Located in the northern part of India, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most beautiful states that consists of amazing natural landscapes and spiritual places. The commonly spoken languages of Himachal Pradesh are Hindi and different Pahari languages. There are many hill stations and exciting things to do in Himachal Pradesh like trekking, river rafting, paragliding, skiing, etc. Every year a lot of tourists visit Himachal Pradesh to witness its beauty and alluring hill stations.
Best Tourist Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh:
Here, we have listed some of the best places in Himachal Pradesh that you can definitely visit during your upcoming trip. In Himachal, the weather throughout the year is pretty amazing however traveling in rainy conditions is not preferred because of landslides.
1. Shimla (Simla) – Largest City in Himachal Pradesh:
Shimla is situated at a height of 2200 meters and it is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It is a popular hill station among tourists. The weather is pleasant throughout the year in Shimla. There are many places to visit in Shimla throughout the year such as Jakhu Temple, Tara Devi Temple, Laxminarayan Temple, etc. Some of the top places to visit in Shimla are The Ridge, Kufri, Mall Road, and Kalka Shimla toy train. The Kalka-Shimla train route is also included in UNESCO’s world heritage site. The Shimla Heritage Museum is also a center of attraction for various tourists.
Best Time to Visit: March to June and December to January
Activities to Do in Shimla: Toy train ride, ice skating, rafting, camping, paragliding, cycling, trekking, skiing
Nearby Places to Visit in Shimla: Kufri, Chail, Auli, Solan, Karsog, and many more
How to Reach: To reach Shimla, you can fly to Chandigarh Airport and then take a 3-4 hour drive or bus ride through mountain roads to reach Shimla.
2. Manali – Popular Hill Station of India:
Manali is one of the most famous tourist places in the whole country. It has some breathtaking views of nature. Manali offers an all-in-one experience ad there are various temples, museums, and also trekking trails for adventure-loving people. Hidimba temple is one of the most famous temples in Manali. Some of the most visited places in Manali are Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass. Solang valley is popular for skiing and paragliding. Tourists can also do horse riding at Solang valley. Rohtang pass offers picturesque views of nature. It is a perfect place for photography and nature lovers. There are various cafes and restaurants where tourists can enjoy the nightlife.
Best Time to Visit Manali: October to June
Activities to Do in Manali: Nature walk, cable car ride, paragliding, trekking
Nearby Places to Visit in Manali: Solang Valley, Hampta Pass, Sethan, Bhrigu Lake, Deo Tibba, Kullu, and more
How to Reach: To reach Manali, fly to Kullu-Manali Airport or take a train to Joginder Nagar Railway Station, then hire a taxi or bus to cover the remaining 50 km journey to Manali town.
3. Dalhousie – Famous Place to Visit in Himachal Pradesh:
Dalhousie is located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a famous hill station providing some exhilarating views. It was founded in the year 1850 by Lord Dalhousie. The best time to visit Dalhousie is the winter season because during that time the whole hill station is covered in snow, which gives an enchanting view and experience.
There are two waterfalls named Panjpula and Satdhara, where you can spend an amazing time. Dalhousie is perfect for sightseeing as you can see various churches and like St. Patrick’s church, St. John’s church, etc. There are also two temples named Bhulwani Mata and Bhalei Mata in Dalhousie that hold historic significance.
Best Time to Visit Dalhousie: March to May
Activities to Do in Dalhousie: Trekking, nature walk, village excursion
Nearby Places to Visit in Dalhousie: Dharamshala, Chamba, Mcleodganj, Bir, and many more
How to Reach: Travel to Delhi by air or train, then proceed to Dalhousie by road via Pathankot, which is the nearest major railway station and approximately 80 kilometers away from Dalhousie.
