Best Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh

Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh referred to as the “God’s land” is a northern glory of India located in the Western Himalayas. It is always a delight to visit Himachal Pradesh in whichever month you want to. It is mainly known for its picturesque views, calm landscape, happening and adventurous spots.

The literal meaning of the word Himachal “land of snow” is adequate to inspire you to visit this snowy land. The various states like Punjab surround it is on its west, Jammu & Kashmir at the north, Uttaranchal on its east, and Uttar Pradesh in the south. The beauty of this land is beyond the imaginations.

There are various hill stations and the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh that are the more suitable destination for you to get a break from the blazing summer heat. Shimla is the capital of this state, and one of the best fascinating hill stations.

Best Time to Visit Himachal Pradesh

This glorious state, full of tourist destinations welcomes you throughout the year. If you want to enjoy the pre-monsoon drizzle, eye-catching pleasant climate, and random thunderstorms, summer (March to June) is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh.

To picturesque its scenic views, and no plan to do any adventurous activity then you can prefer Monsoon (July to September) to visit there. To experience the snow-covered roads and coldest climate then winter (November to February) is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh.

You can choose your ideal time to enjoy the beauty and adventurous spots of Himachal Pradesh.

Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is a gem of India as it has several marvellous and breathtaking places to visit for the tourists. Among all tourist places in Himachal Pradesh, I’ve listed down its most pleasing tourist hotspots. You can plan your journey accordingly to capture the real beauty of this beautiful state.

• Kullu
• Shimla
• Manali
• Dharamshala
• Kasauli
• Dalhousie
• Chamba

1. Manali

Manali is one of the famous places to visit in Himachal Pradesh that offers magnificent views of lofty mountains. You can intensify your joy or adventure by visiting some of its top destinations of Manali. 

Major Attractions: Hidimba Devi Temple, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass

Famous for: nature, high Himalayan ranges, adventure sports, and hill station

Things to do: 

• Listen to the music at waterfalls
• Visit temples
• Adventure sports
• Visiting museum

Ideal Visit Time: 2 days

How to reach: The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar. There are regular flights from Delhi and Chandigarh to Bhuntar. You can also reach Manali by direct bus from Delhi and Chandigarh. 

2. Shimla

The appealing beauty of this hill station offers the breathtaking views of Himalayan ranges covered with snow. Shimla greets the tourists with the lakes and the greenery around it. It is the best hill station to visit in Himachal Pradesh.

Major Attractions: Mall road, The Ridge, Jakhoo hill

Famous for: Viewpoints, hill station, and British Colonial architecture

Things to do: 

• Trekking to Jakhu hill
• Visiting lord hanuman’s temple
• Shopping at mall road
• Visiting the viceregal lodge 

Ideal Visit Time: 2 days

How to reach: Regular trains are connected to Kalka from Chandigarh and Delhi. Kalka is the nearest railway station. 

3. Chamba

Nature lovers adore Chamba due to its picturesque beauty. While traversing the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, tourists must add Chamba in their list if they like to explore historical and pilgrimage spots with many forts and temples.

Famous for: Temple, Art, and nature

Major attractions: Lakshmi Narayan Temples, and Bani Mata temples

Ideal visit time: Less than a day

Things to do:

• Visiting Khajjjiar lake
• visiting Kalitop wildlife Sanctuary
• Exploring Chamba Temples

How to reach: You can reach here by air or bus to the nearest place that is Pathankot and then take a taxi ride. You can also visit here by car.

4. Dharmashala

Tourists cover this hill station with other places to visit in Himachal Pradesh to get a glimpse of mountains covered with snow, beautiful valley, pine trees, and gardens. 

Major Attractions: Namgyal Monastery, Tsuglagkhang complex

Famous for: nature, monasteries, and Tibetan culture

Things to do:

• Visiting Anglican Church
• Enjoying a great stroll 
• Trekking in the lower mall road
• Watching sunrise and sunset point
• Walking and exploring nature

Ideal visit time: one day

How to reach:  You can best visit here by air as Chandigarh airport is the nearest to it. You can also travel by train to Sonwara, which is only 4km away from it. 

5. Kullu

Among all the places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, Kullu is the most frequently visited tourist destination. This valley is also known by the name “valley of Gods.” You can enjoy paragliding, trekking, skiing, rafting, etc. over here.

