The first proper cold wave hits Doon and everyone’s phone lights up with the same question: “Upar barf giri kya?” If you live in Dehradun, you’re lucky. You don’t need to plan a week-long trip to see snow. On a good winter day, the snow line is just an hour or two up the road.
This guide covers the places near Dehradun where you have a real chance of seeing snowfall, how far each one is, when snow usually comes, and the things nobody tells you until you’re stuck in a two-hour jam on the Mussoorie road.
Quick answer: nearest snowfall points from Dehradun
| Place | Approx. distance from Dehradun | Drive time | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mussoorie (Lal Tibba, Landour, Buranshkhanda) | 35 km | 1 to 1.5 hours | Quickest snow trip, families |
| Dhanaulti | 58 to 60 km (via Mussoorie) | 2 to 2.5 hours | Most reliable snow near Dehradun |
| Surkanda Devi (Kaddukhal) | About 8 km beyond Dhanaulti | +20 min drive, then a short climb | Snow views with a temple visit |
| Kanatal | Further along the Chamba road from Dhanaulti | 2.5 to 3 hours | Quieter, camps and resorts |
| Chakrata | 88 to 90 km | 2.5 to 3 hours | Less crowded, forests |
| Lokhandi and Deoban | Beyond Chakrata on the Tyuni road | 3.5 to 4 hours | Deep snow, offbeat |
| Nag Tibba | About 110 km to the trek base | Trek, 2 days | Snow trek for beginners |
When does it snow near Dehradun?
Most years, the snow near Dehradun comes between late December and February, with January usually being the best bet. Sometimes it surprises everyone and comes early in December. A few recent examples:
- 9 December 2024: light snow and hail in Mussoorie and Dhanaulti, with heavier snow around Lokhandi and Deoban near Chakrata (ETV Bharat).
- 8 to 9 January 2022: heavy snowfall in Dhanaulti, Lal Tibba, Buranshkhanda, Kanatal, Surkanda Devi and Chakrata. The Chamba–Mussoorie road was blocked by snow and traffic jammed up at Malingar Chowk (Amar Ujala).
- 23 January 2026: snowfall in Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Surkanda Devi, Kaddukhal and Nag Tibba, and the first snow of the year around Chakrata and Lokhandi (All India Radio).
- 28 January 2026: light snow with hail in Mussoorie, around two inches at Atal Udyan, plus snow in Dhanaulti and Buranshkhanda (Amar Ujala).
The pattern is simple: when a western disturbance brings rain to Dehradun in winter, the hills above usually get snow. If it’s raining in the city on a cold January night, there’s a good chance you’ll wake up to white hills.
1. Mussoorie: the closest snow to Dehradun
Mussoorie is about 35 km from Dehradun and the first place most people head to. Don’t expect snow on the Mall Road every time it gets cold. The higher points get it first and keep it longer: Lal Tibba and Landour, the Buranshkhanda stretch on the road towards Dhanaulti, and the Suwakholi area.
Good to know: On the day after fresh snow, Mussoorie fills up fast. If you’re going on a weekend, leave Dehradun by 7 am. Read our guide to reaching Mussoorie from Dehradun and Lal Tibba.
2. Dhanaulti: the most reliable snow near Dehradun
If you ask locals where to go for snow, most will say Dhanaulti. It’s about 58 to 60 km from Dehradun via Mussoorie, and it sits higher, with deodar forests that look unreal after a snowfall. When Mussoorie gets a light dusting, Dhanaulti often gets proper snow.
Good to know: This is also where the worst jams happen on snow days, because everyone has the same idea. Go on a weekday if you can. More details in our Dhanaulti guide.
3. Surkanda Devi Temple, Kaddukhal
About 8 km beyond Dhanaulti, Kaddukhal is the base for the Surkanda Devi temple. The temple sits on a hilltop, so after snowfall you get a wide view of white ridges all around. The walk up from the road takes around 30 to 40 minutes, and it can be slippery when there’s snow or ice on the path. Wear shoes with a good grip. Here’s our Surkanda Devi guide.
4. Kanatal
Keep driving on the Chamba road past Dhanaulti and you reach Kanatal. It’s quieter than Dhanaulti, with campsites and resorts spread out among the trees. Kanatal got snow in the heavy January 2022 spell along with Dhanaulti and Surkanda. Good if you want to stay a night and see snow without the crowd.
