September 10, 2022 By

Piyush

A land of magnificent mountains, a pure area that feeds and soothes the spirit and soul, a devout land linked with the occult, a mystery of a site that draws people from all over the world- It’s stunning, breathtaking and enthralling— that’s Himachal!

Himachal Pradesh is known for its magnificent beauty, tranquil scenery, and adventurous activities. Himachal is a synonym for “the country of snow.” It is located in the western Himalayas and features various hill stations that are ideal for escaping the sweltering summer heat. With several fantastic locations to explore, this is now renowned as a vacation for “all seasons and all reasons.”

Himachal Pradesh is one of those renowned hill stations for various adventure sports. Some of them are hiking, climbing and trekking. These sports are perfect if someone is looking for an adrenaline rush. The trekking path that runs across Himachal differs in distance and complexity. It is a prime location for kayaking, river rafting and canoeing because of its profusion of rivers.

The monuments’ design highlights the region’s dual heritage in Buddhism and Hinduism while possessing a rich historical life and legacy. The state’s historic monastery and gompas serve as a reminder of its former Buddhist culture. Still, the many vibrant temples that represent local Hindu deity worshipping customs are also examples of fine local craftsmanship. One of the most attractive sites to visit in Himachal Pradesh is its temples because of their distinctive designs and styles. This breathtaking city has not one but many locations to visit.

Here is a list of not to miss places in Himachal-

• Manali- Lover’s Paradise 

Himachal Pradesh’s most prominent hill station that offers a spectacular view of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal mountains is Manali. It is blanketed in snow year-round.

Manali is surrounded by several hiking possibilities, giving it an ideal base for experiencing this section of the Himalayas. In the neighbouring district of Kullu, River Beas offers excellent river rafting opportunities. The Parvati Valley, where the tiny communities of Tosh, Kasol, and Manikaran are located, is next to the Parvati River and draws visitors for extended stays. With the opening of the Atal Tunnel, travellers may now travel from Sissu to Spiti in only a couple of hours.

Tourists visit Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass for a variety of adventure sports, including skiing, horseback riding, paragliding, and zorbing. The Rohtang Pass is constantly buried in snow, so it is frequently overloaded, resulting in traffic bottlenecks.

With the hit of Covid- 19, Manali gained popularity amongst the Gen Z as they are looking to work from anywhere. What better option than work from the mountains. Old Manali is all the vibe to this generation. The credit goes to modest eateries, relaxing cafes, good shopping and uninterrupted Wi-Fi. There are numerous hostels and homestays that provide pocket-friendly dorm beds for extended visits.

The months of January and February get the most significant snowfall, followed by December and March. One could get lucky and discover some snow in April.

Must-Visit- Old Manali, Solang Valley, Hidimba Temple, Jogini Waterfall, Rohtang Pass, Parvati Valley, and Arjun Gufa.

2. Kullu- Dev Bhumi/ Valley of Gods

Kullu appears to surpass the others in terms of scenic beauty and options for tourism and adventures. The tourists are astounded by Kullu’s uniqueness and the place thought to be worthy for the angels.

Kullu has various attractions on its list, which includes the Great Himalayan National Park. This region homes a diverse range of animals while it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Several species are imperilled, such as the Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep and Himalayan Brown Bear. Western Tragopan and Monal are frequently seen. Some of the most popular activities here are outdoor camping and Trekking.

Kullu is an adventure seekers’ paradise. The most thrilling activities are white water river rafting on the River Beas, and Raison offers breathtaking camping. It is all surrounded by orchards of apples, plums, and peaches. Hiking to the Bijli Mahadev Temple rewards you with a spectacular view of the valley.

Deo Tibba base camp trek, Hampta Pass Trek, Bhrigu lake trek and Chanderkhani Trek are some of the most exhilarating hikes available here.

