The hilly state of Himachal Pradesh has some unique and fascinating places for you to explore. From villages whose descendants trace their ancestry to Alexander the Great, to a town that easily resembles Tibet, these popular destinations in Himachal are unlike anywhere else.
Surprising its visitors over and over with its mesmerizing beauty, Himachal Pradesh is a famous tourist destination blessed directly by Mother Nature. Surrounded by the mighty Himalayas, valleys that stretch themselves leisurely, mountain lakes which are among some of the most holy, and roaring rivers that flow through its forests, the beauty of Himachal stays unmatched.
This destination among the hills is celebrated for more than just its beauty, but also for a rich heritage that welcomes and preserves different cultures and traditions, making it its own. A visit to Himachal will not only heal you with its beauty, but also with the heartwarming hospitality of the people that call Himachal their home.
To help you explore this charming destination, we bring to you 22 of the best places to explore in Himachal that showcase its beauty to the fullest, and as its popular tourist attractions that will surely keep you coming back for more.
List of Top 22 Must Visit Destinations in Himachal Pradesh-
- Kasol
- Bir-Billing
- Manali
- Shimla
- Dharamshala
- Dalhousie
- Kalpa
- Tosh
- Marhi
- Tirthan Valley
- Kangra
- Nako
- Sainj Valley
- Tabo
- Kasauli
- Chail
- Malana
- Mashobra
- Spiti Valley
- Sirmaur
- Lahaul Valley
- Kullu
Popular Himachal Sightseeing Tour Packages
Kasol: The Mini Israel of India!
A quiet little village located in Himachal Pradesh’s Parvati Valley, Kasol is a destination favored by backpackers and trekkers. Offering a serene landscape of alpine forests, cozy cafes, and the beautiful Parvati River flowing through, Kasol has quickly become among the best places to explore in Himachal Pradesh.
Given its significant population of the people of Israel, Kasol is also sometimes referred to as ‘Mini Israel’, and as such has numerous cafes and restaurants that glimpse into their lifestyle and culture. Indulge in an adventurous trek, try out river rafting with your friends, and experience the beauty of riverside camping during your visit to the village of Kasol.
Top Sightseeing Attractions in Kasol
- Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib
- Nature Park Kasol
- Chalal Village
- Malana Village
- Kheerganga Peak
Top Things to do in Kasol
- Kheerganga trek
- Riverside camping
- Try river rafting
- Explore the local villages
- Explore the hot water springs at Manikaran
Bir Billing: The Perfect Paragliding Escapade!
Known majorly for being a paradise for those wanting to go on a paragliding adventure, Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh is one of the best destinations to explore in the state. Here, the village of Bir is the one popular among tourists for its ethereal beauty, ecotourism, and offering a sense of peace and spirituality, whereas Billing is the site where you will be flown for your paragliding escapade.
As such, when in Bir, you can explore the many monasteries that adorn its landscape for a calming and relaxing experience among the hills. Here, you can also try your hand at various other adventure activities apart from paragliding such as mountain biking, camping under the open skies, and trekking along its heavenly setting.
Top Sightseeing Attractions in Bir-Billing
- Chokling Monastery
- Gunehar Waterfall
- Deer Park Institute
- Bangoru Waterfall
- Bir Road Bazaar
Top Things to do in Bir-Billing
- Paragliding
- Mountain biking
- Exploring monasteries
- Go on a challenging trek
- Explore the cozy cafes
Manali: Culture & Adventure!
Manali is counted among the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh because of its rich cultural heritage, deodar & pine forests, amazing views of the snow capped mountains and rich cultural heritage. If you visit it in the first week of January, you can attend the winter carnival which is marked by dance performances, street plays, songs, group dance and a Winter Queen beauty pageant.
Manali also attracts adventure enthusiasts with opportunities for white water rafting on the River Beas, with its Grade II & III rapids.
Popular Sightseeing Attractions in Manali
- Hadimba Temple
- Vashisht Hot Spring
- Solang Valley
- Naggar
- Rohtang Pass
Top Things to Do in Manali
- Hang out at The Mall
- Explore the cafes & streets of Old Manali
- Visit the local bazaar to buy souvenirs & other items
Recommended Tour Packages
Shimla: Always the lovers’ destination!
Think top honeymoon destinations, think Shimla! Its rich colonial past is evident in its architecture, some of which are also the top tourist attractions including Christ Church, Gaiety Theatre and Barnes Court (now known as Raj Bhavan).
Standing apart from all these, in terms of pure excitement and thrill, is the ride on the toy train from Kalka to Shimla, which has also been designated by UNESCO as a heritage site.
