1. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Shimla | #1 of 30 Best Places to Visit in December
Shimla, fondly called the ‘Queen of Hills’, is known for its picturesque landscape featuring lush greenery and snow-clad mountains; add to that its pleasant climate. Now, who wouldn’t want to come to this amazing hill station? One can come here at any time of the year, but December has its own charm; the reason being Shimla receives quite a bit of snowfall in this month, specifically towards Christmas Eve. So, if you want to enjoy snowfall and indulge in ice skating, Shimla is one of the most popular places to visit in India in December.
- Places to visit in Shimla: Jakhoo Hill, Summer Hills, Chadwick Falls, Annandale, Himalayan Bird Park, Tara Devi Temple, Viceregal Lodge, The Shimla State Museum and Johnnie’s Wax Museum.
- Things to do in Shimla: Take a ride on the Toy Train to reach Shimla from Kalka, trek to Chadwick Falls and Jakhoo Hill, visit the famous Gaiety Theatre, shop at Lakkar Bazaar, enjoy a leisure walk on the Mall Road and indulge in ice skating at Circular Road
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Jubarhatti Airport (25 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Kalka Railway Station (96 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Shimla Bus Depot
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2. Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Sonamarg | #2 of 30 Best Places to Visit in December
Another quaint hill station that is among the best places to visit in December is Sonamarg. Situated at an altitude of 2800 m above sea level, this place is home to some serene lakes, including Satsar and Gadsar lakes. Over the years, the place has made its name popular through adventure sports like trekking, skiing, and hiking, and as a result, adventure freaks rush to Sonamarg across the year. In December all these three activities are on offer in addition to other leisure activities, namely camping and trout fishing. Whether you come here for adventure or simply relaxing amidst the beauty of nature, you will thoroughly enjoy your trip.
- Places to visit in Sonamarg: Gadsar Lake, Baltal Valley, Satsar Lake, Gangabal Lake, Nilagrad River, Zoji-La Pass, Thajiwas Glacier, Krishnasar Lake and Yusmarg.
- Things to do in Sonamarg: Indulge in adventure sports – Skiing, hiking and trekking, enjoy camping with friends, include trout fishing in your itinerary and shop at the Main Market at Sonamarg
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Srinagar Airport (81 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Jammu Railway Station (326 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Sonamarg Bus Stand
3. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
Dalhousie | #3 of 30 Best Places to Visit in December
Dalhousie is one of the most picturesque towns in India, which generations of tourists and settlers have endeared. If you go there in December snowflakes covering the deodar forests and the snow-clad peaks in the background will extend a grand welcome to you making it among the best places to visit in December.
- Places to visit in Dalhousie: St. John’s Church, Satdhara Falls, Dainkund Peak
- Things to do in Dalhousie: Experience boating on Chamera Lake, enjoy a picnic at Khajjiar, savour the beauty of Panch Pulla Waterfall, and hike to the Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport (107 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Pathankot Railway Station (80 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Dalhousie Bus Depot
4. Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli | #4 of 30 Best Places to Visit in December
More than its natural beauty, the scenic Auli has made its name globally as a fantastic ski resort in recent years. So, if you have plans with your friends to go on a fun-filled and adventurous trip, then Auli is one of the best places to visit in December. While you are here do enjoy a cable car ride as well as go on a trekking expedition to Gurso Bugyal and Kwani Bugyal. Besides this, there is a lot to see and explore in Auli like Nanda Devi National Park, Joshimath, Nandprayag, etc. It is among the best places to go in December in India for skiing and other adventure snow sports. The bird-eye view of the Auli region from its various viewpoints is a charming experience, and the icing on the cake is the sight of Nanda Devi Peak.
- Places to visit in Auli: Gurso Bugyal, Kwani Bugyal, Trishul Peak, Chenab Lake, Joshimath, Rudraprayag, Nandprayag, and Nanda Devi National Park
- Things to do in Auli: Enjoy your time in Auli by skiing, visit the viewpoints in Auli to capture scintillating views in your cameras and go on a cable car ride
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (149 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Haridwar Railway Station (273 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Joshimath Bus Stand (10 km)
5. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali | #5 of 30 Best Places to Visit in December
Another awe-inspiring destination in Himachal Pradesh is Manali, which is nestled between the snow-clad mountains of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. The natural beauty of this serene hill station has mesmerized tourists for decades and it still does; while winter is the time when it comes to its full glory. From ancient temples to scenic valleys, Manali is an ideal destination for sightseeing enthusiasts. However, that is not all; it is also popular for offering some fantastic trekking expeditions.
