About Himachal Pradesh:
If you love the cold climate, extreme weather, the tranquillity of nature, adventure, and want to discover the voyage, Himachal Pradesh is the perfect destination. There are more than 20 captivating places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Pradesh is a home of beautiful hill stations, lofty snow-clad mountains, lush green forests, and resorts. In short, Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful gift of nature that dictates the tourism of India by attracting millions of tourists every month.
The land of Himachal Pradesh has splendor beauty in the western Himalayas, that offers the following things to its tourists;
- High mountain passes
- Deadliest roads and Rugged Terrain,
- Rare wildlife,
- Adventurous sports activities
- Spiritual temples and monasteries
- Lone survival and tough life
- High altitude farming skills
- Small meadow and local cuisine
Himachal Pradesh is a hotspot for tourists, couples, and solo travellers. Heavenly tourist places like Khajjiar, Shimla, Manali, Spiti, Dalhousie, Kaza, Dharamshala, Palampur, Tosh lie in the lap of Himachal Pradesh. However, tourists visit the best places of Himachal Pradesh throughout the year. But, during summer and winter, the entire valley of Himachal becomes the land of wonderland.
The Himachal’s geographical location is perfect for all age groups except some challenging rocky terrain of the Lahaul region.
Best tourist destinations places to visit in Himachal Pradesh and their major distances from the national capital of India, New Delhi;
| List of places to visit Himachal Pradesh and distance | |
| Places | Distance from New Delhi |
| Shimla | 342km |
| Manali | 531km |
| Kasol and Manikaran | 511km |
| Kullu | 491km |
| Dharamshala and Mcleodganj- | 470km |
| Dalhousie | 560km |
| Bir-Billing | 514km |
| Chamba | 580km |
| Solan and Kalka | 295km |
| Kasauli | 288km |
| Kaza | 713km |
| Rohtang pass | 590km |
| Khajjiar | 574km |
| Chail | 335km |
| Spiti Valley | 700km |
| Narkanda | 400km |
| Palampur | 485km |
| Naggar | 512km |
| Kufri | 356km |
| Tattapani | 364km |
| Shoja | 500km |
There are 21 breathtaking, exotic, and best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh that can steal your heart.1.
1. Shimla- The Queen hill station of Himalayas:
When you endure in the valleys, Shimla, India’s shining city, comes first just after crossing Chandigarh. Shimla is the summer capital and the largest city of Himachal Pradesh.
Kufri and Chail are other top places to visit near Shimla which is only 30km from Shimla.
The beautiful hill station Shimla is still maintaining the charm of old British India. Because of lighting across the mountains, in the nights, the entire city looks like paradise. The entire town seems like falling on all sides with a stiff meadow.
The Mall and Ridge are the coolest places to hang out and perfect for street photography and shopping. Lined fashion stores, boutiques, bars, cafes, restaurants, and banks make the mall road the heart of Shimla.
Top visiting places in Shimla are:
- Jakhoo Temple- Covered with deodar trees and the highest Lord Hanuman statue in the world ( above 8000ft).
- Mall Road- an exciting place for fashion lovers
- Kalka Shimla Train- one of the oldest and beautiful train routes in India. It is notably the highest world heritage site.
- Indian Institute of Advanced study- Historic place and architecture.
- New Summer hills- Chadwick waterfall and green forest hiking
- Lakkar Bazar- One of the cheapest market with huge tourist footfalls.
2. Manali-Honeymoon capital of India:
Manali is situated in the snowy mountain peaks and tough terrain that makes this place pleasant and joyful throughout the year.
Manali is a top vacation destination for couples, families, and youths. Besides Manali, Kullu and Solang valley add extra gems for tourists.
In Manali, after tourism, Apple is another major source of income for locals and villagers.
Here in Kullu- Manali, the great Himalayan national park is home to the most diverse wildlife species on the planet.
Mysterious temples, monasteries, mountain peaks, and caves are the hidden gems that you can explore while visiting Manali.
Atal tunnel is now another popular destination added to the list of Manali.
Places to visit in Manali and its nearby places:
- Solang Valley- adventure and winter sports hub
- Atal Tunnel- experience one of the highest, the most equipped, technically advanced, and modern tunnels in the world.
