Most tourist places in Himachal Pradesh have turned into concrete jungles over the last decade. Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie, Dharamshala. All of them are packed beyond capacity during the peak season, and the experience is far from what a real Himalayan getaway should feel like.
When someone in the DwD Community asks me for a travel plan, I always ask them a few questions first. Are you looking for peace and quiet? Do you want to avoid the tourist rush? Are you OK with basic accommodation and limited connectivity? If the answer is yes, then this article is for you, my friend.
I have personally traveled to all 12 places on this list. Some of them multiple times over the last 15 years. Hence, every recommendation here comes from first-hand experience, not just online research.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Practical Info at a Glance
- Number of places: 12 offbeat destinations, all reachable from Delhi in a single day’s drive (12-14 hours)
- Best time to visit: April to June and September to November for most places. Winter for Prashar Lake snow treks and Rajgarh snowfall
- Budget range: Rs 1,500 to Rs 4,000 per day depending on the destination and accommodation type
- Ideal trip duration: 3-5 days for any single destination. Club 2-3 nearby ones for a week-long trip
- Road conditions: NH-based access for most. Some destinations require off-road capable vehicles (Daranghati, Chansal Pass)
What Are the Best Offbeat Places in Himachal Pradesh Near Delhi?
Here is a quick overview of all 12 offbeat destinations covered in this guide. Each one can be reached within a day from Delhi/NCR, assuming you are comfortable driving 12-14 hours (similar to reaching Manali or Dharamshala).
| Offbeat Place | Distance from Delhi | Best For |
| 1. Tirthan Valley | 480 km (10-11 hrs) | Nature, family, riverside stays |
| 2. Pabbar Valley | 420 km (10-12 hrs) | Adventure driving, camping |
| 3. Chindi & Karsog | 400 km (9-10 hrs) | Couples, solitude, orchards |
| 4. Daranghati & Sarahan | 520 km (12-13 hrs) | Wildlife, off-roading |
| 5. Barot Village | 430 km (10-11 hrs) | Backpacking, angling, camping |
| 6. Prashar Lake | 370 km (9-10 hrs) | Trekking, weekend trips |
| 7. Bir Billing | 460 km (10-11 hrs) | Paragliding, Buddhist culture |
| 8. Kasol & Parvati Valley | 517 km (12-13 hrs) | Backpacking, cafes, treks |
| 9. Naggar & Jagatsukh | 530 km (12-13 hrs) | Heritage, valley views, peace |
| 10. Jibhi, Shoja & Jalori Pass | 490 km (10-12 hrs) | Forest stays, village walks |
| 11. Rajgarh & Haripurdhar | 380 km (9-10 hrs) | Solitude, winter snowfall |
| 12. Chamba & Bharmour | 560 km (13-14 hrs) | Temples, remote valleys |
Also check: Top 10 MUST VISIT Offbeat Places in Uttarakhand if you are looking for offbeat destinations beyond Himachal.
Download the FREE high-resolution PDF version of this infographic guide. If you find it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends.
1. Tirthan Valley
If you have not been to Tirthan Valley yet, you have genuinely missed one of the finest riverside experiences in all of Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this valley along the Tirthan River is still relatively peaceful compared to mainstream destinations.
Tirthan Valley is an awesome place to relax in the lap of nature. It tops my list of offbeat places in Himachal any day. I love this place most in the whole Himachal region for family outings.
The best time to visit is during Spring (March to May) when flowers are blooming across the valley, or early monsoon (June to July) when the greenery is at its peak. The valley is open all year round, though winter brings cold temperatures and limited services. There is a beautiful waterfall near Gushaini, and the GHNP offers some of the best hikes around the world. Day hikes in GHNP, village strolls, trout fishing in the river. Perfect for a 3-4 day family trip.
How to reach: Drive via NH-3 (Chandigarh-Manali Highway) and take the Aut Tunnel exit. Tirthan Valley is about 480 km from Delhi, 10-11 hours by road. HRTC buses run to Aut from Delhi, and local taxis are available from Aut to Gushaini (30 km).
Stay budget: Homestays Rs 800-1,500/night, riverside cottages Rs 2,000-4,000/night.
.jpg)
2. Pabbar Valley
Pabbar Valley remains one of the most isolated destinations in Himachal Pradesh, still largely free from the tourist rush. The panoramic views from Chansal Pass are genuinely stunning, and the dense orchards and forests along the valley offer excellent nature walks and hikes throughout the season.
You can camp, trek, fish, and even do some rafting here. The valley includes lesser-known villages like Rohru, Shelapani, Karapather, and Chansal Pass. All of these come under the Pabbar Valley region.
I would recommend visiting Pabbar Valley before it becomes the next Jibhi or Kasol in terms of tourist footfall. The commercialization is slowly creeping in, so the sooner you go, the better. You can read the route details in my article on my trip to Chansal Pass, Rohru, and Chakrata.
How to reach: Take the Shimla highway and divert toward Narkanda, then Rohru. About 420 km from Delhi. The Chansal Pass road requires a high-ground-clearance vehicle. Sedans and hatchbacks will struggle.
Best time: May to October. Chansal Pass opens around mid-May depending on snowfall.
3. Chindi and Karsog Valley
Chindi is the kind of place where you go to disconnect. Once you reach Chindi or Karsog Valley, you have all the time in the world to rejuvenate. No tourist rush, no honking horns, just apple orchards and wide mountain views.
There are ample hikes in the dense orchards around Chindi, and several ancient temples worth exploring. Karsog Valley sits just below Chindi and offers wide, green mountainscapes during Spring and Summer. This is an ideal destination for couples who want some quality quiet time together, or for anyone looking to introspect away from city chaos.
How to reach: About 400 km from Delhi via Shimla. You can also approach via Mandi. HRTC buses connect Shimla to Chindi. Local shared taxis available from Shimla.
Stay budget: Homestays Rs 600-1,200/night. Limited hotel options. Carry cash as ATMs are unreliable.
4. Daranghati and Daran Village
Daranghati near Sarahan is one of the most remote and unexplored corners of Himachal Pradesh. Famous for the Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary, this area offers some seriously impressive mountain views that make the rough drive worth it.
Since Daranghati is near Sarahan and has very limited accommodation (just a couple of options as of 2026), it works best as a day trip from Sarahan. However, if you can manage, one night of camping at Daranghati is highly recommended.
The road to Daranghati goes through Mashnoo and is almost off-road in places. Hatchbacks and sedans will have a tough time. You need good driving skills and ideally an SUV. Even if you skip Daranghati, Sarahan itself, the gateway to Kinnaur Valley, offers stunning beauty and the famous Bhimakali Temple.
How to reach: About 520 km from Delhi via Shimla and Rampur. The last stretch from Sarahan to Daranghati requires a high-clearance vehicle.
5. Barot Village
Barot was on my bucket list for a long time, and I finally made it there in 2013. This secluded village beside the Uhl river is one of those places that makes you wonder why more people do not visit Himachal beyond Manali and Shimla.
The Uhl river flowing alongside the village on both sides adds to its unique charm. Barot has terraced fields, thick cedar forests, and a range of outdoor activities, from camping to angling to nature walks. If you are a backpacker or someone who loves serenity, this place should be high on your list.
You can read my comprehensive travel guide of Barot to know everything about planning a trip here.
How to reach: About 430 km from Delhi. Drive via Mandi, then take the road toward Jogindernagar. The last stretch is narrow but motorable. HRTC buses run from Mandi to Barot.
Stay budget: Guesthouses Rs 500-1,200/night. Camping along the river is popular and affordable (Rs 800-1,500/night with meals).
6. Prashar Lake
Prashar Lake sits at an altitude of 2,730 meters, about 49 km north of Mandi. The lake has an unknown depth, and locals have many legends about it. People who know about this place keep going back again and again for the extreme solitude and peace it offers.
I personally love Prashar Lake in two seasons. First, during monsoon (July to August) when the surroundings turn lush green with wildflowers everywhere. Second, during winter (January to March) when a white carpet of snow surrounds the lake and makes it look surreal. You can read about my snow trek to Prashar which I did in January. Pure bliss.
How to reach: Take a Delhi to Manali overnight Volvo and get off at Mandi. HRTC buses run from Mandi to Baggi village, the base of the Prashar trek. The trek is about 7-8 km from Baggi. You can also drive to a point just 2 km below the lake.
Stay options: FRH (Forest Rest House) and PWD Guest House near the lake. Camping is also popular. Book FRH in advance through the HP PWD booking process. A weekend trip to Prashar is very doable, just 3 days.
7. Bir Billing
About 70 km from Barot lies India’s favorite destination for paragliding, Bir Billing. Bir is a conventional Buddhist and Tibetan town with nice monasteries and a stupa. About 14 km north of Bir lies Billing, the paragliding hotspot of India.
Bir Billing hosted the Paragliding World Cup in 2015, which put it on the global adventure sports map. Beyond paragliding, the area offers meditation retreats, monastery visits, and some wonderful cafe culture that has developed over the last few years.
You can club a trip to Bir Billing with Barot Village or Prashar Lake. Stay options are available at Chowgan village and in Bir town itself. The best time to visit is April to May or September to mid-November for the clearest skies and best flying conditions.
How to reach: About 460 km from Delhi. Drive via Chandigarh and Mandi, or take an overnight bus to Mandi and then a local bus or taxi. Direct HRTC buses also run from Delhi to Bir.
Paragliding cost: Tandem flights range from Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,000 per person (as of 2026) for a 15-25 minute flight from Billing to Bir.
8. Kasol, Malana, Tosh, and Kheerganga
The Parvati Valley cluster is one of the most popular offbeat destinations in Himachal, though “offbeat” is becoming a stretch for Kasol itself in 2026. The town gets crowded during long weekends now. Still, the surrounding villages of Tosh, Kalga, Pulga, and Kheerganga retain much of their original charm.
Kasol lies about 34 km from Bhuntar in the Parvati Valley. The Parvati river passes through town, and you will find German bakeries, multi-cuisine cafes, and a lively backpacker scene on any given day. For a more detailed plan, check my complete travel guide to Kasol or the weekend trip to Kasol itinerary.
Tosh village is reachable by a bumpy motorable road and offers majestic valley views. From there, a 3-4 hour trek to Kheerganga takes you through the villages of Kalga and Pulga, with natural hot springs at the top. Then there is Malana, the famously reclusive village with its own unique culture and laws.
These places were once genuinely undiscovered. As of 2026, the Instagram age has brought heavy footfall to Kasol and Tosh. But if you visit during weekdays or in the shoulder season (March to April, October to November), you can still find the peace that made this valley famous.
How to reach: About 517 km from Delhi. HRTC Volvo buses run to Bhuntar (Rs 1,500-2,000), and local buses or taxis connect Bhuntar to Kasol (31 km, Rs 50-80 by bus). Read my budget trip to Kasol guide for cost-saving tips.
9. Naggar Castle and Jagatsukh
Naggar Village sits about 22 km from Manali on the left bank of the Beas river. I have always believed that staying at Naggar Castle, a heritage hotel run by HPTDC, is one of the most romantic offbeat experiences in Himachal.
The castle offers stunning valley views from its front-row rooms and the balcony restaurant. On a relaxing day, you can hike to the Old Krishna Temple, visit the Shiv Temple, or explore the Roerich Art Gallery and Museum. The moment you reach the bus stand at Naggar and look up at the castle-like structure made of wood and stone perched on the cliff, about 800 meters up, you know you picked the right destination.
Jagatsukh
On the way to Naggar from Manali, you pass through Jagatsukh, a small, calm village with the ancient Gayatri Temple. This temple is believed to be one of the oldest in the region, with connections to the Mahabharata. Jagatsukh is gaining popularity as a peaceful alternative to staying in Manali town itself, with several good homestays and guesthouses now available.
Stay budget: Naggar Castle HPTDC rooms start around Rs 2,500-4,500/night. Budget guesthouses in Naggar village Rs 800-1,500/night. Jagatsukh homestays Rs 1,000-2,000/night.
10. Jibhi, Shringipur, Shoja, and Jalori Pass
If you move from Tirthan Valley toward Banjar and take the road to Jalori Pass, you come across a string of quiet, offbeat villages that have become increasingly popular over the last 5 years. Jibhi, Ghiyaji (also called Shringipur or Shringi Vatika), Shoja, and Jalori Pass are all connected on the same route.
Each of these villages has small guesthouses and homestays run by local families. At Shringi Vatika, you can sit beside flowing waters and enjoy local food in complete calmness. HPTDC runs camps right at Jalori Pass in complete solitude. Apart from valley views, you will see nothing but mountains and sky, and that is exactly the point.
Jibhi has seen a tourism boom since 2019, so keep in mind that weekends can get busy now. For a quieter experience, visit during weekdays or choose Shoja over Jibhi.
