Shimla is one of the best tourist destinations in India. People of all ages flock to Shimla with their families, friends, and even on their honeymoon, to enjoy the thrill and charm of Shimla. Shimla is famous for having beautiful British colonial architecture, breathtaking views from across the mountains, and a lively and vibrant culture. However, it is most renowned for the blanket of snow that covers the entire town in the winter season. Although you can enjoy snowfall in Shimla anywhere throughout the location, there are some places to visit in Shimla that offer a special thrill if you are going especially for the snow.
During snowfall in Shimla, you will find several exciting things to do in Shimla besides enjoying the Shimla vibes. You can indulge in special activities like skiing, folk dances, and songs during these months. Usual activities such as sightseeing become all the more thrilling during the months of snowfall in India.
- Also Read: 15 Best Winter Tourist Destinations in India
When Does Snowfall in Shimla Occur
Snowfall in Shimla is said to occur from mid-December to mid-January on average. However, most of the actual snowfall usually occurs in the month of January. However, the celebrations surrounding snowfall in Shimla continue until February’s end, as after heavy snow the city roads and hill slopes stay covered in layers of snow for several days after.
During periods of snowfall in Shimla, the average temperature ranges from 0 degree C to 10 degree C. However, right after the snowfall occurs, the temperature drops as the snowmelt and the local breezes can turn chilly, to the point of freezing. Such chilling temperatures can be enjoyed at the famous places to visit in Shimla, such as Mall Road, Jakhoo Peak, and Kufri.
- Suggested to Read: 6 Places To Visit In Kufri
How it Gets During Snowfall in Shimla
Snowfall in Shimla is definitely an enchanting sight, and it attracts a large number of tourists every year during the winters. Even on the way to Shimla, the road appears covered with white chunks of snow on both sides. Once you get close enough to Shimla, you will find that the otherwise colorful shops, cafes, and houses of Shimla are all white and layered with snow.
Once snowfall in Shimla continues, you will find that all the top places to visit in Shimla have soaked in the beauty and charm of snow. Tourists flock to Shimla to experience the miracle of snow at various tourist attractions in Shimla. The sheer joy of being amidst lovely markets and cafes covered with the most beautiful snow, in the backdrop of the breathtaking Himalayas, is hard to ignore. You will find yourself enjoying additional experiences such as skiing and folk performances during snowfall in Shimla.
Best Places to See for Snowfall in Shimla
Shimla has a number of tourist spots where you will find a plethora of fun things to do during snowfall in Shimla. From calming and relaxing activities such as picnics and campings to the most adventurous of sports such as skiing, you will get the complete winter experience in Shimla during this time. To add beauty to this charm, the vibes of Shimla turn all the more cheery as soon as snowfall starts. In fact, locals and tourists participate in this mood alike, by coming together and engaging in activities as little as enjoying a hot cup of coffee with a delicious snack. Some of the famous tourist spots in Shimla you can visit especially in winter as listed below.
Shimla City
Shimla city has an inviting charm thanks to its various landmarks and places to visit in Shimla, exemplifying British colonial architecture and a chill, buzzing lifestyle and culture. The local architecture makes for a very lovely vibe that surrounds Shimla city, no matter where you visit, be it the Mall Road, The Ridge road, temples and churches in Shimla, and the cultural spots in Shimla. During the months of winter, snowfall in Shimla will cast a white blanket of snow over each of these places. This adds a mesmerizing touch, and the beauty of Shimla feels almost heavenly during the months of snowfall in Shimla.
Mall Road
The Mall Road gets all the more lively and buzzing during snowfall in Shimla. Serving as one of the hotspot tourist locations in Shimla, people gather around on the open road in very cheery moods. With eateries and cafes on the sides serving hot tea, coffee, and snacks, and the panoramic mountain views in the backdrop, Mall Road provides a bewitching experience during snowfall in Shimla.
Jakhu Peak
Situated at an altitude of 8,054 ft, Jakhoo Peak, also known as Jakhoo Temple, is the highest point of Shimla. If you wish to enjoy the heaviest snowfall on your Shimla trip, then visiting Jakoo Temple should definitely be on your travel itinerary. You will get to enjoy thick snow covering the peak, surrounding the colorful temple and the magnificent statue dedicated to Lord Hanuman here.
Besides enjoying hot foods and drinks, you can also buy items like shawls, mufflers, caps and gloves to keep yourself warm while enjoying Shimla’s Mall Road during this time. The Ridge and Scandal Point are amongst other top places to visit in Shimla located on the Mall Road that bear a striking charm during snowfall in Shimla. A Winter Carnival in Shimla is organized from December to February, and you will find a number of fun things to do in Shimla during this time, such as engaging in snowman-making, figure skating and witnessing folk dance and song performances.
Green Valley
Green Valley in Shimla is known for providing you with a face to face encounter with Shimla’s natural beauty. Boasting of coniferous and even alpine forests, the trees get showered with white snow, creating a heaven-like feel amidst the surroundings of nature. Many tourists come to the Green Valley during snowfall in Shimla, to find peace by feeling cut off from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Winters are the only time of the year when you will find the white of snow covering the Green Valley, besides the usual spread of green along its slopes and valleys. In case you prefer to enjoy the charm of snow in the sole presence of nature, then visiting Green Valley during snowfall in Shimla is an ideal choice for you. You can also set up a camp during the evening in the valley, and enjoy an overnight stay and campfire amidst the snow-decorated trees.
Skiing Locations in Shimla
During the months of heavy snowfall in Shimla, the entire city of Shimla gets covered with a blanket of snow. Therefore, the slopes at higher altitudes of Shimla become ideal spots for snow sports such as skiing. People also love to do trekking in the snow, and these locations such as the neighboring towns of Kufri and Mashobra are well-prepared for such a boom in skiing and other activities. In addition, they provide picturesque landscapes where you could enjoy the scenic beauty during snowfall in Shimla.