4. Kasol – Mini Israel of India:
Kasol has located on the banks of the river Parvati. It is a perfect place for trekkers and nature lovers. Kasol is also known as ‘Mini Israel’ because of the high percentage of Israeli tourists. There are some beautiful and amazing treks near Kasol like the Kheerganga trek, Pin Parbati pass, Sar pass, and Yanker pass. Famous Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara is located just 6 km away from Kasol and also a hot spring inside Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara where you can take a bath. There are various places near Kasol that gives the feeling of tranquility.
Best Time to Visit Kasol: October to June
Activities to Do in Kasol: Camping, trekking
Nearby Places to Visit in Kasol: Kheerganga, Parvati river, Tosh, Bhuntar, Manali, Jana Waterfalls, Pandoh Dam, and Lake
How to Reach: To reach Kasol, take a flight/train/bus to Kullu or Bhuntar, then a local bus or taxi to Kasol, located in the Parvati Valley
5. Spiti Valley – Unique Place to Visit in Himachal Pradesh:
Spiti stands for ‘middle land’. The reason behind the name Spiti is that it separates India from Tibet. There are many amazing trekking trails that start from Kaza, which is at a distance of around 5 km from Spiti.
There are different monasteries in Spiti valley which makes it a perfect place for religious people. Some of the monasteries are Key Gompa, Dhankar Monastery, Kungri Gompa, Gandhola Monastery, etc. The best time to visit Spiti valley is from March to June. The temperature during this time normally ranges from 0 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley: October – June
Activities to Do in Spiti Valley: River rafting, camping, trekking, yak safari, village walk
Nearby Places to Visit in Spiti Valley: Lahaul valley, Chandratal lake, Pin Valley National Park, Kunzum Pass
How to Reach: To reach Spiti Valley, fly to Chandigarh or take a train/bus to Shimla or Manali
6. Tirthan Valley – One of the Best Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh:
Tirthan valley got its name from the Tirthan River that flows through it. It is known for various adventurous activities like trout fishing, trekking, Rock climbing, River crossing, etc. Tirthan valley acts as a base for some amazing treks namely the Serolsar lake trek, Jalori pass trek, etc. It offers some astonishing and mesmerizing views. The great Himalayan national park is also located in Tirthan valley. It is a perfect place for nature lovers as there are waterfalls and it is a beautiful habitat of alpine flora and fauna. Great Himalayan National Park was also included in the list of UNESCO world heritage sites in the year 2014.
Best Time to Visit Tirthan Valley: Between March and June
Things to Do in Tirthan Valley: Trekking, rock climbing, fishing, camping, bird watching
Nearby Places to Visit in Tirthan Valley: Gushaini, Prashar Lake, Jalori pass, Thanedar, Serolskar Lake
How to Reach: To reach Tirthan Valley, take a flight to Bhuntar Airport and then proceed by road, approximately a 2-hour drive, or take a train to Joginder Nagar followed by a taxi or bus ride, about a 3-hour journey.
7. Kasauli – Cantonment Town in Himachal Pradesh:
It is located in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. Kasauli is the perfect option for an amazing weekend getaway. It is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Some of the best places to visit in Kasauli are Gilbert trail, Sunset point, Christ Church, Gurkha fort, Manki point, etc. Kasauli offers a calm and serene experience along with some historical places. All these places make Kasauli a perfect weekend getaway.
Best Time to Visit Kasauli: April to June and September to November
Things to Do in Kasauli: Trekking, nature walk, toy train ride
Nearby Places to Visit in Kasauli: Shimla, Kufri, Solan, Dharampur, Parwanoo, Chail, Salogra
How to Reach: Kasauli is easily accessible via road from Chandigarh, approximately a 2-hour drive or a train journey to Kalka followed by a scenic one-hour drive.