Major Attractions: Bijli Mahadev temple, Raghunath temple

Famous for: Nature and high Himalayan ranges, hill station, and temples

Things to do: 

• Adventure sports at Solang valley
• Visiting bird sanctuary
• Trekking, camping, river rafting, paragliding, and angling
• Visit old temples

Ideal Visit Time: 1-2 days

How to reach: you can best visit by air or train from Chandigarh which is 252 km away from it. 

6. Solan

Solan is a must-visit place to visit in Himachal Pradesh. This hill station is famous for its cuisines, seasonal fruits, tomato & mushroom production along with various scenic views of mountains dressed in snow. 

Famous for: Cuisine, culture, heritage

Major attractions: Dolanji Bon Monastery, Shoolini Devi Temple

Ideal visit time: One day

Things to do:

• trekking
• camping
• exploring heritage places

How to reach: You can best visit Solan by road from Chandigarh. It only takes two and a half hour to reach Solan from Chandigarh.

7. Bir

Bir-Billing hill station is well known for the adventurous sports it offers, which makes it a famous place to visit in Himachal Pradesh. You can experience every possible adventure sport like trekking, skiing, paragliding, and much more. 

Major attractions: Bir and Billing, Chokling Monastery, Deer Park Institute, Bir Tea Factory 

Famous for: Bir Bazaar

Ideal visit time: one-two days

Things to do

• Experiencing some adrenaline rush while camping in amazing weather
• Visiting gorgeous Buddhism monasteries
• Visiting the Palampur tea cooperative

How to reach: you can best visit by air to the nearest airport, which is Dharamshala airport. By road, it will take 12-14 hrs from Delhi to reach her. 

8. Kangra

Kangra is the most pristine place to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Major attractions of Kangra like Kangra Fort, Nurpur, Kareri Lake, Nadaun, Taragarh Palace, Taiwan Hot Spring, Indrahar Pass, MaharanaPratap Sagar Lake are a great source to relax, revitalize, and freshen up yourself.

Famous for: Temples, history, and fort ruins

Major attractions: Brajeshwari temple and Kangra Fort

Ideal visit time: less than six hours

Things to do:

• Outdoor activities
• Shopping
• Visiting museums
• Water sports

How to reach: Gangal airport in Dharamshala is the nearest airport to Kangra. So you can best visit here by air and take a taxi ride for 15 minutes. 

9. Parwanoo

It is another beautiful place to visit in Himachal Pradesh. You can enjoy the fascinating ambience of this hill station, which is rich in greenery. 

Famous for: Orchards, Ropeway, and viewpoints

Major attractions: Fruit orchards, Timber trail

Ideal visit time: Half to one day

Things to do:

• Trekking
• Cable car ride

How to reach: You can best visit here by road from Chandigarh. It only takes one hour to reach there from Chandigarh.

10. Hamirpur

Hamirpur is the most literate land of Himachal Pradesh. This hill station offers you various serene and devoted places to visit like Awah Devi Temple, Sujanpur Tihar, Deotsidh Temple, Bilkeshwar Temple.

Famous for: Unexplored trekking

Major attractions: Deotsidh temple

Ideal visit time: Less than six hours

Things to do:

• Visiting the temples

How to reach: Kangra Airport is the nearest airport to Hamirpur. From here, you can take a cab ride for two and a half hours. 

11. Pragpur

It is worth enough to visit this place as you’ll love everything this place offers. Pragpur is famous for its rich culture, temples, shopping, ambience, greenery, and easy access to everything that are required in your trip.  

Famous for: Shopping, temples, heritage

Major attractions: Jawalamukhi temple

Ideal visit time: One day

Things to do:

• Boating
• Dancing at the empty hall
• Sunset view

How to reach: Airport in Dharamshala is the nearest to Pragpur. It takes only one hour in a taxi to reach Pragpur from Dharamshala. 

12. Kasauli

Kasauli is famous for its various eye-catching sites. Tourists add this place to visit in Himachal Pradesh in their list to explore the best picturesque views. Barog, Manki Point, Sunset Point, Kasauli Brewery, The Mall, Krishna Bhawan Mandir, Gurkha Fort, Gilbert Nature Trail, Christ Church, Shri Baba Balak Nath Temple are some of its beauty spots.

Famous for: viewpoints, hill station, British Colonial period

Major attractions: Sunset point, Kasauli Brewery

Ideal visit time: Less than six hours

Things to do:

• shopping
• enjoying the natural beauty

How to reach: It just takes one and an hour to reach Kasauli from Chandigarh. So, you can best visit here by road. 

