10 best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is synonymous with scenic beauty, serene landscape and adventure sports. Literally Himachal means “the land of snow”. Situated in the western Himalaya, Himachal Pradesh has several hill stations which are the most appropriate destination to find respite from the scorching summer heat.

Here’s a list of 10 best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh on your trip to the land of the Himalayas:

1. Kullu-Manali

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One of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh is Kullu and Manali. If you are on a lookout for fresh air and green mountains amidst the snow covered ranges then Kullu Manali, indeed should be on the top of your list.

Ideal for: Everyone! But it is a hot favorite amongst newlyweds.
Ideal duration: 4-5 days
Best time to visit: May-July. November-January for snowfall.

How to reach: Chandigarh is the nearest airport, 252 Kms away. Nearest rail head is also in Chandigarh, 270 Kms away. Kullu is 570 Kms from Delhi via road.

Things to do:

• Indulge in adventure sports at Solang Valley
• Visit Manali Bird Sanctuary
• Go trekking, camping, angling & river rafting in Kullu
• Visit the Old temples

2. Shimla

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One of the most famous hill stations of Northern India – Shimla which is the right mix of Indian glory with British sophistication.it is consecrated stunning landscape and fresh climate all through the year.

Ideal for: Family and friends
Ideal Duration: 3-4days
Best time to visit: May –July and November-January for snowfall.

How to reach: Kalka in turn is the nearest rail head, which is connected to Chandigarh and Delhi by regular trains. Chandigarh is at a distance of 117 kilometres, Manali at 260 kilometres and Delhi at 343 kilometres

Things to do:

• Full fill your shopping desire at the mall road
• Enjoy a trek to jakhu hill and a visit to Lord Hanuman’s Temple
• Visit to the Viceregal Lodge to appreciate the British elegance
• Try your hands on Polo at Annandale which is 4km from the Ridge

3. Dharamsala

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Dharamsala definitely has to be on your list of best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Famous not only because of its climate but also you get to see how multicultural Indian community lives in harmony with the Indo Tibetan community.

Ideal for: Friends or Solo Travelers
Ideal duration: 2-3days
Best time to visit: May –July and November-January for snowfall

How to reach: The nearest major railway station is at Pathankot, 85 kilometres away. Dharamshala is well-connected to Delhi The journey is almost 520 kilometres from Delhi. The drive from Delhi via Chandigarh, is about 12 hours.

Things to do:

• Enjoy a boat ride across the Dal Lake and witness the royal the Kangra Fort.
• Pay homage to the Bhagsunath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and simultaneously enjoy the cascading Bhagsu falls.
• Visit various monasteries, the Kangra Art Museum, the Dalai Lama Temple Complex and see the magnificent tea plantation on the foothills of Kangra valley.

4. Kasauli

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Kasauli is a perfect getaway from the hustle bustle of the city, and is one of the most serene places to visit in Himachal in June. Almost on the outskirts of Punjab and Haryana it is well connected by roadways.

Ideal for: Friend and Family
Ideal duration: 3-4 days
Best time to go visit: November – March & December – January for snowfall.

How to reach: The nearest airport is in Chandigarh, 70 km away. Nearest train station is Sonwara which is 4km away. It is 293 kms from New Delhi and takes about 7 hours.

Things to do:

• Visit to the Anglican Church which was built during the British era.
• Enjoy a great stroll or a trek on the lower mall which leads to the Monkey point which is in the shape of a Lord Hanuman’s foot.
• A must watch is the sunrise and the sunset point where you can witness the most beautiful sky.
• If you are fond of walking and exploring the nature then do take the Gilbert Trail.
  

  5. Bir Billing

  
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  If you’re an adventure seeker, Bir Billing is the mecca for adventure sports and it has to be on your list of places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Bir is a small village which is located in the western side of Himachal Pradesh and is blessed with some refreshing climate.
  Ideal for: Backpackers and adventure seekers
  Ideal duration: 2-3 days
  Best time to visit: May-July
  How to reach: The closest airport to Bir is Dharamshala airport (in Gaggal) about 30-45 minutes south of Dharamshala. Train to Pathankot + bus/taxi onward to Bir. And then Taxi from Pathankot to Bir: 4-5 hours Bir is about 12-14 hours from Delhi by bus. Take a bus to either Baijnath or Bir Road.
  Things to do:
  • Experience some adrenaline rush as you paraglide in the beautiful Himalayan valleys and camp amazing weather and safe surroundings.
  • Visit the gorgeous Buddhism monasteries in Bhattu, Choggan and Chauntra Bhattu colony located in center of the forest.
  • Just around 10 kms from Bir Billing is the beautifully carved 13th-century Vaidyanath devoted to Lord Shiva.
  • Visit the Palampur Tea Cooperative where you can attend a free tour to see the tea making process.
  