8. Khajjiar – Mini Switzerland of India:
Khajjiar is a hill station located near Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh. It is located at a height of 6,500 feet. Khajjiar is considered a Mini Switzerland. There are thick pine forests and lush greenery all around. It has sloppy terrains with some astonishing views. Khajjiar is also famous for its nine-hole golf course that is surrounded by amazing picturesque landscapes. Khajjiar is one of the famous tourist spots because of its lush greenery. There is also a lake that gives a soothing experience to all the tourists. It is a perfect place for adventure lovers as you can do many activities like Paragliding, Trekking, Horse riding, etc. Khajjiar is also known as ‘Mini Switzerland’ and this name was given by Vice Counsellor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland Willy P. Blazer.
Best Time to Visit Khajjiar: October to June
Things to Do in Khajjiar: Zorbing, jungle safari, trekking, paragliding, horse riding
Nearby Places to Visit in Khajjiar: Dainkund Peak, Panchpula, Sach Pass, Bakrota Hills
How to Reach: Khajjiar is easily accessible via road from Dalhousie approximately 24 kilometers away, offering stunning landscapes and adventure activities amidst lush greenery.
9. Bir Billing – Top Tourist Place to Visit in Himachal Pradesh:
Bir Billing is majorly famous among tourists for adventurous sports such as paragliding, Hang gliding, and mountain biking. There are also various short hikes and monasteries where tourists can enjoy, relax, and spend an amazing time. Thousands of tourists visit during the time of March to November for paragliding. It is very safe as they follow all the safety standards. It is also known as the ‘Paragliding capital of India’. Tourists can also go camping and enjoy the beauty of Bir Billing.
Best Time to Visit Bir Billing: March to May and September to November
Things to Do in Bir Billing: Paragliding, camping, trekking, mountain biking, toy train ride, hang gliding, walking by Bir river
Nearby Places to Visit in Bir Billing: Palampur, Barot Valley
How to Reach: To reach Bir Billing, take a flight or train to Dharamshala, then drive or take a bus for about 3 hours to reach Bir, a paragliding spot nestled in the Himalayas.
10. Narkanda – Most Beautiful Place in Himachal Pradesh:
It is a small town that attracts tourists for its picturesque and serene views. One of the major tourist attractions of Narkanda is Tannu Jabar Lake. It also offers a trekking experience as tourists can trek up to Hatu Nag, which is a beautiful hill. There are also some beautiful temples like the Hatu Mata temple and Mahamaya temple. Tanni Jubbar Lake is also one of the major tourist attractions in Narkanda. Overall, Narkanda offers a calm and scenic experience to all tourists.
Best Time to Visit Narkanda: November to May
Things to Do in Narkanda: Trekking, skiing
Nearby Places to Visit Narkanda: Keylong, Solan, Bhuntar, Una, Sarahan, Kullu, Kotkhai, Kalpa, Dalhousie, Salogra, Mandi, Rohru
How to Reach: To reach Narkanda, you can take a bus or drive from Shimla, which is approximately 60 kilometers away.
11. Parashar Lake – Best Place to visit in Himachal Pradesh for Honeymoon:
Parashar Lake is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 2730 mtr. above sea level. The lake is fed by the Parashar glacier and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The lake is one of the most popular tourist places in Himachal Pradesh because of its serene atmosphere and picturesque scenery.
Best Time to Visit Parashar Lake: End of December to Mid-March
Activities to Do in Parashar Lake: Trekking, hiking, boating, fishing, and camping.
Nearby Places to Visit in Parashar Lake: Prashar temple, Bhimakali temple, Hampta pass, Mandi town
How to Reach: To reach Parashar Lake take a bus or drive from Mandi to Baggi village, then trek for about 7 kilometers to reach the picturesque lake surrounded by hills and forests.
12. Bhagsu Falls – Popular Tourist Attraction in Dharamshala:
Bhagsu Falls, properly known as Bhagsunag falls, is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by lush greenery, this place offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The place is accessible via a short hike from the nearby town of McLeod Ganj, and there are several viewing platforms from which to enjoy the cascading water.
In addition to its scenic beauty, Bhagsu Falls is also home to a number of temples and sacred sites, making it an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing day in nature or pay respect at a holy site, Bhagsu Falls is well worth a visit.
