Shimla, Kasauli, Dharamshala — the easy hills
Year-round destinations. Summer (April–June) is peak. Monsoon brings landslides, especially on the Chandigarh–Shimla highway. October and November are quiet and photogenic. Winter (Dec–Feb) brings snow to Shimla itself, which is either magical or a headache depending on your car.
Manali and Kullu — two personalities
Summer Manali is an escape from Delhi heat. Winter Manali (Dec–Mar) is about snow, Solang Valley skiing, and Atal Tunnel road-trips to Lahaul. Avoid monsoon — roads shut regularly.
Spiti Valley — the hardest to time
Spiti is practically closed October to May (heavy snow). The realistic window is June to mid-September. July and August are best. Roads via Kinnaur open earlier than via Manali. A great drive in August, perilous in October.
Kinnaur — late-summer gem
Apple harvest starts late August in Sangla and Chitkul — Kinnaur at its best. September–October has clearer skies than August.
The weekender's pick
Delhi residents can do:
- April: Kasauli or Mashobra.
- June: Dharamshala or Manali.
- October: Shoja or Tirthan.
- January: Auli (nearby Uttarakhand) or Manali.
Weather updates at Himachal Tourism. Planning a specific route? Ask our specialist.