- Places to visit in Manali: Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Vashisht Hot Water Springs, Solang Valley, Nehru Kund, Arjun Gufa and Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art
- Things to do in Manali: Go on an excursion to Jogini Falls and Raha Falls, trek to Beas Kund, witness snowfall, explore the Manali Sanctuary and visit the Naggar Village
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport (50 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station (50 km) and (Chandigarh Railway Station (310 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Manali Bus Depot
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Manali
6. Chopta, Uttarakhand
Chopta | #6 of 30 Best Places to Visit in December
Chopta in Uttarakhand offers panoramic views of snow-laden peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba. The serenity of the place, the beauty of nature, and the call of adventure make this an alluring place to visit during the winter months.
- Places to visit in Chopta: Deoria Tal, Tungnath, Rohini Bugyal, Omkar Ratneshwar Mahade
- Things to do in Chopta: Trek to Tungnath and visit the summit at Chandrashila, spot wildlife at Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (221 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Haridwar Railway Station (226 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Chopta Bus Station
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7. Binsar, Uttarakhand
Binsar | #7 of 30 Best Places to Visit in December
This is a sleepy hill town surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Pachachuli peaks. The mesmerising view of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi and Kedarnath from Zero Point is one of the most popular attractions of Binsar. These stunning views make it one of the most beautiful places to visit in December.
- Places to visit in Binsar: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Things to do in Binsar: Explore the rustic charm of the quaint villages in Binsar, spot wildlife at the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, and try local delicacies like Madve ki roti, Kaudh ki daal
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (127 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Kathgodam Railway Station (119 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Patiakhali Bus Stand
8. Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand
Mukteshwar | #8 of 30 Best Places to Visit in December
Perched at a height of 2171 metres on Kumaon hills and surrounded by the stunning Himalayan range, Mukteshwar is one of the most beautiful places to be in India during the winter months. The dense forest cover, the green meadows covered under soft snow, and the snow-clad slopes and peaks offer a truly romantic setting.
- Places to visit in Mukteshwar: Nanda Devi, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, and Renewable Park
- Things to do in Mukteshwar: Trekking to the Shiva Temple
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Dehradun Airport (183 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Kathgodam Railway Station (62 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Mukteshwar Bus Stand
9. Leh
Leh | #9 of 30 Best Places to Visit in December
With stony mountains in the background and crystal blue ice on the ground, Leh is a splendour waiting to explore. During the winter months, Leh is like an icy meadow with frozen lakes and snow-clad mountains. Leh is one of the best places to visit in December for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
- Places to visit in Leh: Pangong Lake, Zanskar Valley, Magnetic Hill, Shanti Stupa, Stakna Monastery, Royal Leh Palace
- Things to do in Leh: Hire a bike and explore the open roads and tiny hamlets of Ladakh, Try your hand in mountain cycling, Sign up for winter treks, hone your skiing skills on the slopes of the snow-clad Himalayas, and try local dishes at any of the cafes and eateries in Leh Market
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Leh Airport (4 km from the centre)
- Nearest Train Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (687 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Leh Bus Union Station
10. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
Kasol | #10 of 30 Best Places to Visit in December
The charming beauty of Kasol, Himachal Pradesh lures backpackers from all across the world to relax. Situated on the banks of the Parvati River and surrounded by the Himalayas, there is a host of things that you can experience in this laid-back town. It turns into a snowy paradise during December, so for the adventurous among you, who can brave the chilly weather, visit Kasol.
- Places to visit in Kasol: Tosh Village, Malana Village, Nature Park, Kheer Ganga, Chalal Village, Manikaran Sahib
- Things to do in Kasol: Brave the slippery paths in the Kheerganga trek, sip on hot beverages at the cosy cafes, indulge in some nature photography of the snow-clad mountains
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport (30 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station (144 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Kasol Bus Stand
