Located in northern India, the state of Himachal Pradesh is the paradise to nature lovers, adventure lovers as well as spiritual tourists. Himachal Pradesh with its white mountains, green valley, calm lakes and beautiful hill stations is a beautiful experience through one of the most beautiful sceneries in the world. This article brings you on a tour of 15 places that you must visit in the Himachal Himalayas and each place is more magical than the other.
1. Manali – Adventure and Nature in the Valley of Gods
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Manali is a well-known tourist destination and it is also known as the valley of Gods. Manali has a beautiful landscape and this is where adventure activities are combined with nature. This beautiful town is surrounded by high mountains and is famous in apple orchards, temples, and the well-known Hadimba Devi Temple. Paragliding lovers can go to the Manali-Solang Valley whereas the Beas River serves those who are interested in rafting. You should not skip visiting Rohtang Pass which is among the highest motorable passes in the whole world and it has a view of Himalayas.
2. Dal Lake, Kullu – A Peaceful Retreat in Nature’s Lap
Dal Lake is a peaceful lake that is found in Kullu and is encircled with thick woods and snow-capped mountains. It is a calm place where people can have a boat ride or can just relax and enjoy the calm atmosphere. The lake is near the temples of Naggar and the beautiful Hidimba Devi Temple and makes the experience culturally rich.
3. Chamba – A Town Steeped in History and Himalayan Beauty
Chamba is an ancient city with beautiful cultural background and striking temples. Urs fair is organised annually (in the months of August and September) on a large open ground called the Chaugan. The town is also encircled with the snow-capped mountains and has a few ancient temples such as temple of Shiva at Bhuri Singh Museum. Visit the Rang Mahal and Jagat Singh palace too which would give some glimpse of the royal past of the region.
4. Solang Valley – A Playground for Adventure Seekers
The Solang Valley is located close to Manali and is a paradise of action seekers and thrill mongers. It is also known as paragliding and skiing and thus is one of the most appropriate places in India to find these activities. The valley is also beautiful with green meadows, wild flowers and streams. The tourists will have the opportunity of horseback riding, trekking and camping in the beautiful landscape.
5. Shimla – The Queen of the Hills
Shimla the capital city of Himachal pradesh was the summer capital of British India. It is a beautiful town with colonial buildings, busy markets and beautiful parks. The Mall Road will give a shopper a delightful experience and the Viceregal Lodge will also provide an insight into the history of the region. To get some fresh air, visit the Annandale park, which is a beautiful park spread over a valley. Make sure that you see the renowned Christ Church and the State Museum illustrating the cultural heritage of the Himachal Pradesh.
6. Palampur – Tea Gardens and Mountain Serenity
Palampur is a small town in the Kangra district and is famed with the lush tea gardens and terraced fields. It is encircled by the grandiose Dhauladhar Himalayan range that makes the town a beautiful place with its landscape sceneries. Another spot is the Tibetan Refugee Handicraft Centre where you can see the art being handed over through generations.
7. Dharamshala – Home to the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Culture
Dharamshala is a town, not only a gateway to the McLeod Ganj region, but also a town with a lot of history and culture. Dharamshala is a home to Dalai Lama and several Tibetan refugees with many monasteries, temples, and the peaceful Tibetan Buddhist culture. McLeod Ganj is especially renowned in terms of its spirituality, with cafes, bookstores, and shops with souvenirs places selling handmade crafts.
8. Kulu – A Blend of Culture, Festivals, and Nature
The small town of Kulu is located on the banks of the Beas River, the town is covered with greenery and is flanked by snow-capped mountain peaks. Kulu is famous because of its cultured and traditionally built houses of wood with a lively culture. It is a wonderful place to feel the local lifestyle. A three day festival, Kulu Mahotsav in the month of November, witnesses the rich cultural heritage of the region commemorated in the form of music, dance and other performances.
9. Spiti Valley – The Deserted Himalayan Wonderland
Spiti Valley is a deserted area at high altitude featuring barren scenery and spiritual values. It is situated in Lahaul and Spiti district and has an ancient monastery such as Tabo Monastery and Ki Monastery. The valley is a paradise to trekkers and photographers and it provides beautiful sceneries of the Himalayas. The village of Kaza is a nice place to base one in the valley.
10. Pin Valley National Park – A Sanctuary for Wildlife and Solitude
Pin Valley National Park is a very remote and pristine wilderness park located in the Lahaul and Spiti district. It has some endangered species such as the snow leopard and the ibex. The park provides magnificent sceneries with high cliffs, alpine meadows and transparent rivers. Wildlife photography and trekking can be considered as some of the best methods to explore this virgin land.
11. The Pong Dam Lake – A Bird Watcher’s Paradise
Pong Dam Lake is a big reservoir located in the Kangra district and formed by the Pong Dam. It is also a paradise to bird watchers and boasts of more than 350 species of birds that flock here annually. Water sports and fishing are also common activities in the lake, offering the much needed mixture of adventure and peace.
12. Barot Valley – A Hidden Gem for Nature
Barot Valley, as a beautiful state across the state of Himachal Pradesh, sits hidden in the lap of gorgeous mountains. It is famous with its numerous trees, clear streams, and native mountains, it can be considered a spacious getaway of the city sounds and activities. There is also a wide amount of flora and fauna in this area thus making it a paradise to nature lovers. Be it trekking, fishing or just admiring the breath taking sceneries, Barot Valley has got you covered.
13. Narkanda – Apple Orchards and Snowy Slopes
Narkanda is a tiny city in the upper extremity of Solan district. The town is famous with apple orchards and potato plantations, as well as breathtaking panoramas of Himalayas. Narkanda Winter Carnival is also popular where people traditionally play games and competitions in winter. Narkanda Sheep Research Station next door also is a most interesting place to understand sheep farming practices.
14. Chail – A Royal Hill Station with the World’s Highest Golf Course
Chail is a very small and beautiful hill station in Solan district. It is famed by the golf course which is the highest in Asia. Chail Military School as well as Naldehra Golf Club provides a look back to the colonial past of the region. It is a suitable place of nature walks and picnics due to the surrounding forests and mountain paths.
15. Parvati Valley – A Hidden Hiking Treasure
Located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, Parvati Valley has put together spiritual mysticism, hippie vibes, cosmicbeauty of the Himalayan mountains. Stretching along the banks of Parvati river, the valley has forests of dense pine, cascading falls, hot springs and rustic villages. The place is a melting pot of trekkers, backpackers, spiritual enthusiasts and nature lovers, all of which are fleeced and intimidated by blind scruples, selfish and self-righteous.
Conclusion
The Himachal Himalayas have everything to offer, whether it is the snow capped peaks of Manali or the calm valleys of Palampur, everyone is bound to find a place to call accommodation. If you want to have an adventure, spiritual experience, or just want to take a break to the busy life in cities, these 15 destinations will not leave you disappointed. All the destinations are the evidence of the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Himachal Pradesh and a chance to be involved in the magic of this amazing place.