13. Dalhousie

Dalhousie is a beautiful place to visit in Himachal Pradesh, which is famous for de-stressing. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature in Dalhousie. 

Famous for: Meadows, hill station, and valleys

Major attractions: Dainkund peak and Kalatop wildlife reserve

Ideal visit time: one day

Things to do:

• Experiencing the natural beauty
• Enjoy a gentle walk and trekking
• Visiting the St. John’s Church
• Relishing at the waterfalls

How to reach: you can reach the nearest airport at Dharamshala and can take a taxi ride from here for five hours. You can also travel here by train.

14. Kufri

Kufri is the favourite destination of snow lovers. Throughout the winter, this place is covered with snow. Kufri is the best place to visit in Himachal Pradesh near Shimla with your better half. 

Famous for: panoramic snowy views and trekking

Major attractions: Kufri Zoo, Kufri Fun World

Ideal visit time: One day

Things to do:

• Trekking and hiking
• Skiing in winters
• Visiting the Nag temple

How to reach: You can best visit here by bus or car from Shimla which is only 10 km away from Shimla. You can also visit here by air to Shimla Airport from Chandigarh. 

15. Kasol

Kasol is based in the Parvati valley, which is the best place to visit in Himachal Pradesh. It is the holy town in Manikaran. 

Famous for: trekking trail in Parvati valley

Major attractions: Parvati valley, kheer Ganga

Ideal visit time: Two days

Things to do:

• Hiking in jungle
• Trekking to Kheerganga
• Ideal trail trekking in Parvati Valley

How to reach: You can best visit here by air to Kullu and then take a cab for three hours. You can also visit here by direct bus from Delhi to Shimla.

16. Mcleodganj

This place is near to Dharamshala. Mcleodganj is the perfect place to visit in Himachal Pradesh for solo travellers and families. You can enjoy the food at several beautiful cafes here. 

Famous for: Lake Got Glacier Camping and Trekking

Major attractions: the Bhagsu Falls, the sunset points

Things to do:

• City sightseeing
• Shopping in the local market
• Enjoy foods and meals with mountain vistas

How to reach: the nearest railway station to Mcleodganj is Pathankot station which is only 90 km away from this place. You can also travel here by road by bus or car. 

17. Rohtang Pass

It is well-known for its picturesque beauty and holds strategic necessity for India.  

Famous for Gateway to Keylong in the district of Kullu district. 

Major attractions: Nehru Kund, Marathi, and Gulaba

Ideal visit time: Two-three days

Things to do: 

• Gulliver adventures
• Himalayan Caravan Adventure

How to reach: You can take a private taxi from Manali to Rohtang Pass.

18. Triund Hill

It is a standout place in Himachal Pradesh serving the best trekking spots in India.

Famous for: The crown jewel of Dharamshala. 

Major attractions: Triund campsite, Bhagsunag falls

Ideal visit time: Two days

Things to do: 

• Tibetan museum
• Bhagsu waterfall

How to Reach: Pathankot is the nearest railway station from where tourists can take a taxi to reach Triund hill.

19. Nahan

Tourists can find marvellous views in Nahan, which is at the top list of the Himalayan Mountains.

Famous for: Picturesque surroundings

Major attractions: Jamie Fair, Bawan Dwadashi

Ideal visit time: Two-three days

Things to do:

• Trekking
• Mountaineering

How to reach: You can reach Nahan through nearest railway stations connected to Kalka, Chandigarh, Barara, and Ambala.

20. Mandi

It is often known as “Varanasi of Hills” or “Kashi of Himachal”.

Famous for: The breathtaking landscapes and spiritually enlightening atmosphere

Major attractions: Shikhar Devi Wildlife Sanctuary, Guru Gobind Singh Gurudwara

Ideal visit time: Two days

Things to do:

• Rock climbing
• Mountain biking 
• Paragliding 

How to reach: Tourists can reach through Bhuntar Airport in Kullu or Joginder Railway station in Kullu which is approximately 60km away from Mandi.

21. Kalpa

It is a famous place and known to be the legendary home of Shiva in winters.

Famous for: Apple orchards 

Major attractions: Buddhist Monasteries, Spanish Fort

Ideal visit time: One- Two days

Things to do:

• Trekking
• Mountaineering 

How to reach: You can book a taxi from the nearest railway station in Shimla to reach Kalpa.

