Looking for unexplored places in Himachal Pradesh for your next vacation? We have got you covered. We have jotted down a list of offbeat tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh where you can spend your vacation away from the maddening crowd amidst the serene nature with your loved ones.
Blessed with the paradisiacal beauty, Himachal Pradesh boasts about unexplored valleys, pristine lakes, high altitude mountain passes, and revered pilgrimage sites. This is a perfect place for a family vacation, honeymoon, solo traveling, and getting together with friends. Calm your senses and rejuvenate in the lap of nature. People flock to some of the popular hill towns of Himachal, however, this beautiful state is much more than that. Admire the jaw-dropping locales of quaint villages and explore the faraway towns of the state. Partake in adventure activities and enjoy the nature walk to make your trip to Himachal memorable.
While planning the tour to offbeat destinations in Himachal, add these tourist places to your itinerary to enjoy some unique experiences!
13 Offbeat Places in Himachal Pradesh for a Memorable Vacations
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1. Malana
Located on the narrow plateau of Kullu Valley, Malana Village is situated on the wild and remote side of the valley. You can reach the village by hiking while admiring the breathtaking landscape of the valley. Malana is renowned for its world’s quality of hashish, which is also known as ‘Malana Cream’. This is not the only thing that makes this quaint town magnificent and enthralling.
Visitors are not allowed to touch anything in the village and the personal belongings of the locals. It is believed that the dwellers of the village are the descendants of Alexander the Great. This is one of the best offbeat places in Himachal Pradesh where you can learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region as well witness the stunning views of the mighty Himalayas.
Best time to visit Malana: May to August
Must Experiences in Malana: Trekking, hiking, and nature walk
How to reach: The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport in Kullu, which is located just 36 km away from Malana. The nearest major railhead is the Shimla railway station. It is situated at 235 km and is well-connected by road network. You can travel to Malana by boarding a bus from Shimla and Bhuntar. Also, by your own vehicle or by taxi that is easily available in Kasol, Manali, and Chandigarh.
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2. Kheerganga
Situated at the extreme end of the Parvati Valley, Kheerganga is home to some of the amazing trails due to which it is known among adventure enthusiasts. Settled at an altitude of 2,960 m above sea level, this idyllic town is the last civilized town before Pin Valley. The spectacular beauty of Kheerganga makes it a paradise for nature lovers. This is the base camp of numerous treks and offers a unique experience to travelers.
The thrill-seekers can embark on the trekking trip from Kheerganga and explore the enchanting beauty of Parvati Valley along with Pin Valley and Spiti Valley. You can reach there from Tosh and the trekking trail takes you through numerous villages where you can get glimpses of the lifestyle and culture of the locals of the valley. This is among the unexplored places in Himachal Pradesh, which are blessed with paradisiacal beauty.
Best time to visit Kheerganga: May to November
Must Experiences in Kheerganga: Trekking, hiking, star gazing, river crossing, and camping
How to reach Kheerganga: The nearest airport from Kheerganga is Bhuntar Airport in Kullu, which is located just 54 km away. The nearest major railhead is Shimla railway station, situated at 252 km and is well-connected by road network. You can board a bus from Shimla and Bhuntar for Tosh from where you can trek. Also, you can reach by your own vehicle or by taxi that is easily available in Manali and Chandigarh.
3. Chitkul
Flanked by the Baspa River, Chitkul is the last inhabitable village of the Kinnaur district on the Hindustan – Tibet route of the Indian side before the Indo-Tibet border. The area after this village comes under the Indian Army and no one except the army personnel is allowed to visit beyond this. This is one of the untouched places of Himachal Pradesh and is blessed with pristine natural beauty. Perched at an altitude of 3,450 m above sea level, Chitkul experiences alpine temperature and offers stunning views of the snow-clad peaks throughout the year.
However, the region is mainly accessible in summer only as in winter, the region receives heavy snowfall. The apple orchards and wooden houses that have retained the old-world charm enhance the charisma of this spectacular village of Himachal Pradesh.
