It is impossible to find a more serene state than Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh, sometimes known as “the land of snow,” is a dazzling destination for travellers. We have compiled a list of the top 10 tourist places in Himachal Pradesh that you should consider visiting if you are thinking about taking a vacation to the state. It is possible to visit a number of tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, which include beautiful orchards, snow-capped mountains, snow-covered meadows, and holy locations. You can reach Himachal Pradesh either by air, train or road.
AIR: Bhuntar near Manali, Jubbarhatti Near Shimla and Gaggal in Kangra are the 3 main domestic airports in Himachal Pradesh. You can easily travel from Delhi to Himachal Pradesh in short span of time.
TRAIN: Pathankot in Punjab provides a train connection, despite the fact that it is difficult to construct railroads because to the mountainous terrain of Himachal Pradesh. From Punjab, you may go by vehicle or by air, and then you can take a train to Himachal Pradesh. Besides the fact that Solan and Una are both significant railway stations, there is also a toy train that connects Kalka to Himachal Pradesh.
ROAD: The Himachal Pradesh area is connected to major towns in India via a network of stunning roadways. Excellent connectivity is provided by the state, which is comprised of eight national roads and 19 state highways simultaneously. This is because driving might be difficult, particularly in more distant places; thus, it is recommended that you go during the day. Either you may drive yourself or you can get a taxi from Delhi. Also available are luxury buses, which link the majority of the main cities.
Before we delve into the best 10 destinations in Himachal Pradesh; let’s know about the best food of Himachal Pradesh.
#Best delicious and traditional food of Himachal Pradesh
If you go to Himachal, you should definitely see the snow-covered mountains, the beautiful green slopes, and go skiing. Is there anything else you shouldn’t miss? Of course, no one can leave Himachal Pradesh without trying its delicious food. Himachali people will put their whole hearts into their food, whether they’re selling it on the street or in a best café or restaurant. So, when you go to this beautiful state again, don’t forget to try some of the delicious foods they have to offer.
Madra:
Madra is a specialty that comes from the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The food is mostly made up of veggies or stewed beans (chana). This dish tastes better when it’s cooked well in oil and spiced with things like cumin, coriander powder, cardamoms, cloves, and cinnamon.
Dhaam:
Dhaam is a native food from Himachal Pradesh that tastes great and is full of good nutrients. The meal has dal, rajma, rice, curd, boor ki Kadi, and gur (jaggery) goes really well with it. With its many tasty treats, dhaam is a plate that is always served on special events and holidays. The unique thing about this food is that it is made by very skilled cooks called “botis.”
Siddu:
Sidu is a traditional side dish from Himachal Pradesh. It is made from wheat flour and goes well with meat or veggies as the main food. Although it is hard to make and takes a long time, the taste of Sidu makes every minute of preparation worth it. The yeast is left to settle for four to five hours in the wheat flour. After that, fat is added to the dough and it is put directly on the heat to get half-cooked dough. It is steamed after being half cooked to keep the taste and nutrients of the ingredients.
The Tibetan Dishes:
When people talk about food in Himachal Pradesh, they can’t leave out Tibetan food. Himachal Pradesh is an important Tibetan colony, so the main food there is influenced by Tibetan culture. Mcleodganj and Dharamshala have the best of these. Momos are still the favourite food of the Himachali people. At the booths in Himachal Pradesh, you can also get Thukpa, Tingmo, LuchiPoti, Thentuk, and Naizha Cake, among other things.
Mittha:
Mittha is a sweet dish from Himachal Pradesh that is only made on special events. The sweet rice is mixed with nuts and dry fruits.
These are some of the best delicious foods of Himachal Pradesh. Now let’s dive deep into the best 10 destinations of Himachal Pradesh.
1. Mcleodganj #Best Tourist Place to Visit in Himachal Pradesh
Mcleodganj in Himachal Pradesh is a famous tourist spot because of its Tibetan culture, nature hikes, lush greenery, old temples and churches, and British impact. It is on the edge of Dharamshala and in the Kangra area.
