The state of Himachal Pradesh is popularly known for its pristine natural beauty as the state is situated on the lap of the western Himalayas and is wrapped with a good number of glaciers and rivers. The various Himalayan rivers namely Ravi, Chenab, Beas, Yamuna, and Sutlej have their origin in this state and are perennial rivers fed by the snow and the water trickling down from glaciers.
Another noteworthy aspect is the wildlife of the state which is truly amazing as it is an abode to nearly 1200 species of birds and 359 species of animals. Of the wild animals found here, the famous ones include snow leopard, leopard, musk deer, Western Tragopan and ghoral.
There are two national parks and sanctuaries in this state. The Great Himalayan National Park is situated in Kullu, whereas the Pin Valley National Park conserves the flora as well as the fauna of the region. Tourists visiting the state of Himachal Pradesh, have plenty of spectacular places to explore such as Manali, Dalhousie, Shimla, Chail, Kullu, Kasauli, Palampur etc. Each of these destinations has pristine natural grandeur of its own, which is capable of delighting the senses of any visitor.
The formidable snowy peaks, the tall deodar trees, alpine fields and fruit orchards set amidst grassy meadows and rocky slopes is more or less a common site in the upper reaches of the state. A visit to any of the location of this state is always a visual treat for the individuals, which can provide a lifetime of memories to cherish for individuals visiting Himachal Pradesh. The various picturesque spots and towns in this state provide the experience of an indispensable beauty in the lap of nature.
Kasol, Himachal Pradesh, is very well known in the travel community for being a haven for backpackers and budget travelers. Replete with experiences that will take away the heart of a lot of travelers, Kasol is more than just a destination. It can easily be proclaimed to be a whole adventure in itself. with a wide number of places to visit in Kasol, it can be called as an ultimate destination. The reason for that is the many adventures that a traveler experiences, be it physical, visual, spiritual, and in some cases, life-changing. Really a small town in the Parvati Valley, Kasol is not just a hotspot for backpacking adventures or a destination set amidst green hills. It is a hub for people looking to just get away from their regular office lives and take to the Himalayas for an experience of a lifetime.
The reason why Kasol is famous amongst such a crowd of travelers is that it caters to everyone. Be it the ones arriving for trekking, camping, rafting, sightseeing, parties, or seeking spiritual awakening, Kasol never disappoints anyone. Starting from the beginning, Kasol is a heaven for the trekking enthusiasts and adventure buffs.
Starting from Kheerganga, Kasol has made this meadow high in the Himalayas their favorite destinations. A 12 km trek that leads through forests of Oak and Rhododendron, trekking on this trail in Parvati Valley is one of the best things to do in Kasol and is one of the favorites too. Beginning from Kasol, the trek passes from Barshaini and Rudra Nag waterfalls, it ends high up on Kheerganga which is a hotspot for campers. Kheerganga is also a location of one of the many hot springs in Kasol with water coming from the earth’s crust naturally warmed up. Popularly known as the Parvati Kund, it is a great spot to relax on top of Kheerganga after a long day of trekking in Kasol. From Kheerganga, the way can either take you back to Kasol or on a majestic detour to the village of Tosh. Nestled in a side valley to the Parvati Valley, and situated in the banks of a small rivulet of the same name, Tosh is an offbeat trekking adventure and a quiet small town. Lesser known and almost uncrowded, the scenes from Tosh of the Dhauladhar range of Himalayas are the best that you can get anywhere in Kasol. Also famous in Tosh are the many small cafes catering to the small tourist crowd that chooses to visit this offbeat green vista of a village.
Another trekking adventure that leads from Kasol is to the secretive village of Malana. The small village in the Himalayas is situated amidst the towering giants of Chanderkhani and Deo Tibba, and is famous for various reasons, the prime one being the self-isolation of the people of the village. This secretive nature, and the fact that Malana is the gateway to the famous Magic Valley is what brings a large crowd of people to take on the trek and pay this majestic little town a visit. The whole experience soothes the eyes and soul of the travelers who take on the Malana and Magic Valley trek and arrive in this green heaven.
