Top 12 tourist places to visit in Himachal Pradesh this summer

Himachal Pradesh is synonymous with tranquility. Himachal, ‘the land of snow’, is a visual delight for tourists. In this article, we list the 12 best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, if you are planning a trip to the state. With lush fields, holy places, snow-covered mountains, flowing rivers and lovely orchards, there are several tourist places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.

 

How to reach Himachal Pradesh?

By air: Himachal has three domestic airports: Bhuntar near Manali, Jubbarhatti near Shimla and Gaggal in Kangra. These airports offer convenient connections from Delhi, reducing travel time significantly. The nearest international airports are in Delhi and Chandigarh.

 

By train: Although building railways in Himachal’s rocky terrain is challenging, Pathankot in Punjab offers a train connection. You can reach Punjab by car or plane and then take a train to Himachal. Solan and Una are important railway stations, and there’s also a toy train connecting Kalka to Himachal.

 

By road: Himachal boasts beautiful roads linking it with major Indian cities. With eight national highways and 19 state highways, the state offers excellent connectivity. Driving can be challenging, especially in remote areas, so it’s advisable to travel during the day. From Delhi, you can self-drive or hire a cab. Luxury buses also operate, connecting most major cities.

Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh #1: Shimla

 

 

Shimla, the ‘Queen of Hills’ and the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the most popular hill stations in India and among the top tourist places to visit in Himachal. Situated at an altitude of 2,200 metres, Shimla derives its name from Goddess Shyamala, an incarnation of Goddess Kali. The city’s location at the foothills of the Himalayas, amid greenery and snow-covered mountains, makes it ideal for trekking. In winter the entire city gets covered in snow and tourists can enjoy ice skating and skiing. Churches, temples and the natural beauty of the city attract tourists. A perfect place to stroll, Shimla has some beautiful colonial-era architecture, including the Viceregal Lodge, the Town Hall, Gaiety Theatre, the Christ Church, St. Michaels Cathedral and the new Tudor building at the Ridge. These places boast colonial and neo-gothic architecture. One of the top places to hang out in Shimla is The Ridge, a large open area that was once a ridge between two of the seven hills that form Shimla. Enjoy breathtaking views of the sunset and sunrise from Scandal Point and Observatory Hill. A tourist must also visit the Himachal State Museum, Mall Road, Summer Hill, Baijnath Temple and Jakhoo Hills, a hamlet for nature lovers and pilgrims who come for God Hanuman’s blessings, standing at an altitude of 108 ft at the Jakhoo Temple.

See also: Places to visit in Shimla

 

How to reach Shimla

By air: The nearest airport is in Shimla itself. You can take a taxi or bus from the airport to your destination.

By road: Shimla is well-connected by road. You can drive from nearby cities or take a bus from Delhi or Chandigarh. HRTC buses are also available.

Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh #2: Kullu-Manali

 

 

Kullu and Manali, due to their proximity, are often considered a single place. Located at the banks of the Beas River, the Kullu valley has the picturesque towns of Kullu and Manali. Kullu-Manali is one of the topmost tourist places in Himachal Pradesh and is visited by a large number of tourists and pilgrims. It is known for snow-covered mountains, scenic beauty, history and culture. A tourist must visit the Great Himalayan National Park, Sultanpur Palace, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Bhrigu Valley and Parvati Valley in Kullu. Manali is famous for its Tibetan monasteries, the Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley and Hadimba Devi Temple. The Great Himalayan National Park is one of the prominent national parks in India, surrounded by the Himalayas ranges and lined with deodar and oak trees. It has more than 375 species of fauna, 31 species of mammals and 181 species of birds. Kullu-Manali is also known for adventure sports such as trekking, angling, rafting and mountaineering. Kullu-Manali has several prominent places like the Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa monastery and Vasishta hot water springs. Solang Valley and Rohtang are at a distance of 14 km and 51 km from Manali, respectively, and are excellent for skiing, paragliding, zorbing and mountain biking. The Rohtang Pass is at a height of 3798 meters and is only open between May and November due to snow. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of glaciers, towering mountain peaks and the serene Chandra River.

