Explore Cities
Shimla
Manali
Dharamshala
Dalhousie
Kasol
Spiti Valley
Shimla - The Queen of Hills
About
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, was once the summer capital of British India. Known for its Victorian architecture, pleasant climate, and panoramic views of the Himalayas, Shimla is one of India's most popular hill stations.
Top Attractions
- The Ridge - Open space in the heart of Shimla
- Mall Road - Famous shopping and dining promenade
- Christ Church - Neo-Gothic structure dating back to 1857
- Jakhu Temple - Ancient Hanuman temple with a giant statue
- Viceregal Lodge - Impressive British-era building
Activities
- Toy Train ride from Kalka to Shimla - UNESCO World Heritage
- Ice skating at Asia's largest natural ice skating rink (winter)
- Heritage walks exploring colonial architecture
- Shopping for Himachali handicrafts and woolens
- Trekking to nearby viewpoints like Jakhoo Hill
Best Time to Visit
March to June for pleasant summer weather, and December to February for snowfall and winter activities.
Manali - Valley of the Gods
About
Nestled in the River Beas valley, Manali is a high-altitude resort town surrounded by pine forests and snow-capped mountains. It's popular among adventure enthusiasts, honeymooners, and those seeking relief from the summer heat of the plains.
Top Attractions
- Rohtang Pass - Snow-covered mountain pass (permit required)
- Solang Valley - Hub for adventure activities
- Hadimba Temple - Ancient wooden temple in cedar forest
- Old Manali - Bohemian area with cafes and vibrant culture
- Vashisht Hot Springs - Natural sulfur springs
Activities
- Paragliding and skiing in Solang Valley
- White water rafting in the Beas River
- Trekking to Bhrigu Lake and Hampta Pass
- Mountain biking through forest trails
- Zorbing and snow activities (seasonal)
Best Time to Visit
April to June for summer activities, and December to February for snow experiences and winter sports.
Dharamshala - Little Lhasa of India
About
Dharamshala, home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile, is known for its unique blend of Indian and Tibetan cultures. The town is divided into Upper Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj) and Lower Dharamshala, offering stunning views of the Dhauladhar range.
Top Attractions
- Tsuglagkhang Complex - Residence of the Dalai Lama
- Namgyal Monastery - Important Tibetan learning center
- Bhagsu Waterfall - Popular natural attraction
- Dharamshala Cricket Stadium - One of the most scenic stadiums
- Triund - Popular trekking destination
Activities
- Tibetan cooking classes and cultural immersion
- Meditation and yoga retreats
- Trek to Triund and Kareri Lake
- Shopping for Tibetan handicrafts and artifacts
- Learn about Tibetan medicine and history
Best Time to Visit
March to June and September to November. Monsoon (July-August) brings lush greenery but also occasional landslides.
Dalhousie - Mini Switzerland of India
About
Named after British Governor-General Lord Dalhousie, this hill station spreads across five hills and offers spectacular views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. Known for its colonial architecture, cool climate, and dense forests, Dalhousie exudes old-world charm.
Top Attractions
- Khajjiar - Known as "Mini Switzerland" with meadows and cedar forests
- St. John's Church - 19th-century Anglican church
- Dainkund Peak - Highest peak in Dalhousie
- Panchpula - Popular picnic spot with natural springs
- Chamera Lake - Artificial lake with boating facilities
Activities
- Trekking to Dainkund Peak and Ganji Pahari
- Horse riding in Khajjiar meadows
- Boating in Chamera Lake
- Picnicking at Satdhara Springs
- Shopping for Chamba Rumals (handkerchiefs) and shawls
Best Time to Visit
March to June and October to February. Winter brings snowfall, making it a magical destination.
Kasol - Mini Israel of India
About
Nestled in the Parvati Valley along the river Parvati, Kasol is a picturesque hamlet in the Kullu district. Known for its Israeli influence, trekking routes, and stunning mountain scenery, it has become a hotspot for backpackers and nature lovers.