How to reach: About 490 km from Delhi via Aut. From Aut, take the road toward Banjar. The Jibhi, Shoja, Jalori Pass route is well-connected by HRTC buses from Aut and Mandi.
Stay budget: Homestays Rs 800-2,000/night. Jibhi has several Instagram-popular treehouse stays now (Rs 2,500-5,000/night).
11. Rajgarh, Nohradhar, and Haripurdhar
Located in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, the Rajgarh, Nohradhar, and Haripurdhar stretch is one of the least known offbeat destinations on this list. Only a handful of people know about these villages, and that is what makes them special.
Rajgarh lies ahead of Solan, and the 9-10 hour drive from Delhi leads to pure serenity. These villages sit along the well-known Churdhar Trek route. During winter months, this area becomes one of the closest spots to Delhi for finding snowfall near Delhi in Himachal.
For a detailed guide on this region, check out my complete guide to Rajgarh, Himachal Pradesh.
How to reach: About 380 km from Delhi via Solan. HRTC buses run from Solan and Shimla to Rajgarh. From Rajgarh, local transport to Nohradhar and Haripurdhar.
Best time: March to June for green landscapes. December to February for snow lovers.
12. Chamba, Bharmour, Hadsar, and Bairagarh
Many tourists visit Dalhousie and Khajjiar every year, and some make a day trip to Chamba. But the entire region beyond Banikhet is largely untouched and unexplored, except during the days of Manimahesh Yatra.
The Bharmour Valley, stretching from Chamba to Bairagarh (the base of Sach Pass and the entrance to Pangi Valley), has plenty of peaceful places. Bharmour remains quiet for most of the year, with tourist footfall only during the Manimahesh Yatra period. The rest of the season, it is all yours.
You can always combine a trip to Dalhousie and Khajjiar with a visit to Bharmour for a mix of touristy and offbeat experiences.
How to reach: About 560 km from Delhi. Drive via Pathankot to Chamba, then onward to Bharmour (65 km from Chamba). HRTC buses connect Pathankot to Chamba, and local buses run from Chamba to Bharmour.
Best time: April to October. The Manimahesh Yatra typically happens in August/September.
What About Kinnaur, Spiti, and Lahaul? Are They Offbeat?
Absolutely. Kinnaur Valley (including Sangla, Chitkul, and Kalpa), Spiti Valley, and Lahaul Valley are all among the most offbeat tribal belts of Himachal Pradesh. However, you need at least 5-7 days to make a proper trip to any of these regions, which is why I have not included them in this “near Delhi” list.
For Kinnaur, check my most recommended itinerary for Kinnaur Valley. It will help you plan the right number of days based on your schedule.
How Should You Plan a Trip to Offbeat Himachal?
Planning a trip to these offbeat places requires a slightly different approach compared to mainstream Himachal destinations. Here are some practical tips based on my years of traveling to these places.
Transport: HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) operates regular bus services to most of these destinations from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla. For remote spots like Pabbar Valley and Daranghati, you will need your own vehicle, preferably an SUV. If you are on a budget, overnight Volvo buses from Delhi to Mandi or Bhuntar are the most cost-effective way to reach most places on this list, with local buses connecting onward.
Accommodation: Most of these offbeat destinations now have homestays run by local families, which I strongly recommend over hotels. Homestays give you a genuine experience of Himachali culture, home-cooked food, and a personal connection to the place. Expect to pay Rs 500-2,000 per night depending on the location and season. In peak season (May to June), prices go up by 30-50% and availability becomes tight, so book in advance.
Connectivity: Mobile network coverage is patchy at most offbeat locations. BSNL generally has the widest coverage in rural Himachal, followed by Jio and Airtel in that order. Download offline maps before you leave. Carry cash because ATMs are either absent or unreliable at most of these places. The nearest reliable ATMs are usually in the closest town (Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Solan, etc.).
Best time: For most places on this list, April to June and September to November are ideal. July and August bring monsoon rains, which make some roads risky (landslides are common in Himachal during monsoons). Winter (December to February) is excellent for snow lovers at Prashar Lake and Rajgarh, but many remote roads become inaccessible.
Responsible travel: These places are offbeat precisely because they have not been ruined by mass tourism yet. In the DwD Community, we follow a simple rule: leave the place better than you found it. Carry your trash back, use refillable water bottles, support local businesses, and keep noise levels down. If we all do this, these hidden gems will remain hidden gems for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh for a weekend trip?
For a weekend trip from Delhi, Prashar Lake and the Rajgarh/Haripurdhar area are the most practical options. Both are under 400 km from Delhi and can be covered in 2-3 days. Prashar Lake offers a beautiful trek and lakeside camping, while Rajgarh offers complete solitude with almost zero tourist traffic.
Are these offbeat places in Himachal safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, most of these destinations are safe for solo female travelers. Tirthan Valley, Bir Billing, Kasol, and Jibhi have well-established tourism infrastructure with reliable homestays. For more remote places like Pabbar Valley or Daranghati, it is advisable to travel in a small group or inform your accommodation hosts about your plans. Mobile connectivity can be limited in some areas, so plan accordingly.
What is the budget for visiting offbeat places in Himachal from Delhi?
A 3-4 day trip to any of these destinations typically costs Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 per person from Delhi, depending on your transport mode and accommodation choice. Budget travelers using HRTC buses and homestays can manage under Rs 7,000. Those driving their own vehicles and staying at mid-range properties should budget Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 per person.
Can I visit these offbeat places by public transport?
Most places on this list are accessible by HRTC buses. Tirthan Valley, Barot, Prashar Lake, Bir Billing, Kasol, and Chamba all have direct or connecting bus services from Delhi, Chandigarh, or Shimla. Pabbar Valley (beyond Rohru) and Daranghati are difficult to reach by public transport and are better suited for self-drive trips.
Which offbeat places in Himachal are best for winter visits?
Prashar Lake (January to March) for a snow trek, Rajgarh/Nohradhar area for snowfall near Delhi, and Chindi/Karsog for peaceful winter stays are the best winter options. Avoid Pabbar Valley (Chansal Pass stays closed in winter) and higher-altitude destinations during December to March.
Is Jibhi still offbeat in 2026?
Jibhi has seen massive tourism growth since 2019, and weekends during peak season are now quite crowded. It is still quieter than Manali or Shimla, but it is no longer the hidden gem it used to be. For a more offbeat experience in the same area, try staying at Shoja or Shringi Vatika (Shringipur) instead, which are just a few kilometers ahead on the same road.
Conclusion
All 12 places on this list are reachable from Delhi/NCR in a single day’s drive. Hence, you can enjoy a complete offbeat vacation of 3 to 5 days at any of these destinations. You can also club 2-3 nearby places for a longer trip.
If you have been to any of these places, I would love to hear about your experience in the comments. And if you are planning a trip, feel free to ask me for a custom itinerary in the DwD Community. I will be happy to help you plan the perfect offbeat Himachal trip 🙂
In case you haven’t already, do check out my list of offbeat places in Uttarakhand as well. Both lists together cover the best hidden destinations in the Western Himalayas.
Please share your thoughts, reviews, and suggestions as comments. If you know friends or family planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh, share this article with them. It might help them discover a place they never knew existed.
Last Updated: April 2026
1,114 Comments
Comments section gets closed in 90 days. To ask your travel questions, you can follow my YouTube Channel for a faster reply or for a much slower reply follow me on Instagram. :)
Hi Dheeraj, We are planning to visit himachal for a weekend trip on 2nd or 3rd week of June. Will start from Delhi in Friday eve/night and return back on Sunday night/mid-night. We have already visited (Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie, Dharamshala, McLodganj etc..). Please suggest some new good place to visit..
Ajay, visit Parashar Lake in this case. Go and reach Mandi in the morning, take taxi to Parashar, spend night there and come back on Sunday morning the same way.
hii dheeraj we hv 4 to 5 days in hand..second week of june..though we hv decided to go to palampur my son is hell bount to go to visit kinnaur …cn we visit kinnaur valley in these 4 to 5 days …kindly provide me with an itenary for the same…
Nidhi, 4-5 days for Kinnaur will be very very difficult for a family. I will not suggest you go ahead with it.
Hi Dheeraj,
Which of these would you suggest for about 3-4 days in the monsoons(July end)? We would like to be near orchards and do some hiking.
Well, monsoon is not a good time to travel in hills but you can certainly find it magical over there at Parashar Lake.
Thanks Dheeraj. However, that’s the only time we’ve got.
If I’ve got to choose betwen Chindi and Pabbar valley, which one owuld be better? We would like to hike a little, visit orchards and say in secluded locations with good views.
Thanks.
I will suggest that you better go to Chindi in that case as roads will be much better and favorable to your needs of secluded place and orchards.
Hi Dheeraj, thanks for the tip, which would you choose between narkanda and chindi? which is closer to shimla?
Narkanda is closed to Shimla but I will choose Chindi anyday due to peace and calmness around.
Hi Dheeraj,
Also, kindly advise if we should rent a car from Chandigarh or explore public transport/other options. Thanks.
Mehul, it depends on the comfort you are looking forward and budget you have. If you are running short on budget, then use public transport.
Hi Dheeraj – Kindly let me know your mobile contact and we can talk over a call to arrive at the itinerary, if its easier that way. Appreciate your help.
Thanks, Mehul
Hi Dheeraj,
Very informative post.
My friend and I are planning to visit Himachal; will be starting from Chandigarh on 30-May morning and would like to be back in Chandigarh by 9-Jun afternoon. Agenda is to visit off-beaten and beautiful places to enjoy nature and relax. We plan to do some trekking too. We are vegetarians and for stay anything is OK as long as it is clean. Can you please suggest a suitable itinerary, places to stay, travel options and food joints?
Regards, Mehul
You have about 10 days of time. Which places are you tentatively interested in for which I should propose an itinerary? You can visit Kinnaur + Spiti in 9-10 days.
Hi Dheeraj,
After reading your review on Raju’s cottage, I have been lucky to get confirmation for 30/31 nights. So please suggest itinerary accordingly. Can i do Tirthan, Kinnaur and Spiti in 9 days? How about Bhagsu/Dharamshala?
Budget is not an issue for travel, but should i spend money on renting a car which wont be used everyday or i can fully depend on public transport? If yes, then do you recommend any car rental in Chandigarh?
Thanks, Mehul
Tirthan and Kinnaur can be done. Spiti Valley will be too much to add.
Hi,
Planning to spend a quality time with my girlfriend, we hv 3 days in our kitty..I hv never been to himachal before, could you kindly suggest any place which is less commercialised and within a budget of 10-12k..
Sahil, you can visit Barot or Tirthan Valley. Refer Delhi to Barot Village, Himachal – Travel Guide
Hi,
We are planning short trip from Delhi in June to somewhere near nature in the mountains.We are a couple & 4 kids (7 to 15 yrs) Tirthan Valley mentioned over here looks good.Just need to know
1)How much time it takes from Delhi to reach?
2) Is the journey tiring, Can we do a stopover at some good place in mid way?
3)Can we get accomodation near river?
4)can we get descent veg food?
4) can we do trekking with kids?
Hi Siddharth,
1. It takes about 12-13 Hrs to reach Tirthan valley from Delhi.
2. Depends on number of days in hand.
3. There are limited options of stay and June is peak season, you need to check if you can get some place.
4. Yes, you will get good veg. food.
5. Yes, very much.
You can refer: Delhi to Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh | Travel Guide
Hi DHEERAJ,
Amazing post. Inspired!!
I had been doing some reading sometime now and I just stumbled upon your blog and thought I have come to the right place.
I need some help from you bro, I hope to hear from you.
We are a group of 6 traveling to kasol on the 6th of june in search of adventure. We are confused with so many good places around kasol that we are left indecisive. Our primary objective would be some place chillingly cold, absolutely out of the box and off beat. Trekking is an option though we are skeptical about the monsoons. Is snowfall an option anywhere during the time frame?
I’m also planning to take a bike to kasol from manali..is it a bad idea?
Pls also let me know of other offbeat high altitude places where we can camp. I heard there are a few such places alongside high altitude lakes. We are planning for around 7-8 days. Your suggestions would be really helpful.
Hello Sandeep,
Thanks a lot. I think you should consider treks in around Kasol only. Tosh, Malana and Kheer Ganga. Then may be go for rafting near Pirni.
.
Well, you don’t need bike as mostly you can trek to places.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi,
We are two couples planning to go on a quite yet an adventurous trip for 4 days in July. What would you suggest?
Regards
Ashweta
Ashweta, check out Barot with Bir-Billing in Himachal Pradesh. You can do paragliding at Bir – Billing.
