by Situated in the north of India at the lap of the great Himalayas this destination is famously called “Dev Bhoomi” the land of Gods. The state has high-rise snow-capped mountains, fast-flowing rivers, attractive valleys, beautiful meadows, falling waterfalls, and a good climate for tourism almost throughout the year and that is why; Himachal Pradesh is a favorite destination of lovers of nature and beauty, of tourists, of adventure and discovery. If you are considering a trip to this state that is surrounded by mountains, then have a look at the top 10 must-visit places in Himachal Pradesh.
Best Places
Manali
Manali, situated between the majestic Himalayas and the spreading out valley of the River Beas, is undoubtedly the most popular tourist spot in Himachal. Situated at a height of 2050 meters this beautiful offbeat hill station has stunning views of the mountains, sparkling forests, fairy-tale-like villages, and adventurous activities like skiing, trekking, river rafting, paragliding, and many more. The main attractions are Hadimba Temple, Vashisht hot water springs, Solang Valley ski resort, and Rohtang Pass. From here you can also go for other famous treks such as Beas Kund Trek and Hampta Pass Trek.
Shimla
Newly named as the capital of Himachal Pradesh, the splendid annex of old-world British elegance blended with all the facilities of the new world is Shimla. Go to the older Mall Road, which has a commercial market along with cafeterias and historical buildings. Some of the other attractions that are worth visiting include Jakhoo Hill temple, Kufri, Ridge, Vice Regal Lodge, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Summer Hill, and lovely little villages located on the outskirts of the hills. Visitors get a chance to trek, ski and even ice skate in this park.
Dharamshala & McLeodganj
Dharamshala is one of the largest Tibetan colonies which houses the seat of His Holiness Dalai Lama. McLeodganj located a little further uphill is home to monks and backpackers. Also called ‘Little Lhasa’, the location of Mcleodganj reflects a pulsating Buddhist tradition in the monasteries such as the Tsuglagkhang or Namgyal. Other famous places are Bhagsu Falls, Church of John in the wilderness, Dharamkot village, Triund Hill Trek, and Naddi for a sunset viewpoint.
Dalhousie
Dalhousie was the most sought-after hill station of the British Era Said to be brilliantly located in the central geographical point of India, Dalhousie has beautiful hills, architectural buildings, tall pine trees, vast meadows, and noiseless cortege walks. Some of the places to be visited include; Panch Pulla, Satdhara Falls, Subhash Baoli, Chamunda Devi temple, St.John’s Church, and St. Francis Church 20km away from Khajjiar Valley seen from Dalhousie.
Khajjiar
Famous as ‘Mini Switzerland’, Khajjiar is one of the most beautiful places in Himachal Pradesh. Having natural beauty in the form of beautiful wildflowers, vast stretches of green meadows, and majestic Deodar and Oak trees rising in the middle of snow-covered mountains it seems painted on a picture frame! Visit Khajjiar Lake, some of the breathtaking vantage locations, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary along with adventure rides including zorbing and paragliding.
Chamba
Stands of old Hindu Temples, Unexplored Scenic Himalayas, Lakes, and Meadows, Here is Chamba Valley an ideal tourist spot to explore the beauty and tradition of Himachal Pradesh. The town is more beautiful as the Chandrabhaga River flows through this town. Be enthralled with Chamunda Devi Temple, magnificently designed and painted Akhand Chandi Palace now a museum, Laxmi Narayan group of temples, and Khajjiar Lake.
Kasol
This beautiful area of Himachal Pradesh is famously known as the adventure capital of Mini Israel of Kasol which is nothing but a handful of small villages nestled on the Parvati River. It attracts several trekkers and backpackers for adventure activities such as rock climbing, bike trails, river balancing, camping, and trout fishing. Experience hot springs at Kheerganga, word well-known Malana village, the mystical Dhankar Lake, Smiling Buddha Café, Amsterdam of India – Chalal village, Triveni, Parvati River, Pin Parvati Pass Trek, and Great Himalayan National Park.