Best Time to Visit Bhagsu Falls: October – November
Activities to Do in Bhagsu Falls: You can enjoy relaxed, quiet time near the falls looking at the picturesque views. You can also take a dip in the water to refresh your mind, body, and soul.
Nearby Places to Visit in Bhagsu Falls: Bhagsunath Temple, Indrahar Pass, Minkiani Pass
How to Reach: To reach Bhagsu Falls, travelers can start from Dharamshala and take a short trek of about 2 kilometers through scenic trails to reach the cascading waterfalls.
13. Malana – An Ancient Indian Village:
If you are looking for serene and tranquil places to visit in Himachal Pradesh for a honeymoon, Malana is one of the best options. Malana is a small village situated at an altitude of 2,438 meters (7,999 ft) and surrounded by mountains and forests.
Agriculture is the main source of income for the villagers here. Malana is home to a number of temples and shrines. The village is also known for its picturesque views and scenic hiking trails.
Best Time to Visit Malana: Early May to August
Activities to Do in Malana: Trekking, bird watching, and fishing.
Nearby Places to Visit in Malana: Jamadagni Temple, Renuka Devi Shrine Temple, Chanderkheni, Deo Tibba Mountain, Hampta Pass, The Great Himalayan National Park, Parvati Valley, Kheerganga
How to Reach: To reach Malana, first travel to Bhuntar Airport, from there hire a taxi or take a bus to Jari, then trek or hire a local vehicle to Malana village.
14. Balh Valley – A Beautiful Valley Situated between the Shimla Ridge and the Shivalik Hills:
The Balh Valley is located in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The valley is home to a number of villages, as well as the popular tourist destination of Manali. The Balh Valley is known for its scenic beauty. It is a popular spot for hiking and camping.
In this valley, you can also find a number of temples and shrines, which attract pilgrims from all over India. Moreover, the valley has many streams, rivers, and natural ponds. It is a must-visit place for all nature lovers. The serene environment and the captivating views will make you fall in love with this place.
Best Time to Visit Balh Valley: February to June
Activities to Do in Balh Valley: You can have a relaxed day enjoying the serene beauty of nature here.
Nearby Places to Visit in Balh Valley: Dharamshala
How to Reach: To reach Balh Valley, take a flight or train to Kullu, then travel by road approximately 70 km northeast towards Mandi to access the picturesque valley nestled amidst the Himalayas.
Himachal Pradesh is famous for hill stations and river sports. There are many exciting places to visit in Himachal Pradesh like Borasu Pass, Dhankar Lake, Triund hill station, Naddi, etc. In short, it is a perfect holiday destination for nature lovers who like to experience an adventurous journey.
FAQs:
Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh include Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Kullu, Kasauli, Chail, and Solang Valley.
The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh is from March to June and from September to December. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear, making it the perfect time to explore the beautiful landscapes and enjoy outdoor activities.
Himachal Pradesh is a popular destination for adventure seekers. Visitors can enjoy activities like trekking, camping, paragliding, river rafting, skiing, and snowboarding.
The culture of Himachal Pradesh is a blend of Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist influences. The state is known for its traditional handicrafts, music, dance, and festivals like the Kullu Dussehra, the Chamba Minjar Mela, and the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra.
Himachal Pradesh is home to many ancient and revered temples. Some of the most famous ones include the Jwala Ji Temple, the Baijnath Temple, the Chintpurni Temple, the Chamunda Devi Temple, and the Manikaran Gurudwara.
Himachal Pradesh has a rich culinary tradition, with many unique dishes that visitors must try. Some popular dishes include Madra, Dham, Sidu, Chha Gosht, and Aktori.
Himachal Pradesh is well-connected by roads, and visitors can hire taxis, buses, or motorcycles to explore the state. The state also has an extensive network of narrow gauge railways, which connect it to major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.