17 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh

Traditionally renowned as a land of "Dev Bhoomi", Himachal Pradesh is admired as the holy destination of India. However, with the constant efforts of the Department of Travel and Civil Aviation, the state has started to be recognised as "A Destination For All Seasons and All Reasons". Thus, it has become an unparalleled and perfect getaway destination, as the state's culture is fabricated with ornate traditions and cultures. You can explore the best tourist places in Himachal Pradesh with the following blog.

17 Best Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh

1. Manali

Manali is often called the "Valley of the Gods" in the heart of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the Best Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh, showcasing nature's exceptional creativity. With a long list of Places to visit in Manali, you can explore the beautiful towns with snow-capped mountains, turquoise-blue rivers, deep woods, and rich valleys whose combined visual will make you galvanize your senses.

• Best time to visit: From March to June
• Places to visit: Solang Valley, Hidimba Temple, Rohtang Pass, Bharigu Lake, Jogini Waterfall, and Van Vihar National Park.

2. Kasol

As one of the Best Places to visit in India in March, Kasol offers a lot of top-notch Places to visit in Kasol that is famous for its tranquil environment where you can chill and relax while enjoying a panoramic view of the snow-peaked mountains and serene water. It has also gained fame among backpackers, trekkers, and nature enthusiasts, offering famous trekking trails to Kheerganga.

• Best time to visit: From March to May and October to November.
• Places to visit: Parvati Valley, Tosh Village, Manikaran Hot Spring, Kasol Market, Pin Parvati Pass Trek, and Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib.

3. Shimla

Shimla is known for housing some of the Best Hill Stations in India and is nicknamed the "Queen of the Hills." There are many best Places to visit in Shimla, which maintains everything from snow-peaked mountains to iconic historical landmarks and charming markets, where you can distinctly explore the picturesque natural beauty, awe-inspiring shrines, amusing atmosphere, and remarkable colonial architecture that will make your stay an unforgettable experience.

• Best time to visit: Between March and June
• Places to visit: Jakhu Hanuman Temple, Viceregal Lodge, Annandale Ground, Christ Church, and Scandal Point.

4. Jibhi

By holding the top-notch Places to visit in Jibhi, this enchanting village, with its pristine beauty, draws the attention of many national and international visitors. It is one of the most Beautiful Cities in India, offering a beautiful escape from the hectic life of the cities with a tranquil ambience, rich forests, majestic mountains, and sparkling streams. The destination provides inner peace to its visitors, where winds are whistles and sings in harmony.

• Best time to visit: From March to May and September to November
• Places to visit: Jibhi Waterfall, Serolsar Lake, Gaidhar Waterfall, Jalori Pass, and Kulhi Katandi

5. McLeod Ganj

McLeod Ganj is one of the best places to visit in April in India, where you can explore each and every prominent Place to visit in McLeod Ganj at great length when the weather is breezy and pleasant. It is a beautiful trekking hub, and due to its large Tibetan population, the destination is commonly known as "Little Lhasa" or "Dhasa." Here, you can easily delve into the Tibetian culture, adventurous treks, lush green environment, ancient monasteries and temples, and British influence.

• Best time to visit: Between April and June
• Places to visit: Triund Hills, Bhagsu Waterfall, Naddi View Point, Tibetian Museum, and Nechang Monastery.

6. Spiti Valley

One of the highest-inhabited regions in the world, Spiti Valley, is at an altitude of 14,000 feet above sea level. With many mesmerising Places to visit in Spiti Valley, this mountainous cold desert offers a relaxing and rejuvenating environment for its visitors, along with a lifelong memorable experience of fascinating valleys, scenic villages, and windswept landscapes. 

• Best time to visit: From May to September
• Places to visit: Kaza, Dhankar, Lhalung, Kunzum Pass, Lossar, Kye Monastery, Kibber, and Pin Valley.

7. Dalhousie

Considered one of the Best Honeymoon Places in India, Dalhousie is a famous hill station that was used as a summer retreat during the 1850s. Along with vibrant colonial architecture, which houses many colonial-era orchards, green-roofed Christ Church, and iconic houses, there are many pre-eminent Places to visit in Dalhousie that preserve remarkable architecture with a touch of Tibetian culture, cool temperatures, and marvellous forest trails, and thus, it becomes much more than a mere summer retreat; it becomes a getaway destination from serene city life.

• Best time to visit: Between April and June
• Places to visit: Dainkund Peak, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Chamera Lake, Satdhara Falls, Panchpula, and Khajjiar.

