Can you ever imagine that when you wake up in the morning, you see white mountains, child air and snowflakes falling softly on your window, appearing almost like a movie? That is what happens during snowfall in Nainital. It is a small hill town in the Kumaon hills, which is covered with snowfall each year in Uttarakhand. Nainital turns the winter into a memory to fight Snowballs and then take hot tea at the lake.
However, the question arises as to when it is better to see snow in Nainital? What can you do when it snows? And what will be the best places to see? All these questions are answered in this blog, where you will know the best time of the year to have a snowfall, the best activities to do, what to keep in mind and all other information necessary to organise a snow-trip.
Top 6 Things to Do During Snowfall in Nainital
Hoping to go to Nainital in winter to witness and enjoy the snow? Well, going there isn’t enough until you know what all you can enjoy doing. So, here’s the list of the top 6 things to do during snowfall in Nainital.
1. Go on a Romantic Boat Ride on the Naini Lake
Just think of how it is when you cross Naini Lake, and the snowflakes fall around you, and the entire city is turned into a white wonderland. Rowing a boat in the snow here feels like a movie-like scene. The snowy hills are reflected on the lake, and you feel the cold wind. Couples find it magical, families enjoy it, and photographers cherish the camera-ready moment. Put on a warm shawl, have hot tea in the stalls surrounding the area, and enjoy the serenity of the snow. The lake does not just exhibit water, but it also exhibits emotions during winter.
Location: Mallital, Nainital
Timings: 6 AM- 6 PM
Highlights: Row boats, paddle boats, and winter sceneries.
2. A Snowy Walk on The Mall Road
Nainital is transformed into a fairytale road when it is covered with snow in winter. It is like one is walking out of a fairytale book. Stores are kept cosy with yellow bulbs, locals sell their hot momos and roasted nuts, and tourists make tiny snowmen on the side of the road, making this place one of the best places to visit in Nainital. The sound of snow crashing under your feet provides some music to your stroll, and each neighbourhood is Instagram-worthy. You may purchase winter clothes, get yourself a hot chocolate, or you can just walk around and see what life is like in the snow. The winter Mall Road is not merely a street, but it is an experience.
Location: Mall Road, Nainital.
Timings: 9 AM- 10 PM
Highlights: Street food, shopping, and evening strolls.
3. Visit Snow View Point
Snow View Point, as the name suggests, is more true during winter times when the peaks are blanketed with snow. Access it through a fun ropeway ride, and you can have a panoramic view of the Himalayas covered in white snow. Upon reaching the summit, the cold air meets you, and the mountains are so high that they are winter guards. The spot is a popular destination during the Nainital snow, where trekkers, photographers, and families come to enjoy the snow. Do not overlook the telescope views and the little temple out there. If you feel like being on top of the world, then this is where you should be.
Location: 2.5 km from Mallital
Timings: 10 AM - 5 PM
Highlights: Snow, Ropeway ride, and Himalayan scenery.
4. Trek to Tiffin Top (The seat of Dorothy)
Tiffin Top, or the seat of Dorothy, becomes a snowy heaven during snowfall in Nainital. The 4 km walk up the hill may look like a difficult task, but after snowflakes trail your path and pine trees appear covered with snow, each step becomes fulfilling. On top, there are panoramic scenes of the snowy Himalayas and the valley belonging to it. Families take picnics, couples seek out cosy places, and adventure enthusiasts toss snowballs at each other just like children. It is the kind of trip in which the journey is as good as the destination. All you have to do is bring good boots; the snow is sometimes slippery, but it is worth it.
Location: Ayarpatta Hills, Nainital.
Timings: 8 AM - 6 PM
Highlights: Hiking, sightseeing, and landscape.
5. Try Winter Sports at Snow View & Surroundings
It is not only about enjoying the cosy time but also about having fun during snowfall in Nainital. Go down to Snow View and the surrounding slopes where people of the region arrange skiing, snowboarding, and even snow-tubing for tourists. The snow is exciting, whether you are a beginner and are straining yourself for the first time or you are an experienced enthusiast. Children particularly like creating snowmen and going on big snowball fights, and adults reconnect with the child inside themselves. And combine that with the pleasure of drinking tea with the ginger after fun in the snow, and you will understand why it is a must-do. Here, there is the perfect mixture of adventure, fun and winter excitement.
Location: Snow View and the adjacent slopes.
Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM
Highlights: Skiing, snowboarding, snowball fights.
