With it’s abundant natural beauty Himachal Pradesh is one of the most visited tourist state for tourists around the year. It is famous for snow-capped mountains of Western Himalayas and free flowing freshwater streams and rivers, lush green landscape and forests, diverse and rich culture and friendly and exhibits very simple standard of living and lifestyle. In fact, there are numerous best Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh. But, here we will list you only top 10 of these.
10 Best Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh has many beautiful hill stations, pilgrimages, shrines and temples which attract large number of tourists and pilgrimages around the year. Especially in the summers hill stations like Shimla, Kullu-Manali, Chamba and Dharmashala are flocked by tourists in large number which contribute to the GDP of state in a big way.
Here we have summed up a list of 10 Best Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh. This list has been created after a long research around the web and also with consultation and opinion of our viewers, colleagues and friends.
1. Kullu & Manali
Although Kullu and Manali are two different cities they are referred to as a single tourist destination as Kullu-Manali. In fact Kullu is a district and Manali is it’s second largest town after district Kullu itself and located 40 KM from Kullu town. Kullu-Manali is famous for beautiful hills and Deodar forests. Kullu-Manali is also famous for temples. Kullu is called ‘Valley of Gods’ and Manali is called ‘Queen of Valleys’. A week long International Kullu Dussehra festival is world famous and attracts large numbers of tourists. People who love nature, beautiful hills, snow capped mountains, snowfall, splashing rivers, beautiful forest of Deodar Kullu-Manali is perfect destination for them. First in our list of 10 Best Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh.
Best time to visit Kullu-Manali: In summers March to June and In winter October to February.
Ideal for: Kullu-Manali is ideal for all aged peoples. Kullu-Manali is famous honeymoon destination for newly married couples.
Ideal Tour Duration: 5 to 6 days.
Things to do in Kullu–Manali
- Adventure sports like Trekking, River Rafting, Mountaineering, Angling, Hot Spring Bath.
- Visiting temples of Hadimba Devi, Bajeshwar Mahadev, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Manu Temple.
- Visit Manali Wildlife Sanctuary, the animals seen here are Musk deer, Leopard, Snow leopard, Monal, Brown bear.
How to access Kullu-Manali
The nearest airport is Bhuntar which is located on national highway 21. It is located 50 km South from Manali and 10 km from South of Kullu town. The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar some 130 KM. Kullu-Manali is well connected by roads. Buses and Taxies are easily available for Kullu–Manali.
See Also:
- Tourist Places to Visit in Kullu
- Manali – Places of interest
- Hadimba Devi Temple – Beautiful four storey wooden temple
2. Shimla
Shimla is the capital of state of Himachal Pradesh. Well known as the Queen of Hills, it is an all time destination for tourists, for lovers of nature and solitude. It has been the Summer Capital during British Rule of India. There are number of places worth visiting in and around Shimla.
Best time to visit Shimla: Throughout the year Shimla offers a pleasing climate. In summers May to July and in winters October to February.
Ideal for: Shimla is ideal for families and couples.
Ideal Duration: 4 to 5 days.
Things to do in Shimla
- Visit temple Jakhoo which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
- Visit Mall road. All visitors to Shimla inevitably walk down the Mall, the main promenade that runs along the top of the Ridge.
- Visit Ridge, a large open space in the heart of town presents excellent views of the mountain range. Also visit Chail which is former ‘summer capital’ of the Patiala State.
How to access Shimla
Nearest airport is Jubbarhatti, 23 km from Shimla. Shimla is connected by narrow gauge to Kalka 96 km from Shimla. Shimla is accessible throughout the year from all major cities and town by road, all kinds of services available on the road.
See Also:
3. Dalhousie
Beautiful hill station Dalhousie is one of the Best Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh. Dalhousie is built on around five hills. The name of town is kept on the name of Lord Dalhousie who was a British Governor-General. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar mountains in Outer Himalayas are also visible form Dalhousie. Dalhousie is famous for adventure sports like Trekking, Camping and Mountaineering.
Dalhousie is situated 52 km from Chamba district head-quarters. The altitude of Dalhousie is 2400 metres from sea level. Dalhousie lies between 32.53°N and 75.98°E.
