December 2026 · Garhwal & Kumaon
Six December itineraries for snow views, Christmas-New Year breaks, peaceful lake towns, Auli holidays, rafting weekends and Corbett safaris — planned by a Dehradun team that keeps warmth, road safety and winter timing first.
December in Uttarakhand is made for clear skies, smoky pine forests, frosty mornings and the first proper snow chances on higher ridges. We design December plans around warm hotels, early starts, realistic hill transfers, peak-season price control and backup routing if snowfall or black ice affects upper roads.
We time Auli, Chopta and Dhanaulti days around road conditions, daylight and local weather updates instead of forcing late arrivals.
December comfort depends on heating, geysers, parking access and reliable food — so hotel selection matters as much as the view.
Christmas and New Year rates move quickly. We suggest better-value dates, sensible bases and routes that avoid unnecessary holiday traffic.
Six routes for December
Prices are per person, twin sharing, ex-Dehradun, Haridwar, Kathgodam or Delhi. GST and 5% TCS as applicable.
Leisure · Easy03 Nights / 04 Days
Dehradun → Mussoorie → Landour → Dhanaulti
A gentle winter holiday with Mall Road evenings, Landour cafés, pine walks and a Dhanaulti snow-chance day. Best for families who want a classic hill-station December without long drives.
From
₹ 12,400
Family · Lake Stay04 Nights / 05 Days
Kathgodam → Nainital → Bhimtal → Mukteshwar
Lake-town comfort plus open Himalayan views from Mukteshwar. We keep the itinerary relaxed for short winter days, with enough time for boating, cafés, viewpoints and orchard stays.
From
₹ 15,800
Snow Views05 Nights / 06 Days
Rishikesh → Joshimath → Auli → Pipalkoti
December is Auli's most requested winter window. We plan ropeway timing, warm stays, road buffers and lower-altitude backup nights so the holiday stays practical if snow or traffic slows the climb.
From
₹ 19,900
Trekking · Cold04 Nights / 05 Days
Haridwar → Rudraprayag → Chopta → Sari Village
For active travellers who can handle cold mornings. We keep the Tungnath walk weather-dependent, add proper layering guidance and avoid risky night driving on the upper approach.
From
₹ 14,900
Adventure · Wellness03 Nights / 04 Days
Dehradun → Rishikesh → Shivpuri → Neer Garh
A warmer December option with rafting, Ganga aarti, cafés and yoga mornings. We pair outdoor adventure with comfortable rooms so the trip works even on chilly evenings.
From
₹ 10,900
Wildlife · Weekend02 Nights / 03 Days
Delhi → Ramnagar → Corbett Safari Zones
Cool mornings, misty sal forest and strong family-weekend appeal. We help choose safari gates based on permit availability, resort location and travel time from Delhi or Kathgodam.
From
₹ 13,900
DAY-WISE PLANS
Arrive in Nainital and check in to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy boating at Naini Lake, visit Naina Devi Temple and explore Mall Road. Overnight stay in Nainital.
Visit Snow View Point, Himalaya Darshan, Eco Cave Garden, Tiffin Top and nearby lake points. December offers cold weather and clear mountain views. Overnight stay in Nainital.
After breakfast, proceed for a full-day excursion to Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal and Mukteshwar. Visit Mukteshwar Temple and Chauli Ki Jali. Return to Nainital for overnight stay.
Check out after breakfast and proceed for your onward journey with beautiful winter memories of Kumaon.
Reach Mussoorie and check in to your hotel. Spend the evening at Mall Road and enjoy views from Gun Hill or Camel’s Back Road. Overnight stay in Mussoorie.
Visit Kempty Falls, Company Garden, Lal Tibba, Mussoorie Lake and local viewpoints. December is ideal for a peaceful winter hill holiday. Overnight stay in Mussoorie.
Drive to Dhanaulti and visit Eco Park, Surkanda Devi Temple and scenic forest areas. Snowfall may occur in late December depending on weather conditions. Return to Mussoorie for overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive to Rishikesh. Visit Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Beatles Ashram, Parmarth Niketan and Triveni Ghat. Attend evening Ganga Aarti. Overnight stay in Rishikesh.
