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.
Domestic flights are operational to all the airports of Himachal Pradesh from other corners of the country.
Rail services are functional from all major cities to the railway stations of Himachal Pradesh.
Local transport services, like taxis, autos and buses are functioning in the state.
The government of Himachal Pradesh has taken several steps to curb the spread of Covid-19 while allowing travellers and tourists to visit the state. Thrillophilia recommends you follow all guidelines and safety measures issued by the government and practice personal hygiene to keep yourself safe.
The new highlights specify that Himachal Pradesh has started the procedure of Unlocking in which markets will partially open
As per the MHA’s guidelines, a night curfew in Himachal Pradesh has been imposed between 9 p.m to 5 a.m.
The Volvo bus service are running with reduced capacity in Himachal. Tourists can now travel to Himachal from Chandigarh and Delhi by Volvo buses.
All airports in Himachal Pradesh have begun functioning domestic flights. However, all tourists are required to present a negative RT-PCR test report.
Inter-state travel to Himachal require a Covid-19 negative certificate. However, if the report is negative, there is no need for home/ institutional quarantine.
Apart from Khardung La or Baralacha La, Ladakh has numerous other passes at great heights which stand as Ladakh’s pride for centuries now. The glitters of other passes may be diminished by Khardung La mainly but all the other passes are equally important. Lachulung La is a single example. The elevation of this pass is 5059 meters above sea level which is considered to be a dangerously exciting height for any pass after Khardung La. Lachulung La is on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Also, it separates the valleys of Tsarap Chu and Tozay. If you take Leh-Manali highway, you will be able to cross this pass that has other names such as Lachalung La, Lungalacha La etc. A fact that to be remembered before you head to visit this pass is, it is open only for four and a half months during summer. Any traveler should be prepared not to fall sick during the conquering of Lachulung La because its geographic status, the height, the rugged pathways and the remote villages it goes through may cause dramatic influence on your body. Being one of the most adventurous passes in Ladakh, Lachulung is a favorite stop avid adventure lovers. Also, the surroundings are quite fictional as the towering Himalayan passes and the nature lying in correspondence to them are creating soothing visuals. Trekkers should be very careful while climbing the altitude up as altitude sickness is assured at the top and keep hydrated to maintain your body conditions with respect to the climate. But the descent is smooth and easy so that you will feel overjoyed till the end.Height: 5059 metersBest time to visit: May to October How to reach: Take Leh-Manali highway, from Sarchu 54 KM and from Pang, 24 KM
As important as the other major passes in Jammu and Kashmir, Nakee La situated at an elevation of 4769 meters above the sea level is a potent competition to Khardung La and similar ones in terms of adventure. On the Leh-Manali Highway, from Manali to Taglang La is Nakee La and it is the third pass among the five passes that to be crossed during the travel from Manali to Leh. The previous travelers shared the experience of driving down the pass was quite dramatic; the expert drivers also find it challenging to steer past the uneven, rugged and off-road paths. But the traversing time would be filled with excitement and thrill if you really love adventure at its level best. The frequent sections of ice are another impediment during the journey as well as avalanche, heavy snowfalls etc can be expected anytime making the process of crossing the pass difficult. The climate is very dry over here and the harsh cold conditions make the pass a challenge to overcome for many. 21 Gata loops is a repeatedly heard word during the tour of Leh and the ascent to Nakee La is known in the special name. One have to overcome the 23 km ascent that starts from 4250 meters to 4980 meters conquering the 21 tricky hairpin bends. There is also a rumor you can hear about the pass is that the pass is haunted by a ghost of a tourist who was buried here.Height: Nakee La is located at an elevation of 4769 meters above the sea level.Location: Nakee La is located on the famous Leh-Manali National Highway. While you travel from Manali to Leh, you would come across Nakee La.Best time to go: The summer is the best time to visit Nakee La since during winter there would be heavy snowfall and landslide.
