Although I deeply love oceans, deserts, and other wild landscapes, it is only mountains that beckon me with that sort of painful magnetic pull to walk deeper and deeper into their beauty”.
Victoria Erikson
My friends Smita Singh and Vibhuti Dhawan has co-written this wonderful list of off-beat places to explore in Himachal Pradesh. Both of them are mountain babies and at any point of time would love to escape to the Himalayas at a heartbeat.
Just Another Day in Paradise
My love affair with Himachal Pradesh started in May 2013. Very impulsively I packed my bags and headed for the mountains without knowing what lies ahead. I landed in Manali, and then went on to explore nearby places like Hamta, Shoja, Kothi etc. And since then I couldn’t stop myself from escaping to the hills whenever I get a chance.
The alluring panorama of Himachal Pradesh, at the foothills of Himalayas, has an array of mountain ranges and snow-covered apexes. Once you visit Himachal Pradesh, you will not go back without feeling a void. The mountains will call you, you won’t be able to resist the urge of going back to those blissful environs.
Oh, the places you will go!
Himachal Pradesh is an abode for adventure junkies and people looking for some adrenaline rush. But don’t get fooled by the high and mighty valleys that gives you a sense of bold endanger, one can also have a rejuvenating time here away from the city lights. Breath in the fresh morning air, wake up to the lush green landscape and explore the virginal surroundings.
Known as the Land of Devtas/God, Himachal Pradesh is a breadth of fresh air for the tired souls looking for some peace. From the winding roads to the lush green mountains, from the most picturesque landscapes to the delicious food, Himachal offers the entire package for most memorable getaways in India.
Paradise found
Do you wake with a thought of doing the unusual, an undying urge to explore the offbeat places in Himachal? Are you the one who is always on a lookout for lesser known places? Is the quaint atmosphere more appealing to you than the hustle bustle of the city? Are you an adventure freak? Are you tired of planning yet another trip to the same old Shimla & Manali? If you answered in affirmative then here are our top picks to discover the unexplored gems in Himachal Pradesh for the traveller in you.
1. Chitkul
The last inhabited village within the Indian boundaries on the old Indo-Tibetan Road, Chitkul opens to an array snow clad mountains and varying hues of apple orchards, mustard fields and vegetation. The photographer in you will find Chitkul as postcard perfect for its overview of River Baspa. So sit near the river, feel the wind in your hair and bask in the beauty of this small village.
Recommended stay – Zostel
2. Tabo
Another beautiful gem, Tabo is a small village which houses the Tabo Gompa (Monastery), the only monolithic structure of its kind. It was founded in 996 AD almost a 1000 years ago and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Dalai Lama’s words “If you’ve been to Tabo Chos-Khor Monastery, then you’ve been to one of the holiest monasteries in the world”. If Dalai Lama says so, it must be surely worth it!
Recommended stay – Monastery Guesthouse
3. Rakkar
This one is for all the readers out there who just needs a book, a cup of coffee and a breathtaking view to make their day. The serene environment of this village is sure to win your heart. Surrounded by the Dhauladhar Range, Rakkar is the perfect place to unwind from your busy city life.
Recommended stay – Blossoms Village Resort
Small silent moments, changing even in its stillness..an image with many reflections, looking all but the same,through the shadows which years have gathered upon it.
Storehouse of untold wonders, life force experimenting with forms, there is joy in growth…there is rapture in solitude and there is life where none intrudes
4. Jibhi – Shojha
A vantage point for the panorama view of Kullu, Shoja is a lesser explored village which houses the Sarolsar Lake, which is worth every penny to watch the sunset at! Situated at a distance of 5km is Jalori Pass, an undiscovered beauty which will lead you to the most scenic views of snow-capped Himalayas. Adjoining to the lake is a temple dedicated to the Old Serpent Queen of that area and the locals believe in her power so much that alcohol is not allowed in the vicinity. Go a few steps further and you will find a small makeshift dhaba, the guy there makes yummy Mutton and Rice.
8 kms from Banjar district is Jibhi and its on the way towards Shojha . Jibhi is like an untouched pearl of Himachal (yet) . Though the increasing interest for trek to Saryolskar lake is making this place a talk of the town.
Recommended Stay Jibhi – The Bunny’s Cottage
Recommended Stay Shoja – Firgun
5. Gushaini – Tirthan
Ideal for travellers who prefer treading the path less taken, this secluded valley is known for trout fishing, camping and adventurous activities. Situated besides the Tirthan River, it is one of the most awesome places to relax and experience nature in its purest form.
The Great Himalayan National Park trek starts from here and you would love to do the trail till the main gate of Himalayan national park amidst the waterfalls and gigantic mountains.
Recommended stay – Blue Sheep, River Side Resort & Adventures
6. Barot
For the adrenaline rush, Barot is another off-the-beaten track destination in Himachal Pradesh which offers numerous outdoor activities like trekking, camping and trout fishing. The Uhl river flowing next to Barot Village on both sides adds to its unique natural beauty. Across the river Uhl is the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary, home to Himalayan goral (of the goat family), variety of pheasants and Himalayan black bears. Who says you can’t get it all in one place?
