4 Budget-Friendly Winter Weekend Trips From Chandigarh

Winter Weekend Trips From Chandigarh: When winter arrives, there’s something magical about escaping the city for a cosy mountain retreat. For those living in or around Chandigarh, a weekend trip to the hills offers snow-dusted forests, quiet walks, and budget-friendly lodgings. Because of the region’s proximity to Himachal Pradesh and nearby hills, you can plan a refreshing getaway without spending too much time or money. Here are some of the best budget-friendly winter trips you can take from Chandigarh:

Top 4 Places For A Weekend Getaway From Chandigarh

1. Kasauli

Just about 60 km from Chandigarh, Kasauli is one of the most budget-friendly hill stations you can reach in a couple of hours. In winter, the crisp pine-scented air and calm trails make it a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll. Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation highlights, “A mixed forest of pine, oak and huge horse-chestnut encircles the town. Its colonial ambience is reinforced by stretches of cobbled road, quaint shops, gabled houses with charming facades and scores of neat little gardens and orchards.”

Visit Monkey Point for sunset views, explore the Gilbert Trail through forest, and enjoy the colonial-era architecture. Accommodation options range from cosy guesthouses to budget hotels, ideal for a short weekend stay.

2. Barog

Head about 60 km up the Kalka-Shimla road, and you’ll reach Barog, a lesser-known but very charming hill station. MakeMyTrip states, “Barog is located in the Solan district, on the UNESCO World Heritage Kalka-Shimla railway route. It's about an hour’s drive from Parwanoo, this place used to be an important stop for the British on their train journey to Shimla.”

You can explore the pine forests, vintage railway tracks, Barog Tunnel, Choor Chandni Peak, Jatoli Shiva Temple, and enjoy panoramic views. Staying here is generally cheaper than in popular Shimla or Manali, and local guesthouses make it a very budget-friendly winter escape.

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3. Chail

Chail is another off beat destination that you can visit from Chandigarh, it’s less crowded in winter than the more famous hill stations. Government of Himachal Pradesh (District Solan), “The Chail Palace is well known for its architecture, the palace was built as a summer retreat by theMaharaja of Patiala during the British Raj.”

You can visit Maharaja's Palace, Chail Cricket Ground, Stoned Kumbh Shiv Temple, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, and if you're lucky, catch some snowfall. Because it's quieter, accommodation is often more affordable than high-end resorts.

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4. Kufri

Kufri, just beyond Shimla, is one of the best places to experience snow near Chandigarh. In winter, the slopes are ideal for lots of fun, rides, and just enjoying the snowy landscape. “Known for its panoramic views and lush surroundings, Kufri attracts visitors with its tranquil environment and scenic beauty. This region was once part of the Kingdom of Nepal until it was ceded to the British as per the Sugauli Treaty”, states Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism (Government of India).

Because it’s a small hill station, costs for food, local travel, and stays are lower than what you might pay in ski resorts. It’s a fun, budget-conscious way to enjoy a snowy weekend.

Winter weekend trips from Chandigarh don’t have to be extravagant. Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends or family, these hill stations are perfect for a weekend retreat.

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Image credit: Freepik