Nowadays, many people look out for offbeat destinations in Himachal Pradesh as most of the tourist places are mostly turning to concrete jungles. There is so much demand for these less-known places in Himachal that many of them are turning into tourist spots now. When I suggest travel plans to my loved ones, including family and friends, I ask them lots of questions. It helps me know what they are expecting from their offbeat vacation in Himachal. It helps me suggest a memorable trip of their lifetime.

One of the most beloved and highly regarded tourist destinations in India is Himachal Pradesh, a place that warms the mind and spirit. Tucked up amid the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains of North India, the state welcomes travelers from all over the world to have a fantastic vacation that will leave them with lifelong memories. The stunning hills, immaculate valleys, historic sites, old monasteries, glittering lakes, and much more in a tranquil setting are the main draws for tourists.Travelers of all stripes will find their wanderlust satiated with a visit to this stunning Pradesh’s tourism attractions. Hikers, adventurers, pilgrims, lovers of the great outdoors, and history aficionados can all travel to Himachal Pradesh. The list below may be of interest to you if you’re searching for some offbeat places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.

Best Time to Visit in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has three distinct seasons: summers, monsoons, and winters. The most suitable time to visit the state depends on personal interests and activities. Here nature changes its color with the seasons including summer, monsoon, and winter.

Summer (April to June):

Summers in Himachal Pradesh are pleasant and provide comfort from the burning heat of the plains. This time temperature ranges from 5°C to 24°C. For those who want to explore scenic beauty with adventurous activities, this season is ideal for them. This season is suitable for trekking, paragliding, river rafting, and exploring the lush green valleys.

Monsoon (July to September):

The monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh brings moderate to heavy rainfall, transforming the landscapes into a beautiful green paradise. While some tourists prefer to avoid this season due to the possibility of landslides and limited accessibility, the monsoon has its charm for nature enthusiasts. The rain-washed mountains, gushing waterfalls, and blooming flowers create a surreal atmosphere. This is also a great time for rejuvenation, as several Ayurvedic and wellness retreats offer special monsoon packages.

Winters (October to March):

Winter in Himachal Pradesh is a magical time, especially for snow lovers. The temperature drops significantly, ranging from sub-zero in the higher regions to 10°C in the lower regions. Popular hill stations like Shimla, Manali, and Kufri experience heavy snowfall, making them popular destinations for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. The picturesque landscapes covered in a blanket of snow offer breathtaking views.

Different regions of Himachal Pradesh

I think one of the easiest ways to understand this region is to break it up into 4 distinct parts:

1) The lower regions 

This region covers Kasauli (not too far from Chandigarh and its airport, all the main gateway to the region) way up to Shimla, and nearby Chail. This region is also famous for the highest cricket pitch in the world, and on to Thanedhar with its spectacular views and many cherry and apple orchards.

2) The Apple region

In this region the main attraction is the proliferation of apple orchards. Also known as the Kinnaur region, it includes the stunning Sangla Valley and Chitkul glacier to Kalpa.

3) The Eastern region

This region is known for the British hill station Dalhousie and the famous destination of Kullu Manali. This area also includes the spiritual city of Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj (the seat of the Dalai Lama and Tibetan government in exile).

4) Lahaul & Spiti

This is the northernmost part of Himachal Pradesh, bordering Jammu & Kashmir and, to the east, Tibet/China. This is the most beautiful place and remote part of this region and its scenic beauty is mesmerizing.

Tour Duration

9 nights and 10 days are needed to finish the entire itinerary.

How to reach

Journey Path

Route Map

 

Trip Itinerary

Himachal Pradesh has a wide range of locations that qualify as offbeat destinations.Among them Malana,Tirthan valley,Chitkul,Pabbar valley,Thanedar Valley,Shoja,Barot,Kheerganga,Prashar lake,Kalpa,Nako,Fagu,Narkanda,Theong are popular tourist destinations which comes under hidden gems in Himachal Pradesh.In our short duration we cover few places among them.The detailed tour plan are followed below

Day1 & Day2: Howrah – Kalka(85.7km)

Reached Howrah  railway station for the Howrah- Kalka Express. It takes 2 nights to reach.