8. Kasauli

Offering the chief Places to visit in Kasauli, Kasauli has become one of the most remarkable and quintessential hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. It is mainly renowned for its commanding sites, which provide some of the beautiful vistas of pine and oak forests along the narrow roads of the town, which grovel up and down the hillsides.

• Best time to visit: From April to June and September to November
• Places to visit: Monkey Point, Toy Train Ride, Timber Trail, Mall Road, Christ Church, and Gurkha Fort

See also: Budget Trips in India

9. Tirthan Valley

Tirthan Valley in Himachal Pradesh is one of India’s most charming valleys. It is considered one of the Hidden Places in Himachal Pradesh, which houses breathtaking mountain views, lush green forests, and clear rivers. Adventure enthusiasts renowned it as a haven that contains some of the finest Places to visit in Tirthan Valley for trekking opportunities. Nestled in the Great Himalayan National Park, its landscape feels surreal and inviting, with friendly mountains surrounded by greenery and beautiful meadows.

• Best time to visit: Between March and May
• Places to visit: Great Himalayan National Park, Serlosar Lake, Jalori Pass, Chhoie Waterfall, and Chehni Kothi.

See also: Best Places to Visit in Goa

10. Khajjiar

Khajjiar is a scenic saucer-shaped plateau surrounded by deodar forests and dense pine. It is one of the 160 places designated as "Mini Switzerland" worldwide and is nestled in the foothills of the Dhauladhar range in the Western Himalayas. There are many top Places to visit in Khajjiar that offer breathtaking views, and when it snows, it transforms into a winter wonderland. Visitors can also explore the region's rich flora and fauna.

• Best time to visit: From April to June
• Places to visit: Khajjiar Lake, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Dainkund Peak, Kailash Villages, Nine Hollow Golf Route, and Panch Pandav Tree.

See also: Best Places to Visit in Shillong

11. Tosh

Tosh is a small village nestled secretly in the Parvati Valley. It looks like an abode of God, beautifully located around the high mountains and lush greenery. There are many scenic and relaxing Places to visit in Tosh, which provides an ideal location to escape from the hustle-bustle life of the cities. The destination captivates the mind and soul of its visitors with a unique tapestry of customs and rituals.

• Best time to visit: From April to June and September to November.
• Places to visit: Tosh Waterfall, Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib, Tosh Valley, Pulga, Kalga, and Kheerganga.

See also: Best Places in India to Visit in Your 30s

12. Dharamshala

Dharamshala is a charming town in Himachal Pradesh nestled beautifully in the Dhauladhar range. This state's winter capital has also been the administrative centre of the Kangra district since 1855. Moreover, it is currently the home of the Tibetian Government in exile and the Dalai Lama, which helps the destination become the spiritual capital of India as well. Commonly called "Little Lhasa", the enriching Places to visit in Dharamshala captivate many famous people, such as country heads, diplomats, and filmmakers.

• Best time to visit: Between February and June
• Places to visit: Dalai Lama Temple, St. John in the Wilderness Church, Dharamkot, Bhagsu Falls, Triund, and the Library of Tibetian Works and Archives.

13. Chail

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Chail is a charming hill station established by the former Maharaja of Patiala. Known for its breathtaking views, high-altitude trekking, and the world's highest cricket ground, Chail is an ideal getaway. Visitors have many Places to visit in Chail; they can enjoy the pleasant weather, dine at Chail Lake restaurant, observe wildlife, and embark on treks, making it a perfect escape from daily life.

• Best time to visit: From April to June or September to November
• Places to visit: Chali Cricket Ground, Chali Wildlife Sanctuary, Kali Temple, Sadhupul, Himalayan Nature Park, and Gurudwara Sahib.

14. Palampur

Palampur, located in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra Region, is known for its stunning deodar trees and tea gardens. Some of the great Places to visit in Palampur, offer picturesque destinations, breathtaking landscapes, colonial buildings, and shrines, making it a popular tourist destination. Its unique scenery blends lush greenery and water, with the plains on one side and the snow-covered Dhauladhar mountain range on the other, creating a striking contrast.

• Best time to visit: From March to June or September to November
• Places to visit: Kangra Art Museum, War Memorial, Kunal Pathri, St. John's Church, Dal Lake, and the fort of Kangra.

