5 Places Near Chandigarh to Enjoy Snowfall in December

If you live in Chandigarh (or you’re visiting during winter), chasing December snowfall isn’t just a travel plan – it’s a tradition. Every year when the temperature starts dipping and fog settles over Sukhna Lake, I feel that familiar pull toward the mountains. And not just any mountains – snow-covered, powder-soft, winter-wonderland mountains.

In my years of hopping from hill to hill – sometimes on solo trips, sometimes with friends – I’ve learned that snowfall isn’t just about watching flakes fall. It’s the crunch of fresh snow under your boots, the sharp scent of deodar trees, steaming siddu from a roadside stall, and that surreal silence that only winter brings.

So in this travel guide, I’m sharing the five best snowfall destinations near Chandigarh in December, all places I’ve personally visited, loved, and would return to in a heartbeat. Along with real experiences, local tips, personal lessons, essential travel hacks and the small surprises you only learn on the road.

Let’s head to the hills.

Quick Answer – Where Can You See Snowfall Near Chandigarh in December?

If you’re planning fast, here’s the short version:

The best places near Chandigarh to enjoy December snowfall are Shimla, Kufri, Narkanda, Manali, and Dalhousie. For early December snow, head to Kufri or Narkanda. For peak snowfall, Manali and Dalhousie rarely disappoint.

How Far Are These Snowfall Spots From Chandigarh?

1. Shimla – The Classic Winter Escape Close to Chandigarh

Why I Love Shimla in December

Shimla gets a lot of attention – sometimes too much – but it still feels magical when the season’s first flakes start falling on the Ridge. I still remember standing outside Christ Church at 6 AM, my hands freezing around a paper cup of hot chai, watching the entire town slowly turn white as the sun rose. The kind of moment you wish you could bottle.

Best Things to Do During Snowfall

• Walk the Mall Road while snowflakes fall – it’s postcard-perfect.
• Visit the Ridge and Lakkar Bazaar for snow photography.
• Take the toy train from Shimla to Taradevi for breathtaking winter views.

Local Tip

Avoid driving if it’s actively snowing. Shimla roads get slippery fast – take a local taxi instead. Much safer.

Best Time in December

Last week of December is most reliable for snowfall in Shimla.

2. Kufri – Your Best Bet for Early December Snow

Why Kufri Stands Out

Whenever someone asks me where they can surely see snow near Chandigarh in December, I always say Kufri. It’s Shimla’s colder cousin – higher, icier, and much more predictable.

My fondest memory? Eating Maggi near the Mahasu Peak trail, hands warming over the stove, while a fresh layer of snow quietly covered our backpacks behind us.

Best Things to Do

• Try skiing (conditions permitting).
• Trek to Mahasu Peak – the trail looks like Narnia in winter.
• Visit the Himalayan Nature Park for snowy landscapes and wildlife.

Local Tip

Rent snow boots from the roadside shops – they look funny, but they’ll save you from slipping every two minutes.

Best Time in December

Early to mid-December often sees the first snow here.

3. Narkanda – Pure Snow Wonderland Away From Crowds

Why Narkanda Feels Special

If you want snowfall without Shimla’s crowds, Narkanda is where the mountains feel like they’re yours alone. It’s quieter, colder, and more rugged – and that’s exactly why I adore it.

My first trip to Narkanda was unplanned – we just kept driving past Shimla because it felt too crowded. We reached at night, woke up the next morning, and stepped out into almost a foot of freshly fallen snow. Pure magic.

Best Things to Do

• Trek to Hatu Peak (snow-covered forests that feel unreal).
• Visit the frozen Tani Jubbar Lake.
• Enjoy simple Himachali food in tiny roadside dhabas.

Local Tip

Carry power banks and keep your phone warm – cold weather drains battery shockingly fast.

Best Time in December

Early, mid, and late December – Narkanda gets snow throughout the month.

4. Manali – For Heavy Snowfall & True Winter Adventure

Why Manali Is Worth the Long Drive

Manali isn’t “near” Chandigarh in the usual sense, but the snowfall experience is so spectacular that it absolutely deserves a place on this list. December in Manali is the closest you’ll get to a European-style winter town in India – twinkling cafés, icy Beas River views, and snowflakes settling on pine branches.

I remember checking into a wooden cottage in Old Manali after a 9-hour drive. The owner welcomed us with hot ginger lemon honey, and right then it began – slow at first, then thick, dreamy flakes. We sat by the window and watched everything around us transform.

Best Things to Do

• Enjoy adventure sports in Solang Valley.
• Walk through Old Manali cafés lit up for winter.
• Take a drive towards Atal Tunnel for deeper snow.

Local Tip

Carry proper winter layers – Manali nights in December can drop to -5°C. Gloves and neck warmers are lifesavers.

Best Time in December

Mid to late December almost always gets snowfall.

5. Dalhousie – A Quiet, Snowy Winter Retreat

Why Dalhousie Feels Different

Dalhousie’s charm lies in its peacefulness. It’s not as busy as Shimla or Manali – the colonial architecture, slow-paced roads, and deep cedar forests give it a soothing feel. December snowfall here feels soft, quiet, almost poetic.

On my last Dalhousie trip, we woke up early and walked from Gandhi Chowk to Subhash Chowk. The snowfall was so gentle it felt like we were walking through a snow globe. And when we drove to Khajjiar, the entire meadow had turned into a soft white blanket.

Best Things to Do

• Visit Khajjiar, the “Mini Switzerland of India.”
• Drink hot chocolate at Gandhi Chowk watching snow fall.
• Explore nearby Kalatop Forest Sanctuary.

Local Tip

Roads to Khajjiar often close after heavy snowfall – always check weather updates before starting.

Best Time in December

Late December gives the highest chance of snow.

How to Plan a Perfect Snowfall Trip from Chandigarh (My Hard-Learned Tips)

Over the years – and after plenty of mistakes – here are the planning tips I trust most:

1. Start Early, Reach Before Dark

Hills get foggy and slippery after sunset. Start from Chandigarh by 6–7 AM.

2. Always Carry Chains (or Hire Vehicles That Do)

If you self-drive, keep snow chains or hire taxis that already have them. Roads freeze quickly in Shimla–Kufri–Narkanda.

3. Pack Smart Winter Layers

• Thermal innerwear
• Waterproof jacket
• Wool cap & gloves
• Snow boots (or rent onsite)

4. Book Stays in Advance

December is peak season – hill destinations fill up fast.

5. Keep an Alternate Plan

Sometimes a place gets too much snowfall and roads close. Always have a backup option.

Which Place Near Chandigarh Gets the Most Snowfall?

Manali and Narkanda receive the most consistent and heavy snowfall in December.

Closest guaranteed snowfall spot?
Kufri (just 4 hours from Chandigarh).

Final Thoughts – My Personal Snowfall Ritual

Every December, without fail, I take at least one impromptu snow chase from Chandigarh. It’s not just about winter destinations – it’s about that feeling of watching the first snowflake land on your jacket… that moment when the mountains feel alive again.

Whether you want a quick weekend getaway or a full-fledged snowy holiday, these five destinations have given me some of my warmest memories from the coldest season.

And now, they’re ready to give you yours.

Practical Takeaway (Bookmark This!)

For the highest chance of December snowfall near Chandigarh:

• Early December: Kufri, Narkanda
• Mid December: Narkanda, Manali
• Late December: Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie

Always check the forecast, leave early, pack layers, and choose safer transport during active snowfall.