Introduction
Himachal has always been a dream destination for hikers who enjoy the outdoors. Himachal Pradesh’s awe-inspiring snow-capped mountains attract backpackers, solitary travelers, honeymooners, and families to its top ten destinations to visit in December.Enjoy the calm of such stunning scenery and add these destinations on your next trip to Himachal for an amazing vacation.
Please Note: Shimla has been chosen as the central location to state the best ways to reach the respective cities.
10 Best Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh In December 2024
Check out the most interesting excursions in Himachal Pradesh that you shouldn’t miss this December:
- Kufri
- Rohtang La
- Spiti Valley
- Khajjiar
- Parashar Lake
- Churdhar
- Kheerganga
- Solan
- Kalpa
- Mashobra
1. Kufri
Kufri, known for its walking trails and hiking roads, is one of Himachal Pradesh’s locations that offers something for everyone. Kufri in December is nothing short of a winter paradise, with white snow covering its floors and spectacular vistas of the nature all around. The hill station may be modest, but the experiences available in this location are exceptional, making it one of the top places to visit in Himachal Pradesh in December.
Weather In December: The weather in Kufri in December is pretty harsh. The temperature can fall down to as low as -4 degrees Celsius and during extreme conditions, it can also touch -10 degrees Celsius.
Must Experiences: Try hands-on skiing on the slope of Mahasu Peak and embrace the inner daredevil. To add more to an adventurous vacation, trek in Chail which is just an hour’s drive from Kufri. The stunning oak trees and pine forests would make the whole experience all the more exciting.
How To Reach: Once in Shimla, one can either take a private cab or the bus to Kufri which is located just 20 kilometres from the airport. One can also take the toy train that runs from Shimla to Kalka and get dropped off at Kufri. The whole train journey offers some of the most beautiful views of the destination.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A TRAVEL PACKAGE (CLICK HERE TO HIRE FREE TRAVEL EXPERT)
2. Rohtang La
If your concept of a vacation is full of excitement and thrills, and you’re seeking for the greatest spots to visit in Himachal in December, Rohtang La should be at the top of your list. Rohtang La, also known as Rohtang Pass, is a natural wonder that connects two of Himachal Pradesh’s most major valleys: Manali and Lahaul and Spiti. Daredevils get the option to ride a bike on slick roads with perilous turns and adverse weather conditions. Permits for Rohtang Pass are only available during specific months of the year.
Weather in December: Due to its high elevation, this resort gets snow virtually all year. If there is no heavy snowfall in December, the Rohtang Pass is open to tourists. With new snow, the land becomes magical. However, the amount of snowfall is uncertain in this location.
Must-Do: Try Heli Skiing in heavy snow. While paragliding, you can see the entire town from above. Driving a snow scooter allows you to embrace your adventurous side.
How to Get There: Although Rohtang La is widely accessible, getting there is not a difficult effort. Most daredevils choose to travel by road after arriving in Manali, which offers some of the most breathtaking views. The closest train station is Joginder Nagar, from where one can rent a taxi or the HRTC bus, which travels to Rohtang Pass on a regular basis from Manali.
3. Spiti Valley
Spiti Valley is undoubtedly one of Himachal Pradesh’s most stunning locations. When one sees the enormous snow-clad mountains surrounding a pure blue lake that extends as far as the eye can perceive, one is usually left speechless. Spiti Valley, located at a high altitude, is a unique cold desert mountain and one of the greatest spots to visit in Himachal in December.
In December, the average temperature in Spiti Valley ranges from -1 to -5°C throughout the day. However, temperatures can drop as -20 and -25 degrees Celsius at night.
Must-Have Experience: River rafting with challenging waves. The water might be freezing, but it would be an exciting adventure. Enjoy the calm in several old Buddhist monasteries. Camp near to Chandratal Lake.
To reach Spiti and Lahaul, take the road from Chandigarh to Shimla and Manali, respectively. Shimla may be reached by train, and the railway station is well connected to the rest of the country. From there, take a taxi.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A TRAVEL PACKAGE (CLICK HERE TO HIRE FREE TRAVEL EXPERT)
4. Khajjiar
Travelers from all over the world are drawn to Kajjiar, often referred to as the Switzerland of India, by its breathtaking scenery. Without a doubt, this is one of the greatest locations in Himachal Pradesh to travel to in December to see the rare snowfall in a tranquil setting. While on vacation in Himachal this winter, don’t miss this stunning location; there are plenty of surprises waiting for you there.
December weather:The typical temperature is between 5 and 12°C.
Visit Golden Devi Temple, Manu Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Jakhu Temple, IIAS, and hike on Rohtang Pass are must-do experiences.
How to Get There: Situated in the region of Chamba, it has excellent connections to both Dalhousie and Chamba. You can take a taxi from Pathankot, the closest train station to Khajjiar.