It is highly recommended that you visit Badagram village in Chauhar Valley to get a glimpse of rural life. Badagran is one of the finest and untouched villages from modernity, still preserved in its age old traditions.
Recommended stay – River View Homestay, Sachin Homestay and Ram Guesthouse
7. Pooh
Another unexplored marvel, Pooh is the closest to heaven for the quiet ones. Located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Pooh is home to rich vegetation of apple, almonds and apricot, along with a few vineyards. This town is a perfect place for taking a break if you are driving to Spiti. Do not forget to include this natural beauty in your travel itinerary!
Recommended stay – Tenzin guest house
8. Garli
Garli – A living heritage village in Pragpur tucked in Kangra district, surrounded by the mighty Dhauladhar Range in Himachal Pradesh. The elegant havelis, mansions, brick houses and Italianate buildings of the village are nothing less than a visual treat for architecture and history enthusiasts. The quite serene village walks will tell you numerous untold legendary stories of the bygone years. A visit to Garli would be incomplete without a days’ trip to the Kangra Fort, Pong Dam and Masroor Rock-cut Temple. For the nature lovers, camping along the Beas would be an ideal activity.
Recommended stay – Chateau Garli
9. Nahan
Nahan in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh is a small town around 80 kms from Chandigarh. For a quick and peaceful getaway from Delhi , this is an ideal place to explore. Nahan is famous for Renuka Ji temple where devotees go to pay their homeage to Goddess Renuka. The lake adjoining the temple is considered to be one of the largest in Himachal Pradesh. There are other places of interest around Nahan as well like Poanta Sahib, Jaitak Fort & The Fossil fuel park are some of the must visit places during your trip. The heritage walk to the Nahan village is a treat to your senses if you are a history buff.
Recommended stay – The Fogg
10. Sarahan
This tiny hamlet will be on your way, if you are heading towards Chitkul, rightfully known as “gateway of Kinnaur”. Sarahan is an apple farming town on the banks of Sutlej. You would love the picturesque treat of the raveling cliffs on one side and and the water body on the other. The famous Bhimakali Temple which is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths is located in the village. Another place of interest is Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary which is around 5 kms away from town’s centre.
Recommended stay – Hotel Shrikhand
11. Malana
Tucked away safely from the rest of the civilization, Malana is a small village in the district of Kullu. This place has a rich historical background as it is believed that the people of Malana are the descendants of Alexander the Great. They have their own administrative system very similar to the Greek system of law and administration, concept of purity, language and social structure.
The lofty peaks of Chandrakhani and Deotibba shelters the village. The origin of Malana can be traced back to Jamlu Rishi who is a local deity credited with establishing the social laws and rules in this society. One can reach Malana via Kasol. Hire a cab from Kasol which will cost around 2000-2500 Rs.and it will drop you at the steps leading to the village, from there the trek starts. It will take around two hours to reach the village, remember you should carry your own food as there are no cafes or eating joints in that area. Tourists cannot stay at Malana overnight at the village due to restrictions imposed by the villagers in 2017 but it will be better to ask locals before going there about availability of stay options.
Recommended Stay – Dragon House Cafe and Guesthouse
12. Hamta
This is the fringe of heaven. If you are looking for a vacation spot where you can sit back and soak yourself in the surroundings, then you are at the right place. Hamta is a small village about 15 kms away from Manali in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. One can reach Hamta via Pirni Aleo Hydro Power Plant and start the curvy clamber towards the lush green mountain top that overlooks the Manali City. It was the deep valley with lush green trees, candy flossed clouds, tranquil Beas River and the silence of the mountain that I instantly fell in love with Hamta.
One can also take up activities like trekking, photography or mountain biking. You can start with a light hike to a nearby waterfall, take a dip in the freezing water and enjoy your picnic basket. If you are a serious trekker then walk all the way over to the base of the Himalayas, the Pir Panjal Range. If you have enough days at hand then you can complete the whole Hamta Pass Trek.
Recommended Stay – Backwoods Mountain Camp
13. Shangarh
The mighty Himalayas has many untold stories in its core, one such story is of Shangarh. This sleepy village is around 29 kms away from Aut Tunnel on Chandigarh-Manali Highway. The roads leading to Shangarh are not that great but I assure you, your efforts will be rewarded upon reaching. One side of Shangarh is surrounded by high snow capped mountains and on the other side you see a meadow as huge as two stadiums.
The village is home to Shangchul Mahadev and there is a temple dedicated to the local deity. It is said that the temple provides refuge to lovers who are not accepted by the society and kins. A Couple can go there and seek safe sanctuary here.
Recommended Stay – Shan’e’Ghar
14. Chindi
Chindi, a Hamlet in Karsog Valley in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. Perfect for a weekend getaway, unlike Shimla, Narkanda and Mashobhra, Chindi is non-touristy. Surrounded by apple orchards, pines and deodars, Chindi is one of the most alluring locations in Himachal Pradesh.
Recommended Stay – Hotel Mamleshwar
So take a break, pack your bags, there is an entire world in India left to see!