Winter is the best time to explore the beautiful hill stations and valleys of Himachal Pradesh. If you live around Chandigarh and are searching for short and refreshing getaways, you are in luck! There are many best winter weekend trips near Chandigarh where you can enjoy snow, peace, and the beauty of the Himalayas.
Whether you love adventure, cozy stays, or scenic drives, these winter weekend destinations will make your holidays special. Let’s explore the top places to visit, what to see, and where to stay this winter.
Shimla – The Evergreen Winter Escape
Shimla is one of the most popular and best winter weekend trips near Chandigarh. Just about 115 km away, Shimla turns magical during winter when the town is covered in snow.
What to See:
- The Ridge and Mall Road for local shopping and food
- Jakhoo Temple and Christ Church
- Kufri for snow and adventure activities
Where to Stay:
Stay near Mall Road for easy access or choose a cozy homestay in Kufri or Mashobra for quiet surroundings.
Shimla is perfect for couples, families, and anyone who loves the charm of winter.
Chail – Calm Hills and Heritage Beauty
Just 106 km from Chandigarh, Chail is a peaceful and less crowded alternative to Shimla. The forests around Chail turn misty and magical in winter.
What to See:
- Chail Palace and the famous Cricket Ground
- Kali Tibba Temple with stunning views
- Pine forest trails for short winter walks
Where to Stay:
The Chail Palace Hotel is a great option for royal vibes, or you can choose forest-view resorts for a relaxed holiday.
Chail is one of the best winter weekend getaways for peace lovers.
Kasauli – Nearest Hill Getaway from Chandigarh
If you want a short and simple trip, Kasauli is one of the best winter weekend trips near Chandigarh. Located just 60 km away, this small hill town offers calm weather, scenic views, and a relaxed vibe.
What to See:
- Gilbert Trail and Monkey Point
- Christ Church
- Sunset Point for peaceful evening views
Where to Stay:
Stay in small cottages or colonial-style hotels surrounded by pine trees.
Kasauli is perfect for a one-night peaceful break or a two-day lazy weekend.
Narkanda – A Snow Lover’s Paradise
Narkanda is a beautiful hill town about 180 km from Chandigarh. In winter, it becomes one of the best snow destinations near Chandigarh for weekend trips.
What to See:
- Hatu Peak for snow trekking and stunning views
- Tanni Jubbar Lake
- Apple orchards covered in snow
Where to Stay:
Choose wooden cottages or small hotels with fireplaces near Hatu Road.
Narkanda is ideal for those who love snow drives and peaceful winter walks.
Nahan & Renuka Lake – Winter Serenity in Sirmaur
For a quiet and less commercial winter trip, visit Sirmaur district. Nahan is a small, clean hill town just 85 km from Chandigarh, and Renuka Lake is about 37 km ahead.
What to See:
- Rani Tal and Mall Road in Nahan
- Renuka Lake – the largest lake in Himachal
- Renuka Temple and boating activities
Where to Stay:
Stay at Grand View Resort in Nahan or at HPTDC cottages near Renuka Lake.
These are among the best winter weekend trips near Chandigarh for people who love calm lakes and mild winter weather.
Churdhar – A Trek to the Snowy Peak
If you like trekking, Churdhar Peak in Sirmaur is a great winter adventure. The trail starts from Nohradhar, about 120 km from Chandigarh.
What to See:
- Chureshwar Mahadev Temple
- Dense deodar forests
- 360° view of snow-capped peaks
Where to Stay:
Simple lodges are available at Nohradhar base or forest rest houses on the route.
This trip combines spirituality, nature, and a sense of achievement.
Bir Billing – Paragliding and Peace in Winter
If you love adventure and open skies, Bir Billing is one of the best options for a winter weekend near Chandigarh. It’s around 250 km away and perfect for 2–3 days.
What to See:
- Paragliding from Billing
- Tibetan Monasteries and local cafes
- Sunset view from the landing site
Where to Stay:
Stay in camps or cozy hostels near Bir village or the landing ground.
Winter air is clear here, making it perfect for scenic flights and calm evenings.
Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj – Monks, Mountains, and Magic
For those who can spare a long weekend, Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj are among the best winter weekend trips near Chandigarh. About 240 km away, this place offers snow, spirituality, and stunning views of the Dhauladhar range.
What to See:
- Dalai Lama Temple
- Bhagsu Waterfall
- Triund Trek (for snow lovers)
- St. John’s Church
Where to Stay:
Stay near Bhagsunag or Dharamkot for easy access to treks and cafes.
This destination is ideal for those who love culture and cozy mountain stays.
Shoja and Jibhi – Offbeat Winter Escapes
Shoja and Jibhi are located in Seraj Valley, around 250 km from Chandigarh. These hidden gems are becoming popular for their riverside beauty and snow-covered forests in winter.
What to See:
- Jibhi Waterfall
- Jalori Pass and Serolsar Lake
- Local village walks and cafes
Where to Stay:
Homestays and wooden cottages are perfect for warm winter nights near the river.
Shoja and Jibhi are great for travelers who want peace, snow, and untouched nature.
Travel Tips for Winter Weekend Trips Near Chandigarh
- Start early morning to avoid traffic and reach before dark.
- Carry warm jackets, gloves, and woolens — Himachal gets chilly in winter.
- Keep some cash, as ATMs may not work everywhere.
- Drive carefully on icy roads or hire a local taxi.
- You can also rent bikes or cars from Hillhikers for flexible journeys.
Conclusion
There are many best winter weekend trips near Chandigarh — from snowy Shimla and Narkanda to peaceful Nahan and Jibhi. Whether you want to relax by a lake, trek in the mountains, or simply enjoy the snowfall, Himachal Pradesh has endless options.
So, this winter, pack your warm clothes, plan a short road trip, and let Himtravel be your guide to exploring the real beauty of Himachal’s winters.
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