If you are looking for a place to go on your next vacation, Top Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh in northern India. The state is home to a number of ski resorts, scenic mountain towns, and the Dalai Lama, who hails from the region. The state also has a thriving Tibetan community, and is known for its celebration of the Tibetan New Year. There are also numerous places for hiking, climbing, and skiing.
1. Kardang
Located 5 km from the town of Keylong in Himachal Pradesh, Kardang is home to the 900-year-old Kardang Gompa. The monastery falls under the Drukpa Kagyud school of Buddhism. The monastery’s library contains Buddhist texts from the Tangyur and Kangyur schools, as well as Thanka paintings and musical instruments. In 1912, Lama Norbu Rinpoche restored the monastery and a skull is preserved in the first room.
The town of Solan can be reached by road from Chandigarh. A taxi can be hired to take you to the Triund hill. Bir Billing is also a popular destination for those interested in adventure sports, and is easily accessible from Dharamshala. From Pathankot, the nearest airport is Delhi, which is roughly two and a half hours away. You can also take a train or a bus from Delhi to Dharamshala.
In addition to adventure sports, Himachal Pradesh is home to some of the most beautiful and serene scenes in the country. The state is surrounded by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, and is bordered by the Himachal mountains in the west. There are many historical sites to explore, ranging from ancient fortresses to serene monasteries. Regardless of whether you choose to explore the state’s rugged mountains or relax on its beautiful beaches, you’ll surely find something you’ll love.
2. Chitkul
In winter, the village of Chhitkul lies almost entirely buried under snow. Locals, who make their homes in lower regions, migrate to warmer regions to avoid the harsh winter months. During the summer, it’s a great place to enjoy the sunshine and the warm weather, and a trip to this quaint Himachal Pradesh village is definitely worth it. For a quick getaway, you can visit Chhitkul by car or train.
Chitkul is a small village in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh that is possibly the last village that lies close to the Indo-China border. Its simple wooden roofs, surrounded by snow, and 500-year-old god add to its allure. It is one of the top places to visit in Himachal. Chitkul is located just 26 kilometers north of Sangla. Book Maharajas Express
The road to Chitkul is well-maintained and follows the crest of the mountains and glides through many valleys. The scenery is spectacular and the food is reasonably priced, but the isolation isn’t ideal during winter. You can expect to spend a full day exploring this valley. But keep in mind that you can’t go back to the town of Chitkul in the winter months. Book Holiday Packages in India
While Chitkul is open all year round, the best time to visit is in the pre-winter season. Between September and October, temperatures range from around five to twenty degrees Celsius. The road closes after the first snow falls, so make sure you plan your trip accordingly. However, it can still be a bit chilly in October, and temperatures in Chitkul can drop to – 20 degrees.
Suggested Tour Itineraries
- Himachal Tour Packages
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- Golden Triangle Tour with Himachal
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3. Kasauli
Kasauli is a small hill town in Himachal Pradesh, home to colonial-era colonial houses, orchards, and the green-roofed Christ Church, dating from the mid-19th century. From the hilltop town, you can walk along the Gilbert Nature Trail through a bird-rich, lush landscape. It is also a great place to catch a glimpse of the surrounding Himalayas.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities during the winter months while the temperature remains pleasant. The town also boasts the oldest distillery in Asia, the Kasauli Brewery. There are tours available to tour the distillery and sample the drinks produced there. You can also learn about the history of brewing beer in Kasauli by visiting the Solan Brewery.
Another famous Himachal hill station is Dharamshala. This small town is home to the Dalai Lama and is a wonderful blend of Tibetan and Kangra culture. While you’re in Dharamshala, you should also consider a trip to Kasauli and Solan. The two hill towns are known for their breathtaking views, charming villages, and thriving farming industries.
Christ Church is a significant historical landmark in Kasauli and is a popular destination for tourists during their sightseeing tours. It was built in 1844 and has Gothic architecture. Its cemetery is nearby. Visitors can even buy a souvenir at the Christ Church’s gift shop. While you’re in Kasauli, don’t forget to pay a visit to Christ Church and Kasauli Baptist Church.
