Every December, someone in Delhi NCR asks the same thing: where are we going for New Year? A few people want snow and a bonfire. Others want a cafe by the river with some live music. And some just want a simple weekend in the mountains where they don’t have to plan anything.
You don’t have to fly anywhere. Most of the best New Year spots near Delhi are in Himachal and Uttarakhand, and it’s just one overnight drive to get there. This guide goes through 7 weekend group trips from Delhi with Trip Guru Go, and you can find all the departure dates on our New Year trip packages. Each trip has the distance, number of days, starting price, who it’s best for and a few things to know before you book. Some of these trips don’t work well in winter, so we’ve also said which ones are right for New Year week and which you should save for another month.
Manali and Nearby: Snow, Cafes and Mountain Views
1. Manali and Sissu
Distance from Delhi: about 550 km to Manali (10 to 12 hours by overnight bus)
Manali is the most booked weekend destination from Delhi, and Sissu is its quieter neighbour. Sissu is a small village in Lahaul, a short drive beyond Manali, with open valleys and snowy mountain views and far fewer crowds than Manali’s Mall Road. In winter, this is one of the best places to see snow without a long trek.
The Manali Sissu tour package runs for 3 days and 2 nights from ₹5,999, which makes it the easiest snow trip to fit into a long weekend.
Best for: First-time snow seekers, solo travellers, couples
Keep in mind: Snow can slow down roads, so keep a spare day if you can.
2. Manali and Kasol
Distance from Delhi: about 550 km to Manali, with Kasol around 75 km further
Most people who book Manali for New Year also want a night or two by the river in Kasol, so the two usually come together. Manali is the busy one. You get the cafes of Old Manali, the Hadimba Temple inside a deodar forest, and Solang Valley for snow activities when there is snow on the ground. Kasol is the slow part of the trip. It is all about walks by the Parvati River, a bonfire in the evening and a long cafe breakfast.
If you have a long weekend, the Manali Kasol trip package. If you want to be in the mountains on 31 December itself, take the Manali New Year tour with Solang Valley and Kasol. It runs for 5 nights and 6 days from ₹10,999, with departures on 24 and 30 December.
Want more snow and fewer people? Add a day in Sissu with the Manali Sissu tour package. Want a trek after the New Year party? The Kasol Kheerganga trek package is a good next trip.
Best for: Friends, couples, solo travellers
Keep in mind: Late December is peak season, so seats and good stays sell out first. Book early and check the December group trips page for dates. For ideas on what to see, read our guides to places to visit around Manali and places to visit around Kasol.
3. Manali and Jispa
Distance from Delhi: about 550 km to Manali, then a long scenic drive into Lahaul
Jispa is a quiet riverside village in the Lahaul valley, known for open landscapes and big mountain scenery. The drive from Manali is a big part of the experience, because the scenery changes from green valleys to dry, high-altitude mountains.
The Manali Jispa tour package runs for 3 days and 2 nights from ₹7,499. It suits travellers who enjoy road trips and quiet places more than parties.
Best for: Road trip lovers, photographers, travellers who want a calm, high-altitude escape
Keep in mind: Lahaul is very cold in winter and road conditions can change quickly. Pack heavy winter gear and expect plans to shift with the weather.
Cafes, Bonfires and a Hot Spring Trek
4. Kasol and Kheerganga
Distance from Delhi: about 520 km (12 to 13 hours)
Kasol sits on the Parvati River at around 1,580 metres and is known for its cafe culture, Tibetan and Israeli food and relaxed backpacker atmosphere. If you want something more active, the Kheerganga trek starts from the village of Barshaini, about 15 km from Kasol. The trail runs 12 to 13 km one way through pine forest, small waterfalls and wooden bridges, and ends at a hot spring open to the sky.
The Kasol Kheerganga trek package runs for 3 days and 2 nights from ₹5,999. For a riverside New Year with friends, Kasol is one of the easiest and most affordable options. Best for: Backpackers, young groups, first-time trekkers, solo travellers
Keep in mind: Nights are very cold and the Kheerganga trail can have snow in winter, so check conditions and go with a group. Many travellers prefer the trek in spring and autumn.
Himachal Culture and Adventure
5. McLeodganj and Triund
Distance from Delhi: about 475 to 480 km (10 to 11 hours)
McLeodganj is the upper part of Dharamshala and has a distinct character, with a large Tibetan settlement, the Dalai Lama’s temple complex, momo stalls, bookshops and cafes. Dharamkot, a short distance above, is the starting point for the Triund trek, which climbs through oak and rhododendron forest to a ridge at 2,875 metres with a direct view of the Dhauladhar peaks. The climb takes 3 to 4 hours one way.
The McLeodganj Triund trek package runs for 3 days and 2 nights from ₹6,999. It is one of the most popular and most repeated weekend departures from Delhi, and a good first trek if you are new to the mountains. If you want a longer New Year trip, the McLeod, Bir and Tirthan New Year trip covers three destinations in 5 nights and 6 days from ₹22,999, departing 24 December.
Best for: Beginners, culture lovers, solo women travellers, cafe seekers
Keep in mind: The trail is crowded on weekends. For beginner-friendly options like this, read our guide to easy Himalayan treks for beginners.
