Places of Interest

Himachal Pradesh is a northern Indian state known for its landscapes, cultures, and history. How to reach? 1) Direct bus from Delhi to Shimla, 2) Delhi to Kalka by train followed by toy train to Shimla, 3) One can also try ride-sharing, easily available between Delhi and Chandigarh; this is for people wanting to avoid/minimize bus travel.

Weather

Temperature: 11.39°C, Humidity: 41%, Wind Speed: 2.06 m/s. (Updated on 2025-01-17 13:02:35)

Sightseeing

Other Places

Mashobra (11.95 km), Kufri (15.04 km), Naldehra (22.13 km), Chail (42.45 km), Kasauli (74.55 km), Mahunag Temple (107.26 km), Gushaini (165.45 km), Prashar lake (178.70 km), Kullu (195.41 km), Bir (197.53 km), Palampur (207.34 km), Kasol (218.60 km), Kinnaur (227.50 km), Manali (237.36 km, 3.5 ), Chitkul (240.55 km), Solang valley (248.81 km), Dharamshala (313.87 km, 3.5 ), McLeod Ganj (318.29 km, 4.5 ), Dalhousie (387.08 km), Kaza (415.00 km), Chamba (422.29 km), Spiti (426.77 km), Pangi (727.70 km)

Hiking

Narkanda (61.18 km)

Skiing point (1.06 km, 3 ), Hatu Peak / Hatu Mata Temple (7.25 km, 4 ), Derthu Mata temple (24.47 km)

Rohru (108.25 km)

Chandar Nahan (163.27 km)

Shoja (140.77 km)

Jalori pass (5.59 km), Raghupur Fort (14.97 km), Tirthan valley (30.96 km), Great Himalayan National Park (136.68 km)

Shimla (0.00 km)

Chadwick falls (6.94 km)

Kufri (15.04 km)

Mahasu peak (18.64 km)

Other Places

Chitkul (240.55 km), Kheerganga (236.13 km), Pin Parvati pass (438.52 km), Kareri lake (359.61 km), Prashar lake (178.70 km), Beas Kund (257.59 km), Shali peak (49.20 km), Churdhar peak (116.55 km), Triund (320.81 km, 5 )

Adventure Sports

Tattapani (45.01 km), Rohru (108.25 km)

Description

Beas Kund

A 3-day trek from Solang Valley, taking you to the Beas River's source, surrounded by high peaks.

Bir

A popular destination for paragliding, offering stunning views of the Dhauladhar range. Bir also has Tibetan monasteries and offers opportunities for trekking.

Photo Gallery for Bir

Chadwick falls

Chail

Known for the Chail Palace and one of the highest cricket grounds.

Chamba

Famous for its ancient temples and palaces, including the Bhuri Singh Museum and Chamba Palace. The town is also known for its beautiful landscapes.

Photo Gallery for Chamba

Chandar Nahan

Chitkul

It is the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border and is known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance.

Christ Church

Neo-Gothic church, one of the oldest in North India.

Photo Gallery for Christ Church

Churdhar peak

Start point: Nohradhar.

Dalhousie

Known for its old-world charm and scenic trekking routes.

Derthu Mata temple

Dharamshala

Known for its Tibetan culture, this town is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. Key sites include McLeod Ganj, Bhagsu Waterfall, and Namgyal Monastery.

Photo Gallery for Dharamshala

Great Himalayan National Park

This park is one of the most biodiverse regions in the Himalayas and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers a chance to see rare flora and fauna, including Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and various bird species.

Gushaini

Gushaini is a small village located in the Tirthan Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its serene environment, surrounded by lush greenery and the Tirthan River. Gushaini is a popular destination for nature lovers and trekkers, offering trails that lead to the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can enjoy activities such as trout fishing, hiking, and camping. The village has a few homestays and guesthouses that offer a peaceful retreat amidst the mountains. Gushaini remains relatively less commercialized, providing a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. The road to Gushaini from Aut is narrow and one lane. Therefore, be prepared for skilfull manoeuvres to avoid traffic jam.

