Is the wanderer in you looking for a new trip? Then, head towards Himachal Pradesh, a stunning Indian state with the Great Himalayas to keep you company. Its natural beauty, offbeat destinations, and culture will appeal to any traveler who loves snowy mountains, calm nature, adventurous treks, and a rejuvenating experience.
From Manali to Lahaul and the Spiti Valley to Dharamshala and Shimla, there are so many places to explore that a single trip to Himachal Pradesh is not enough! But you have to start somewhere, and this guide will tell you the best 5 places to visit in Himachal Pradesh for your first trip to “the land of snow”.
5 Best Places To Visit in Himachal Pradesh
1. Shimla
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a beautiful snow-laden city engulfed by rhododendron, pine, and oak forests. It is known for its colonial-style buildings and culture. The top 3 things to do here include:
- Go ice skating.
A must-try sport in Shimla, ice skating is an experience of a lifetime. The ice-skating rink was formed naturally, and skating near the Himalayas’ foothills is an experience on its own.
- Jakhu Temple
Nestled amidst Shivalik hill ranges, the Jakhu temple is dedicated to God Hanuman, has the biggest Hanuman statue.
- Shopping on Mall Road
If you are in Shimla, you should undoubtedly shop on Mall Road. From handicrafts to wooden items to eating local food, the mall road offers everything.Â
2. Manali
One of the most popular and visited places in Himachal Pradesh is Manali. Situated in the Kullu Valley, the beautiful city is surrounded by the Beas River and pine forests. Three things to do in this beautiful city include:
- Paragliding
The top thing to do here is go paragliding, a thrilling activity for all adventure lovers. Soaring high in the Solang Valley will give you a memorable experience.
- Hidimba Devi Temple
Between stunning snowy mountains, you will find the Hidimba Devi Temple, dedicated to Ghatothkach’s mother and Bhima’s wife. Relish the nature here and enjoy the serenity the area provides.
- River rafting
River rafting is another popular adventurous thing to do in Manali. Rafting on the river beas is an adventure that you should try once in your life.
3. Lahaul-Spiti
Once two separate districts, now Lahaul-Spiti is one region in Himachal known as the cold desert area. Its unique terrain offers tons of adventure to tourists. If you want to see snow any time of the year, head to Lahaul-Spiti, as some peaks always have snow. With the sky having a unique shade of blue (a sight you will not find anywhere), here are the top 3 things to do here:
- Kardang Monastery
Kardang village is known for its 900-year-old Kardang monastery, nestled on top of the Rangcha mountains. The local temple has idols of Sakyamuni, Vajradhara, and Padmasambhava. The monastery has the largest number of chomos and lamas.
- Mrikula Devi Temple
Udaipur in Lahaul has a unique temple honoring Goddess Kali with simple walls and a conical roof. The interiors of the temple are breathtaking, with wooden carvings depicting a few scenes from Hindu mythology such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
- Triloknath Temple
A shrine celebrated by both Buddhists and Hindus, the temple is situated at an altitude of 2700 meters. Buddhists worship the deity as Avalokiteshvara, while Hindus consider the deity a form of Lord Shiva. Apart from them, enjoy the view of the ChandraBhaga River flowing through the lush valley.
4. PalampurÂ
Northern India’s tea capital, Palampur, has beautiful tea gardens spread over a wide area, producing Kangra tea. The top three things to do here include:
- St. John’s Church
Dedicated to the Baptist, Saint John, the church is surrounded by beautiful pine trees and has Belgian-stained glass windows, adding to the church’s aesthetic.
- Have a picnic at Neugal Khad.
A beautiful water stream is ideal for a relaxing picnic or day outing.
- Go for the toy train ride.
Go to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoy a ride between Pathankot and Palampur, surrounded by beautiful deodar and pine forests.
5. DalhousieÂ
Dalhousie, one of the top places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, is known for its serene beauty and pleasant climate. Spread across five hills—Bakrota, Terah, Bhangra, Kathlog, and Potreyn—it offers great views of the Himalayas and architecture representing Victorian style. Here are the top 3 things to do or see here:
- Panch-Pula Waterfalls
Panch Pulla is a mix of five beautiful streams combined to form a mesmerizing waterfall. Surrounded by lush greenery all around, it is the ideal spot for trekking in the summer.
- Boating in Chamera Lake
The artificial Chamera dam is a wonderful place to experience a serene boat ride. With views of lush green hills, it is an ideal place for fishing. If you love watching sunrises, this is the place to be at Chamera Lake.
- Trek to Dainkund Peak
See the beautiful Dainkund peak on your trekking expedition, with beautiful views of waterfalls, meadows, and rivers. Once you reach the top, visit the local temple, a significant tourist attraction.
Best Time To Visit Himachal PradeshÂ
Himachal Pradesh is a year-round destination, with every season offering something unique to tourists.
Summers:
From April to June, it is the summer season in Himachal Pradesh, offering a pleasant respite from the heat wave engulfing most parts of India. For a thrill-seeker, summers are ideal for river rafting, trekking, paragliding, and exploring the valleys full of lush greenery.
Monsoon:
From July to September, it is the monsoon season, showing the state moderate to heavy rainfall. The greenery during this time is ideal for nature lovers. There are gushing waterfalls and flowers blossoming, offering a serene environment for relaxation.
Winters:
From October to March, it is winter, with snow abounding. For all snow lovers, visiting Himachal Pradesh during the winter to experience the snowfall is a must.
Conclusion
Also touted as a ‘honeymoon paradise’, Himachal Pradesh is one of the best places to visit in India. For your first trip to the snowy land, this editor’s pick is perfect. These places will offer you the best views and adventurous activities to indulge in while enjoying the delicious Himachali food, a fusion of Tibetan and Punjabi cuisine.
Once you experience the calmness of this region, you will come back to explore more hidden gems like the Kheerganga trek or the Manala trek. Prepare for your trip well, follow the guidelines of your tour guide, and respect the culture of the people here to have the best time ever.Â