5. Parashar Lake
The Parashar Lake is your greatest option if you’re searching for locations in Himachal Pradesh with snowfall in December. This lake is a hidden jewel in Himachal that few visitors get to explore, providing you with a unique Himachal experience. You may spend hours here taking in the ethereal grandeur of the snow-capped mountains that around this serene lake. Prashar Lake is one of the top tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh in December, and it will captivate you with its incredible beauty and atmosphere whether you’re vacationing with friends or your significant other. In the winter, you may also enjoy warming beverages provided by local sellers or pick up some delicious local fare from the food stalls here.
Weather in December:The daytime temperature fluctuates between 8 and 12 degrees Celsius, although the nights may be rather cold, reaching -5 degrees Celsius.
Must-see destinations include Devnal Temple, Trokada Temple, and Triloknath Temple.
To reach Prashar Lake, take a bus to Manali, disembark in Mandi, and then take a private vehicle.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A TRAVEL PACKAGE (CLICK HERE TO HIRE FREE TRAVEL EXPERT)
6. Churdhar
Image Source
Churdhar is a must-see destination for travelers planning daring excursions in Himachal in December.Standing 3647 meters above sea level, this massive peak is the highest in the Shivalik range. It is one of the most strenuous treks in Himachal, but once at the summit, it is clear that the effort was worthwhile. Churdhar is one of the greatest places to visit in Himachal Pradesh in December because of the breathtaking grandeur of nature and the tranquility of the mountains, which serve as rewards for the strenuous trek.
In December, the average temperature is around 15 degrees Celsius.
Must-see attractions include Shirgul Maharaj Temple, Churdhar hike, Bijjat Maharaj Temple, Lord Shiva statue, and more.
The trip has two beginning points: Saharan (8 km) and Nohradhar (15 km). Sarahan is roughly 160 kilometers from Shimla, while Nohradhar is about 110 kilometers away. Both of these locations are accessible by road by both public and private transportation.
7. Kheerganga
Kheerganga is one of the finest villages in Himachal Pradesh. It is yet another lovely location that visitors to Himachal should include on their agenda for December. Kheerganga, at a height of 2690 meters, is a little settlement in the mysterious Parvati Valley surrounded by massive mountains on all sides. The climb from Barshaini is tough, covering 13 kilometers on foot. The excursion, once accomplished, provides an exciting view of the lush green mountains, as well as a natural hot water spring to wash away your exhaustion, making this village one of the greatest tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh in December.
Temperatures in December average around 15°C.
Highlights of the Kheerganga hike include seeing the stunning Rudra Nag and Sheshnag waterfalls, as well as relaxing in the hot sulphur spring at the finish to relieve weariness.
Barshaini (Kheerganga trek base camp) is located 247 km from Shimla. Kheerganga is a 13-kilometer walk from Barshaini.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A TRAVEL PACKAGE (CLICK HERE TO HIRE FREE TRAVEL EXPERT)
8. Solan
Solan, also known as the “Mushroom Capital of India,” is a large city in Himachal Pradesh surrounded by picturesque hills. The location is named after the Hindu goddess Shoolini Devi, for whom a big festival is held every year, including a three-day fair. As a result, it is one of the most important historical sites in Himachal that visitors should see while on vacation.
Temperatures in December average around 15°C.
Explore Karol Ka Tibba, including the mystical Shoolini temple and Jatoli Shiv temple, as well as Gurkha Fort and the Tibetan monastery. Nearby attractions include Kasauli, Chail, and Parwanoo.
To get to Solan, travelers can use the city’s train station. The nearest airport, Shimla Airport, is 53 kilometers away from Solan and may be reached by public or private transport.
9. Kalpa
Kalpa is an eccentric location in Himachal’s Kinnaur district, known for its apple orchards and ethnic rural life. Kalpa, located at an elevation of 2,690 meters, is surrounded by snow-capped peaks all year and offers a clear view of the Shivling atop Kailash mountain, which changes color at different intervals throughout the day. Kalpa, one of the best spots to visit in Himachal Pradesh in December, offers stunning views of the hills and snowfall.
Temperatures in December average around 8°C.
Must-see destinations are Kinner Kailash, Kamru Fort, Sangla Valley, Roghi Village Suicide Point, and Sapni Fort, offering breathtaking vistas of snow-capped hills.
How to Reach:Shimla Airport is the closest airport, and Kalpa is around 240 km away. This distance can be traveled using both private and public transportation.
10. Mashobra
Mashobra, a town in Himachal’s Shimla district, is surrounded by pine trees and contains a number of gorgeous gardens naturally ornamented with appealing flowers as well as lonely picnic areas. One of India’s two presidential getaways is located near Mashobra, and the Indian president visits it every year. As a result, Mashobra is one of the top historical spots in Himachal to visit in December.
Weather in December:Average temperature is around 14°C.
Must-see attractions in Mashobra include Craignano, Reserve Forest Sanctuary, Mahasu Peak, and Shali Tibba. Outdoor activities include trekking to Chharabra village, as well as paragliding, camping, bicycling, skiing, rappelling, and quad biking.
The nearest airport is Shimla Airport, located 12.7 kilometers from Mashobra. This distance may be traveled in approximately 45 minutes by public or private transportation. One can also disembark at Shimla train station and continue the journey by car.