- Manu Temple- traditional temple and deity of villagers
- Bhagsu Trek- beautiful moderate trek for all ages people to enjoy the beauty of nature.
- Hadimba Devi Temple and Dhungri Temple
- Bhrigu Lake Trek- snowy lake and stunning mountain view
- Manali wildlife sanctuary- Tall oak and deodar tree covered with lush greenery is the center of attraction for tourists.
3. Kasol and Manikaran- Land of Sikha and Hippie culture:
Kasol is widely known as “Mini Israel” because Israeli tourists come herein a large number. Kasol is also popular for hippie culture and backpackers’ hotspot.
Manikaran is a pilgrim site for the Sikha community, and Manikaran Gurudwara is world-famous. Manikaran is a place where the Parvati river shines between mountains and tall trees.
In Kasol and Manikaran, you can hike along the river and have a coffee in the cafes. You can also enjoy the blissful beauty of Malana village with less crowd. You can reach here by trekking and inhale fresh breath.
Places nearby Kasol and Manikaran Sahib:
Kheerganga Trek- hot water pool, half-day trek, and rejuvenating beauty of the valley
Tosh- majestic place from where real mountain life begins as roads ends here
Malana Village- A true gem of an old era; tribe culture and hippies paradise
Chalal Village- A cultural village holding the beauty of pure village life
Pulga- A tea garden and backpackers destination
4. Kullu- River Rafting hub and gateway to some of the beautiful offbeat villages of Himachal:
Kullu is the district hub for the entire region where people reach via short flights and buses/taxis. The mountainous region of Kullu is the gateway for Manali, Leh, and Ladakh region. Filmmakers, travellers, honeymoon couples, and geographers travel this place throughout the year.
River rafting in the Beas river, panoramic view of Himalayan ranges, and greenery surrounded by deodar trees and apple orchids are major attractions in Kullu. Kullu holds the maximum luxury hotels and resorts in the region. So, accommodation is not a problem at all.
Best places to explore in Kullu:
Bijli Mahadev Temple- mysterious temple and mountain peak
Raghunath Temple- one of the most visited temple
Vaishno Devi temple- devotees place in the bank of Beas river
River Rafting- Gear up yourself for the thrilling glacier water rafting
Tibetan Market- shopping hub for woolen clothes and crafts
5. Dharamshala and Mcleodganj- Mini Tibet of India:
Dharamshala and Mcleodganj are the winter capital of Himachal and the administrative hub of Tibetan exile. It is also famous as the land of Dalai Lama place (14th Dalai Lama; the realized spiritual leader of Bodha religion). Buddhist people consider him as a living Budha.
Dharamshala is surrounded with tea gardens, scenic roads and cornering cafes facing Dhauladhar ranges.
Triund peak, St. John Church, Dal Lake, Bhagsunag falls, Monastery and exotic Tibetan market in Mcleodganj is every tourist’s priority.
Being close to Pathankot, Palampur, and Amritsar, most tourists come to spend beautiful weekend trips. This is the home to thousands of Tibetan refugees who migrated in 1959s Mao’s brutal movement.
Top tourist places nearby Dharamshala and Mcleodganj are;
Namgyal Monastery- the place of Dalai Lama, Tibetan temple
Kareri Dal Lake- Surrounded by deodar and oak trees, the small lake is perfect for photography and bird watching.
Kangra Fort- Historic fort and Pahari architectural site maintained by Indian archaeological department.
War memorial- Tribute to 54 soldiers who showed bravery against Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil war.
Triund- Beneath of soul, a place where nature’s real beauty lies in its lap, trekking to the region’s highest hiking point and camping make you relaxing and enchanting.
Tea Garden
Tibetan Library- one of the most illuminating places; home to one of the most important Tibetan literature. Many things are still preserved from the great Tibetan exile in 1959.
6. Dalhousie- Beautiful Hill Station and a Home of Wildlife:
In the womb of Pir Panjal ranges, Dalhousie is another top tourist places in Himachal Pradesh. In the British era, Dalhousie used to be home for the summer holidays to some royal British families because of the pleasant weather and pine trees.
Dalhousie has many heritage offerings for its tourists like waterfalls, lakes, mountain peaks, dense forests, and Kala-Top wildlife sanctuary.
