Usually, tourists visit the hilly regions to escape the summer heat. Himachal Pradesh is one of the tourist destinations which attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is mostly known as a summer destination and people also consider visiting Himachal Pradesh during the summers. Also, the peak ‘tourist season’ for Himachal Pradesh is during the summer months.
Winters in Himachal Pradesh is a different story considering the view of the landscape. During the winters, people love to witness the snowfall which is still quite exciting for people coming from the cities. The summer months are quite harsh on the city-dwellers and most of the people travel during the summer season to the hill-stations of North India. December is the start of the snowfall which attracts people from all over India. If you are planning to visit Himachal Pradesh during the winter, then you can easily book your Himachal tour in December by any travel agency of your choice.
The winter scene in Himachal Pradesh offers the majestic view of the snow-capped mountains, glaciers, frozen lakes along with many winter sports activities. In some parts of Himachal, you can also engage in various winter sports like Skiing, Skating, and snowboarding, etc.
December is also a great time for honeymoon couples to go on their vacations. Considering that most weddings in India happen during the last months of the year, Himachal Pradesh offers some of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh in December. We have created a list of some great tourist destinations you can visit in the winter months. December being the beginning of the ‘real’ winter season, the places mentioned in the list are particularly best suited for December.
So, let's start with the list. This list is made considering the needs of all tourists.
7 Best Tourist Places In Himachal Pradesh In December
1. Manali
Manali is on top of your list because of its sheer popularity among tourists. Every year, tourists flock to this picturesque hill station to witness the snow that is visible all through the year. However, particularly during the winter season starting from December, tourists visit Manali to witness the snowfall.
Manali is situated at a height of around 6200 feet above sea level. The natural beauty of Manali is something that leaves everyone mesmerized. The beautiful valleys, apple orchards, and snow-covered peaks can bring a sense of tranquility which is quite hard to find in the cities. Manali is a versatile destination that is great for all tourist needs. Family groups, honeymoon couples, backpackers, and adventure enthusiasts can all find enough tourist activities to enjoy in Manali.
The Winter season in Manali is a great time to witness the majesty of the Himalayas. Along with the scenic views, you can enjoy sightseeing and delicious foods available for you to enjoy. Without a doubt, Manali is an essential destination that is included in all popular Himachal travel packages. If you are planning to visit Manali in the winter, then December is probably the best month to see the grandeur of Manali. You can expect around 10 degrees Celsius as an average temperature in Manali.
Tourist attractions: Rohtang Pass, Hidimba Temple, Solang valley, adventure sports, and sightseeing.
Suggested Read: Soul Relaxing Places To Visit In Kullu Manali
2. Shimla
Shimla is second on our list because of its status as ‘Queen of the Hills’. Shimla is one of the favorite destinations for Indian tourists. Every summer, Shimla is packed with tourists and sometimes the highways get overcrowded because of the sheer flow of the incoming tourists. Shimla during the winter season is great for people who want to see the snow and enjoy the panoramic view of snow-covered mountains.
December is the month when tourists start to flock to Shimla. Most of the tourists are couples on their honeymoon. After Manali, Shimla is one of the most visited hill stations in India. With amazing sightseeing options, delicious food, cultural events, winter sports, and adventure activities make Shimla is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh during December. You can expect an average temperature of 12 degrees Celsius during December.
Families on their vacation are also among many who visit Shimla in December. Children particularly enjoy playing with the snow and enjoy many activities. Nature lovers and adventure seekers will find Shimla as an ideal vacation destination. The scenes of colonial buildings with the background of the mountain range and many sightseeing options will leave you mesmerized by this town.
Tourist attractions: Kalka-Shimla train ride, Ice-skating, Skiing, adventure sports, and sightseeing.
Suggested Read: Places A Trip To Manali
3. Spiti Valley
The wild and rugged landscape of Spiti is a scene straight out of an adventure movie. Spiti valley attracts hundreds of motorcyclists and solo travelers every year. The rainfall that you can witness in Spiti is during the winter months where it rains snowballs instead of regular rain. The Winter season is quite a popular time among the adventure junkies to travel to Spiti.
Backpackers and solo travelers find Spiti as a great destination to relax and be away from all the crowded hill stations. Spiti has many beautiful monasteries to visit along with lakes and trekking trails that are worth visiting at least once in your life. Spiti Valley is a cold desert that might not be an exciting place to spend your vacation as a family. However, it is a great destination if you are willing to experience the raw beauty of this desert.
December is a great time to visit Spiti as many of the important highways and passes are open for tourists. If you are planning to go on extreme trekking adventures including the trek to the beautiful Chandratal Lake, then Spiti will give you the challenge your spirit needs.
Spiti is among the best destinations in Himachal Pradesh for tourists from all over the world. With the tranquil atmosphere and the spiritual vibe of the monasteries along the vast expanse as a background, Spiti will bring the feel of being nomadic in ancient times.