And another day hike from Kasol, which is short yet highly adventurous is the trek to Chalal. Situated by the roaring Parvati River in Kasol, Himachal Pradesh, Chalal is also called the Little Amsterdam and for every reason. This place is well-known in the world for the crazy trance and PSYtrance parties that happen here from time to time. But one of the greater reasons for the fame of this tranquil small town is the presence of the River Parvati and the kind of beauty that it brings to the whole place.
And speaking of the River Parvati in Kasol, India, there is no denying the fact that the soothing stream is a landmark of this town in itself. It is the river that created the valley and hence, everything beautiful in Kasol is owed to the presence of Parvati in the region. The sometimes roaring sometimes gurgling river is a great place to just sit back, relax and marvel at the beauty of nature around. Parvati River also makes for a great spot to camp near, on the banks of it, to be precise.
And speaking of camping, Kasol, India has many great spots to enjoy staying out in the lap of nature and under the billions of stars in the night sky that you can see loads and loads of because of the fact that this place is untouched by the modern curses and is still in its pristine state. Some of the best spots for camping in Kasol include the name of Kheerganga. A chance to camp in the meadow seems to be a great option as you will be waking up to one of the best sunrises ever over Kheerganga. Apart from this, Tosh proves to be another great place to set up camp and get an exquisite hilltop view of the entire region as you sit near a bonfire. Malana, in its secluded and cut-off state, is also a gateway to one of the best camping sites in the Himalayas, known as the Magic Valley. And for an offbeat experience of camping amidst towering mountains of the Himalayas and a place where the inhabitants do not keep themselves reserved from talking to outsiders, Grahan will prove to be a great retreat. The trail to Grahan walks beside the river Parvati in Kasol, with the village lying in the midst of towering green hills and a view of the snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar range.
Apart from the adventurous face of Kasol, there is also a spiritual side to this town. And one of the greatest spots of religious importance here is Manikaran. The region built around a cluster of natural hot springs, Manikaran is of great religious significance to the Sikhs and Hindus. The Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara is said to belong to the era of the founder of the Belief, the first religious leader of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak. He is believed to have come here with a disciple, and to cook their food for a public kitchen called ‘Langar’, he asked the disciple to remove a stone. From under the stone came a hot spring, which still resides in Manikaran Sahib and is considered very sacred. People from all over come to cook the offerings to their God in these springs before consuming, and even take a dip in these waters to wash off their sins. The piety of this place is of the utmost level for the believers of Sikhs.
Another legend relates the place with the Hindu Gods, Vishnu, and Parvati. Parvati lost a gem or ‘Mani’ in the torrential waters below, and the story that followed gave this place its name, Manikaran. Also, it is believed that Lord Shiva’s legendary anger is what gave birth to the hot springs in the area. With many temples dotting the place all over, Manikaran is a must visit, especially because it falls on the way to Kullu and Manali.
Speaking of these regions in the valley, Kullu and Manali can be called as the cultural capital of the state. With such close proximity to Kasol, the name of the small town is many a time collectively called along with the other two. Their presence nearby has boosted tourism in the area even more. And that has given a speed boost to the emergence of a number of cafes, guesthouses, and homestays in the area, so the tourists arriving here will feel all in their comfort zone, meeting and greeting other like-minded backpackers arriving in this quaint destination from several corners of the country, sometimes even the world.
Kasol tourism has done everything to ensure that when someone arrives in this city, they feel safe and sound, alongside the conquering feeling of adventure and the serene feeling of calm taking over their self. And so a trip to Kasol will sure be the best budget tour with a fulfilling feeling that you will ever take. Read this guide for all the information you will need for motivating and planning a trip to Kasol.
