With Shimla and Manali packed to the rafters with tourists in winter, most travelers are looking for the top 5 tourist places in Himachal Pradesh that allow them to get away from the hustle of daily life. Himachal Pradesh offers a lot more beyond the famous tourist destinations; from majestic peaks, red prayer flags, crystal clear lakes, and even a myriad of culture and heritage.
Termed the ‘Land of the Gods’, this state is filled with historical towns, villages, forest trails, and picnic spots. It is perfect for mountain and nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
So, if you’re looking for a round-up of the best places to travel to in Himachal Pradesh, here’s where you can go to escape the crowds.
Best Place to Visit in Himachal Pradesh in December
Winter is here, and the best place to visit in Himachal Pradesh in December has already received its first snow. If you’re looking for a winter getaway amongst the snow-covered peaks, winter markets, scenic cafes, and hiking trails, then you’re in the right place.
Himachal Pradesh offers a variety of places to visit for every traveler. Unfortunately, most people end up visiting (and revisiting) the same popular towns in the state like Shimla and Manali.
If you are looking for something different and offbeat wrapped in inspiring design, then here are 5 of the best hidden gems worth visiting.
Top 5 Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh Beyond the Ordinary
Here is a sneak peek into the top 5 tourist places in Himachal Pradesh that should be on your travel itinerary.
1. Kinnaur
Kinnaur is a part of most Himachal tour packages as it is a highly sought-after destination. It is popular for captivating landscapes, beautiful temples, monasteries, and untouched natural beauty.
Go For:
Nature at its most pristine, apple orchards, and wildlife sanctuaries
Best Time to Visit:
April to June is the best time to visit Kinnaur. During the spring and summer, the valleys showcase blooming flowers and lush greenery. October to November are also great months, for fewer crowds and chilled weather.
Must-see Attractions:
Kinnaur is highly visited for Sangla Valley. Travelers can visit the Tanni Jubbar Lanke, the Hatu Peak, the Mata Temple, the 1500-year-old Kamru Fort, and even the Sangla Buddhist Monastery. The 4-day Faguli festival is not to be missed here.
Another popular place here is Chitkul set with no connectivity, snow-clad mountains, and rolling orchards. Travelers also love visiting Kalpa and Reckong Peo where you can get the most amazing sunrise and sunset views of the Kinnaur- Kailash Mountain range.
2. Spiti
One of the best hill stations in India, even though Spiti is a cold desert area. This region offers colorful Buddhist monasteries, a variety of adventure activities, green meadows, tiny hamlets, and even the unparalleled beauty of the Milky Way at night!
Go For:
Stargazing, trekking, and Tibetan-style villages
Best Time to Visit:
June to October is the best time to visit this area for first-timers. Those who are more experienced with sub-zero temperatures can visit during the winter.
Must-see Attractions:
The first must-see place in Spiti is the village of Nako, the river Spiti, the village of Gui, Dhankar Monastery, and Pin Valley National Park. You can also see the Komik village, the Tangyud Monastery, and the Lundup Tsemo Gompa Buddhist Monastery.
This area is also famous for spotting the snow leopard and the mountain fox, or heading for the Pin Parvati Trek. Nature lovers can also camp, explore the Chandra Taal, stargaze, or head for India’s only cold desert wildlife sanctuary ride.
3. Lahaul
Lahaul is home to the world’s highest post office at 4,400 meters. This area is also renowned for its rugged mountains, unparalleled views of the Himalayas, and dramatic cliffs, coupled with some of the world’s highest-inhabited villages.
Go For:
Dramatic cliffs, adventure drives, and pristine countryside views
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Lahaul is from mid-May to mid-October if you want to traverse the famous Rohtang Pass to see glaciers, Lahaul Valley, and Chandra River.
Must-see Attractions:
Here, travelers visit the Rohtang Pass, the remote village of Kibber, the Chicham Bridge, the Kunzam Pass, and the Koksar village, popular for its adventure enthusiasts and hikers.
You can also explore the Sissue village which gives you an insight into Buddhist culture, architecture, and cuisine. This is a popular spot for vacationers looking to unwind.
4. Dharamshala
One of the best places to visit in India, Dharamshala offers the soothing chants of the Tibetan monks, views of the mighty Dhauladhar range, snow-capped peaks, and a range of delicious local food and monasteries.
Go For:
Outdoor explorations and lesser-trodden nooks and crannies
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Dharamshala is during February and June, the spring and summer months. This time, the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and exploring the lush green surroundings. If you can brave winter, December is also a great time with fewer crowds.
Must-see Attractions:
This place offers a wide array of sightseeing opportunities like McLeod Gunj, Mini Tibet, the Tea Estate, Kunal Patri, the Chamunda Temple, the HPCA cricket stadium, and even the Tibetan Monastery.
Travelers also like to visit the Norbulingka Institute, Kareri Lake, and Namgyal Monastery, and even drive to Palampur to explore its stunning tea estates.
5. Dalhousie
Dalhousie is nestled in the Himalayan foothills. It is the perfect spot for trekking to Ganji Pahari, and boating or rafting at Chamera Lake.
Go For:
Deodar forests, old-world charm, and serene blue lakes
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Dalhousie is from March to May (spring and summer seasons). April to June is also a great time with chilly evenings and fewer crowds, allowing you to make the most of outdoor activities like paragliding, boating, or river rafting.
Must-see Attractions:
Besides the Panchpula Waterfall and the colonial-era churches, you can also visit the Chamunda Devi Temple, the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, the Subash Baoli Spring, the stunning River Ravi, and even the Bhalai Mata Temple.
There are a lot of other things to do in Himachal Pradesh like visiting quaint shops and local markets or even soaking in the culture and taking part in an array of adventure sports.
Instagram-worthy Cafés in Himachal Pradesh
No trip to Himachal Pradesh is complete without some delicious local food, a hot cup of chai, and some much-needed coffee. Dining in Himachal offers stunning views, the fragrance of fresh bakes, gushing water, and the sounds of birdsong.
Here are some of the most scenic cafes in Himachal for a wholesome experience
1. Indie by Salvation, Dharamkot
This café sits right in the heart of MC’Leod Ganj overlooking the Dhauladhar range. You can relax with a cup of coffee, play board games, pick a novel from their collection of books, or watch the sunset over the mountains.
2. The Cliff, Dharamshala
This lounge has a 360° view of Dharamshala and the perfect balance of modern and rustic aesthetics. You can try the local cuisine or even choose rooftop seating to soak in the gorgeous views
3. Cafe Mitti, Kasauli
This café sits atop a lush green valley and was started by two owners who worked in the hospitality industry for years. The food is delicious, and the vintage interiors offer a lovely touch.
Ready for the Top 5 Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh?
These top 5 tourist places in Himachal Pradesh are worthy of a trip. You can reach out to Anubhav Vacations for a slow-paced itinerary that allows you to experience Himachal Pradesh at its best. The itineraries allow you to enjoy the benefits of group travel and the perks of solo travel. There is no way you will miss the best place to visit in Himachal Pradesh in December or nature, heritage, wellness, and adventure when you travel Anubhav Vacations.