Kullu has excellent accommodation options. It ranges from luxury hotels offering five-star services to affordable rooms for a stay that is pleasurable and comfortable. It gives you a breathtaking view of the neighbouring hills. This area is open all around the year. The best time to visit is the summer season; if someone is lucky, they see the green slopes covered in white snow during winters.

3. Dharamshala- Scotland of India

With Himachal’s finest climates, Dharamshala is tucked away in the high regions of the Kangra Valley. Nestled by snow-capped slopes of the Dhauladhar Himalayas and beautiful deodar and pine woods, it is rich in traditional and historical features. Dharamshala houses a plethora of cafes, restaurants, and stores catering to its diverse ethnic Tibetan and Indian inhabitants. A few places worth seeing are McLeodGanj, aka India’s Mini Tibet, Ramnagar, Sindhbari, Dharamkot and Naddi.

The region attracts explorers from across the globe due to its abundance of trekking routes, waterfalls, and gorgeous valleys. With a getaway in the gorgeous Dharamshala, people may enjoy a tranquil vacation while discovering the splendour of nature. Dharamshala, located at an elevation of 1,475 meters above sea level, is a picturesque landmass in Kangra Valley that captivates travellers with its breathtaking beauty. Dharamshala, sometimes known as the “Little Lhasa of India,” is the sacred abode of the fugitive Tibetan monk Dalai Lama.

4. Shimla- Queens of Hills

Shimla, also known as the “Queens of Hills”, is the most prominent hill station. It is known for its stunning view and pleasant weather. This hill station is blessed with unrivalled natural beauty. It is included in most Himachal Pradesh travel packages and is a favourite honeymoon destination in India. Shimla is India’s summer capital, and the city has been popular with tourists ever since.

Aside from the natural splendour, the Victorian-style structures add to the stunning grandeur of this beautiful place. Shimla’s most popular tourist attractions include The Mall, Jakhu Temple, The Ridge and Chadwick Falls. All around the year is an excellent time to explore Shimla. The snowy season, which lasts from December to February, draws too many honeymooners. Families visit Shimla throughout the summer, while millennials and working classes from Delhi see this picturesque hill resort as a favourite weekend retreat from the city.

5. Dalhousie- Mini Switzerland

One of India’s earliest hill settlements is Dalhousie. It is full of splendour and delight. Lord Dalhousie, a notable British governor, inspired the hill station’s name. The structures of this modest Indian mountain range show the influence of colonial buildings. It lies tucked between both the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar mountain ranges. Being a tourist site, Dalhousie welcomes visitors from all over the world all year.

One may experience nature’s magnificence up close by taking a walk around Panchpula and Satdhara. Few other sites worth a visit are Chamera Lake, Lower Bakrota Hill, Khajjiar Sanctuary, and Jhandrighat. May is an ideal month to take a trip to Dalhousie. However, winter is a popular period for honeymooners since there is a lot of snow and privacy.

6. Bir Billing- Paragliding capital of India

Bir Billing is located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the particularly prominent adventure sports sites. Bir Billing hosts the World Paragliding Championship annually, attracting paragliders from across the globe.

The take-off location is billing, the touchdown location is Bir, and the altitude shift is around 800 meters. Bir is home to a sizable Tibetan minority. Furthermore, it is a significant location for meditation and spiritual study. Trekking aficionados might also enjoy hiking surrounding Bir Billing. Bir Billing’s other well-known sights are the Bir Tea Factory and Deer Park.

7. Dharamshala- Home to Dalai Lama

Dharamshala is a prominent hill station and pilgrimage site. It is a haven for nature enthusiasts, campers, and photographers. This Dalai Lama’s residence, Dharamshala, presents a distinctive universe influenced by both Buddhism and the Dalai Lama.

This scenic hill station is divided into two parts, the lower and the higher Dharamshala, known as McLeodGanj. Some of the most popular tourist destinations here are Dharamkot, Bhagsunag Fall, Kangra Fort, Tibet Museum, Tsuglagkhang Complex, Naam Art Gallery, and Kunal Pathari Temple.