Best time to visit Chitkul: The temperature in Shimla in December varies from 1⁰ C to 12⁰ C.
Must Experience in Chitkul: Camping, trekking, and nature walking.
How to reach Chitkul: The nearest airport from Chitkul is Jubbarhatti Airport, which is situated just 260 km away. The nearest railhead is Shimla railway station, which is a narrow-gauge railway station and is accessible from Kalka by numerous trains. The government-run buses are easily accessible from Reckong Peo, Rampur Bushahr, and Shimla. You can also hire a private taxi from Chandigarh, Delhi, and Shimla.
4. Arki
Home to some of the stunning architectural wonders and jaw-dropping locales, Arki is an idyllic town in the Solan district. This is a paradise for nature lovers and history buffs. This tiny town served as the capital of the princely state of Baghal, which means ‘the land of leopards’. Blessed with breathtaking landscapes, lofty mountains in the backdrop, and man-made marvels, Arki is a perfect place to get glimpses of the rich cultural heritage of the bygone era. This quaint townhouse Arki Fort, which offers a grand view of the valley and the lush green jungle of the town accommodates some of the unique wildlife species. This offbeat destination of Himachal Pradesh situated amidst Shivalik Hills makes the tour memorable.
Best time to visit Arki: March to June
Must Experience in Arki: Nature walk, heritage tour, pilgrimage tour, jungle walk, and hiking
How to reach Arki: Jubbarhatti Airport in Shimla is the nearest airport to Arki, which is situated just 36 km away. The nearest railhead is Shila railway station, which is a narrow-gauge railway station and has limited connectivity. Another major railhead is Chandigarh Railway Station at 100 km away. The government-run and private buses are easily accessible from Chandigarh and Shimla. Also, you can hire a private taxi from Chandigarh, Delhi, and Shimla.
5. Shoja
Snuggled in the lap of nature away from the hustle-bustle of city life, Shoja is a beautiful town of Tirthan Valley. This idyllic destination is situated between Jalori Pass and Jibhi, which are other famous tourist places in Himachal Pradesh. This is the perfect destination to laze around with your loved ones and rejuvenate amidst the serene environs. This peaceful little town is an amazing offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh to enjoy a leisure vacation and tranquilize the environment. Peace seekers and nature lovers can enjoy some memorable times here. Jalori Pass and Serolsar Lake are located in the proximity of Shoja, which experiences salubrious weather throughout the year and snowfall in winter. You can explore the hidden gems of Tirthan Valley here and enjoy a cherishable vacation.
Best time to visit Shoja: April to June
Must Experience in Shoja: Trekking, nature walking, hiking, bird watching, and camping
How to reach: The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport in Kullu, which is situated just 57 km away and Chandigarh railway station is the nearest major railhead at 235 km from the hill town. Taxis and cabs are easily available from Bhuntar and Chandigarh. The government buses running from Shimla to Tirthan Valley travel through Shoja.
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6. Tirthan Valley
Settled on the bank of the sparkling Tirthan River, Tirthan Valley is a hidden gem of Himachal Pradesh. Jibhi, Jalori Pass, Banjar, and Gushiani are some of the major places in Tirthan Valley. Boasting stunning landscapes and captivating beauty, this majestic valley is a refreshing getaway from the humdrum of the mainstream hill towns.
Tucked away in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, Tirthan Valley is home to the Great Himalayan National Park, which is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. It is known for its beautiful nature trails that connect Tirthan Valley with Sainj Valley and Parvati Valley. The verdant deodar forest, gushing waterfalls, ancient temples, and snow-clad peaks along with the pristine beauty of the valley make the trip to Himachal Pradesh worth remembering.
Best time to visit Tirthan Valley: March to June
Must Experiences in December: Trout fishing, river crossing, trekking, angling, rock climbing, trekking, and camping
How to reach: Bhuntar Airport in Kullu is the nearest airport from Banjar, which is the major town of the valley situated at just 43 km away. The nearest major railhead is Chandigarh railway station at 264 km away. The government-run and private buses along with taxis are easily accessible from Chandigarh, Kullu, Chandigarh, Delhi, and other cities.
