14 Best Places to Visit Near Delhi for New Year 2027: Distance, Snow & Plan

Introduction

In short: the best places to visit near Delhi for New Year 2027 are Rishikesh, Jaipur, Lansdowne and Jim Corbett for a short 2-day trip, Nainital, Mussoorie and Shimla for a classic hill-town New Year, and McLeodganj, Manali, Kasol, Jibhi, Auli and Chitkul if you want snow and have 3 to 4 days. Below, each place has its distance from Delhi, how to reach, typical weather on 31 December, things to do and the best day to leave.

Plan around the calendar: 31 December 2026 is a Thursday and 1 January 2027 is a Friday. Take both days off and you get a 4-day break from Thursday to Sunday (3 January), enough for the farther mountain towns or a winter trek.

We have grouped the places by travel time from Delhi, so you can pick one that fits the days you have:

• Up to about 7 hours: Rishikesh, Jaipur, Lansdowne, Jim Corbett. Leave on the night of 30 December or early on 31 December.
• About 7 to 9 hours: Mussoorie, Nainital, Shimla. Leave on 30 December.
• 12 hours or more: McLeodganj, Manali, Kasol, Jibhi, Auli, Chitkul. Leave on 29 or 30 December.
• Long trip: Jaisalmer, for a desert New Year.

New Year Places Near Delhi: Quick Comparison

Distances and times are approximate road figures; New Year traffic and fog can add hours.

1. Rishikesh (Shivpuri & Neelkanth Road): Camp Party by the Ganga

Rishikesh is the closest hill destination for a New Year party from Delhi. Alcohol and non-veg food are restricted in Rishikesh town itself, so most New Year parties happen at camps outside town, around Shivpuri and Neelkanth Road, with bonfires, DJs and countdowns.

• Distance: about 259 km, 6–7 hours by road
• How to reach: Volvo and roadways buses from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, trains to Haridwar or Rishikesh, or drive via the Delhi–Meerut expressway
• Weather on 31 Dec: mild days around 20°C, cold nights around 8°C (approximate)
• New Year vibe: camp parties, bonfire and DJ nights

Things to do:

• River rafting from Shivpuri (the water is cold in December, so carry a change of clothes)
• The evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan
• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, about 25–32 km from Rishikesh
• Cafés around Laxman Jhula and Tapovan

Suggested plan: Leave Delhi on the night of 30 December, spend 31 December at a camp and return on 1 January.

Best for: friends, couples, college groups, adventure seekers

Want it all arranged from Delhi? Our New Year party in Rishikesh package includes Delhi to Delhi transport, a camp stay, the bonfire and DJ night, meals, rafting, the Haridwar Ganga Aarti and Neelkanth darshan, from ₹7,000 + GST. See also our guide to places to visit in Rishikesh.

2. Jaipur: Royal New Year in the Pink City

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is known for its pink-painted old city, forts and palaces. Winter weather is pleasant, and hotels and heritage properties host New Year galas with live music and dinners.

• Distance: about 280 km, 5–6 hours by road
• How to reach: Shatabdi and Vande Bharat trains, buses, or the Delhi–Jaipur highway
• Weather on 31 Dec: about 8–22°C (approximate)
• New Year vibe: hotel and palace galas, rooftop dinners

Things to do:

• Amer Fort and the Jal Mahal
• Nahargarh Fort for city views at sunset
• Hawa Mahal and the City Palace
• Shopping in Johari Bazaar

Suggested plan: Leave on 30 or 31 December and return on 1 or 2 January.

Best for: couples, families, luxury travellers

3. Lansdowne: Quiet New Year in a Cantonment Town

Lansdowne is a small, peaceful cantonment town in the Garhwal hills of Uttarakhand, at about 1,700 m and surrounded by oak and pine forest. New Year here means bonfires, stargazing and quiet hotel dinners rather than big parties.

