With its rolling mountains, cascading waterfalls, adventure sports, and rustic lodges, Himachal Pradesh has long been a holiday favourite for travellers. Unfortunately, most people end up visiting (and revisiting) the same set of famed towns in the state — Shimla, Dharamshala, Manali, and the like. Before saturation seeps in, allow us to introduce you to some offbeat hill stations in Himachal.
Explore the apple orchards in Kalpa, go trekking in Shoja, or sample Himachali cuisine at Jibhi. The lush landscapes and distinctive cultural flavour of these hidden gems are worth witnessing.
Exploring the uncharted: Offbeat hill stations in Himachal
Barot
Perched in the Mandi district of Himachal, Barot is a beautiful hill station brimming with fish farms and opportunities for wildlife exploration. The Ulh River, among the region’s most iconic features, meanders its way through the Bada Gran and Barot village, bordered by lush Deodar and Oak trees. Along the riverbanks, tourists can indulge in camping and fishing. Next, head to the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the banks of the Uhl River, where you might spot the Himalayan Monal, Black Bear, and Ghoral. Travellers can also embark on a 13-kilometre trek from Barot to Kothi. Thereafter, head to the Dev Pashakot Temple, located at the base of the hill. Devotees must complete a trek of about 15 minutes to reach the temple. Lastly, visit the Shanan Hydel Project, India’s first hydro project with a 110-megawatt capacity. This project is responsible for Barot Valley’s development and should be on every traveller’s radar.
How to reach:
By air: Kangra-Gaggal Airport is the nearest airport, approximately 114 km away.
By train: The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar Railway Station, approximately 39.1 km away.
Best time to visit: April to June, and November to February
Mashobra
Known as the ‘Quieter Shimla’, Mashobra is an ideal hill station in Himachal that provides the perfect mix of quaint and thrilling. Here, you can indulge in exhilarating outdoor activities like paragliding, rappelling, quad biking, and river rafting. Alternatively, seek the almighty’s blessings at Mahasu Devta Temple and Jakhu Temple. Additionally, visit the Tibetan Shopping Market in Mashobra to purchase the choicest of souvenirs, handmade jewellery, and colourful accessories. If you seek nature’s company, partake in a trek or go birdwatching to admire the beauty of the village. During winter, the village promises snow-kissed meadows for skiing.
How to reach:
By air: Shimla Airport is the nearest airport, approximately 26.8 km away.
By train: The nearest railway station is Shimla Railway Station, approximately 12.1 km away.
Best time to visit: March to May
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Chitkul
Located in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district, Chitkul is a small village filled with spiritual treasures. Begin your journey with Mathi Temple, famous for its ornate walnut woodwork and traditional Kathuni architecture. Constructed on similar lines using walnut wood, the Kagyupa Temple delights with a beautiful idol of Shakyamuni Buddha. We also recommend visiting the Bering Nag Temple, the only Shiv temple in Chitkul, famous for hosting the Phulaich Festival (the festival of flowers) in September. Next, head to the Brelengi Gompa Buddhist Sanctuary. Built-in 1992, the monastery houses a 10-metre-tall statue of Lord Buddha. Another popular site on the Chitku itinerary is the Kamru Fort, known for its striking statue of Lord Buddha at the entrance and a temple of Kamakshi Devi inside. It is customary to wear a Kinnauri cap and Gachhi at the entrance of the fort. Lastly, to soak up some unmatched scenery, head to Sanga Meadows — a destination that effortlessly soothes the body, mind, and soul.
How to reach:
By air: Shimla Airport is the nearest airport, 252.7 km away.
By train: The nearest railway station is Shimla Railway Station, 238 km away.
Best time to visit: March to May
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Kalpa
Nestled on the banks of the Sutlej River, Kalpa is a small town known for its apple orchards and the sacred Kinnaur Kailash Mountain. The Kinnaur Kailash is also a holy pilgrimage site, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. You can also embark on the relatively easy (but very rewarding) hike to Chakka, spanning 3-4 kilometres. Along the way, admire the snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and meadows. When in Kalpa, be sure to visit the Sapni Fort (or Sapni Kothi). In addition to its authentic Himachali architecture replete with intricate wooden carvings, it is a testament to the history and architectural heritage of the region. To learn more about the Kinnauri culture, we recommend visiting the Roghi Village. There, you’ll encounter traditional wooden houses adorned with carvings, terraced fields, and friendly locals. Or, you can also head to the Kothi Village, where visitors can experience rural life, walk through apple orchards, and feast on fresh produce.
How to reach:
By air: Shimla Airport is the nearest airport, 275 km away.
By train: The nearest railway station is Shimla Railway Station, 244 km away.
Best time to visit: April to June, and September to October
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Jalori Pass
Located 73 kilometres from Kullu, Jalori Pass stands tall at 10,800 feet above sea level. Dividing the Sutlej and Beas watersheds, the Jalori Pass stages unmatched sights right in between the two water bodies. While the destination is ideal for ardent trekkers and biking enthusiasts, it has plenty in store for families too. The Sareolsar Lake Trek, a roughly 5 km journey to the resplendent Saphire Lake, can only be reached on foot, making it a unique adventure. Similarly, the Raghupur Fort Trek is family-friendly and promises 3 km of unmatched views of the valley. For seasoned trekkers, we recommend heading to the Shringa Rishi Temple, about 19 km from the base. However, one cannot visit the temple between December and March due to extreme snowfall. Overtake the temple slightly, and you’ll be greeted by Chehni Kothi, a large fortified tower housing a beautiful temple. Lastly, explore the Great Himachal National Park, situated 63 km from the base. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is home to over 30 species of mammals and 300 species of birds.