7. Barot
Nestled on the bank of the Uhl River, Barot Valley is a treasure trove of natural bounties. This enchanting town is surrounded by Dhauladhar ranges and is among the offbeat tourist places to visit in Himachal with family. This high-altitude town is a heaven for nature lovers as well as adventure enthusiasts. You can indulge in trekking and hiking here with your loved ones to explore the stunning locales of the valley. Couples and friends can enjoy their holidays while partaking in the adventure as well as leisure activities. For adventure lovers, trek to Bir Billing is a perfect option to escape to nature and delve into the serenity of this mesmerizing place.
Best time to visit Barot Valley: April to June & November to February
Must Experiences in Barot Valley: Trekking, trout fishing, nature walk, and spotting Himalayan Black Bear in Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary
How to reach Barot Valley: The nearest airport from Barot is Bhuntar Airport in Kullu, which is situated just 102 km away. The nearest major railhead is Pathankot railway station, which is 180 km from the hill town. The private taxis are easily available from the airport and railway station for Barot.
8. Fagu
Situated at just 18 km from Shimla on the Hindustan – Tibet Road, Fagu is a serene hamlet away from the maddening crowd of popular tourist places. This is known for its tranquil surroundings, jaw-dropping locales, and scenic vistas. It is the highest point near Shimla and a perfect offbeat destination in Himachal for couples to soak in the spectacular views of the breathtaking landscapes. You can explore the beautiful trails of the hill town and enjoy your leisure vacation amidst the peaceful surroundings. The panoramic views of the lofty peaks from the hotel room make the trip worthwhile. The region is covered with snow blankets in the winter season and transforms into a wonderland. This hill town got its name from the word ‘fog’ as it is covered with fog for almost 9 months in a year, which makes it look like heaven.
Best time to visit Fagu: January to March & May to October
Must Experiences in Fagu: Hiking, exploring apple orchards, and witnessing the sunrise.
How to reach Fagu: The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti Airport in Kangra, which is situated just 38 km away. The nearest major railhead is Shimla railway station, which is 19 km and another major railway station is in Chandigarh at 123 km from this beautiful hill station. The government-run and private buses are easily accessible for Shimla from where you can hire a private taxi.
9. Kalpa
Kalpa is located in the heart of the Kinnaur Valley and is a treasure trove of natural bounties. This enchanting hill town is known for its pristine beauty. You can witness the magnificent view of the Sutlej River with the backdrop of snow-capped Kinnaur Kailash peaks from Kalpa. This is among the most beautiful offbeat destinations in Himachal due to its unparalleled beauty. In the winter season, the wooden rooftops and winding roads of this tiny village are covered with snow, which intensifies the charm of this spectacular hill station. The picture-perfect scenery of Kalpa in the summer and autumn seasons makes the trip memorable.
Best time to visit Kalpa: April to September
Must Experiences in Kalpa: Skiing, snowboarding, trekking, hiking, and nature walk
How to reach Kalpa: The nearest airport from Kalpa is Shimla Airport, which is located just 243 km away. The nearest major railhead is also in Shimla, which is situated at 224 km. Shimla is a major hill town of Himachal and another major railway station is in Chandigarh that is well-connected with Kalpa by road network. Private taxis and government buses are available from Shimla and Chandigarh to Kalpa.
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10. Theog
Hiding in the lap of nature, Theog is a hidden gem of Himachal Pradesh and is a perfect getaway from the monotony of daily life. This quaint hamlet is situated in the proximity of Shimla and still, it is visited by few travelers. The pristine beauty of Theog can be witnessed throughout the year as the region enjoys salubrious weather all year round.
This is an offbeat place to visit in Himachal Pradesh to enjoy refreshing vacations with your family and loved ones. It is a haven for peace seekers and leisure vacationers. You can get lost in the serenity of nature and witness the gorgeous beauty of the surroundings during the early morning walks on the winding roads. There are numerous camping sites in Theog where you can indulge in stargazing and enjoy a bonfire.
