The mountainous landscape of Himachal Pradesh, at the foot of the Himalayas, is made up of a series of snow-capped valleys and peaks.
It is certainly preferred by the adventurous, but also offers a refreshing escape for those seeking fresh mountain air.
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Contents
Check out the best places in Himachal Pradesh to visit. You’ll find amazing places to visit to your liking.
- Shimla.
- Manali
- The Parvati Valley
- Dalhousie
- Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj
- Palampur
- Andretta
- Bir-Billing
- Spiti
- Great Himalayan National Park
- Jibhi Valley
- Himalayan Golden Triangle
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Shimla : Himachal Pradesh Tourism Places
Shimla was the summer capital during the British east India company occupation in India. Himachal Pradesh is known for its capital now which is Shimla.
The city stretches along a mountainside, surrounded by forests of oak, pine and rhododendron. It is quite famous for its colonial style buildings and historic railway. Some will remain overgrown and crowded to this day. However, he still has charm.
The Old Church of Christ, with its magnificent stained-glass windows, is one of Shimla’s most important landmarks.
Another is the Viceregal Lodge on Observation Hill. These can be seen on a historical walking tour of Shimla. Various extreme sports and short hikes are also offered in the surrounding area.
Sunnymead Bed & Breakfast is the ideal place to stay for those who love peace and great food. The UNESCO Kalka-Shimla Toy Railway Toy Train is an iconic way to get to Shimla from Chandigarh.
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Manali : Himachal Pradesh Tourism Places
Manali, with its calming Himalayan setting, offers a blend of tranquility and adventure that makes it one of the most popular destinations in northern India.
Located in the Kullu Valley, it is a magical place surrounded by a dense pine forest and the raging river Beas, giving it a special energy.
The area is split between the quaint commercial town of Manali and Manali, where visitors congregate in cheap village lodges. Near Manali, the Solang Valley draws crowds to experience the snow.
The Parvati Valley : Himachal Pradesh Tourism Places
At the end of the season in Goa, the psychedelic ecstasy moves more than 8,000 feet above sea level into the forest around Kasol in the Parvati Valley of the Kullu district. The festival is held in Chalal, near Kasol, from late May to October.
To get there, take a 30-minute walk from Kasol, cross the cable car suspension bridge over the Parvati River, then follow the scenic riverside path to the village. Two of the biggest events are the Parvati Pilities and the Magica Festival.
However, Parvati Valley is not all about parties. Another attraction near Kasol is Manikaran, with its hot springs and huge riverbank Sikh Gurudwara.
The area has something to do with nature lovers and hikers alike. Discover more details in our pick of the best places to visit in the Parvati Valley.
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Dalhousie : Himachal Pradesh Tourism Places
Dalhousie is less crowded than Shimla and Manali, and the surrounding Chamba Valley is a less explored part of Himachal Pradesh. If you are looking for breathtaking views then Dalhousie is the place to find them.
Spread across five hills at the foot of the Dhauladhar Mountains, the city takes its name from its founder Lord Dalhousie.
It bears the distinct character of the British Raj with 19th-century churches and hotels reminiscent of that era.
Kalatope Wildlife Sanctuary is just located near from Dalhousie by few drives away. Walking around the reserve is possible, but a permit is required for transport. Those who dare venture further into the Chamba Valley will discover fascinating ancient folklore, temples and tribes.
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Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj : Himachal Pradesh Tourism Places
Located a short distance apart in the Kangra Valley, the towns of Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj are home to the Tibetan government-in-exile.
People flock to Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj for courses in Buddhist meditation and philosophy, Tibetan cooking classes, Tibetan language classes, and alternative therapies.
Volunteering is another popular pastime. Those interested in tourism will find the museums, temples, gompas and monasteries fascinating.
The Tsuglagkhang complex, the official residence of the Dalai Lama, is a highlight. Our list of the best things to do in McLeod Ganj has more details.
Unfortunately, the increasing number of tourists has disturbed the peace in Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj. Go higher to Dharamkot or Naddi if that’s your idea.
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Palampur : Himachal Pradesh Tourism Places
Palampur, the tea-growing region of Himachal Pradesh, is about an hour from Dharamsala in the Kangra Valley.
Tea was introduced there in the mid-19th century by the director of the Peshawar Botanical Gardens, Dr Jameson.
You can visit tea plantations and even stay there. The Lodge at Wah is an eco-friendly boutique guesthouse located on the Wah Tea grounds.