22. Sangla

The high mountain slopes perfectly bound it and snow-covered peaks make a breathtaking view for the tourists.

Famous for: Fishing, beautiful temples, and red apple orchards

Major attractions: Sangla Meadow, Bering Nag Temple

Ideal visit time: April-September 

Things to do: 

• Shopping
• Visiting historical temples

How to reach: one can easily book a cab or taxi to reach Sangla.

23. Keylong

The region has charming beauty which serves delightful, mountainous, exciting, and unique view to the tourists.

Famous for: Lahaul-Spiti Museum 

Major attractions: Buddhist Monasteries, Hindu Guru Ghantal temple

Ideal visit time: Two days

Things to do: Kardang Gompa

How to reach: You can contact through Gaggal Airport in Dharamshala or Bhuntar Airport.

24. Barog

It is an ideal place in Himachal Pradesh that serves the perfect destination for the tourists.

Famous for: The serene view 

Major attractions: Barog Camping Grounds, Karol Tibba

Ideal visit time: Two-three days

Things to do: Trekking

How to reach: You can easily book a train or can prefer airport in Shimla to visit Barog. 

25. Kaza

It boasts crystal clear rivers, high mountains, and incredibly greenery to excite any of the tourists.

Famous for: Sakya Tangyud Monastery and colourful festivals

Major attractions: Kunzum Pass, Dhankar

Ideal visit time: Two-three days

Things to do:

• Shopping
• Visiting festivals

How to reach: From Manali or Shimla, you can reach Kaza by booking a taxi.

26. Manikaran

One of the best places in Himachal Pradesh to make every tourist amazed with its picturesque beauty.

Famous for: Pilgrim centre for both Sikha and Hindus.

Major attractions: Hot springs, Parvati River 

Ideal visit time: Three days

Things to do:

• City Shopping

How to reach: through Pathankot railway station or Bhuntar Airport, you can reach Manikaran by booking a cab.

27. Jispa

Jispa village offers several sightseeing opportunities for the visitors that get amazed with its scenic beauty.

Famous for: The legendary high altitude route of Manali Leh-Ladakh

Major attractions: Jispa Rural Housing Museum, Buddhist stupas

Ideal visit time: Two day

Things to do: 

• Breathtaking diving 

How to reach: You can enter through HRTC bus or taxi.

28. Paonta Sahib

It serves as most revered religious destinations in the country.

Famous for: Pilgrimage and religious sites for the Sikhs

Major attractions: Paonta Sahib Gurudwara

Ideal visit time: three-four days

Things to do: Visit religious places in the town plus pay homage to Sikh Guru Govind Singh.

How to reach: You can quickly enter through airport or railway station.

29. Sarah

It is like heaven for nature lovers and famous place for pilgrimage.

Famous for: Heritage, pilgrimage, and adventure.

Major attractions:

• Bird Park

• Bhaba Valley

Ideal visit time: Two days

Things to do: Adventurous activities

How to reach: You can easily take a taxi from the nearest railway station in Shimla.

30. Reckong

It is one of the best places in Himachal Pradesh that serves charm scenes to the visitors.

Famous for: Vibrant culture, traditional structures, and extensive apple orchards

Major attractions: 

• Bhaba Valley

• Kanam

Ideal visit time: Two-three days

Things to do: Camping

How to reach: You can easily reach by travelling by bus from Chandigarh or Shimla. 

31. Peo

It provides breathtaking views to the visitors along with the memorable moments.

Famous for: A unique confluence of Hinduism and Buddhism 

Major attractions:

• Chandika Devi Temple
• Kinnaur Kalachakra Celestial Palace

Ideal visit time: Two-three days

Things to do: 

• Cycling

How to reach: You can visit through the nearest airport or railway station in Shimla by booking a taxi.

32. Kandaghat

It is a peaceful and quiet vacation spot to spend a weekend with family.

Famous for: Green valleys

Major attractions:

• Maharaja palace
• Shiv temple

Ideal visit time: Two-three days

Things to do:

• Trekking
• Hiking 

How to reach: You can visit the nearest airport at Chandigarh or through a railway station.

33. Nalagarh

Tourists find this place to take a relaxing break with their family.

Famous for: Abundant greenery and a fantastic view of Shivalik hills 

Major attractions:

• Nalagarh Fort
• Gobind Sagar Lake 

Ideal visit time: One-two days

Things to do: Visiting history places and explores its beauty.

