Himachal Pradesh, now known as a destination for “all seasons and all reasons” is the most picture-perfect state. With its snow-covered mountains, lush valleys, scenic hill station, quaint villages, diverse flora and fauna, unblemished nature, and abundant trekking trails, it is a haven for nature lovers, adventurers, and backpackers. Breathtaking scenic beauty, serene landscape, and adventure sports are beyond imagination. Himachal Pradesh is blessed with far too many incredible and exquisite places to visit. It never ceases to amaze its visitors from the moment they step into its borders. Here’s our pick of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
Best time to visit Himachal Pradesh:
Himachal Pradesh is a year-round destination, February to June is considered the best time to visit the place. It to totally depends on what kind of temperature an individual prefers.
Summer Season: April to june , Temperature: 22°C to 37°C.
Winter Season: October to February, Temperature: 0°C to 15°C
Monsoon season: July to September, Temperature: 15°C to 25°C.
1. Kasol
One of the amazing hill stations, Kasol is about 26 km from Kullu. Situated on the way between Bhuntra and Manikarna, it acts as a base for nearby treks to Malana and Kheerganga. Despite being a village it is Kasol is popular among backpackers and tourists, and with good reason. It is a paradise for nature lovers and trekkers, because of its stunning landscape of snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, scenic waterfalls, and undisturbed trekking routes. Other worth exploring regions nearby are, Malana, known for its Malana Cream (cannabis), Chalal, which is known for its trance and hallucinogenic parties, and Rasol and Tosh, which are replete with lush greenery and peacefulness. Also known as the ‘Little Israel of India’, it is an amazing spot to backpack through because of the abundance of charming cafes, budget-friendly stay options, and relaxed vibe. Kasol tops the list of places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
Best time to visit Himachal Pradesh [Kasol]
May to June
Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh [Kasol]
- Manikaran Sahib
- Parvati River
- Kheer Ganga Peak
- Tosh Village
- Chalal Village
- Bhuntar Town
- Malana
Things to do Himachal Pradesh [Kasol]
- Trek to Kheer Ganga
- Visit hot water spring at Manikarna
- Hikking in Jungle along side river Parvati.
2. Shimla
Shimla, the former summer capital of British India, is about 2,276 m above sea level. Also, known as the Queen of Hills, Shimla is blessed with scenic locations, dense forest, and is surrounded by green hills and snow-capped peaks. Pleasant climate conditions and warm hospitality just keeps adding on to its beauty. It is one of the mesmerizing places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. The present state capital of Himachal Pradesh attracts all kinds of personalities, from nature lovers, history buffs, solo travellers to adrenaline-pumping winter sports lovers and honeymoon couples. Toy train rides passing through the green hills, shopping at lakkar Bazar, visiting Chadwick waterfall are some of the best things to do in Shimla. Apart from it city offers various winter sports like trekking, hiking, and camping to river rafting and ice skating.
Best time to visit Himachal Pradesh [Shimla]
May –July and November-January for snowfall.
Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh [Shimla]
- Chadwick Waterfall
- Mall Road
- The Ridge of Shimla
- Jakhoo Hill
- Kufri
- Shaily Peak
- Lakkar Bazaar
Things to do in Himachal Pradesh [Shimla]
- Go trekking at Jakhu Temple
- Enjoy river rafting at river Sutlej
- Visit Chadwick Waterfall
3. Manali
Manali, in Himachal Pradesh, is one of the top adventure travel destinations in India. It’s ideal for spending time in the great outdoors, and many of these places to visit in Manali reflect the numerous activities that can be done in the area. The scenic beauty and the mindboggling mountain peaks and landscapes of Manali attract a lot of tourists every year. Its landscape is quite breathtaking and due to its pleasant environs, the place is known as one of the best honeymoon destinations of Himachal Pradesh in India. From evergreen beauties of nature to snowy mountains, waterfalls, adventure & sports, pleasant snowfall, blossoming gardens, etc., this city is completely blessed from everything. Set on the Beas River, Manali also offers adventure sports like trekking, climbing, mountain biking, Paragliding, and skiing, which attracts tourists from all over the world.
Best time to visit Himachal Pradesh [Manali]
May-July and November-January for snowfall.
Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh [Manali]
- Solang valley
- Rohtang Pass
- Hampta Pass
- Bhrigu Lake
- Hadimba Devi Temple
- Jogini Falls
- Nehru Kund
- Beas River
Things to do in Himachal Pradesh [Manali]
- Visit Solang Valley for adventure sports
- Go trekking with more than 15 treks to choose from
- Visit Hampta Pass, located at an altitude of 4270 m
4. Spiti Valley
Situated in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Spiti Valley is at an elevation of 3,810 meters (12,500 ft). this beautiful town in Himachal has surprises for every type of holiday that’s ever been on your mind. This cold desert mountain valley is worthy of attention because of its soaring mountains blanketed in snow, surreal landscapes, abundant trekking trails, whitewashed postcard hamlets, ancient monasteries and scenic lakes. The best way to explore Spiti is by indulging in thrilling activities, such as trekking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and wildlife spotting and scouting several high-altitude villages, like Tabo, Kaza, Dhankar, Kibber, Komic and Langza. Spiti Valley is the best place to visit in Himachal Pradesh for trekking.
Best time to visit Himachal Pradesh [Spiti Valley]
May to October
Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh [Spiti Valley]
- Chandra Tal Lake
- Kaza
- Suraj Tal
- Key Monastery
- Kunzum Pass
- Pin Valley National Park
- Spiti River
- Dhankar Lake
- Nako Lake
Things to do in Himachal Pradesh [Spiti Valley]
- Visit ancient Buddhist monasteries
- Camp at Chandra Taal Lake
- Bike and trek in nature.