The town has one of the most beautiful sceneries in the whole state of Himachal Pradesh. It is surrounded by beautiful hills and lots of grass. A lot of people visit all year. Mcleodganj is a popular place for hikers because it has mountains and woods with Oak, Rhododendron, and Deodar trees. The Triund Trek, Kareri Lake Trek, and Thatharana Trek are some of the most famous treks.
Nearby places like Dharamsala, Dharamkot, Bhagsu Nag, and Kangra are easy to get to from McLeodganj. Here are some of India’s most famous and spiritually important temples, such as the Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang, the home of the spiritual leader Dalai Lama.
Peace, adventure, and faith can all be found in McLeodganj. It is a winter tourist favourite and an unforgettable experience.
- Ideal duration: 2-3 days
- Best Time: October to June
2. Manali #Best Place to Visit Himachal Pradesh
Manali is a wonderful hill town in Himachal Pradesh. It is at the northern end of Kullu valley and has beautiful valleys, views that will take your breath away, snow-capped mountains, and thick woods of oak, deodar, and pine.
Manali has changed over the last few years into a lover’s spot for young people who want to stay longer. People like this love living in Old Manali because it has cozy bars, good Wi-Fi, small restaurants, and shops that are easy to get to. Also, a lot of homestays and hotels offer cheap shared beds for longer stays.
Manali is a great place to stay for hikers because it’s a great starting point for visiting this part of the Himalayas. In the close town of Kullu, you can go rafting on the River Beas. The Parvati Valley is next to the Parvati River. It has small towns like Kasol, Manikaran, Tosh, and others that draw tourists who want to stay for a long time. The Atal Tunnel makes it easier for people to get to Spiti by letting them get to Sissu in just a few hours.
A lot of people visit Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley to do exciting activities like skiing, flying, horseback rides, and zorbing. The snowiest months are January and February, then December and March. Maybe there will be snow in April if you’re lucky.
- Ideal duration: 2-4 days
- Best Time: October to June
3. Shimla #Best Place for Shopping in Himachal Pradesh
The Himachal Pradesh capital, Shimla, is a famous hill-station among Indian families and honeymooners. At 2200m, it was British India’s summer capital. With its colonial architecture, pedestrian-friendly Mall Road, and ridge dotted with stores, cafés, and restaurants, the hill station preserves its old-world charm.
Tourism in Shimla includes visiting the Jakhu Temple and sightseeing at different locations. Weather is favourable most of the year, attracting visitors in summer. Cold winters with snowfall from mid-December to February end.
- Ideal duration: 2-4 days
- Best Time: October to June
4. Spiti Valley: Tourists Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh
Spiti Valley welcomes you with long winding roads and valleys that provide breathtaking views of chilly desert and snow-capped mountains. Spiti Valley, in Himachal Pradesh, is one of the coldest regions in the nation at 12,500 feet above sea level and enjoys 250 days of sunlight. The Himalayas surround it.
As India and Tibet are separated by Spiti Valley, it is called ‘The Middle Land’. Spiti has several monasteries. Notably the majestic Key Monastery, the greatest monastery in Spiti Valley and almost 1,000 years old.
A simple 1.5-kilometer hike along the Spiti River from Dhankar Monastery to Dhankar Lake offers stunning views of the settlements below. Sit back and enjoy in the fresh mountain air at Dhankar Lake. Chandratal Lake, where the water becomes scarlet, orange, blue, and emerald green at night, is another mythical place. Spiti is only accessible by highway in summer due to the massive Himalayan snow that cuts it off for six months.