Top Attractions
- Parvati River - Pristine river flowing through the valley
- Manikaran - Known for hot springs and Gurudwara
- Tosh Village - Quaint village with stunning views
- Chalal - Tranquil village near Kasol
- Kheerganga - Popular trekking destination with hot springs
Activities
- Trekking to Kheerganga, Sar Pass, and Pin Parvati Pass
- Camping by the Parvati River
- Exploring the nearby villages like Tosh and Malana
- Hot spring bath at Manikaran
- Experiencing local Himachali and Israeli cuisine
Best Time to Visit
March to May and October to November. Summer offers pleasant weather, while autumn brings stunning colors.
Spiti Valley - Cold Desert Mountain Valley
About
Spiti, which means "The Middle Land" between India and Tibet, is a desert mountain valley located in the northeastern part of Himachal Pradesh. With its moon-like landscape, ancient monasteries, and rugged terrain, Spiti offers a unique experience for adventure seekers and spiritual travelers.
Top Attractions
- Key Monastery - Ancient Buddhist monastery perched on a hill
- Chandratal Lake - Crescent-shaped high-altitude lake
- Tabo Monastery - Over 1000-year-old monastery
- Dhankar Monastery - Perched precariously on a cliff edge
- Komic Village - One of the highest inhabited villages in Asia
Activities
- Trekking to Chandratal Lake and Pin Valley
- Mountain biking on rugged terrains
- Stargazing in the clear mountain skies
- Exploring ancient monasteries and Buddhist culture
- Visiting the fossil village of Langza
Best Time to Visit
Mid-May to October, as the Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass remain closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.
Thrilling Adventures
Paragliding
Bir Billing, Solang Valley
Experience the thrill of flying over the magnificent Himalayan ranges at Bir Billing, known as the paragliding capital of India. With favorable thermals and stunning panoramas, it's one of the best spots in Asia for this aerial adventure.
Pro Tip: October to June is ideal for paragliding. Morning flights generally offer clearer views of the snow-capped mountains.
Skiing
Kufri, Solang Valley, Narkanda
Glide through pristine snow-covered slopes surrounded by deodar and pine forests. From beginners' gentle slopes to challenging runs for experts, Himachal's ski resorts offer equipment rentals and professional instructors for a memorable winter adventure.
Pro Tip: January offers the best snow conditions for skiing. Book lessons in advance during peak season and carry appropriate warm, waterproof clothing.
Trekking
Triund, Hampta Pass, Pin Parvati
Explore some of India's most spectacular trails through pine forests, alpine meadows, and high mountain passes. From the beginner-friendly Triund trek to the challenging Pin Parvati Pass, Himachal offers diverse trekking experiences for all skill levels.
Pro Tip: May to October is the main trekking season. Carry a quality backpack, proper trekking shoes, and layered clothing as mountain weather can be unpredictable.
River Rafting
Beas River, Spiti River
Navigate through foaming white waters and swirling rapids of the Beas River. With rapids ranging from Grade I to Grade IV, rafting in Himachal offers both gentle rides for beginners and challenging stretches for experienced rafters.
Pro Tip: The best rafting season is from April to June and September to October. Listen carefully to safety instructions and always wear the provided safety gear.
Camping
Kasol, Tirthan Valley, Sethan
Spend nights under the star-filled Himalayan sky with the soothing sounds of nature around you. From riverside camps in Kasol to high-altitude camping in Sethan, experience the true wilderness of Himachal while enjoying bonfires and local cuisine.
Pro Tip: Book camps with eco-friendly practices. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable camping weather. Don't forget to carry a good sleeping bag even in summer as nights can be cold.
Mountain Biking
Manali to Leh, Shimla trails
Pedal through some of the world's most challenging and scenic mountain biking routes. The legendary Manali to Leh highway attracts biking enthusiasts from across the globe, offering breathtaking landscapes and testing terrains.
Pro Tip: June to September is ideal for mountain biking in high-altitude areas. Acclimatize properly before attempting routes above 10,000 feet, and carry basic repair tools.