Day3: Kalka – Shimla (85.7km)

3^rd day early morning we reached Kalka station. From there we traveled through Shivalik Deluxe Express towards Shimla.It covers a track length of 96 km to reach Shimla(altitude-6,812 feet) . It is a very pleasant journey for the eyes simply because of the mesmerizing scenic beauty of the hill.It covers 18 stations to reach Shimla( Kalka, Taksal, Gumman, Koti, Sonwara, Dharampur, Kumarhatti, Barog, Solan, Salogra, Kandaghat, Kanoh, Kathleegat, Shoghi, Taradevi, Jutoh, Summer Hill and Shimla).We reached at Shimla around 11.00 am. Shimla is the capital of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and comes under Shimla district.After that, we stayed at our pre-booked hotel D-Park . After taking rest , we went to Shimla Mall and have our lunch at a renowned restaurant Goofa Ashiana in Shimla Mall .

The main attraction of Shimla which we covered are

Kali Bari Temple:

Kali Bari Mandir is a Hindu temple situated on Bantony Hill, Shimla. The temple is dedicated to fearsome reincarnation of Goddess Kali, known as Shyamala, after which the Shimla city is named. The goddess is believed to have existed near Jakhoo.

Scandal Point:

This location is where the Mall Road meets the Reach Road on the western side of Shimla. The location’s well-known legend dates back to 1892, when Bhupendra Singh, the maharaja of Patiala, absconded with the daughter of the British viceroy.

Christ Church:

The location of Christ Church is ridge-side. One of the oldest and most exquisite churches in northern India is this one. The architecture of this church is Neo-Gothic. With its oak benches and glass windows, the church is tastefully designed and has a picturesque atmosphere.

Jakhu Hanuman Temple:

There is good mythological significance to the Shri Jakhoo temple, which is devoted to Lord Hanuman. Jakhoo hill, Shimla’s highest point at 8054 feet, is where the temple is located.

 Mall area:

One of the busiest areas of Shimla is Mall Road. A variety of stores, including boutiques, snack stands, cafes, and woolen clothing stores, along Mall Road. Walking the mall route allows visitors to take in the colonial architecture.

Kufri:

Kufri is a small town located at an elevation of 8607 feet close to Shimla City. This location offers the best all-around view of snow-capped mountains and breathtakingly beautiful natural areas.

Outdoor activities:

River Rafting:River rafting on the Satluj is a well-known activity in Shimla. At Tattappani, visitors can spend 1.5 hours rafting a distance of 12 km.

Horse Riding: Riding horses is regarded as one of the most popular tourist activities. The horseback riding excursions begin at Mall Road in Shimla and last for around 40 minutes to reach Mahasu Peak.

Ice Skating: December through February is the finest time of year to go ice skating in Shimla. In a short amount of time, ice skating in Shimla is thought to be among the most well-liked tourist activities.

Trekking: Nestled in the Himalayan range, Shimla boasts magnificent trekking destinations such as the Jakhoo Temple Trek, the Banjar Valley Trek, the Karol Tibba Trek, and many more.

Day4: Shimla – Sarahan(161.9km)

Next day we check out from Shimla Hotel and travel towards Sarahan through Narkanda. The scenic beauty of the hill was hypnotic and we reached our destination around 5.30 pm. We stayed there at Hotel Sagarika. After that, we had our snacks and dinner provided by our hotel.

Day5: Sarahan-kalpa(85.1km)

The next day we experience the breathtaking view of the Srikhand (18,000ft) ft) range in Sarahan . This place comes under a offbeat location in Himachal pradesh. Temples built in a mixture of the Hindu and Buddhist styles, it was the temple of Bushair rulers of Rampur (Shimla).

The key attraction of Sarahan was

Maa Bhimakali temple:

The mother goddess Bhimakali, the ruling deity of the old Bushahr State, is the subject of the BhimaKali Temple, a Hindu temple located in Sarahan, Himachal Pradesh, India. The temple, which is as sacred as the 51 Shakti Peethas, is located roughly 180 kilometers from Shimla.

Shanti Kunj:

Fine example of Tibetan architecture, this palace in Sarahan belongs to the Bushahr lords who previously dominated the area.

Heritage palace of Raja Padam Singh:

Among the many attractions of Rampur Bushahr in Shimla is Padam Palace. In the past, it was the winter capital of the once princely realm of Bushair. In 1919, Raja Padam Singh set the foundation for the palace on the Satluj River’s left bank.It lies amidst  the apple orchards.