Check out after breakfast and proceed for your onward journey. Optional visit to Neer Garh Waterfall if time permits.
Arrive at Jim Corbett and check in to your wildlife resort. Enjoy leisure time, resort activities or a nature walk. Overnight stay in Corbett.
Enjoy an early morning jeep safari in the designated tourism zone, subject to permit availability. Later visit Garjiya Devi Temple and Corbett Museum. Overnight stay in Corbett.
After breakfast, drive to Nainital. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Enjoy boating at Naini Lake and an evening walk on Mall Road. Overnight stay in Nainital.
Visit Snow View Point, Naina Devi Temple, Eco Cave Garden, Himalaya Darshan, Tiffin Top and nearby lake attractions. Overnight stay in Nainital.
Check out after breakfast and proceed for your return journey.
Arrive at Rishikesh or Haridwar and check in to your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure or attend Ganga Aarti. Overnight stay.
Start your scenic drive to Joshimath via Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Overnight stay in Joshimath.
Visit Auli by road or ropeway, depending on weather and operational conditions. December is one of the best months to enjoy snow views and Himalayan scenery in Auli. Overnight stay in Joshimath or Auli.
Spend the day enjoying Auli’s winter landscapes, mountain views and local sightseeing. Activities depend on snow and weather conditions. Overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive back to Rishikesh. Check in and relax. Evening free for Ganga Aarti or local market visit. Overnight stay in Rishikesh.
Check out after breakfast and proceed for your onward journey.
BUDGET GUIDE
| Package Type | Approx. Price Per Person | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget family trip | ₹11,500–₹18,500 | Hotel, cab, sightseeing |
| Standard honeymoon trip | ₹18,500–₹32,000 | Better hotels, private cab |
| Premium hill vacation | ₹32,000–₹52,000 | Resorts, curated stays |
| Auli winter package | ₹24,000–₹58,000 | Hotel, cab, snow destination |
| Jim Corbett package | ₹14,500–₹34,000 | Resort, safari, meals |
Hotel category, starting city, private cab type, number of travellers, Christmas and New Year dates, destination choice, snowfall demand, safari permits, route distance and whether meals are included can change the final Uttarakhand package cost in December.
TRAVEL ACCESS
Nearest airports include Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport and Pantnagar Airport. In December, flight connectivity is useful for quick access to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Nainital, Jim Corbett and nearby hill destinations.
Popular railway stations include Kathgodam, Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Ramnagar. These stations are convenient for Kumaon, Garhwal and wildlife tour routes.
Travellers from Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Jaipur and nearby cities usually connect via Delhi, Haridwar, Dehradun, Haldwani, Kathgodam or Rishikesh.
Delhi, Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kathgodam and Ramnagar are convenient starting points for Uttarakhand tour packages in December.
CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE
Best package: Nainital–Bhimtal–Mukteshwar
Safe, scenic and relaxed winter route with lakes, hill stations, viewpoints and comfortable family stays.
Best package: Auli–Joshimath–Mussoorie
Romantic mountain views, peaceful stays, winter scenery and possible snow experiences in higher-altitude areas.
Best package: Nainital–Ranikhet–Kausani
Easy drives, calmer towns, beautiful Himalayan views and comfortable sightseeing with less rushed travel.
Best package: Auli–Chopta–Dhanaulti
Ideal for travellers looking for winter landscapes, cold weather, mountain views and possible snowfall in December.
Best package: Chopta–Tungnath–Auli
Great for mountain views, nature trails, winter photography and soft adventure, depending on weather and route conditions.
Best package: Nainital–Mussoorie–Rishikesh
A classic Uttarakhand route with lakes, hills, temples, Ganga aarti and easy access from Delhi or Dehradun.
Not sure which route suits your dates?
