Adventure sports, romantic date nights, snow fighting, family parks, you name it, Himachal has it. Blessed with some of the most exquisite hill stations in India, Himachal Pradesh takes you straight into the lap of nature.
There are a lot of things to do in Himachal Pradesh such as exploring hill stations, quaint villages, trekking, mountaineering, paragliding, skiing, and river rafting. A joyride on the toy train from Kalka to Shimla, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is something that cannot be missed.
Whether you plan your holiday in Himachal with family and friends or for your honeymoon, check out the list of things you can partake in to make your vacations memorable!
Here is the list of top Things To Do In Himachal Pradesh
- Trekking
- Waterfalls
- Lakes
- Bir Billing
- Rafting Kullu Valley
- Religious places
- Adventure Sports
- Tibetan
- Wildlife safari
- Snow-camp Mashobra
- Spiti Valley
- Chitkul – the last Indian village
Enjoy Trekking to your heart’s content
A splendid vacation in Himachal Pradesh begins by trying something adventurous. Trekking in Himachal Pradesh offers one of the best ways to explore the bliss of the Himalayas. Test your lungs, limbs, and willpower, just start walking! Explore beautiful trails through the deep dark woods, beautiful hamlets, and picturesque valleys. Every step you move takes to you a different world altogether.
Best Places for Trekking in Himachal Pradesh
- Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site in Kullu
- Malana Village
- Dhauladhar
- Pir Panjal Ranges
- Lahaul
- Kinnaur
- Spiti
- McLeod Ganj
- Beas Kund Trek
- Pin Parvati
- Triund
Best Time for Trekking in Himachal Pradesh
Summer starts in May and ends in June whereas winter starts in November and ends in February. Thus, both Summer and winter time is the best for trekking in HP.
Delightful Dharamshala Tour
3 Days Tour to Dharamshala From Chandigarh
Dharamshala Dalhousie Tour
Dharamshala Trekking TourCome across incredible Waterfalls
The mighty mountains are blessed with pretty secrets, the breathtaking waterfalls in Himachal Pradesh being one of them. The whimsical sound of falling water sounds pleasing to the ears.
One of the best things to do in Himachal Pradesh is to explore these wonderful waterfalls that provide tranquility to the soul and mind. Though truly stunning, incredible, and spectacular, beauty is not only a factor, some of the waterfalls hold religious importance as well.
Best Waterfalls in Himachal Pradesh
- The Jana Falls
- Rahala Waterfalls
- Bhagsunag Fall
- Jogini Waterfalls
- Chadwick Falls
- Rozy Falls
- Thala Waterfall
- Satdhara Falls
Best Time to visit waterfalls in Himachal Pradesh
July to October is the monsoon season in Himachal and the best time to visit the waterfalls. The water level increases during this time and gives new life to the cascades.
Also Read: 10 must visit Waterfalls in India
Contemplate by the Lakes
Lakes in Himachal Pradesh must not be missed on your holiday. Tucked up amidst a charming environment with clouds flying over and enfolded by mountains, the lakes offer a visual retreat, one of the best places to visit in Himachal.
Spending some time in solace or camping in close proximity is a good idea. Soak in the beauty and charisma of these lakes and don’t forget to get photo zoned. Besides having crystal clear water, the lakes are considered pious as the water in them possesses healing properties.
Popular Lakes in Himachal Pradesh
- Manimahesh Lake
- Beas Kund
- Nako Lake
- Bhrigu Lake
- Suraj Tal
- Chandratal Lake
- Lama Dal
- Prashar Lake
- Kareri Lake
- Dal Lake
- Dashir Lake
- Maharana Pratap Sagar
- Renuka Lake
- Rewalsar Lake
Best time to visit Himachal lakes
May to October is the best time to visit the Lakes in Himachal Pradesh.
Also Read: Lakes in Himachal Pradesh Which Make A Perfect Bucket List For Travelers
Try your hands at Adventure Sports
Himachal is a hub of adventure sports in India. Think of thrill and you have options of mountaineering, ice skating, paragliding, rafting, climbing, skiing, etc. to choose from.
An exciting confluence of glaciers, gushing rivers, and interlocking mountain chains lure adventure aficionados from every nook and corner. Thrill-seekers find immense pleasure here. Just select an activity and be bold to delight in it to the fullest. Dare to try any of the adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh?
