Top 10 Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is a land of diversity when it comes to the kind of tourists who visit the snowy Northern state. Nestled in the laps of the Himalayas, the state of Himachal Pradesh is blessed with some exquisite places to visit. Thanks to the innumerable hill stations and villages tucked away from the digital life, Himachal Pradesh is certainly a haven for an explorer. If you are a traveller who has been following the ideologies of Columbus to explore India, you should visit Himachal Pradesh. There are far too many incredible places for you to visit in the state. In fact, we have listed out some of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Perhaps you can start curating your travel bucket list with the listicle as a reference!

Shimla

Once a summer capital of the Britishers, the hill station is abundantly blessed with elegance and panache. There are cottages that display chic exterior that match with the stunning landscape perfectly. It is undoubtedly one of the most famous places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. It is especially a popular option among honeymooners. The tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh would definitely leave you astounded with its rich and exquisite appeal.

Best time to visit: To witness the lush green grasses brighten up the valley, May to July is considered as the best time. The summers in Shimla are really good. As for those who would love to see the hill station enveloped in pristine white snow, you should travel between November to January.

How to reach: The nearest airport is Shimla Airport. The nearest railway station is in Kalka. You can board a train from Chandigarh and Delhi to reach Shimla by train. Further, driving down is also a great way to reach the hill station. Chandigarh is the closest city from where you can reach Shimla. Manali is about 260 km away and Delhi, 343 km.

Kullu Manali

One of the most popular places to visit in Himachal Pradesh after Shimla has got to be Kullu Manali. Perfect for honeymooners and adventure junkies, the hill station has been touted for being the perfect destination in Himachal Pradesh. You can witness the gorgeous views of the snow-capped Himalayas and enjoy the vast expanse of lush green valleys at Manali. For a weekend getaway from Delhi, you couldn't have asked for a better tourist destination in Himachal. Be it river rafting, trekking or cuddling up by the bonfire, Kullu Manali is ideal for all kinds of cheap thrills.

Best time to visit: May to July is considered to be the best time to visit Kullu Manali. If you wish to enjoy snowfall and winter, you can travel between November to January. The experience is certainly out of the world.

How to reach: The nearest airports are Bhuntar Airport and Chandigarh Airport. You can also drive down to Kullu - Manali via Delhi and Chandigarh. In case you do want to travel by rail, you can get down at Chandigarh and take a vehicle to reach the hill station.

Kinnaur

Famous for the apple orchards sprawled across the land of Kinnaur, it is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Boasting a vibrant cultural scene, Kinnaur is the perfect hamlet that you seek for a quaint and offbeat trip when travelling through Himachal Pradesh. You can enjoy views of the snow-clad mountains and see the Nako Lake sparkle under the sun. Further, you can also indulge in some Tibetan delicacies and learn more about their culture.

Best time to visit: June to September has been marked as the best time to visit Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh.

How to reach: Shimla Airport is the nearest airport to reach Kinnaur. However, since the distance between the airport and the town is about 277 km, it is recommended that you drive down to Kinnaur. You can opt for a local bus or even a private one to reach Kinnaur.

Kasol

Kasol is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh for adventure junkies and explorers. The little Israel of India which witnesses the white Parvati River flow in full force makes for a great trekking expedition. There are many small villages and towns that you can visit during your stay in Kasol. While you're here, do indulge in trekking through the Parvati Valley. Go for the Kheer Ganga, Tosh and Malana treks.

Best time to visit: May to June is the best time to visit Kasol. The summers are charming and lovely for a trekking expedition in Parvati Valley.

How to reach: Kull Airport is the nearest airport to reach Kasol. You can also drive down to Kasol via Bhuntar. Travelling from Shimla could be a little tedious as the distance to be covered is quite high.

Malana

For a digital detox and oneness with nature, you might probably want to add Malana to your list of places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. It is a paradise for travellers who are looking for an escape from the digital world. The village offers alluring views which include that of the Deo Tiba and Chandrakhani crests. It is undoubtedly one of the best tourist destinations for a short visit. You can trek up the Parvati Valley too.

