June is almost around the corner! It seems like the perfect time with the ideal temperature to visit a hill station. Are you still pondering about your vacation plan and destination? Then leave it to us. We have the best offbeat places to look out for a breezy, relaxing staycation. Himachal Pradesh it is! Here are our top 10 recommendations of places in Himachal Pradesh:
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1. Malana
Malana is a place that should not be missed, especially for those with a strong passion for history and age-old customs. It is a mysterious place where time seems to stand still. To reach this place, you can trek for 4-5 hours from the nearest roadways of the Jari village. Along the way, you will encounter mountain views that would resemble masterpiece painting.
Top Attractions: Ancient Malana Village, Jamlu Devta Temple
Things To Do: Explore local culture, visit temples
Best Treks Nearby: Malana to Rasol, Malana to Chandrakhani Pass
Best Adventure Activities: Trekking, nature walks
Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
How to Reach: Nearest airport – Bhuntar, nearest railhead – Chandigarh, bus or taxi from Kullu
Hotels: The Lost Tribe Hostel, The Malana Adventure Camp
Cafes and Restaurants: Local Dhabas
2. Tirthan Valley
Named after the Tirthan River, it offers you captivating natural beauty and provides you with rich biodiversity. It is a haven for family tours, as the locals are warm and welcoming. Consider this crowd-free holiday for your bucket list. Chhoie Waterfall and the Rolla Waterfall are the best places for having a picturesque holiday.
Top Attractions: Great Himalayan National Park, Chhoie Waterfall
Things To Do: Fishing, bird watching, nature walks
Best Treks Nearby: Tirthan to Serolsar Lake, Tirthan to Raghupur Fort
Best Adventure Activities: Trekking, river crossing
Best Time to Visit: March to June, October to November
How to Reach: Nearest airport – Bhuntar, nearest railhead – Chandigarh, bus or taxi from Aut
Hotels: Tirthan Valley Stay, Trishla Resort
Cafes and Restaurants: Riverside Café, Trout Valley Café
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3. Kalpa
Kalpa is a beautiful town in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Known for its apple orchards, Kalpa offers stunning views of the Kinnaur Kailash range. The village is serene and less crowded, making it perfect for a peaceful getaway. Visitors can explore ancient temples, such as the Narayan-Nagini Temple, and enjoy the charming wooden architecture. The sunset and sunrise views over the snow-capped peaks are breathtaking. Kalpa is also a great base for trekking and nature walks, offering a mix of adventure and tranquility.
Top Attractions: Kinnaur Kailash, Narayan-Nagini Temple
Things To Do: Explore apple orchards, visit temples
Best Treks Nearby: Kalpa to Roghi Village, Kalpa to Chakka
Best Adventure Activities: Trekking, nature walks
Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to October
How to Reach: Nearest airport – Shimla, nearest railhead – Shimla, bus or taxi from Shimla
Hotels: The Grand Shamba-La, Kalpa Deshang
Cafes and Restaurants: Café 42, The Monk
4. Narkanda
Narkanda is a small hill town located about 60 kilometers from Shimla. It is famous for its apple orchards and skiing slopes in winter. The town offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas. A popular spot is Hatu Peak, where you can trek and enjoy stunning views from the top. Narkanda is ideal for a quiet retreat, with opportunities for nature walks, bird watching, and enjoying the serene mountain atmosphere.
Top Attractions: Hatu Peak, Stokes Farm
Things To Do: Skiing in winter, apple orchard visits
Best Treks Nearby: Narkanda to Hatu Peak, Narkanda to Jau Bagh
Best Adventure Activities: Skiing, trekking
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
How to Reach: Nearest airport – Shimla, nearest railhead – Shimla, bus or taxi from Shimla
Hotels: Tethys Ski Resort, The Wilderness Resort
Cafes and Restaurants: Negi Dhaba, Hatu Restaurant
5. Parvati Valley
Parvati Valley, located in the Kullu district, is known for its natural beauty and serene environment. The valley is surrounded by lush green forests, flowing rivers, and picturesque mountains. Popular spots include Kasol, a small village known for its vibrant culture and delicious food, and Tosh, which offers stunning views and peaceful surroundings. Parvati Valley is perfect for trekking, with trails leading to beautiful places like Kheerganga and Malana. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Top Attractions: Kasol, Tosh, Manikaran Sahib
Things To Do: Hot springs, explore villages
Best Treks Nearby: Kasol to Kheerganga, Tosh to Malana
Best Adventure Activities: Trekking, camping
Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November
How to Reach: Nearest airport – Bhuntar, nearest railhead – Chandigarh, bus or taxi from Bhuntar
Hotels: Parvati Kuteer, The Hosteller Kasol
Cafes and Restaurants: Evergreen Café, Moon Dance Café
6. Kheer Ganga
Kheer Ganga is a beautiful meadow located in the Parvati Valley. It is famous for its hot springs, which offer a relaxing bath after a long trek. The trek to Kheer Ganga is about 12 kilometers and takes you through dense forests, waterfalls, and picturesque landscapes. The meadow itself is surrounded by mountains and offers stunning views. It’s a popular spot for camping, where you can spend the night under the stars and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Top Attractions: Kheer Ganga Hot Springs, Parvati River
Things To Do: Bath in hot springs, camping
Best Treks Nearby: Kheerganga Trek
Best Adventure Activities: Trekking, camping
Best Time to Visit: May to November
How to Reach: Nearest airport – Bhuntar, nearest railhead – Chandigarh, bus or taxi to Barshaini
Hotels: Rudra Guest House, The Alpine Guest House
Cafes and Restaurants: Local Dhabas, Camp Cafes
7. Jalori Pass
Jalori Pass is a high mountain pass located in the Kullu district. It offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges and is a popular spot for trekking and nature walks. The pass is surrounded by lush green meadows and dense forests, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. A popular trek from Jalori Pass is to the Serolsar Lake, which is about 5 kilometers away. The lake is serene and offers a peaceful environment for visitors to enjoy. Jalori Pass is ideal for a day trip or a short trek, offering a refreshing escape into nature.
