There are only a few places on earth which can boast of nature, culture and spirituality all in one place. And when we talk of gorgeous mountains possessing a unique charisma with pious shrines, waterfalls and enigmatic meadows, Himachal Pradesh in India certainly comes to mind. Landlocked between Jammu and Kashmir to the north, Tibetan plateau to the west, and Punjab to the east, the state of Himachal Pradesh has been playing host to nature lovers and explorers since time eternal. The fascinating landscape presents an enchanting locale of mighty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, flowery meadows, misty woods, flowing icy rivers, glaciers, shimmering lakes, spectacular waterfalls and enthralling lakes. Certainly the raw natural beauty is manifested in one of the most charismatic ways in the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh luring tourists not only nationally but also internationally.
Himachal Pradesh is a scenic abode to witness the pristine landscapes, an adventure lover’s paradise and one of the most popular pilgrimage places in India. Explore the picturesque valleys of Kullu, Kinnaur and Kangra or engage in a trek through the barren terrains of Lahaul and Spiti. Revel in the deep influences of Buddhist and Tibetan culture in Dharamshala or visit the world famous Hindu shrines. The colorful tradition has often lent the name of ‘Dev Bhoomi’ translating to ‘Abode of Gods’ to Himachal as it hosts various places of worship for people of varied religions. Around 2000 gods and goddesses are worshipped in Himachal and numerous festivals are celebrated in their honor. Some of the most interesting festivals and fairs celebrated in Himachal are Phulaich/Flaich, Dussehra, Navratras, Rakhi, Chrewal, Lavi Fair, Minjar Mela, Winter Carnival, etc. Himachal offers a lot to shopping lovers who can hang around the markets and find the most exquisite Tibetan carpets and handicrafts, shawls, preserves and pickles, toys, wooden articles, semi precious jewelry and baskets. A heaven for adventure seekers, Himachal offers the perfect atmosphere for trekking, mountaineering, skiing, hiking, Heli-skiing, and ice skating. Other famous sports which are practiced in Himachal Pradesh are archery, paragliding, hang gliding, camping, mountain cycling, rafting etc. So start packing your bags and embark on a trip to best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh and experience the true serenity that defines this incredible tourist destination. Explore Himachal Pradesh tour packages to experience the lush green beauty.
Rohtang Pass is quite famous among Ladakh travelers but the unpredictable avalanche and severe climatic conditions make it scary some times. Nonetheless, it had made adventure seekers’ tour of Ladakh mind-blowing. A high mountain pass at an elevation of 3978 meters above the sea level, Rohtang is just 51 km from Manali. It is a part of the proud Pir Panjal Range of the mighty Himalayas and it is one of the Kullu famous places.
Perched at a staggering altitude of 4200 meters above sea level, you have to witness the unparalleled beauty of Chandratal to believe it. A sanctuary from the lightning fast city life, this lake is slowly becoming one of the most attractive tourist places in Spiti valley. With the spellbinding backdrop of majestic mountains and meadows covered with gorgeous wildflowers, the lake is the perfect place to click Instagram worthy pictures.
The Ridge of Shimla, located in Himachal Pradesh, India, is a beautiful and lively area that attracts visitors from far and wide. It's a spacious open space situated high in the hills, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
One of the best things about the Ridge is the breathtaking scenery. Whether it's green hills in the summer or snow-covered peaks in the winter, the views are always spectacular. You can take a leisurely walk along the Ridge and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
The Ridge is also famous for its old buildings, many of which were built during the colonial era. These buildings add to the charm of Shimla and tell stories of its past. You can see impressive structures like the Christ Church and the Gaiety Theater.
There are places where you need to take out travel permits and Permissions, especially on the trekking routes. Hence, make sure that you have all of it in place.
Himachal Pradesh is a tourist hotspot and hence, there are chances that you might encounter few scammers. Make sure that you do not talk to strangers and get all your procedures done through authorized travel agents.
Make sure that you check the weather predictions of the days when you are going to travel and carry clothing according. It rains unpredictably in Himachal Pradesh and hence, carrying rain gear is important.
There are many incidences in Himachal where trekkers get lost on their routes. Hence, carry a map with you and follow a prescribed trekking route and avoid exploring where there is no route to trek, as it can be dangerous and life hazardous as well.
Roads in Himachal Pradesh are declared to be one of the most dangerous driving routes worldwide. Hence, if you are driving by yourself, take extra care and watch the road width carefully. Also, make sure that your car is properly serviced.
There are hundreds of hotels and hostels at every holiday destination in Himachal Pradesh and hence, make sure that you review the hotel where you plan to stay, from a verified travel forum.
Have all the emergency numbers like hospitals, police, and road safety numbers written down with you.
The legal drinking age in state of Himachal Pradesh is 18 years of age for all types of alcoholic drinks.
