Himachal Pradesh is a picture-perfect state with beautiful hill stations, picturesque villages, snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, diverse flora and fauna, unblemished nature, and various hiking trails that entice visitors. It’s a nature lover’s, adventurer’s, and traveler’s dream come true. Here are our greatest picks for what to see and do in the ‘Abode of Snow.’
1. Kasol
The beautiful hamlet of Kasol, often known as the ‘Little Israel of India,’ is located on the banks of the Parvati River. Kasol is a favorite destination for travelers and hipsters, and for a legitimate reason. It’s a nature lover’s and trekker’s dream, with snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, picturesque waterfalls, and unspoiled hiking routes, while the plethora of lovely cafes, budget-friendly lodging options, and laid-back feel make it an ideal backpacking destination.
While you’re in the area, visit surrounding hamlets like Chalal, which is known for its trance and psychedelic events; Malana, which is famed for its Malana Cream (cannabis); Rasol, and Tosh, which are noted for their lush flora and tranquility.
2. Shimla
Shimla, often comprehended as the Queen of Hills, is a lovely colonial hill station with magnificent vistas around every corner. Shimla is a great area to roam around and see some of the best colonial-era buildings, such as the Viceregal Lodge, Town Hall, Gaiety Theatre, and Christ Church. The city’s location in the Himalayan foothills, surrounded by lush foliage and snow-capped mountains, makes it ideal for trekking and other outdoor activities. When winter arrives, the Queen of Hills’ attraction grows exponentially – the entire city is blanketed in snow, a sight to behold!
3. Kasauli
Kasauli is a small colonial town located at an elevation of 1,900 meters. There are few attractions, businesses, or people in the town. However, that is precisely where its beauty and attraction lay — travelers are drawn to the unpolluted air, tranquil and peaceful attitude, and abundance of natural beauty. The Baptist Church, Christ Church, Kasauli Brewery, Monkey Point, Nahri temple, and Kasauli Club are among the places to see.
4. Dharamshala
Dharamshala, in the upper portions of the Kangra Valley, offers one of Himachal’s best climates. The town is surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar Himalayas and gorgeous pine and deodar woods and is loaded with cultural and architectural treasures, as well as a great number of restaurants, cafes, and shops catering towards its vast ethnic Indian and Tibetan residents. McLeod Ganj (India’s Mini Tibet), Dharamkot, Sindhbari, Ramnagar, and Naddi are some of the city’s suburbs worth seeing. The town also attracts explorers from all over the world with its numerous hiking paths, waterfalls, and gorgeous valleys.
5. Chitkul
Chitkul, a small but charming village in Himachal’s Kinnaur region, is possibly the last inhabited village close to the Indo-China border. Although there isn’t much to see and do in the hamlet, its magnificent environment of rich green vegetation, snow-capped mountains, and apple orchards, as well as its serene mood, makes it a wonderful spot for those seeking serenity and calm in nature. Its modest homes, complete with wooden or slate roofs, and a temple that houses a 500-year-old god of the town are particularly interesting.
6. Bir Billing
Bir Billing is India’s premier paragliding attraction, given its modest size. Bir Billing, also known as the “Indian Paragliding Capital,” boasts year-round nice weather and a stunning setting that attracts adrenaline junkies and travelers from all over the world. The position offers breathtaking views of the undulating splendor of the Himalayan mountain ranges.