Lahaul and Spiti Valleys
Lahaul and Spiti valleys, less known valleys, situated in the extreme eastern part of Himachal Pradesh behind great ranges are an arid cold desert territory with much scenic beauty: towering snowy peaks, crystal-clear mountain lakes, centuries-old Tantric monasteries of Dromton Kagyu order; charming, book-like hill settlements! Some of the most famous spots that are worth visiting are the Tabo monastery, Kibber, and Kaza villages and the colorful lakes – Chandratal and Suraj Tal, Kunzom pass, Lossar village, and the Pin Valley National Park. It is called ‘Little Tibet’ because the area has a strong Tibetan and Buddhist touch here in Spiti Valley.
Bir Billing
Bir a small village from Kangra Valley is gradually turning into an ideal destination for ecotourism and adventure tourism. One can try out adventures here like glider flying, para soaring, mountain trekking, cycling, and bird viewing. Billing the take-off site for hang gliding and paragliding is located 14 km away from Bir with a great view of the Dhauladhar range. Places like Sherabling Monastery, Chokling Monastery, and Palampur Tea Estate are of tourist interest in and around Bir Billing.
Sangla Valley
Among all the more famous valleys of Himachal Pradesh Sangla with its natural beauty, pine and deodar forest where the Baspa River flows, apple ventures and many fascinating village houses with Kinnauri style of architecture nestled between the Snowy Kinnaur Kailash ranges is very enjoyable. This valley travel must not be completed without some visits; Kamru Fort, Sangla Meadows, Chitkul village, Batseri village, Kamakhya Temple, Karcham Dam, and Rakchham village for instance. The Sangla Valley is also a beautiful valley, which also marks some interesting and slow mountain treks such as the Kinnaur Kailash Parikrama Trek.
Things To Do
It has beautiful valleys, northern lofty hills, holy lakes, ancient monasteries, pretty hill stations, and everything adventurous one can imagine, Himachal Pradesh is a paradise for all tourists. Some of the best things you can do here include:
Trekking & Camping: Himachal is truly filled with many of India’s best alpine treks for them ranging from easy nature walks to hard altitude treks. Some of the most famous treks include the Hampta Pass Trek, the Beas Kund Trek, the Pin Parvati Trek, the Parashar Lake Trek, and the adventure of the Spiti Valley to Kinnaur Trek. Trekking sites for camping and staying in mountain villages are Kheerganga, Triund, Malana, and Bir.
Paragliding: Both Bir Billing and Khajjiar are considered to be the best destinations for paragliding and hang gliding and apart from having professional help the necessary gear is also available on-site. Put those adrenaline kicks in flying high in the sky!
Wildlife Safaris: The national parks established in Kullu, Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti offer you a rare chance to witness exotic wildlife in Himachal. Get a glimpse of the snow leopard that is on the brink of extinction, the Himalayan Tahr, Musk deer, and the colorful western tragopan along with other varieties.
Buddhist Circuit Tours: Explore four holy Buddhist monasteries enshrine at Tabo, Dhankar, Key, Kye, and Kardang in the Lahaul & Spiti valleys. Take blessings at the home of the Dalai Lama in Mcleodganj.
Yak Safari: Embark on a bumpy yet thrilling yark safari to visit the unknown villages of Spiti & Lahaul accessible only after crossing high snow-clad mountain ranges. Make some form of communication with the tough people living here.
River rafting: Experience the most daring burst of excitement as you raft down the Beas and Spiti Rivers of the state where high mountains beyond imagination and steep narrow valleys rule the land.
Skiing: The skiing experience can be best felt in Narkanda, Kufri, or the Rohtang Pass near Manali with the snowy environs of Himachal Pradesh.
Mountain Cycling & Biking: Bike Rental and cycling over technical single tracks that afford breathtaking views of the ‘land of snows’ as you tackle some of the world’s highest passes!
So what are you waiting for? So grab your camera charge and get set for witnessing beautiful mountains, stunning villages, shrines, delicious momos, and the integral Himachali customs on this Dev Bhoomi known as Himachal Pradesh!