The best time to visit Himachal is during the month of March to June when the sky opens up to bright blue colours. The temperature during this time hovers around 20 degree C in the day time, with a drop at night.
If you are travelling by air then you can then you can take a flight from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chandigarh to Jubbarhatti Airport in Kullu, Bhuntar Airport in Shimla and Gaggal Airport in Kangra.
If you are planning to travel by road then you can take a cab or a bus from all the major destinations. It is very well connected by roads. There are also bus services organized by the State Government from major cities like Kashmir, Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh.
If you are palnning to travel by train then the best option for you is to take the train to Kalka Railway Station, located approximately 90 kilometers away from Shimla. From here you can opt for travelling by road or take the toy train (A UNESCO World Heritage) while enjoying the amazing beauty of the region.
For those of you who are looking for some amazing treks in Himachal Pradesh then the following treks are a must visit for you.
For those of you who are looking for some thrilling winter trek in Himachal Pradesh this will definitely quench your thirst. Offering some of the best landscape these treks are something which you should try at least once.
Some of the best summer trek s which you should do in Himachal Pradesh are:
There are many of you who are might want to head out for some trek. But if you are a beginner you might have few doubts in your mind. Well then guys check out these treks which will definitely make your day. Some of the treks for beginners in Himchal are:
Yes, absolutely Himachal Pradesh is one of the most safest and the beautiful places in India which you should visit.
As we know Himachal is a very beautiful destination there are a lot of places which you should visit while you are here. Some of the places are: Shimala, Manali, Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Dharamshala, Kasol, Kullu, Chmaba,Kangra, Kasauli etc.
While you are visiting Himachal Pradesh indulge in some adventurous activities. Trekking, Monastery visit, Hand Gliding, Visit to Tea factory, Vehicle Safari, Camping etc.
Well for the adventure seekers there are a lot of things you can do in Himachal Pradesh like, River Rafting, Paragliding, Mountain Cycling, Skiing, Angling, Heli Skiing etc.
Now, most of you might be very much excited to try the amazing paragliding activity in Himachal Pradesh. For this, you can visit Bir-Billing in Kangra for a perfect place where the paragliding world cup takes place, Solang valley Near Manali, Bundle Dhar Near Bilaspur which are the main points for paragliding.
Click here to know more about best paragliding tours in Manali, you can fly like a bird and land to the foot of the hills and enjoy the thrilling view of the hills all over you!
Click here to know more about best camping tours in Bir-Billing.
For those of you who are looking for some skiing adventure in Himachal Pradesh then you can visit Solang Valley, Kufri and Narkanda
When its about rafting in Himachal Pradesh nothing can be a better place than this. If you are looking for some adventure there the head out to Bias River Manali, Spiti River in Spiti valley, Sutlej near Shimla, Ravi near Chamba and Chandra in Lahaul.
Some of the most amazing and famous treks in Manali are:
For those of you who are looking for some famous treks in and around McLeoadGanj you can try these famous treks:
Not just for adventure seekers or adults Himachal also has a lot of places for your kids. Some of the best must visit places for kids here are:
Yes, there are wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh. Some of them are:
Beas Kund is a moderate trek. During the trek there will be few paths which might be a bit difficult as you will be climbing up the mountains. You will be trekking to a height of 14,000ft. For this trek you will need around 7 days 6 nights.
The cost for Hampta Pass Trek will be around Rs 9,780 per adulut. The level of difficulty will be from easy to moderate.
Kasol is located at a distance of 75.2 km from Manali. Kasol is a tiny village in the in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It will take around 2- 3 hours to reach Kasol by road. There are buses, which run from Manali to Kasol everyday and it takes around 5 hours to complete the journey by bus.
Spiti Valley is known for offereing some of the most beautiful sights to the people who have travelled here. Those who are looking for some fun and adventure then this is definitely the place one must visit. Spiti valley is located at a distance of 196.9 kms.
Bhrigu Lake Trek is another beautiful trek in Himachal Pradesh. It is in the upper Kullu Valley based in the eastern side of the famous Rohtang pass. Nestled at an altitude of 14,000 this lake offers some of the most fascinating sights. The Bhrigu Lake Trek is a moderate trek.
Another fascinating trek is Chanderkhani Pass Trek and its difficulty level is moderate. The cost for this trek will be around Rs 5500 to Rs 9900.
Known as the crown jewel of Dharamshala this is another fascinating trek which you should go for. This trek is located at just few kilometers away from Dharamshala.6 km from Dharamshala.
The best time to visit Kareri Lake is during the month of May – June & September – October. During this time the temperature remains remains warm and sunny (12-20 °C) during the day, while the night temperature could be in minus (-2 to 6 °C).
If you are a beginner then Kheerganag Tresi is a bit difficult trek. The trek can be dangerous while trekking through the waterfall crossings. The best time to head out for this trek is between the months of May and November when the weather is pleasant and favorable.
