Pine forests, mountain air and, with a bit of luck, snow on the Mall Road. Here is how to plan a family winter break in the hills.
At a glance: planning a Shimla winter holiday from the UK
Fly from the UK to Delhi, then reach Shimla by a short flight, by road from Chandigarh, or on the Kalka–Shimla toy train. The best chance of snow is from late December to February, with January usually the snowiest month. Snow is never guaranteed in Shimla town, so plan a day trip to higher spots like Kufri. Delhi fares on manntravel.co.uk were showing from £303 per person (checked 26 September 2026, prices change daily).
When does it snow in Shimla?
Shimla sits in the hills of Himachal Pradesh, around 2,200 metres up. In winter it turns cold, crisp and quiet. For many British Indian families, it is a completely different side of India from the one they know.
Snow is the big draw. But it is weather, not a timetable. Some years Shimla town gets heavy snow over Christmas. Other years, December stays dry and the first proper snow comes in January.
Month | Chance of snow | What to expect |
Early December | Low | Cold, clear days. Good for sightseeing without the crowds. |
Late December | Possible | Festive and busy. Snow is possible around Christmas and New Year, but not certain. |
January | Best chance | Usually the snowiest and coldest month. |
February | Good | Still wintry, with fewer visitors later in the month. |
If snow matters most, look beyond the town. Kufri is a few hundred metres higher than Shimla and usually gets snow earlier and more often. Narkanda, higher again, is known for staying snowy for longer. Both make good day trips from a Shimla base.
How to get from the UK to Shimla
There is no way to fly straight from the UK to Shimla. Most travellers fly into Delhi first. Several airlines fly non-stop from London Heathrow to Delhi, and there are one-stop options from Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
From Delhi, you have four main ways to reach the hills:
Route from Delhi | Rough time | Good to know |
Fly to Shimla | Shortest | Shimla’s small airport takes only small propeller planes. Flights are limited and winter weather can cause cancellations. Check the schedule before you rely on it. |
Fly to Chandigarh, then drive | Short flight, then about 3 to 4 hours by road | A reliable choice for families. Around 110 km of mostly hill road. |
Train to Kalka, then the toy train | About 4 hours, then 5 to 6 hours | The Kalka–Shimla Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Slow, but a memorable part of the holiday. |
Drive all the way | 7 to 9 hours | Around 350 km. Best split with a stop, especially with children. |
Our tip: after a long-haul flight, don’t rush up the mountain the same day. Spend a night in Delhi or Chandigarh, rest, and travel up fresh the next morning.
Where to stay in Shimla
You can browse Shimla hotels on our hotels page. On 26 September 2026, Shimla hotels on manntravel.co.uk were showing from an average of £13 a night. Prices change daily and rise over Christmas and New Year.
A few things to think about when you choose:
Heating. Nights are very cold. Check that rooms have heaters, and ask about hot water.
Location. Staying near the Mall Road means less time in the car and easier evening walks. Parts of central Shimla are for walkers only, so check how close a car can get.
Views. A valley-facing room is worth it if the snow does fall.
Book early for Christmas. The hills are popular with Indian families over the holidays too.
Planning around the Christmas school holidays
For most UK families, the Christmas school break is the obvious window. Most schools in England break up in the week before Christmas and return in the first week of January. Check your own council’s dates before you book, as they vary.
A simple 10 to 12 day trip might look like this: fly out as school finishes, spend a night in Delhi, travel up to Shimla for five or six nights, then come back to Delhi to see family before flying home. Christmas week flights are some of the busiest of the year, so book them early.
Thinking of combining Shimla with a visit to Mumbai? Read our guide to flights London to Mumbai.
6 tips for a family Shimla winter holiday
1. Pack properly warm clothes
Think UK winter, and then some. Bring a warm coat, thermals, a hat, gloves, thick socks and waterproof boots with good grip. Layers work best, as the midday sun can feel warm.
2. Keep one day flexible for snow
Snow can arrive, or melt, quickly. Leave a free day in your plans so you can head to Kufri when conditions are right.
3. Expect road delays after heavy snow
Heavy snow can slow or close hill roads for a while. Build in spare time before your flight home, and check the latest UK government travel advice for India before you go.
4. Look after elderly parents
Shimla is hilly, with steep lanes and steps. Choose a hotel that is easy to reach by car, and tell us when you book if anyone needs wheelchair assistance at the airport.
5. Keep children busy on the journey
The toy train is a highlight for many children, but it is a long ride. Pack snacks, a warm blanket and something to do.
6. Students and teachers: use MannPass
Verified students and education staff in the UK can join MannPass for free and get £25 off selected return flights from the UK to India, including Delhi. It is valid for 30 days, renewable, and cannot be combined with other offers.
Why book your Shimla trip with Mann Travel?
Mann Travel is a UK–India specialist based in Southall, London. Our team speaks Hindi, Punjabi and English, and we are on call 24/7. We book flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh and Glasgow, and hotels across India, including Shimla. Planning for the whole family, or a group of 10 or more? Get in touch and we will help you put it together.
Let’s take you to the hills this winter.
Search live fares to Delhi at manntravel.co.uk/flights or call our team on 0208 099 9900. We are here 24/7.
frequently asked questions
Is snow guaranteed in Shimla in winter?
No. Late December to February gives the best chance, and January is usually the snowiest month. Kufri and Narkanda, higher up, get snow more reliably than Shimla town.
What is the nearest international airport to Shimla?
Delhi is the usual international gateway from the UK. From there you can take a short flight to Shimla or Chandigarh, a train to Kalka, or drive.
How long does the Kalka–Shimla toy train take?
Around 5 to 6 hours for the 96 km climb. It is slow, scenic and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Is Shimla good for a family holiday at Christmas?
Yes, if you pack warm clothes and plan for cold nights. It is busy over Christmas and New Year, so book flights and hotels early.
How much are hotels in Shimla?
On 26 September 2026, Shimla hotels on manntravel.co.uk were showing from an average of £13 a night. Prices change daily and rise over the holidays.
Fares, hotel prices and availability change daily and depend on the airline, hotel, date and fare type. Prices quoted were checked on manntravel.co.uk on 26 September 2026. Snowfall is never guaranteed. Always check live prices and the latest travel advice before booking.