Housed in the Kangra district and at the suburbs of the town of Dharamshala, Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most favorite tourist destinations of recent times. Because of being occupied by a lot many of Tibetans who moved here after China’s invasion of their homeland, Mcleodganj is also sometimes referred to as the Little Lhasa. It is also noteworthy the exiled government of Tibet is also based in Mcleodganj only.
Speaking of Mcleodganj tourism, this quaint little town some 3 km away from Dharamshala is visited by thousands of tourists every year. People come here for various reasons like spirituality, volunteer programs, Himalayan experiences and adventures, and for much other sightseeing, photo and excursion opportunities in this religious small town cum hill station in the Himalayas.
The town of Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh is famous especially and foremostly for being a spiritual getaway and pilgrimage for the Buddhists. The reason behind that is it is home to the 14th Dalai Lama of the Buddhists, Lama Tenzin Gyatso, who came here in the year of 1960 after his exile from Tibet. Dalai Lama established Tibet Government in exile here at Dharamshala and made the quaint little town of Mcleodganj as his permanent residence. The presence of His Holiness in town attracts a lot of tourists and pilgrims to the town. Mcleodganj is also one of the best places to see the real lifestyle of Tibetan Buddhists and monks from up close. One of the reasons this place is called Little Lhasa is because the people have built this place in the image of their previous abode. And it is possible to get a glimpse of the Dalai Lama on the occasions that he is in town and one of the many Buddhist festivals celebrated in the town.
Apart from this, Mcleodganj is considered by many to be an adventurous hub, especially in terms of trekking. Home to one of the most beautiful, scenic and exciting treks of the country, the Triund Trek, Mcleodganj is the base camp for reaching the summit of the famous hill. Starting from Dharamkot in Mcleodganj, the 9 km trek leads the trekker through forests of Oak, Deodar, and Rhododendron before opening up to one of the best sceneries that you will find in the Himalayas. And as the elevation rises, the picturesque hills and valleys become clearer, giving it all a serene touch. Upon reaching the top of Triund, one can see far off hills of the Dhauladhar mountain range that look to be so close that you could touch them if you only extended your hand. The exciting trek has become such a favorite of the community that one can even call it the poster boy of Mcleodganj tourism.
And speaking of mountain ranges, Mcleodganj lies in the Dhauladhar range, with the highest peak of the range Hanuman ka Tibba lying just behind the town. The 5,639m giant stands tall and like a guard in the backdrop which is a sight to behold from everywhere in the hill station. And with such beauty and spirituality, sightseeing in Mcleodganj is something that will never bore a person visiting here. Apart from Triund, some of the places to visit in Mcleodganj include the name of the famous Bhagsunath temple. Attached to a wonderful legend, the medieval era temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is famous for a waterfall that flows right through the temple. The majestic cascading waterfall, called the Bhagsunag falls, forms a pool at the base which is considered to be sacred amongst the devotees and dip in the cold water brings about a different feeling of spiritual in the people.
Another famous tourist spot in Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh is Kareri Lake. Filled with the melting snow of the Dhauladhar ranges, this lake at the base of the Minkiani Pass is the perfect combination of offbeat trekking and scenic beauty in the middle of snow-capped peaks. Alongside the experience of trekking to this calm and serene lake is the added experience of camping by its side and in a scenic meadow right under the Minkiani Pass.
Speaking of which, the Minkiani Pass is another great place to see when in Mcleodganj. You can simply extend your trek to Kareri Lake to conquer the summit of this serene pass lying at an amazing height of 14,000ft above sea level. The view that one gets of the nearby ranges makes you feel like you are walking on the clouds. A great place to take pictures, Minkiani Pass trek is considered to be somewhere in between easy and moderate in difficulty and makes it worth facing the trek at the end.