Parashar Lake is surrounded by the Dhauladhar ranges in Kullu Valley and is a beautiful lake. The difficulty level is easy.
Ladakh is located at a distance of 490 km. It will take around 2 days from Manali to Leh.
The route map is: Manali – Rohtang – Gramphu – Kokhsar – Keylong – Jispa – Darcha – Zingzingbar – Baralacha La – Bharatpur – Sarchu – Gata Loops – Nakee La – Lachulung La – Pang - Tanglang La – Gya - Upshi - Karu – Leh
Malana Village Trek is an easy trek and is located at an altitude of 3360 Meters. Malana is located at a distance of 83.2 km from Manali.
When you are visiting this amazing destination then there are a lot of things to do here which you should definitely try. Some of them are:
As we know that Shimls is another beautiful destination in Himachal Pradesh. There are a lot of places which you must visit while you are vacationing in this destination. Some of the places you should visit here are:
While you are visiting one of the most adventurous destination in the world there are a lot of thing you would want to do. As for the adventure seekers this destination is a haven. For those of you who are looking for some fun and adventure then you should definitely try these activities in Manali. Some of them are:
Most of you might be wandering where to visit in Manali while you are heading out to this destination for the first time. Some of the must see attractions of Manali which you should definitely visit are:
As we know that the mountains have a lot to offer in Himachal Pradesh, Dhramashala is another beautiful location here. Some of the treks which are very famous here are:
Himachal Pradesh is said to have the best honeymoon locations in India. This time if you are looking for some places in Himachal Pradesh then you must definitely check out these amazing destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Some of them are:
Kheerganga Trek Distance is around 12-13 Kms regardless of the route that you take. It is snuggled in the lap of the Parvati valley and is interspersed with Dhabas that serve delectable food. The trek starts from Barshaini, which is a picturesque hamlet located near Kasol. It takes about 5 to 6 hours to complete the entire trekking journey.
You will tread through the lush green foliage of trees and the Parvati river during your journey. Once you cover the Kheerganga Trek Distance and reach the top of it, you’ll have to check into the allotted camps.
Best time to take up Kheerganga Trek
The best time to cover Kheerganga Trek Distance is from April to June & September to November when the temperature is moderate, and the valley is dotted with lush greenery all around. You should, however, avoid taking up the trek from July to August (monsoon season) as frequent rains make the region prone to landslide and road blockage.
Fitness level required for Kheerganga Trek
You need to have good endurance and fitness levels to maneuver the tricky trails of Kheerganga Trek. Start preparing two weeks before you plan to cover Kheerganga Trek Distance. You can do brisk walks, jogging, and cardiovascular exercises to build the endurance level of your knees, arms, and thighs.
The difficulty level of the trek
Kheerganga is a moderate to easy level trek that can be taken up by those who have some prior experience in trekking through the hilly regions. It is not very suitable for the beginners as you’ll have to cross meadows dotted with colorful blooms, rocky terrains, hot sulfur springs, and cascading waterfalls in the Parvati Valley.
How to reach
The nearest railhead is Joginder Railway Station, from where you can take a cab or taxi to reach Kasol. To reach Kheerganga from Kasol, you need to reach Barshaini first. Many buses ply to and from Kasol to Barshaini in every 30 minutes.
Located at a height of around 2,956 metres or 9,700 feet above the sea level, the Kheerganga Trek is amongst the most beautiful treks in Himachal Pradesh, in addition to being a natural paradise. This trek is a short, easy trek, which is great even for beginners.
The total distance covered during the Kheerganga Trek is around 26 kilometres, with the terrain boasting of a gentle ascent and descent all through the way. From the maximum Kheerganga Trek Height, you can catch panoramic views of the surrounding valley, as well as other places of attraction.
Situated in the holy Parvati Valley, Kheerganga is known for its hot springs, and is a great spot for camping and spending the weekend amidst the lush green nature. To reach Kheerganga, one must trail through numerous small waterfalls, all inside a verdant coniferous forest.
Difficulty Level and best time:
Even though the maximum Kheerganga Trek Height is around 2,956 metres above the sea level, the difficulty of the trek ranges from easy to moderate, making it doable for both beginners as well as experienced trekkers. It can be easily done by children as well. While the months between March to June are the best time to do this trek, you can also visit Kheerganga between November and December.
Experience The Culture Of Himachal During The Trek:
The Kheerganga Trek Height of almost 3,000 metres, also takes you through the old, but serene Nakhtan and Rudra Nag villages along the way. This is where you can experience the rich local culture of Himachal Pradesh, while indulging in local dishes and interacting with the friendly locals.
