Oh Shimla, you are the ‘White Winter Queen of India.’ Above all, you gracefully govern the thoughts of snow-loving couples, family tourers, and solo wanderers. You are one of the beautiful Himalayan hamlets in Himachal Pradesh’s foothills, and your topography exhibits a cool climate in December. Therefore, all the snow loving wanderlusters must go together like winter and a sweater at the trending places to visit in Shimla in December 2024.
Thanks to the snow God in Himachal Pradesh that makes the snow sparkle like a small little sun in Shimla in December. This hill station in the foothills of the Himalayas manages to produce glistening white snow in December. As a result, every single tourist attraction of Shimla throngs with tourists in its peak tourism month.
What Makes Shimla Travel Special in December?
Shimla is one of the top tourist attractions of Himachal Pradesh because of the guaranteed snowfall in December. As a result, Ice Skating Carnival beacons tourists in Shimla to come annually during December. Moreover, locals or tourists alike in Shimla celebrate Christmas in Shimla during December with full fervor to ward off evil spirits. Furthermore, Shimla is the basecamp for several trekking trails that are particularly more hit in winters from November to February.
8 Top Attractions in Shimla in December 2024 for Winter-Esting Holidays
We are getting knee-deep into the 8 top attractions in Shimla for December travel 2024. Let’s get started!
[ Explore Shimla Tour Packages ]
1. The Ridge of Shimla
December sees the Ridge of Shimla in full mode because of the decorated craft market (Lakkar Bazaar), and the Neo-Gothic Style Christ Church is the travel highlight. The Ridge is a large open space located a level up of Mall Road. Moreover, it is one of the famous places to see snowfall in Shimla in December. On the west side of The Ridge is Scandal Point. Most importantly, Shimla’s Ridge is the playground for cultural activities held in Shimla during summers and winters.
Shimla’s Ridge is the same place that gets featured on news articles when Shimla receives its first snowfall. You will have a good time at the Ridge of Shimla post the one month of 2024. In addition, several swanky restaurants, souvenir shops, opulent bar clubs allow tourists to witness snowfall with views. If you are a shutterbug, take extra batteries as you will be spoiled with snowfall laden on the trees and the roofs.
- Distance Between Mall Road and The Ridge: Stone throw distance, a few miles walk!
- Visiting Hours: 8 AM – 9 PM
- How to Reach from Mall Road: Just a stone throw stroll away is the pictorial Ridge located.
Read Also: Places to visit in Shimla in Winter
2. Jakhoo Hill/Jakhu Temple
Once you explore the Mall Road or Christ Church, pledge to hike the Jakhoo Hill or reach there by ropeway or taxi. This hill is famous for the temple of the Lord Hanuman, and a hike provides a superb panorama of the snow-wrapped Himalayas in the morning till daylight. Jakhoo Temple is located on the highest elevation of Shimla, approximately 2,455 m. Hence, it is one of the must-visit places in Shimla in December for Lord Hanuman devotees. From ropeway to hiking, take your pick and proceed from the Ridge.
December marks the perfect time for hiking Jakhu Hill in the company of like-minded tourists. Youngsters will love the steep climb, but family tourists will love the short ropeway from the Ridge. If you choose to trek, the 30 m long tall orange concrete Lord Hanuman Statue has tech-friendly monkeys who love eating bananas. Make sure you don’t display your gadgets because they are gadget-loving monkeys and can snatch them from you!
- Temple Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
- Trek Distance from the Ridge Shimla to Jakhoo Hill: 2 kilometers (approx.)
- Duration of Trek: 30-45 minutes (approx.) depending on the endurance
- Ropeway Distance Between Jakhu Hill and Ridge Ground: 8 kilometers (approx.)
- Ropeway Timings: 9.30 AM – 5 PM
- Ropeway Ticket (approx.): ₹ 250 for adults & Rs. 200 for Children (One Way), Rs. 470 for Adults & Rs. 390 for Children (Two Ways)
Read Also: Best time to visit Himachal Pradesh
3. Annandale
Some places are not on the tourists radar, and that’s what makes them offbeat. If you wanna bowl over with one such offbeat place in Shimla for December holidays, bookmark Annandale. This flat terrain of Shimla, at an elevation of approximately 6,117 ft, is surrounded by the Deodar, Oak, Pine trees. As a result, when Shimla was a British territory, Annandale was the recreational amusement playground for the royal Britishers.