• Distance: about 260 km, 6–7 hours by road
• How to reach: train to Kotdwar (about 40 km away), then a taxi or bus; or drive via Meerut and Kotdwar
• Weather on 31 Dec: about 2–14°C (approximate)
• New Year vibe: quiet, bonfire nights

Things to do:

• Bhulla Tal lake
• Tip-in-Top viewpoint for Himalayan views
• St Mary's Church and the Garhwal Rifles war memorial
• Forest walks and stargazing

Suggested plan: Leave Delhi on 30 December, spend 31 December and 1 January in Lansdowne, and return on the afternoon of 1 January.

Best for: nature lovers, couples, anyone who wants a quiet New Year

4. Jim Corbett: New Year in the Jungle

Jim Corbett National Park, near Ramnagar in Uttarakhand, is India's oldest national park. Riverside resorts along the Kosi river host New Year dinners and galas, and you can spend the days on jungle safaris.

• Distance: about 260 km to Ramnagar, 6–7 hours by road
• How to reach: train to Ramnagar or drive via Moradabad
• Weather on 31 Dec: about 6–22°C, misty mornings (approximate)
• New Year vibe: resort galas, bonfires

Things to do:

• Jeep safaris in zones such as Bijrani and Jhirna (book on the official Corbett booking site well ahead)
• Garjia Devi Temple on the Kosi river
• Corbett Falls
• Birdwatching walks

Suggested plan: Leave on 30 December, take a safari on 31 December morning and return on 1 January.

Best for: families, wildlife lovers, couples

5. Mussoorie & Dhanaulti: Classic Hill-Station New Year

Mussoorie, the “Queen of the Hills”, has a busy Mall Road that fills with people on New Year's Eve. Quieter Dhanaulti, about 24 km away, has a better chance of snow in late December and January.

• Distance: about 290 km, 7–8 hours by road
• How to reach: train or Volvo bus to Dehradun, then about 35 km by taxi or bus
• Weather on 31 Dec: about 1–12°C, snow possible in Dhanaulti (approximate)
• New Year vibe: Mall Road crowds, hotel parties

Things to do:

• Mall Road and the Gun Hill ropeway
• Lal Tibba viewpoint
• Kempty Falls
• Dhanaulti Eco Park and the Surkanda Devi temple

Suggested plan: Leave on 30 December and return on 1 or 2 January. Expect traffic jams near the Mall Road on 31 December.

Best for: families, couples, friends

6. Nainital & Kainchi Dham: Lakeside New Year

Nainital is a lake town in the Kumaon hills, with a Mall Road along Naini Lake and lakeside hotels that host New Year dinners. Add a visit to Kainchi Dham, the ashram founded by Neem Karoli Baba in the 1960s, about 17 km away; it gets very crowded in the holidays, so go early in the morning.

• Distance: about 310–320 km, 7–8 hours by road
• How to reach: train to Kathgodam (about 35 km away), then a taxi; or a direct bus from Delhi
• Weather on 31 Dec: about 0–14°C, occasional snow (approximate)
• New Year vibe: lakeside hotels, Mall Road

Things to do:

• Boating on Naini Lake
• The ropeway to Snow View Point
• Tiffin Top hike
• Kainchi Dham darshan

Suggested plan: Leave on 30 December and return on 1 or 2 January.

Best for: families, couples, spiritual travellers

Read our guide to things to do in Nainital, or book a private Kainchi Dham tour package from Delhi.

7. Shimla & Kufri: New Year on the Ridge

Shimla, the old summer capital, celebrates New Year's Eve on the Ridge and Mall Road. Kufri, about 16 km away, often has snow in late December and January.

• Distance: about 350 km, 8–9 hours by road
• How to reach: train to Kalka and the Kalka–Shimla toy train, or Volvo buses from Delhi
• Weather on 31 Dec: about −1–10°C, snow possible in Kufri (approximate)
• New Year vibe: Mall Road and Ridge crowds, hotel parties

Things to do:

• The Ridge, Christ Church and Mall Road
• Jakhu Temple
• Snow play in Kufri
• A ride on the Kalka–Shimla toy train

Suggested plan: Leave on 30 December and return on 2 January.