Also read: Places to see in Manali

 

How to reach Kullu Manali

By air: Kullu’s Bhuntar Airport is the closest airport. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Manali.

By road: You can drive from Delhi, Chandigarh, or other nearby cities. Regular buses from Delhi and Chandigarh also reach Kullu and Manali.

Tourist places to visit in Himachal Pradesh #3: Dharamshala and McLeodganj

 

 

The most popular tourist places in Himachal Pradesh are Dharamshala and upper Dharamshala or McLeodganj, which are about 5 km from each other. One can also reach McLeod Ganj from Dharamshala through the skyway in ten minutes. The skyway has a mono cable, detachable gondola (cabin) system with 18 gondolas and the capacity of ferrying 1,000 persons per hour. Largely home to Tibetan Buddhists, Dharamshala and McLeodganj are places of peace and bliss. Worth visiting are the Dalai Lama Temple (Tsuglagkhang Monastery), Namgyal Monastery and Gyuto Tantric Monastery Temple. Dal Lake, a natural lake, is a popular tourist place in Dharamshala. Apart from spiritual centres, the delightful landscapes of Dhauladhar mountain ranges, wonderful conifer, pine and deodar forests, lush tea gardens and stunning hillsides are apt for nature walks, picnics and adventurous treks. A tourist must visit the Kangra Fort and the Kangra Museum.

See also: Places to visit in Dharamshala

 

How to reach Mcleodganj and Dharamshala

By air: The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport near Dharamshala. Taxis or buses are available from the airport.

By road: Dharamshala and Mcleodganj are accessible via road from Delhi and Chandigarh. Buses and self-driving are popular options.

Best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh #4: Dalhousie

 

 

 

 

Dalhousie is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Known for its pleasant climate and scenic beauty, it has a variety of vegetation that includes pine, deodar, oak and rhododendrons. It is spread across the five hills (Bhangora, Bakrota, Terah, Potreyn and Kathlog) close to the Dhauladhar mountain range. Dalhousie is named after The Earl of Dalhousie who established this place as a summer retreat in 1854. It attracts tourists with views of the Himalayas and Victorian-styled colonial architecture. Dainkund Peak, Chamunda Devi Temple, Bhuri Singh Museum and Subhash Baoli are major attractions. Dainkund is the highest peak at 2,755 metres and is also called a singing hill due to the pleasant sound produced by the winds flowing through the woods. Panchkula, surrounded by lush green forests, cascading waterfalls and scenic viewpoints, is another tourist place. One of the tourist attractions of Dalhousie is the natural spring located in Karelanu, which has medicinal properties. Francis Church, built in 1894, has an intricate wooden roof and colourful Belgium glass and is a must-visit.

 

How to reach Dalhousie

By air: The nearest airport is in Pathankot (80 km away). You can take a taxi or bus from Pathankot to Dalhousie.

By road: Dalhousie is reachable by road from cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. Buses and self-driving are convenient options.

Best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh #5: Khajjiar

 

 

 

Khajjiar, in the Chamba district, is a hill town known for its cedar forests, ancient temples and lakes. At an altitude of over 6,500 ft above sea level and with the Dhauladhar Ranges in its backdrop, Khajjiar is called the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’. Khajjiar Lake and Khajinag temple, a 12th-century shrine dedicated to the serpent god, are the main attractions. A tourist can go for adventurous activities including paragliding, zorbing and trekking. Khajjiar is famous for the Kala Top Wildlife Sanctuary, a beautiful wildlife reserve surrounded by cool and refreshing water streams, lush green grasslands and thick deodar forests. The sanctuary has a wide variety of wild species like black bears, Himalayan black marten, deer, leopards, serows, and the famous goat antelope.

 

How to reach Khajjar

By air: The nearest airport is in Pathankot. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Khajjar.

