Himachal Pradesh - Your Great Himalayan Adventure Starts Here
Himachal Pradesh is at the pinnacle of India's Tourist destinations. Tourist arriving in India has to make sure that they have read Indian Visa related rules and regulations.
Enter Himalayas
A gateway to Middle Himalayan chains of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal, the state of Himachal Pradesh is a hiker’s paradise, with its numerous high altitude treks passing through gorgeous mountain forests and little hill stations, this is one such place that could easily become your most favourite place in India.
With everything from small bustling hilly towns to treks situated in the solitude of Himalayas, it would just be impossible to point out one among its many breathtaking locations.
As a beginner in the Himalayas, this is one of the best places in the country to start your journey.
Hillside Towns
Dharamshala
A city nestled around cedar forests and views of great Dhauladhar peaks, Dharamshala is also the home of the 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. The city’s main library is also host to some most precious buddhist manuscripts. For its scenic surroundings it no wonder that this little mountain city is one of the most visited hill stations in the country
Dalhousie
One of the most famous hill stations of Himachal, Dalhousie is a peaceful town surrounded by views of pine trees and mountain peaks, along with its colonial era buildings from the time of British rule in India.
Manali
A high altitude resort town, Manali becomes the gateway to wonderful trekking and hiking routes through Himalayan peaks and is India's most favourite backpacking destination. Located by the Beas river, Manali is known for its unparalleled beauty, high altitude passes and home of many gorgeous himalayan valleys.
Shimla
Once the summer capital of British India and now the capital of the state of Himachal, Shimla is a scenic town popular for its handicraft shops, pedestrian avenues and snow capped mountain peaks, which by no surprise becomes a real wonderland in the winter months.
Khajjiar
Popularly known as the mini Switzerland of India, this place is definitely way more than that. With its 12th century temple, a high altitude lake and a wildlife sanctuary settled amidst cedar trees, the landscapes of Khajjiar is one jewel of a place to explore.
Breathtaking Valleys
Spiti Valley
A cold desert valley high in the Himalayas, the term spiti literally means ‘middle land ', with the valley often referred to as the land between India and Tibet. The valley is famous for its ancient monasteries and stupas, with Tabo monastery being one of the most famous attractions. Spiti Valley is one Himalayan jewel with its remote location and raw natural views of the surrounding mountains.
Kangra Valley
Considered as one of the most gorgeous valleys of Lower Himalayas, Kangra Valley comes with beautiful shades of green and it's amazing views presenting a game of colour contrast with nature. The valley is also home to UNESCO listed Masroor rock cut temples. Nestled amidst the Dhauladhar ranges, the views from this valley is simply beauty manifested.
Parvati Valley
Looking over the confluence of two Himalayan rivers, the valley runs eastwards from the Kullu district of Himachal. Surrounded by beautiful mountain greens and the sound of the merging rivers, your camera would never be enough to capture this ethereal Himalayan valley.
Kinnaur Valley
Known for its apple orchards and gorgeous meadows, Kinnaur is also one of the least populated districts of india. Surrounded by natural scenery and snow landscapes, it is no surprise that the valley is called the ‘Land of Fairytales’. With views stretching as far as the Zanskar Valley of the neighbouring state and the Dhauladhar mountains, this valley could be one of the sole reasons to visit Himachal.
Famous Treks
Triund Trek
One of the easiest Himalayan treks, Triund trek starts at the foot of Dhauladhar range near the Kangra district of Himachal. This short but steep trek through the snow capped peaks is one of the most well known and picturesque treks near Dharamshala, the Tibetan city in exile.
Hampta Pass Trek
Located at the height of more than 4000 m, the Hampta Pass runs as a lush green corridor between the two valleys of Himachal. Journeying through the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, this 35 km long pass travels through gorgeous rivers, lush green meadows and some of the most gorgeous Himalayan views.
Kheerganga Trek
The milky river waters flowing in the vast valley, Kheerganga Trek is one of must to do treks of Himachal. Camping at this trek can be one of the wonderful experiences with amazing mountain views. The trek is mostly taken in the months from May to November given the pleasant and favourable weather of the season. Kheerganga trek is located deep within the Parvati Valley, with the hiking trail passing through wonderful apple orchards and deodar forests.
Bhrigu Lake Trek
A pretty grassland trek in Himachal, this trek ascends from about 6000 ft to the height of more than 14000 ft in just a matter of three days. Famous for its endless meadows and a lake attached with a mythical story of a meditating sage, the trek becomes a fantasy with each ascending step.
Offbeat Places
Tirthan Valley
Situated at the height of more than thousand meters above sea level, Tirthan Valley is a soothing Himalayan retreat with glacial springs, the charming Tirthan river and glimpses of the Great Himalayan National Park. Known as the state’s best kept secret, the experience of silence amidst nature just adds more charm to this place.
Shoja
A truly hidden Himalayan treasure, Shoja is a part of Great Himalayan National Park, with a variety of flora and fauna, along with being one of the best bird watching areas. A quiet village near the Seraj Valley, this place is one undiscovered hamlet of Lesser Himalayas.
Chitkul
Known as the last village of India, Chitkul is paradise manifested, settled amidst the crystal waters of river Baspa and majestic mountain peaks in the backdrop. Located in the Kullu district of Himachal, the village is known to be the last inhabited village near the Indo-China border. For a traveller in search of spending a good time in the company of gorgeous Himalayan peaks, this place tops the list.
Sangla
Settled in the Kinnaur district of Himachal at a close distance from the Tibetan border, the valley is referred as one of the most beautiful valleys in India. With cultural influences from Tibet, the valley’s name is itself derived from the Tibetan language meaning ‘The Pass of Light’. Located at a striking height of more than 8000 ft, views of its forests and orchards running alongside the crystal Baspa river are more than enough to simply leave you speechless.
With numerous amazing trails and towns to explore in this state, this list of places in the state of Himachal is by no means exhaustive in nature, where while travelling through these valleys and treks in the heart of himalayas one might discover a view to cherish for a lifetime.
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