Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh for weekend trip

The beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh draws tourists worldwide to experience its serene beauty and thrilling adventure sports. ‘Himachal’ literally translates to ‘country of snow,’ which aptly describes the region. Hill stations of Himachal Pradesh, located in the western Himalayas, are ideal places to escape the sweltering summer heat. Here’s a list of the top 5 locations to see in Himachal Pradesh on your weekend vacation to the country of the Himalayas, which is now known as a destination for “all seasons and all reasons.”

1. Manali

Manali, in the Kullu district, is 2,050 metres above sea level and offers breath-taking views of the Himalayas and the surrounding region. Embrace your daring side and participate in sports while you treat your eyes to a visual feast. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh because of its pleasant environment.

Key attractions:

• Hadimba Devi Temple,
• Solang Valley,
• Rohtang Pass,
• Manu Temple,
• Old Manali,
• Van Vihar Manali,
• Nehru Kund,
• Gayatri Temple,
• Siyali Mahadev Temple,
• Manali Sanctuary, and many others.

Things To do:

• Paragliding above the Solang Valley is one option,
• A variety of official walking paths to explore the area.
• River rafting on the Beas;
• Skiing;
• Hot springs;
• The Chandratal Baralacha Trek;
• The Hampta Pass Trek;
• The Bara Bhangal Trek; etc.
• The Vashisht or Manikaran Baths

Best time to visit: October to February

2. Shimla

Shimla, one of the most well-known hill stations in Northern India, successfully blends Indian splendour and British elegance. Beautiful scenery and mild temperatures can be expected all year long. There’s no denying that it’s one of the most beautiful parts of Himachal Pradesh.

Key attractions:

• Jakhu Temple,
• The Indian Institute of Advanced Studies,
• The Viceregal Lodge,
• The Ridge,
• The Scandal Point,
• Jakhoo Hill,
• The Kali Bari Temple,
• Tthe Tara Devi Temple,
• Annandale Ground, Green Valley,
• Kufri,
• Tattapani,
• Mashobra,
• Naldehra,
• Bantony Castle,
• Gaiety Heritage Cultural Hall,
• The Himalayan Bird Park,
• The Green Valley.

Things To do:

• Enjoy a hike up Jakhu Hill
• A stop at Lord Hanuman’s Temple;
• Take in the Viceregal Lodge’s British grandeur;
• Play a polo game at Annandale, just four kilometres from the Ridge;
• Shop till you drop on Mall Road.

Best time to visit: May to July or November to January if you want to see snow.

3. Dharamshala

You can only visit Himachal Pradesh by including Dharamshala in your itinerary. Its fame stems from the pleasant weather, but you can also witness the peaceful coexistence of the local Indian and Tibetan populations.

Key Attractions:

• MacleodGanj;
• Bhagsunag Waterfalls and Temple;
• Namgyal Monastery;
• Sherling Monastery;
• Gyuto Monastery;
• St. John’s Church in the Wilderness;
• Triund;
• War Memorial;
• Dharamkot;
• Kunal Pathri Temple;
• Jwalamukhi Temple;
• Chamunda Devi Temple;
• Maa Bajreshwari Temple, etc.

Things To do:

• The majestic tea plantations at the base of the Kangra Valley,
• The Dalai Lama Temple Complex,
• The Kangra Art Museum,
• A boat ride across Dal Lake to the royal Kangra Fort.
• Paying respects at the Bhagsunath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva
• Admiring the cascading Bhagsu falls.

Best time to visit: May–July and November–January is the best months to see snow.

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4. Dalhousie

Dalhousie lives up to its colonial namesake, with many historic structures dating back to the early 19th century. Thanks to its colonial atmosphere, this is one of the top tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, perfect for a stroll down memory lane. Spread across five hills, this hill station is a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers because of its abundance of unique plant and animal species.

Key attractions:

• Khajjiar
• Dainkund Peak
• Kalatop Wildlife Reserve
• St. Francis Catholic ChurchPanchpula, “Dalhousie’s Lifeline
• Ganji Pahari,
• Satdhara Falls
• Rang Mahal

Things To do:

• Upper Bakrota Loop Walk,
• Horseback riding in Dalhousie,
• Boating on Chamera Lake,
• Trekking at Dainkund Hill,
• Paragliding
• Site camping in Dalhousie.

Best time to visit: March to May

5. Chitkul

Chitkul is a small village in the Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh. Since the village isn’t overrun with tourists, relaxing and taking in the sights is possible without disturbing the peace. It was the final inhabited settlement before entering China from Indochina. Winters in this peaceful village are long and snowy, so summer is the perfect time to visit. It’s among the state of Himachal Pradesh’s finest yet-to-be-discovered gems.

Key attractions:  

• Center for Tibetan Wood Carvings

Things To do:

• The Baspa River, the Charang Chitkul Pass, and the Mathi Temple are all places worth spending time in.

Best time to visit: March/April and September/October are the best months to visit.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned Himachal Pradesh tourist hotspots are among the state’s finest and should be included in any extended trip to the region.

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