Bijjat Maharaj Temple:

we visited the places on a walk as the places were very near to our hotel. After completing the sightseeing, we left Sarahan and traveled toward kalpa. We reached there in the afternoon and took a rest for the remaining day.

 

Day6: stay at Kalpa

Next day morning we visited nearby apple orchards by walk and after that around 10.00 am we went for sightseeing. Kalpa is a small village in the Sutlej river valley, above Reckong Peo in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Northern India, in the Indian Himalaya.Kinnaur is a very beautiful district about 235 kilometers from Shimla. Zanskar, Greater Himalaya and Dhauladhar are the three high mountains here. Sutlej is the main river of Kinnaur and Spiti, Baspa are its tributaries. All the valleys are very beautiful. The kinnaur  valley is covered with dense forests, orchards, fields and beautiful villages. The religious Shivalinga is situated on the peak of Mount Kinnar Kailash.Kalpa is a popular tourist destinations for its dramatic landscapes and traditional villages. Kalpa is a offbeat destination in Himachal Pradesh.The main attractive places were

Suicide point:

The trip to the Suicide Point, which is about three kilometers from Kalpa town, passes past lovely apple orchards. The beauty of this location even makes visitors forget about the perilous trench and steep incline they must traverse to reach suicide point. This location is well-known for its exhilarating trench and enchanted environment, which provide guests with an amazing experience.

Narayan Nagini temple:

Situated in the Kinnaur area of Himachal Pradesh, in the scenic town of Kalpa, the Narayan-Nagini Temple is a highly regarded pilgrimage site steeped in spirituality and legend. This ancient temple, which is devoted to Lord Narayan and his bride, Nagini, is situated against the breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys. It is highly significant to both devotees and visitors.

Hu-Bu-Lan Kar monastery:

he Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar monastery is a highly regarded symbol of Tibetan Buddhism in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated amidst tranquil scenery. This historic monastery provides a serene haven amidst the towering Himalayan hills. It is located in the charming village of Kanam at an elevation of roughly 3,500 meters.

Roghi village:

In the Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh, Roghi Village is tucked away amid the stunning Kalpa sceneries and provides a tranquil haven in the heart of rural Himalayan life. Situated at 2,700 meters above sea level, this charming village captivates guests with its old world charm, expansive vistas, and friendly demeanor.

 

Day7: Kalpa to Nako(97.9km)

After staying 2 nights in kalpa we went towards Nako. Nako is the largest village at an elevation of 3625 meters of Hangrang valley with the back drop of Reo Pargil which has an elevation of 6816 meters,highest mountain of Himachal Pradesh.This village located near Indo-China border in the Trans- Himalayan region of Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh.

The key attraction point of Nako is a

Budhist monastry:

It is commonly believed that the 11th century saw the founding of this monastery by the well-known ancient translator Lochen Rinchen Zangpo. It is located in the settlement of Nako.The monastery is sometimes referred to as the Lotsava Jhakang, or translator’s complex.

Nako lake:

When Nako’s panoramic splendor is at its height, April through October are the finest months to visit. It is preferable to avoid the peak of winter when roads remain shut for days following snowfall.Nako Lake is a tiny, remote reservoir that captivates people with its unspoiled natural beauty and pure cultural purity. The hidden haven in the mythical Himalayan region is the spiritual lake. Nestled at an elevation of 3662 meters, willow and poplar trees encircle the lake. The lake is surrounded by groves of willow trees, which is an amazing picture.

Day8: Nako-Sangla(125.1km)

On the day 8 we started our journey towards Sangla. we stayed there for 2 night. First day we reached there at 2.00pm . after that we  completed our lunch and take rest for the day.

Day9: stay at Sangla

We visited Chitkul  on the day 9.It is the last village of India and popular for its breathtaking scenic view. This beautiful village is situated at an altitude of the banks of the Baspa River and is snow-covered throughout the year. Akhri Dhaba(The Last Dhaba of India)is located on the banks of the Baspa river near the India-China Border. Travelers can get  snacks and foods in this spot. It has been located at an altitude of 3500 m.  If you are a foodie, then this is a necessary place to visit. You can find a signboard where you see “Hindustan Ka Aakhri Dhaba” this phrase.Food with the Baspa river view is a add on to this place.