And one of the most important places in Mcleodganj is the Namgyal Monastery. The place is actually a personal monastery for the 14th Dalai Lama and relates to the very second Religious teacher of the Buddhist belief, dating back to the mid 16th century. Originally in Lhasa, the monastery was entirely relocated to Mcleodganj in the uprising of 1959 and is now the home to the Dalai Lama. It is also the largest Tibetan Temple outside of Tibet. Apart from being a beautiful monastery, Namgyal is also center for education, called the Namgyal Tantric College, where the arts of Kalachakra, Vajrakilaya and many other such Tantric practices are taught to the future Namgyal Monks.
With such beauty, spirituality, adventure, and serenity, Mcleodganj is truly one of the best places to visit in the Himalayas. In fact, Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh, and many areas around it are experiences that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. So let the adventure unfurl as you take on the spellbinding journey through this amazing hill station of the Kangra District and in the lap of the Dhauladhar mountains.
Even though a cold desert area in Himachal Pradesh, there is no dearth of places to visit in Spiti Valley! From rugged, null vegetation mountains to green meadows, rivers humming swiftly at the base of mountains to snow covered glacier passes, from colourful Buddhist monasteries to tiny hamlets – the terrain of Spiti is unique and diversified. The environs are pollution free and the sky is clear blue – so much so that you can witness the unparalleled beauty of the Milky Way at night! Or go hiking if you crave an adrenaline rush.
Get an authentic essence of the Tibetan culture and taste the salty, buttery tea! Pick up your camera and get lost clicking away the gorgeous ravines and emerald waterfalls. Go mountain biking and motorcycling on the serpentine roads and feel your senses come alive as you witness the extraordinary trans Himalayan range.
While lakes like Chandrataal and Dhankan leave you spellbound, the Baralacha and Kunzum passes will take you to the top of the world with its formidable altitude. Here is our curated list of tourist places to visit in Spiti Valley, which will leave you wanting for more!
Here are some of the best places to visit in Spiti Valley
Experience a serene vacation exploring the exquisiteness of nature with a vacation in the picturesque Dharamshala. Situated at an average altitude of 1,475 meters above sea level, Dharamshala lies on the scenic stretch of land of Kangra Valley making tourists spellbound for its spectacular beauty. Often cited as the ‘Little Lhasa of India’, Dharamshala is popularly known as the holy residence of the exiled Tibetan monk Dalai Lama. With the backdrop of the breathtaking Dhauladhar ranges, Dharamshala is the one of the most tranquil destinations which you will find in North India, the perfect amalgamation of natural beauty and culture. Surrounded by thick deodar cedar trees and the snow capped peaks which decorate the landscape, the quaint city is visited by thousands of tourists to beat the summer blues and explore the best places to visit in Dharamshala.
The city of Dharamshala is divided into two parts, the lower division is the Dharamsala town whereas the upper division is known as Mcleodganj. Blessed with spectacular scenes of nature, the calm and serene hill stations proudly boasts strong Buddhist influences with many quaint old monasteries located here. There are a lot of other attractions in Dharamshala like the charming St. John Church, headquarters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dal Lake, etc. that draws tourists from different parts of the country. Dharamshala remains a distinct tourist destination in India attracting large crowds not only nationally but also internationally who come here to discover the striking Tibetan hub in India. For most ardent travelers, Dharamshala is a popular name on their travel wish lists due to its magnificent beauty and charming splendor of the landscape. So start packing up your bags and go to Dharamshala to behold one of the most scenic hill stations in India. If you are still wondering what makes it so charming, then check out the best places to visit in Dharamshalathat attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Among the most popular hill stations in India, Shimla holds a distinct place owing to its unique charm. Located at a distance of 342 km from the national capital, Delhi, Shimla is a great choice for a weekend getaway from Delhi and Chandigarh since there are so many places to visit in Shimla. Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, and all it possesses and all it offers helps it easily justify its reputation and position as the capital city of a beautiful state, widely known for adventure activities and natural wonders. Laden with beautiful, dense forests of Pine, Oak, and Deodar, Shimla is refreshing in its very existence.
