Himachal Pradesh: This Gem of India might be small, but it does pack a punch! 

Ranging from the lofty peaks of the Himalayas, serene lakes of the valleys, twisting roads, exciting trails, and swift rivers, to so much more are ready to give you a dose of adventure. The sleepy beauty of the place might compel you to stay put. And that’s happening.    

To begin with, check off the capital city, Shimla, one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Next is Lahaul Spiti, known to many as the “land of Lamas,” it is renowned for its Tibetan influenced culture. Whether it’s hiking in the jungles of Kasol or trying out adventure sports in Kullu-Manali, there are a lot of adventure surprises along the way!      

Visiting Himachal Pradesh is a whole experience in itself, acquainting one with what an exciting trip should be like. You should visit this state if you haven’t done so already. Although tourism is a huge industry in Himachal, the state is still largely untouched and unspoiled. This state stands apart from the rest when it comes to the best places to visit in 2022.         

Here we’ll be taking you on a tour of some of the most incredible places in Himachal Pradesh. 

Top 7 Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh-   

1. Dharamshala
2. Manali
3. Shimla
4. Kasol
5. Lahaul Spiti
6. Sarahan
7. Kinnaur

1. Dharamshala- A Dreamy Hill station!

Home to His Holiness Dalai Lama since 1960,  this place holds special importance. By the way, do you know Dharamshala has two main commercial areas: Lower Dharamshala, which houses markets, courts, and the Kotwali Bazaar, where you can find items of everyday use. On the contrary, is the upper Dharamshala area which has Mcleodganj as well as other structures that are reminiscent of its colonial past. Well, the comparison is hardly exaggerated. 

The town comes alive in the monsoon season, attracting thousands of tourists and Buddhist pilgrims from all over India and the world. It is no secret that Dharamshala is blessed with the same beauty as the rest of the state, but it’s the Tibetan roots that set it apart. From fluttering prayer flags and monasteries at regular intervals to monks attired in bright saffron robes, Dharamshala is all about peace. So, when are you going to visit this tranquil place? Hope you make it SOON. 

2. Manali-  A Gift From The Himalayas!

A valley that reverberates with rapturous sounds: the River Beas rushing down the white rocks, the snow-capped mountains cutting through the hilly edges, and the call of the cuckoo — what more could one ask for? Manali offers a respite from the scorching heat of the Indian plains. Peace and tranquillity are the hallmarks of the place. It’s a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts interested in getting off tourist trails and experiencing nature up close. 

One of the main attractions of this town is the Hadimba Temple. It draws attention with its unusual structure, which is distinguished by its Pagoda-shaped roof and carved doorway depicting legendary figures and is dedicated to Hadimba, the wife of Bhima in the Mahabharata. The best time to visit Manali is in the spring when the weather is pleasant and the hills are covered with a blanket of flowers. Manali is the place to be! You wake up to the glorious sunrise, and in the evening as you sit by the gushing river, it’s absolutely surreal!

3. Shimla- A Fairy Land!

Once served as the Summer Capital of the British, in Shimla, one can still feel the old world charm in its ambience, in those pretty churches, and standing still town halls. Also known as the ‘queen of hill stations it is one of the favourite destinations for summer vacations in India. The best part is that Shimla is well connected to many cities like it is just 4 hours away from Chandigarh. 

There are a lot of fun things you can do here like, strolling on the Mall road for no reason, enjoying the toy train ride just to have fun, Hike to Jakhu temple to take blessings, cafe hopping to fill your stomachs, the bazaar clings to the hillsides stretching down to Cart Road, a great place to shop, off the Mall. Also worth visiting are Chadwick Falls, The Glen and Craignano, and the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies where you can spend the day relaxing. Have to end this saying ‘sade naal shimle da tour kad de’. Punjabis, don’t take any offence, please. Anyways do visit the beautiful capital city!