Best for: families, couples, first-time snow seekers

8. McLeodganj: Cafés, Tibetan Culture and Triund Snow

McLeodganj, above Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, is the home of the Dalai Lama and known for its cafés and Tibetan culture. New Year's Eve means rooftop countdowns, bonfires and live music rather than big clubs. The town itself rarely gets snow at New Year, but the Triund trek above it often has snow in late December.

• Distance: about 484 km, 12–13 hours by road
• How to reach: overnight Volvo buses from ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Majnu ka Tila, or a train to Pathankot
• Weather on 31 Dec: about 2–14°C, snow possible on Triund (approximate)
• New Year vibe: cafés, rooftop countdowns, bonfires

Things to do:

• The Tsuglagkhang (Dalai Lama) temple complex
• Bhagsu Nag temple and waterfall
• The Triund trek (snow possible)
• Café hopping in Dharamkot

Suggested plan: Leave on the night of 29 or 30 December and return on 2 January.

Best for: friends, college students, hikers

Our McLeodganj New Year party package leaves Delhi on 30 December and includes a New Year camp at Triund. See also our Triund trek and the best places to visit in Dharamshala and McLeodganj.

9. Manali: Classic Snowy New Year

Manali in the Kullu valley is the most popular snowy New Year destination from Delhi, with street celebrations on Mall Road and live music in Old Manali cafés. Snow is likely at Solang Valley in late December, but it is never guaranteed.

• Distance: about 540 km, 12–14 hours by road
• How to reach: overnight Volvo buses from Delhi, or drive via Chandigarh and Mandi
• Weather on 31 Dec: about −4–10°C, snow likely at Solang (approximate)
• New Year vibe: Mall Road crowds, café parties

Things to do:

• Snow activities at Solang Valley
• The Atal Tunnel to Sissu, when the road is open (Rohtang Pass is closed in winter)
• Hadimba Temple
• Old Manali cafés

Suggested plan: Leave on 29 or 30 December and return on 2 or 3 January. Expect long traffic jams on 30 and 31 December, and carry snow chains or hire a 4x4.

Best for: couples, friends, snow lovers

10. Kasol: Café Music Nights in the Parvati Valley

Kasol is a small village on the Parvati river in Himachal Pradesh, known for its riverside cafés, open-mic and music nights, and treks to Tosh and Kheerganga.

• Distance: about 520 km, 12–13 hours by road
• How to reach: overnight bus to Bhuntar, then about 30 km by local bus or taxi on the Bhuntar–Kasol road
• Weather on 31 Dec: about 0–12°C, snow possible at Tosh and Kheerganga (approximate)
• New Year vibe: café music nights, bonfires

Things to do:

• Riverside cafés in Kasol and Chalal
• Manikaran Gurudwara and hot springs, about 4 km away
• A walk to Tosh village
• The Kheerganga trek (often snowy in winter)

Suggested plan: Leave on 29 or 30 December and return on 2 January.

Best for: friends, solo travellers, trekkers

Our Kheerganga trek has departures on 31 December and 1 January.

11. Jibhi & Tirthan Valley: Quiet Wooden-Homestay New Year

Jibhi and the Tirthan valley, near the Great Himalayan National Park, are known for old wooden homestays, forest walks and quiet bonfire nights, away from the crowds of Manali.

• Distance: about 500 km, 11–12 hours by road
• How to reach: overnight bus to Aut or Banjar, then a local taxi
• Weather on 31 Dec: about −1–12°C, snow possible (approximate)
• New Year vibe: quiet homestays, bonfires

Things to do:

• Jibhi waterfall
• The Serolsar Lake trek from Jalori Pass (the pass often closes after heavy snow)
• Riverside walks in the Tirthan valley
• Chehni Kothi tower village

Suggested plan: Leave on 29 or 30 December and return on 2 January.

Best for: couples, small groups, slow travellers

See our Jibhi Tirthan valley tour package.