By road: Khajjar is connected by road from Dalhousie. Self-driving or taking a bus from Dalhousie is common.

Tourist places to visit in Himachal Pradesh #6: Kasol

 

 

Kasol is a picturesque village and tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. It is the ultimate destination for natural scenic beauty. Kasol is famous for the Parvati River, trekking basecamp, Malana and its Israeli inhabitants that often give it the name, ‘Little Israel of India’. The Parvati River is one of the main features that bring people interested in rafting and kayaking to this region. Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, built between two raving rivers – Beas and Parvati, is situated 6 km from Kasol. A hot spring originates at its peak that is believed to be sacred. Kasol is the Himalayan hotspot for backpackers and a base for treks to Malana and Kheerganga.

 

How to reach Kasol

By air: The closest airport is in Kullu. From Kullu, you can take a taxi or bus to Kasol.

 

By road: Kasol is accessible by road from Kullu and Manali. Self-driving or taking a bus from these places is convenient.

Must visit tourist places in Himachal #7: Kasauli

 

 

 

Kasauli is around 60 km from Chandigarh. This charming hill station is a paradise with plenty of flora and peace. Established by the British in 1853, the Christ Church, with neo-gothic architecture and stained-glass windows, is located amidst a picturesque location of pine and deodar trees The hill station is equally famous among tranquillity seekers and honeymooners and adventure lovers. The cantonment town has a brewery, said to be the oldest functioning distillery for scotch whisky in Asia. Kasauli is also the seat of the renowned Pasteur Institute, popularly known as the Central Research Institute. Kasauli has been associated with writers Ruskin Bond and Khushwant Singh and is known for its colonial architecture, pine trees and Tibetan markets. Kasauli is a hiker’s paradise and can be covered mostly by foot. Manki (Monkey Point) is the highest point at Kasauli and is believed to be the place where Lord Hanuman placed his foot while searching for the Sanjeevani Buti for Lakshmana in the Ramayana. Gilbert Trail is an easy hike of barely 1.5 km from Kasauli Club to the Air Force Station, close to Sunset Point. The trail is known for its scenic views and sightings of different species of birds.

See also: Places to visit in Kasauli

 

How to reach Kasauli

By air: The nearest airport is in Chandigarh. From Chandigarh, you can take a taxi or bus to Kasauli.

By road: Kasauli is easily reachable from Delhi and Chandigarh by road. Buses and self-driving are popular options.

Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh #8: Kufri

 

 

Kufri is a tiny hill station in Himachal Pradesh known for its trekking and hiking trails. In winter, adventure-seeking tourists visit Kufri to enjoy skiing and tobogganing on snow-covered slopes. The Mahasu ridge is a great spot for skiing beginners. Situated 20 km from Shimla, Kufri is nestled in the Himalayan range. Worth visiting is the Himalayan National Park (or the Kufri National Park), sprawled over 90 hectares. This park has a wide range of Himalayan flora and fauna with over 180 species of birds and a large variety of animals such as the spotted snow leopard, brown bear, common leopard and musk deer. The park also gives a spectacular view of the entire snow-capped Himalayan range. Mahasu Peak is the highest point in Kufri with breathtaking views of the Badrinath and Kedarnath ranges. You can visit the Nag Devta temple (the Snake God) at the peak. Fagu is a tranquil snow-clad hamlet that offers a perfect mix of scenic vistas, serene surroundings and innate pleasure. Kufri is famous for its apple orchards, lush green pine and cedar trees. One of the most unique things to do in Kufri is the Yak safari.

 

How to reach Kufri

By air: The nearest airport is in Shimla. You can take a taxi or bus from Shimla to Kufri.

By road: Kufri is a short drive from Shimla. Self-driving or taking a local taxi from Shimla is convenient.