Top Sightseeing Attractions in Shimla
- Chadwick Falls
- Jakhoo Temple
- Annandale
- The Ridge
- The Mall Road
- Viceregal Lodge
- Tara Devi Temple
- Sankat Mochan Temple
Top Things to Do in Shimla
- Hang out at the Mall Road
- Take a ride on the Kalka Shimla Toy Train
- Visit Maria Brothers, an antiquated bookstore
- Enjoy a snack & cup of coffee at Wake and Bake
Recommended Tour Packages
Dharamshala: Like Tibet, but India!
Dharamshala has its fair share of colonial influence, like most of the other tourism places in Shimla. But, it’s the Tibetan influence which overshadows any other influence.
In Mcleodganj, a small town inhabited by mostly Tibetans, you could very well imagine yourself to have landed in Tibet quite suddenly! You could explore the main street with its Tibetan craft shops, taste Tibetan dishes, and visit the Tsuglag Khang temple.
Top Sightseeing Attractions in Dharamshala
- Bhagsunag Falls
- St. John Church
- Kanga Art Museum
- War Memorial
- Norbulingka Institute
- Gyuto Monastery
- Chamunda Devi Temple
- Bhagsunag Temple
Top Things to Do in Dharamshala
- Go trekking to Triund Hill
- Enjoy shopping at Mcleodganj Market
- Enjoy a picnic at Dal Lake
Recommended Tour Package
Dalhousie: Its Beauty Won Over Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose!
The best places to visit with family in Himachal should always include Dalhousie, a hill station whose charm won the heart of Neta Ji Subhash Chandra Bose (Freedom fighter of India).
The colossal Dhauladhar Ranges with their snow capped peaks, rich colonial architecture, beautiful churches, forest trails that overlook wooded hills, waterfalls and springs, and a pleasant climate, all of these combined make it a popular tourist attraction in Himachal.
Popular Sightseeing Attractions in Dalhousie
- St. Patrick’s Church
- St. Francis Church
- St. John’s Church
- Subhash Baoli
- Panchpula Waterfall
- Satdhara Falls
- Bhulwani Mata Temple
- Bhalei Mata Temple
Top Things to Do in Dalhousie
- Trekking at Bakrota Hills
- Hang out at the Mall Road
- Go hiking at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
Recommended Tour Package
Kalpa: Be Touched by the Hand of Happiness!
In the heritage village of Kalpa, you will be touched by the hand of happiness as the rising sun touches the snowy peaks with its crimson hand in the morning. You will also be fascinated to know that this popular travel destination in Himachal was visited by Governor General Lord Dalhousie in the 19th century.
What is most fascinating though, is its proximity to Kinner Kailash, believed to be the winter home of Lord Shiva. It is also one of the best places to visit in Himachal during the monsoon, since its beauty is enhanced by the rains.
Popular Sightseeing Attractions in Kalpa
- Narayan Nagani Temple
- Hu-Bu-lan-Car Gompa
Top Things to Do in Kalpa
- Trek to Chakka Peak
- Trek from Kalpa to Roghi Village
- Enjoy the views from Suicide Point
Recommended Tour Package
Tosh: One Incredible Scenery After Another!
If you want to spend your holidays in Himachal in complete peace while coming across one incredible scenery after another, visit the offbeat destination of Tosh in Parvati Valley.
You should visit it to explore the beautiful face of nature, like walking through River Parvati, trekking through Kheerganga and inhaling lots of fresh, pure air. You will also come across a lot of backpackers from Israel and Europe here!
Top Things to Do Here
- Walking the River Parvati
- Enjoy camping
- Go trekking at Kheerganga
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Marhi: Just Go Trekking!
You should visit Marhi, located between Manali and Rohtang La on the Manali Leh Highway, if you are a trekking enthusiast. From Kothi, you can trek to Marhi, crossing fabulous valleys, snow-capped peaks and incredible views accompanying you along the way.
Top Things to Do
Also Check Out: Top Trekking Destinations in Himachal Pradesh
Tirthan Valley: Bliss Calls it its home!
Tirthan Valley is an offbeat Himachal tourist destination, which is surprising, considering the kind of beauty it is blessed with. The valley is a part of the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mountains, alpine meadows, coniferous forests and peace that soaks you from within, it is a sheer bliss to find yourself here.
Bird lovers should also consider visiting this place, since it is identified as an important Bird Area by IUCN which is home to more than 300 species of birds.
Top Things to Do
- Hike from a village called Rorla to a waterfall.
- EXplore the scenic villages
- Spend time by the River Tirthan
- Visit the Great Himalayan National Park
Recommended Tour Package
Kangra: Rich Culture & Heritage!
