These Himachal destinations are a winter wonderland!

Himachal Pradesh is a delight all around the year; but if you are looking for one of the most perfect times to be here, sans any crowd, you are in for a treat. Since winters in Himachal are pretty intense (but enjoyable), lesser tourists visit the state unless it's a big day such as the New Year's Eve. Here, our favourite places to be at for a slow winter break in Himachal.

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Astounding views of the mountain ranges around, all snow-laden, days that feel like Christmas, lesser tourists in its lanes, and very high chances of snowfall - Manali in winters is magical. While the days around snowfall are very cold, you will also have clear sunny days to bask in the sunshine. Manali in winters is an experience you shouldn't miss.

If the jarring cold of Manali is not your thing for this winter, head to Bir. Beautiful mountain views here are coupled with sunny days for you to indulge in all the sunbathing. Unlike Manali, most of the eateries here remain open and life does not come to a standstill either. Choose Bir if a relaxing vacation in Himachal sans snowfall is what you are looking for.

Jibhi again is more of a quaint hamlet that revels in the joys of winter. Not as cold and as popular as Manali, Jibhi has its own charms. Head out on clear days for some great treks around, walk to the river, take a dip (may be!), have some great thukpa and you are all set for some beautiful winter days here.

If an otherworld vacation in an old-school place in Himachal reads alluring to you, Kalpa is the place. It lies in Kinnaur district and is one of the most beautiful villages in the country. It snows heavily during winters here and much of commercial buzz comes to a stop, and that is the best thing about the place. Some homestays and hotels stay open all through the winters it is an experience to enjoy Kalpa in solitude with no other tourists but just the locals around. Pack a lot of woolens for sure though!

Kasauli in winters is an easy to reach destination that does not require a lot of planning. It is not jarringly cold here and those who love winters will surely find it delightful. It does not snow here so you can have long walks, hours of sunbathing and surreal views around you for sure.

Khajjiar and Dalhousie lie close and are just a short drive away from each other. Both the places see snowfall during the winter months and have a very Ruskin Bond feel around them. While Dalhousie is a tad bit commercial and will also give you some luxury stay options, Khajjiar is where the old world charm lies. You can of course have a nice, cosy stay and nights of bonfire here as well.

Both Lahaul and Spiti valleys in Himachal are a different experience during winters. If you have been here during summers, be ready for some surprise. The terrain looks altogether different from what you might have seen during warmer days. While the journey to both the places is tougher during winters, you are in for a treat once you reach. A homestay experience with the locals here will keep you warm, comfortable and happy amidst some of the most surreal sceneries in the country.

Sarahan lies 1.5 hours' drive away from Shimla, on the Hindustan-Tibet highway and is a beautiful place to be for those who love small towns and hamlets. This is also the place where the much revered Bhimakali Temple stands, a marvel in its architecture as well. Sarahan is your offbeat getaway that promises beautiful views, almost no tourists, chances of snowfall. This is the place for those who love to do nothing on their holidays other than digging into hot parathas with fresh butter and cups of chai.

Shimla in winters is a charm that you would never want to break from. Stroll along the Mall, take loads of photos in the lanes around, go for a long walk to Old Shimla, take a bus to Sanjauli, dig into pancakes at Wake & Bake, swoon over piping hot gulab-jamun from Baljee's, do nothing but people watch and wait for rosy sunsets, or make snowballs - Shimla is all this and much more in winters.