4. Shimla
If you’re looking for a vacation destination in the foothills of the Himalayas, look no further than Shimla. Once the summer capital of British India, Shimla is a picturesque hill station that’s surrounded by soaring mountain peaks. It’s also the terminus of the narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway, which was completed in 1903. While in Shimla, you’ll want to check out the handicraft shops that line The Mall. You’ll find many handmade wooden crafts and toys at the Lakkar Bazaar, a local market.
Another cultural attraction is the state museum on Mount Pleasant. Located in a colonial-style building with sprawling lawns, this museum is a must-see during your stay in Shimla. It contains a rich collection of art, including sculptures, paintings, and handicrafts. The museum is also home to the offices of the Indian government. While you’re in town, don’t forget to check out the Himachal state museum!
Another place to visit in Shimla is the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, which was once a five-story building designed by Henry Irwin. It’s now a miniature golf course, but it was a popular spot for sports and social gatherings during the Colonial era. You’ll also find a beautiful amphitheater here and an exhibition hall here. This is one of the Top Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh
Suggested Tour Packages
- Punjab and Himachal Tour
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- Golden Triangle Tour with Manali
- Golden Triangle Tour with Shimla
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- Manali Rohtang Kullu Tour from Delhi
- Golden Triangle Tour with Yoga at Rishikesh
5. Kinnaur
A picturesque mountain region, Kinnaur is one of the twelve districts of Himachal Pradesh. The district is divided into three administrative areas and six tehsils. Its district headquarters are located in Reckong Peo. Visitors to the district can hike up to Kinnaur Kailash, which is the highest mountain peak in the state. This majestic peak has enthralled visitors for centuries.
This mountainous region offers scenic mountain views, meandering rivers, and a lush valley. The region is home to a variety of food crops, including barley, wheat, peas, and black peas. While camping in Kinnaur, visitors can sample local cuisine, which includes dishes based on the mountain’s indigenous foods. The region is also home to several ancient temples and numerous adventure activities.
Getting to Kinnaur is simple. The nearest airports are in Shimla and Chandigarh. You can either take a connecting flight or drive on the state’s highways. There are several state-owned buses that run from Shimla to Kinnaur. If you want to take a bus, there are several options for transporting your family and friends.
The Chitkul district of Himachal Pradesh has a quaint village, called Chitkul. It is the last inhabited village in the region and is near the Indo-China border. This mountain town has scenic landscape and serene vibe. At an altitude of 3,600 metres, the area is ideal for hiking and trekking. The mountains surrounding Chitkul are majestic and the sunrise is a spectacular sight to witness.
6. Losar- one of the Top Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh
If you love nature and hiking, Losar is one of the top places to see in Himachal Pradesh. It is a picturesque mountain village with plenty of unexplored scenic spots. You can trek to the summit of Mount Manaslu or spend time exploring the village’s quaint shops. The town is renowned for its natural beauty and is a popular tourist destination. Losar also has many hotspots for Losar, including monasteries.
Located near the confluence of the Peeno and Losar streams, Losar is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and trekkers alike. This pristine region has breathtaking views and unspoiled, undeveloped villages. Losar is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, and you can enjoy the untouched beauty of the area without a care in the world.
If you love outdoor activities, Losar is a wonderful place to visit. In winter, you can try a sledding adventure where you slide downhill on a sled! If you want to get a glimpse of the wildlife, there’s also a Himalayan Nature Park on the outskirts of town. Visitors will be delighted by the variety of flora and fauna that live in this park. The park is open to the public all year long, so you can enjoy it no matter what the weather is doing outside!
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten path adventure in Himachal Pradesh, you might want to consider the town of Kaza. At an altitude of over 5300 feet, this quaint mountain village is a 30 minute trek from Kasol. It is home to majestic pine trees and a mountain range covered in snow. From here, you’ll be greeted with views of countless mountains.