Himachal Pradesh has always topped the charts for the most sought after mountain tourist destinations. The fact that the tourist places to visit in Himachal Pradesh are in close proximity to various cities situated in the plains makes the state a popular weekend retreat. You can be a backpacker or a leisure tourist, the efficient infrastructure provided by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism will ensure that you find yourself amid landscapes which offer serenity and luxury. A list of tourist places in Himachal Pradesh is itself a never exhausting array of what this state has at your disposal. Scintillating road trips, adventure sports, religious and spiritual destinations are just a few to mention.
Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh
Following is list of must visit places in Himachal Pradesh
Malana
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One of the less commercialized tourist places in Himachal Pradesh, this isolated hill town will act as a safe haven for people longing for some time away from their otherwise digital world. A few days in one of the calmest places to visit in Himachal Pradesh and you will forever be enthralled with its unadulterated natural beauty.
How to reach Malana: Delhi to Malana is a 378 kms road trip which is roughly a 10-hours travel. Toy train ride from Chandigarh – Shimla, followed by a cab to Malana will add more fun factor to your travel. People can fly to the nearest airport at Kullu.
Best time to visit Malana: Between May and August.
Things to do in Malana:
- Snow-capped Himalayan peaks from Chanderkhani pass. Also, experience the beauty of Kheer Ganga Valley.
- Trekking through Alpine forests
- Enjoying a hot water spring at Manikaran, a place of faith.
- Experience the local culture and take part in the festival at Malana village.
Dalhousie
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This town is one of the relatively popular tourist places in Himachal Pradesh. Dalhousie is most popular among this list of places to visit in Himachal Pradesh for honeymooners, who prefer strengthening their matrimonial bonds amid nature surrounded by scenic hills and valleys.
How to reach Dalhousie: Himachal Pradesh tourism has invested well in connecting Dalhousie to the other parts of the country. You can fly to Dharamshala and a road ride of five hours will get you to Dalhousie. Alternatively, you can opt for a train ride to Chakki Bank in Pathankot and ten hour drive to Dalhousie.
Best time to visit Dalhousie: April to July
Things to do Dalhousie:
- Experience the beauty of Khajjar valley which is fondly called ‘Switzerland of India’
- Daikund walk, Ganji Pahadi walk and Bakrota walk; these trails must be trekked
- Beautiful waterfalls at Chamera and Satdhara
- Revisit history and experience spiritual calmness at St. John’s Church.
Spiti + Tabo + Kaza
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If your vacation plans include a journey to spirituality, this valley is undoubtedly one of the most important places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Religious spots in this valley are possibly the nerve center of Buddhist faith among all the tourist places in Himachal Pradesh.
How to reach: Himachal Pradesh Tourism buses are regularly available from Delhi to Shimla. Continue the travel through cab ride to the valley. The nearest airport is Kullu or you can take a train to Shimla.
Best time to visit: May to July
Things to do:
- Indulge in some traditional photography and experience the local culture.
- Hike to Angla and Phela; the nomadic plains north of Tabo
- Walk to famous rangrik rewa cave, visit the Snow point Kunzom and if lucky enjoy the Snow Leopard / Ibex sighting and river rafting.
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Visit the Millenium Monastery and Dhankar monastery. Also, visit rock craving at Tabo.
Kasol
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Travellers heading towards another religious destination Manikaran, will find this scenic Kasol on the way which will definitely hold you back for a while before you move further. Termed as the ‘Little Israel of India‘, this town has a lot to offer to the backpackers and vacationers looking for some adventure and thrill in the mountains. This beautiful hill station among this list of places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, is based in the Parvati Valley.
How to reach Kasol: A road trip from Delhi or Shimla. Shimla can be reached through road or railways. The nearest airport is at Kullu.
Best time to visit Kasol: May and June
Things to do in Kasol:
- Trekking along various trails which lead to Kheer Ganga
- Enjoy the warmth at hot water springs along the trekking trails.
Khajjiar
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The picturesque Khajjiar valley is a permanent member of the list of places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Vacationers seeking calmness and serenity prefer spending self-connect time amidst beautiful landscape of the region.