WhatsApp Your Travel PlanMONTH COMPARISON
| Month | Good For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| April–June | Family holidays, hill stations, Char Dham | Peak summer season |
| July–August | Valley of Flowers, monsoon views | Landslide risk in some areas |
| September–November | Clear views, trekking, wildlife, Char Dham | Excellent weather and scenic views |
| December–February | Snow, honeymoon, Auli, winter holidays | Cold weather and high demand near New Year |
WHY BOOK WITH US
Routes planned with practical knowledge of Kumaon, Garhwal, Auli, Mussoorie, Nainital and Char Dham sectors.
Comfortable stays and route-specific vehicle planning for safe winter hill travel in December.
Family, honeymoon, snow holiday, wildlife, pilgrimage and group trips planned around your dates.
Local guidance for weather, snowfall updates, route timing and travel coordination during your trip.
Reviewed by: All Seasonsz Uttarakhand Travel Team
Last updated: May 2026
Experience: Uttarakhand holiday planning, Auli snow trips, Char Dham Yatra, Kumaon and Garhwal itineraries.
QUICK ANSWERS
Yes, December is a good time to visit Uttarakhand for winter holidays, honeymoon trips, snow views, wildlife tours and peaceful hill station stays. Popular destinations include Auli, Nainital, Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Jim Corbett, Rishikesh and Mukteshwar.
The best places to visit in Uttarakhand in December include Auli, Nainital, Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Mukteshwar, Chopta, Jim Corbett, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Kausani and Ranikhet. Auli and Dhanaulti are popular for winter scenery and possible snowfall.
Yes, snowfall is possible in higher-altitude destinations such as Auli, Chopta, Dhanaulti, Munsiyari and upper Himalayan regions, especially in late December. Snowfall depends on weather conditions and is not guaranteed every day.
Yes, Auli is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in December. It is popular for snow views, Himalayan scenery, winter holidays and honeymoon trips. Road and ropeway operations may depend on weather conditions.
Yes, Jim Corbett is open in December and it is a popular month for wildlife holidays. Jeep safari bookings should be made in advance, especially during Christmas and New Year holidays.
Pack heavy woollens, jackets, thermals, gloves, warm socks, caps and comfortable shoes. For Auli, Chopta, Dhanaulti or other high-altitude places, carry extra warm layers and waterproof footwear.
A 4 to 6 days trip is ideal for most Uttarakhand winter holidays. Nainital with Mukteshwar can be covered in 4 days, Mussoorie with Dhanaulti and Rishikesh in 5 days, and Auli with Joshimath usually needs 5 to 6 days.
Yes, advance booking is highly recommended for December, especially for Christmas, New Year holidays and weekends. Auli, Nainital, Mussoorie, Jim Corbett and Rishikesh usually see higher demand during this period.
A field note
Auli, Chopta and higher Dhanaulti routes have better snow chances than lake towns. We set expectations clearly and add snow-view alternatives instead of over-promising.
Hotels in Mussoorie, Nainital, Auli and Rishikesh sell fast for 24 December to 1 January. Midweek departures usually give better rooms and calmer roads.
Room heaters, hot water timing, parking access and in-house dining matter in winter. A cheaper hotel without these basics can make December feel harder than it should.
Hill light fades early and frost can settle on shaded bends. We keep long transfers in the first half of the day and avoid reaching remote properties after dark.
If you want winter sunshine without very cold nights, Rishikesh and Corbett are safer choices than high-altitude routes, especially for senior travellers or young kids.
Carry thermals, fleece, a windproof jacket, woollen caps, gloves and good shoes. Bulky luggage is less useful than smart layering for changing altitude and sun exposure.
“We booked Mussoorie and Auli for the last week of December. Allseasonsz shifted one drive earlier because of road frost, chose warm hotels, and still made sure we got our Nanda Devi view without rushing the kids.”
— Priya S., Bengaluru · December 2025
Share your traveller count, arrival city, budget and must-do experiences — snow views, Christmas break, New Year stay, rafting, safari, lake holiday or slow cafés. Our Dehradun desk will send a personalised December itinerary within one working day.