Also called ‘Mistress of the Northern Hills’, Himachal Pradesh is dotted with apple orchards and flanked by reserve forests and rivers making it one of Northern India’s best-kept secrets. When it comes to things to do in Himachal Pradesh, this beautiful state offers a variety of opportunities to explore, from history and culture to adventure activities or even relaxation.
Despite being close to some of the most heavily touristy spots in the country, Himachal is endowed with pristine natural beauty, rivers, waterfalls, and orchards of apples, cherries, apricots, plums, and more.
Whether you plan your holiday in Himachal with friends and family or for your honeymoon, here’s a list of offbeat activities you can partake in to make your vacation memorable!
When is the Best Time to Visit Himachal Pradesh?
When it comes to the top 5 tourist places in Himachal Pradesh, the best time to visit these areas also matters when sightseeing or taking part in activities.
The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh is during the spring season from March to June. With the temperature between 10-25 degrees C, the weather is cool, with clear skies, making it ideal for sightseeing and activities like trekking, paragliding, and nature walks.
Just keep in mind that this is peak tourist season so most places of attraction might be crowded.
You can also visit this area during winter from October to February with the temperature at 2-15 degrees or July to September when the temperature ranges between 15-25 degrees. During this time, there will be fewer crowds, allowing you more time to relax.
Top Best Things to Do in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is a land of serene beauty that captivates visitors with its snow-capped mountains, glistening rivers, and lush valleys. Not only does this place make for a whimsical travel paradise, but it is also easily accessible from Delhi or Chandigarh.
Whether you’re looking for adventure with your family, cultural immersion with friends, or relaxation as a solo or couple traveler, Himachal tour packages will leave you yearning for more.
So, take out your travel gear and get ready to experience the top things to do in Himachal Prades, a paradise for intrepid travelers.
1. Go Heli-skiing at Hanuman Tibba in Manali
This one’s not for the faint of heart. Hanuman Tibba is the highest peak in the Dhauladhar range and offers snow-covered peaks that serve as a perfect gliding path for heli-skiing. You’ll enjoy stunning views from the chopper and the rush of excitement as you leap out and slide down the slope.
2. Watch a Tibetan Opera at Dharamsala
Drama, dance, and song are all the key elements of Tibetan celebration. The Tibetan opera relives stories of important people, ancient Buddhist folk tales, and historical events. You can catch a performance at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts which was set up in 1959 by the Dalai Lama.
3. Visit The Oldest Brewery in Kasauli
Opened in 1855, Asia’s oldest brewery was popular for its Beer. The distillery is still in operation in Kasauli, making it an ideal location to enjoy a warm drink or even a chilled beer after your adventure.
4. Explore the Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu
The Great Himalayan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here travelers can witness stunning views of the four valleys, namely Parvati, Jiwa Nal, Sainj, and Tirthan. The park also has several endangered species of plant and animal life. You can walk or enjoy a jungle safari.
5. Take in the beauty of Khajjiar Lake at Dalhousie
Khajjiar Lake is surrounded by Cedar forests and verdant meadows and is blanketed in snow. The lake offers boating, paragliding, zorbing, and even horseback riding along with a breathtaking view of Mount Kailash. You can simply take a stroll, have a picnic, or enjoy this area peacefully.
6. Take in the stunning Monastery of Tabo in Spiti
One of the best hill stations in India, Spiti offers a 100-year-old Tabo Monastery which has nine temples, four stupas, attractive murals, chortens, and vintage paintings. This monastery is at an elevation of 10007 feet and is a must-see.
7. Fly like a bird at Bir Billing
One of the best places to visit in India, from this little village, you can live your flying dream and try your hand at paragliding. They also have tandem flying which allows you to view some of the most scenic localities while up in the air. You can either go to it alone or with an instructor.
8. Go camping in the snow at Mashobra
Perfect for couples and friends, this area offers various campsites that give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can explore the snowy area, cuddle up in your tent, and even enjoy a warm cup of chai and a book by the campfire.
9. Enjoy mountain biking in Spiti
The arid desert area of Spiti makes it quite popular for biking routes. You can ride through the scenic Kunzum Pass and explore the surroundings. Just keep in mind, owing to the uneven terrain you will require a high level of stamina, it is not for the faint-hearted.
10. View the beautiful hamlet of Chitkul in Kinnaur
Chitkul is considered the last village on the border of India. You can cover this place in just a few hours with temples, an ancient fort, and some houses. This area offers tons of natural beauty and has a unique charm about it. You can even find a small café here called Hindustan ka Aakhri Dhaba.
Beautiful Places to Stay in Himachal Pradesh
With so many activities to do in Himachal, choosing the right stay is also essential. Be it in the spring or winter, here’s a roundup of some of the best places to stay in Himachal Pradesh for the quintessential mountain experience.
1. Hillside retreats in Shimla
Shimla offers a handful of stone-walled, wood-paneled homes among its many homestays. These hillside retreats offer a vintage charm and the warmth of a lived-in home. They often have beautiful libraries, delicious local food, and stunning views of the valley.
2. Heritage houses in Dalhousie
Besides the many hotels and Airbnb’s, look for colonial-style heritage homes that often sit amongst groves of Deodars. These spaces offer an old-world charm and stunning gardens and are now even equipped with modern amenities.
3. Old stone homes in Ratnari
Perched on a height, these old stone houses overlook lush greenery, and massive apple orchards and offer sun-roofed ceilings, fireplaces, warm lighting, and even an unmatched view of the moon and night sky.
4. Tea Estates in Kangra
Imagine waking up with a backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountain range and beautiful rows of tea plantations. A home in the tea estates allows you access to cottages with private verandas, vast forests, tea gardens, streams, and even time to catch up on some reading.
Pair Your Chai with a Side of Adventure in Himachal Pradesh!
Himachal Pradesh offers several exciting activities for families, friends, couples, and solo travelers. Armed with the knowledge of the things to do in Himachal Pradesh, you can prepare for your trip. What better way to plan your Himachal trip than with Anubhav Vacations? Our team of professionals will tailor your itinerary to suit your needs and even make sure your accommodation, food, and sightseeing are all taken care of.