Hi Dheeraj,
Great Blog! i have 3N/4D and will be driving from Gurgaon with the wife + 2 yr old + my mother, ( who just had her knees replaced, so no long walks or treks for us). i’ve done ggn-chg-nagar-mcleod-kullu-manali-ggn in the past over a 10 day tour so seeking something a little different. what im after is :
a premium economy place with air conditioning, Kid and elderly friendly ( its seems to be hot alost across himachal this time of the year)
Good view of the Mountains
River/water body close by
access to supplies + food option
You seem to have suggested Tirthan valley, which seems nice but wanted a another option for the given time and time of year.
thanks. Mufi
I wanted your recco on the better option to stay btw Palampur and Dalhousie or any other?
Mufi, well, I could not understand what you mean by premium economy? If you looking out for economy, then nothing better than Barot. If you looking out to premium then it is like you can go towards Rohru – Kharapathar – Pabbar Valley.
Hi Dhiraj,
We are planning a 5-6 days trip around Shimla/Chail in the first week of June (next month!). We have a booking in Chail the first two days. Could you help me plan out an itinerary for the rest of our trip. We would like to stay in an offbeat location not too far from Shimla/Chail. I have two young kids (2+ and 6) so if you could suggest a comfortable homestay with decent food, I’d be grateful…
by the way, how long does it take to drive to Tirthan Valley from Shimla? Sounds like a great place. Do you reccomend it with young kids. Thanks!
Divya, since you have already done the bookings better to hop around Shimla circuit only. I will suggest you to include Chindi – Karsog here for couple of days with a on the way outing at Tattapani as well. You can stay at Matiana too. Tirthan will be little far, means, will take one long day to reach at the very least from Chail
hello!Dheeraj
i came across your blog and its really intersting and helpul it has increased my eagerness to go for a tour to himachal well i am planning a trip to with my family between 23-30 may from delhi .we will be travelling by train . can you please suggest a suitable plan as we have simply planned for shimla, kullu ,manali rohtang pass . i really wish to have an enjoyable journey having fun etc etc we have never been to himachal. this is going to be the first . do give your suggestions it will really be helpful
waiting for your reply .
Amita, better reach Chandigarh and then start the journey from there. You have about 8 days in hand and you can easily do Kinnaur Valley if you want. You can search over the pictures of Kinnaur and let me know about it. Then I can suggest the itinerary for Kinnaur Valley to you which will include Shimla Narkanda but not Manali and Rohtang. If you intend to do Manalo – Rohtang, then I will suggest other itinerary.
hi, i have read a lot about ur experience n knowledge about himachal tourism. i am impressed n need a little guidance. I want to spend 2-3 days in himachal at a quite, beautiful & cold place with good accomodation facility with my family. pl give ur suggestion.
Rahul, pleas opt for Barot or Tirthan Valley. You will go wrong with any of them in Himachal. Better go over to Barot, try booking PWD Rest House or check with River View Home stay which is quite basic.
Hi, I am planning a trip 2nd or 3rd week of June for 5 days 4 nights… this is for 2 families
4 adults and 2 kids under 5 and a half. we were planning for Tirthan but bookings are full so can u advise …how would be KAsol , barot, naggar castle….as we are with the kids so we want to be sure of the appropriate destination.
Kindly advise. Thanks & Regards,
Anusha
Yeah, Barot – Naggar are good options to Travel. You can visit Barot for couple of days and then go on to stay at Naggar for couple of days.
I recommend “Chopta” (U.K.) it’s an amazing place including devariya taal in Saari. I went chopta via local buses and jeep (18april 2014). Yes there would be the problem of light n there is no as such 1-2 star hotel. But i love d chopta for this reason only. we went to Tungnaath temple. It’s all covered with snow and even we enjoyed the snow fall. I missed Chandrshilla bcoa of heavy snowfall. I would love to go there again. 🙂
Yeah, Chopta – Tunganath – Chandrashilla are amazing places to visit including Deoria Tal… Even I missed Chandrashilla due to tons of snow presence and being risky affair to climb further up.
tirthan is my top chice as if now….plz answer keeping that in mind.. 🙂
thank you
waiting for ur reply
If you keen on Tirthan, go for it. You will have fabulous time.
Hi Dheeraj, Thanks for the wonderful website. I am looking at a 5-6 nights tranquil holiday at in offbeat location. I have 2 kids (6 and 11) and my requirements are nature walks, small trails, some nearby quaint places of interest and a clean living. Could you please suggest some options.
Cheers
Pradipto
Go and visit Tirthan Valley along with a day visit to Shoja – Jalori Pass – Serloskar Lake outing from there.
hi dheeraj…
nice article really.. :)))
Me and my girl plan to go to a nice off-beat destination close to delhi(ofcourse keeping budget in mind/around 10-12k).
what do u say?
is it doable??? :/
I am just back from Tirthan Valley again last night, you will not go wrong with either of Tirthan or Barot
Hello Dheeraj,
thanks for giving such type of information. i want to take suggestions from u about more unexplored places in himachal for 20 days holiday, please suggest some best places for my 9 yrs. son also.
Have you been to Spiti Valley , Kinnaur Valley, Lahaul Valley? Which month are you planning?
hey Dheeraj,
Superb post abt Hp 🙂
wanna plan a small honeymoon trip to himachal..but dont wanna go to crowded places..can u please suggest some nice options for a 6 day trip..planning frm 20th-26th June from Mumbai.
Thanx & regards
Aditi
Aditi, if you keen on Himachal then it is better you keep yourself to Tirthan + Naggar Castle OR Kinnaur Valley. Both have good options of stay and quite offbeat yet connected to roads in very short time.
Hi,
I visited Tirthan Valley Last year and am planning to go to Pabbar Valley this year, which is incidentally the second on your list. Can you help me plan a trip, What all places can be visited and any recommended place to stay. I like angling and have my rod and everything so would prefer places close to river
How many days do you have in hand for a visit to Pabbar Valley? You can stay at Shelapani as base and explore rest of the region of Pabbar Valley including Chansal Pass. Else, Barot is equally good of an option for someone who is interested in angling.
Hi Dheeraj Bhai! Plz let me know:1.Any contact no. Shringi Vatika-Tirthan 2.Stay options @Kasol 3.How to get permit to visit GHNP i(f required). I am planning for Tirthan on Friday if Jyoti gets leave.
Yadvinder ji, you can reach Shringi Vatika at 01903-227029 / 09318813178 / 09459106728. At Kasol, we stayed at Hotel Green valley. If it does not suit, Sandhya Palace was also good. Regarding permit I am not sure. AFAIK, permit is required for angling in Tirthan river.
Dear Dheeraj,
Your blog has fired my appetite. I like offbeat places and hence need your advise regarding a backpack trip of 8~10 days in northern himachal starting 10th May. Please also advise the places to stay.
Dilip, you can do it to Kinnaur – Spiti Valley trip for 10 days in case you are intersted.
Dilip, you can do it to Kinnaur – Spiti Valley trip for 10 days in case you are interested.
Thanks Dheeraj. I would like to do Chamba, Barot with Karsog Valley. Pl suggest
Dilip, in that case you can first spend 3-4 nights in Chindi – Karsog hiking around. You can try your luck with Kamru naag, shikari devi hikes from Rohanda. Then take the bus from Karsog for Dharamshala or Dalhousie. From there, you can take the bus or shared taxi to Chamba and relax there for 304 days.
Dheeraj,
I have already been to Spiti Valley and I do not like the commercial places like Shimla, Kullu, Manali etc.
I want to back pack travel the northern himachal starting 10th May for about 8~10 days. Could you please suggest a iternary including the recommended places to stay.
Dilip, have been to Lahaul? If not, you can club Tirthan Valley (Jibhi, Bahu), Shoja, Naggar – Lahaul together for this backpacking trip. Even Parashar, Kasol, Malana, Tosh, Kalga, Pulga, Kheerganga are some options along with Tirthan Valley too.
Hi Dheeraj,
I’am planning a trip to Himachal with my parents in the two weeks of May. Please advice which would places can be covered in 14 days.
Regards,
Mitrali
Mitrali, I will suggest that if you haven’t been to Kinnaur and Spiti Valley then make a relaxing trip there which can be easily done in 14 days.
Hi Dheeraj! This is the best article I have come across on travelling to HP. Need your advise to plan a trip during the second half of May 2014. We are a couple with 5 & 8 year old children. We want to spend 9-10 days in HP preferably covering shimla, Manali and Kullu/tirthan valley. We would like to spend the first 2 days at shimla and last two days at Mashobra. We will be travelling ex-Chandigarh and plan to hire a taxi from there. Kindly suggest itinerary and some stay options.safety is a big concern. Many thanks in advance
Why do you want to Spend first two days in Shimla and then go back to Shimla for staying two days in Mashorba? You can either stay there in first leg or last leg for saving time, coming back from Manali – Tirthan. Any specific reason for it? Shimla / Mashorba will not offer anything for 4 days to be spent and wasting two days of travel to them.
Hi! Thanks a lot for your reply! Your insights are very useful. 🙂 we are taking a taxi from Chandigarh and don’t want to take a long 10 hr drive to Manali on day 1, so we thought we should breaf the journey, while going and returning. Does Chandigarh-thanedar- Manali- tirthan valley-mashobra sound better? Or do you recommend some other place to break the trip in between from Chandigarh to Manali and back. Thanks in advance 🙂
Manali to Chandigarh Highway is different and Thanedar does not fall on that route and neither Mashobra. You can stay at Mashobra while coming from Chandigarh then via Jalori Pass can reach tirthan Valley, stay there. Then from Tirthan go over to Manali. Now on return, I will suggest that you make direct run to Chandigarh from Manali Or go over and stay at Kasol in case you need to cut the travel time by about couple of hours. In case you cannot even have 7-8 hrs of journey, then break it at Bilaspur.
Oh sad news. I just called rajuji and his guest house is fully booked. Can you please recommend some other place?
Check with River Side Resort or Himalayan Trout House
Wow thanks a lot for the useful information! Looks like there are many routes to Manali!!. There is a family wedding in mashobra, so we will stay last three days there on the return part of the 10 days trip – can we take the same route suggested by you in reverse order? (I hope it’s not a one way)…Cld you please provide the NH/Sh names or numbers for the route.. Sorry to bother you again.. I am deeply indebted for the help. 🙂
Yes, you can take the same route. There are indeed multiple routes to Shimla – Mashobra from Manali. You can run via Jalori Pass, also from Chindi – Karsog route, also by Bilaspur route. All of them are two ways and can be taken.
Hi! Thanks for all your advise. We will go directly to Manali from Chandigarh. Please help fine-tune this plan: Day 1 Chandigarh to Manali, Day 2 & 3 stay at Manali & visit Snow Point, Solang, Rohtang Pass, Day 4 visit Naggar & Jaana night at Kasol, Day 5 visit manikaran then depart for Sojha. Day 6, 7 & 8 stay at Sojha and visit jalori pass, seroskar lake and sojha village. I’m not sure whether it will be better to visit Kasol from Manali or Sojha and whether it can be a day trip or we should there for a night. Are there any good places there? Thanks in advance 🙂
Kumar, I will suggest that you stay at Tirthan Valley instead of Shoja as you have good accessibility to river from there. Plus there is a hike to lovely waterfall and then get your hands wet with fishing too 🙂 …. You can also trek to Raghunath Fort from Shoja which offers some amazing views. You can make a day trip from Tirthan Valley to Shoja or spend couple of night at Tirthan and on third day move to Shoja doing Serloskar and Raghnath or either one of them. Next day move to Shimla from Shoja via Jalori Pass.
Hi Dheeraj Bhai,
Group of 8 friends planning a trip from Aug 9-15.
What would you suggest would be the best itinerary ?
If 14th and 15th August wont be a problem keeping security in mind ayt Srinagar, we would plan for Srinagar.
Else we are looking for covering a route in HP where we can have options of lake side camping, river rafting and a memorable scenic trip.
Pls suggest
Are you planning for Srinagar – Kashmir tour or Himachal? Road trip or planning to fly there? Keep in mind that it will be Monsoons.
Hi Dheeraj,
You provided excellent information and its really helpful for all the people.
Whatever destinations u explained as offbeat destination, I never heard about these but now I want to go only on these places but not on crowded places like shimla, manali……
I am planning to go to Himachal with Family from 3rd May to 10th May. Can u please suggest me an itinerary? I more place I found very interesting was Prasher lake….but the main issue with some of these places are that some where we have only Government guest house for stay and how to book online these guest house….
I always prefer government properties because they always have premium locations but I could not find any link for online booking of these forest guest houses.