- River Rafting
- Yak Safari
5. Dharamshala
Located at a distance of 18 km from Kangra city, Dharamshala is the winter capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Dharamshala is surrounded by peaks of Dhauladhar mountains, lush pine, and deodar forests, and snow-covered landscape. Along with a great number of restaurants, cafes, and shops, the town is brimming with cultural and architectural attractions. It is surrounded by several suburbs, such as Mcleod Ganj (India’s Mini Tibet), Dharamkot, Sindhbari, Ramnagar, and Naddi are worth exploring.
Best time to visit in Himachal Pradesh [Dharamshala]
May –July and November-January for snowfall
Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh [Dharamshala]
- Mcleod Ganj
- Dal Lake
- Bhagsu Falls
- Triund
- Kangra Valley
- Kangra Fort
Things to do in Himachal Pradesh [Dharamshala]
- Paragliding, Triund Trek, Camping
- Explore Kangra Fort
- Visit Dal Lake,
- Meditate at Gyuto Monastery
6. Kasauli
Located between Kalka and Shimla, Kasauli is a small hill station settled among the Shivalik Range. Located about 60 km from Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, Kasauli boasts pristine nature, fresh mountain air, and complete tranquillity. The town has little in terms of commerce and population which makes it untainted and manages to retain its rustic charm. A peaceful vibe, unadulterated air, and an abundance of nature are what attract travellers. Located at an altitude of about 1795 meters above sea level, this place is known for its cleanliness and beauty.
Best time to visit in Himachal Pradesh [Kasauli]
November – March & December – January for snowfall.
Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh [Kasauli]
- Gilbert Trail
- Sunset Point
- Manki Point
- Christ Church
- Sunrise Point
- Gurkha Fort
- The Mall Road
Things to do in Himachal Pradesh [Kasauli]
- Visit Sunset point
- Go for a Toy Train Ride
- Go for Sightseeing at Timber Trail
7. Chitkul
Located on the right bank of the Baspa River, Chitkul is the last village of the Baspa Valley and the last village on the old Hindustan-Tibet trade route. Situated at an altitude of 3450 meters above sea level, Chitkul is known for its mesmerizing beauty and bucolic nature. The scenic location and the picturesque beauty of the place are what draw travellers towards it. For the undaunted traveller, this is as offbeat as it gets. Chitkul village is literally the last inhabited village in India on the Indo-Tibetan border. And, the vistas are jaw-dropping, at 11,320 feet above sea level.
Best time to visit:
March – April and September – October
Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh
Things to do:
- Visit Mathi Temple
- Learn wood carving at Tibetan Wood Carving Centre
- Trek around Baspa River
8. Bir Billing
Bir Billing, also known as, ‘Paragliding Capital of India’ is the best place to enjoy paragliding. Bir attracts adventure-seekers from throughout the country and the world. Located in the west of Joginder Nagar Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh, this place offers activities like hiking, climbing, and trekking through the beautiful villages. Bir centre for ecotourism, spiritual studies and meditation. Billing is the takeoff site for paragliding and Bir village is for landing; collectively it is known “Bir Billing”. Paragliding is one of the best things to do in Himachal Pradesh.
Best time to visit Himachal Pradesh [Bir Billing]
May-July
Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh [Bir Billing]
- Chokling Monastery
- Sherab Ling Monastery
- Bir Tea Factory
- Baijnath Temple Bir
- Baijnath Temple
Things to do in Himachal Pradesh [Bir Billing]
- Check Out Sherbaling Monastery
- Hike to Gunehar River Pool ·
- Paragliding
9. Mcleodganj
Nestled in the Kangra district and the suburbs of the town of Dharamshala, Mcleodganj is famous for being a spiritual getaway and pilgrimage for the Buddhists, the reason being that it is home to the Dalai Lama, who came here in the year 1960 after his exile from Tibet. Situated at the height of 2,028 meters, Mcleodganj is truly one of the best places to visit in the Himalayas because of its scenic beauty, spirituality, adventure, and serenity. Mcleodganj is also considered an adventurous hub because it is Home to one of the most beautiful, scenic, and exciting treks of the country, the Triund Trek.
Best time to visit Himachal Pradesh [Mcleodganj]
October – June
Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh [Mcleodganj]
- Bhagsunath Temple & Waterfall
- Namgyal Monastery
- Kareri Lake
- Dharamkot
- Minkiani Pass
Things to do in Himachal Pradesh [Mcleodganj]
- Go to Bhagsu Falls
- Visit Tsug La Khang
- Trek to the top of Triund
10. Khajjiar
Khajjiar is one of the top 10 places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, situated in dense deodar forests and the snow-capped Himalayas. Also known as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’, visitors from all over the world travel here to explore its gorgeous scenery. Travellers can indulge in various adventurous activities like forest trekking, zorbing, horse riding and paragliding at the Khajjiar Lake.
Best time to visit Himachal Pradesh [Khajjiar]
The summer months are pleasant and most crowded. January and February can be quite chilly.
Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh [Khajjiar]
- Khajjiar Lake
- Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kailash Villages
- Panch Pandav Tree
- Dhauladar Range
- Dainkund Peak
- Panchpula, Chatryara
Things to do in Himachal Pradesh [Khajjiar]
- Khajjiar Trek
- Zorbing
- Horse-riding
- Paragliding
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