Don’t forget to visit Kangra while spending your holidays in Himachal if you want to enjoy plenty of sightseeing & get an idea about the heritage and culture of the region.
An example of this is the Kangra Fort, which was built in 1615 AD and even withstood a siege by the armies of the Mughal emperor, Akbar. There is also a famous school of painting which originated here and is known as the Kangra school of painting.
Top Sightseeing Attractions
- Kangra Fort
- Shree Bajreshwari Devi Temple
- Shree Jwala Devi Temple
- Shree Chamunda Devi Temple
- Baijnath Shiv Temple
- Masroor Rock Cut Temples
- Maharana Pratap Sagar
- Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple
- Dada Siba
- Jwalamukhi
Check out: Popular Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh
Nako: Quiet, Untouched, Remote!
Nako is a popular point of tourist interest in Himachal Pradesh for its serenity, untouched beauty and picturesque beauty. However, it lies in close proximity to the border of Tibet, so visitors need an Inner Line Permit to visit it.
One of the major attractions here is Lake Nako, in close distance to which are located four Buddhist monasteries and an enormous footlike impression.
Popular Sightseeing Attractions
- Lake Nako
- Nako Monastery
- Nako Gompa
- Lipa Asrang Sanctuary
Check out: Popular Tourism Lakes in Himachal Pradesh
Sainj Valley: Too beautiful to be explored!
Since this blog is about the 12 best places that celebrate the beauty of Himachal, a place like Sainj Valley will automatically find a position in this list. It is the epitome of untouched beauty, a place where the hills, meadows, lakes and even the villages feel like they were too beautiful to be touched.
It is located in the lower ranges of the Great Himalayan National Park, itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Popular Sightseeing Attractions
- Sainj Village
- Meadows of Shangarh
- Pudrik Rishi Lake
- Great Himalayan National Park
Check out: Wildlife Tourism in Himachal Pradesh
Tabo: Dalai Lama Wishes to Retire Here!
The Dalai Lama once expressed desire to retire in Tabo, since he thought Tabo Monastery was the holiest monastery in the entire world. But that is not the only reason to visit this quaint town.
By its sheer remoteness, it is the top travel destination to visit in Himachal. It’s interesting to know that the ancient structures made of mud have survived over a thousand years with minimal repairs. There are several caves too, some of which are used as dwellings by the locals even today! But wait, you can even use them to camp for a night or two!
Top Sightseeing Attractions
Popular Things to Do
- Explore the caves
- Visit the Zion Cafe
- Taste the Tabo apples
- Stay in the caves
Check out: Popular Monasteries in Himachal Pradesh
Kasauli – Colonial Grandeur Dipped with Tranquility
Dotted in Shivalik Hills, the beautiful Hill Station of Kasauli will take you back to colonial times. It was established by the Britishers, so it still has kept its colonial charm intact. Abundance of Pine and Oak trees, gorgeous gardens, colourful shops, tennis courts, cobbled paths, churches and clubs; Kasauli is indeed an escape full of nature’s bliss and serenity that every nature lover asks for. The most interesting fact about Kasauli is that it houses the oldest functioning distilleries for Scotch Whiskey in Asia – Kasauli Brewery and Distillery. Lofty snowstorms, crispy mountain breeze and torrents makes it one of the most enchanting destinations of Himachal Pradesh.
Top Sightseeing Attractions in Kasauli
- Gilbert Trail
- Sunset Point
- Kasauli Brewery
- Gurkha Fort
- Sunrise Point
- Timber Trail Resort
- The Mall Road
- Christ Church
- Monkey Point
Top Things to Do in Kasauli
- Trekking
- Toy Train Ride
- Nature Walk
- Visit Timber Trail and Monkey Point
- Fun at Hangout Bar
- Embrace Nature at Gilbert Trail
- Visit Kasauli Brewery
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Malana – Hidden Amidst the Enchanting Himalayas
Quiet and serene, dotted amidst the tranquil and sublime Himalayan Mountains, Malana is one of the most interesting tourist destinations to visit in Himachal Pradesh. It is very popular among Hipsters. Drinking the nectar of delightful greenery, its soothing incredible valleys will captivate your senses forever. It is one of the most beautiful places to explore as it is bordered by the mesmerizing Parvati Valley on one side and Kullu valley on the other. Don’t forget the enchanting peaks of Cahndrakhani and Deotibba. Its vibrant culture and traditions will enrich your mind and heart. If you ever get a chance to be a part of the delightful Malana village festivals, it will be totally worth your time.
