Himachal Pradesh is one of India’s mountain states and is located in the north, tucked in the Western Himalayas. It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the country’s big cities because there are numerous nature and outdoor attractions and activities to visit and partake in here in this state. Some of the top things to do in Himachal Pradesh include trekking and rock climbing to paragliding and river rafting. There is no shortage of exhilarating activities to try while surrounded by lush Indian nature.
Rohtang La is a famous pass that’s only open between May and November due to the snow from the months prior. During the period that it’s open, one must not pass up on visiting or passing through it because it is one of the most famous places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. It is often described as a place that’s like “heaven on earth” because of the spectacular views that you’ll get as you explore it, especially at the hill station.
Spiti Valley is a cold windswept desert valley located between India and Tibet. It is a wonderful location for the outdoorsy traveler to embark on exhilarating hikes or treks. Wherever you go here, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Spiti River, the nearby mountains, and even a hill village where you can observe what life is like to be away from the big city and surrounded by gorgeous nature.
Solang Nala is one of the top tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh because of the wide variety of exhilarating activities that you can try. There are zipline courses to take on, you can go paragliding, and also explore the area on horseback. At the snowy areas of the valley, you can partake in winter sports activities like skiing and snowboarding down snowy slopes.
The Great Himalayan National Park is one of India’s most beautiful and largest national parks and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its biodiversity and local efforts to maintain its serenity. If you love nature and wildlife, you will definitely love exploring this scenic park because it is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
The Hadimba Devi Temple is one of the must-sees in Himachal Pradesh. It is an ancient wooden temple that was built in 1553 and was done so as a dedication to Hidimbi Devi of the Mahabharata. It is surrounded by a tranquil cedar forest, making it a great destination for travelers looking for areas where they can spend peaceful moments of silent reflection and meditation.
The Kalka Shimla Railway is one of the Indian railways that was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. If you’re exploring Himachal Pradesh, you must ride a train that takes this railway because you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping views of the landscape and villages below. Views of these are the reason why this railway has garnered popularity.
Chandra Taal, which is also referred to as Moon Lake, is a glacier lake that can be found near the source of the Chandra River in Lahaul. Travelers who love embarking high-altitude treks will find this place to be an exciting destination to visit during their adventures in Himachal Pradesh. It’s another area in the region that is lovingly described as “heaven on earth” because of its breathtaking scenery and the reflective waters of the lake. It’s at its coldest during October, so you should visit the lake on any other month to avoid uncomfortably cold temperatures.
The capital city of Himachal Pradesh is the city of Shimla. Like with all cities, it has its own hangout and shopping hub, and here it’s known as Mall Road. If you want to experience what the nightlife is like in this region, you should definitely give yourself the time to visit it. There are numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can sit down, relax, and enjoy good food and drinks while in the company of your group or others. There are also many shops that locally designed and branded clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs.
If you’re going to embark on a trekking adventure around Himachal Pradesh, make sure to add a visit to Bhrigu Lake to your itinerary. Bhrigu Lake is a high-altitude lake, sitting at an elevation of somewhere around 4,300 meters above ground in the Pir Panjal mountain range. The lake is regarded to be sacred because of its relation to the sage Rishu Bhrigu. It’s also near the Vashishth Temple, so if you’re looking for some peace of mind, you can pass by there first, then visit the lake where you can also enjoy the peace and quiet.
If you’re staying in Shimla City in the region of Himachal Pradesh, make sure to visit the Shri Hanuman Mandir Jakhoo, a shrine that sits at the top of Jakhoo Hill. It was built to honor the time that Hanuman spent resting at the hill in the story of the Ramayana. You can reach the temple by riding the Jakhoo Ropeway. There, you can spend moments in quiet peace and marvel at the statue of Hanuman, which has a height of 108 feet, taller than the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
The region of Himachal Pradesh is known for its natural wonders ranging from forests, lakes, and mountain ranges. This has made the region a wonderful destination for the outdoorsy types of travelers visiting India.
The best times to visit Himachal Pradesh are the months of spring and summer, which comprise of February up to June. If you want to experience the wonders of winter in India, you should visit during the months of October to February.
The best location to stay in Himachal Pradesh will depend on your preferences. If you want to be close to the nightlife in the region as well as shops and restaurants, you should stay in the city of Shimla. If you want to be close to the natural wonders of the area and embark on treks and/or try winter sports, then you should stay in the resort town of Manali.