The picturesqueness of this beautiful hill station makes it an apt destination for photographers looking for perfect frames and nature enthusiasts who want explore the nature in its pristine form. It is quite interesting that despite being home to a large population, the biosphere of Shimla is still in an excellent form. Shimla exhibits a very relaxing mood to those who visit it in search of tranquility.
Due to the plenty of activity options available here, Shimla is emerging as a popular destination for offbeat travel as well. People from all over India and beyond visit Shimla to experience an adventure which makes it a major hotspot for adventure activities in northern India. It is also home to some beautiful places with spectacular views, and some truly magnificent specimens of architecture can be found in Shimla.
Shimla houses some beautiful Hindu temples, located at apt locations, offering spectacular views of the beautiful hill station and the nearby hills with a thick covering of green forests. Some of the most revered temples in Shimla are Jakhoo Temple, Tara Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, etc. These temples are located at short distances from the city center, so if you prefer, you can trek up to these temples through the woods. Shimla has a plethora of interesting places to visit and explore. As Shimla once served as the Summer Capital of British India, some captivating buildings with brilliant neo-Gothic architecture exist here.
Some of the most remarkable ones among those are the Institute of Advance Learning, Gorton Castle, Bantony Castle, and Christ Church. You can spend an evening shopping from the Mall Road and enjoying some interesting cultural activities on the Ridge. Splendid views of the city can be enjoyed and captured in your camera from the Ridge after sunset. Shimla also has also some interesting places in store for wildlife lovers. Himalayan Bird Park is a delight for wildlife lovers, exhibiting some exotic and native unique bird species. Another great option for nature lovers and photographers in Shimla is Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary.
Shimla is not the kind of place that would ever let you feel bored while you are there since there are many interesting things to do in Shimla. Small things feel extraordinary in its beautiful setting. Be it a lazy walk on the Mall Road or shopping low-cost wooden articles and woolen clothes from Lakkar Bazar; be it picking one of the many restaurants serving toothsome food or trying pastries at bakery shops on the Mall Road, everything has a ‘feel good’ factor about it here. Moreover, the popularity of Shimla as a travel destination for an offbeat experience is on the rise. Earlier, Shimla was more popular among people travelling with families as a summer getaway, but with the popularisation of adventure activities, it is earning a reputation among adventure lovers.
Due to its proximity from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh, people from these cities prefer to travel to Shimla to indulge into adventure activities over travelling to destinations farther than it. Among the most popular activities in Shimla are camping, trekking, ice skating, paragliding, river rafting and heli skiing. If you want to experience light and easy activities in Shimla, there are some nice easy trek options here that take you to amazing spots through lush green Pine and Oak forests. And, if you crave thrill, Shimla is surrounded by some prominent Himalayan mountain ranges which is the reason why there are some breathtaking trails for trekking in and around Shimla. You can also experience the unique fun of ice skating here. Mountain biking can also be enjoyed in Shimla if you are up for something different.
Being the capital city of Himachal, there are abundant stay options in Shimla. You can find a good accommodation at a ridiculously low price and you can also find luxury hotels and resorts at scenic locations. Furthermore, there are some excellent campsites in Shimla where you can enjoy camping in the woods under a beautiful starlit sky. So, it does not matter whether you are a budget traveller or you prefer extravaganza; if you want to just relax in a comfortable accommodation laced with all modern amenities or you want an outdoor camping experience, Shimla has the most appropriate options to offer.
Shimla looks beautiful during all the seasons and can be visited during any time of the year. However, if you are interested in indulging in activities like camping, trekking and rafting in Shimla, the best time to visit is between March to June when the climate is pleasant. Most tourists visit Shimla during summer to find refuge in the cold hills of Shimla. But, visiting Shimla during winters is altogether a different experience. It is an ideal destination to spend a cold, lazy vacation at. If you get lucky, you may get to witness snowfall here between December to February, which is an experience, the memories of which you will always want to keep intact.
