Things to Do in Himachal Pradesh

Rohtang Pass is quite famous among Ladakh travelers but the unpredictable avalanche and severe climatic conditions make it scary some times. Nonetheless, it had made adventure seekers’ tour of Ladakh mind-blowing. A high mountain pass at an elevation of 3978 meters above the sea level, Rohtang is just 51 km from Manali. It is a part of the proud Pir Panjal Range of the mighty Himalayas and it is one of the Kullu famous places.

Perched at a staggering altitude of 4200 meters above sea level, you have to witness the unparalleled beauty of Chandratal to believe it. A sanctuary from the lightning fast city life, this lake is slowly becoming one of the most attractive tourist places in Spiti valley. With the spellbinding backdrop of majestic mountains and meadows covered with gorgeous wildflowers, the lake is the perfect place to click Instagram worthy pictures.

Nestled amidst the snow-laden hillocks of Manali, the Hidimba Devi Temple, also known as the Dhungri temple, is an ancient place of worship revered by the Hindus. The cave temple is dedicated to the Hindu demon-goddess Hidimbi. Hidimbi was the wife of Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers who are at the forefront of the epic Mahabharata. Conceived in 1553 CE by Maharaja Bahadur Singh, the Temple is built around an ancient cave inside which Hidimbi Devi is believed to have meditated.

For those immersing themselves in a Manali Tour Packages, a visit to the Hidimba Devi Temple is a spiritual and cultural highlight not to be missed. Surrounded by Dhungri Van Vihar, a lush cedar forest at the foot of the Himalayas, the structure is built on a massive rock piece jutting out of the ground.

The Beas River is a lifeline of Manali, flowing through the heart of the Kullu valley. The river is surrounded by the Himalayas and serves as a hotspot for adventure lovers. You can enjoy rafting, picnics, and leisurely walks along its banks. The clear, cool waters against the backdrop of lush greenery and snow-capped peaks create a serene atmosphere. With its easy accessibility, the river is a must-visit for anyone exploring Manali.

Forming a perfect getaway from the boisterous city life, Sangla Valley is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountain slopes, and snow-clad peaks. One thing that set this valley apart from the rest of them is its beautiful cherry trees and red apple orchard.

Baspa River, which is popular for trout fishing, passes through this spot. From holy temples to majestic forts and alluring villages, Sangra Valley has a perfect mix of adventurous spots and serene sites. The lush green valley of Sangla is named after an enticing village which has the same name.

Location: Sangla, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh

Timings: It can be visited at any time of the day.

Entry fee: Entry is free of charge

If you always wanted to cut off the strings to the chaotic life and go for a trip amidst nature then Parvati Valley is the right place to be. What can be better than a destination with a confluence of two rivers, Beas and Parvati in the steep Himalayan ranges? The valley road eventually starts climbing from this confluence and leads to Malana near the famous village called Kasol. The Hindu and Sikh pilgrims take this route to visit Manikaran. It is sure that you will be amazed by seeing the beauty of this valley.

 For the trek lovers, this place is one of the best places to visit in Kullu. Enjoy the scenic beauty while wandering in the mountains. Calm your agitated soul by visiting this peaceful Parvati Valley. The mountain air, Israeli food everything about this place is attractive. If you are a nature lover then this trek will surely give you an awesome experience and will leave you spellbound. The Parvati River is one of the most beautiful rivers present in India but the sad part is it is very less known, surrounded by the mountains, the river gives a great experience to the visitors.

 Parvati Valley Trek is the right place for the trek lovers to pump up their adrenaline rush. Kalos is the place near to this Parvati Valley where you can find various types of Israeli food items which will give you a different experience. There are various mysteries in this Parvati Valley trek and you can know more about them with the help of local people.

Established in the year 1984, this is one of the biggest national parks located very close to Kullu. It is considered as UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers a total area of 1171 square kilometers. You can go for all kinds of trekking experience here. The mountain trails offer all types of difficulties for amateur, average and experienced trekkers and it is one of the best Kullu tourist places.

The trekking experience will leave you awestruck. This park is considered as one of the most idyllic tourism places in Kullu to visit and enjoy a trek. There are a lot of things that can be enjoyed in this Great Himalayan Park. You can even enjoy here the perks of ultimate camping experience in Kullu

Food is prepared using firewood in the campsite by the authorities and provided to the campers. You just can carry some snacks to have on your way. The special guidance is provided by the Himalayan National Park guides and trek planners so that your trip runs smoothly.

The authority of Great Himalayan National park takes various measures to make the trip wonderful for the visitors. Visiting the park is a great experience for tourists of all ages. The calm atmosphere at night with a crystal clear sky showcasing the stars of Milky Way will take your breath away.

Located in the Old Manali region, you can reach this temple through the road that passes through the Manali Community Center. Dedicated to the Indian sage Manu, this temple is the only temple on this planet that is dedicated to this sage. Thus it makes to be one of the most sacred pilgrimages for the devotees of this saint.

Built with wood and stone, the temple offers exotic views of the Beas River and magnificent hills. In front of the temple, a huge cascade enhances the aesthetics of this resplendent temple. A visit to this sacred temple in an important part of the Manali tour packages.