Tourist attractions: Dhankar Monastery, Trekking, Chandratal Lake, and Camping
Suggested Read: River Rafting In Himachal Pradesh
4. Dharamshala
Dharamshala is also known as ‘Dharamsala’ is a popular destination for both international and domestic tourists. The main reason for its popularity is the fact that His Holiness Dalai Lama is living here. The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader made this town popular among the international travel community. If you are planning a trip to Himachal in December, then Dharamshala is a great place to visit.
Dharamshala is located in the district of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. Some of the most popular places in Dharamshala are Mcleodganj, Dharamkot, and Bhagsu. These three towns see the most number of tourists every year. During the winter months, Dharamshala has a very laid-back vibe where you can simply relax and enjoy nature.
There are many cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy multi-cultural cuisine. You can find many local musicians and concerts being held at different places. In a nutshell, you can enjoy many activities which can make your vacation to Dharamshala a memorable experience.
Tourist attractions: Trekking, Dal Lake, Tibetan monasteries, Mcleodganj, Dharamkot, Bhagsu waterfall.
Suggested Read: Valleys in Himachal Pradesh
5. Barot
Barot is an offbeat destination in Himachal Pradesh that is away from the overcrowding tourists. It is a great place to enjoy time with your loved ones for a calm and relaxing vacation. Barot is located in the district of Mandi of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the most beautiful destinations in Himachal Pradesh.
Barot is a small village which is located in the lap of nature and besides the Uhl river. People who visit Barot are usually looking for a silent stay among nature’s beauty. If you are traveling to Barot during December month, you can expect an average temperature of 12 degrees Celsius.
Camping and trout fishing is one of the most popular activities you can enjoy. You can also have a feast on the delicious fresh trout while sitting around a bonfire. Camping is something you can enjoy as a couple, as a family, or as a solo traveler. Although Barot is not as popular as Manali or Shimla, it deserves a mention because of its laid-back atmosphere for a relaxing vacation.
Tourist attractions: Trout Fishing, Camping, Dev Pashakot Temple, Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary, and trekking.
6. Kalpa
Another offbeat destination to add to this list is the beautiful Kalpa. Kalpa is located in the district of Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh. Kalpa got its popularity due to social media where tourists posted beautiful pictures of this amazing destination.
Kalpa is located at the height of around 2700 meters and is famous for its apple orchards and rural setting with the backdrop of beautiful snow-covered mountains. During the winter months, you can see the snowfall and enjoy the scenic splendor of this place. It is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh during December.
Although Kalpa is popular among backpackers and young tourists, it is also a great trekking destination in Himachal Pradesh for adventure seekers who want to enjoy nature’s beauty. Photographer and nature lovers are also drawn to Kalpa for its gorgeous valleys and majesty during the winter season. You can expect an average temperature of around 8 degrees Celsius during December.
Tourist attractions: Kinner Kailash, Kamru Fort, Sangla Valley, Sapni Fort, trekking, and camping.
Suggested Read: Soul Trip To Himachal Pradesh
7. Kullu
Kullu can be best described as a paradise because of its lush green valleys and panoramic views. Along with the natural beauty, the local culture and traditions are quite interesting for the tourists who visit Kullu in large numbers every year. Kullu is also known as one of the historical places in Himachal which are rooted in history and mythology.
Winters in Kullu offers a contrasting scene compared to the summer season. It is probably the best place to experience the snowfall. One thing to note is that the temperature can get quite low during the winters. If you are traveling on a Himachal tour package, then make sure you customize your itinerary according to your travel needs.
People who are traveling to Kullu during the winters are mostly adventure travelers who trek through the many trekking trails available in this area. Mountaineering and Camping are some of the extreme adventure activities people engage in. For family groups, you can enjoy the many sightseeing options Kullu has along with many laid-back tourist activities.
Tourist attractions: Trekking, Camping, visiting Temples, and sightseeing.
Suggested Read: Famous Cuisines in Himachal Pradesh
Conclusion
These were the 7 best destinations that you can visit during December. This list includes destinations that are suited for almost all travel needs. If you are traveling during the winter season, make sure you pack accordingly with all the necessary warm clothes.
Also, if you are someone who likes to plan your vacation instead of buying a Himachal tour package, then you can easily do that with good research online. Checking for the weather and road conditions before traveling is wise. You can also refer to our list above to choose a destination that might suit your need. Although there are many beautiful destinations in Himachal Pradesh, we have chosen the 7 best you can travel to in December 2021.
One important thing to check before you travel is the Covid restrictions. The Covid guidelines have been changing quite frequently with the severity of the spread of the coronavirus. It will be wise to make sure you have the required vaccination or RT-PCR test report documents before traveling.
So, start planning your short or long vacation this winter season. December would be a great time to enjoy the scenic beauty of Himachal Pradesh and hopefully, this list will help you in choosing the right destination for you.
