Top Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh, India

Himachal Pradesh is a picture-perfect state that impresses visitors with scenic hill stations, quaint villages, snow-covered mountains, lush valleys, diverse flora and fauna, unblemished nature, and abundant trekking trails. It is a veritable haven for nature lovers, adventurers, and backpackers. Here’s our pick of the top places to visit in the ‘Abode of Snow‘.

Shimla

Also called the Queen of Hills, Shimla is a gorgeous colonial hill station, where picturesque vistas will greet you at every nook. A perfect place to wander, Shimla showcases some of the best colonial-era architecture, including the Viceregal Lodge, the Town Hall, the Gaiety Theatre, and the Christ Church. The city’s location at the foothills of the Himalayas amidst the lush greenery and snow-covered mountains makes it a perfect place for trekking and other outdoor fun. The appeal of the Queen of Hills increases manifold when the winter sets in — the entire city gets enveloped in snow, a sight to remember!

Dharamshala

Nestled in the upper reaches of Kangra Valley, Dharamshala enjoys one of the best climates in Himachal. Surrounded by snow-laden peaks of the Dhauladhar mountains and lush pine and deodar forests, the town is brimming with cultural and architectural attractions, along with a great number of restaurants, cafes, and shops catering to its extensive multicultural Indian and Tibetan communities. Its suburbs, such as McLeod Ganj (India’s Mini Tibet), Dharamkot, Sindhbari, Ramnagar, and Naddi are worth exploring. Also, with a plethora of trekking trails, waterfalls, and scenic valleys, the town beckons adventurers from across the world.

Spiti Valley

At an altitude of 3,810 meters, Spiti Valley is a remote village up in the cold desert mountains. Despite the fact it is fairly isolated, plenty of spiritual and adventure travelers are gradually making their way to Spiti to explore its many Buddhist monasteries scattered throughout the area, and indulge in thrilling activities, such as trekking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and wildlife spotting. In addition, it is surrounded by several high-altitude villages, like Tabo, Kaza, Dhankar, Kibber, Komic, and Langza, which can also be explored on your trip to Spiti.

Manali

Situated at an altitude of 2,050 meters on the River Beas valley, Manali is a picture-perfect hilly retreat that draws in hordes of tourists every year. The picturesque landscape comprising lush pine and deodar forests, snow-covered mountains, scenic meadows, waterfalls, and valleys attracts adventurers and nature lovers alike. Alternatively, the ancient temples and Tibetan monasteries beckon spiritual enthusiasts.

Bir Billing

Despite its tiny size, Bir Billing is the it-place for paragliding in India. Also called the ‘Paragliding Capital of India’, Bir Billing boasts salubrious weather year-round and a spectacular landscape, which attracts thrillseekers and backpackers from across the world. The place offers panoramic vistas of the undulating beauty of the Himalayan mountain ranges.