Mall Road in Shimla, also known as “The Mall,” is the bustling heart of the city. It is here where you will find a lively mix of handicraft shops, cafes, and cultural spaces like art galleries and theatres. Lined with historic buildings, it offers a glimpse into Shimla's colonial past while providing modern-day entertainment. It is a no-vehicle zone, ensuring a pleasant stroll for all visitors. Here, you can shop for local handicrafts, try Himachali cuisine, and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains too. 

If you want to see the other side of Manali and the touristy town, just take a walk across the Manalsu River bridge and cross over into the part of Manali that is also known as ‘Old Manali’. The exotic charm of the village will make you feel like you have walked into a whole other world. The town has somehow carved out a niche of its own and managed to retain the old world charm, where you have the characteristic world traveller, hippie vibe in its midst, it also has the traditions of the relics of the older civilizations. 

The idyllic village setting will make you feel like you have walked into the happy and hippie 1960s! The pathways are lined with swaying Eucalyptus trees and the small roads pas through valleys that are abundant with greenery. The calmness of the surroundings is broken only by the twittering of birds and the gush of the River Kullu.

Attractions: Apart from the sheer mountain beauty, there are a number of places to visit in Manali old town. The most peculiar and must visit amongst them being the quaint eateries like Lazy Dog, Red House Café, Bob Dylan’s Café, Café m 1947 and Pizza Olive. All of these serve awesome world cuisines like Pasta, Burgers and mouthwatering Pizzas

Manikaran Sahib is nestled in the serene Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is considered to be one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Sikhs and Hindus alike. This spiritual haven is famous for its hot springs, which are said to have healing properties. The Gurudwara is located amidst breathtaking mountains, offering a peaceful retreat. Its rich history and sacred waters make it a must-visit for those seeking solace and spiritual rejuvenation.

Khajjiar Lake, located in the picturesque town of Khajjiar in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, is a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates visitors with its serene beauty and tranquil ambiance. Fondly referred to as the "Mini Switzerland of India" for its striking resemblance to the landscapes of Switzerland, Khajjiar Lake is surrounded by lush green meadows, dense pine forests, and snow-capped mountains, creating a mesmerizing panorama that seems straight out of a fairytale.

The journey to Khajjiar Lake is as enchanting as the destination itself, with winding roads offering panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding valleys. As visitors approach the lake, they are greeted by the soothing sight of crystal-clear waters reflecting the azure sky, creating a picture-perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Khajjiar Lake is not just a feast for the eyes but also a haven for adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can indulge in a variety of outdoor activities such as horse riding, zorbing, and paragliding, making it an ideal destination for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

Visit Prashar Lake, nestled in Mandi's serene heights at 2,730 meters. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, this sacred spot boasts a mystical floating island and a charming pagoda-style temple. Ideal for trekking and soulful retreats, the Lake's tranquil waters reflect the majestic beauty of Himachal, inviting peace and reflection.

Triund hills are also known as the crown jewel of Dharamshala. It is situated in the midst of Dhauladhar mountains and gives a stunning view. Triund is one of the most popular trekking spots in India which attracts a lot of tourists.

Very few people who like stillness around such hypnotic places, pick Kareri Lake amongst the other places to visit in Kangra. Emerging from the heart of the Dhaulandhar range, this scintillating lake is one of its creation. The lake freezes in the winters leaving behind a revitalizing breeze. A major magnetism is the trekking experience during which you can partake in activities like Tyrolean Traversing. 

Although, only experienced people go for this since it is conducted on higher altitudes. It also forms the base for trekking further into this mountain range to Bagga and Rewa until one finally reaches the end point-Guna Devi Temple. You can bow down at the ancient Shiva and Shakti temple by the lake, a devotional place for many.

If you want to enjoy the best views of snow-clogged mountains, Sangla Valley, and running streams, there is no better place to visit in Kinnaur than Baspa River. Counted among the most scintillating rivers of the Himalayas, Baspa is a center point of numerous glaciers and worth seeing destinations such as Chung Sakhago Pass.

It originates from majestic Baspa hills and merges with Sutlej river. The nearby valley to the river remains covered with pine and oak forests. One peculiar thing about Baspa is that it plants a huge variety of fishes which is another attraction for nature lovers and campers. People visiting this serene spot love to indulge in sightseeing, handicrafts shopping, and enjoy the taste of scrumptious Tibetan food.

Location: Sangla Valley, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh

Timings: It remains open for tourists throughout the day.

Entry Fee: No entry fee.

Located only two kilometres from Manali, this wildlife sanctuary is a naturalistic paradise that spreads over 3,000 hectares. The terrain here is characterized by lush green forests and snow capped mountains. On a trip to this sanctuary, you are always inundated with the sights and sounds of colourful birds and exotic flora and fauna.

While deodar, fir, chestnut, walnut and robinia are the most commonly found vegetation in this sanctuary, you can also easily spot snow leopards, brown bears, musk deer and ibex herds in the picturesque vicinity of the sanctuary.

Addition to this, Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for the birdwatchers and the shutterbugs. Amongst the many rare and exotic species, a plenitude of tree creepers, kokla and kingfisher are the most commonly found species.

Also check: Must to do things in Manali