Whether you are an adventure enthusiast who loves to grab every skiing opportunity, or a beginner who wishes to try out this enthralling experience, Shimla will cater to your needs. During periods of snowfall in Shimla, you will find that Kufri and Mashobra are a host to a number of skiing events on a daily basis. Moreover, if you are a complete beginner, then the snow-covered slopes of Kufri will allow you to get your hands and feet on this exciting sport, by performing basic skiing maneuvers. You will also get to enjoy panoramic views of snow-drenched mountains from several vantage points on the hills of Kufri and Mashobra.
Tips for Visiting during Snowfall in Shimla
- Wear thick woolen clothing such as sweaters, and accessories such as mufflers and gloves to keep yourself warm
- Wear long boots and thick socks, as you will be treading in thick snow in Shimla’s roads, forests and mountain slopes.
- You should carry essentials such as moisturizing creams, as the cold weather in Shimla during the snowy months will tend to make your skin dry.
- If you are making a road trip on your own, you will find snow on the mountain roads leadin up to Shimla. Stay safe while driving, as tires lose their grip while driving on snowy roads.
Best Places to Stay during Snowfall in Shimla
The Cecil and Radisson Hotel Shimla are two of the top hotels in Shimla best suited for enjoying snowfall in Shimla. These palatial hotels are situated on the mountain slopes of Shimla, giving glorious views of entire mountains and valleys that are draped with snow during the winter months. Albeit pricey, these hotels will provide you with the most luxurious and enjoyable stays if you are visiting during snowfall in Shimla.
- Overnight stay at The Cecil: Starting at INR 11,500 per night
- Overnight stay at Radisson Hotel Shimla: Starting at INR 10,000 per night
Best Places to Eat at during Snowfall in Shimla
Cafe Sol is the go-to place to dine at or get lip-smacking snacks if you wish to enjoy mountain views from a deck-based seating. The vibrant lighting at Cafe Sol will blend in perfectly with the white color of snow you will find everywhere during snowfall in Shimla. The cafe serves a broad range of Indian and Continental delicacies to choose from. In case you would rather enjoy a less modernistic setting during your eating experiences, then Eighteen71 Cookhouse And Bar is worth the visit. You can get delicious Indian cuisine on its menu, along with a delightful and soothing ambience. In fact, it is the lighting and ambience at both of these places that make them special and must visit places to eat in Shimla during the months of snow.
The Heavenly Charm of Snowfall in Shimla
In case you are looking for a tourist destination to enjoy snowfall in the most thorough and enjoyable manner, then Shimla is an ideal choice for you. Not only will you find heavy snowfall here, you will never run short of things to do all within the boundaries of Shimla. Whether it is the city’s lively roads and markets, or its beautiful mountains and forests, you will get the complete and fulfilling snow-drenched experience by visiting this Queen of Hills. Build your own snowman that you always wanted to, and indulge in a variety of other snow-based activities, by experiencing snowfall in Shimla.
FAQs
Q-1: When does snowfall in Shimla occur?
Ans: Snowfall in Shimla occurs from mid-December to mid-January. However, it has been observed that in recent years most of the snowfall occurs in the month of January. However, Shimla stays covered in a blanket of snow even during the start of February.
Q-2: What are the things to do during snowfall in Shimla?
Ans: You can indulge in a number of activities in Shimla during the snow season.. You can enjoy sightseeing when the snow adds beauty to the charm of places to visit in Shimla. You can enjoy a pleasurable walk down the Mall Road, while enjoying a hot cup of coffee or engaging in local shopping. In addition, you can enjoy adventure activities such as skiing in tourist spots in Shimla such as Kufri. You can also enjoy a night of camping along the snow-covered slopes of Shimla’s Green Valley.
Q-3: What are the best places for enjoying snowfall in Shimla?
Ans: You can enjoy snowfall in Shimla throughout the city. Whether it is a casual stroll down Mall Rad while enjoying a hot cup of coffee, or trips to tourist spots in Shimla such as Jakhoo Peak, The Ridge, Scandal Point, Green Valley and Kufri, you can indulge in several fun activities during snowfall in Shimla.
Q-3: What can I buy during my visit to Shimla?
Ans: You can buy several local and chic items such as handicrafts, wooden souvenirs, woolen clothing and jewelry if you are visiting during snowfall in Shimla. The handicrafts and wooden souvenirs will be of traditional style resonant of the culture of Shimla, whereas the range of local woolen clothing includes fine shawls, mufflers, socks and gloves to keep you warm in the weather of Shimla.
Q-4: Where should I eat while visiting the snowfall in Shimla?
Ans: Cafe Sol is a must visit place to eat at if you enjoy a modernistic setting with deck views of mountains and valleys. On the other hand, if you prefer to be surrounded by the beautiful and native Colonial architecture of Shimla during your dining experience, then Eighteen71 Cookhouse And Bar is an ideal place to eat in Shimla. Hotel Cecil also has an in-house restaurant, that provides a fine dining experience in case you are a seeker of luxury. These cafes and restaurants offer the best dining experience during snowfall in Shimla.
Q-5: What should I be careful of during snowfall in Shimla?
Ans: You need to make sure that you are well-protected from snow and the weather in Shimla during the snow season. You can do so by wearing thick woolen clothing such as sweaters, mufflers, gloves and socks. You will find these items around the local markets in Shimla at cheap prices. In addition, you should carry essentials such as moisturizing creams and phone chargers along, to ensure maximum convenience by being well-prepared for your trip to Shimla.
- Must Read: 10 Best Things to Do In Shimla
