With the arrival of winters, most of the people searching for different places to enjoy during snowfall, choose the queen of Hills, Shimla. Shimla is a beautiful hill station and capital of lands of gods, i.e., Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla in winter usually gets covered with the snowy white blanket that makes everyone falls in love with it. The best time to visit Shimla for snowfall is from late December to February.
If you are also planning to visit Shimla in winter, here is the list of 7 best places to enjoy snowfall in Shimla
Best Time to See Snowfall in Shimla
The best time to see snowfall in Shimla is from late December to February, when the Shimla temperature drops below zero degrees Celsius and the city receives heavy snowfall. The snow in Shimla usually lasts for a few days, but it may vary depending on the climatic conditions. The Shimla weather forecast can help you plan your trip accordingly, and make sure you don’t miss the snow. The snowfall in Shimla in December is especially festive, as it coincides with the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Weather Shimla Himachal Pradesh in Winter
The best time to visit Shimla is during the winter months of December to February, when the town experiences heavy snowfall and offers a variety of snow activities. The average Shimla temperature during this season ranges from -1°C to 12°C, making it ideal for skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and sledding. Shimla also hosts the famous Ice Skating Carnival in January, which is a must-see event for snow lovers. If you want to witness the magical snowfall in Shimla, make sure to check the weather forecast before planning your trip.
List of 7 best places to enjoy snowfall in Shimla
1. Kufri
Kufri is a small hill station near Shimla, known for its adventure activities and panoramic views. Kufri is one of the first places to receive snowfall in Shimla, usually in late December or early January. Located at a distance of 16 KMs away from the city heart, this beautiful place is one of the highest peaks and snowfall areas in the city. Just make your trip to Shimla most beautiful and enjoy the queen of hills to the fullest. The Kufri temperature drops below zero degrees Celsius, creating a perfect setting for skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing. You can also visit the Himalayan Nature Park, which houses rare animals like snow leopards, Himalayan bears, and musk deer.
Along with beautiful ski slopes and mesmerizing views of the Himalayas from Kufri, it is the best place to enjoy on various adventure trips like horse riding, skiing, hiking and appreciates the nature through Himalayan Nature Park. Only it’s the beauty of this area and the snow-laden mountains that forces a lot of people to call it the Switzerland of the East.
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2. Narkanda
Situated at just a 65 Km drive away distance of Shimla City, it is another one of the best places to see the snowfall in Shimla. Narkanda is a higher altitude than Shimla, so it receives more snowfall and for a longer duration. The snow in Narkanda lasts from December to March, making it an ideal destination for snow lovers.
Along with densely covered snowy peaks, this beautiful place fully gets converted into a ski resort because of the snowfall in Shimla in winters. Narkanda is situated at one of the higher altitudes in Shimla and makes everyone fall in love with it with its fantastic scenery.
If you are a ski lover are interested in learning the basics of skiing, you can join the different skiing sources being conducted by HPDC here as well. So explore the snow-laden peaks of Narkanda now and make your winter trip one of the most amazing and memorable ones. Along with skilling, you can also enjoy the adventure of horse riding and Himalayan Nature Park here.
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3. Mashobra
Mashobra is a quaint town near Shimla, surrounded by pine and oak trees. Mashobra is situated at the amidst reserve forest sanctuary of Shimla that is undoubtedly one of the best places in Shimla and on earth. Mashobra receives moderate snowfall in Shimla, usually in January or February. The snow in Mashobra adds to the beauty and charm of the town, making it a perfect place for a romantic getaway. If you also love various adventure games like skiing, trekking, and rappelling.
Skiing down the snow-covered hills through snow-laden trees all around make you feel like featuring a movie of the ’80s. Capture this beautiful scenery amidst snowfall in Shimla and memories all you have over there in your camera and save them for your life experience by visiting Shimla in winter. You can also visit the Craignano Nature Park, which has a variety of flowers and birds, or the Mahasu Devta Temple, which is a sacred site for the locals.
4. Shimla
Shimla city is one of the most beautiful places to enjoy on the snowfall in Himachal Pradesh. As per name describing correctly, queen of hills, the town is located at the top of hills with breathtaking scenery all around. The hill station scenic view showing different ranges of mountains and colonial architectural buildings improves the charm of this beautiful city much more.