Himachal Places to visit #9: Palampur

 

 

 

 

Palampur, also known as the tea capital of northern India, has aromatic tea gardens spread over a vast area and produces the famous Kangra Tea. Tourists can visit the beautiful Church of St. John and enjoy the splendid architecture. Neugal Khad, a wide water stream is popular for family picnics and day outings. Also known as the Mecca of paragliders, the hills of Bir and Billing offer a galvanizing 30 minutes paragliding expedition. Another popular activity in Palampur is a toy train ride. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can enjoy the ride between Palampur and Pathankot through pine and deodar forests, beautiful streams and waterfalls. Andretta, a small artist colony that exhibits art, sculptures, paintings, antiquities and heirlooms, is worth visiting. The Tashi Jong Monastery is both a centre for Buddhist worship and the abode of Tibetan refugees.

 

How to reach Palampur

By air: The nearest airport is in Gaggal (Dharamshala). You can take a taxi or bus from Gaggal to Palampur.

By road: Palampur is accessible by road from Dharamshala and other nearby cities. Self-driving and buses are popular options.

Tourist places to visit in Himachal #10: Kangra

 

 

 

There are several places to visit in Kangra, which lies at the foothills of the Dhauladhar range. Kangra is 13 km from the Gaggal airport. This ‘Land of the Gods’ has managed to protect its beauty and serenity. Masroor temples in Kangra are 15 rock-cut temples believed to have been made by the Pandavas during exile. Each temple is carved and decorated with sculptures. Kangra is home to the Kangra Fort that is mentioned in the war records of Alexander. The land has seen the rule of multiple invaders like the Tughlaqs and Mughals. The fort has stone sculptures, carvings, idols and other artefacts. The district of Kangra is also called Dev Bhoomi as it has numerous temples and shrines such as the Bajreshwari Devi Temple, Baijnath Shiv Temple, Chintpurni Temple, Chamunda Devi Temple and Jwalamukhi. The Kangra valley also has geological trekking, mountaineering, hand gliding and paragliding for tourists. Also known as Kumarwah Lake, Kareri Lake is an extremely popular trekking destination in Himachal Pradesh.

 

How to reach Kangra

By air: Kangra Airport (Gaggal) is the nearest airport. You can take a taxi or bus from the airport to Kangra.

By road: Kangra is connected by road to Dharamshala and other cities. Self-driving or taking a bus is common.

Tourist places to visit in Himachal #11: Spiti Valley

 

Spiti is a desert mountain valley situated high in the Himalayas. The name Spiti refers to Middle Land, i.e., the land between Tibet and India. The valley is one of the most remote regions in the world and is cut off from the rest of civilization for about six months every year due to heavy snowfall. 

By train: Spiti’s nearest railway station is Shimla. To reach Spiti, you can hire a cab or a Jeep. Buses are also available from the station to the destination. 

By air: Kullu Airport at Kullu is the closest airport. Taxis and rickshaws can be hired at the airport to take you to your destination. 

By road: Spiti is only accessible by road since there are no airports or railways. The itinerary should be checked as some roads are closed for six months.

 

Tourist places to visit in Himachal #12: Kalpa

Source: Pinterest

Situated in the Kinnaur district, Kalpa is renowned for its expansive vistas of the Kinnaur Kailash mountains and verdant pine nut forests. The primary livelihood here revolves around apple cultivation, resulting in numerous orchards dotting the landscape. From Kalpa’s elevated vantage point, one can behold the revered Kailash Shivling, exhibiting mesmerizing color transformations throughout the day. Additionally, an 11-kilometer journey from Kalpa leads to the Chandika temple, distinguished by its distinctive architecture, representing a prominent landmark in the area.

 

 

How to reach Kalpa?

By air: The closest airports to Kalpa are Kullu/Bhuntar (225 km) and Shimla (445 km). Visitors can opt for bus or taxi services from these airports to reach Kalpa.

By road: Self-driving proves to be an optimal choice for those arriving from nearby cities, with well-constructed roads ensuring seamless travel. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) efficiently connects Kalpa with neighboring states like Delhi, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, facilitating hassle-free journeys.