Hatu Peak / Hatu Mata Temple

Starting point: Narkanda. Reaching the temple involves a steep, scenic drive or trek through dense forests of pine, cedar, and deodar. Hatu Peak is also a popular spot for hiking and offers panoramic views, especially on clear days, including glimpses of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges.

Himachal Pradesh State Museum

Displays artifacts related to the cultural history of Himachal Pradesh

Jakhoo temple / Jakhoo peak

Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, located on Jakhoo Hill with a large statue. How to reach? 1) Steep hike from 'The Ridge', 2) Hire a taxi. Final few steps to the temple can be covered on foot or using escalator. The escalator operates from morning to evening. Advice: There are lots of monkeys on the way. So, keep your food, water and valuables hidden. Alternate name: Jakhu temple, Jakhu peak.

Photo Gallery for Jakhoo temple / Jakhoo peak

Jalori pass

This pass is a popular viewpoint and is a gateway to various treks and scenic views of the mountains. The Jalori Pass offers panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and the valley below.

Kareri lake

Starting near Dharamshala, this 3-day trek takes you to a lake at an elevation of around 2,950 meters, surrounded by meadows and forests.

Kasauli

Photo Gallery for Kasauli

Kasol

Photo Gallery for Kasol

Kaza

A small town located in the Spiti Valley, known as a hub for travelers exploring the surrounding high-altitude landscape.

Kheerganga

Located in the Parvati Valley, this moderate trek leads to hot springs at the top. It's popular among beginners and requires 1-2 days.

Kinnaur

Known for its stunning mountain views, apple orchards, and traditional villages. The Sangla Valley and Chitkul are popular spots for nature lovers.

Photo Gallery for Kinnaur

Kufri

Hill station nearby known for its scenic views and adventure activities.

Photo Gallery for Kufri

Kullu

Famous for the Kullu Valley, known for its apple orchards and lush greenery. The Kullu Dussehra festival is a major attraction, along with rafting in the Beas River.

Photo Gallery for Kullu

Lakkar Bazaar

Market known for wooden crafts and souvenirs.

Photo Gallery for Lakkar Bazaar

Lower bazaar

It’s located near Mall Road and provides a more local experience compared to the tourist-focused shops above. Morning hours are less crowded, but evenings bring a more lively experience.

Photo Gallery for Lower bazaar

Mahasu peak

A short hike to one of the area's highest points provides views of Badrinath and Kedarnath ranges.

Mahunag Temple

A blend of culture and nature, this trek passes through traditional villages and scenic spots leading to the Mahunag Temple.

Mall road

Main street with shops, cafes, and views of the hills. Visit in the evening for a livelier vibe.

Photo Gallery for Mall road

Manali

A popular hill station offering adventure sports, scenic landscapes, and the Solang Valley for skiing and paragliding. Nearby attractions include Hadimba Temple and Rohtang Pass.

Mashobra

Quiet town with nature trails and apple orchards.

McLeod Ganj

A suburb of Dharamshala, known for its Tibetan heritage, cafes, and hiking trails.

Photo Gallery for McLeod Ganj

Naldehra

Popular for its golf course and cedar forests. Alternate name: Naldera.

Narkanda

A quiet hill station known for skiing in winter and apple orchards in summer. It offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and is a great spot for trekking.

Photo Gallery for Narkanda

Pabbar river / Pabbar valley

This river flows through Rohru and is popular for fishing and picnicking. The riverbanks offer a serene atmosphere and opportunities for relaxation.

Palampur

Known for tea gardens and the nearby Baijnath Temple.

Pangi

Photo Gallery for Pangi

Patalsu peak

Panoramic views of the Kullu Valley and nearby peaks like Hanuman Tibba and Shitidhar. Start point: Solang valley. Campsites: Shagadugh. Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October. Difficulty: Moderate. Altitude: 4,220 m.

