There are a lot of beautiful places in Himachal Pradesh like Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Kasauli, Dharamshala which have already been discussed in our previous blog. However, if they are too mainstream for you and your heart beats for the unexplored gems then this blog simply is for you.
Since it’s no longer the case that people visit common places. It seems that the word “offbeat” is frequently used in frivolous contexts these days. Himachal has offbeat lists of places that have been visited since the time of Shuttleworth and Harcourt (explorers who came to Himachal from Distant lands). However, if you say Kasol, Malana, and Chitkul are offbeat. It feels unsatisfactory! We understand familiarity is relative, but still, it’s a no!
There are many places that are unexplored, yet have great potential in terms of scenic beauty and adventures that lure travellers to visit and explore this region. Himachal Pradesh, however, is not confined to the same old hotspots that have been featured in travel guidebooks for decades. Nevertheless, they remain fantastic destinations. But you already know that, don’t you?
To make a legitimate top 7 unexplored list, we have too many names to choose from! All this, after eliminating the entire crowded tourist hubs.
How about staying close? There is so much to see and do in these regions that you can easily spend a week there, doing exactly nothing except taking it all in. They’re close to the hubs but trust us, having entirely different worlds!
Stop by these hidden gems in Himachal that have successfully remained hidden for a long time from conventional travellers. The majority of these areas don’t have expensive resorts, but HRTC buses connect them all.
7 Best Undiscovered Tourist Circuits in Himachal Pradesh
In Himachal, you can find hidden and pristine getaways abound with beauty. The following 7 secret places in Himachal Pradesh will make you want to go there once you have read about them. You won’t regret it at all. Have a look.
1. Janjehli
2. Karsog valley
3. Churah Valley
4. Prini
5. Thanedar
6. Gada Gushaini
7. Sach Pass and Pangi Valley
1. Janjehli Valley
There are many places in the world that will allow you to bask in nature’s splendour and allow you to completely surrender to the wonders that nature has to offer. The Janjehli valley is one such place. This place is about 70 km from Mandi if you’ve been there before. With its green vistas and the snowy fog that adds to its beauty, the valley is a sight for sore eyes. It’s best to visit this paradise between October and March to enjoy trekking on the hilly trails. One can say it is a welcome escape from the urban hustle and bustle, plus opportunities to get active, sunbathe, and relish a bit of tranquillity. This is undoubtedly one of the best-unexplored destinations in Himachal Pradesh.
2. Karsog Valley
Karsog is situated in the heart of the majestic Himalayas, at a height of 14,042 meters in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. The town is full of Apple Orchards and deodars and pines which makes the beauty two times. While the valley has many temples which trace their histories back to the Mahabharata, its best feature lies within its pristine nature which hasn’t been tampered with by rampant tourism. Get a sneak-peek into the Himachali way of life and experience the unique culture and cuisine and you’re going to love it!
A year-round paradise, Karsog Valley, in Himachal Pradesh, blooms during the monsoon season when the clouds are hiding and seeking. The Apple harvest takes place between June and July, when you can see the shiny red fruits hanging off the branches. All the seasons are just as beautiful! Certainly, the doors of Karsog are always open, visit anytime. Karsog is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
3. Churah Valley
A lesser-known magnificent destination in Himachal Pradesh. Churah valley is 65 km away from Chamba and is a perfect place to spend a few days to refresh your mind and body amidst snow-capped mountains, wilderness and orchards. Churah means four pathways, as it is a gateway to several important places such as Chamba, Pangi Valley, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir.
You will be enamoured by the local folklore, cuisine, and other native aspects of this place. Churah Valley, hidden from normal travellers, is home to a number of fascinating attractions to appeal to backpackers’ wanderlust. Among them are Gadasaru Mahadev Lake, Devi Kothi Temple, Goiya Naag Valley, and Jatbagga Meadows. In the monsoon season, with its lush green cover of deodar, ban, kail, spruce and fir trees, it is a veritable paradise on Earth. Just don’t miss this or you’re at loss!
4. Prini
Prini village is a beautiful place in itself where overwhelming landscapes and tranquil views greet you. Here you’ll experience the refreshing aroma in the air, like that smell of mud after it first rains after a long dry spell. It has a well-established transportation system so your ‘how to reach part’ is sorted. Also, there is a splendid waterfall in this small village on the Manali-Jagatsukh road, make sure you stop by, it’s beautiful. Prini is less known to ears but trust us it is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
It is best to visit the valley between May and July when the lush green grasses fill the valley. Summer here is delightful. Those who wish to see the hill station glisten with pristine white snow should plan to visit between November and January.
5. Thanedar
Even just mentioning the name “Thanedar” evokes interest. Doesn’t it? Thanedar is about 3 hours’ drive from Shimla and about 20 minutes from Narkanda; yet not many people know about this place. Perhaps it is a name that is only familiar to those who like visiting off-the-beaten-track locations more than the regular tourist spots. Thanedar isn’t for those who like sightseeing, fun activities, eating out, and plenty of shopping. Out here, there are only a few houses, orchards, and mighty Himalayan peaks all around.
Thanedar is basically the orchard region of Himachal Pradesh where cherries, strawberries, and apples of course, are found in abundance. Simply put, it is the ideal place to spend some time in peace and away from the crowds. Be here in the months from May to September, the weather is pleasant at that particular time.
6. Gada Gushaini
The opulent village of Gada Gushaini is a very small but spectacular village in Banjar, district Kullu. Many of you get confused with Gushaini in Tirthan, but fellas, it’s the one in both the Kullu and Mandi districts of Himachal Pradesh. Spelling out, Gada Gushaini is divided into two parts – half in Kullu district and half in the Mandi district, the stream flowing through the village is the dividing point! Near Jibhi, there is a road split: the one on the left goes directly to Ghiyagi, Shoja, and to Jalori pass, and thereafter to Rampur Bushahr, while the left road continues straight to Bahu, Gada Gushaini.
With pebbles hindering their way, crystal clear water sounds like wind chaps to the ears, this is one of the best-hidden places in Himachal. There is nothing better than nature when it offers beautiful surroundings, lush green landscapes, and avenues for adventure and entertainment. Additionally, being a remote village there are no homestays in this village, and if there will be, it will be few. Prepare for that in advance or book for a government rest house, as they are almost in every picturesque location. What you do is just trust your guts and catch that bus!
7. Sach Pass and Pangi Valley
Himachal Pradesh’s tourism boom has practically not reached this last frontier. It was once a place of exile (Kala Pani) for criminals of Chamba Kingdom. Mostly, biker gangs and SUV enthusiasts travel here to prove their mettle on one of the “most dangerous roads in the world.” And as they say, you will always find adventure on the road less traveled. Pangi has many charms, but this is one of the most important.
It is actually its frontier villages, and the incline slopes that lead to them, that make Pangi so charming. There are not many stays in this village but there are a few in Killer (headquarters of Pangi). Private accommodations are not available in the inner villages, but there are a couple of Government rest houses in Hudan and Sural that need to be booked prior to arrival in Chamba. It’s a place with no hustle and bustle, just calmness. All this is exactly what keeps this region pristine!
So, this was it. With these amazing hidden places in Himachal Pradesh, experience this beautiful state to its fullest. A mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, Himachal has a lot to offer and as a curious traveller, you can fulfil your wish to tour all the hidden crooks and offbeat spots of the place. Plan your itinerary to visit this beautiful state today!
Also, if you like, if you’ve explored such hidden places in Himachal Pradesh that you didn’t find above but are intriguing, let us know! We know there will be many. After all, it’s Himachal we’re talking about.
Happy EXPLORING!