From various religious landmarks such as Jakhoo temple, Christ Church and Kalibari to buzzing shopping places such as mall road and lower bazaar everything says its unique history and the British architectural buildings beautifully. If you are visiting this beautiful hill station in winters, some of the best places in Shimla that you surely need to visit are Ridge, Scandal Point, Summer Hill, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Shimla Museum, Gaiety theaters and a lot more.
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5. Rohru
Rohru is the least known but still one of the most beautiful places that you must visit while on the tour of enjoying snowfall in Shimla. Rohru is one of the most beautiful and best places in Shimla if you want to experience snowfall in Shimla. It is situated at a distance of 110 KMs from the central Shimla. This beautiful city is being located at the bank of Pabbar River. Rohru is known for its beauty, apple orchards, and trout fishing activities.
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It feels fantabulous to view the snow-laden valley and especially those apple trees over there. If you are going to visit Rohru, don’t forget to enjoy the extreme experience of various adventure trips like trekking, hiking, mountaineering over there, besides the snowfall in Shimla. If you are a lover of Trout fishing, it is must to visit place in the list. Along with enjoying the beauty of Jubbal temple, Shikru Devta Temple, Hatkoti Temple, and Mahasu Devta Temple are one of the best religious places to visit on.
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6. Chail
Chail is a former summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala, located near Shimla. Chail is known for its heritage buildings, lush greenery, and wildlife. Chail receives less snowfall than Shimla, but enough to create a picturesque scenery. The snow in Chail usually falls in late January or early February, and lasts for a few days. You can visit the Chail Palace, which is now a luxury hotel, or the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to animals like sambar, goral, and langur.
7. Kiala Forest
Kiala Forest is a dense forest area near Shimla, which is a hidden gem for nature lovers. Kiala Forest is a part of the Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary, which covers a large area of the Shimla district. Kiala Forest receives occasional snowfall in Shimla, which transforms the forest into a fairy tale land. The snow in Kiala Forest is a rare sight, so you need to be lucky to catch it. You can explore the forest trails, which are full of flora and fauna, or enjoy a picnic in the snow.
Places to Stay during Snowfall in Shimla
There are many places to stay during snowfall in Shimla, ranging from budget to luxury hotels. Some of the popular hotels that offer a great view of the snowfall in Shimla are:
The Oberoi Cecil: This is a heritage hotel that dates back to 1884, and offers a colonial charm and elegance. The hotel has a heated indoor pool, a spa, and a restaurant that serves local and international cuisines. The rooms are spacious and cozy, and have a fireplace and a balcony that overlook the snow-covered mountains.
Wildflower Hall: This is a luxury resort that is set in a former residence of Lord Kitchener, and is surrounded by cedar forests and snow peaks. The resort has an outdoor jacuzzi, a spa, and a library. The rooms are lavish and comfortable, and have a wooden flooring and a marble bathroom. The resort also offers activities like skiing, ice skating, and trekking.
Snow Valley Resorts: This is a budget-friendly hotel that is located near the Mall Road, and offers a panoramic view of the snowfall in Shimla. The hotel has a multi-cuisine restaurant, a coffee shop, and a discotheque. The rooms are modern and clean, and have a LED TV and a mini fridge. The hotel also provides free Wi-Fi and parking.
Things to Do in Snowfall in Shimla
There are many things to do in snowfall in Shimla, apart from admiring the beauty of the snow. Some of the fun and exciting activities that you can enjoy in the snowfall in Shimla are:
Ice Skating: Shimla has the largest natural ice skating rink in India, which is open from December to February. You can rent skates and glide on the ice, or watch the ice skating carnival that is held every year. The ice skating rink is located near the Lakkar Bazaar, and is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.
Toy Train Ride: The toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers a scenic and thrilling journey through the mountains and tunnels. The toy train ride is especially enchanting in the snowfall, as you can witness the changing landscapes and the snowflakes falling on the windows. The toy train ride takes about five hours, and has several stops along the way.
Shopping: Shimla has many markets and shops that sell a variety of items, such as woolen clothes, handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. You can shop for yourself or your loved ones, and bargain for the best prices. Some of the famous markets in Shimla are the Mall Road, the Lakkar Bazaar, and the Tibetan Market.
The snow-covered mountains, forests, and the various adventure trips are some of the things that everyone wants to experience at least once in their lives. All of this is possible due to the magnificent snowfall in Shimla.
To book your trip to Shimla, you can visit Tripoto, which offers the best deals on hotels, flights, and packages. You can also share your own travel stories and photos on Tripoto, and inspire others to travel.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Shimla this winter, and experience the snowfall of your dreams!