4. Kasol- Chalo Kasol Karenge Kalol (fun)!

A small hamlet has situated along the Banks of River Parvati in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Well, people call it the ‘Amsterdam of India’. The town has gained popularity mostly among backpackers, trekkers and nature lovers and is famous for its trekking trails, which include treks to Kheerganga, Sar Pass, Pin Parvati Pass, and Yanker Pass. Interestingly, India’s Oldest Democracy ‘Malana’ is just a few kilometres away from here. It’s a great place to go if you want to experience something new. Don’t know if you’re aware but they live in self-imposed isolation since they claim to be Aryan ascendants. In a nutshell, the village is untouched by the outside world, keeping its local charm alive.
Additionally, there are a number of streetside cafes serving Israeli food in Kasol mostly opened by Israelis who came here to unwind after completing their service. Nonetheless, the experience of eating amidst the dark green forests and the awe-inspiring mountains is without a doubt one of a kind. Also, there is a flea market in Kasol where you can find a wide variety of trinkets, souvenirs, pendants, and even semi-precious stones which you can take back home with you.

5. Lahaul Spiti- A World Within a World! 

Himachal’s Lahaul & Spiti District is surrounded by majestic mountains and is home to mesmerizing barren lands of nothingness, pristine gurgling rivers, scenic alpine lakes, Buddhist culture, and a long history. The place has the ability to transport one to another world where everything feels and looks magical. There are several trekking routes and mountaineering expeditions originating from Darcha to Baralacha la in Lahaul, making it a haven for thrill-seekers.

The Lahaul and Spiti Valleys are renowned for their outstanding Monasteries and Gompas, which have a strong Tibetan Buddhism influence. One of the most famous of these monasteries is Tabo Monastery in Spiti, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss out on that! Furthermore, you can attend the Losar Festival in Spiti to enjoy the local dance and music. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the beautiful ChanderTal Lake, it will leave behind a mesmerizing imprint and that’s a promise!

6. Kinnaur- A Treasure’s Trove!

Kinnaur is a small district in Himachal Pradesh that borders Tibet. It has a rich history, with many temples dating back centuries. The temples have a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist architecture, which gives the area a distinct character. The landscape is dotted with beautiful waterfalls and dense forests, which is what makes this place so special. 

Right from the orchards of apple and apricot to the magnificent panorama of villages to the stunning sight of Mt. Kinner Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva, to the pristine lake at Nako village, nature’s portrait is ever-changing in Kinnaur. Well, you can spot ‘Kinnauris’ from far away with their striking cylindrical cap that has a half band of green. Like Dharamshala, Kinnaur is also divided into two parts: Upper Kinnaur and lower Kinnaur. Here the discrepancy is, both are not that akin! Where lower Kinnaur follows Hinduism, in the higher reaches it is Buddhism that dominates, however they coexist in harmony. The best time to visit Kinnaur is between April and October (except monsoon). 

7. Sarahan- A Tranquil Aura!

Probably not many of you have been to Sarahan, but once you’re in this handsome place you will go head over heels. This natural paradise lies on the banks of the Sutlej River and is the gateway to Kinnaur. While the slate-roofed houses sit relaxed, the orchards and fields look beautiful surrounding them. The history of this remote, sparsely populated region dates back centuries.  

Sarahan has Bhimakali Temple, one of the 51 sacred Shakti Peethas. It makes for an amazing example of the Indo-Tibetan style of architecture. Near the temple complex is Bird Park, a pheasant breeding facility that houses the state bird, the Monal. If possible, it would be best to visit the temple when it is covered in snow. It’s all and all surreal. So make sure you pay a visit to this sacred place, you’re in Himachal after all! 

So, tell us, in between reading this blog, have you planned a trip to Himachal Pradesh already. If yes, then it’s a fantastic idea. With a range of things to do and places to visit Himachal has a lot in its pocket. Whether you’re looking for a week of relaxation, a long walk in the hills, or an adventure of a lifetime, Himachal Pradesh will never disappoint you. Best of all, Himachal Pradesh is one of the best places to go in India for some amazing nature photography!