Thanks & Regards,
Vijay Kumar
Vijay, I will suggest that you go with Parashar Lake if you like it so much. You can book the Forest Rest House or PWD Rest House up there at Parashar Lake. Check the article on the process: How to Book HP PWD Rest Houses or FRHs
Hi Dheeraj,
Amazing post I must say!
First thing I did is, bookmarked it and shared it with my friends at FB.
I am planning a road trip from delhi with my spouse and probably one more couple for 18-19-20 Apr.
All these super places suggested here would need much more than 3 days. 🙁
Can you please suggest me some place in HP, again the criteria remains the same: offbeat and less touristy kind off place to relax.
Thanks!
Abhinav
Abhinav, you can check out Rajgarh as well as Chindi – Karsog. Both are easily doable in 3 days. IN fact, if you can take overnight Volvo on 17th, even Tirthan Valley is a good place to be at.
Hi Dheeraj,
I wanted to drive myself.
That ways I think Rajgarh fits the bill or do you suggest any other place.
Thanks! Abhinav
Yes, that ways Rajgarh will be better.
Hi Sumit! Wishes for your upcoming trip. Me too planning for Tirthan in 1st week of May. Plz let me know if some permit is required for GHNP and if yes how one get this permit. Thanx-Yadvinder
When are you planning the trip to Tirthan Valley, Yadvinder ji?
Hi Dheeraj,
Your posts inspired me to take a trip to Tirthan Valley and I must say it was an enchanting experience. We trekked in the GHNP and stayed at Raju Gushaini’s cottage. Thank you for sharing information on beautiful offbeat destinations with all of us. In the week of 17th April, I am planning for a 4 day trip from Delhi to another such beautiful place with my spouse. Could you please suggest an itinerary. Thank you so very much!
Brother, what better than to experience Raju Bharti !! I might end up with him too in May second week as well. It is an amazing place to relax and I love it too to the very core. I will suggest that you check out: Delhi to Barot Village, Himachal – Travel Guide
Hi Dheeraj,
your post is supurb..i have been looking for these type of offbeat places to visit. Although i have visited lots of places in Himachal but none of them have been included in this post 😛
I have heard a lot about Malana, is it a safe place to visit?
Hi Dheeraj!
Your posts are mighty helpful! I have planned a trip in May first 5 days we are going to visit Shimla, Sarahan, Kalpa, Sangla, Chitkul, Rachcham, Roghi, Chini, Kamru. i will still have 5 more days left I have a choice between Kullu Kasol Manali side or Dalhousie Khajjiar.. I dont want to go to crowded places .. more offbeat Please suggest? We are a couple travelling
Kanchan, in that case I will suggest that you keep it more relaxed in the first leg of your trip. Make it 6 days to Kinnaur, one day travel to Sarahan to Tirthan via Jalori Pass. You can halt at Shoja just below Jalori Pass in case you need to explore Serloskar Lake and then on next day continue to Tirthan Valley. Once you reach Tirthan Valley you can relax in the lap of Great Himalayan National Park and do some hikes. It is quite offbeat and less traveled.
Hi Dheeraj , thanks.. but we have taken a package photography tour so we will have to follow it as the itenary, but next 5 days is what i am confused about its either dalhousie/dharamshala/Khajiar or Manali/ Spiti? I would love to go to Great Himalayan National Park as well.. but I am really confused! there is too much to see 🙂
I will suggest that you keep yourself focused towards Tirthan Valley to enjoy at leisure pace. You can visit Spiti Valley for 3 days in case route to Manali from Kaza opens otherwise for just 5 days it will not be worth. Regarding Dalhousie, it will take 2 days just in travel out of 5.
Also, I need to go back to chandigarh to get a flight back so need to plan accordingly.
Tirthan Valley and short trek in Great Himalayan National Park is what I will suggest here. May be top 3 days of Tirthan with Manali and Kasol or Naggar.
Sweta, lately Malana has emerged to be nice place to visit. The crux is in the walks/hikes around and towards Kasol, Puga, Tosh villages of Paravati Valley. You can surely visit Malana and now they have few home stays / guest houses as well which you can opt to stay. Else you can put up base at Kasol.
Hi Dheeraj
I was planning to spends 3D/2N in kasol, Just seek your suggestion whether Kasol is good place to spend some good time there as couple or family.
Or would you recment some other option better than Kasol or near by Kasol.
Your suggestion will be highly appreciated.
Pl do reply me with your suggestion
Johny singh
Johny, yeah Kasol is a very nice place to linger around, hike few hills, have wonderful cuisines and enjoy the happening life around in season time. The Paravati river is nearby and sitting besides it is all the fun you want. I will suggest for 2 nights you will not regret at all staying at Kasol if you haven’t been there. Just keep in mind that it has a little flavor of Goa life with foreigners, music and other stuff around. If that suits your taste of travel, you are good to go.
Hi Dheeraj
We’re planning to visit Himachal on early Oct. I’m interested on a hilly picturesque place rather than a typical city.
Please suggest a plan for 4n/5d, We’ll travel with our daughter {4yrs}
Thanks
Maru
i saw on internet that Kullu and Khajjiar are highly recommended!!
Hello Maru,
Please go with Tirthan Valley, option 1 in the article above. You will not go wrong with it 🙂 … The other too mentioned by you are populated and also in erly October it will be Dusherra festival in Kullu so region will be flocked with lot of people. Khajjiar is also a good place but I feel becomes boring for 5 day trip 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning for a week trip to HP with family, since I also have a 1 year daughter , would like to visit couple of beautiful and cool places and stay “Aaram se”
I will arrive in Delhi and how would you suggest the flow, a cab through out since I have small baby?, also suggest the hotels and phone numbers, thanks for help
Umakanth, I will suggest that you better go and visit Tirthan Valley as it is well connected to civilization and yet offbeat. It is a nice cool place to relax with family. Carry necessary stuff for your daughter. Take Volvo from Chandigarh or Delhi to Manali and get off at Bhunter or Aut. Get a taxi to Tirthan and follow the same while coming back. Else if you comfortable with dedicated taxi, you cn take that along with you.
Hi..
I am planning a 3 day trip on the occasion of my wedding anniversary starting from Gurgaon. How feasible is to drive to these places, considering type of roads in mind. Would I and my wife be able to cover these places along with Spiti in 3 days time.
Kindly share your views.
Regards,
Bharat
Bharat, Spiti Valley takes 3 days to just reach there from Delhi/NCR via Shimla side. You can visit Chindi – Karsog for a 3 day trip from Delhi/NCR to enjoy it.
Hi,
I am planning for trip in fist week of May, 2014. We will be travelling with kids 10 & 7.I want to know is there are any kids related activities that we can do (except hiking).
Where are you planning this trip? If Manali, there will be plenty of activities up there but not really sure if children of such small age group can make fun of most of them or not. I think few activities over snow points may interest you for sure.
Please let me know the best places to visit for family holidy for 3 to 4 days in Himachal
Madan, when are you planning for the trip?
I am planning my trip between 5th to 20th June
Madan, I have just replied to your thread in the community at the link here: 3N/4D Family Trip to Himachal
Hi I am planning for my honeymoon in himchal for 7 days from 16 Apr I want see snow and natural beauty please suggest me plan for places with snow and less crowd
Chirag, well for finding snow, you should go for Manali but that will have crowd for sure. Rest of the places are quite but in April finding snow at any other place is difficult 🙂 … You can visit Kinnaur Valley but road conditions up there are a bit bad I will say. If weather holds good, they might improve though. In Kinnaur, you can visit Kalpa, Sangla and Chitkul
I am planning a trip to Shimla in the 3rd week of May, 2014.
4 of us, including 2 kids, aged 6 and 3 years. I will have about 5 days in total in HP, I will come from Kolkata.
Can you suggest me an itinerary? I shall be grateful
My key points:
a. Not very crowded
b. Cool temperature, not very hot.
c. Journeys can be made in Car/bus, not very long each trip.
d. If possible catch snow somewhere.
You had mentioned, Chindi and Narkanda to someone earlier. I was reading your post.
Also, where I can find decent budget hotels good for family.
Thanks and love your website!!
Bhaskar, you are planning a trip to Shimla and you have a clause of Not Very Crowded?? Well, it does not go hand in hand brother. Better go over and relax Tirthan Valley for 5 days in that case. Visit Naggar Castle, Kasol, Manikaran, Shoja – Jalori – Seroloskar Lake as day trips from Tirthan Valley itself.
Hello Dheeraj,
We are a group of 4-5 friends, who are looking to travel for 5 days to a week and really want to go to a new place. Can you suggest something? We will be travelling from Delhi. We are looking for some nice treks, a beautiful place to stay around. 🙂
Thanks in advance 🙂
Anshul, if you haven’t been to Tirthan Valley, then better head there else you can choose any of the 5 places mentioned above and you will not go wrong with any of them 🙂
hi dheeraj,
We have planned to visit shimla for 4 -5 days starting from the 24th of may.we would like to enquire about the places in and around shimla that would preferably have lower temperature around that time and be beautiful and tranquil of course. i would be thankful if you please chalk an itinerary for us. please put up some places which would be at a little higher altitude and can you please suggest some budget accommodations between rs 1500- 2500 . thanks …
Sangeeta, since you have 4-5 days around Shimla, you should opt for Narkanda and Chindi to be the places to put up. These two places will be much cooler than Shimla during May.
Thanks a lot Dheeraj..it was of gr8 help
You can opt for HPTDC properties at both Chindi and Narkanda. Stay 2 days at Narkanda and 2 day at Chindi – Karsog. On the way to Chindi, you can cover Naldhera – Tattapni too and on one the day around Chindi and Karsog. Around Narkanda, you can go towards Thanedar drive, visit Tannijubbar Lake and Hatu Peak.
Hi,
I followed your lead and visited the Tirthan valley and now it’s time for the second destination Pabbar Valley. You wrote a very informative article on the River Side resort in Tirthan that really helped me. Do you have any suggestion on where to put up in Pabbar as well.
Alok, just head there and put up at Dwarika Residency at Shelapani. At other places, you can check out HPTDC Properties which are good enough in that region. You can keep Dwarika Residency as base and explore other places as day trip from there.
hey dheeraj this is sunny here from Nagpur. actually m planning honeymoon for manali shimla in may 2nd wk. I will start from Chandigarh by indigo and 2 nights in shimla and 4 nights manali. can u please suggest me honeymoon hotel in both places. actually my requirement is silent river side hotel with good honeymoon room with good modern bath facilities. budget is deluxe not luxury.
Hi Sunny,
Sorry brother, I do not know any river side property in Manali. But, you can check out Johnson’s and Mayflower which are quite good. Well, you have 6 nights ex. Chandigarh, why not plan a trip to quint Kinnaur Valley which will be much cooler then Shimla and Manali in May.
Regards
Dheeraj
hi bro, actually m not having any idea of this kinnaur valley. is this place this much suitable for honeymoon. well if yes than please can u suggest me coz details about the trip how I can plan means in terms of hotel and all. I will b needing a indigo from Chandigarh.
Hello Sunny,
You can refer a 7 day plan ex. Delhi/Chandigarh at the link: Kinnaur Valley Sample Itinerary | Kalpa – Sangla – Sarahan
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj…….really love this website for all the info you provide. I’m planning to visit himachal in april last week/may first week ALONE. I went to manali during my college days and fell in love with snow covered himalayas. Can you suggest some place for a 2 to 3 day visit where I can be far from maddening crowd relaxing and having good local cuisines…
Gaurav, you can opt and go for Barot for couple of days. Relax there with Uhl river flowing besides, indulge with locals there and enjoy the peace around.
Actualy we have planned to go to this thur evening by bus frm majnu ka tika as we hvnt book d tickets for train.. Sudden plan.. And we hav to return by sun mrng.. So bit cnfusd :-/
So, take the overnight bus from there and enjoy couple of days over there. For some eateries at Mcleod Ganj, you can check: Dhabhas / Restaurants in/around Mcleod Ganj / Dharamshala
Hi m planning to go to himachal for two days what wil be the best place to visit I have planned for dharamshala and mackoadganj. Cn u also suggest the route whch wil take minimum time:-)
Rashmi, take the overnight train to Chakki Bank and then take bus/taxi to Dhamarshala from there OR take overnight volvo to Dharamshala and enjoy the place for couple of days. Considering Dharamshala/Mcleod Ganj is about 550+ KMs from Delhi, I feel a 2 day trip is going to be hectic, IMHO.
Hi,
I am planning a quick trip with 2 friends (male and female) this weekend. We wish to leave Friday evening and return Sunday evening.
Do you have some suggestions apart from the usual? I know we don’t have a lot of time but is there something you could suggest?
Also, how are the roads currently?
Rachit, go and visit Narkanda or Chakrata or Rajgarh may be in Himachal for a weekend.
Hi,
I am planning to visit a offbeat place in Himachal from 15th March for around 4days with 4 of my friends.