It has eight rooms distributed in three splendid rustic cottages. Tours of tea plantations and factories as well as tea tasting sessions are offered to guests.
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Andretta : Himachal Pradesh Tourism Places
If you’re interested in pottery or art, don’t miss the picturesque village of Andretta, a 20-minute drive from Palampur in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
The village is said to have been founded in the 1920s by Irish playwright Norah Richards, who lived there during partitioning and was responsible for the development of Punjabi theatre.
Later, the famous potter Gurucharan Singh (who started making Delhi Blue Pottery) and the painter Sobha Singh (known for his Sikh religious paintings) settled here.
The Sobha Singh Art Gallery, located in the building where he lives, displays his paintings and personal works. The mud house owned by Norah Richards is another attraction.
Andretta Pottery and Craft Society, a center for pottery production, offers three-month pottery courses for serious students.
Alternatively, you can try the potter’s handlebars and take a comfortable lesson. The company apparently sold its rangoli-patterned earthenware to FabIndia in Delhi.
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Bir-Billing : Himachal Pradesh Tourism Places
Take the exit to Andretta from Palampur and you’ll arrive at one of the best paragliding destinations in the world in the twin towns of Bir and Billing.
The 2015 World Paragliding Tournament was held for the first time in India in October 2015. Billing Valley Adventures and Billing Adventures of Himachal offers paragliding, trekking and camping.
Other attractions are the tea garden and monastery. Buddhist meditation and philosophy Offers Serene Palpung Sherabling Monastery. The Deer Park Institute offers accommodation as well as courses in Buddhist and Indian philosophy.
Be sure to visit the interesting 4Tables Project Cafe and art gallery in the village of Gunehar near Bir. Now they also rent out great rooms! Guided footpaths in the area can be arranged.
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Spiti : Himachal Pradesh Tourism Places
This isolated highland of Himachal Pradesh is nestled on the border of Ladakh and Tibet. It has only been open to foreign tourists since 1991 and remains relatively unexplored.
This is partly because the Spiti is an arid alpine desert covered with heavy snow for most of the year. Getting to Spiti involves a long drive, usually from Manali. The ever-changing landscape is unforgettable and well worth the trip.
Plan your trip with our comprehensive Spiti Travel Guide and discover breathtaking photos of the Spiti Valley.
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Great Himalayan National Park : Himachal Pradesh Tourism Places
The Great Himalayan National Park in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. The park has four valleys and covers an area of about 900 square kilometers.
Its remote, rugged and untamed terrain makes it highly sought after by hikers, but only the fittest and most adventurous reach the depths of the central area.
There are several trekking routes, ranging from three to eight days, with hikes between the spectacular Tirthan and Sainj valleys being popular.
Additionally, less strenuous day hikes exist in the park’s ecological buffer zone, frequented by day hikers. Guided tours can be taken to interact with the villagers and learn more about their activities.
Ecotourism company Sunshine Himalayan Adventures has partnered with Biodiversity Tourism and Community Advancement to offer trips and tours.
Permits are required for hiking. Indians have to pay a park entrance fee of 50 rupees/day, and foreigners 200 rupees/day. Admission to the eco-zone is free.
Raju`s Cottage, a popular homestay in Gushaini, on the outskirts of the park, is an ideal place to stay or stop.
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Jibhi Valley : Himachal Pradesh Tourism Places
Former soldier Bhagwan Singh Rana pioneered tourism in the Jibhi Valley, about an hour from the Great Himalayan National Park and three hours south of Manali on the way to Delhi.
However, tourism only really took off after 2008, when the state government of Himachal Pradesh launched the homestay program. Jibhi is the perfect place to slow down, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and immerse yourself in nature.
Stay at Bhagwan Singh Rana`s Doli Guesthouse or Swiss Cottages. Activities include day hikes, organic farming, and meditation.
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Himalayan Golden Triangle : Himachal Pradesh Tourism Places
This unusual tour, actively promoted by Banjara Camps, appeals to outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy nature away from the tourist areas.
It starts in the heart of apple country Himachal Pradesh at Thanedhar, where you can stay at the Banjara Orchard Retreat.
Sangla Valley sits 9,000 feet above sea level in Kinnaur district near the Tibetan border and offers trout fishing and hiking. You can also visit Chitkul village, the last village on the ancient Indo-Tibetan trade route.
Sojha connects Kullu and Shimla districts and offers more opportunities for adventure into the wild mountain countryside.