Popular adventure sports to try in Himachal Pradesh
- River rafting in Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, Spiti and Lahaul
- Water sports at Maharana Pratap Sagar, Gobind Sagar, Dalhousie
- Mountain Cycling at Una, Kangra, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Lahaul, Kinnaur, Spiti
- Para Gliding in Bir-Billing, Bilaspur, Kullu, Manali
- Ice Skating in Shimla
- Skiing in Shimla
- Heli-Skiing at Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, Rohtang Pass and Chandrakhani
- Zorbing at Solang
Best time to enjoy adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh
The best time to go for adventure sports in Himachal is from March to June. However, you will not witness heavy snowfall in these months. If you love snow, then visit between December and February.
Also Read:
Enjoy a Wildlife safari
The Land of Snow is a treasure trove of wildlife. The 2 national parks and 32 wildlife sanctuaries proffer endless options to wildlife enthusiasts for wildlife safari in Himachal Pradesh.
The astounding ecosystem caters to nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Experience the saga of wilderness and walk around the popular wildlife destinations in Himachal Pradesh exploring the rare animals in their natural habitat, gushing streams, and gentle slopes.
Also Check Shimla Kufri Tour Package
Best places to enjoy Wildlife Safari in Himachal
- The Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The Pin Valley National Park
- Churdhar Sanctuary
- Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary
- Maharana Pratap Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kalatop-Khajjiar Sanctuary
- Chail Sanctuary
- Manali Sanctuary
- Bandli Sanctuary
- Daranghati Sanctuary
Best Time to Go for Wildlife Safari in Himachal
March to October is the best time to go on a wildlife safari in Himachal Pradesh.
Also check: Dalhousie Khajjiar Chamba Dharamshala tour packages
Witness a Tibetan opera in Dharamshala
What could be better than being a part of the Tibetan celebration while sitting in India? The Tibetan Opera or the Lhamo casts a spell on spectators by efficiently showcasing the ancient Buddhist folklore and historical events.
The six hours of drama take you on a virtual tour to sneak peek into the lives of prominent personalities. Attending the colorful gala is surely one of the best things to do in Himachal Pradesh. Novice and experienced dancers of The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts overwhelm with beautiful performances. Earlier, the new Opera Company employed them and entertained the Tibetan Refugee Camps. The performances were reminders of home for refugees.
Where to see the Tibetan Opera?
The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts in Dharamshala is the place to be for witnessing the Tibetan Opera.
Best Time to witness Tibetan Opera in Dharamshala
The Tibetan Opera Festival is held usually in the month of March.
Soar high in the skies at Bir Billing
Let your flying dreams come true! Revel in paragliding and navigate through striking sites from Bir Billing. The quaint village hosted the first-ever World Cup of paragliding in 2005. Since then it is one of the best places to visit in Himachal. Spread your wings and soar high in the sky. The fun of having a bird’s eye view of the world is next to none. Feel the adrenalin rush through your veins and start flying in the air.
Best destinations for Paragliding in Himachal Pradesh
- Bir Billing
- Solang Valley
Best Time for Paragliding in Bir Billing
Due to better thermals, March to June and October to November is the best time for paragliding in Bir Billing.
[ Enjoy Paragliding in Bir Billing with this package ]
Also Read: Top 5 Paragliding Destinations in India
Battle the rapids at Kullu Valley
Come summer and Kullu greets tourists by providing excellent rafting opportunities. Battling the rapids of the Himalayan Rivers is a superb way of escaping the heat. Raft down a pristine river and bask in the scenic views of the Himachal. The staircase rapids challenge the spirit and body of the river runner in you.
The exhilarating activity is open to all from beginners to professionals. Buck up for a thrilling experience while routing your raft, as this is one voyage that is all about teamwork. The amazing feeling of achievement of successfully completing the rafting expedition speaks volumes about the wonderful journey. This is what makes it one of the best things to do in Manali.
Places to Visit in Kullu Valley for river rafting
- Pirdi
Best Time for River Rafting in Kullu Valley
Pleasant and sunny weather, azure sky, emerald green valley, and orchards in the months of April to June team up to make a favorable scenario for river rafting in Kullu Valley.
[ Enjoy amazing adventure activities in Kullu with these best-customized packages ]
Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Kullu Manali
Seek blessings at religious places
Introspect your enigmatic and spiritual side by seeking blessings at the most visited pilgrimage sites in Himachal Pradesh. The aura of celestial land makes you believe in the Dharma, Karma, and forgiveness to be the three main maxims of life. Further, the state is renowned for its serene monasteries and enchanting temples. Right from Christian churches to Hindu shrines, from Buddhist monasteries to Gurudwaras in Himachal Pradesh, all delineate the religious aspect. The rendezvous with the almighty leads to utter peace of mind and mental strength.