Dalhousie is very close to Pathankot and the gateway of Himachal and Jammu Kashmir. Tourists can frequently commute via road, train, and flights.
Best Places to visit nearby Dalhousie:
- Chamera Lake- located over 30km en route to Chamba and deadliest road Sach pass; popular for boating and paddling in the mountains.
- Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary- Only 12 km from Dalhousie’s
- Panchpula- Epic waterfall just 3 kilometers away from the Dalhousie town; offers various adventure activities and various local food; historically important and popular for Sardar Ajit Singh’s Samadhi, a tribute to the great revolutionary.
- Ganji Pahari-Bald patch of Barkota hills where you can touch clouds.
- Daikund- the mountains’ highest point, majestic view, snow-capped mountain ranges in the 180-degree view.
7. Bir-Billing- Paragliding capital of Asia:
Bir-Billing is a paradise for junkies and adventurous travellers. From Bir-Billing, you can be the eyewitness of the real Himalayan view.
Bir-Billing is the heaven for paragliding and known as the paragliding capital of Asia. In Bir-Billing you enjoy the longest paragliding rides.
The place dominates in aero spots across the continent of Asia. Many multinational brands organize these sports activities.
Bir-Billing has historical importance for Hindus and Buddhists both. Baijnath temple, Drukpa Kagyu monastery, Sherab Ling monastery, and Tea garden are breathless Bir-Billing places.
Palampur is another glimpse of a tea garden in Himachal Pradesh.
Most captivating places to visit Bir and Billing:
- Palampur- Surrounded by Dhauladhar ranges
- Rajgundha post office view- Charming view of the valley and single wooden cottage.
- Maharana Pratap Sagar Dam- one-day picnic spot offers beautiful landscape during early summer.
- Baijnath- The shrine of Mahadeva and a popular architectural spot.
- Palpung Sherabling Monastery- installed with zeal and Buddhist ancient commingles with fresh air and historical knowledge.
- Bir Local Woolen and Handicraft Market- stylish Pahari ethenic wears and local items.
- Gunehar River Pool and waterfall- Popular for mid forest tour and refreshing bathe.
8. Chamba- Lush green town with a freshwater lake:
As a traveller, you can easily spend 2-3 days in Chamba. Charming natives and high mountain passes give a new travel experience. Sach pass, known as the deadliest pass at 14482ft, is close to Chamba.
Local mountain farming and the perfect retreat of Chamera dam and peddling into the water are the other beauties of Chamba.
This hill station is popular because of abundant natural beauty, spanning lush green meadows, and temples.
Chamba is located 50km Dalhousie and 120km from Pathankot that takes less than 4 hours to reach.
Best Visiting Places nearby Chamba:
- Chamera Lake- A most popular tourist destination in the Chamba region
- Sach Pass- The deadliest pass is located at a very high altitude with almost no road
- Church of Scotland- Old-world architecture and library
- Manimahesh Lake- A High altitude freshwater lake
- Rangmahal- Shan of Chamba and a heritage palace
9. Solan and Kalka- Gateway to the real Pahari Land:
Solan and Kalka are the best gateways to the entire Himachal region of where the rugged Pahari land begins for tourists.
Solan has domination in tomato farming and that is the reason the entire region is entitled as the “Gem of the red city”.
Another beauty of Himachal lies in the travel route of the Kalka-Shimla. The narrow-gauge railway line is now a world heritage site, and during winter, the amazing ride gives you the feeling of Switzerland’s alps.
Even local authorities run special trains like Shivalik express and Himalayan Queen that have been built especially for tourists. Chandigarh is only 30 km away from the scenic location.
Attractive tourists place nearby Solan and Kalka, Himachal Pradesh:
- Majathal Sanctuary- Himalayan birds paradise
- Solan Brewery – Countries oldest Brewery
- Barog Tunnel- Tunnel number 33 or Barog tunnel is a haunted place
10. Kasauli- Scenic village surrounded by Churches and Tall Trees:
Kasauli is a typical Pahari village surrounded by trees and small hills. When you drive from Chandigarh to Shimla, this small village en routes. The scenic view of mountains, waterfall, Churches, thrilling brewery, and traditional villagers makes this village a must-visiting place in Himachal Pradesh. If you are planning a long road trip, then Kasauli is the place.