Best time to visit: In summer March to May and In winter October to February.
Ideal for: Dalhousie is Ideal for newly married couple.
Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days.
Things to do in Dalhousie
- Adventures sports like trekking, camping and mountaineering.
- Visit the churches and Kalatop wild life sanctuary. Kalatop wild life sanctuary is home of ghoral and black bear.
- Visit the Khajjiar is also called Mini Switzerland of India. Khajjiar is a beautiful hill station.
How to access Dalhousie
The nearest airport is at Gaggal at a distance of 135 km. The nearest railhead is Pathankot which is 80 km away from Dalhousie. Dalhousie is well connected by roads. Taxis and buses are easily available for Dalhousie.
See Also: Dalhousie – Beautiful hill station in Chamba
4. Khajjiar
Khajjiar is also called Mini Switzerland. Khajjiar is beautiful hill station situated in Chamba district. Khajjiar is situated 24 km away from Dalhousie. The height of Khajjiar is 6500 ft. The beautiful grass meadows and dense forests make Khajjiar famous destination among tourists. Khajjiar is also called Gulmarg. In 1992 Khajjiar was given the title of Mini Switzerland by Wiily Blazer, the Vice Chancellor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland. Khajjiar is also famous destination for Trekking. Trekking is the best way to explore Khajjiar.
Best time to visit Khajjiar: Summers May to June .
Ideal for: Khajjiar is Ideal for Friends and family.
Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days.
Things to do in Khajjiar
- Trekking and Mountaineering. Khajjiar is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh and one must visit it once if you plan to visit Himachal Pradesh.
- Visit the Khajjiar Lake which is surrounding by evergreen cedar trees. The name of lake has been taken from from Khajji Nag.
- Visit the Khajjinag Temple which is dedicated to Khajji Nag. Khajjinag temple is situated near lake.
- Enjoy the scenic beauty of Dhauladhar mountains.
How to access Khajjiar
By Air: The nearest Airport is Gaggal which is 115 km away from Khajjiar.
By Train: The nearest Railway station is at Pathankot which is 104 km away from Khajjiar.
By Bus: Khajjiar is well connected from Chamba and Dalhousie. Buses and Taxis are available from all these places.
5. Kasol
Kasol, another beautiful place in Kullu is one of the Best Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh. Kasol is also called mini Israel due to large number of Israelis visiting this place. It is situated on the bank of Parbati river in the Parbati valley. The height of Kasol from sea level is 1640 meters. Kasol is at a distance of 5 kilometre from Manikaran. The village is divided into Old Kasol on the Bhuntar side of its bridge, and New Kasol on the Manikaran side. Kasol is hub for backpackers for beautiful valley, untouched hills, adventures treks and picturesque views.
Best time to visit: In summer May to June.
Ideal for: Kasol is Ideal for Trekkers.
Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days.
Things to do in Kasol
- Visit Parvati Valley and Tosh Village.
- Visit Kheerganga which is famous for hot springs.
- Enjoy Trekking, River rafting, Angling, Camping, Parties.
How to access Kasol
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhunter.
By Train: The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar.
By Bus: Kasol is well connected by road. Bus and Taxis are available from Bhunter and Kullu.
6. Malana
Malana is at a few kilometres distance from Kasol. In Malana one can still see the oldest democracy of the world where all inhabitants of the village participate in the village View of Malana Village administration. They have their own pattern of parliament that is Upper House (Jaistang) and Lower House (Kanishtang or Core). Jaistang has its own Executive and it works like Judiciary. If no solution comes out in the both houses , then the case is put forward to Jamalu Rishi (Devta) and then Devta decides the case through its ‘Gur’ and its decision is final and binding to all inhabitants of the village.
Best time to visit Malana: May to August .
Ideal for: Malana is Ideal for Trekkers.
Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days.
Things to do in Malana
- Although it is sometimes called taboo to visit Malana, it is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
- Visit the Manikaran Gurudwara which has a hot water spring.
- Enjoy the scenic beauty of Malana village
- Enjoy the Trekking.
How to access Malana
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhunter.
By Train: The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar.