Located close to India’s eye-catching Spiti river in the Spiti Valley, the Key Monastery is one of the must-visit places in Himachal Pradesh. Also known as the Kye Gompa or Ki and Kee Monastery, the spectacular Tibetan Buddhist Monastery is located on a picturesque hilltop at an altitude of 4,166 meters above the sea level. The 1000-year-old monastery which dates back to 1100 CE is also the largest in Lahaul and Spiti district of India. The magnificent Key Monastery is believed to have been established by Dromtön (Brom-ston, 1008-1064 CE) who was a student of Atisha, a famous teacher of the 11th century. Home to around 250-300 Lamas, who are spiritual leaders in Tibetan Buddhism, the stunning monastery serves as a fully-functional religious training ground for Lamas run by a Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhist monks. The historic monastery with a breathtaking architecture will leave you spellbound with a resemblance to fantasy fiction.Surrounded by beautiful snow-capped Himalayas and glaciers, the monastery is visited by thousands of devotees and tourists from all over the world who come here to seek tranquility and inner peace. The pristine location of the monastery with gorgeous villages covered in snow and long winding roads will give you an unforgettable experience.As you step inside this amazing monastery, you will notice its beautiful walls which are covered with murals and paintings depicting the 14th-century monastic architecture, influenced by Chinese culture. It is also popular for its rare manuscripts, unique wind instruments, Buddha idols and a marvelous collection of weapons to ward off attackers and protect the monastery. With a fascinating history behind its emergence, the Key Monastery survived many attacks by the Mongols. Nevertheless, in the year 2000, it witnessed a grand celebration of completing 1000 years in the esteemed presence of the Dalai Lama.
Established in the year 1984, this is one of the biggest national parks located very close to Kullu. It is considered as UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers a total area of 1171 square kilometers. You can go for all kinds of trekking experience here. The mountain trails offer all types of difficulties for amateur, average and experienced trekkers. The trekking experience will leave you awestruck. This park is considered as one of the most idyllic tourism places in Kullu to visit and enjoy a trek. There are a lot of things that can be enjoyed in this Great Himalayan Park. You can even enjoy here the perks of ultimate camping experience in KulluFood is prepared using firewood in the campsite by the authorities and provided to the campers. You just can carry some snacks to have on your way. The special guidance is provided by the Himalayan National Park guides and trek planners so that your trip runs smoothly. The authority of Great Himalayan National park takes various measures to make the trip wonderful for the visitors. Visiting the park is a great experience for tourists of all ages. The calm atmosphere at night with a crystal clear sky showcasing the stars of Milky Way will take your breath away. Location: Kullu District, Shamshi, Himachal Pradesh, 175126. Distance Between Kullu Bus Stand and Great Himalayan National Park: The distance Between Kullu Bus Stand and Great Himalayan National Park is 51.9 km. Opening and Closing Times: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Raghunath Ji is the chief deity of Kullu and the Raghunath Temple is one of the most famous places to visit in Kullu. Raghunath is another name of Lord Rama and the temple is dedicated to him. It is one of the oldest temples present in Himachal Pradesh. The high-rise temple is present on a hillock and provides visitors with the magnificent view of the valley. The compound of the temple is huge. It covers the entire peak of the hillock. The temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh in the 17th century. It is a mix of both pyramidal and Himachali style of architecture.Raja Jagat Singh built this temple as an apology for all the sins he has committed in his lifetime. According to the mythology, it has been believed that the idol of Raghunath in this temple was used by Lord Rama in the Ashwemedha Yaga. The idol was brought from Ayodhya and has been established here. There are a lot of stories around this temple and you can hear them from the guides who are present in the temple. The temple is a beautiful piece of ancient architecture and is one of its kinds.Location: Near Post office, Sultan Pur, Himachal Pradesh, 228001.Distance Between Kullu Bus Stand and Raghunath Temple: The distance Between Kullu Bus Stand and Raghunath Temple is 600 meters and it takes merely two minutes for the transportation.