Pin Parvati pass

A challenging 10-day trek connecting Parvati Valley in Kullu with Spiti Valley, recommended for experienced trekkers due to high altitude and difficult terrain.

Prashar lake

A short trek that can be done in 1-2 days, offering views of a lake with a floating island, along with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Raghupur Fort

The Raghupur Fort is a historical fort offering a panoramic view of the Tirthan Valley. The fort is in a ruined state but still provides an excellent trekking opportunity.

Rohru

Rohru, a scenic town in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, offers a variety of attractions that showcase its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Best time to visit: March to June for pleasant weather and outdoor activities; September to November for experiencing the apple harvest and enjoying clear skies..

Shali peak

A challenging trail leading to the highest peak in the area with 360-degree views of the Himalayas.

Shikhru Devta Temple

Located on a hilltop, this temple is dedicated to Shikhru Devta, a local deity. The site provides panoramic views of the surrounding valley and is a significant pilgrimage spot for locals.

Shimla

The capital city, known for its colonial architecture, the Ridge, and the Mall Road. Popular attractions include Jakhoo Temple, Kufri, and Christ Church.

Photo Gallery for Shimla

Shoja

A scenic village located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Shoja is not as crowded as some other tourist spots. The village offers views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and dense pine forests. There are numerous trails in the area. The region is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, animals, and rich flora.

Skiing point

Small skiing area for beginners. Outside of skiing season, this place transforms into a meadow which can be used for camping. There are lots of animal dungs but one can find a wide stretch of land for camping or picnic.

Photo Gallery for Skiing point

Solang valley

Popular for adventure sports and snow activities in winter.

Spiti

A high-altitude desert known for its unique landscapes, ancient monasteries like Key Monastery, and trekking routes. It offers a serene escape for adventure seekers.

Photo Gallery for Spiti

Summer Hill

Residential area with pleasant walks and views of the surrounding hills. There are a lot of aggressive monkeys on the way. If walking, carry a stone in your pocket and keep your food hidden.

Photo Gallery for Summer Hill

Sutlej river

The river offers opportunities for rafting and fishing. The scenic banks of the Sutlej provide a perfect spot for picnics and relaxation.

Tanni Jubbar lake

Tanni Jubbar is a serene lake located near Thanedar, Himachal Pradesh, surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests. This small, oval-shaped lake is considered sacred, and its tranquil surroundings make it a peaceful spot for visitors. Near the lake, there’s also a temple dedicated to Nag Devta, a deity revered by the local people. Alternate name: Tani Jubbar lake.

Tattapani

It is known for its natural hot water springs along the banks of the Sutlej River. Alternate name: Tatapani.

The ridge

Open space offering panoramic views, connecting to the Mall Road.

Photo Gallery for The ridge

Tirthan valley

Known for its serene rivers, alpine meadows, and dense forests. It’s also a great place for trout fishing, with the Tirthan River flowing through the valley.

Triund

A popular, relatively easy hike near McLeod Ganj, offering views of the Dhauladhar range. This can be done as a day trek or an overnight trip with camping options.

Vice Regal Lodge

Historical building, once the summer residence of the British Viceroy. Alternate name: Rashtrapati niwas.

Author

Anurag Gupta is a frequent traveller and an advocate of eco-tourism and sustainable living. He believes in opensource technology, and wants to promote technology for eco-living. He is an M.S. graduate in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Cornell University. He also holds an M.Tech degree in Systems and Control Engineering and a B.Tech degree in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.

Acknowledgement and Collaboration

I want to thank everyone who shared their travel plans and itinerary to make my life easier. If you want to add/correct something on this webpage, write an email to anuragg@in2eco.com, or message Anurag Gupta on instagram. Many images have been used from internet. Refer to image name for details. Proper credits will be added soon.