Now there is an Army Heritage Museum and chain of splendid gardens to intensify winter in Shimla at its best. Consider taking a walk to the Annandale from Shimla Railway Station and Ridge with friends. Moreover, you can hire a cab if traveling with family or senior citizens.
- Distance from Shimla Railway Station: 2 kilometers (approx.)
- Distance from Shimla’s Ridge: 5 kilometers (approx.)
- Timings of Army Heritage Museum: 10 AM – 2 PM, 3 PM – 5 PM, Monday close
- Annandale Army Heritage Museum Entry Fee: Free for all
Read Also: Honeymoon Destinations in Shimla
4. Kiala Forest
How about escaping the chaos of Shimla on a half-day excursion to Kiala Forest? As the name suggests, it is a forest in the pictorial Kotkhai Valley and is wrapped with lush and diverse vegetation. Kiala Forest is one of the least explored attractions of Shimla. When you are in Shimla during December travel, enjoy nature walks, photography, and trekking at Kiala Forest. This quaint hamlet is located in the Kotkhai Valley and is known for its picturesque stretches of apple orchards.
Those readers who are convinced to visit Kiala Forest must club their visit with Kothkai Palace. It is known for its Pagoda-style roof depicting excellent Tibetan craftsmanship. Moreover, there are temples to explore, a lake for boating, and a pond for feeding fish. The locals have opened their homestays in the middle of the apple orchards to boost tourism. Imagine sleeping under the groove of the apple trees and waking up with the bird’s chirping and Himalayan views!
- Distance Between Shimla and Kiala Forest: 58 kilometers (approx.)
- Travel Time: 2.5 hours (approx.)
- How to Reach from Shimla: Cab, local buses
- Ideal Duration: 5-6 hours (approx.)
- Homestays Price (approx.): ₹ 800 per person and subject to change in a different season
5. Mall Road
Can a list of the best places to visit in Shimla in December for couples be considered complete without the Mall Road mention? Obviously not! In addition to romance seekers, leisure travelers, shopaholic souls, and family vacationers alike love to take a stroll at Mall Road, located down a level below the Ridge.
It goes without saying that Mall Road is amongst the best tourist attractions in Shimla in December. In conclusion, the place gets its name on behalf of City Center, which is dotted with ATMs, restaurants, shopping shops that are a little more profound than the Ridge. If you love bowling over to the filmy style snowfall in Shimla during December, bookmark Mall Road.
- Distance Between Mall Road and The Ridge: Stone throw distance, a few miles walk!
- Visiting Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
- Distance from Shimla Old Bus Stand: Within 2 kilometers (approx.)
- Advice: Keep in mind that Mall Road is an automobile free zone so meander via foot
6. Mashobra
Listen Delhizens (especially); if you wanna replace Shimla over its peaceful alternative, think of Mashobra. It is nestled very close to Shimla and will provide you the perfect snowy backdrops to ace your Gram game. Irrespective of your tourist, you will love your road trip to Mashobra from Shimla via the iconic Hindustan Tibet Road. As a result, Jackals, Himalayan Eagles, Baboons at Shimla Forest Sanctuary will add strokes of wildlife encounters. Moreover, skiing, paragliding, rappelling in Mashobra are must-do activities in winters.
Did we mention Mahobra’s elevation is 2,246 m (approx.) and hence, snowfall is pretty common in December in Mashobra. When you are here, take time to meander through the sprawling fruit orchards. Laze at the gushing streams, and purify your mind and body at ancient temples and Gothic-style churches.
- Distance Between Mashobra and Shimla: 11 kilometers (approx.)
- Travel Time: 40 minutes (approx.)
- How to Reach: Taxi, local bus
- Ideal Duration: 2 days (approx.)
- Best Hotels in Mashobra: Wildflower Hall, Nature Home, Kothi Resorts
7. Shaily Peak
There is no brainer that Shaily Peak is one of the best places for trekking in and around Shimla in December. Its elevation is 9,423 feet (approx.), and hence, you snowfall-loving couples are extra blessed with the glistering snowfall during December travel. Although there are three ways to reach Shaily Peak, including pony ride, trek, and motorable road. But the trekking route is the most talked-about one for youngsters and even adults above 40+ years.