The best  tourist  places we visited there was

Mathi temple:

The Mathi Devi Temple is situated in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India, close to Chitkul, which is roughly 45 kilometers from Karcham and 26 kilometers from Sangla.

Kamru fort:

The village is an ancient capital of the Bashahr principate. It is especially known for the tower-like fort at its highest point, which was made by Pandavas thousands of year ago. Inside the fort there are about 33 types of gods and goddess. There is also a shrine to Kamakhya Devi inside the fort campus, which was brought there many years ago from Assam.

Rakcham landscapes:

The last Indian settlement before the Tibet border, Chitkul, is roughly 23 km away from the charming village of Rakcham in Himachal Pradesh. The charming tiny village is situated by the River Baspa, a significant tributary of the Sutlej, in the picturesque Baspa Valley. All year long, the area is engulfed in thick foliage.

Sangla valley:

Sangla, which is in the middle of the Baspa Valley, is the hub for hiking and exploratory routes.

Day10: Sangla – Chail (232.4km)

Next day we travel towards Chail from Sangla. Chail is located at the 2250m above the sea level and comes under solan district.It is a very famous spot in Himachal Pradesh.It is well known for the architecture of Chail Palace.

Besides this the other main spots are world highest

Chail cricket ground:

The land was constructed in 1893 and was donated by Rajinder Singh, the Maharaja of Patiala, who had a holiday residence in Chail. The field is the highest cricket ground in the world, rising 2444 meters above sea level.

Kali ka tibba temple:

One of Chail’s most well-known must-see locations is Kali Ka Tibba, which is perched atop a hill. Many pilgrims and tourists from all over the world come to see Kali Devi, the temple’s principal deity. You may take in the temple’s stunning views of the Shivalik Range and Choor Chandni.

kumbh Shiv temple:

The temple (known amongst the localites as Temple in my dreams) is a must visit place once to see one man’s dream and efforts taking form.

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Day11: Chail – chandigarh airport(114.7km)

On day 11 we started our  return journey towards  the closest airport Chandigarh International airport.

 

Things to carry

As we visit Himachal at the start of the winter. The list of the things are given here as per the winter season Pack as light as possible given the amount of road travel involved here.

• warmer clothes, complete with thick socks and warmer jackets.
• Sturdy walking shoes, mandatory if you’re hiking, make sense given the amount of walking involved here.
• Sunscreen, sunglass especially if you’re going up to the higher reaches.
• Usual prescription medications.
• Thermo flask, portable electric kettle.
• Mobile and tablet electronic chargers;
• Dry food
• Neck pillow for long road travel
• Moisturizer for the skin
• First aid kit
• Enough cash for the remote villages

 

Popular local food in Himachal Pradesh

1. Siddu

Siddu is one of the most loved foods in Himachal Pradesh. This recipe is prepared from wheat flour and served to complement main course meals including vegetables and/or mutton. The preparation of Siddu is very tricky and also time-consuming. However, for the taste that it renders, the efforts are worth it.

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2. Madra

Thogh ths recipe is originated to the district of chamba Himachal Pradesh,but it is popular in Chamba and Kangra, Madra.Madra is made from soaked chickpeas (main ingredient) and/or vegetables (optional). The dish obtains its great taste from various spices such as cumin seeds, cinnamons, cloves, cardamoms, and turmeric & coriander powder.

3. Babru

It is a famous food item of Himachal and, Pretty popular in Shimla. It looks like kachoris of North India and serves as a snack to be had with tea. Special ingredients of this special food of Himachal Pradesh include wheat flour and black gram. This item is  easily available  at various local restaurants in Shimla.

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4. Tudkiya Bhath

Tudkiya bhath is traditional food item which is originated in chamba Himachal Pradesh.those who don’t taste this item may think about the speciality ofthis pulao.it is not a regular pulao loaded with and draws its taste from ingredients like rice, ghee, lentils, potatoes, yoghurt, veggies like tomatoes, garlic, ginger, onions, and spices like cardamoms, cinnamons, and bay leaves.This food item tastes most excellent when served with lime juice and mashed dal.

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5. Bhey or Spicy Lotus Stems

The Himachali people have multiple traditional foods, but one of them is bhey, or spicy lotus stems. The lotus stems are a key ingredient in this wonderful dish. These stems are sliced finely and then cooked in gram flour, ginger, garlic, onion, and spices like turmeric powder, chili powder, coriander powder, and cayenne pepper which give the dish a great taste. It is popular across the state.