11. Kaza- A Kingdom of Isolation:
Kaza is the gateway to the entire Spiti valley and the biggest village in Lahaul and Spiti region. India’s some of the most remote villages are actually isolated in Spiti valley and Pin valley. Kaza region grows the world’s highest quality of potatoes.
The majority of the population of Kaza are Buddhist and Tibetan descendants. Kaza’s geographic condition does not allow the region to be accessible across the year, and that’s why this place is closed for six months.
Some of the nearby villages of Kaza are Langza, Komic, Kibbar, Nako, and Hikkim that have their own hidden stories and beauty. The landscape of the region is frigid and rough.
12. Rohtang Pass- Deadliest Road and Highest Motorable Pass in the World:
Rohtang pass is 50km away from the honeymoon capital of India, Manali. This pass is isolated in Leh-Manali highway, which is strategically and economically the only way to reach the region of the union territory, Leh-Ladakh.
You need special permits to visit the high altitude pass as the oxygen level is less and hence breathing power drastically declined by half.
Earlier, this road was closed for six months, but now, Atal Tunnel, the world’s advanced and longest tunnel in the Himalayas, helps locals and tourists to access the region beyond this place. Local authority states that Rohtang Pass is now open for tourists throughout the year.
13. Khajjiar- Mini Switzerland of India:
Khajjiar is literally alluring as the meadow changes its color according to weather. Khajjiar is awarded by tourism of India as “Mini Switzerland of India.” The blissful beauty of Khajjiar looks the same as the European mountains Alps.
Extensive dense deodar and oak trees perfectly cover the meadow. Many honeymoon couples love this place. The lake in the middle of the meadow gives a perfectly picturesque location.
Khajjiar is evolved as one of the most beautiful hubs for all age tourists. The availability of nearby hotels and resorts allow travellers to save time and explore more in the Pir Panjal ranges.
Summer and Winter are the best time to visit Khajjiar.
14. Chail- Gem for Rich Class:
Chail is popular for heritage hotels, the world’s highest cricket stadium, greenery, and polo grounds. Chail is a peaceful place with less crowd. The weather of Chail is quite warmer than Shimla, which helps locals in farming. Pahari farmers do commercial farming in Chail.
15. Spiti Valley- An Unbeatable Valley and a Gift of Almighty:
Spiti Valley is a paradise in the cold desert of Himalayan wonderland. Loneliness may be a negative word for the entire world, but being lonely is the most beautiful Spiti thing. The demographic ratio of Spiti valley is the lowest in the country.
Unspotted places, rare wildlife, and topography make Spiti Gram a wild and exotic place. In Spiti valley, you experience the real Himalaya. The people of Spiti valley are tough enough to survive in -30C degree temperature during winters. Iconic monasteries and Monks’ history bound everyone to leave the world and experience the real meaning of life in Spiti.
16. Narkanda- Bone Fixer Road of the World:
If you’re seeking inner peace and love skiing, then Narkanda is the perfect place for you. Rolling in the mountains like a roller coaster is fun and adventurous. Gigantic mountain peaks, lakes between mountains, and apple forming bounds backpackers to explore the inner beauty of Narkanda. Hatu Peak, Kacheri village, Jau-Baug village, Jalori Pass are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh.
17. Palampur- Tea Estate of Himalayas:
Palampur is a small hill station in the ranges of Himalaya. It is well recognized for alluring tea plantations and offbeat trails for Gaddis (nomadic Shepherds routes ) with Deodar and pine trees’ interesting vicinity.
Palampur is the paradise of thousands of tea gardens. Lord Budha’s temples, cultural monuments, state gardens, snow-capped Dhauladhar ranges make Palampur very captivating. Churches and local homestays around the Palampur and villages make this place a peaceful and perfect Himalayan town for families, friends, and couples.
18. Naggar- Castle of Country:
The beautiful village of Himachal, Naggar, is very close to Manali and Kullu, situated on the left bank of the Beas river. It is only 23km from Kullu town. Naggar holds spiritual importance and natural beauty.
Naggar Castle is Raja’s palace has now a museum. It is in the bucket list of almost every tourists who visit Himachal Pradesh.