Kindly suggest a place where we can go.
P.S- Is kinnaur a good choice? Are the roads to kinnaur open during march?
Sumit, Kinnaur is good but not meant for just 4 days, you need about 7 days for a nice trip to Kinnaur Valley. Since, you have just 4 days, better head out for Tirthan Valley.
Dheeraj, I’ve fallen in love with your blog and am kicking myself for not seeing it earlier.
I need a ton load of details. Have identified 2014 as ‘The year of Travel’ for myself.
Any suggestions? Please keep in mind that I’m a woman and travel alone 🙂
Wishing you many such serendipitous travels
Regards,
Geetika
Thanks Geetika !! There are loads of places but where are you starting from Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal, Uttarakhand, etc.. ?? Tentative days, time of travel as these are mountains so time of travel counts 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
I guess this is the best page on travel across HP, I am planning to reach Shimla on 15 May and want to spent 06 days in HP preferably covering all the OFF BEAT Places including Manali and Kullu, I am travelling with Family including 02 Kids aged 06 and 13, it would be very obliging if you could suggest itinerary and some stay options, budget is not a constraint… Many thanks in advance
Sanjay, brother these Manali, Kullu, Shimla does not come under offbeat places of Himachal. They are normal tourist places of Himachal. Considering you have 6 days for Shimla, Manali, Kullu, you can do something like below:
Day 1 | Reach Shimla from by overnight Volvo from previous night. Check-in and rest at hotel. In the second half explore local Shimla including Shimla Ridge, Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, Back to Hotel By Evening.
Day 2 | Shimla – Narkanda – Hatu Peak – Narkanda – Shimla OR you can do Shimla – Kufri – Chail – Shimla OR Shimla – Naldhera – Tattapani – Shimla
Day 3 | Shimla – Manali
Day 4 | Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting), Hike the woods around Old Manali, Jogni Falls, Bijli Mahadev near Kullu etc.
Day 5 | Manali – Snow Point either at Solang Valley or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass or Rohtang Pass if safe to reach there. Enjoy in snow and come back to Manali and on the way do paragliding at Solang Valley, if required.
Day 6 | Manali – Naggar Castle(stay at Naggar and enjoy the place)
Day 7 | Naggar Castle – Manali – Delhi (Checkout from Naggar Castle by noon. Since, the Volvo will be around 5.30 PM types, so either you can spend a sometime hanging around Naggar only and after lunch leave for Manali or come back to Manali and hang around on Mall road and finally take the return bus)
** if you have time then try, Manali Sanctuary can also be covered as it is just about 2-3 KMs from Manali town and there is trail which starts from Manali Log Huts or Dhungri temple that leads you into the woods.
You can check more about Naggar Castle at the blog link: Naggar Castle, Naggar | Hotel Review
Hi Dheeraj,
I am really impressed with suggestion given to others.
I am traveling with my family, wife , 5yr daughter, 1yr son, for the first time to North from Bangalore.
1. I am planning to reach by flight to Delhi or Chandigarh.
2. I have 3 leisure days to spend with my family.
3. I want to spend time playing in snow.
4. I am open for this trip in April & May
5. Pls suggest a itinerary.
Hello Maurya,
Please read my replies below in the same order of queries.
1. Better reach Chandigarh so that you do not have to drive by road the tiring journey of 5 hrs between Delhi – Chandigarh.
2. 3 days a bit less, so prefer to choose among Manali, Narkanda, Chail, Shimla, Kufri as your choice of preference considering you are traveling with family.
3. Manali is the best and Narkanda is the second best bet for the same.
4. Better make the trip in April if you want to see snow. All other places will be hot in day in May.
5. Let me know the place you wish to travel and I will suggest.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks,
Can you suggest me a plan. i,e from reaching Chandigarh till i come back to chandigarh for a 4 day trip.
Some questions i have in mind is
1. Do i book a taxi for 4 days and use it or travel by other means & use local taxi at each place.
any reliable taxi service if you can suggest… though not too costly.
2. Hotels preffered.
3. Activities can be done on each day.
etc…
Hello Maurya,
Better use local taxi and travel from Chandigarh by Volvo but which place have you decided to go with? Manali or Narkanda – Shimla?
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi
Dheeraj actually we are planning to visit shimla on the 23rd of may. Please chalk an itiniery for us including places in himachal pradesh . If possible put some places where xsnow would be there. I eant places other than shimla but nearby it.
Our visjt would be around 3-4 days
Hi Arpyaa,
For 3-4 days, you can visit, Shimla – Narkanda – Chail,
Day 1 | Reach Shimla from by overnight volvo from previous night. Check-in and rest at hotel. In the second half explore local Shimla including Shimla Ridge, Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, Back to Hotel By Evening.
Day 2 | Around Shimla, a relaxing day. Jakhoo Temple, State Museum, Mall Road, Ridge etc. as you like or may be you can visit Chail – Kufri in the first half of the day and all this in the second half of the day.
Day 3 | Shimla – Narkanda – Hatu Peak – Narkanda – Shimla
Day 4 | Shimla and back
Regards
Dheeraj
hi dheeraj,
thanks but will there be snow in these places??
can you let me know about the accomodation in shimla and some where in these places for example the mean place in narkanda or chail??
thanks
arpyaa
or some really cool place will also do… actually i needed a lil snow but …please plan accordingly
thanks,
arpyaa
Hi arpyaa, For 3-4 days finding snow in around Shimla will ne almost impossible. So, it is better that you make it to Manali and places around. There you will find snow towards Rohtang Pass.
Hello Dheeraj
I am from Mumbai, MH. I need a good itinerary from Delhi for vacation for 4 to 5 days in north.
I am planning to reach Delhi on 1 st april and have some work for that day.I can start my journey from that night and onwards.I need to board train back on sunday 6 th april from Delhi to MH.
What I intend to see is peaceful,calm locations.Scenic locations, and SNOW if possible.
I would like if you could try including places from Tirthan Valley, Kasol,and Manali and near by places.
Can you please chalk a best itinerary for this.I will be accompanied by my male and female friends.
Waiting for your reply.
Thanks in advance.
Sagar you can follow something like below, leave Tirthan aside as it will need couple of days more to really enjoy.
Day 1 – Reach Manali, rest for half day and then Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting), Hike the woods around Old Manali, Jogni Falls, Bijli Mahadev near Kullu etc.
Day 2 – Manali – Snow Point or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass. Enjoy in snow and come back to Manali. On the way back you can visit Solang Valley and do paragliding there.
Day 3 – Manali – Naggar Castle – Kasol – Manikaran – Kasol
Day 4 – Kasol – Delhi (Checkout from Kasol by noon. Since, the Volvo will be around 5.30 PM types that starts from Manali, so either you can spend a sometime hanging around Kasol only and after lunch leave for Kullu/Bhunter from where you can catch the Volvo)
Thank you so much.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a trip to Himachal in April. I will be reaching Delhi on the 12th. Planning to go to tirthan valley, kasol, GNHP, Manikaran and anyplace where we could see snow :). I need to come back to Delhi on the 19th. Could you please plan a itinerary for us accordingly. This would be my first trip to the north and i really appreciate the help you are providing to us fellow travelers. we would be 3 friends travelling. Thanks.
In April, you can only see snow up there towards Rohtang Pass, Marhi snow point. Else, you can also trek towards Kheer Ganga from Kasol and check out snow up there. You have about 6 days and can easily do something like below:
Day 1 – Leave from Delhi by overnight Volvo for Manali. Get down at Aut/Bhunter near Kullu next morning (Day 2) where you can get to reach Tirthan Valley (about 40-45 KMs from there)
Day 2 – Tirthan Valley – Relaxing day besides Tirthan River
— Stay at Raju Bharti Guest House (you will need booking well in advance, so finalize it ASAP) other you need to stay at some other property. Raju is a pioneer in that region, so will say do not miss the stay there as it is quite an experience in itself.
Day 3 – Tirthan Valley
— Enjoy the walks in the GHNP. There are two Waterfalls nearby Raju GH in the woods.
Day 4 – Tirthan Valley – Kasol – Manikaran – Kasol
Day 5 – Kasol – Naggar Castle – Manali (about 30 KMs)
— Manali Local sightseeing including Manu Temple, Hadimba Temple, Local Monastery, Shopping at Mall road etc etc
Day 6 – Manali – Marhi/Gulaba Snow Points towards Rohtang Pass – Solang Valley – Manali
– You can enjoy the first half of the day at snow point MArhi/Gulaba (whichever is accessible) and if interested may also visit Solang Valley snow point for other adventure activities
Day 7 | Manali – Delhi by overnight Volvo
— Relax in Manali by evening and leave from Manali by overnight Volvo.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning a 10-day trip to Himachal in May. We are planning to do Kasol, Sarahan, Sangla and Kalpa (in that order). The journey will start from and end at Chandigarh.
A rough plan –
12 – Chandigarh to Kasol
13 – Kasol
14 – Kasol to Sarahan
15 – Sarahan – Sangla
16 – Sangla – Chitkul
17 – Sangla – Rakcham / Sangla Kanda
18 – Sangla – Kalpa
19 – Kalpa – Reckong Peo
20 – Kalpa
21 – Kalpa – Chandigarh
Do you feel this is a doable itinerary? What would be the approximate travel times between each of these destinations? And any must-dos at each of these?
I would appreciate your feedback on this as well as any suggestions for stay and car hire from Chandigarh.
Regards,
Masoom
Masoom, it is very much doable itinerary and very relaxed one expect last couple of days. There is nothing to see at Reckong Peo, so you should do Kalpa – Peo – Nako – Nako Lake – Peo – Kalpa, then on 20th = Kalpa – Narkanda and finally Narkanda to Chandigarh. On 14th from Kasol to Sarahan, try to start early in the day.
How much time would we take from Narkanda back to Chandigarh? Is it a good idea to move to Shimla on 20th? And possibly attempt to take the train back to Kalka from there and then go by road to Chandigarh?
Masoom, if you want a ride in Toy Train then yeah, you can do it to Shimla and then take the train next morning. Narkanda to Chandigarh will be around 5.5-6 Hrs drive
Thanks for the suggestions 🙂 I’m quite entranced by Naggar Castle too. Any chance we could fit it in somewhere? May be drop something or reduce a day somewhere and what should be the itinerary then?
Masoom, you can check out Naggar Castle if you can work out the itinerary in below manner:
12 – Chandigarh to Naggar Castle
13 – Naggar Castle
14 – Naggar Castle – Kasol
15 – Kasol to Sarahan
16 – Sarahan – Kalpa
17 – Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Kalpa
18 – Kalpa – Sangla – Chitkul
19 – Chitkul – Sangla
20 – Sangla – Rampur – Narkanda – Shimla
21 – Shimla – Kalka by Toy Train and then to Chandigarh
Regards
Dheeraj
Greetings. I will be in Manali from May 10th to 13th. What can I do with four full days? I was thinking of renting bikes and going to jispa for a day’s camp and return the next day if the Manali-Leh road is open.However, this post has got me inclined to visit the mentioned places. An itinerary assuming we get rented bikes would be really helpful. Thanks in advance.
Sankranth, if Rohtang Pass opens up and passage is allowed by that time of the year (which seems unlikely), you can do a trip to Lahaul Valley for sure. Go over to Jispa/Keylong/Sissu and explore other regions around there.
Hi Dheeraj,
Alternatively, what else can I explore in himachal? The rohtang passage opening up is very unlikely like you said. Apart from biking from manali towards leh, I haven’t really got the chance to explore himachal. The above mentioned places in the article sound good.
If you are hiring bike in Manali then you can cover Parashar Lake, Barot, Kasol – Manikaran in 4 days from Manali.
Day 1 | Manali – Barot
Day 2 | Barot to Parashar Lake
Day 3 | Parashar Lake – Kasol – Manikaran – Kasol
Day 4 | Kasol – Bijli Mahadev – Naggar Castle – Manali
Hello Dheeraj,
You are providing really good information that a traveler needs.
I am planning a trip to himachal with my family ( total 4 adult with my daughter, she is just 1 year old ).
I am planning to visit in last week of March this year.
I will be arriving in delhi, Can you please suggest a trip for 4 to 5 days from there.
Please suggest best few but best places as I can no travel much because of my 1 year baby, Main interest will be in sight seeing.
As I have never been there please provide your suggestion.
Regards,
Mayur Ramavat
Mayur, March is a perfect time for Tirthan Valley with not too much cold and well connected to the world yet offbeat place to some extent. You can just land there and enjoy. How are you planning to commute? Can you reach Chandigarh by train/flight to cut short the boring 5 hrs of traffic mess between Delhi – Chandigarh. It will help you since you are with small kid.