How to reach: It is well-connected by rail, road, and air. So tourists can reach by booking a cab or taxi from the sources.

34. Dagshai

You can find some new spots like church and the Dagshai cellular jail here.

Famous for: Cantonment area for the area plus several buildings during British time.

Major attractions: Old European cemetery, Dagshai Jail Museum

Ideal visit time: Two days

Things to do: Adventurous activities

How to reach: You can take a cab or bus from Parwanoo National Highway.

35. Naggar

It serves many exciting sights, excellent food, and some attractive destinations.

Famous for: Gateway of the most beautiful places of Himachal Pradesh like Kullu and Manali.

Major attractions: Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery, Naggar Castle

Ideal visit time: One day

Things to do: City shopping.

How to reach: from the Bhuntar Airport or bus, tourists can easily reach Naggar.

36. Rampur

Along with the best place to spend a vacation, it also serves as urgent business and market centres.

Famous for: The major centre of trade on the past Hindustan-Tibetan road. 

Major attractions: Rampur town, North

Ideal visit time: One-two days

Things to do: Enjoy the traditional trade.

How to reach: You can easily hire a taxi from Shimla railway station or airport.

37. Rohru

It gives the picturesque beauty of surroundings along with greenery and freshness.

Famous for: Red rich and royal delicious apple farms

Major attractions:

• Pabbar Valley
• Hatkoti Temple

Ideal visit time: Two-three days

Things to do:

• Paragliding
• Hang gliding

How to reach: You can reach Rohru by travelling through bus from Shimla.

38. Tabo

Having a short journey and serving scenic beauty it forms one of the best places in Himachal Pradesh.

Famous for: Tabo’s apples

Major attractions:

• Rock Cravings
• Tabo Monastery

Ideal visit time: Two days

Things to do: Trekking

How to reach: You can go by bus or a cab from Manali.

39. Sunder Nagar

The green beauty found here can not only the sooth mind but also the soul.

Famous for: High towering and shady trees.

Major attractions:

• Mahamaya Temple
• Sukhdev Vatika

Ideal visit time: One-two days

Things to do: Explore adventure

How to reach: You can hire a taxi or bus from National Highway 21.

40. Rajgarh

It is the best place serving the perfect mixture of sites for nature lovers.

Famous for: Simplicity and innumerable waterfalls.

Major attractions:

• Baru Sahib Gurudwara
• Shaya Temple

Ideal visit time: One-two days

Things to do: Adventure Camping

How to reach: You can visit an airport or railway station.

41. Andrea

It is an ordinary but peaceful village in Himachal Pradesh where tourists can visit with their family.

Famous for:  Pottery work and art.

Major attractions: 

• Norah Richard’s House
• Sobha Singh art gallery

Ideal visit time: One-two days

Things to do: Camping

How to reach: You can contact by road from Palampur in Himachal Pradesh.

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42. Pabbar Valley

It is one of the most beautiful and charming valleys in Himachal Pradesh.

Famous for: Craftsmanship.

Major attractions: Pabbar River

Ideal visit time: Two-three days

Things to do: 

• Trekking 
• Fishing and angling

How to reach: You can contact the place through Shimla. 

43. Beral

Picturesque beauty attracts many of the visitors every year to visit Beral with the family or friends.

Famous for: Natural beauty 

Major attractions Giri Ganga Temple

Ideal visit time: Three days

Things to do:

• Hiking 
• Trekking 

How to reach: You can quickly enter by bus or by hiring a taxi.

44. Langza

It is beautifully surrounded by the greenery that leaves everyone speechless who visit for the first time here.

Famous for: Green pastures, barren landscapes, and snow Cold Mountains.

Major attractions:

• Statute of Lord Buddha
• Ancient Monastery

Ideal visit time: Two-three days

Things to do:

• Mountaineering
• Trekking 

How to reach: You can contact through bus at Langza in Himachal.

45. Shoja

It has pleasant weather throughout the entire year. Tourists like to explore the beauty behind the simplicity and relaxing atmosphere.

Famous for: Verdant deodar forest 

Major attractions: Waterfall point, Solar lake, Jalori pass

Ideal visit time: One-two days

Things to do:

• Mountaineering 

How to reach: You can enter through Bhuntar Airport in Kullu or Joginder Nagar Railway station.

46. Bhuntar

The most attractive thing about this place is that it is quite away from the tourist crowd, which gives visitors the chance to relax in its beauty.