Shaily Peak’s summit has a revered temple of Goddess Bhima Kali overlooking the 360-degree views of the snow-shrouded Himalayas. Embark on the Shaily Peak Trek covering the rocky trails, dense vegetation. Also, let the crisp mountain air guide you through the steps along with the other like-minded trekkers. At the same time, there are dozens of switchbacks to limit the steepness. Lastly, people with heart problems should avoid or hire ponies to reach the summit. On average, the roundup on this trek is around 5-6 hours (approx.).
- Trek Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM (Sunrise to before sunset)
- Base Village of Shaily Peak Trek: Khatnol
- Trek Distance from the Base Village: 8 kilometers (approx.)
- Total Duration of Trek: 5-6 hours (approx.) including ascend and descend with halts
- Pony Ride Price to Reach Summit: ₹ 100 – ₹ 150 (approx.) per person for one way
8. Kufri
Kufri is another popular resort hill town of Shimla that beacons adventure souls for skiing. Irrespective of the year, Kufri is great to visit. But particularly in December, snow is shrouded everywhere, and Kufri beacons Europeans feel under the thick glistening snow. In conclusion, Kufri marks itself as the best place to travel around Shimla in December under 50 kilometers (approx.).
Moreover, explore the Himalayan National Park to come across distinct flora and fauna. If you are a couple, Kufri is suggested to visit in December to escape the hush of Shimla. Moreover, snowfall in Kufri is 2,720 m (approx.) above sea level. As a result, snowfall in Kufri is more famous than in Shimla. And guess what? Both of these hamlets are located at a very convenient distance.
- Distance Between Kufri and Shimla: 15 kilometers (approx.)
- Travel Time: 40 minutes (approx.)
- How to Reach: Taxi, local bus
- Ideal Duration: 4-5 hours (approx.)
- Best Hotels in Kufri: Galleu Hill Resort, Sterling Kufri, Kufri Pacific Resort
Read Also: Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh for Honeymoon
What’s Your Approach About Traveling to Shimla in December?
Hopefully, our list of 8 best places to visit in Shimla in December served as some much-needed boost to your wanderlust for coming up with December travel plans.
Irrespective of the type of traveler you are, these top attractions in Shimla for December travel are totally up to the mark for couples, family tourers, solo wanderers.
But remember, the peak tourism season in Shimla starts from November to February. As a result, accommodation prices shoot up. Book your accommodation in Shimla in advance to snag discounted deals.
If you are eager to browse a diverse range of Shimla tour packages, make sure to sniff through our Shimla trips.
Tell Me Something About Shimla Tourism That I Had No Idea About
Retrace the footsteps of Rudyard Kipling’s colonial classic Nobel Prize-winning; Kim. Above all, Western Indian tourists are fascinated with the size of Shimla and its tranquility. An added bonus, Shimla is the getaway to Kinnar and sizzling Spiti.
Not only you and me, but even the Viceroy of India, John Lawrence, in 1863, founded Shimla’s climate best to make their summer retreat. There were many thrilling factors behind it, but its elevation of approximately 2,276 m (7,467 ft) is touted as the most convincing.
Average Weather in Shimla in December
It is pleasing. Every single tourist place to visit in Shimla for the December holidays welcomes visitors with snowfall. Whether it’s valleys or trekking peaks, the average minimum and maximum temperature of Shimla hovers around 3°C at night while 10°C in the daytime. One must carry thick woolens to brave the Himalayan cold weather.
Important Travel Tips for Shimla Travel in December
- Plan your itinerary carefully to explore the best of Shimla in 3-5 days.
- Packing good pair of hiking shoes is a must.
- Review the weather forecast before stepping outside your hotel for sightseeing.
- The weather will be extremely cold, so wrap yourself with warm woolens.
- Keep your vehicle topped up by the fuel because hills have limited roadside facilities.
- Stuff your backpack with the emergency kit with basic medications.
- Plan your Shimla trip budget in advance.
- Make a checklist of the Shimla tourism guide contact number.
- December 20 to January 10 is the peak season in Shimla.
- An ideal Shimla itinerary for 5 days is enough to explore the best of Shimla.
Read Also: Offbeat Destinations in Himachal Pradesh