By Bus: Malana is well connected by road. Bus and taxies are available from Kullu.
7. Bir Billing
Source: Billingvalley
Bir Billing is famous for paragliding. Bir Billing is small village surrounded by beautiful mountains. Bir Billing is famous for adventure sports adventure sports like paragliding,camping,river crossing.
Best time to visit Bir Billing: The best time to visit Bir Billing is around the Year.
Ideal for: Adventure activities, Paragliding, Trekking, Hill Climbing, Fishing at Barot.
Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days.
Things to do in Bir Billing
- Experience the adventure of paragliding.
- Trekk to Barot, a beautiful small hidden treasure of nature.
- Visit the Palampur Tea Cooperative.
- Visit Mahashir Fish Open Sanctuaries at Machhyal Lakes in Ranna River
How to access Bir Billing
By Air: The nearest airport is Gaggal.
By Train: The nearest broad gauge railhead is at Pathankot.
By Bus: Bir Billing is well connected by road. Bus and taxies are available from Pathankot.
8. Kasauli
Kasauli is a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Kasauli height is 1927m from sea level. Kasauli is surrounded by beautiful pine forests. From Kasauli one can see the beautiful view of Chandigarh.
Best time to visit Kasauli: There is no bad time to take a tour to Kasauli. But, April To September is a ideal time for visit.
Ideal for: One day picnic tour with friends and family, especially in summers.
Ideal Duration: 1-2 days.
Things to do in Kasauli
- Experience the chill in Summer when nearby planes are steaming hot.
- Visit Lord Hanuman Temple situated at the top of the Kasauli Hill.
- Visit Church
- View Beautiful view of Sunset at suicide point
- Enjoy Tibetan food.
How to access
By Air: The nearest airport is Chandigarh.
By Train: The nearest broad gauge railhead is at Chandigarh.
By Bus: Kasauli is well connected by road. Bus and taxies are available from Chandigarh.
9. Dharamsala
Source: Cloudfront
Dharamsala is a beautiful place in Himachal Pradesh. Dharamshala is 18 kilometres from Kangra. Dharamsala is surrounded by dense Deodar and cedar forests. The residence of Dalai Lama is in McLeodGanj. The headquarters of Dalai Lama holiness are at upper Dharamsala. Dharamsala is also popular for multicultural community. Nearby places to visit are Triund Hill, McLeod Ganj, Bhagsunath temple and waterfall, Dalai Lama temple, Chamunda Temple, Kangra Valley and fort, Jawalamukhi Temple and many more. This is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh and one must not miss it.
Best time to visit Dharamsala: In summer May to July and In winter November to January for snowfall lovers.
Ideal for: Dharamsala is ideal for all ages peoples.
Ideal Duration: 4 to 5 days.
Things to do in Dharamsala
- Adventure sports like Trekking, Rock climbing, to Triund.
- Visit Dal Lake and enjoy the boating.
- Visit MCLEODGANJ the residence of Dalai Lama.
How to access Dharamsala
By Air: The nearest airport is at Gaggal which is only 13 km away from Dharamsala.
By Train: The nearest broad gauge railway station is Pathankot which is 85 km away from Dharamsala.
By Bus: Dharamsala is well connected by roads. HPTDC runs a regular Luxury coach from Delhi to Dharamsala and Dharamsala to Delhi.
10. Spiti Valley
Source: Darter
Spiti Valley is one of the recommended and best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Beautiful Spiti Valley is situated at the bank of Spiti river. Spiti Valley is surrounded by high mountain ranges. Spiti valley is a research and cultural centre for Buddhists and other scholars. Spiti valley has monastery like Ki Monastery and Tabo Monastery. Spiti Valley is desert mountain valley.
Best time to visit Spiti Valley: In summer May to July.
Ideal for: Spiti Valley is ideal for friends and family.
Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days.
Things to do in Spiti Valley
- Adventure sports like river rafting.
- Visit monastery.
How to access Spiti Valley
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhunter in Kullu.
By Train: The nearest narrow gauge railway station is Shimla.
By Bus: Spiti Valley is well connected by roads. Taxies are available from Shimla to Spiti.