5. Chakrata
Chakrata is about 88 to 90 km from Dehradun, a 2.5 to 3 hour drive through Vikasnagar and Kalsi. It’s a cantonment town, so it’s quieter and cleaner than Mussoorie, with thick forests all around. The town itself gets snow in a strong spell, but the higher areas around it get far more.
Good to know: Chakrata is an army cantonment area, and foreign nationals have historically needed permission to enter. If you’re travelling with foreign friends, check the current rules before you go. Pair it with Tiger Falls if the weather is clear.
6. Lokhandi and Deoban: for deep snow
Further up the Tyuni road from Chakrata are Lokhandi and Deoban (also written Devban). They usually get snow earlier and heavier than Mussoorie or Dhanaulti. In December 2024 they were already under heavy snow when Mussoorie had only seen a light dusting.
Good to know: The road to Deoban is rough even in good weather, and a 4×4 is the sensible choice. After heavy snow, roads beyond Chakrata can be closed for a day or two. Don’t push it in a small hatchback.
7. Nag Tibba: a snow trek near Dehradun
If you want to walk in snow, not just look at it, Nag Tibba is the classic weekend trek from Dehradun. The trek base is roughly 110 km away, and the trek is usually done over two days. In January it’s often snowy near the top. Go with a registered local guide or trek group in winter, not alone. Our Nag Tibba guide has more on the trail.
8. Want guaranteed snow? Go further
Everything above depends on the weather. If you want snow you can almost count on in January and February, you’ll need to go higher: Auli near Joshimath for skiing, or the Kedarkantha trek from Sankri. Both are full trips, not day outings from Dehradun, so plan at least 3 to 5 days.
How to check if it’s snowing today
- Weather forecast: check the India Meteorological Department forecast for Uttarakhand. When it says rain or snow at higher reaches, the hills near Dehradun are in play.
- Local news: Hindi papers like Amar Ujala and Dainik Jagran post snowfall photos from Mussoorie, Dhanaulti and Chakrata within hours.
- Traffic updates: follow Uttarakhand Police and Dehradun traffic police on social media for road closures and diversions on snow days.
- Ask a local: call your hotel or homestay. They’ll tell you honestly if there’s snow on the ground or just slush.
A simple snow day trip from Dehradun
- 6:30 to 7 am: leave Dehradun with a full tank and some cash.
- 8 to 8:30 am: reach Mussoorie, have chai, and check how the road ahead looks.
- 9:30 am: stop at Buranshkhanda for snow views on the way.
- 10:30 am: reach Dhanaulti. Spend a couple of hours in the snow.
- 1 pm: drive to Kaddukhal for Surkanda Devi if the road and the path are open.
- 3 pm: start back. You want to be off the hill roads before dark.
Tips that will save your snow trip
- Go early or go on a weekday. The day after fresh snow, traffic between Mussoorie and Dhanaulti can stand still for hours.
- Hire a local driver if you’re not used to hill driving. Snow and black ice in the morning shade are a different game from city roads.
- Carry snow chains in heavy snow, and never stop on a bend to take photos. Park properly and walk.
- Dress in layers. Thermals, a jacket, gloves, a cap and waterproof shoes. Wet cotton socks will ruin the day.
- Fill fuel before you leave Dehradun. You don’t want to be hunting for a pump in a snow jam.
- Respect closures. If police or the administration close a road, turn back. Don’t take shortcuts on unknown hill roads.
- Take your trash back. Every snow day leaves chips packets and bottles in the forest. Don’t add to it.
Frequently asked questions
Does it snow in Dehradun city?
Almost never. Dehradun is in a valley at a much lower height than the hills around it, so it gets cold winter rain instead. To see snow, you have to go up to Mussoorie or higher.
What is the nearest snowfall point to Dehradun?
Mussoorie, about 35 km away. Lal Tibba, Landour and Buranshkhanda are the spots that usually get snow first.
Which month is best to see snowfall near Dehradun?
January is usually the best month, followed by late December and February. Snow depends on western disturbances, so it varies from year to year.
Is Dhanaulti or Mussoorie better for snow?
Dhanaulti usually gets more snow and keeps it longer. Mussoorie is closer and easier for a short trip, but it often gets only a light layer.
Can I do a snowfall day trip from Dehradun?
Yes. Mussoorie, Dhanaulti and Surkanda Devi can all be covered in a day if you leave early and return before dark. For Chakrata, Lokhandi or Nag Tibba, plan an overnight stay.
We update this guide every winter. If you see snow somewhere near Dehradun this season, tell us in the comments and we’ll add it.
