If you’re planning a trip to north India, we highly recommend including Himachal Pradesh on your bucket list. With something for everyone to enjoy, we’re revealing the ten best places to visit in Himachal.
Nestled in the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is the northernmost state of India. Abundant in scenic beauty and boasting a unique energy unmatched anywhere else in the world, this mountainous region offers plenty to see and discover.
Bordering the territories of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh in the north and Haryana and Punjab in the south, Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful north Indian territory nestled in the sprawling and spectacular Himalayan mountains.
This state is known for its famous hill stations, natural beauty, and colonial-era architecture. It is truly unique and special. Popular among travellers looking to discover both the spiritual and adventurous side of India, this region truly is as diverse and magical as they come. Enjoy the read!
10. Tosh – the famous hippy village
A charming village located in the Parvati Valley, Tosh is certainly among the very best places to visit in Himachal. Known as a ‘hippy village’, this spot has developed a vibrant bohemian culture throughout the years with its laid back atmosphere, alternative way of life, and cute cafes.
Aside from its hippy culture, Tosh is known for its cascading waterfalls, lush greenery, and breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan Mountains.
9. Kasol – a picturesque village in the Parvati Valley
Similar to Tosh, Kasol is known for its laid-back atmosphere and scenic beauty. However, it’s also a haven for adventure lovers as a base camp for many of the area’s most popular hikes.
Kasol is also famous as a host of several popular music festivals, which showcase a wide variety of artists from all across India and abroad.
8. Kasauli – a tranquil and serene hill station
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape in the mountains, then Kasauli is the place for you. Located in the Solan district, Kasauli is less crowded than some of Himachal’s more well-known hill stations.
Here, you can soak up the area’s colonial heritage, scenic beauty, and breathtaking woodland. The Gilbert Trail is a popular trek in the area, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and forests.
7. Bir Billing – the paragliding capital of India
Bir Billing is situated in the Kangra district of Himachal and is renowned as one of the best areas for paragliding in the whole of Asia, if not the entire world.
Known for its favourite wind conditions, clear skies, and breathtaking scenery, this spot is bustling with paragliders from March to June and September to November every year.
6. Dalhousie – for colonial charm, lush green landscapes, and snow-capped mountains
Next on our list of best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh is Dalhousie. Taking its name from Lord Dalhousie, the British Governor-General of India, throughout the 19th century, Dalhousie is one of the most picturesque places to visit in the entire region of Himachal.
The area still retains much of its colonial era architecture with plenty of historic bungalows, churches, and government buildings dotted across the town.
5. Spiti Valley – for barren landscapes and Buddhist culture
A remote and beautiful valley located high in the Himalayas in the north of the state, Spiti Valley borders Tibet to the east, making it a great spot to soak up the rich Tibetan culture.
One of the area’s most remote regions, Spiti Valley offers tranquil, unspoiled beauty like nowhere else in the country. It is also home to some incredible cultural festivals, including Losar (Tibetan New Year), Buddha Purnima, and the Spiti Cultural Festival.
4. Kinnaur – for epic views of the Himalayas
Set in the northeast of the state, Kinnaur is another one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh if you’re looking for rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and unique traditions.
Home to various diverse groups, including Tibetan Buddhists, Hindus, and Kinnauris, you can fully immerse yourself in the rich abundance of culture this area has to offer.
3. Dharamshala – the home of the Dalai Lama
Perhaps one of the most famous areas in Himachal, Dharamshala is a beautiful hill station that is known as the home of the Dalai Lama. Thus, making it a popular destination for spiritual tourism and should be on your India Bucket List.
A scenic hill station located in the foothills of the Dhauladhar mountain range, visitors are blown away by Dharamshala’s breathtaking natural beauty, spiritual ambiance, and Tibetan culture.
It’s also worth paying a visit to the beautiful suburb of McLeod Ganj, known as ‘Little Lhasa’ or ‘Dhasa’. This beautiful region is famous for nature treks, Tibetan culture, and ancient temples and monasteries.
2. Shimla – the capital city of Himachal
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a must-see destination. With a vibrant atmosphere, an abundance of colonial-era architecture, and beautiful natural surroundings with everything from picturesque valleys to snow-capped mountains, there’s plenty of reason to include Shimla on your bucket list.
One of the area’s top attractions is the famous Shimla Toy Train or Kalka-Shimla Railway. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique train journey that winds its way through the area’s most scenic valleys.
1. Manali – an exciting adventure destination
Topping our list of best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh is the beautiful and popular hill station of Manali. Located in the Beas River Valley in the Kullu district of Himachal, Manali is a popular destination for adventure tourism.
Here, you can bask in the scenic natural beauty that abounds, indulge in adrenaline-filled adventure activities, or wander the streets of Old Manali, known for its quaint old-world charm, narrow lanes, and vibrant cafes.
Also, if you would like to explore other cities in India, we highly recommend you check out these five epic street food spots in Mumbai.
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