Otherwise, if you haven’t been to Shimla – Narkanda around then you can travel there and include Chindi as an offbeat place in between.
Hello Dheeraj!
A truly offbeat collection – I have been traveling to the Himalayas for several and haven’t heard about most of these! Really fantastic.
I had a quick question – I am thinking of traveling to Tirthan valley by myself around mid-March. What is the scene with camping at GHNP? I’ll be on a tight budget, and since I’m alone I won’t be splitting costs either. Do you have any clue whether I can carry my own tent or borrow equipment from the premises? That would really be ideal.
Thanks already!
Arundhati
Well you can carry your own tent but will need to get permission from forest department I think for trekking into GHNP. Best bet will be your own tent other wise there is one trishla guest house that is budget accommodation there.
Hey dheeraj,
Was planning a tour for 4 days from delhi with my colleagues in month of august. Can u plan an itenary to chindi, karsog , tirthan… etc for these 5 days. we want to go to off-beat places as been to most of the famous places.
Shashwat, you are asking too much in 5 days I will frankly suggest. Rather than being just on roads, it is better to choose less places and enjoy them one by one. Better do it in relaxed way:
Day 1 | Delhi – Shimla
Day 2 | Shimlal – Naldhera – Tattapani – Chindi
Day 3 | Chindi – Karsog – Chindi, relaxing day
Day 4 | Chindi – Delhi back the same route.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hallo dheeraj…!
we booked air tickets of my family 4 people with 1 infant from mumbai to chandigarh
we have 9 days to return mumbai
so which places are best to visit ?
my friends suggest me to shimla , kullu ,manali, rohtak, Dalhousie, Dharamshala, manikaran etc after viewing your page i also want to go this places so what yours suggetion
thank you
These are 5 different places, in which are you interested?
i dont know which are better but think tirthan looks good
we are photographers ..so you suggest best places
Well you have 9 days in hand, you can try something like below:
Day 1 – Leave from Delhi by overnight Volvo for Manali. Get down at Aut/Bhunter near Kullu next morning (Day 2) where you can get to reach Tirthan Valley (about 40-45 KMs from there)
Day 2 – Tirthan Valley – Relaxing day besides Tirthan River
— Stay at Raju Bharti Guest House (you will need booking well in advance, so finalize it ASAP) other you need to stay at some other property. Raju is a pioneer in that region, so will say do not miss the stay there as it is quite an experience in itself.
Day 3 – Tirthan Valley
— Enjoy the walks in the GHNP. There are two Waterfalls nearby Raju GH in the woods.
Day 4 – Tirthan Valley – Shoja – Jalori Pass – Serolskar Lake – Tirthan Valley
Day 5 – Tirthan Valley – Kasol – Manikaran – Naggar Castle (stay at Naggar and enjoy the place) (about 100 KMs)
— Stay at Naggar Castle and enjoy the place. Very romantic with great views and food. Visit Roerich Musueum, Art Gallery and do not miss the hike to ancient Krishna Temple at the top
— It is one of the most romantic places in Himachal
Day 6 – Naggar Castle – Manali (about 30 KMs)
Day 7 – Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc.
Day 8 – Manali – Snow Point either at Solang Valley or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass. Enjoy in snow and come back to Manali
Day 9 – Manali – Delhi
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Sir,As i mentioned some details in earlier comment,
can you plan an itinerary which will include more of leisure and rest time and natural beauty,river side sight seeing in Himachal for 4-5 days.The plan is to be made in jun from Jabalpur(MP)for a newly married couple .
Tirthan Valley,Chindi, Karsog Valley,Barot seems wonderful.
The plan is to be made in jun from Jabalpur(MP)for a newly married couple .
Thanks
Pallavi, how are they planning to come from Jabalpur to Delhi or Chandigarh? Will they be flying? If yes, then 4-5 days ex. Delhi / Chandigarh seems fine otherwise Kashmir would also be very option as far as honeymoon is concerned.
Sir They will be traveling by train.They can come to Delhi.and you can plan a 6 days itinerary which will include traveling from jabalpur.I hope you will include more leisure and less travel.
Pallavi, if that is the case I will suggest a 5 days itinerary to Tirthan Valley ex. Delhi and from to-fro Delhi can be managed accordingly.
Day 1 – Leave from Delhi by overnight Volvo for Manali. Get down at Aut/Bhunter near Kullu next morning (Day 2) where you can get to reach Tirthan Valley (about 40-45 KMs from there)
Day 2 – Tirthan Valley – Relaxing day besides Tirthan River
— Stay at Raju Bharti Guest House (you will need booking well in advance, so finalize it ASAP) else you need to stay at some other property. Raju is a pioneer in that region, so will say do not miss the stay there as it is quite an experience in itself.
Day 3 – Tirthan Valley
— Enjoy the walks in the GHNP. There are two Waterfalls nearby Raju GH in the woods.
Day 4 – Tirthan Valley – Naggar Castle (about 50 KMs)
— Stay at Naggar Castle and enjoy the place. Very romantic with great views and food. Visit Roerich Musueum, Art Gallery and do not miss the hike to ancient Krishna Temple at the top
— It is one of the most romantic places in Himachal
Day 5 – Naggar Castle – Manali (about 30 KMs)
— Manali Local sightseeing including Manu Temple, Hadimba Temple, Local Monastery, Shopping at Mall road etc etc and then finally take the overnight Volvo bus from Manali to Dlehi.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thank you very much sir,U have presented a great plan.my only concern is about reaching Trithan Vally which is becoming pretty exhaustive as they will be traveling from jabalpur.So can you please suggest accordingly.If trithan is far,you can suggest some other places in himachal.
Pallavi, most of above places will take about 11-12 Hours easily. Otherwise, you can just visit Chail – Shimla – Narkanda which will take about 8-9 Hrs. They can go over to Chandigarh which will cut short the journey to about 7 Hrs for Tirthan Valley.
Hello Sir,i am searching for good places in Himachal to visit in 4-5 days (For my Bhaiya and Bhabi honeymoon gift).Looking for natural beauty -peaceful places which will offer good accomodation and connectivity too.
Tirthan Valley,Chindi, Karsog Valley,Barot seems wonderful.Please Suggest me to make their visit beautiful.
i want to take my family on a surprise trip to an offbeat destination near delhi for 4-5 days around march end . Im tending more towards tirthan valley and barot. will it be the right time . also if u can give an itinary it will help.
Sarah, you looking to include both Barot and Tirthan in single trip for 4-5 days?
i was hoping to make one of these places the base and cover the nearby attractions if any.
although if both the places can be covered in a single trip it will be great. is that possible?
Sarah, I will suggest that you take one at a time. I just suggested a 5 Day itinerary ex Delhi for Tirthan Valley at the link here … It is quite relaxed and peaceful one, you can check this out.
the plan is fab!!!
now can i get an entire package or will i have to arrange everything individually?!! also i cant find the contact no for the raju bharti guest house or naggar castle…. there are just posts from different travel organizers who can arrange a stay . Kindly help!!
Hi Sarah,
Better book them individually, it is not that cumbersome 🙂 … Just two proerties to book and HPTDC website which will give you access to Book Naggar Castle and HPTDC Volvo running between Manali – Delhi. You can talk to Raju Bharti and he will be able to provide the taxi from Aut/Bhunter and drop to Naggar Castle and Manali.
Here is the contact for Raju Bharti’s Guest House (Phone Number: 09418149808 (01903-225008 not sure of this one if it is working or not))
You can find more options of stay with their contact info in my travel guides: Delhi to Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh | Travel Guide
You can check my review along with contact info of Naggar Castle at the link: Naggar Castle, Naggar | Hotel Review
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
dheeraj sharma ur a rockstar!!!
all planned!! im heading oit to tirthan pretty soon!!! IA
Awesome !! Have a nice trip to Tirthan Valley and have loads of fun there 🙂
Hello, we are around 50-100 college students and want to go on adventures trip near shimla. Please suggest some good places for 2 days.
Nitika, if it is for just 2 days, then you can head out to Narkanda.
Hi,
We are 4ppl group and planning to go to nearby NCR preferably Himachal or Uthrakhand. I have covered most of the destination in Uthrakhand. Pls suggest me god place for outing. Traveling tive would be less approx. 7-8hrs journey. I suggest Chopta but my friends deny. So pls suggest.
Thanks,
Ruchi Sharma
Ruchi, Chopta is more than 8 Hrs drive from Delhi. May be you can try out Chakrata if you haven’t been else you can also try Rajgarh, but it will be about 9-10 Hrs from Delhi. If you haven’t been to Narkanda/Matiana then you can check that out too as there will be snow around there and in next few days it is expected to snow again 🙂
Thanks Dheeraj 🙂
Best wishes for the trip 🙂
Hi dheeraj,
we are group of 6-7 people, we are planning to come to dalhausie and khajjiar in feb 1st week.
we are little bit confused whether to go to manali or dalhausie/khajjiar.
I have heard that dalhausie and khajjiar are very beautiful place. we have only 3 days(including travel from/to delhi) for fun.
we will come from delhi so could you pls suggest us which are the place we can visit and also is there any snowfall occur in recent days out there.
can we also hire some bike for more fun of locality.
Hello shashikant,
Khajjiar/Dalhousie will be much quieter than Manali and you do not have much time for visiting both places. You can enjoy one of them. If you love peace and calmness then go with Khajjiar else go with Manali. Bike, if at all possible in this season will be available in Manali only.
Regards
Dheeraj
HI dheeraj Ji,
I had luvly Trip in Dalhouise & Auli .Thank for your valuable suggestion.Now I want to go for Kedartal Trekkig.But I do not do any type of mountaineering course nor have taken any training course for trekking.But I am keen interested to go for this treeking.So Should I go for it?Or if yes,How can I do it?like what should i have to carry?where can i get guide?
Regards
Dheeraj,
Thanks for these great HP travel tips. Can you suggest a couple of places about midway between Dharamsala and Simla. It seems to me like Barot and Bir-Billing from your article fit the bill. They both seem to be near Joginder nagar. AM I right? If I am, can I get buses or shared rides to these spots? Thanks
Yes, they will be perfect to stop over but not exactly mid points. Next day you need to take more than 240+ KMs to reach Shimla. Mandi/sundernagar would still be ideal points to halt the journey mid way types.
Thanks. So a couple of follow up questions.
Are they interesting enough to stop for a day? And can you suggest a spot on the other route (via Hamirpur)? Thanks a lot again
Hi Dheeraj!!
While browsing,i was lucky enough to jump onto ur post and the consequent comments…very informative….so i decided to present to you our tour plan and
to take some advice from you….we r two couples starting from delhi and landing at dharamsala on 24th jan 2014 noon…..we had plans to visit Dalhousie, khajjiar. Our tour plans are from Jan 24th – Jan 30th which covers Dalhouse and Dharamshala. Could you please advise us some of best places which we can visit (around these areas). We can alter our plans as per your advise.
Thanks
Hisham
Hello Hisham,
What is your mode of travel? If you start in noon then you cannot reach any of these place overnight? Have you inquired about trains to Pathankot if traveling by public transport? Else you can also prefer overnight Volvo to Dharamshala and then hire taxi? Will that work? Please suggest and I will suggest the appropriate plan for you
Regards
dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj.
Thanks for your reply. Well we will be reaching Dharamshala by noon 2 pm on 24th ( we are flying from delhi to dharamshala). From Dharamshala we are pulling bikes to Dalhousie (can u let me know whether it is safe to ride bikes during this season). Then again back to dharamshala on 27th and returning to delhi on 30th.So if you could suggest us any good locations which we can cover up. Well we can always alter our plans as per your ideas as we haven’t booked any hotels.
Awaiting your response
regards
Hisham
Hello Hisham,
I doubt if you will find any bike rental up there in Dharamshala, AFAIK. Your plan is simple and doable. You can cover Chamba, Jotte, Gette, Khajjiar while on Dalhousie side and can cover monasteries around Dharamshala/Mcleod Ganj. You can hike towards Triund too.
Regards
Dheeraj
thanks a lot for ur immediate attention for my previous query.
i and my friend decided to trek triund near mcleondganj,
do u have any advices for us for the trip and especially when we do the camping.
And
do they rent tents and sleep bag in mcleond …
Hi Karthik,
Well, be prepared as you will have to trek in snow all the way up there as there is too much snow present up there at Triund. Do hire some guide or porter from McLeod Ganj and move on. I feel you will get the tents and sleeping bags for sure from McLeod Ganj. But do take some guide or local with you.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi dheeraj!!
While browsing,i was lucky enough to jump onto ur post and the consequent comments…very informative….so i decided to present to you our tour plan and
to take some advice from you….we r two couples starting from delhi and landing at dharamsala on 24th jan 2014 noon…..we had plans
Hello nazila,
I feel your comment is incomplete. Can you post your query or what exactly are you looking out of the plan?
