Kanatal, explained by people who live here
When to come, when it snows, how to get here, what to do and how to pick the right homestay. Updated 10 October 2026.
In short: Kanatal is a small, quiet hill village in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, at about 2,500 metres, on the road between Mussoorie and Chamba. People come for snow in winter, cool weather in summer, wide Himalayan views and far smaller crowds than Mussoorie. It is about 300 km from Delhi and 2.5 to 3 hours from Dehradun.
What and where is Kanatal?
Kanatal sits on a forested ridge of the Garhwal Himalayas, roughly midway between Mussoorie and Chamba. Dhanaulti is the next village along the same road, and Surkanda Devi Temple stands on the hilltop between the two. From the ridge you look north to the snow peaks and south over the Doon valley.
It is a village rather than a town. There is no mall road, which is exactly why people choose it: apple orchards, deodar and pine forest, terraced fields and long quiet evenings.
What is the best time to visit Kanatal?
March to June and September to November are the most comfortable months to visit Kanatal. December to February is the time to come for snow. Each season has its own reason:
| Season | Months | Typical weather | Come for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March to April | Mild days, cool nights | Apple blossom, wildflowers, clear mornings |
| Summer | May to June | Pleasant, about 10 to 25°C | Escaping the heat of the plains, family holidays |
| Monsoon | July to September | Rain, mist, deep green hills | Clouds in the valley, quiet, lower prices |
| Autumn | October to November | Crisp and clear | The sharpest snow-peak views, apple and walnut harvest |
| Winter | December to February | Cold, often below freezing at night | Snowfall, bonfires, starry skies |
Temperatures are typical ranges for the ridge and vary from year to year.
When does it snow in Kanatal?
Kanatal usually receives snow between late December and February, with January the most likely month. Some winters bring several heavy falls and some only a dusting, so no one can honestly promise snow on a given date.
If snow is the reason for your trip, keep your dates flexible and ask before you travel. We are happy to tell you what the orchard looks like that week: message us on WhatsApp. After a fresh fall the last few kilometres of road can be slow, so start early and carry warm layers.
How do I reach Kanatal?
Kanatal is reached by road. It is about 300 km from Delhi, 78 km from Dehradun through Mussoorie, and 80 km from Rishikesh through Chamba. Our homestay lies between Dhanaulti and Kanatal, slightly closer to Dehradun.
- From Delhi: 7 to 8 hours by car, through Dehradun and Mussoorie or through Haridwar, Rishikesh and Chamba.
- By train: take a train to Dehradun, then a taxi for the last 2.5 to 3 hours.
- By air: fly to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, then drive about 3 hours.
Exact distances from the homestay are on our location page.
What are the best things to do in Kanatal?
- Surkanda Devi Temple. A hilltop temple at about 2,750 metres, reached from Kaddukhal by a 2 km trek or a ropeway. The view of the snow peaks from the top is the best in the area.
- Dhanaulti. Deodar forest, eco parks and view points, 9 km from our homestay.
- Tehri Lake. Boating and water sports on the reservoir, about 40 km away through Chamba.
- Forest walks. The Kaudia forest near Kanatal is a gentle walk among deodar and oak, good for birdwatching.
- Doing very little. A bonfire, a sky full of stars, a book on a verandah. Most guests tell us this was the part they came for.
More on our experiences page.
How do I choose a homestay in Kanatal?
Choose a Kanatal homestay by its view, its food and its hosts, in that order. A few questions worth asking before you book anywhere:
- Which way does it face? North-facing properties see the snow peaks. Ask for a recent photo taken from the room or the deck.
- How far is it from the road? Close enough to reach easily in winter, far enough to be quiet.
- Where does the food come from? A stay that grows its own fruit and vegetables eats very differently from one that buys everything in.
- Is it one home or many rooms? A true homestay has hosts on the property and only a handful of rooms.
- Can you book direct? Booking direct lets you ask questions and plan meals, pickups and a bonfire before you arrive.
Namah Stay Himalayas is our answer to those questions: a single orchard cottage at about 2,300 metres, facing the snow line, 4 km from Surkanda Devi, with food from our own organic garden. You can see the rooms or check which dates are free.
Questions and answers
Kanatal: quick answers
How far is the homestay from Dehradun, Mussoorie and Delhi?
It is about 43 km from Mussoorie (1.5 to 2 hours), 65 km from Dehradun (2.5 to 3 hours), 80 km from Rishikesh (about 3 hours) and 300 km from Delhi (7 to 8 hours by road). The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, about 88 km away, and the nearest railway station is Dehradun.
When does it snow in Kanatal?
Snow is most likely in Kanatal from late December to February, and January usually sees the heaviest falls. Snow cannot be promised for a particular date, so message us before you travel and we will tell you what the ridge looks like that week.
What is the best time to visit Kanatal?
March to June brings cool clear days and apple blossom, September to November has the sharpest Himalayan views, and December to February is the season for snow. July and August are green and misty, with regular rain.
What is there to do near the homestay?
Surkanda Devi Temple is 4 km away, Dhanaulti and its eco parks 9 km, and Tehri Lake 40 km. At the cottage itself there are orchard walks, birdwatching, bonfire evenings, stargazing and, in winter, snow.
What should I pack for Kanatal in winter?
Carry warm layers, a heavy jacket, gloves, a cap and shoes with good grip. Winter nights on the ridge can drop below freezing, and after fresh snow the last few kilometres can be slow.
Come, stay awhile. Breathe deeply.
Let the Himalayas work their magic. Check which dates are free, or simply tell us when you would like to come.