12. Auli: New Year on the Snow Slopes

Auli, above Joshimath in Uttarakhand, is a ski slope with wide views of Nanda Devi. In late December it is one of the most likely places near Delhi to have snow. The Joshimath–Auli ropeway has been closed since January 2023, so you reach Auli by road.

• Distance: about 500 km, 12–14 hours by road
• How to reach: train or bus to Haridwar or Rishikesh, then a long drive via Joshimath
• Weather on 31 Dec: below freezing at night, snow likely (approximate)
• New Year vibe: snow, quiet resort stays

Things to do:

• Snow play and, when there is enough snow, skiing
• Gorson Bugyal meadow walk
• Views of Nanda Devi and the Garhwal peaks
• The Kuari Pass trek

Suggested plan: Leave on 29 December and return on 2 or 3 January. Carry snow chains or hire a 4x4.

Best for: snow lovers, couples, adventure seekers

Read how to reach Auli and the Auli distance chart. Our Kuari Pass trek near Auli departs on 2 January.

13. Chitkul & Kalpa: Remote Snowy New Year in Kinnaur

Chitkul in the Baspa valley, near the Tibet border, and Kalpa, with its views of the Kinnaur Kailash range, are among the coldest and most remote places on this list. Expect heavy snow and possible road closures, and go only with a flexible plan.

• Distance: about 570 km, 14–16 hours by road
• How to reach: bus or drive via Shimla and Rampur
• Weather on 31 Dec: well below freezing, snow likely (approximate)
• New Year vibe: remote, quiet, very cold

Things to do:

• Walks around Chitkul village and the Baspa river
• Kinnaur Kailash views from Kalpa
• Sangla valley
• Roghi village viewpoint near Kalpa

Suggested plan: Leave on 29 December and return on 3 January.

Best for: experienced travellers, snow lovers, photographers

See our Chitkul Kalpa tour package.

14. Jaisalmer: Desert New Year (Long Trip)

Jaisalmer, the “Golden City” of Rajasthan, is not really near Delhi, but it is a good pick if you want a warm, non-hilly New Year with desert-camp parties, folk dance and bonfires on the dunes.

• Distance: about 780 km, 13–14 hours by road
• How to reach: the train takes about 17–18 hours, or fly when seasonal flights run
• Weather on 31 Dec: about 6–24°C, cold desert nights (approximate)
• New Year vibe: desert-camp parties, folk dance

Things to do:

• Jaisalmer Fort, a living fort
• Patwon ki Haveli
• A camel or jeep safari at the Sam sand dunes
• Sunset at Gadisar Lake

Suggested plan: Leave on 29 December and return on 2 or 3 January.

Best for: families, couples, culture lovers

New Year Treks from Delhi

Want to start 2027 on a mountain top? Winter treks are some of the most popular New Year trips from Delhi, and most have snow in late December. Our treks with departures around New Year:

• Kedarkantha trek: the classic snow summit, with departures every day from 24 to 31 December.
• Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek: an easy trek to the highest Shiva temple, departing 30 and 31 December.
• Dayara Bugyal trek: wide snowy meadows, good for beginners, departing 30 and 31 December.
• Brahmatal trek: frozen lakes and Trishul views, departing 30 and 31 December.
• Kheerganga trek: hot springs above Kasol, departing 31 December and 1 January.

See all our winter treks in Uttarakhand.

Where to Find Snow Near Delhi at New Year

• Most likely: Solang Valley (Manali), Auli, Chitkul, and treks such as Kedarkantha, Brahmatal and Dayara Bugyal.
• Possible: Kufri (Shimla), Dhanaulti (Mussoorie), Triund (McLeodganj), Tosh and Kheerganga (Kasol), Jibhi and Jalori Pass.
• Very unlikely: Rishikesh, Jaipur, Jim Corbett, Lansdowne and Jaisalmer.

Snow is never guaranteed. Check the weather forecast a few days before you leave, and be ready for road closures after heavy snowfall.