15. Chamba

Chamba is a stunning valley in Himachal renowned for its scenic beauty, sparkling streams, and rich wildlife. Nestled between the Dhauladhar and Zanskar ranges, it borders Jammu and Kashmir. The town has many great Places to visit in Chamba that feature historical landmarks, including temples and palaces that reflect its rich medieval heritage. There’s plenty to explore in and around Chamba for any traveller.

• Best time to visit: Between March and June
• Places to visit: Manimahesh Lake, Church of Scotland, Chaugan, Thala Waterfall, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Rang Mahal, and Bhuri Singh Museum.

16. Barot Valley

Barot is a quaint village in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, in the Uhl River Valley. The Barot Valley provides excellent Places to visit in Barot Valley that provide amazing opportunities for travellers seeking adventure and is thus a popular hub for adventure seekers. Popular activities in this region include trekking, camping, and fishing. It is considered one of the most serene valleys in Himachal and is among the leading tourist destinations in Mandi.

• Best time to visit: Between April and June
• Places to visit: The Uhl River, Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary, Barot Temple, Chuhar Valley, and Shanan Hydel Project.

17. Kinnaur Valley

Once a forbidden land, Kinnaur is now a treasure for adventurers amidst the stunning Himalayan heights. The pre-eminent Places to visit in Kinnaur Valley provide a wide range of landscape covering from the lush orchards of Sangla Valley to Chitkul, India’s last village on the Indo-Tibet border, and the breathtaking sight of Mt. Kinner Kailash in Kalpa, Kinnaur showcases the beauty of nature. As a historic trade route between India and Tibet, this region is framed by the majestic Himalayan, Zanskar, and Dhauladhar ranges, which makes it one of the best places for solo trip in India, offering mesmerisingly beautiful vistas for travellers.

• Best time to visit: From April to October
• Places to visit: Reckong Peo, Sangla Valley, Chitkul, Kinner Kailash, Khab Bridge Kinnaur, and Borasu Pass.

FAQs About Top Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh

Q. Which is the most visited place in Himachal?

Ans. Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala are the most visited places in Himachal. 

Q. Which part of Himachal is most beautiful?

Ans. Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie, Spiti Valley, and Kinnaur Valley are the most beautiful parts of Himachal.

Q. What is a very famous place in Himachal Pradesh?

Ans. Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is renowned for its charm and is considered the most famous place in the state.

Q. What is the best month to visit Himachal Pradesh?

Ans. Generally, spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November) are the best months to visit Himachal Pradesh.

Q. How many days are required to visit Himachal Pradesh?

Ans. You should organise a 7—to 10-day trip to explore and enjoy the key destinations of Himachal Pradesh at your own pace.

Q. Which month is snowfall in Manali?

Ans. Typically, from late December to early February, Manali experiences snowfall.

Q. Why is Kasol called Mini Israel?

Ans. Kasol is also called Mini Israel, as it has a strong Israeli cultural influence, and quite a few Israeli travellers visit the destination all year round.

Q. Is Shimla better or Manali?

Ans. Your travel preference is key to deciding which is better, Shimla or Manali. Shimla is a relaxing gateway known for its colonial charm, whereas Manali is more for adventure seekers and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty.

Q. How do I go to Spiti Valley from Delhi?

Ans. To reach Spiti Valley, take the bus from Delhi to Manali, and then you can look for local transportation to your final destination.

Q. Is Dalhousie called Mini Switzerland?

Ans. No, Dalhousie is not referred to as Mini Switzerland; instead, the nearby hill station of Khajjir is often called Mini Switzerland of India.

Q. In which month Shimla has snow?

Ans. Generally, Shimla experiences frequent and the most extensive form of snowfall from late December to early February.

Q. What is Kasol famous for?

Ans. Kasol is famous for its rich hippie culture, mesmerising natural beauty, and trekking opportunities that will make you stunned.

Q. Can we cover Manali in 2 days?

Ans. Yes, you can definitively cover the main destinations of Manali in 2 days, where you have to focus on the city's main attractions.

Q. Which month is best to visit Jibhi?

Ans. Jibhi is best visited in spring (March to June) or autumn (September to November), as the weather is pleasant during these times, and the environmental conditions are ideal for exploring outdoor activities.

Q. Is Himachal Pradesh suitable for adventure activities?

Ans. Many great places in Himachal Pradesh, such as Manali, Barot Valley, Chail, and Tirthan Valley, are best for adventure activities, including river rafting, trekking, paragliding, skiing, and more.