  

  6. Malana

  
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  Looking for digital detox, then Malana is the place you must visit in Himachal Pradesh in August. Situated near the Kullu Valley, Malana provides spellbinding views of the Deo Tiba and Chandrakhani crests.
  Ideal for: Trekkers, Solo Travelers and anyone who wants to disconnect from the world
  Ideal Duration: 3-4 Days
  Best time to visit: The best time to go is early May to August
  How to reach: The nearest airport is Kullu. By road malana is 378 kms away from Delhi and takes roughly 10hrs. The closest rail head is Shimla and then take a cab.
  Things to do:
  • Enjoy some stimulating weather in this gorgeous village which is also called the little Greece of India.
  • Panoramic scenes of the snow clad Himalayas from Chanderkhani pass and capture the mesmerizing beauty of Kheer Ganga valley.
  • Trek through spectacular forests and across Alpine pastures with tremendous views.
  • Visit the pilgrim center Manikaran which has a hot water spring.
  • Be a part of regional festivals in Malana village, with its idiosyncratic culture and customs.
  
  

  7. Dalhousie

  
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  Dalhousie is yet another hill station in Himachal Pradesh which is ideal for de-stressing in the serene, tranquil troposphere. Away from the hustle-bustle of the city life, sit back and enjoy the nature in Dalhousie.
  Ideal for: Honeymooners
  Ideal duration: 2-3days
  Best time to visit: April to July
  How to reach: The closest airport is Dharamsala which is 5 hours away. The closest railhead is Pathankot’s Chakki Bank (71 kms from Dalhousie) and then take a cab which takes around 10 hours.
  Things to do:
  • Experience the beauty of nature in the valley of Khajjar which is also known as the Switzerland of India
  • Enjoy a gentle walk or a trek in the beautiful terrain in Dainkund Walk, Ganji Pahadi Walk and Bakrota Walk.
  • Visit the St. John’s Church, oldest church of the town carries vast historical implication
    Relish the cascading waterfalls near Delhi – namely the Chamera falls and the Satdhara falls

  8. Spiti + Tabo + Kaza

  
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  Spiti Valley is one of the most attractive hidden gems of North India. Straddling the river Spiti, it is home to numerous of the divinest of Buddhist destinations as well as some of the most widespread tourist destinations.
  Ideal for: friends and family
  Ideal duration: 2-3 days
  Best time to visit: May-July
  How to reach: Kullu Airport at Kullu is the nearest airport. Shimla is the nearest railway station from Kaza. Roadways from Delhi to Shimla and then take a cab.
  Things to do:
  • Spectate the Chunpa fue or walk to ancient traditional meditation centre at Lari Dupuk.
  • Visit the Millennium Monastery, Gue mummy or Dhankar monastery and rock carving at Tabo.
  • Hike to Angla and Phela – nomadic plains on the hills north of Tabo
  • Go for a traditional phootoshot at Nadang Lhakhang and attend the cultural show (cham dance), with local food and tea.
  • Walk to famous rangrik rewa cave, visit the Snow point Kunzom and if lucky enjoy the Snow Leopard / Ibex sighting and river rafting.

  9. Kasol

  
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  Known as the little Israel of India in Himachal Pradesh, based in the Parvati Valley is this beautiful hill station called Kasol. Its just on the way to the holy town of Manikaran.
  Ideal for: Backpackers and trekkers
  Ideal duration: 3 Days
  Best time to visit: May and June
  
  
  How to reach: The nearest airport is Kullu which takes about 3 hours. The nearest rail head is Shimla. Take a bus from Delhi to Shimla and then take a cab which is roughly 381 kms
  Things to do:
  • Ideal for hiking in the jungle – follow the trails along the Parvati river
  • Trek to Kheer-Ganga is mesmerizing where you can experience the hot water spring.
  • Parvati valley is an ideal trail for trekking also known as the ‘Stoner’s Paradise’.
  
  

  10. Khajjiar

  
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  Located in the Chamba district, this gorgeous valley is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Its indeed a great place to relax and unwind in the beautiful and refreshing environment.
  Ideal for: Friends and family
  Ideal Duration: 3 Days
  Best time to visit: May to June
  How to reach: The nearest airport is dharamshala and then a taxi 122km. There is an overnight train from new Delhi to Pathankot and then take a taxi for 110kms. Regular bus service from New Delhi to Shimla is also available.
  Things to do:
  • Visit the Khajjiar Lake and Ground via the Bakrota Hills from Dalhousie
  • Pay tribute to the Khajji Nag Temple which is one of the most ancient temples
  • Enjoy the serenity of local villages known for its apple orchards
  • Relish the mercerizing views of mount Kailash which is believed to be the home to lord Shiva
  
  
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