New Year Travel Tips from Delhi

• Book early: hotels and camps in popular hill towns sell out for 31 December, and prices rise sharply in the last few weeks. Book by October or early November.
• Book buses ahead: Volvo buses to Himachal fill up 3 to 4 weeks before New Year.
• Leave early: winter fog on the highways around Delhi can slow you down, especially at night and early morning.
• Expect traffic on 31 December: hill towns have long jams and police checks on New Year's Eve.
• Snow driving: carry snow chains or hire a 4x4 for Manali, Shimla, Auli and Chitkul.
• Carry ID: hotels and camps ask for a government photo ID at check-in.
• Permits: treks need forest permits (included in our trek packages); Rohtang Pass is closed in winter.
• Pack for the cold: nights are near or below freezing in most hill towns; carry layers, a warm jacket, gloves and a cap.
• Carry some cash: ATMs and card machines can be unreliable in remote villages.

FAQs: Places to Visit Near Delhi for New Year

Which is the best place near Delhi for New Year with friends?

Rishikesh, Kasol, McLeodganj and Manali are the most popular with groups of friends, for camp parties, café nights and snow. Rishikesh is the closest, at about 259 km, so it works even if you only have 31 December and 1 January off.

Which place near Delhi is best for New Year with family?

Nainital, Mussoorie, Jim Corbett and Jaipur suit families: hotels and resorts host New Year dinners, the roads are good, and there is plenty to see in the day. Lansdowne is the best pick if you want a quiet celebration.

Where can I see snow near Delhi at New Year?

Snow is most likely at Solang Valley near Manali, Auli, Chitkul, and on winter treks such as Kedarkantha, Brahmatal and Dayara Bugyal. Kufri near Shimla, Dhanaulti near Mussoorie and Triund above McLeodganj may also get snow. Snow is never guaranteed, so check the forecast before you go.

What are the best 2-day New Year trips from Delhi?

Places within about 6 to 7 hours of Delhi work best for a 2-day trip: Rishikesh, Jaipur, Lansdowne and Jim Corbett. Leave on the night of 30 December or early on 31 December and return on 1 January.

Is 31 December 2026 a long weekend?

31 December 2026 is a Thursday and 1 January 2027 is a Friday. If you take both days off, you get a 4-day break from Thursday to Sunday (3 January), which is enough for Manali, McLeodganj, Kasol or a winter trek.

How early should I book a New Year trip from Delhi?

Book by October or early November. Hotels and camps in the popular hill towns sell out for 31 December, prices rise sharply in the last few weeks, and Volvo buses to Himachal fill up 3 to 4 weeks ahead.

Is it safe to drive to the hills on 31 December?

It is safe if you plan for it: leave early to avoid winter fog on the plains, expect heavy traffic and police checks in hill towns on 31 December, and carry snow chains or hire a 4x4 for Manali, Shimla, Auli and Chitkul, where roads can be icy.

Which places near Delhi have New Year parties?

Camp parties in Rishikesh, café nights in Kasol and McLeodganj, Mall Road celebrations in Manali, Shimla and Mussoorie, hotel galas in Jaipur and Jim Corbett, and desert-camp parties in Jaisalmer.

Is the Rohtang Pass open at New Year?

No. Rohtang Pass is closed in winter. From Manali you can still go to Solang Valley and, when the road is open, through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu.

Is there a New Year package from Delhi with everything included?

Yes. Our New Year party in Rishikesh package covers Delhi to Delhi transport, a camp stay, the New Year party, meals, rafting and sightseeing from ₹7,000 + GST, and our McLeodganj New Year party package includes a camp at Triund.

Conclusion

For a short trip, Rishikesh, Jaipur, Lansdowne and Jim Corbett are the easiest New Year escapes from Delhi. With 3 to 4 days, the mountains open up: McLeodganj, Manali, Kasol, Jibhi, Auli and Chitkul, or a winter trek like Kedarkantha. Whichever you choose, book your stay and travel early, because the popular places fill up weeks before 31 December.

Want everything arranged for you? Book our Rishikesh New Year package or the McLeodganj New Year party, both departing from Delhi on 30 December.