Top Sightseeing Attractions in Malana
- Jamadagni Temple
- The Chanderkhani
- Deo Tibba Mountain
- Hampta Pass
- Manikaran
- Parvati Valley
- Renuka Devi Temple
Top Things to Do in Malana
- Trekking
- Camping
- Pilgrimage
- Jeep Safari
- Hot Springs
- Taste Milanese Cuisine
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Mashobra – Surreal and Sublime
Mashobra is a place to disappear into a tranquil bliss amidst the serene ambiance of Lofty Himalayan Peaks. It is a peaceful hill station decked with picturesque landscapes to delight your eyes and refresh your toil-weary soul. For a lazy weekend or for self-introspection, Mashobra’s calmness will be etched into your mind. It is also a paradise for adventurers. You can enjoy the thrills of trekking, climbing, fishing, rappelling etc.to make your sightseeing more interesting and memorable.
Top Sightseeing Attractions in Mashobra
- Reserve Forest Sanctuary
- WildFlower Hall
- Mahasu Devta Temple
- Craignano
- The Presidential Retreat
- Tattapani River
- Lakkar Bazaar
- Jakhu Temple
- Chadwick Falls
Top Things to Do in Mashobra
- Trekking
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Rappelling
- Temple visits
- Nature walks
- Photography
- Wildlife sighting
- Shopping
Also Read: Paragliding in Himachal Pradesh
Chail- Serene Solitude
Chail is one of the most popular hill stations to visit in India. It used to be the summer capital of the state of patiala. Stunning verdant forests of Pine, Chir and Deodars, mesmerizing views of countryside, the royal grandeur which stands still in pride – Chail Palace, serene Sadhupul Lake which is a joyful escape to solace, exotic wildlife of Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, enchanting trekking trails of Gaura and Jhajjar that will take to amazing viewpoints, will absolutely make your day with full of fun and excitement. If you are planning a trip to Himachal, Chail is absolutely a must not miss place to soothe your soul.
Top Sightseeing Attractions in Chail
- Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
- Cricket Ground
- Kali Ka Tibba
- Siddh Baba ka Mandir
- Gurudwara Sahib
- Himalayan Nature Park
- Sadhupul Lake
- Chail Palace
Top Things to Do in Chail
- Shopping in Chail
- Temple Hopping
- Camping
- Horseback Riding
- Trekking
- Wildlife Safari
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Spiti Valley: Cold Desert, but Breathtaking Landscapes!
A paradise, which is home to jagged landscapes, numerous Buddhist monasteries, snow-capped mountains and pristine Spiti River – Spiti or Piti Valley is one of the ultimate destinations in Himachal Pradesh for travellers who want to explore some unspoilt natural beauty. Also known as ‘Little Tibet,’ Spiti Valley attracts several adventure-seekers from India as well as other countries to experience adventures like camping, trekking, hiking and paragliding.
Perched at a height of 2,745 metres, Spiti Valley is surrounded by Kullu, Kinnaur, Ladakh and Lahaul and you can reach here via Kunzum Pass.
Popular Sightseeing Attractions in Spiti Valley
- Chandratal Lake
- Kee Monastery
- Kunzum Pass
- Pin Valley National Park
- Suraj Tal Lake
- Dhankar Monastery
- Tabo Monastery
Top Things to Do in Spiti Valley
- Spot animals in Pin Valley National Park
- Hike to Kee nad Tabo Monastery
- Enjoy stargazing in Chandratal Lake
- Enjoy river rafting in Spiti and Pin Rivers
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Sirmaur: Peach Bowl of India!
The southernmost district of Himachal Pradesh, Sirmaur is popularly known as the Peach Bowl of India because of the finest peaches grown here. It is home to several picturesque locations, which attract nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. Moreover, the pleasant weather throughout the year makes Sirmaur a famous tourist spot in Himachal.
One of the highest peaks of the state elevated at 3,646 metres, Churdhar is one of the top trekking attractions in Sirmaur. You can also visit the ancient lake, Renuka Ji, a beautiful village, Haripur Dham and Habban Valley in Sirmaur.
Popular Sightseeing Attractions in Sirmaur
- Churdhar
- Renuka Ji
- Haripur
- Habban Valley
Top Things to Do in Sirmaur
- Hike to Churdhar, one of the highest peaks of Himachal Pradesh
- Spot exotic flora and fauna of Himachal Pradesh at Renuka Lake
- Seek blessings at Maa Bhangayani Temple in Haripur
- Explore cultures at Habban Valley
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Lahaul Valley: Winding Roads Take You to Snow-capped Landscapes!
