Himachal Pradesh Travel Guide

Kullu

If you are on a lookout for fresh air and green mountains amidst the snow-covered ranges, then Kullu is the right option for you. Situated on the banks of Beas River, Kullu was earlier known as Kulanthpitha, meaning “The End of the Habitable World”.

Manali

Situated at an altitude of 6726 feet, Manali is a resort town settled in the mountains near the northern end of the Kullu Valley in the Beas River Valley. Being one of the most visited hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, Manali offers splendid views of the mountains and is considered as the ultimate destination for adventure sports such as mountaineering, trekking, and skiing in India.

Shimla

Surrounded by green hills with snowcapped mountains, Shimla is blessed with all the natural bounties which one can think of. Being the former summer capital of British India and the present capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is the right mix of Indian glory with British sophistication.

Dharamsala

Surrounded by snow clad mountains on three sides and valley on one side, Dharamsala definitely has to be on your list of best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Situated on an altitude of 1475 feet above sea level, Dharamshala is visited by tourists from all over the world. It is famous for its picturesque surroundings and the presence of Dalai Lama.

Kasauli

Situated at an altitude of about 1927 meters above sea level, Kasauli is one of the most serene places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Nestled amid beautiful woody forests, Kasauli owes its magical and tranquil ambience to the extravagant Victorian buildings built by the Britishers’ who lived in Kasauli years ago. If you wish to relax and find a good getaway from the hectic life of your city, Kasauli is the perfect option for you.

Bir Billing

Home to a Tibetan refugee settlement with several Buddhist monasteries and a large Stupa, Bir is a small village in Himachal Pradesh which is famous for its ecotourism, spiritual studies and meditation. Bir is Billing is recognized as the paragliding hub of India and has become the prime attraction for adventure seekers from all throughout the world.

Dalhousie

Known as the mini Switzerland of India, Dalhousie is a high-altitude town spread across 5 hills near the Dhauladhar mountain range in Himachal Pradesh. Established in the 1850s by the viceroy whose name it bears, Dalhousie is another of those cool hill retreats left behind by the British. Located in the district of Chamba at an elevation of around 2,000 meters above sea level, Dalhousie is one of the most famous hill stations in Himachal Pradesh which is famous for its pleasant climate and natural beauty.

Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley is one of the most beautiful hidden gems of North India. Situated at an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, Spiti is an adventure lover’s paradise and one of the coldest places in India. Spanning the river Spiti, it is home to several of the heavenliest of Buddhist destinations as well as to some of the most widespread tourist destinations.

Kasol

Situated in Parvati Valley and on the banks of the Parvati River, Kasol in Himachal Pradesh has emerged as one of the favourite getaways for the city crowd and is considered to be on top of the list of favourite offbeat destinations in India. Surrounded by hills and beautiful landscapes, Kasol is considered as a paradise for adventure lovers. Apart from Trekking, Kasol is also famous for camping its jungle camping and riverside camping.

Khajjiar

Located at an altitude of 6,500 feet, Khajjiar is a hill station in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by green meadows and dense forests, Khajjar is known for its natural beauty and picturesque landscape. Khajjar also attracts adventure lovers as it has a lot adventurous activities like paragliding, zorbing, trekking, horse riding, etc. So if you’re looking for fresh mountain air and picturesque landscapes, Khajjar is the place to go!

River rafting in Manali

With its white gushing waters and rising waves, Beas River provides the best river rafting experience in Manali. With proper guidelines and instructions, rafting in Manali is best enjoyed in the month from April to mid-June. Apart from rafting, skiing and camping in Manali is also considered as one of the things that you shouldn’t miss to do!

Heli Skiing at Hanuman Tibba

This one’s not for the faint-hearted. Hanuman Tibba in Manali is the highest peak that offers powder snow which serves as a perfect gliding bed for heli-skiing. Enjoy awe-inspiring views from the chopper, and a rush of adrenalin as you make the leap and slide down the slope. This will undoubtedly be a scene which you will never forget in your lifetime.

Toy train from Kalka to Shimla

Do not miss the journey of the toy train from Kalka to Shimla when you’re in Himachal Pradesh. Passing 864 bridges and channelling through 102 dark tunnels, the toy train ride is worth enjoying every minute. Enjoy the freshest possible air to breathe in and the mesmerizing view of the countryside on your journey train, also known as the ‘Crown Jewel’.

Skiing in Solang Valley

Solang Valley has some of the most exhilarating adventure sports to offer in both Summers and Winters. While skiing is done only in winters, other sports such as paragliding, parachuting and zorbing are open almost all year round.

Fly like a bird at Bir Billing

You can live that flying dream and soar across some of the most scenic locales, from this little village that played host to the first ever world cup of paragliding in 2015. A session of 15 to 30 minutes of flying at Bir-Billing could cost you anywhere between Rs 2,500 to 3,500.