6. Bir Billing
Distance from Delhi: about 510 to 520 km (10 to 11 hours)
Bir Billing is one of the best paragliding sites in India. Billing, at around 2,400 metres, is the takeoff point, and Bir below is the landing zone, with a Tibetan settlement, monasteries and good cafes that can fill a day even if you skip flying. Tandem flights need no experience, and certified pilots and equipment are provided.
The Bir Billing paragliding trip from Delhi runs for 2 days and 1 night from ₹9,999, and it is the shortest trip on this list. It suits those who want adventure without taking long leave.
Best for: Thrill seekers, friends, working professionals
Keep in mind: Flying depends on wind and weather, and stable conditions are most common from March to May and September to November. Ask the team about winter flying before you book for New Year.
Uttarakhand Snow Trek
7. Chopta Chandrashila
Distance from Delhi: about 450 km (10 to 12 hours)
Chopta is often called the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand.” In winter the meadows turn white, and the short trek to Tungnath and on to the Chandrashila summit gives you wide views of the Himalayan peaks. Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world at 3,680 metres. The trail from Chopta to Tungnath is around 3.5 km, which makes this one of the most beginner-friendly snow treks.
The Chopta Chandrashila trek package runs for 3 days and 2 nights from ₹5,499, and it is the most affordable trip on this list.
Best for: Beginners, budget travellers, weekend trekkers, snow lovers
Keep in mind: Chopta is a nature-first destination with very limited nightlife. Nights are very cold, and snow and road conditions can change your plan, so keep a spare day.
How to Choose the Right Place
- Want snow views? Manali Sissu, Manali Kasol or Chopta Chandrashila
- Want cafes and bonfires? Kasol or Manali Kasol
- Want an easy first trek? McLeodganj Triund or Chopta Chandrashila
- Want adventure? Bir Billing
- Want a quiet, offbeat trip? Manali Jispa or Sissu
- Tight budget? Chopta Chandrashila (₹5,499), Manali Sissu and Kasol Kheerganga (₹5,999)
- Only a long weekend? Bir Billing (2 days) or any of the 3-day trips
Not sure how many days you need? Most of these fit into a 3 day trip from Delhi, while Manali Kasol suits a 4 day trip from Delhi.
Who Are These Trips For?
- Young working professionals: You want a break without planning anything, and you want to meet people your age.
- Solo travellers: You don’t have a travel partner, and you want a safe and social trip. Around half of the travellers in a typical group are solo.
- Couples and friend duos: You want a calm trip with a smaller group, and a quieter place than a crowded hill station.
Fixed departure trips are mainly designed for travellers aged 18 to 42. Trip Guru Go also plans custom trips for families and private groups, so you can choose your own dates and pace.
What You Get with a Trip Guru Go Weekend Trip
- Fixed departures from Delhi, with shared transport, stays and local coordination
- A dedicated Trip Captain who manages the group and helps along the way
- A WhatsApp group created before departure for introductions, packing reminders and pickup details
- Volvo buses for longer highway routes and Tempo Travellers for narrower mountain roads, depending on the trip
- Verified stays and a group atmosphere that is friendly for solo travellers and women
Practical Tips Before You Go
- Book early. New Year departures fill up quickly, and prices rise in the last week of December.
- Pack light but warm. A 40-litre bag is enough for most trips. Carry thermals, a warm jacket, gloves, a cap, comfortable shoes, a power bank and a valid ID.
- Keep a buffer day. Snow and rain can slow down roads in the mountains.
- Start training early if you are doing a trek. Walking and stairs a few weeks before help a lot.
- Check what is included. Each trip page lists inclusions and exclusions. Read them before you pay the token amount.
- Do not rely on snow. It depends on the season. If it matters to you, keep your dates flexible.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best place to visit near Delhi for New Year?
It depends on your style. Manali with Kasol is best for a lively snow and cafe trip, Manali Sissu for calm snow views, McLeodganj for an easy trek and culture, Chopta for a short snow trek and Bir Billing for adventure.
2. Which is the cheapest New Year trip from Delhi?
Chopta Chandrashila starts from ₹5,499, and Manali Sissu and Kasol Kheerganga start from ₹5,999. Prices rise for New Year week departures.
3. Where can I see snow near Delhi for New Year?
Manali, Sissu and Chopta are good options in winter. Snowfall depends on the weather, so keep a spare day.
4. Is Kasol good for New Year?
Yes, if you like cafes, bonfires and a relaxed backpacker vibe. Nights are very cold, so pack proper winter gear.
5. Which trip is best for beginners?
McLeodganj Triund and Chopta Chandrashila are both good first treks. Kasol Kheerganga is also graded easy to moderate in normal seasons.
6. Is Hampta Pass open for New Year?
No. Hampta Pass is a seasonal trek that is best in autumn, so it is not a New Year trip.
7. Can I travel solo for New Year with Trip Guru Go?
Yes. In a typical group of 15 to 20 travellers, around half are solo travellers. Fixed departure trips are mainly designed for travellers aged 18 to 42.
8. Are the trips safe for women?
Trips use verified stays, trusted transport and experienced Trip Captains, and a WhatsApp group with the captain and operations team is created before departure.
9. What happens if the weather turns bad?
Mountain conditions are monitored. If a route becomes unsafe, an alternative is arranged or the trip is rescheduled.
10. Can I plan a private New Year trip with my family or friends?
Yes. Trip Guru Go plans private and custom trips around your dates, group size and budget. Contact us to get started.