By train: Kalpa lies at a distance of 244 km from the Shimla railway station, serving as a pivotal hub connecting several major cities, including Delhi. From Shimla, travelers can continue their journey to Kalpa via bus or taxi services.

 

Best time to visit Himachal Pradesh

March to June: The optimal time to visit Himachal Pradesh is between March and June. This period offers the best weather conditions, making it ideal for a range of outdoor activities and sightseeing. Here’s why this time frame is considered the best:

• Pleasant Weather: Mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C; ideal for exploring and outdoor activities.

• Ideal for Outdoor Activities: Perfect conditions for trekking, paragliding, and river rafting with stable weather and clear skies.

• Scenic Beauty and Blooming Flora: Vibrant flowers and lush green valleys enhance the region’s visual appeal; apple orchards and terraced fields are particularly attractive.

• Avoiding Monsoon and Winter Extremes: Avoids heavy rains and potential travel disruptions of the monsoon season; avoids the harsh cold and snow of winter.

• Moderate Tourist Traffic: Less crowded compared to peak summer months, making accommodation and travel more convenient.

Shopping in Himachal Pradesh

 

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Source: Pinterest

 

 

 

 

There is a lot to shop in Himachal Pradesh, including handicrafts, caps, Tibetan carpets, wood, metalwork, jams and pickles. Himachal Pradesh has always been a favourite destination for woollens. The woodwork in Himachal is famous for intricate designs and carvings, ideal for home décor. Pashmina shawl and Kullu shawl are worth their cost. Himachali caps are unisex and are available easily across Himachal. Shimla has several government-run emporiums and shops. Lakkar Bazaar has shops for wooden handicrafts, decorative pieces and wooden souvenirs. Mall Road is the shopping centre of Manali. Buy woollen shawls, antiques, Tibetan handicrafts and inlaid silver jewellery. Gandhi Chowk Shopping Plaza in Dalhousie has jewellery, shoes, clothes and warm woollen shops. Tibetan Market in Kullu is worth visiting for handicrafts, imported goods, woollen apparel, musical instruments, hand-woven carpets and intricately designed rugs. Paintings of Himachal Pradesh – Thankas – are done on various Buddhist themes. Kangra style of painting is another popular handicraft of the state.

 

Must-have food in Himachal Pradesh

 

 

 

 

  

The cuisine of Himachal Pradesh or Pahari cuisine is largely influenced by Punjabi and Tibetan cuisine. A tourist must have Dham (a platter of popular state delicacies served as a single meal), a vegetarian dish that comprises rice, rajma, chickpeas, khatta dal, curd and jaggery. Often prepared during festivals and special occasions, Madra is a popular dish from Chamba. Made with soaked chickpeas or kidney beans and a range of spices, Madra is best enjoyed with flatbread. Siddu, patrode, cheese and babru are the authentic snacks of Himachal. Siddu is a traditional bread made from wheat flour and eaten with butter and mutton. It is available in restaurants across Himachal. Kullu is famous for trout fish, thanks to the Beas and Tirthan rivers that are home to this species of fish. The fish is traditionally pan-fried in mustard oil and topped with a light lemon-onion sauce. Restaurants serve it with boiled vegetables and rice. Patrode, prepared with the leaves of Arbi (Colocasia), gram flour (besan) paste and all Indian spices, is a seasonal food made at the end of the monsoon season. Mittha is a popular sweet dish made with sweetened rice, saffron, raisins and dry fruits. The people in Himachal make this scrumptious sweet dish to celebrate special occasions and ceremonies. Tourists can enjoy Tibetan cuisine in and around Dharamshala and McLeodganj. Must have are momo, thupka, tingmo, luchi poti and naizha cake.

 

 

 

Local festivals and events

Kullu Dussehra

Source: thehimalayanvillage.in

• When: October

• Where: Kullu Valley

 

Kullu dussehra is one of the most famous festivals in Himachal Pradesh. It is a week-long celebration that starts on Dussehra and lasts for seven days. The festival is unique for its grand parade of deities from surrounding villages, traditional folk dances, and vibrant music. 