6. The Cocoa Sipping in the Snow
There is no feeling so good as going into a warm cafe when there is a cover of snow on the world. There are a lot of adorable bakeries and cafes in Nainital, which are particularly warm in winter. There would be a hot cappuccino, and the snowflakes would be patting the window. Cafes such as Cafe Chica and Sakley have a reputation for hot chocolate, pastries, and good ambience. Certain cafes even fire their fireplaces, and you suddenly feel like you’re a part of a winter postcard. It is not only about food but also about being dipped in comfort, warmth and talk as the snow falls on the town.
Location: Mall Road/ Ayarpatta.
Timings: 10 AM - 10 PM
Highlights: Hot chocolate, cosy interiors, fireplace corners
Best Months to Experience Snowfall in Nainital
Wanted to wake up and see a snowy world, pine trees covered with powdery white snow and streets shone with fairy lights? It comes true during the Nainital snowfall time. Snowfall does not occur daily, but it has its season of magic. Wish to experience the magical Nainital snowfall, then you need to know when to be at the right time of the month.
1. December
It is in December that the cold winter wind comes, and the first snowflakes begin to fall during the final weeks. Frost, misty mornings, and cool evenings would fill the winter with beautiful scenery, yet heavy snow is not likely at the beginning of December. Christmas spirit is also included here, thereby making it a favourite among families and couples.
Temperature: 0°C - 10°C
Best for: Holiday, light snow, warm nights.
Highlight: Festival lights just in time, plus winter markets.
2. January
Want to experience the finest snowfall in Nainital? January is the best time to visit Nainital for snowfall. Roads, rooftops and hills are covered with heavy snow. It is extremely cold, yet the scenery is unforgettable. You may do some skiing or play snowball. Dress wisely with warm wool clothes, as it might get really chilly.
Temperature: -2°C- 8°C
Best for: Skiing in extreme conditions, adventure sports, and snow pictures.
Highlight: White-picturesque town
3. February
In February, the snow comes to a crawl, yet the scenery remains pleasant. It is possible to have light to moderate snowfall in Nainital, particularly within the first two weeks. It is a nice option in case you do not want a heavy crowd or as cold as it can be. The hills remain snowy, yet the sun shines out more, thus trekking and sightseeing become accessible.
Temperature: 2°C- 12°C
Best for: Reduced interests, wholesome hiking, nice snow days.
Highlight: Snowy comfort.
Summary: When to visit Nainital in the snow
December: Early snow and Christmas charisma.
January: Peak snowfall time
February: Less snow, fewer people.
Tips For Visiting During Snowfall in Nainital
Though life in the world is rough, snowfall in Nainital feels like a fairytale. Preparation for what to take and how to move around is really important to stay comfortable during your trip. Here are a few tips you must follow for a smooth and enjoyable stay during the Nainital snowfall season.
1. Pack Warm Clothes
The clothing is the most significant aspect during snowfall in Nainital. January is extremely cold, and just a jacket cannot keep you warm. Wear layers: thermal, sweaters, jackets, gloves, scarves, and warm socks.
2. Stay in Central Areas
Some roads become blocked or slippery during snowfall. Do not go far and stay near Mall Road, Naina Devi Temple or Tallital/Bhotia Market. These locations remain open throughout the thick snow cover, hence you can get food, means of transport and cafes.
3. Buffer Days and Plan to Delay
Snow can slow everything down. The roads can be shut, cabs can tell you no, or you can sit at home and waste hours. Keep 1- 2 extra days in your plan.
4. Try Local Winter Foods and Beverages
Hot food and cold weather accompany each other. Local stalls are not to be missed for hot ginger tea, bowls of thukpa and momos. Mall Road has sweet corn and roasted peanuts, which are common to eat when one is walking in the snow.
5. Keep in Touch and Carry Necessities
Snow has the ability to interfere with phone signals and power. Always have a portable charger, extra batteries and also download offline maps. Keep cash in case ATMs fail. In case you are not accustomed to the cold, a small first-aid kit with cold or fever medicines will come in handy.
6. Stay Safe
The stairs and roads are very slippery. Take roads and do not take short routes on steep slopes. If you are going to Snow Point Nainital by ropeway, simply check the service status; it sometimes halts in case of heavy snow.
Conclusion
When you go to experience snowfall in Nainital, you would feel something more than cold. You will have created a lot of memories in your heart. You will laugh as you play in the snow, you will have a hot bowl of Maggi on a cold night, and you will have a lifetime of memories. It is a dream every minute as you can go to Snow Point via Nainital ropeway, make a snowman with your friends standing there, or even watch the mist falling over the hills. The question that always comes to your mind is, “Is there snowfall in Nainital?” and the answer is yes, it snows, and when it does, it creates a fairy-tale world, which every person should experience.
Pack your wool clothes, your camera, and schedule your visit at the best time possible to view snowfall. No hill town is as attractive compared to when it is covered with white snow.