Dharamshala is at its best visited between January and May and October and December. The weather stays pleasant, ideal for a relaxing holiday with friends and family.

8. Kufri- The snowy Retreat

Kufri, a scenic hill resort beside Shimla, is known amongst Himachal Pradesh’s snow fanatics. It was created by the British in 1819, as they were enraptured by the pleasant weather and natural beauty.

This hill station is not very far from the Queen of the Hills- Shimla. Kufri is renowned for its skiing culture. It is amongst the state’s oldest skiing slopes. Skiers from around the world visit here because of the moderate slopes ideal for skiing. Himachal Pradesh’s travel and tourism department host’s an annual winter sports event every February.

The other adventure to satiate the quench of the thrill is tobogganing, i.e. using a sledge to slide downhill. The Great Himalayan Environment Park, located on the outskirts of town, is a refuge for nature aficionados and animal lovers. The magnificent mountain range can be explored all year. However, if people want to go skiing, then December to February is the best time

9. Kasauli- A gateway 

Kasauli is a lovely hill village filled with British Raj antiques. Himachal Pradesh’s hill station, located around 1950 feet above sea elevation in the Shivaliks, is well worth visiting. Kasauli is a remarkable visit because of the foggy ambience, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking vistas. Choor Chandini’s snow-clad summit tower magnificently surrounds the lower slopes at 3647 meters.

A Hanuman temple at Kasauli’s highest point, Manki Point, offers breathtaking views. The hill station is close to other scenic picnic sites in Himachal. Furthermore, the temperature in Kasauli is pleasant all year. Summers are delightful, and winters occasionally receive snowflakes; monsoon season isn’t less satisfying, with whimsical clouds and mist surrounding visitors. Visit the mountainous town any time of year and be captivated by its beauty.

10. Palampur- Tea Lover’s Haven

Palampur is located in the Dhauladhar range. It is famous for its tea farms and world-class tea quality. Because of its high-quality tea manufacturing it is referred to as the “Tea Capital of North India.” The city’s magnificent colonial-style buildings serve as a visual representation of its rich cultural legacy.

Palampur’s allure is enhanced by a plethora of emerald green tea slopes set against the majestic Dhauladhar hills. There are various renowned tourist destinations surrounding Palampur. Therefore this peaceful hill village is often neglected by visitors. However, it is endowed with breathtaking beauty and green surroundings, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts and leisure visitors. It is a great destination to explore with relatives and friends. The time to visit is in September when the weather is pleasant.

11. Khajjiar- Beat the heat with this Retreat

Khajjiar, sometimes known as the “Mini-Switzerland of India,” is a tiny and lovely hill station surrounded by deep green woods and farmland. Khajjiar is a must-see for nature enthusiasts, providing a comprehensive visual feast with gorgeous landscapes. It is an excellent choice for a revitalizing vacation. Khajjiar is 23 kilometres from Dalhousie and has a height of 6,430 feet.

The most well-linked tourist location in Himachal Pradesh is Khajjiar, a perfect getaway to escape the sweltering heat. Try walking through the dense pine trees and take in the panoramic splendour of the location.

The perfect time to visit this location is between July and December. The weather around this time is mild and pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

12. Lahaul and Spiti Valley- For avid travellers

Lahaul and Spiti are two isolated districts of Himachal Pradesh that are remarkably distinct. Both hikers and visitors will enjoy these two Himachal valleys. In the northern portion of Himachal Pradesh, Lahaul and Spiti are at an altitude of 3340 meters.

Spiti, well known as ‘Little Tibet’, is surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks. Losar, Kaza, Kunzum Pass, Dhankar, Kibber, and Baralacha La are among the other monasteries.

In addition, this area is well known for its difficult-to-access high-altitude lakes. The two most well-known lakes are Chandra Tal, beside Batal, and Suraj Tal, close to Baralacha La. There are other treks through the Trans-Himalayas from this area, from Spiti to Tso MoriRi in Ladakh.