How to reach Khajjiar: A train journey from Delhi to Pathankot followed by a cab ride to Khajjar is always a possible options. Alternatively do a bus journey from Delhi to Shimla and board a cab thereafter.
Best time to visit Khajjiar: May and June
Things to do in Khajjiar:
- Visit Khajjiar lake
- Experience apple farming at apple orchards in local villages
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Experience the mystical beauty of Mount Kailash, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva
Bir Billing
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One of the best tourist places in Himachal Pradesh especially for adrenaline junkies. Famous for its wide range of adventure sports this valley is highly promoted by Himachal Pradesh Tourism. The pleasant weather all around the year makes it more favorable for such sports. For adventure seekers, your list of places to visit in Himachal Pradesh is never complete without Bir Billing.
How to reach Bir Billing: Train to Pathankot followed by a bus/cab ride to Bir. The closest airport is at Dharamshala. Also you can travel from Delhi by road.
Best time to visit Bir Billing: May to July
Things to do in Bir Billing:
- Let your adrenaline pump a bit more with paragliding in the valleys
- Visit the Buddhist monasteries in middle of the forest.
- Get first hand tea making exposure at Palampur Tea Cooperative
- Visit Vaidyanath, another place of faith dedicated to Lord Shiva
Kasauli
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One of the most popular places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, this serene hill town is flocked by tourists from across the country. The convenient location of Kasauli adds to the favorability quotient of this hill station. Definitely the top contender for the holiday retreat destination among all Himachal Pradesh tourist places.
How to reach Kasauli: The nearest airport is at Chandigarh which is a 70 kms drive. A 293 kms long road journey from Delhi and the nearest railway station is Somwara.
Best time to visit Kasauli: November to March
Things to do in Kasauli:
- Sunrise and Sunset points to experience spellbinding natural beauty.
- Visit the British era Anglican Church
- Trek around the town to reach Monkey point
Dharamshala
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This cultural melting pot is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh if you want to experience the cultural amalgamation of Indo-Tibetan lifestyles. It is relatively a bustling hill station blessed with a favorable climate. Dharamshala is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist places in Himachal Pradesh.
How to reach Dharamshala: The nearest major railway station is at Pathankot, 85 kilometres away. Dharamshala is well-connected to Delhi The journey is almost 520 kilometres from Delhi. The drive from Delhi via Chandigarh, is about 12 hours.
Best time to visit Dharamshala: May to July and November to January
Things to do in Dharamshala:
- Boat ride in Dal lake
- Visit the Kangra fort
- A visit to Bhagsu falls and the Bhagsunath Temple
- Enjoy the beauty of tea plantations
- Visit Dalai LamaTemple
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Experience diverse cultural history at Kangra Art Museum
Shimla
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This place doesn’t need an introduction at all and is statistically the most famous of all the tourist places in Himachal Pradesh. Huge popularity index has turned this once quiet town into a bustling commercialized destination with a lot of luxury to offer. Colonial history attached to this town adds flavor to the landscape.
How to reach to Shimla: The most scenic way to reach shimla is a toy train journey. Nearest railways station is Kalka which well connected to Delhi. Other options are road journeys from Delhi and Chandigarh.
Best time to visit Shimla: May- July and November to January (experience snow fall)
Things to do in Shimla:
- Trek along Jakhu hill and visit the temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman
- Try Polo at Annandale which is four kilometers away
- Lots and lots of shopping
- Experience British architecture
Kullu-Manali
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Second only to Shimla, this valley town is hugely popular among people looking for best tourist places in Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh tourism has played a pivotal role in putting this valley higher on the popularity index. Manali valley is ranked highly by popular websites as one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
How to reach Kullu-Manali: The valley can be reached through road. Regular buses ply from Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla. The nearest airport is Chandigarh.
Best time to visit Kullu-Manali: May-July and experience snow fall from November to January
Things to do in Kullu-Manali:
- Adventure sports and Solang valley
- Visit Manali bird sanctuary
- Visit kull for camping, trekking and river rafting