- Ideal duration: 4-6 days
- Best Time: Mid May to Mid Oct
5. Kasauli #One of the best tourist places of Himachal
About 60 kilometers from Chandigarh lies Kasauli. Flower-filled and peaceful, this hill station is ideal. In 1853, the British erected the Christ Church, a neo-gothic church with stained-glass windows in a pine and deodar forest. The highland station attracts honeymooners, peaceseekers, and adventurers. The oldest scotch whiskey distillery in Asia located in the cantonment town. Kasauli houses the Pasteur Institute, often known as the Central Research Institute. Kasauli is notable for its colonial architecture, pine trees, and Tibetan marketplaces and association with Ruskin Bond and Khushwant Singh.
Kauli is a hiker’s delight and largely walkable. The tallest point of Kasauli, Manki (Monkey Point), is where Lord Hanuman planted his foot when hunting for the Sanjeevani Buti for Lakshmana in the Ramayana. Gilbert Trail is a 1.5-km short stroll from Kasauli Club to the Air Force Station at Sunset Point. Birdwatching and picturesque sights are the trail’s draw.
- Ideal duration: 1-2 days
- Best Time: March – June; September – November
6. Jibhi #Tourist Places to Visit in Himachal
Jibhi is a hidden treasure in Himachal Pradesh’s calm valleys that provides a natural escape. Jibhi, in the Banjar Valley, is a beautiful place to escape city life with its rich flora and tranquil atmosphere. Jibhi’s unspoiled beauty and tranquility make it the ideal place to relax and reconnect with nature.
Jibhi’s scenic hiking routes, clean streams, and lovely wooden cottages delight visitors. Famous for its apple orchards, travelers may enjoy fresh fruit and local food. Jalori Pass, Serolsar Lake, and Chehni Kothi provide breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys for adventurers. Jibhi also has bustling marketplaces for souvenirs and handicrafts.
The greatest season to visit Jibhi is March to June, when the weather is nice and outdoor activities are available. Jibhi’s tranquility may be experienced year-round, with each season giving a new experience.
- Ideal duration: 2-3 days
- Best Time: October to May
7. Kufri #Places to visit in Himachal
Kufri, Himachal Pradesh, is a charming hill village 20km from Shimla. The colonial structures and architecture of Kufri, formerly the British summer resort in 1819, preserve their heritage. Kufri attracts travelers year-round with its wonderful summer weather and winter snowfall. The greatest season to visit Kufri is November to March, when snowfall is highest.
- Ideal duration: 1 day
- Best Time: November to March
8. Bir Billing #Best Place to visit in Himachal Pradesh
Bir Billing, in the Joginder Nagar valley of Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, is a lovely town. Bir is known worldwide for paragliding and meditation. Due to its Tibetan community, the town combines peacefulness with adventure. Bir, a 70-km day excursion from Dharamshala, with active markets and monasteries.
- Ideal duration: 1-2 days
- Best Time: March – May; September – November
9. Dalhousie #Beautiful places to visit in Himachal Pradesh
A renowned hill town in Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie has views of the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountains from five hills. Honeymooners and families love its meadows, deep woods, and waterfalls.
No Dalhousie trip is complete without Khajjiar. Khajjiar, India’s mini-Switzerland, is 21 kilometers distant. The hill town is noted for its stunning views of snow-covered mountains and lush green fields. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary in Khajjiar is notable for its endangered species and mountain scenery. Chamba, about 50km from Dalhousie, is also worth seeing.
- Ideal duration: 2-3 days
- Best Time: Throughout the year
10. Sethan Valley #Best Himachal Place to visit
Located in Himachal Pradesh, Sethan is a charming hamlet that is roughly 12 kilometers away from Manali. This little Buddhist settlement is a hamlet that is located on the outskirts of the Dhauladhar mountain range. There is a lot of snow in Sethan Valley throughout the winter months, making it an excellent location to try out skiing and snowboarding.
- Tags: Hills & Valleys
- Best Time to Visit Sethan Valley: Throughout the year.
During summers, Sethan valley is ideal for trekking and camping activities.
In winters you can go snowboarding/skating.
Sethan valley is also the starting point of Hamta Pass trek - Elevation: 2700 mts above sea level
- Distance from Manali: 12 km
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