Best time to visit Theog: October & November
Must Experiences in Theog: Trekking, camping, nature walk, star gazing, and bonfire
How to reach: Jubbarhatti Airport in Shimla is the nearest airport from Theog, which is located just 48 km away. The nearest major railhead is Chandigarh railway station. It is situated at 133 km and is well-connected by roadways. The government-run and private buses along with taxis are easily accessible from Chandigarh, Kullu, Chandigarh, Delhi, and other cities to Theog.
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11. Bhuntar
Amidst the glamour of Kullu and Manali, people ignore the magnificence of Bhuntar. It looks like a piece of heaven owing to its stunning natural beauty. Also, this town is an adventure hub for thrill-seekers. Most of the river rafting tours that start in Manali end in Bhuntar. You can witness the spectacular beauty of the confluence of the Parvati River and Beas River, which can be identified from the Bhuntar Bridge.
This mystic town of Himachal Pradesh is home to some of the ancient temples and architectural marvels. To experience the magical beauty of Bhuntar, you can choose to stay in a camp on the bank of the Beas River and enjoy stargazing. This is also a perfect place to get glimpses of the rich cultural heritage of the Kullu region and relish the scrumptious local cuisines.
Best time to visit Bhuntar: October to June
Must Experience in Bhuntar: River rafting, trekking, camping, and hiking
How to reach Bhuntar: The town has its airport, which receives flights from numerous destinations. The nearest major railhead is also located in Chandigarh, which is 262 km and is well-connected with the major cities of the country. Kullu and Manali are nearby major tourist places that are well-connected with the rest of the state and country by road network.
12. Shoghi
Bounded by oak and rhododendron forests, Shoghi is a peaceful town snuggled in the lap of the snow-covered mountains. This peaceful town is situated near Shimla, which is mostly flooded by tourists. Shoghi is the epitome of natural beauty and serenity. This idyllic town looks like a place that comes straight out of a fairytale due to its breathtaking orchards.
This beautiful hill resort is home to some of the ancient temples including Tara Devi Temple, which is a 250-year-old temple perched on a Tara Parvat. It is one of the most revered sites among Buddhists. Shoghi is famous for homemade fruit products such as pickles, jams, syrups, juices, and jellies. The rejuvenating and relaxing scenery makes Shoghi among the best offbeat tourist destinations in Himachal, which offers an unparalleled experience.
Best time to visit Shoghi: October to June
Must Experiences in Shoghi: Nature walk, visit orchards, hiking, and camping
How to reach: The nearest airport is Shimla Airport, which is located just 33 km away from Shoghi. The nearest railhead is also in Shimla, which is a narrow gauge station. The major railway station is Chandigarh railway station at 93 km and is well-connected with Shoghi by road network. From Shimla, you can hire a private taxi to visit there.
13. Parwanoo
Home to some of the stunning fruit orchards, Parwanoo is a hill resort situated in the lower Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh. This lovely town is blessed with natural bounties and spectacular architectural wonders. Also, it is a hub of adventure activities. You can also indulge in numerous activities here with your loved ones.
Away from the hustle-bustle of mainstream tourist destinations, Parwanoo is adorned with verdant cover pine and fir trees. There are numerous trekking and hiking trails where you can go for a nature walk with your loved ones and spend some time amidst serenity. The climatic conditions in Parwanoo remain favorable throughout the year and you can explore natural beauty at its best.
Best time to visit Parwanoo: March to May & October to November
Must Experiences in Parwanoo: Camping, hiking, and trekking
How to reach: Chandigarh Airport is the nearest airport from Parwanoo, which is located just 30 km away. The nearest major railhead is also in Chandigarh at 28 km and is well-connected with the major cities and towns of the country. Shimla, Chandigarh, and Solan are the major towns near Parwanoo. It is also well-linked with Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab by national and state highways.