Popularly known as the trekker's paradise, Chandratal Lake is reckoned as the most charismatic lake situated in the laps of Himalayas. This enticing lake is perched on the Samudra Tapu plateau which lies in close proximity to Chandra river. Situated at an altitude of 4300 meters, Chandratal offers the most splendid views of the Spiti region. The lake is crescent-shaped, and that is how it got its name. If you are looking for a perfect blend of adventure and laidback holidays, there could not be a better site to kickstart your journey than Chandratal. The road to Chandratal lake takes you through treacherous trails of Batal which will set your adrenaline pumping. On your way, you will also get to climb the glaciers between Kunzum pass and Rohtang Pass. This mesmerizing site has much folklore attached to itself but what lures its visitors is its turquoise blue water, majestic mountains and serene surroundings which make it an apt place for camping. Sprawled over an area of 2.5 kilometers, Chandratal sees a massive influx of travelers during the summer months. In the winter months, this place majorly remains in the bucket list of adventure enthusiasts who want to push past their limits.
Kullu has a huge history in its sack. It also homes one of the most beautiful temples in India. Bijli Mahadev Temple stands out from all the other temples due to its serenity and scenic beauty. It is located at a height of 2460 m above the sea level. This temple is a “Kash” style temple in which Lord Shiva is in the form of Shiva Lingam. The temple can be reached easily after crossing the Beas River. It is located 22 km away from Kullu. The higher ground surrounding the temple offers a panoramic view of the Paravati and Kullu valley. The glistening 60 feet staff of Bijli Mahadev is visible from a very long distance. Legend says that this temple gets struck by lightning every year. This is why the temple is named after lightning. The lightning distorts the position of the Shiva Linga. The priest of the temple attaches it again using sattoo and butter as an adhesive. To reach this temple, you will have to perform a 3 km moderately difficult trek uphill. It is an easy trek for the younger persons. Distance from Kullu Bus Stand to Bijli Mahadev Temple: The distance from Kullu Bus Stand to Bijli Mahadev Temple is 5.6 km.Location: Kashawri, Himachal Pradesh, 175138.Opening Timings: The temple follows the opening and closing timings of other temples usually.Click here to check out a variety of things to do in Kullu! It has a plethora of options to satiate the adventure rush of tourists.
Suraj Tal also known as Surya Taal, is a divine lake surrounded by breathtaking valleys and splendid mountains. It lies beneath the Bara-lacha-la pass in Lahaul Spiti valley and is known to originate from Bhaga tributary of Chandrabhaga river. This magnificent lake has been entitled as the 21st highest lakes across the world and third highest lake in India. It is also revered as the lake of Sun God, and it is believed that you can cleanse yourself from all the sins by taking a dip in this sacred lake. During winters the beauty of this lake completely enhances as the mountains surrounding it gets covered by layers of snow, and it seems not less than a heavenly abode. The regions surrounding it are mostly uninhabited as the climatic conditions prevailing here are akin to those in the Polar region. This lake is not only a scenic paradise for nature lovers and a blissful treat for the divine souls, but it is also a hotspot for trekking and motorcycling enthusiasts. The most prominent reason why this lake has gained immense popularity is that this lake comes en-route of the Manali-Leh path, which is extremely renowned for bike trips and trekking. It also encompasses Baralacha-La-Pass on the way that is the commencement spot for various thrilling treks. The motorcyclists and adventure lovers often stop at Suraj Tal to give a break to their journey, and they set camps over here for a pleasant stay. This sacred and stunningly beautiful lake is also a dream for every photographer as the scenic beauty prevailing over here seems to be something straight out of a storybook.
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.
- Relax And Pamper Yourself In A Luxurious Hotel: Book a luxurious suite in a popular resort for your honeymoon stay so that you will get a chance to pamper your partner with the best ever services. You can think of enjoying a couple massages or else you can just warm up snuggling in each other's arms. The mountain views offered here are perfect.
- Take Long romantic walks: Taking long and humble walks in Himachal Pradesh after the sunset is something that will give you an everlasting experience. You will get to witness the calm and peaceful surroundings revving up your romance.
- Enjoy camping under the night sky: Camping under the night sky is surely one of the best things that you can try out during your trip. You will get to enjoy some of the best moments in solitude far away from the hustle and bustle of regular life.
- Go shopping: Mall road and Lakkar Bazaar are some of the best places to shop during your honeymoon vacation. You can get trinkets for your lady as well as some hand crafted centre table for your dream house.
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:
