Himachal Pradesh is one of the most popular states among both Indian as well as foreign tourists. Himachal is full of high snow-covered mountains, lush green fields, picturesque trekking points, and hypnotising scenes. The state is also famous among tourists for its hippie culture. Tourists from all over the world come to Himachal to witness the natural beauty and amazing hospitality of the state. There’s no way one can list out the top 5 or 6 places from the abundance of beautiful cities and towns that the state homes. However, time is always a constraint, and to suit the schedule, let’s look at six of the most popular and beautiful places in the state.
- Shimla: A trip to Himachal can’t be complete without visiting Shimla. Known as the queen of hills, Shimla was once the summer capital of British-ruled India. The city is surrounded by snow-covered mountains and decorated with lamp-lights that give it a colonial look. Among the key attractions in the city are the Viceregal Lodge, the Town Hall, Gaiety Theatre, and the Christ Church. Shimla looks particularly more beautiful during the winter season and it also witnesses some snowfall, making your trip memorable.
- Kasol: Kasol is a mesmerizing hippie town situated at the bank of the Parvati river and is equally popular among Indians as well as foreign tourists. Not everyone can visit Israel, but you can surely visit Kasol and it is pretty much the same thing. Not to forget, that it is also called the ‘Little Israel of India’. Kasol is full of marvelous mountains covered with snow, surrounding the lush green fields that make it one of the most picturesque places in Himachal. It is a heaven for backpackers and adventure lovers. The budget-free eateries and cafes make it a must-visit spot for budget travelers.
- Dharamshala: If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the cities then Dharamshala is the best place to find yourself in solitude. It is also a holy place for the Buddhists hence, it also offers a spiritual experience. The snow-laden peaks of Dhauladhar mountains give the hippie town a charming view and the pine and deodar forests add to the beauty of the town. Do not forget to take a trek to the Triund peak where you can enjoy camping at very affordable prices and witness the eye-gripping view of sunrise. Also, pay a visit to the Bhagsunath waterfall on the way. In the suburbs of the town are McLeodGanj (Mini Tibet), Dharamkot, Ramnagar, and Naddi and a trip to Dharamshala is incomplete without visiting these points. Dharamshala also houses some of the country’s best cafes where you can enjoy amazing coffee and delicious food.
- Spiti Valley: If you want to take your adventure journey to the next level, Spiti Valley is the place to visit. Situated at an altitude of 3,810 meters, Spiti is a remote village surrounded by high mountain peaks. The isolated village is the best place to go on a self-discovering journey. Buddhist monasteries are the jewel of this place. Adventure activities like trekking, biking, and rafting are really popular here. It is a thrilling experience to spend a night in the traditional houses of Spiti. You can also pay a visit to nearby areas such as Tabo, Kaza, Dhankar, Kibber, Komic, and Langza. These villages are situated at even higher altitudes and will take your experience to the next level.
- Chitkul: Chitkul is the last inhabited village situated near the Indo-China border on the Himalayan side. Chitkul lies in the Kinnaur district of Himachal and is very famous among bikers and backpackers. However, Chitkul doesn’t have many adventure activities to offer, it’s a wonderful destination to enjoy some ‘me-time’ while enjoying the scenic beauty from your balcony. It also has some cute cafes with eye-grabbing picturesque spots. The townhouses a 500-year-old temple which is among the key attractions. You can enjoy staying in the traditional quaint houses that are completely made up of wood.
- Khajjiar: If money weren’t a constraint, who wouldn’t like to travel to Switzerland. Well, Himachal offers a similar experience that you can explore in the budget. Khajjiar is a hypnotic beauty situated at the center of lush green and dense deodar forests guarded by snow-laden mountains. It is also known as the ‘mini Switzerland of India’. Pay a visit to the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary to come close to nature. The 12th-century Khaji Nag temple is one of the key places that you can visit to understand the traditional history of the place. You can enjoy adventure activities like horse-riding, trekking, and paragliding. Enjoy the marvelous view of the Khajjiar lake to enhance your experience. Khajjiar is particularly famous among young couples due to its scenic beauty. In nutshell, it is a picture-perfect holiday spot.