The twin district of Spiti Valley, Lahaul is located at a distance of around 33 kilometres from Manali. The place is now easily reached through Atal Tunnel, which connects Lahaul with Manali. As per geographical area, Lahaul-Spiti is the largest district of Himachal Pradesh but due to its high altitude and extremely cold temperature, it’s the coldest one.
Lahaul is home to stunning views of snowy peaks, glaciers, rough mountains, hilly monasteries and waterfalls. Lakeside camping, stargazing at night, trekking to the monasteries atop hills and riding on the windy roads of Lahaul are some of the best things to do for travellers.
Popular Sightseeing Attractions in Lahaul Valley
- Kardang Monastery
- Shashur Gompa
- Tayul Monastery
- Tower Fort of Gondhla
- Gemur Monastery
- Mrikula Devi Temple
- Lahaul & Spiti Tribal Museum
Top Things to Do in Lahaul Valley
- Visit the biggest monastery of Lahaul, Kardang Monastery
- Hike to Shashur Gompa from Keylong
- Seek blessings in Mrikula Devi Temple
- Visit Tayul Monastery, which was founded in the 17th century
- Explore the old villages of Lahaul and Spiti in the Tribal Museum
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Kullu: Valley of Gods!
Kullu is located in central Himachal and remains one of the popular tourist destinations in the country. The lush green meadows, idyllic villages on the bank of Parvati River, ancient temples, natural wonders like hot springs – everything make Kullu a pristine beauty to discover.
The open valleys surrounded by Pine and Deodar trees are home to numerous apple orchards, which make it popular in the world. For reasons like these and religious places like Manikaran and Mahadev Temple, it is always the sought-after destination for travellers after Manali.
Popular Sightseeing Attractions in Kullu
- Tirthan Valley
- Manikaran
- Great Himalayan National Park
- Bhrigu Lake
- Bijli Mahadev Temple
- Beas Kund
- Jana Waterfall
Top Things to Do in Kullu
- Trek to Prashar Lake, Malana Village, Bhrigu Lake and Kheerganga
- Bathe in Manikaran hot springs
- Visit temples like Bijli Mahadev Temple, Gauri Shankar Temple, Manikaran and Raghunath Temple
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Best Time to Visit Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is a delightful tourist spot in India. For years, travellers have visited this state to discover its natural beauty, unspoilt culture and friendly hospitality of the Himachali people. Except for the months of extreme monsoon and winter, places in Himachal Pradesh can be explored at any time of the year.
Visiting Himachal in Summer Season
Himachal witnesses’ summer from April to June. Tourists flock here in summer due to the amazing weather. Activities like paragliding, camping, river rafting and many more can be experienced this time.
Visiting Himachal in Monsoon Season
From July to September, Himachal Pradesh witnesses monsoon season. It’s the off-season and the number of tourists is lower compared to the other two seasons. Trekking, hiking and camping cannot be done during the monsoon due to extreme showers. However, one can enjoy the fresh looks of urban areas at this time.
Visiting Himachal in Winter Season
Winter is the longest in Himachal Pradesh; starts from October till March. The mountains and valleys get covered in snow and the waterfalls become frozen. In some areas, roads get closed due to heavy snowfall. However, Himachal should be visited in winter once in a lifetime if you can tolerate the cold and want to explore the surreal beauty it becomes. The clear sky, snowy peaks and windy roads lead to numerous activities like skiing, ice skating, hiking and many more.
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Go, explore and appreciate the beauty of these 12 places in Himachal Pradesh. Some of them are offbeat ones, while others are popular tourist destinations.
Tell us what you think of this blog.
If you have visited any of these places, we would like to know what about it appealed to you the most.
Important Himachal Tourism Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What are some of the best places in Himachal Pradesh that you should visit with friends?
Some of the best places in Himachal Pradesh that you should visit with friends are Manali, Dharamshala, Tabo and Nako.
Q.Which offbeat tourist places should I visit in Himachal Pradesh?
A few offbeat tourist places that you should visit in Himachal Pradesh are Tabo, Kangra, Marhi and Tosh.
Q. What is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh?
The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh is February to June. Plan a trip during the winters, between the months of October and February to enjoy skiing and ice skating.
Q.Which tourist places in Himachal Pradesh are popular among the tourists during winters?
Khajjiar, Triund, Mcleodganj and Kufri are some of the tourist places in Himachal Pradesh which are popular among the tourists during winters.
About the author
Writing, for me, is an artistic expression of the countless thoughts flooding my mind. For now, travel content writing is what keeps me going! In my spare time, I like nothing better than immersing myself in a book, along with a cuppa! A classic movie helps too! I define traveling as a process of self-discovery. Hailing from Darjeeling, my ultimate desire is to escape to the hills, with the mountain air and solitude as my constant companions!
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