Most visited pilgrimage sites in Himachal Pradesh
- Chamunda Devi Temple
- Kangra Devi Temple
- Jwala Ji Temple
- Naina Devi Temple
- Chintpurni Temple
- Kalika Devi Temple
- Mansa Devi Temple
- Manimahesh Lake
- Manikaran Sahib
- Baba Balak Nath Temple
- Bijli Mahadev Temple
- Baijnath Temple
- Namgyal Monastery
- Rewalsar Sahib Gurudwara
- Gurudwara Paonta Sahib
Best Time for visiting pilgrimage sites in Himachal Pradesh
October to June is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh. However, the pleasant weather from March to June is apt for a pilgrimage tour.
Set up a “snow camp” at Mashobra
If merely imagining setting up a ‘snow-camp’ at Mashobra can run chills down your spine, then what about experiencing it? Cherish the best memories cuddled up in the blanket and sipping the hot tea.
The thought of dancing along with your friends or loved ones around the campfire with snow all around will surely excite you. Rugged mountainous terrain, idyllic setting, pleasant weather, and charming snowfall pave the path for trekking lovers and voyagers to practice Camping in Mashobra.
Best places for camping in Himachal Pradesh
- Mashobra
- Shoghi
- Fagu
- Summer Hill
Best Time for Camping at Mashobra
The best time for camping in Mashobra is from April to the middle of June and from the middle of September to the first half of October.
Also Read: Top 10 Camping Places in India
Bike past the landscape of Spiti Valley
Boost your stamina and show extreme levels of fitness as you are about to bike past the breathtaking landscapes of the Spiti Valley. Travel through the strenuous bike routes and let the sojourn leave an imprint on your soul.
The rich cultural heritage, isolated location, and spiritual prosperity attract hardcore travelers who seek some adventure while traveling. The charisma and buildup of the area are better experienced than said in words. Riding through the Kunzum Pass is an achievement in itself.
Best Places for Biking in Spiti Valley
- Kaza
- Losar
- Kunzum Pass
- Tabo
- Nako
- Pin Valley
- Chandratal
Best Time for Biking in Spiti Valley
Mid-May to Mid-October is the best time to visit Spiti Valley for a biking tour as the roads are not blocked with heavy snow during this time.
Spiti Valley Tour with Manali & Kasol
Spiti Valley Bike Tour
Spiti Valley Road TripSpend a day at Chitkul – the last Indian village
Nestled in the Kinnaur district, the scenic Chitkul village offers unforgettable experiences. Be it savoring local cuisines at the last Dhaba (eatery) of India or simply enjoying the laid-back life, you can enjoy it all here. Famed as the last inhabited village near the Indo-China border, the quaint town gets covered with a thick blanket of snow during winter. Lying on the banks of the Baspa River, the village is a perfect place to spend a day or two away from the humdrum of modern life.
Best Places to visit in and around Chitkul
- Kagyupa Temple
- Baspa River
- Kamru Fort
- Bering Nag Temple
- Tibetan Wood Carving Centre
- Brelengi Gompa
- Batseri Village
Best Time to visit Chitkul
March – April and September – October are the best months to plan a trip to Chitkul.
Best time to visit Himachal Pradesh
October to June is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh.
How to reach Himachal Pradesh?
By Air – Kullu Airport (23 km)
By Train – Kalka (90 km)
By Road – Himachal Pradesh is connected to all major states and cities via cities. However, Chandigarh is a nearby city (117 km).
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Short Escape to Dalhousie
3 Days Tour to Shimla from DelhiRelated Post:
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Diksha Khiatani
A writer by day and a tsundoku at night. Emerging from an Engineering background, Diksha is a travel freak and anxious to explore different cultures and religions. Inclined towards the off-beat places, she wishes to uncover the secrets on her Scooty (if possible). She always grabs some time to take a quick nap, listen to music, skating and eat a brownie.
Hello, Diksha!
Amazing, helpful information on things to do in Himachal Pradesh. I just say wow! Lovely pictures.
I want to go to Spiti Valley. Tell me the route? I visited last month Palampur. It is also a beautiful hill station and the various thing you can do and visit in Palampur.
I enjoyed reading the post!
Thanks
Karan Grewal
Hi Karan
Thank you for your kind words! Spiti is indeed a beautiful destination. Here’s a quick guide on how you can reach Spiti https://www.indianholiday.com/spiti/how-to-reach-spiti.html. Hope this will help you!
Keep on following our blogs for more such informative posts.
Hie, Diksha!
Thanks for sending me the link!
Hey Karan
It’s was my pleasure! Hope it worked for you. Keep on following our blogs for more such posts in the future.