Regards
Dheeraj
great places…
i and my friend from karnataka were planning a trip to himachal pradesh in 3rd week of jan. so we plan to spend more on our travel than accomodation . trip for 5 days…can u design an itinerary for us.(basically we plan to reach delhi and then the travel).
more like hitch hikking without any planning
Hi Karthik,
In that case better start for Dalhousie – Khajjiar taking a train to Pathankot, then you can hitch hike to Dharamshala, Mcleod Ganj and spend couple of days. Finally, you can come back to Delhi after this lovely travel trip 🙂
Regards
dheeraj Sharma
Hey Dheeraj,
First of your site seems very useful and I was looking for this only.
I want to travel alone (first time). I am not frequent traveller.
I want spend my 10 days in isolated and natural places rather than running too much from one place to another.Just a few places on bike would be great.
Please suggest. I would be very grateful.
Thanks
Hello Avnish,
Thank you so much. In that case, I will suggest that you visit Karsog, Chindi and Barot for 10 days. Around Barot you can also visit Bir-Billing as well and ride over in Kangra Valley too to finally come back to Delhi.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hey Dheeraj,
I am a creative writer and want to go a place, where I can go for long walks on secluded paths, see sun rise, and have tea while talking to locals. I found one place kasauli suitable for my requirement. moreover, I will leave by tomorrow evening and come on 1st of December.
Please reply soon.
Hell Anant,
Good to know you bro. Kasauli is one option and but more offbeat will be Chindi, Rohanda, Karsog belt plus nearby too. You can even travel to Chail which is usually quite.
Regards
Dheeraj
Although I am very late in replying.The best place matching your exact requirements would be Binsar in Uttrakhand. Consider this while planning your next trip to the hills.This is a quite and calm place with amazing scenery, best for catching the beautiful sunrise and sunset in natures lap.
Hey great article, the pictures look great. I was wondering if you could give me some pointers on where to visit with friends from Delhi/NCR December end.
Hello Navdha,
Well, there are plenty of options around. 5 of them have been mentioned up in the article and if you have 4-5 days, you can’t go wrong with any of them. Otherwise, you can also check: Snowfall Near Delhi | 7 Places to Visit in Himachal
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
HI Dheeraj Ji,I am Rahul,just to know that Snow fall is being started in Auli & Dalhouise or Not?
Regards
Rahul
Hi Rahul,
AFAIK, Dalhousie – Khajjiar has got snow recently but not sure about Auli. I feel it must have got too though not 100% sure.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hay dhreej, i am hardik from rajkot. i visited leh last summer and i made my plan with help of DOW. i am thankfull for your help.
next summer we r planing to visit kullu and manali area and we want to explore that area by bike. please suggest me some place where we can go by bike. we dont want to go to city like kullu and manali. we want to explore interer from kullu vally. we have 6 days . please suggest soon so we can plan our journey.
thank you.
Hello Hardik,
What is your starting point? I will suggest for a biking trip you can start from Shimla – Narkanda, travel over to Jalori Pass route and go into Tirthan Valley. From there follow towards Paravati Valley covering Kasol, Manikaran and then take state highway via Naggar to reach Manali – Solang Valley. You can even visit Parashar Lake as well in between if you do not want to go towards Manali from Kasol.
Regards
dheeraj sharma
hello,
I would like to plan my honeymoon in himachal pradesh in may 14. would you please suggest me someting best.
thanks in advance.
Hello Aditi,
Congrats for your marriage !! Well, May is season time in general in Himalayas. I will suggest that you hit the roads to Kinnaur Valley and visit Kalpa – Sangla – Chitkul – Sarahan which will be a bit away from hustle bustle of lower hills and will give you peace as well as magnificent vistas all around.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj..
I m planning trip to pabbar valley or daranghati from delhi in january end or feb…and i have total of 3 days…can you suggest …so that i can utilize most of our time and explore at the most…and plz suggest the affordable way as we are engineering students.
kindly reply..
thanx in advance.. 🙂
Hello Mayur,
Daranghati will not be accessible AFAIK, during this time of the year brother. If you have just 3 days then Pabbar Valley is a bit difficult too else it will be just being on the road. I will suggest that you make the trip to Narkanda in such a case.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj… are koi fantastic sa plce batao ghumne k liye shimla k aas pas aur kharcha 3000 k andar nipat jaye..we r engineeering students
Anupam, go and visit Narkanda if you want to enjoy snow. There are some basic guest houses around also, if you lucky to get stay at PWD Rest House nothing like it.
Hi Dheeraj,
Nice selection of places. Even I have heard of Tirthan Valley a lot. I want to plan a 2 days trip to somewhere in Himachal(Some unexplored areas like Tirthan or Barot) along with 8-10 colleagues in January. Could you suggest a nice place to visit during this month? Kindly suggest an itenary too.. Thanks in advance.
Hello Vishal,
2 day is too short for places 500+ KMs I believe. I will suggest that you visit Chindi as the roads are good over there ahead of Shimla and it is about 10 Hrs drive from Delhi. Chindi is calm and peaceful, check the article in recent posts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
We are 4-5 frnds and want to go to Shimla and near by places in last of Dec this year. we will start from Ludhiana and our first destination will be Shimla, can u pls suggest the near by places in a 5 days trip. i have heard about Narkanda also …waiting for ur response
Hello Rohan,
5 days is good amount of time. I will suggest that you do something like this:
Day 1 | Reach Shimla. Check-in and rest at hotel. In the second half explore local Shimla including Shimla Ridge, Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, Back to Hotel By Evening.
Day 2 | Around Shimla, a relaxing day. Jakhoo Temple, State Museum, Mall Road, Ridge etc. You can go and visit Naldhera, Tattapani from there in first half.
Day 3 | Shimla – Narkanda – Hatu Peak – Narkanda
Day 4 | Narkanda – Kufri – Chail
Day 5 | Chail – Back home
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hey dheeraj,
loved reading your blog..i must say the places are…well enthralling to say the least.
i and 8-9 of my friends were thinking of spending the new year at any of the above places …we travel from kurukshetra. are these places open this time of the year? and if so…could you help me chalk out an itenary? we’d prefer pabbar valley and surrounding areas and a trip of 4-5 days starting 29 and till 2nd jan max. your help will be gladly appreciated
an avid follower
Hello Rahul,
Thank you so very much.
Yes, apart from Daranghati rest all 4 places are open all around the year barring day of heavy snowfall when the road closes temporarily specially for Barot and Pabbar Valley. If you have 5 days then only make some plan for Pabbar Valley and I feel you may be late for booking up there at Shelapani which ould have been an awesome experience for you all. But, stll you can opt for other properties around Kharapathar and Rohru too.
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,… You suggested to look out for properties near kharapathar…can you let me know some.. I’m having trouble locating such properties…and we were thinking of chopta as an alternative… Could you suggest?? Pabbar valley or chopta??.. Highly appreciate your guidance… And could you like help me draw up an intenary… With some things to do in and around pabbar valley
P.s. keep the Devil doing strong
Hello Rahul,
Check the link: http://www.hptdc.nic.in/cir0106.htm
Regarding Chopta it is again a lovely and amazing place to visit with loads of snow around. Just that roads around Srinagar are not in that good condition but you can anyways venture out as small cars are now making upto Ukhimath. Chopta will be closed by then with snow around. You can stay at Ukhimath or Duggalbitta. Also, checkout Deoria Tal near Chopta.
Regards
Dheeraj sharma
Hey dheeraj thanks for the reply..please now u only suggest some good place
An isolated place…what u say bout kasol…I want to go to some very beautiful n amazing place.plzz help me out..
Hi Meenal,
Well, Kasol is a nice place but I am just back from Chindi & Barot yesterday. I bet if you love peace and seclusion, you cannot go wrong with any of these two places 😀
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanx Dheeraj for remembering me!! Wishes for ur Barot Trip. We hv been to mesmerising Barot twice out of which once it was on RE Thunderbird that to in Nov. last. Dear when u r back plz let me know about accomodation options at Karsog,Shoja and Chindi. I will try to post my travel tales.
Well better skip stay at Karsog and do day trip from Chindi only or on the way, Chindi will be much better and secluded. You can stay at HPTDC – The Mamleshwar Hotel which is quite decent. Plus at this time it will be some off-season discounts too. Then at shoja you can stay at Raja Guest House, where I had a very good time. You can read the complete review here too: Raja Guest House, Shoja | Hotel Review
Once I am back will share my details as well for Barot 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanx Dheeraj Bhai for the Reply
Good Morning Dheeraj Bhai I keep on reading ur posts. U r doing a great job dear. Any stay options at Chindi,Karsog and Shoja. I recently visisted Peo,Sangla and Chitkul during Diwali alongwith wifey. I hv been to Peo but never been to Sangla and Chitkul.Chitkul was amazing. I want to write a post. I have been to so many places like Barot,Palampur,Manali etc. in the past. Guide me how can I write as I am not very good in Computers don’t know how to insert the pictures. I hv so many photos . I took around 900 pics in 6 days during my recent visit to Chitkul. Thanx-Yadvinder
Hello Yadvinder ji,
Glad to see you here after a long time. Well, that is awesome to know that you visited Kinnaur and yeah Sangla + Chitkul are wonderful places to cover. I am hitting the road to Barot this Thursday as well with my family. Let’s see how it turn us. Thanks for coming forward to contribute to our Himalayan Community, I think you are already there in the community. So, you can login there and please refer this step by step guide to start a new topic and attaching/uploading pictures in them at the link: How to Write a Travel Tale or Topic with Attached Images
Using the directions in the above link, you can start any type or topic in the community. Please feel free to let me know in case you are having any kind of trouble in sharing your vast Himalayan experiences with us too … Looking forward to them 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hey Dheeraj ji,..
Fristly hats off to your spirits and helping attitude…..
i am planning to visit Parashar Lake some time around in december,…Pls guide me for this and also how the climate would be there,…is it advisable or not..?
and what would be the planning needed..?
Hi Arpit,
Partially it will be accessible and partially not. The car might not be able to make it all the way, so either you need to park it near Baghi Village or on the route till where it reaches. If you are going with taxi, that’s not your problem at all 😀 😀
Climate will be very cold up there and please take heavy woolens. Chances of snow will be there, though may not be tons but still there will be some partial snow too. If you are game for adventure, you can attempt it. There is an FRH as well at the top though without electricity where you can stay.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi dheeraj..1st of ol relli nyc blog..u helpin out pple so well…well I wanted to know that v 4 pple r plannin to go kinnaur n spiti valley in early december by car 4m jaipur..can u show some guideline n along with that places to reside as we will hvin 4 days with us
Hi Meenal,
It takes 3 days to reach Spiti Valley and at least 2 days to reach Kinnaur Valley from Delhi. You have just 4 days? Are you sure you gonna make this trip? Spiti Valley is out of question but yeah, Kinnaur you can do with touch and go types.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi, I am planning to cover Shimla Manali Dharamshala Dalhousie Amritsar for 11 days.
we can travel a lot since we are all bachelors.so please can you suggest me a good itenary including some of the spots u mentioned above.Awaiting your response.
Thanks in Advance!!!!!
Hi Deven, how are you traveling? I mean your own cars?
We have hired a car!!! Its not our own car!!!!Please help me to make this a blast!!!!
Hmmm, well though the list of places in 11 days is too much but then still you can give it a try like below itinerary since you are comfortable in driving for long hours.
Day 1 | Delhi/Chandigarh – Shimla
Day 2 | Shimla – Kufri – Narkanda. In the first half, check the Mall road at Shimla
Day 3 | Shimla – Karsog – Mandi – Manali
Day 4 | Manali and around + rest for the day
Day 5 | Manali – Snow Point at Rohtang Pass/Marhi/Gulaba
Day 6 | Manali – Dharamshala – Mcleod Ganj
Day 7 | Mcleod Ganj Rest and around
Day 8 | Mcleod Ganj – Dalhousie – Khajjiar
Day 9 | Khajjiar Rest Day
Day 10 | Khajjiar – Chamba – Khajjiar
Day 11 | Khajjiar – Delhi/Chandigarh
I hope this helps 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
First time going to Himachal Pradesh with my wife and 2 Kids ( 7yr and 3 yr old). My kids love snow. Wifey want snow, scenery, nature and religious places. We want to start from Delhi by Scorpio Vehicle from end of Nov 2013 for 10 days. My rough idea is to start Delhi- Shimla – Manali_ Dalhausi- Dharmashala- Jwalamukhi- Naina devi_ Delhi…
Can anybody guide me if such route with kids etc are safe and good enough? Any other place can be added like spiiti/Kullu/mandi/chamba etc?