Top Attractions: Serolsar Lake, Raghupur Fort
Things To Do: Trekking, nature walks
Best Treks Nearby: Jalori Pass to Serolsar Lake, Jalori Pass to Raghupur Fort
Best Adventure Activities: Trekking, bird watching
Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November
How to Reach: Nearest airport – Bhuntar, nearest railhead – Shimla, bus or taxi from Aut
Hotels: Jalori Pass Camps, The Lambari Resort
Cafes and Restaurants: Local Dhabas
8. Shoja
A true photophile would find the best photogenic sunsets amidst the valleys. Shoja offers breathtaking views of the mountains. We advise you to try out delicious local cuisine and cozy homestays. Add the Shoja waterfall to your list to have an offbeat staycation.
Top Attractions: Shoja Waterfall, Tirthan Valley
Things To Do: Nature walks, bird watching
Best Treks Nearby: Shoja to Jalori Pass, Shoja to Raghupur Fort
Best Adventure Activities: Trekking, nature walks
Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November
How to Reach: Nearest airport – Bhuntar, nearest railhead – Shimla, bus or taxi from Aut
Hotels: Banjara Retreat & Cottage, Shoja Homestay
Cafes and Restaurants: Local Dhabas
9. Jibhi
Jibhi is a hidden gem in Himachal Pradesh, offering an untouched and serene environment perfect for nature lovers. Look out for the 360-degree viewpoint at the nearby Jalori Pass, where scenes from the movie “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” were shot. It’s the place for you to have an adventurous trek, accessible after a scenic 3-hour drive. Referred to as “mini-Thailand” due to its lush greenery and quaint charm, Jibhi offers numerous trekking opportunities, picturesque views, and tranquil spots to relax. You can explore the ancient temples, take a dip in the natural pools, and enjoy the hospitality of local homestays. The charming Tirthan Valley is also nearby, offering more chances to immerse yourself in nature. The area is ideal for bird watching, fishing, and simply unwinding in the midst of stunning landscapes. Don’t forget to visit the Jibhi Waterfall, a serene spot perfect for a peaceful day out.
Top Attractions: Jibhi Waterfall, Tirthan Valley
Things To Do: Trekking, bird watching
Best Treks Nearby: Jibhi to Jalori Pass, Jibhi to Serolsar Lake
Best Adventure Activities: Trekking, fishing
Best Time to Visit: March to June, October to November
How to Reach: Nearest airport – Bhuntar, nearest railhead – Chandigarh, bus or taxi from Aut
Hotels: The Hidden Burrow, Jibhi Homestead
Cafes and Restaurants: Mudhouse Experiential Hostel Café, Jibhi Delight Café
10. Bir Billing
Famous for paragliding, it is a paradise for adventurers. It also is home to a Tibetan settlement several Buddhist monasteries and a large stupa. Check out the Gunehar hidden waterfalls, Rajgundha valley, and Sherabling monastery. Find deer adorable? Visit the Deer Park Institute, which offers an opportunity to learn hatha yoga, asanas, and pranayama techniques apart from finding your furry friends!