 

Lohri

Source: Zarood.com

• When: January 13

• Where: Various regions

 

Lohri marks the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. Festivities include bonfires, traditional dances like Bhangra and Gidda

 

Fagli festival

Source: Easemyjourney

 

• When: February

• Where: Sarahan, Sirmaur

 

Fagli is a traditional festival celebrated in Sarahan to mark the end of winter and the onset of spring. It involves vibrant processions, traditional dances, and the offering of local sweets and beverages to deities.

 

Mandi shivratri

Source: Himari Ganga

 

• When: February/March

• Where: Mandi

 

Mandi Shivratri is a major festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. The festival lasts for about a week and features a grand fair with traditional music, dance, and processions. The festival is known for its unique blend of local customs and rituals.

 

Jwalamukhi fair

Source: Akash Sherpa

 

• When: May/June

• Where: Jwalamukhi Temple, Kangra

Unique accommodations in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh offers a variety of unique accommodations that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are some distinctive options:

Treehouses

Source: Airbnb.co.in 

 

Popular locations: Treehouse cottages can be found in areas like Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala.

Luxury tents and camps

Source: Tourtravelworld.com

 

Popular locations: Available in Manali, Jispa, and Tirthan Valley.

 

Heritage hotels

Source: Indibloghub.com

 

Popular Locations: Shimla (e.g., The Oberoi Cecil), Dharamshala, and Chamba.

 

Homestays

Source: Instahimachal.com

 

Popular locations: Manali, Tirthan Valley, and Kangra Valley.

Riverside cabins

Source: Facebook.com

Popular locations: Tirthan Valley and Kullu.

 

Monastery ctays

Source: Yashoda Dhurve

 

Popular Locations: Dharamshala (e.g., Tushita Meditation Centre), Spiti Valley.

 

Local art and handicrafts

Himachal Pradesh is well known for its rich local art and handicrafts. You can find beautiful shawls, rumal, paintings, metal craft, handmade paper etc. in some popular areas of Himachal. Take a look at some notable local art forms and handicrafts from Himachal Pradesh below: 

 

Handicraft/Art	Where to Find
Kullu shawls	Kullu, Manali
Pashmina shawls	Shimla
Chamba rumal	Chamba
Kangra paintings	Kangra, Palampur
Himachali caps	Throughout Himachal Pradesh
Wood carvings	Shimla, Chamba, Kullu
Metal craft	Kullu
Handmade paper	Shimla
Tibetan art	Dharamshala, McLeodganj
Local pottery	Various rural areas

Housing.com POV

Himachal Pradesh is known for its stunning landscapes and peaceful vibe. From the lively Shimla to the quiet Spiti Valley, each place has something special.

You can enjoy snow-capped peaks in Manali, find peace in Dharamshala, or explore adventure spots like Kasol and Kasauli. Himachal Pradesh offers a mix of natural beauty and culture that makes every visit memorable.

So, get ready to experience the charm of Himachal Pradesh with its beautiful mountains, lush valleys, and calm lakes. Your adventure is just around the corner!

FAQs

Which is the best time for tourists to visit Himachal Pradesh?

Himachal Pradesh can be visited throughout the year depending on the weather you prefer. The best time to visit Himachal is from March to June and September to December. If you love adventure and sports, you should visit Himachal Pradesh during the winter.

Which is the best way to travel to various tourist places in Himachal?

The road is the most efficient way of travelling in Himachal Pradesh. The state is well connected to all the major cities via road. There are regular bus services connecting Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Chail, Solan and other cities. Taxis are one of the most popular modes of public transport in Himachal Pradesh.

Is Himachal Pradesh good for a honeymoon?

Himachal Pradesh is best known as the honeymooner’s paradise. It has various romantic destinations with scenic beauty and pleasant weather.