Even Nicholas Roerich’s (Russian painter, historian, lawyer, archaeologist, and philosopher) museum is worth visiting. Unwind stories of Nicholas and the Himalayas can be found in his art gallery.
19. Kufri- Winter Sports Paradise:
As Manali’s heart lies in Solang, similarly, Shimla’s heart is Kufri. It is a hidden gem for you that is only 20km away from Mall Road, Shimla. This place is a winter sports hub for the entire Himachal Pradesh.
Skiing competitions at local and state levels are organized by the government and many groups. There are few accommodations for you. Horse riding and the panoramic look of Kufri holds everyone’s eyes for a while.
20. Tattapani- Rural Himachali:
Tattapani is a pure Pahari bone fixing village of Himachal. Tattapani is famous for its hot water spring. This place is located on Sutlej’s bank and only 50km from the capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla.
There is belief among people that who take hot water bath, he/she can fix his fatigue, muscle problem and many skin diseases.
The green valley of the Tattapani is the best place to visit during Monsoon because of the greenery and lush mountain peaks.
21. Shoja– Pure Hidden Gem in Himalayan Wonderland:
Shoja is still an underrated tourist destination. It is a beautiful spot between Shimla and Manali route. The pleasant climate of Shoja makes it one of the most beautiful villages in the entire valley region.
Places nearby Shoja are Jalori Pass, Raghupur Fort, and Tirthan Valley that makes the valley mesmerizing and eye-catching. Banjar Valley is really Banjara in Shoja that is still untouched by many tourists.
FAQs About Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh:
Q.1 Do you know the meaning of Kullu?
Kullu- in Sanskrit Kulant Peeth means “End of habitable world”. Beyond this place the real Himalayas and Devbhumi begin.
Q.2 I am planning for a 7-days round trip to Himachal Pradesh. I’ve already visited Manali. Please suggest an itinerary for 7 days from New Delhi?
Day-1 New Delhi to Shimla (7-8 hour drive; stay in Shimla)
Day-2 Shimla- Mall road-Kufri (stay in Shimla)
Day-3 Leave for Narkand (explore Hatu peak and stay in Narkanda)
Day-4 Narkanda to Chitkul (180km stay in the local homestay )
Day-5 Explore Chitkul, India’s last village and the valley
Day-6 Chitkul to Shimla explore and experience tough terrain via some off-roading trails
Day-7 Shimla to New Delhi
Q.3: What are places to visit in Himachal Pradesh for the honeymoon?
Khajjiar, Shimla, Manali, Spiti, and Bir Billing are top places to visit in Himachal Pradesh for couples looking for an exotic getaway; however, if you both are adventurous, head over to Kaza, Shoja, Kufri, Tattapani, and Naggar.
Q.4. What are the top tourist places to visit in Himachal Pradesh during summer?
Summer is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh. You can explore those valleys in Himachal, which is not possible for you to even enter in winter. Spiti, Khajjiar, Shoja, Kufri, Kaza, and Chail are the highly recommended places to visit Himachal Pradesh in the summer months.
Q.5 Are Shimla and Manali a safe place for solo-travellers?
Yes, absolutely, I have visited twice solo, and I camp in small villages as well. Manali and Shimla are pleasant places for a solo traveller.
Q. 6 What are the best marketplace for shopping local costume and handicrafts in Shimla?
Mall Road and Lakkar Bazar are the first choices of tourists where you can find a variety of local costumes and dresses.
Q.7 which language is most spoken in Manali and the entire Himachal?
Everyone speaks their native Pahari, but almost everyone knows Hindi, and even some of the shopkeepers and hoteliers are good in English and French.
Q.9 Where can I book hotels for Chamba and Dalhousie online?
You can book the best hotels, resorts, hostels, guest houses as per your budget from the world’s biggest and safest service providers like booking.com and Expedia Group. We are partners with them. So, you can click to check the availability of hotels- https://www.yourtravellingstory.com/hotels/
Q.10 Best time to visit Himachal especially for Paragliding in Bir?
Summer is the perfect season for paraglidin. During summer, the weather shows its natural colors. Even early April and May are the perfect time to experience the beneath of nature.
