Himachal Pradesh is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes in India. From snow-capped mountains to lush valleys, there’s a place for everyone here. But if you want to get out of the beaten path, there are some amazing offbeat places that you need to check out. From ancient monasteries to quirky villages, read on for 10 offbeat places in Himachal Pradesh that are unmissable.
Spiti Valley
The Spiti Valley is a remote, unspoiled region in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. The valley is renowned for its world-renowned Buddhist monasteries and stunning views of the Himalayas. This beautiful area is well worth a visit if you’re looking for an offbeat and scenic place to explore! Here are some of the top places to check out in the Spiti Valley:
1. Pelling Monastery: Pelling Monastery is one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Asia and is famous for its frescoes and prayer flags (traditional Buddhist banners). Entry to the monastery is free, but donations are appreciated.
2. Kibber Village: Kibber Village is a small village located just outside of Leh, one of the main towns in the Spiti Valley. The village folk are known for their traditional dress and hand-woven carpets, as well as their knowledge about medicinal plants.
3. McLeod Ganj: McLeod Ganj (also known as Sirmaur) is an ancient city located high in the mountains near Leh. The city was once home to several Tibetan Buddhist lamas, and today it’s a popular tourist destination with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
4. Zanskar National Park: Zanskar National Park encompasses an area of over 1,000 sq km and contains some of India’s most spectacular mountain scenery. The park is
Shimla
Shimla is a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh that offers tourists an unforgettable experience. The city is home to many offbeat places that are unmissable for visitors. Here are a few:
1. The Court of Wills: This old judicial complex is one of the attractions of the city. It houses a variety of museums, including the Museum of Weapons and Armour, which showcases historical artefacts from the region.
2. Chandni Chowk: This area is famous for its colourful bazaars and spice markets. It is also home to some interesting religious structures, such as the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
3. McLeod Ganj: This area is known for its vibrant nightlife and relaxed atmosphere. It is also home to some beautiful gardens, such as the Lilly Garden and Shalimar Gardens.
Dalhousie
Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh is a picturesque little town located in the foothills of the Himalayas. It’s a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life, and it has some really unique attractions that you won’t find anywhere else. Here are four offbeat places in Dalhousie that you don’t want to miss out on:
1. The Dalhousie Zoo: This is definitely one of the attractions that visitors will love. It features a variety of animals from all over the world, and it’s a great place to learn about different animal habitats.
2. The Echo Point Observatory: This is another great attraction in Dalhousie. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and it’s an ideal spot for taking photos or just relaxing in nature.
3. The Khangarhar Tea Estate: This estate is home to some of the best tea in India, and visitors can enjoy samples or buy tea directly from the plantation owners.
4. The St Anthony’s Chapel: This is one of the most beautiful churches in Himachal Pradesh, and it’s a great spot for prayer or contemplation any time of day or night.
Srinagar
Srinagar is a city in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located on the banks of the Sindhu River at an altitude of about 3,000 metres (9,838 ft). Srinagar is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in South Asia and was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. The city is home to temples including the Hazratbal Shrine, considered to be on the same level as the Kaaba in Mecca and the Buddhists temple Jambu Shahi.
Leh
If you’re looking for an adventure, you’ll love the offbeat places in Himachal Pradesh that are Unmissable. Here are a few to get you started: Leh is one of India’s most famous hill stations and has something for everyone – whether you’re looking to hike, cycle, ski or simply relax in a natural setting. The town is also home to some interesting historical sites, like the ruins of Leh Palace, which was built by the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir in the late 1800s.
If you’re feeling energetic, head out into the surrounding hills for some hiking or climbing. If you’re more interested in taking it easy, there’s plenty of snowy terrain for skiing or snowboarding at nearby resorts like Kular Lake and McLeod Ganj. And if all that activity makes your feet sweat, then why not take a dip in one of Leh’s many thermal pools?
No matter what kind of traveler you are, there’s sure to be something worth exploring on your trip to Himachal Pradesh – so pack your bags and start planning your Unmissable adventure today!
Kargil
The Kargil district of Himachal Pradesh is one of the most picturesque areas in India. The landscape is dotted with snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and waterfalls. This area is also home to some of India’s most famous temples, such as the Mount Kailash Temple. Additionally, there are many offbeat places in Kargil that are worth visiting. Here are some of the best:
1) The Gaggi village is a remote region located at an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level. It is home to a community of yak herders who have been living here for centuries.
2) Chamba is another popular destination in the Kargil district. The town boasts beautiful architecture and natural scenery, including the Manali Valley and Deogarh Fort.
3) Langtang National Park features spectacular mountain peaks and valleys covered in dense forests. It is one of the most visited national parks in India and can be reached by road or by helicopter from Dharamsala.
4) The Jawahar Lal Nehru National Museum showcases artifacts from Indian history dating back to ancient times. The museum is located in Shimla, a popular tourist destination in the Kargil district.
Badrinath
If there is one thing that Himachal Pradesh has in abundance, it is variety. Whether you’re looking for beaches and wildlife sanctuaries, snow-capped mountains or quaint hill stations, the state has something to offer everyone. But if you’re looking for offbeat attractions, nowhere can compete with Himachal Pradesh’s sacred Badrinath temple.
Located on the banks of the River Mandakini near the town of Devprayag, Badrinath is one of Hinduism’s holiest pilgrimage sites. Pilgrims from all over India travel to the temple to offer prayers and take part in religious ceremonies. Offbeat Places In Himachal There are also a number of interesting historical sites nearby, including the ruins of a medieval fort and an ancient Shiva temple.
If you’re planning a trip to Badrinath, be sure to make time for some other sights too. In addition to Devprayag and Badrinath itself, popular attractions near by include Kedarnath National Park and Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. Whether you’re interested in hiking or sightseeing, there’s plenty to do in this offbeat corner of Himachal Pradesh!
The Solang Valley
The Solang Valley is an area in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh that is home to some of the most fascinating offbeat places in the state. The valley is well known for its apple orchards, and there are many villages here that still follow traditional agriculture methods. However, the valley also has a lot of other attractions, including scenic waterfalls, dense forests, and beautiful natural landscapes. If you are looking for a place to escape the crowds and explore some of Himachal Pradesh’s lesser-known beauties, the Solang Valley should definitely be on your list.
Auli
Auli, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most beautiful and secluded villages in the state. Located in Ziro Valley, it is an essential stop on any Himachal tourist itinerary. With its idyllic surroundings and interesting history, Auli is a great place to spend a day or two exploring.
Apart from being a popular spot for trekkers and nature lovers, Auli is home to some unusual attractions that are well worth visiting. The village has several temples dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as a small mosque. There are also several quirky shops selling traditional Himachali handicrafts, such as hand-woven carpets and textiles.
Auli isn’t the easiest village to get to – it’s located in the middle of nowhere – but the rewards are definitely worth it. If you’re planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh, make sure to add Auli to your list of destinations!
Conclusion
Himachal Pradesh is a land of hidden gems, and there are few places that can be termed as offbeat in the state. From small villages to imposing mountain peaks, here are ten such destinations you should definitely check out if you’re looking for something different in Himachal.
