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Snowfall in Kasauli changes the town’s whole mood. The quiet streets, the pine-covered slopes, even the old colonial houses seem softer under a layer of white. At around 1,800 metres, Kasauli doesn’t get snow all winter, but when it does, usually between late December and February, the place feels like it’s paused for a moment. You can hear the bells from Christ Church echo through the cold, and the smell of ginger tea and burning wood follows you from one stall to another.
Quick Details About Snowfall In Kasuali
Elevation: 1,790 m (5,873 ft)
Average Winter Temperature: 0°C to 10°C
Typical First Snowfall: Late December
Peak Snow Months: January to early February
Main Attractions: Gilbert Trail, Manki Point, Sunset Point, Christ Church
Closest Airport: Chandigarh International Airport (65 km)
Closest Railway Station: Kalka (40 km)
Famous For: Pine forests, old colonial charm, scenic sunsets, and tranquil winter walks
Location
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
Kasauli is a small cantonment town in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, about 60 kilometres from Chandigarh and roughly 77 kilometres before Shimla on the Kalka–Shimla route. Sitting at nearly 1,800 metres, it rests on a narrow forested ridge in the lower Himalayas, surrounded by pine, oak, and cedar trees. Built by the British in 1842, the cantonment still shows its old colonial planning and quiet order. The town is compact enough to explore on foot. Walk from the Gilbert Trail to Sunset Point and you’ll cross lanes lined with old houses, viewpoints, and forest edges.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kasauli
How To Reach
Photo: Wolfgang Maehr / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport is Chandigarh International, about 65 kilometres away. The drive to Kasauli takes roughly two and a half hours through Kalka and Dharampur. Daily flights connect Chandigarh with Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, though winter fog sometimes causes short delays.
By Rail: Kalka is the closest major railway station, around 40 kilometres from Kasauli. You can hire a cab or catch a local bus from there; the ride takes about an hour and a half. For a slower but prettier trip, take the Kalka–Shimla toy train up to Dharampur and drive the last 12 kilometres.
By Road: Kasauli sits along the Chandigarh–Kalka–Shimla route and is well connected by smooth mountain roads. The drive from Chandigarh is about 60 kilometres, with the climb starting just after Dharampur. It takes roughly two hours if you stop for tea on the way. During winter, a few bends near the cantonment can get slippery with black ice, so it’s best to avoid driving late at night.
Things To Do During Snowfall In Kasauli
Kasauli isn’t the kind of place you rush through. When snowfall in Kasauli begins, the whole town feels softer, slower, almost like you’ve stepped into a dream.
1. Watch The Sky At Sunset Point
Photo: Maskaravivek / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sunset Point on the Upper Mall Road is one of the best spots to feel Kasauli’s winter mood. After snowfall in Kasauli, the ridge turns almost unreal, tall pines stand dark against bright snow, and the sky slowly fades from gold to soft pink. Down in the valley, mist moves like smoke, and the cold wind smells faintly of cedar. If you are willing to watch the sun going down behind the Shivaliks, then attempt to be there by 4:30 in the evening.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kasauli During Your Next Trip To The Snowy Mountain
2. Explore Christ Church And Heritage Lanes
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
Christ Church was built in 1853, but it doesn’t feel old; it feels quiet. In winter, after a bit of snow, the stone walls turn pale and the green spire stands out sharply against the white sky. Light hits the stained-glass windows and scatters a soft glow inside. Around it, narrow lanes twist between old cottages, roofs holding just enough frost to sparkle. A walk here after fresh snow doesn’t feel like sightseeing. It’s slow, calm, almost like you’ve stepped out of the present for a while. The church sits just off the main bazaar, so you can wander in, stand for a few minutes, then go find tea nearby before the mist settles again.
3. Take A Winter Heritage Walk
Photo: Ashikul Islam Anik / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A winter walk through Kasauli feels like moving through a quiet story. If you take a walk down Lower Mall Road, you will see lovely old bungalows, stone walls covered with ivy, and lampposts that are barely lit and can be seen through the fog. After a night of snow, the road shines, and pine branches droop under the frost. The path winds toward the Army Heritage Trail and the Kasauli Club, where you catch glimpses of old gates, weathered plaques, and wide openings that look down into the valley.
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Kasauli Where You Can Enjoy A Gala Time
Places To Visit In Kasauli During Snowfall
During Snowfall in Kasauli, every lane and corner holds charm, but some spots offer especially beautiful winter views.
1. Gilbert Trail
Photo: ßlåçk Pærl / Wikimedia Commons
The Gilbert Trail is one of the most peaceful walks in Kasauli. It runs for about a kilometre and a half along the forested ridge near the Kasauli Club. In winter, the path turns quiet and pale, lined with pine and oak trees touched with frost. After a light snowfall, the bends catch bits of sunlight, and the valley below looks like it’s wrapped in clouds. Birdwatchers and photographers love it here; there’s almost no noise except the wind moving through the trees. Go between 10 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon, when the sun softens the ice and makes the trail easier to walk.
Highlight: Frosted pine trees and quiet valley views
Best For: Peaceful winter walks and photography
2. Sunset Point
Photo: Maskaravivek / Wikimedia Commons
Sunset Point sits at the far end of the Upper Mall Road, one of those spots everyone in Kasauli ends up visiting at least once. After a spell of snow, the ridge turns almost dreamlike, pine branches catch bits of frost, and the hills in the distance fade into soft blues. As the sun dips behind the Shivaliks, the snow starts to glow with orange and pink tones that don’t last long but stay in memory. The walk to the viewpoint is short and paved, usually clear, though it can get a little slippery after snowfall in Kasauli, so wear shoes with a good grip. Try reaching about an hour before sunset; watching the light move slowly across the frozen valley is worth every minute.