While beginning your climb to reach the maximum Kheerganga Trek Height, you can also witness the splendid Rudra Nag waterfall, and rejuvenate for some time here. With crystal clear, cool waters, shepherds with their flocks of sheep and a tranquil ambience surrounding you, the trek to Kheerganga is a beautiful, dreamy experience.
Points To Note While Doing The Kheerganga Trek:
1. Instead of purchasing bottled water, keep a bottle and refill it at the natural springs on the Ashram and the waterfall during the trek.
2. Practise walking, climbing the stairs and yoga on a regular basis, in addition to drinking lots of water and sleeping for at least 8 hours daily, to remain active and physically fit during the trek.
3. Always keep dry snacks, energy bars and sugar-filled items to provide you with energy during the trek.
The Triund Trek Height is around 9500ft above sea level, and it is located in the Lower Himalayas in the Dhauladhar ranges. Situated at such a great height, the views from the top will not fail to mesmerize you with the spell-binding beauty of the entire valley.
The Triund Trek Height of the snowline, i.e., 4 km ahead of Triund, is 3350m; 10000ft. It is a one-day trek, and the difficulty level is considered to be easy to medium. The Triund trek has undulating and steep paths and well-defined trails that traverse through the forests of oak trees and green rhododendron.
The trek stretches over 10 kilometers, where the first four kilometers is an easy trail, and the last two kilometers have steep, sharp bends that make trekking through them a bit tough. There are twenty-two curves in the road because of which the trail is also called ‘22 curves’.
How to reach Triund Trek
The base camp for the Triund trek is Dharamkot, which is a small village near McLeodganj. Dharamkot is located around two kilometers from McLeodganj, and it is a short twenty-five-minute walk from the bus stand. You can also Triund by Public Transport from Delhi
Fitness level
Considering the Triund Trek Height and elevation level, you should have good stamina and fitness level. Focus on enhancing the stamina of your legs, shoulders, back, arms, and abdominal muscles. You also need to boost your aerobic fitness considering the Triund Trek Height as you’ll have to withstand the low presence of oxygen in such a high altitude.
Best time to take up Triund Trek
March to the end of June(Summer) is considered to be the best time to take up Triund Trek as the weather remains delightful, and there is no rainfall or snow, making the paths difficult to traverse. You should however avoid taking up the trek between January and February as there is frequent and heavy rainfall during this time of the year.
The total distance of the Triund Trek, also known as one of the easiest Himalayan treks, is around 10 kilometres. Located at an elevation of 2,828 metres at the foot of the majestic Dhauladhar mountain ranges, Triund is a small hamlet overlooking the scenic Kangra Valley
It is also known as the heart of McLeodGanj and Dharamshala, which is the starting point of this trek. Great to enjoy over the weekend, with friends and family, this trek is a short one, filled with steep climbs and beautiful sweet-smelling rhododendron flowers and oak trees. The trek primarily has two starting points, namely Dharamkot and McLeod Ganj. The latter is the commonly chosen starting point of the trek, and the distance from McLeodGanj to Triund is around 10 kilometres.
About The Triund Trek:
The 10-kilometre Triund Trek Distance takes you through many small villages, where you can soak in the cool mountain breeze. While on one hand, you can catch majestic views of the Himalayas, on the other, you can see the entire Kangra Valley. During the night, you can also camp under the stars, while enjoying a small bonfire with your group of trekkers.
Time Taken To Cover The Triund Trek Distance:
The trekking distance of 10 kilometres ranges from easy to moderate, thereby making it an easy trek even for beginners and first-time trekkers. The trail is complete with gradual to steep ascents and easy descents. The entire Triund Trek Distance, from the base camp to the top, can be covered in around 4 to 6 hours.
Difficulty Of The Triund Trek:
The 10-kilometre Triund Trek Distance comprises gradual, steep ascents and easy descents. The entire terrain is easy, scenic and doable by all kinds of trekkers. While the first five kilometres of the trek are simple, easy to do and not quite undulating, it is the final kilometre which is steeper than the rest, and requires extra time to trail. During this part of the trek, the trail is steep, and trekkers need to walk sturdily. This stretch of the trek is popularly known as 22 Curves, because of the 22 sharp curves that you get en route.
Maximum Altitude Of The Triund Trek:
The maximum altitude of the Triund Trek is at its peak, situated at an elevation of around 9,432 feet from the sea level. It is from here that you can get stunning views of the Dhauladhar mountains, Kangra Valley and the dense deodar, pine and oak forests.
Places To Visit During Triund Trek:
In addition to experiencing stunning views of the forest and snow-capped mountains, you can also visit some nearby places on your trek to Triund. Some of these include the serene Bhagsu Falls, which is a popular sightseeing attraction, known for its gushing white waterfall. The home of the Dalai Lama, the Namgyal Monastery, also falls on the way to Triund, where you can learn a lot about the Tibetan culture and beliefs. You can also pay a visit to the holy Gallu Devi and Guna Devi temples.