Best time to visit: Early May through August is considered to be the best time to visit Malana.

How to reach: Kullu is the nearest airport to reach Malana. You can also hail a cab from Shimla or Mandi to reach Malana. Driving down from Delhi is also a great option to visit Malana.

Dharamshala

Home to His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Dharamshala is a very important place to visit in Himachal Pradesh. The multicultural harmony witnessed in Dharamshala is what makes it one of the top places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. The Indo Tibetan communities live without any differences and add more serenity to the air. You would be amazed to see some really interesting cultural exchanges in the city of Dharamshala.

Best time to visit: May to July is when Dharamshala witnesses summers. However, to experience snowfall, you might want to plan your trip around November to January.

How to reach: Pathankot is the nearest railway station to reach Dharamshala. The hill station also has an airport in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh. You can also drive down to the place from Chandigarh as well as Delhi. The duration of the journey would be around 12 hours.

Solang Valley

Located about 14 km away from Manali, the place is a famous tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. Thanks to their lush expanse of greenery, it is blessed with some impeccable resorts and hotels. Not to mention, it is also a popular choice among adventure junkies who would like to indulge in activities such as paragliding, skydiving and horseback riding, to name a few. It is also the only route to reach Rohtang Pass from Manali, so it witnesses a massive footfall every year.

Best time to visit: December to January is the best time to visit Solang Valley if you want to witness the snowfall. However, to enjoy the outdoor activities, you should visit from May to June.

How to reach: The nearest airport to reach Solang Valley is Bhuntar Airport in Kullu.

Kufri

If you are looking for the snowy landscape for a romantic rendezvous in Himachal Pradesh, look no further and put your bets on Kufri. It is one of the most gorgeous places to visit in Himachal Pradesh and for all the right reasons. Kufri manages to satiate fantasies of people who want to stay in a snowy neighbourhood or rather experience their first snow outing. There are many trekking opportunities close to Kufri too. But of course, when in Kufri, must try skiing!

Best time to visit: November to March is recognised as the best time to visit the snow-laden town of Kufri in Himachal Pradesh.

How to reach: Bus and roadways are recommended to reach Kufri. It is just 10 km from Shimla, so Shimla Airport is the nearest airport for Kufri. You can also take a vehicle and drive down from Chandigarh.

Dalhousie

Resting on the lap of Himachal Pradesh's gorgeous Kangra Vnalley lies the gorgeous green hill station called Dalhousie. Although it is very popular as a honeymoon destination in India, the serene vibe of the hill station makes it perfect for any kind of traveller who seeks tranquillity. There are many cottages and lush green grasses spread across the hill station that brings a quaint ambience. You can take up many treks from Dalhousie too.

Best time to visit: April through July is considered to be the best time to visit Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh. The winters can get a little too much for those who come from non-snowy locales.

How to reach: Dharamshala Airport located in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh is the closest airport to reach Dalhousie. It is about five hours away. Pathankot Railway Station is the nearest railway station to reach Dalhousie. You can even take a cab to reach the place.

Spiti

One of the hidden gems of Himachal Pradesh is Spiti. The marvellous Spiti Valley is a haven for peace seekers and Buddhists. It is one of the widespread beliefs in the valley where you will find a slew of monasteries and muddy terrains. Unlike Manali and Kufri, Spiti has a wholly different terrain that is an experience in itself. You can take up treks or even camp by the Chandratal Lake and stargaze. The valley is too gorgeous for words.

Best time to visit: May to July is the best time to visit Spiti as summers in the tourist destination is unmissable.

How to reach: Kullu Airport is the nearest airport to reach Spiti. In case you plan to take a train, you should start your journey towards Spiti from Shimla railway station. The road that leads to Spiti is a very popular route for motorcycle enthusiasts. Either they choose to go via the Manali and Rohtang Pass route, or they go by the Shimla and Kaza route.