6. Aktori

This is a traditional food of himachal and is Very popular in Lahaul and Spiti. Though the recipe comes from Spiti Valley, it’s often cooked and highly loved across the state. This dish is enjoyed in festivals and celebrations. The basic ingredients of aktori, are cooked with buckwheat leaves in wheat flour with milk, sugar, water, and baking soda. This dish  is prepared as a cake or pancake.

7. Dham or Dhaam

Himachal Pradesh’s special cuisine, known as dham or dhaam, is rich in nutrients and tastes excellent. This dish is popular in Manali and Chamba.It is mainly a combination of so many items like rice, boor ki Kadi, dal, curd, and rajma which is complemented with gur (jaggery).This dish is prepared by “Botis,” special chefs at some popular restaurants in Himachal Pradesh. During festivals and celebrations, this wholesome thali is a must-serve because it contains with mouthwatering foods.

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8. Chha Gosht

A traditional non-vegetarian quickly falls in love with Chha Ghost, a traditional delicacy of Himachal. Chha Gosht is made with marinated lamb that is cooked in the gravy of gram flour and yogurt. Indian spices like coriander powder, cinnamons, cardamoms, asafoetida, bay leaves, cloves, and red chilli powder along with veggies like ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, and onions add this dish an enriching taste. Though it originates in Chamba , it may be found all across the state.

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9. Trout Fish

The list of Himachali food is not just limited to vegetarian choices only. There are a large number of choices to explore for non-vegetarians as well and one such option is  Trout Fish. It is popular in Kullu, this dish is prepared with marinated trout fish that is cooked to perfection with minimal spices to ensure the natural taste of trout and its nutrients remain intact. In order to meet the demands of food lovers, so many trout farms are available in Himachal.

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10. Kaale Channe Ka Khatta

The special food of Himachal Pradesh, Kaale Channe Ka Khatta is a complimentary dish that is usually served with Madra. So, when you have Madra, you can try it along as well. besides, this traditional pahadi dish is served with rice and tastes sour and spicy. Prepared from boiled black chickpeas, this dish uses a variety of Indian spices and ingredients that include tamarind powder, fennel seeds, mint powder, asafoetida, cumin seeds, wheat flour, green chillies, coriander powder, and salt to taste. Quite prevalent in Kangra, the enriching taste of this dish is not a thing to miss on your trip to Himachal Pradesh.

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Vehicle expenses

We have hired a 7 seater car for the whole trip.It picked up from shimla railway station stay with us during the whole tour and drop us at Candigarh airport.It took approximately  3000-4000/- per day charge.

Himachal shopping guide

In our travel route shopping places are mainly in Shimla and Chail. ‘Lakkar Bazar’ is a well-known place for shopping and the market of the mall in Shimla. Apart from this fruit wine of Himachal is famed for its taste and variety. The Chail market was small and popular for its handmade products. The special items are jams and jellies from the freshest fruits of the area, handmade shoes, rugs, and carpets, woolen garments especially pashmina shawls, apple and plum wines as well fruit squashes.

Himachal Trip – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs answered)

1) what is the best time to visit in Himachal?

The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh depends on the kind of experience you are looking for. For pleasant weather and outdoor activities like trekking, March to June (spring and summer) is ideal. For snowfall and winter sports like skiing, December to February is perfect. The monsoon season from July to September is less recommended due to heavy rainfall and potential landslides.

2) what is the traditional food of Himachal Pradesh?

Visitors should try traditional Himachali cuisine such as Dham (a festive meal), Madra (a rich chickpea dish), Sidu (wheat bread), Chha Gosht (a lamb dish), Babru (Himachali flatbread), and Chana Madra (chickpeas in a yogurt-based gravy). Local beverages like Lugdi or Chhang (rice beer) are also quite popular.

3) Is it a safe tourist spot for family trip?

Yes, Himachal Pradesh is very suitable for family tourism. With attractions like hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, and amusement parks, alongside comfortable accommodations and safe environments, it is an excellent state for families looking to explore nature and culture.

4) what are the famous destinations of Himachal?

Popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh include Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Kasauli, Kullu, and Spiti Valley. Each place has its unique attractions like historical sites, natural beauty, adventure sports, and cultural experiences.