the most important temples in Kullu. Jagannathi Devi Temple is situated in the middle of a forest and is a very popular picnic spot. Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara is a holy place for Sikhs and has hot springs nearby which are believed to have healing properties.
Adventure activities like paragliding, rafting, skiing, and zorbing are also available in Kullu.
Solang Valley
Solang Valley is a beautiful place to visit in Himachal Pradesh in winter. The valley is situated at an altitude of 2,700 meters and offers stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. There are many activities to enjoy in the valley, such as skiing, paragliding, and zorbing.
Kasol
Kasol is one of the most popular places to visit in Himachal Pradesh in winter. This hill station is situated at an altitude of 1,650 meters and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
The temperature in Kasol remains relatively warm even during the winter months, making it a perfect place to escape the cold weather. There are several tourist attractions in Kasol, such as the hot springs, which are said to have healing properties.
Other popular activities include trekking, skiing, and camping.
Bir Billing
Bir Billing is a small village located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. The village is situated at an altitude of 2,400 meters (8,000 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Bir Billing is popular for its adventure sports such as paragliding, Hang gliding, trekking, and mountaineering. The best time to visit Bir Billing is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant.
Dalhousie
Dalhousie is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 1,970 m (6,460 ft) in the Chamba district.
The town was named after its founder, Lord Dalhousie. It is spread over five hills and has a total area of 14 sq km. The town has a temperate climate and also experiences snowfall in winter.
One of the main attractions in Dalhousie is Khajjiar Lake. This lake is situated at an altitude of 2,195 m (7,200 ft) and is surrounded by dense forests. Another popular attraction is the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to various wildlife including leopards, deer, and birds.
Dalhousie is also home to many temples and churches such as St. Andrew’s Church, St. Patrick’s Church, and Chamunda Devi Temple.
Dalhousie is well connected to the rest of the country by road and air. The nearest airport is at Gaggal in Kangra district which is about 90 km away.
The nearest railway station is at Pathankot which is about 80 km away. St. Andrew’s Church, Chamunda Devi Temple, and Bhootnath Temple. There are many trekking trails in and around Dalhousie which offer breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains.
Chamba
Chamba is one of the most popular places to visit in Himachal Pradesh during winter. Situated at an altitude of 996 m, Chamba offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys. The town is also known for its temples and ancient architecture.
Some of the must-visit places in Chamba are Chamunda Devi Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Bhuri Singh Museum, and Rang Mahal. You can also go for a stroll around Chaugan, one of the main attractions in Chamba.
Khajjiar
Khajjiar is a small hill station in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is located in the Chamba district, on the outskirts of Dalhousie. Khajjiar is often referred to as the “Mini Switzerland” of India and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh.
The best time to visit Khajjiar is between October and March when the weather is cool and pleasant. The average temperature during this period ranges from 10°C to 20°C.
Khajjiar is a beautiful place with lush green meadows, dense forests, gushing streams, and snow-capped mountains. There are many things to see and do in Khajjiar, making it an ideal destination for a family vacation or a romantic getaway.
Some of the popular tourist attractions in Khajjiar include:
• Khajjinag Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Khajjinag, an avatar of Lord Shiva. It is situated on a hillock overlooking the meadow and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The temple complex also has a natural spring which is said to have healing properties.
• Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife including leopards, deer, jackals, monkeys, etc. You can take a jungle safari through the sanctuary and spot some of these animals in their natural habitat.
Narkanda
Narkanda is a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh that comes alive in winter. The town is blanketed in snow and the views are simply stunning. There are several ski resorts in the area, making it a great place to hit the slopes. There are also several trekking trails, so you can explore the snowy landscape on foot.
Kufri
Himachal Pradesh is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Kufri, in particular, is a great place to enjoy the snow. There are several ski resorts in the area, as well as sledding and ice skating.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation, Kufri also has plenty to offer. There are several hot springs in the area, perfect for soaking up the winter chill. The town of Shimla is also nearby, offering shopping and dining options.
Sangla Valley
The Sangla Valley in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most beautiful places to visit in winter. The valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. The valley is also home to several temples and monasteries, making it a perfect place to visit for those interested in religious history.
Kinnaur Valley
Kinnaur Valley – The Kinnaur valley is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 3000 m above sea level and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The valley has many tourist attractions such as the Baspa River, the Kinner-Kailash range, and the Rakchham village.
Lahaul and Spiti Valley
When it comes to winter destinations in India, Himachal Pradesh is a name that always pops up. And for good reason too! Not only is the state home to some of the most gorgeous snow-capped mountains in the country, but it also has a plethora of tourist attractions that are perfect for a winter getaway.
One such destination is the Lahaul and Spiti Valley. Located in the northwestern part of Himachal Pradesh, this valley is cut off from the rest of the world for nearly half the year due to heavy snowfall. But come winter, the place comes alive with a whole host of adventure activities like skiing, tobogganing, ice skating, and more.
If you’re looking for a place to truly escape the hustle and bustle of city life, then Lahaul and Spiti Valley is the perfect destination for you. So pack your bags and head on up for an unforgettable experience!
Great Himalayan National Park
The Great Himalayan National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered snow leopard. The park is also a great place to see a variety of birds and flowers.