Highlight: Snow glowing gold under sunset light
Best For: Evening strolls and scenic sky views
Suggested Read: Trekking In Kasauli
3. Manki Point Hanuman Temple
Photo: Rajesh Dhungana / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Manki Point is the highest place in Kasauli, inside an Indian Air Force area, and it feels even more striking after snowfall in Kasauli. The walk up is short but steep, winding through pine trees dusted with frost. As you reach the top, the whole Shivalik range opens up in front of you, white ridges stretching as far as you can see under the winter sun. Phones and cameras aren’t allowed past the gate, which makes it quieter than most viewpoints. You just stand there, taking in the cold wind and the silence that comes with it.
Highlight: Highest viewpoint with snow-wrapped horizons
Best For: Short climbs and panoramic photos
4. Christ Church
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
Christ Church sits quietly in the middle of Kasauli, built back in 1853. In winter, it feels almost hidden under the tall deodar trees. After a night of snow, the branches sparkle, and the stone walls turn pale in the light. The green spire stands out against the white hills, sharp and still. Inside, the stained glass throws bits of colour across the benches. It’s quiet, the kind of quiet where even the smallest sound carries. Outside, you hear the snow crunch under your shoes and, somewhere far off, the slow ring of a bell. Nothing fancy, just old Kasauli holding on to its calm.
Highlight: Stone church framed by snowy deodars
Best For: Heritage lovers and calm winter mornings
Suggested Read: Gurkha Fort Kasauli
5. Kasauli Brewery
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
The Kasauli Brewery, started in the 1820s by Edward Dyer, is one of Asia’s oldest distilleries still running today. In the cold season, a thin layer of fog covers the old brick buildings of the brewery, and sometimes a little snow settles on the roofs, which makes the place quiet and like a scene from a movie. The air smells faintly of malt and pine, stronger in the mornings when the brewing begins. You can walk through parts of the brewery to see how it all works or stop at one of the small cafés nearby for a warm drink.
Highlight: 19th-century distillery in winter mist.
Best For: History enthusiasts and relaxed warm breaks.
Where To Stay
Photo: Uri Tours / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Finding the right place to stay makes all the difference in Kasauli’s winter. Choose hotels with heating and sunlit rooms for added comfort. Mid-range stays like The Alasia Hotel, Baikunth Resort, and Kasauli Regency offer fireplaces and pine valley views. Budget picks such as Whispering Winds Homestay, Pine Brook Retreat, and Kasauli Hills Resort provide cosy rooms and bonfire spaces. For luxury, The Fern Surya Resort features heated cottages, mountain views, and a spa. Always check for heaters or electric blankets, as nights can be freezing, with bonfires adding warmth and charm.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Himachal In December
Where To Eat
Photo: Suyash.dwivedi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kasauli’s cafe scene is cosy and perfect for winter days, with warm drinks and foggy views. Café Rudra is a tiny, always-buzzing spot where coffee and momos mix with music and misted windows. Ross Common Restaurant offers a heritage vibe with wooden interiors, a fireplace, and comforting bowls of soup or hot chocolate. Hangout Rooftop Café is ideal for sunset snacks with sweeping valley views. End your day at Narinder Sweet House with hot gulab jamuns or jalebis. Most cafés close by 9 p.m., so plan early and savour the season’s warmth with tea and pastries.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Taran m.r. / Wikimedia Commons
Between late December and early February is considered the most ideal time to catch snow in Kasauli. The atmosphere becomes very cold, and the temperature is almost zero, and there are times when the snow covers the upper ridges after the night of the western winds. After a clear night, rooftops shine with frost, and the valleys fill slowly with morning mist. By February, the days stretch a little longer. The light feels warmer, the paths drier, perfect for slow walks or photographs of the hills still holding onto winter. If you’d rather skip the extreme cold, late February to early March keeps the skies clear while the pine forests stay touched with a bit of snow.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Himachal In November
Tips For Travellers
Photo: Vlada Karpovich / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
- Pack thermals, gloves, scarves, and waterproof shoes; frost can make even short walks slippery.
- Plan ridge walks between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM when there’s sunlight and better visibility.
- Avoid driving after dark; fog and black ice make the bends risky.
- Keep some cash handy since ATMs often stop working during peak winter.
- Carry a valid ID for Manki Point; phones and cameras aren’t allowed inside.
- Confirm your hotel has heating and running hot water before you book.
- Check forecasts after western disturbances, that’s when snow is most likely.
- Use moisturiser and lip balm; the cold mountain air dries skin fast.
- Pick a sun-facing room to stay warmer through the day.
- Follow local rules, and Kasauli’s cantonment stays peaceful because it’s kept clean and quiet.
Snowfall in Kasauli changes the way the hills feel. Pine trees catch the light and sparkle, rooftops turn white with frost, and every lane seems new again. Winter slows everything down, you start to hear your own footsteps, smell the wood smoke drifting from homes, and realise how still the mountains can be. Plan your winter trip with TripXL and experience the softer, quieter side of Himachal wrapped in white.
Cover Photo: Vijitgrover77 / Wikimedia Commons