Regarding the hotels, is it ok to just walk in or explore after reaching the destination as i am not sure how long it will take at particular one place and cant book hotel in advance for fix dates.
Best Wishes
Gajendra
Hello Gajendra,
It is off season so you can walk in and get the hotel at most places. With 10 days and family with you I will say including so many destinations could be like very cumbersome. You are almost starting from one direction from Shimla and ending it on the far other direction at Dalhousie in Himachal. I would like you to split it either Shimla + Manali Or may be Manali + Dharamshala + Dalhousie.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Sharma Ji,
Thanks for all the adv, appreciate it.
We will split it to Shimla Kullu Manali side 2 days for each place. Please add if any MUST SEE tourist spot there. We may extend our stay there if plans to cover those two temples ( Jwala & naina)
Hello Gajendra,
You can do something like below:
Day 1 | Reach Shimla from by overnight volvo from previous night. Check-in and rest at hotel. In the second half explore local Shimla including Shimla Ridge, Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, Back to Hotel By Evening.
Day 2 | Around Shimla, a relaxing day. Jakhoo Temple, State Museum, Mall Road, Ridge etc. as you like or may be you can visit Kufri in the first half of the day and all this in the second half of the day.
Day 3 | Shimla – Narkanda – Hatu Peak – Narkanda – Shimla (a bit long day) or you can do Shimla – Kufri – Chail – Shimla (Little les hectic :))
Day 4 | Shimla – Manali
Day 5 | Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc.
Day 6 | Manali – Snow Point either at Solang Valley or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass. Enjoy in snow and come back to Manali
Day 7 | Manali – Naggar Castle(stay at Naggar and enjoy the place. Very romantic with great views and food. Visit Roerich Musueum, Art Gallery and do not miss the hike to ancient Krishna Temple at the top)
Day 8 | Naggar Castle – Manali – Delhi. Checkout from Naggar Castle by noon. Since, the volvo to Delhi will be around 5.30 PM types, so either you can spend a sometime hanging around Naggar only and after lunch leave for Manali or you have the option to come back to Manali and hang around on Mall road and finally take the return bus. Or, you can also co-ordinate with bus HPTDC guys so that the bus pick you from the nearest pickup point for Naggar on the way to Delhi. Naggar Castle guys will arrange the taxi for the drop there.
** if you have time then try, Manali Sanctuary can also be covered as it is just about 2-3 KMs from Manali town and there is trail which starts from Manali Log Huts or Dhungri temple that leads you into the woods.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Dheeraj,
Iam planing a trip by my swift car wid my frndz to himachal from chandigarh on up coming Friday evening and want to get back till monday morning..I already visited shimla, kullu manali, rohtang and dharamshala..pls guide me a place where we can enjoy. A place like a heaven..
Hi Rahul,
Brother, without a doubt, hit the road to Parashar Lake which is near Mandi, you will really enjoy it 🙂 … Or else go to Barog – Bir, Biling.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks a lot Dheeraj…
and i prefer going by road(own car)n reasonable n nice!
hey ther.. i want to go to a place which is safe n unexplored for my first wedding anniversary in starting of feb2014.i will hav hardly a week. plzz suggest something! tired of seeing d same thing Shimla, manali n all..phew!!
Hello Himanshi,
You can try Shelpani – Rohru – Kharapathar (Pabbar Valley). The route goes via Shimla but it is one awesome place to spend time in calmness & seclusion. In case it snows around then nothing like it 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
I along with a friend of mine are planning to visit Himachal in early december… it will be a 3-4 days trip.. will like to do a bit of tracking and roam around in places having minimum crowd ( little off-beat). Please suggest some places.. and modes of transportation as we will be using bus/train services. Will like to see some snow 🙂
thank you in advance.
*trekking
Hi Anuraag,
You can surely check out Tirthan Valley in that case from where you can visit Jalori Pass to witness snow and also have ample of hikes in Great Himalayan National Park as well. You can take the bus going to Manali or Kullu may be volvo or basic one and get down at Bhunter. From Bhunter you can take a taxi to Tirthan which shall take about 800-1000 for the drop.
Regards
dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
To start with…lots of appreciation for your writing.
Actually I with my college frnds have decided to visit himachal for 4-5 days in december first week from delhi.
In our earlier trip we went to chail,kufri nd shimla and we really enjoyed there.
So Just wanted a small guide from u as we are looking for adventure and at the same time a quite, peaceful and close to nature place.We dont know much about himachal,but the places u have mentioned above sounds really fascinating.
Can u pls help us to plan our trip economically with each and every detail with accomodations as well.
Hello Neha,
I will suggest that you visit Tirthan Valley. Beauty will be a little brownish but that is what you will get everywhere in Himalayas in winters. Now coming back, from Tirthan Valley you can make a day visit to Jalori Pass where you will also be able to play with snow and trek in snow towards Serloskar Lake. You can come back the same evening to Tirthan for taking rest.
You can find all the information you need for planning the trip to Tirthan Valley including places to stay, how to reach, day wise itinerary for 4-5 days etc. at the link: Delhi to Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh | Travel Guide
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
First of all thanks for providing information to people like me.
I am planning a trip to Himachal in the month of Feb-2014.
My main concerns are, My stay-good enough for my privacy ( no compromise ), my tarvel-dont want to run everyday, and from the base station-i would be able to go for light trekking ( 3-4 hrs max )including driving may be for a period of 6-7 hrs. from the base, going to some higher off road places for trekking is not an issue as i have got a good offroader 4×4.
Please suggest the Base station, nice good cozy hotel or home stay, and place to go around for 8-9 days. I will be starting from delhi with a companion.
No issues if i have to change my base every 2-3 days.
Please help as you seems to be know good enough to help people like us, for off beat Himachal. Privacy, Nice stay, Nice weather, Light trekking is the main concern.
Regards,
Hello Ajay,
I will suggest that you explore Tirthan Valley (4-5 days) + Parvati Valley (2-3 days) which will provide you enough opportunities for light trekking as well as seclusion while keeping you connected with civilization with short drive of 20 odd KMs. Around Tirthan there are short drives as well as many hikes available into Great Himalayan National Park. Around Paravti Valley, that is Kasol, again there will be hikes to Kalga, Puga, Tosh, etc..
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi….
I am riding down to himachal on a motorcycle from 24th to 30 th Nov.
Can you help me out with some niice off beat places….
Sunil, there are 5 of them listed above. Except Daranghati, other will be approachable. Since, you have 6 days, you can even include Parashar Lake if visitng Tirthan & Parvati Valley. In case you are slow traveller then you can just explore Parvati Valley and Tirthan Valley. There are many small villages around Tirthan which has places to stay and are offbeat types.
Hi Dhiraj,
Thanks for a nice write up. I am planning to visit Himachal in December as a solo traveller (no company this time).Can you please tell me whether these places are well connected from Delhi and direct bus is available from delhi or not. Also since I am travelling alone so what are the options for stay.Is it possibe to stay with village people (can’t spend much)? Also about the weather in early december?
Thanks and Happy Deepawali,
Kamlesh
Hello Kamlesh,
Weather will be cold at that time of the year, so be prepared with heavy woolens. Well, though there is no direct bus from Delhi to these places AFAIK, but you for Mandi is connected with direct bus from Delhi and even Manali Volvo passes through Mandi as well. So, you can reach Mandi or Kullu and then take the next bus towards Tirthan/Banjar OR Barot OR Karsog. Daranghati will not be feasible at that time of the year. For Pabbar Valley, you can reach Theog and from there you will get the bus to Karapather or Rohru.
Now regarding stays, yes you can go with home stays and many of these places it will be possible to find cheap home stays but you need to look a bit. However, even the PWD Rest Houses or Forest Rest Houses are good options. You can check: How to Book HP PWD Rest Houses or FRHs
Firstly, wishing you a very Happy Diwali !!
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Its a wonderful blog and very informative too. I have a question and I feel honoured if you please answer it. I am geeting married in february 2014 and want to go honeymoon in the month of february. I am from Patiala punjab. So will you please suggest me some names where I can spend my honeymoon in winters.
Thanks
Hello Gagan,
First of many congratulation & Happy Diwali to you !!
Well, there are many location in Himachal where you can spend your time for Honeymoon. If you want peaceful and secluded location, you can visit Khajjiar. In case you want to opt for Tirthan Valley, then go with Himalayan Trout House for the experience of it. In case you want to visit around Manali, then you can either plan a stay at Naggar Castle OR you can go to Solang Valley.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dheeraj,
Let me first thank you for this wonderfully informative blog. I would appreciate some advice for my HP trip. We (2 adults and 2 very young kids) will be in Shimla for 2-3 weeks in May 2014. We want to plan 2 4-day trips using Shimla as our base. Please recommend a few options keeping the following in mind.
1. The kids rule out long treks, climbs, adventure sports, etc.
2. We have no interest in snow.
3. Cleanliness and basic comfort – no interest in expensive luxury resorts.
4. Access to hygienic vegetarian food.
5. We have never been to HP, but I don’t mind missing famous spots like Manali, Mcleodganj etc., if you can suggest something better.
6. You have suggested Kinnaur valley a few times to others. What’s special about it?
Thank you very much
Kalyan
Hi dheeraj , wonderful blog indeed…!!!
Now I am confused which place to go. please advice as I have 5 days plan for himachal as below –
25th Dec – 7am – reaching delhi
30th dec – 11am – Leave delhi.
Pls suggest an itinerary for my 5 days in himachal.
Thanks Sameer.
Hi Sameer,
Firstly, it will be the costliest period when you will be traveling. You have to cover something in 4 days, I will suggest that you go towards Tirthan which is easily connected with Volvo of Manali or you can visit Manali too. Khajjiar – Dalhousie is one option too but it will be flooded with tourists and so does Manali.
My take will be either hire a private taxi and head to Chindi – Karsog and spend some quality time there in seclusion OR even this can be done in Tirthan Valley and for snow you can visit Shoja + Jalori. This will be much peaceful as compared to any other tourist destination at that time of the year.
Nice blog bro….actually looking for a destination above 2300m alt…might get lucky with snowfall
FOr 4-5 days trip frm delhi in october itself..been to parvati valley..no mcleodganj plz…any place….?
Praveen, above 2300 Mtrs, snowfall in October?? Well, if you are OK with long drives, you can hit the roads to Kinnaur Valley, Chitkul/Kalpa to try your luck with snow.
Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Sangla/Chitkul
Day 3 | Sangla/Chitkul – Kalpa
Day 4 | Kalpa – Sarahan/Rampur/Narkanda
Day 5 | Sarahan/Rampur/Narkanda – Delhi
Hi dheeraj, We are two girls and we want to travel for 2 weeks in mid december to himachal or kashmir. We would like a relaxed yet exploratory trip. We also want to see snow and have been to both places earlier last year in oct & december but would like to explore it in winter.Light walks & hiking can also be done. Also can you suggest if there are groups with whom we can join for a few days sometime so that the hiking etc is safe . Is it better to chuck this whole plan and land in bhutan instead?
IN Kashmir done the usual srinagar, gulmarg route and in himachal done with Parvati valley, manali kasol route.
Ria, AFAIK Bhutan isn’t that exciting in winters but this is based on my very limited knowledge. Now, you have 2 weeks with you and want to make a relaxed vacation in Himachal, I will suggest that you spend sometime in Kinnaur Valley + Pabbar Valley. You can spend 6-7 days in Kinnaur and 4-5 days in Pabbar Valley.
Dheeraj,
First and foremost, simply loved your blog and the way you have described different places.
my wife and I are planning a 3-4 day trip to Himachal on the last weekend of November. Its still in early stage of planning. From your replies i do understand that nature might not be in its best colours during that period.
Would really appreciate if you could suggest some places to visit ( except kullu/manali, we have been there), keeping in mind the duration of 3-4 days and time of the year.
Thx in advance 🙂
Sumit, you can opt for any between Tirthan Valley, Pabbar Valley or Barot + Bir & Billing. Do not compare them with what they are in summers or rains with lavishly green beauty around but still secluded and peaceful in their own sense even in November.
Hi Dheeraj,
I have planned for Kashmir from 24th Dec to 1st Jan, 2013. However, for some reasons thinking of not going there. Request you to suggest some good trip in Himachal for 5-6 days during this period..
Regards
Awadhesh
Hi Awadhesh,
Himachal is big Himalayan state, any specific preferences you have with yourself. How about trying Pabbar Valley?
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi,
I was wondering if you can help me with an itinerary.
I’m coming to Himachal for week. Monday 14th to 21st flying to Chandigarh.
I’m travelling alone.
Any help appreciated.
Thanks
Srini, sorry guess you already in Himachal and I got a bit late in replying. Best wishes for the trip.