Winters are
not so far and the hill stations in Himachal Pradesh are going to transform
into winter wonderland. As soon as you drive towards the Himalayan Region, just
roll down the windows and feel the cold breeze from the hills and the blue
outline against the sky which uplift your spirit. Some of the main wonderlands
are:
Manali
Manali is a
high-altitude Himalayan resort town in northern Himachal Pradesh. It has a
reputation as a backpacking centre and honeymoon destination. Set on the Beas
River, it’s a gateway for skiing in the Solang Valley and trekking in Parvati
Valley. It's also a jumping-off point for paragliding, rafting and
mountaineering in the Pir Panjal mountains, home to 4,000m-high Rohtang Pass.
Summers are naturally received with jam-packed leisure travellers as well as
honeymooners and the also chilling winters are also frequented by the same
group. During the winter, that is by end of October till mid-march, the
temperature rolls down below the freezing point and the maximum remains up to 5
degree to 7 degree. Though it is during this time of the year when one can indulge
themselves into various winter sports, one being skiing and even a couple enjoy
a romantic walk down the snowy paths. However, precautions should be taken if
travelling with children and old people. Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages
October to
February is the winter season and is considered to be the best time to visit
Manali if you like the cold and January is best to enjoy the chilly pleasure of
fresh snowfall. The temperature drops down below zero degrees Celsius.
Shimla
Shimla is no
doubt one of the bustling hill stations in India. Located on the lower ranges
of the Himalayas, Shimla is a hill station that experiences extreme climatic
conditions. It is situated at a height of around 2213 meters above sea level.
This altitude gives Shimla its diverse climatic conditions. There is no such
ideal time to visit Shimla, as this pleasant hill station is one of the most
preferred destinations in India at any given time. One can say that the peak
season for Shimla travel is all though the year! You can visit Shimla during
winter months. The hill station witnesses’ heavy snowfall and tourists throng
Shimla in December during Christmas and New Year. Winters are also an ideal
time to visit Shimla if you love adventure sports like skiing and ice-skating.
You can just play in the snow will lift up your spirits.
Road to
Shimla is a visual treat! With lush wooded hills and a broad highway that is a
pleasure to drive on. The town is usually crowded so it makes sense to book
your hotel in advance. The Mall Road is alive with colonial style buildings,
restaurants and colourful tourists. You can hang out there for hours eating,
shopping and just generally taking in the lovely landscape. Visit the Tara Devi
temple and the Sankat Mochan to seek the blessing of the Lord and to spend some
time gazing at the mighty hills that have stood the test of time and witnessed
history. And you can also opt for excursion to Kufri -is a beautiful hill
station at a of 13 Kms from Shimla. Also known as the winter sport capital of
Shimla. Nestled at an altitude that reaches 2622 meters, Kufri is a skier's
paradise. Snow changes the beautiful landscape as the playground of sports. The
forests of pine and cedar and the lush environs remain charming throughout the
year.
Dharamshala
A hill
station in Himachal, Dharamshala has pleasant weather conditions through the
summer months, sees heavy rains during monsoon and snowfall in winters. Rains
stop around mid-September and the weather is pleasant for sightseeing as well
as other adventure activities such as trekking. But keep in mind that the
nights start getting chilly at this time so you must carry adequate layers to
keep yourself warm. Winters in Dharamshala are freezing, but if you enjoy the
cold and snow-white mountains, then this is a beautiful time to visit. It snows
here during this time and the temperature tends to dip below -1 °C. Remember to
carry lots of woollens and protection against chilly winds.
Dalhousie
A year-round
destination, Dalhousie has something to offer you in every season. While
Dalhousie is the most visited hill station of Himachal Pradesh. A large number
of tourists plan every year to visit serene beauty of this hill station.
October and November might not be that chilly, the time period between December
and February which constitute the winter season of Dalhousie is quite cold.
Since the place is at a high altitude, the temperature is low. It ranges from
10 degree Celsius and can sometimes go down below zero degree as well. However,
if you love to play in the snow, then winters is the ideal time to visit
Dalhousie. Also, some hoteliers offer attractive discounts on accommodation
during this lean season.
Khajjiar
Khajjiar is known as “Switzerland of India”
which tells a lot about its aura and landscape. There is a dense pine forest
surrounded by high mountains, and fringed by gigantic deodars. The amazing
sight of the stunning landscapes coupled with the shimmering lake, makes a
visit to Khajjiar lake a must visit spectacle. Khajjiar can be visited
throughout the year. The winters, especially January and February, can be quite
chilly and it receives snowfall occasionally. 