Top Attractions: Paragliding, Tibetan Monasteries
Things To Do: Paragliding, visit monasteries
Best Treks Nearby: Bir to Billing Trek, Bir to Rajgundha
Best Adventure Activities: Paragliding, trekking
Best Time to Visit: March to June, October to November
How to Reach: Nearest airport – Kangra, nearest railhead – Pathankot, bus or taxi from Dharamshala
Hotels: Colonel’s Resort, The Himalayan Café
Cafes and Restaurants: Garden Café, The Northern Café
Top 5 Most Popular Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh in 2024:-
1. Shimla
The capital and the largest city of Himachal Pradesh has attracted millions of tourists from all over the globe for its enchanting culture. Its colonial invasions are visible in the narrow Kalka-Shimla Railway, completed in 1903 by the Britishers. Its name originated from Goddess Shyamala, a form of Durga Devi. The top tourist sites include Shri Hanuman Mandir, Christ Church, Jakhu Hill, Mall Road, Viceregal Lodge, and a Himalayan bird park to top it.
Top Attractions: Jakhu Temple, Mall Road, Viceregal Lodge
Things To Do: Heritage walks, shopping
Best Treks Nearby: Shimla to Kufri, Shimla to Chail
Best Adventure Activities: Skiing, ice skating
Best Time to Visit: March to June, December to February
How to Reach: Nearest airport – Shimla, nearest railhead – Kalka, bus or taxi from Chandigarh
Hotels: The Oberoi Cecil, Radisson Hotel Shimla
Cafes and Restaurants: Indian Coffee House, Café Simla Times
2. Mandi
Also called ‘Varanasi of the Hills’ or “Choti Kashi” immerse yourself in the rich heritage and culture. You can find the Bhootnath, Triloknath, and Panchvaktara temples related to Lord Shiva. The Panchvaktara temple has survived a recent major flood, making it a worthwhile visit. Include the Pandoh dam, sunken garden, and the photo gallery in your list.
Top Attractions: Bhootnath Temple, Rewalsar Lake
Things To Do: Visit temples, explore lake
Best Treks Nearby: Prashar Lake Trek, Shikari Devi Trek
Best Adventure Activities: Trekking, nature walks
Best Time to Visit: April to October
How to Reach: Nearest airport – Bhuntar, nearest railhead – Joginder Nagar, bus or taxi from Manali
Hotels: Hotel Valley View, Raj Mahal Palace
Cafes and Restaurants: Rajmahal Restaurant, Madra Café
3. Dharamshala
Dharamshala is the home to the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders. If you want to find a offbeat landscape, visit the Naddi Viewpoint. Norbulingka Institute is a specialized art gallery renowned for its dolls and art workshops. It also prides itself on the HPCA stadium, Bhagsu waterfall, Tibetan museum, and Chamunda Nandikeshwar temple. War memorials and archives reveal soldier’s bravery.
Top Attractions: Dalai Lama Temple, Bhagsu Waterfall
Things To Do: Visit monasteries, explore local markets
Best Treks Nearby: Triund Trek, Kareri Lake Trek
Best Adventure Activities: Trekking, paragliding
Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
How to Reach: Nearest airport – Kangra, nearest railhead – Pathankot, bus or taxi from Kangra
Hotels: Fortune Park Moksha, The Divine Hima
Cafes and Restaurants: Illiterati Café, Tibet Kitchen
4. Kullu
Considered the cradle of humankind, Kullu remains the favourite offbeat destination one would look out for. Look out for the pine and apple orchard. For animal lovers, the Great Himalayan National Park is your destination. Trek from Bijli Mahadev through Chanderkhani forest to Rumsu Village for the best route.. The Vaishno Devi, Jagannath, and Raghunath temples are highly sacred places in India
Top Attractions: Great Himalayan National Park, Bijli Mahadev
Things To Do: Visit temples, nature walks
Best Treks Nearby: Tirthan Valley Trek, Kullu to Manikaran
Best Adventure Activities: River rafting, trekking
Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
How to Reach: Nearest airport – Bhuntar, nearest railhead – Chandigarh, bus or taxi from Bhuntar
Hotels: The Himalayan Village, Apple Valley Resort
Cafes and Restaurants: Valentino’s, Sapna Sweets
5. Manali
Looking for adventure and scenery in the same place. The Rohtang pass, snow-covered Solang Valley, Bhrigu Lake, and the charming Hidimba temple offer an exhilarating travel experience. Siyali Mahadev temple and Gadhan Thekkchokling Gampa monastery provide insights into their religious realm. Don’t forget to get yourself some Tibetan handicrafts too!
Top Attractions: Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley
Things To Do: Adventure sports, visit temples
Best Treks Nearby: Hampta Pass Trek, Beas Kund Trek
Best Adventure Activities: Skiing, paragliding, river rafting
Best Time to Visit: April to June, December to February
How to Reach: Nearest airport – Bhuntar, nearest railhead – Chandigarh, bus or taxi from Bhuntar
Hotels: Manuallaya Resort, Johnson Lodge
Cafes and Restaurants: Café 1947, The Johnson’s Café