How to reach:
By air: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali) is the nearest airport, 63 km away.
By train: The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar Railway Station, 135.4 km away.
Best time to visit: Mid-June to mid-October
Thanedar-Kotgarh
Located 82 km from Shimla, the quaint towns of Thanedar and Kotgarh are known for their apple, cherry, and strawberry orchards. To indulge in unparalleled landscapes, head to Stokes Farm for its apple orchards, or Jor Bagh for its enchanting meadows. While the Sutlej View Point is a famous attraction in the region, we recommend clubbing it with the Mahamaya Temple, a beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Tourists can also pay respects at Hatu Temple, Arya Samaj Temple, and St Mary’s Church. In the winter, the meadows of Narkananda are blanketed with thick snow, creating ideal conditions for skiing.
How to reach:
By air: Shimla Airport is the nearest airport, 102.3 km away.
By train: The nearest railway station is Kalka Railway Station, 172.8 km away.
Best time to visit: May to September
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Dharamkot
Nestled in the Dhauladhar range, the village of Dharamkot, just 3 km from McLeodganj, exudes a distinct aura — spiritual and some might say, hippie. Unlike Dharamshala and McLeodganj, which host numerous monasteries and museums, Dharamkot is focused on self-discovery and harmony with nature. The small village can be navigated on foot, for the most part, and has very few motorable roads.
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Over the years, the increase in tourist footfall has elevated the culinary scene in Dharamkot to new heights. The village is dotted with quaint cafes serving Israeli, Italian, Indian, and American cuisines. Here, the locally developed Bhagsu Cake is a must-try. Additionally, the village delights with pottery courses, yoga workshops, meditation sessions, and alternative therapies to promote holistic well-being and joy.
How to reach:
By air: Kangra-Gaggal Airport is the nearest airport, 18 km away.
By train: The nearest railway station is Pathankot Railway Station, 89.7 km away.
Best time to visit: March to May, and October to December
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Sissu
Sissu, also known as Khwaling, is nestled along the right bank of the Chandra River in Lahaul Valley. While most people know Sissu as a gateway to Ladakh, Spiti and Lahaul, this cosy town has a lot to offer on its own. Embark on the Ghepan Ghat Lake Trek, admire the pristine Sissu Lake, and visit the Sissu Waterfall, which descends from a height of 50 metres. We also recommend heading to the Gyephang Temple, dedicated to Lord Ghepa, the presiding deity of Lahaul Valley.
How to reach:
By air: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali) is the nearest airport, 89.3 km away.
By train: The nearest railway station is Chandigarh Railway Station, 318 km away.
Best time to visit: February to June, and September to December
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Naldehra
Located 22.8 km from Shimla, this hill station is home to one of the best golf courses in the country, offering picturesque scenery and lush foliage. Built by Lord Curzon, the Naldehra Golf Course is one of the main attractions in the region. This 18-hole course with 16 greens and 18 tees is also the venue for competitive events like One Club, Naldehra Open, Lucky Double, and Stable Ford, among others. You can also head to Tattapani, 30 km from Naldehra. Here, you can visit the Shiva Caves (as per folklore, these caves grant wishes) or visit the healing hot sulphur springs. Lastly, be sure to visit the Craignano Nature Park. Located at 7,700 feet and spread over 9.6 hectares, this park was originally the summer residence of Italian countess Criagnano.
How to reach:
By air: Shimla Airport is the nearest airport, 39.7 km away.
By train: The nearest railway station is Shimla Railway Station, 25 km away.
Best time to visit: April to June, and November to February
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Nahan
Nahan, also known as the Town of Ponds, promises breathtaking scenery, wildlife, fairs, and temples. Start your journey with the Renuka Lake, the largest lake in Himachal Pradesh, offering boating, a zoo, and an annual fair held every November (the International Renuka Fair is held from November 3-8). Wildlife enthusiasts must add the Renuka Sanctuary to their itineraries. Here, come face-to-face with sambars, leopards, spotted deer, civets, and jungle cats. Another option is the Simbalwada Wildlife Sanctuary, home to various birds and animals like sambars, barking deer, chittal, Gorla red jungle fowl, partridges, and wild boar. Additionally, visit the Suketi Fossil Park, which features life-size models of pre-historic animals. When in Nahan, thrill seekers can embark on the 16-km-long Churdhar Peak trek, which commences from the Nohradhar base nearby. The town is also home to beautiful temples like Trilokpur Temple, Trilokinath Cave Temple, Renuka Temple, and Jagannath Temple.
How to reach:
By air: Chandigarh Airport is the nearest airport, 89 km away.
By train: The nearest railway station is Barara Railway Station, 56.6 km away.
Best time to visit: April to June
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(Main and Feature Image Credit: Roop_Dey/Shutterstock)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Are these offbeat hill stations suitable for family vacations?
Yes, these offbeat hill stations are suitable for family vacations. They offer many fun experiences like hiking, visiting wildlife sanctuaries, savouring local cuisine, snow adventures, and more.
– Is it safe to travel to offbeat hill stations in Himachal Pradesh?
Yes, it is safe to travel to the offbeat hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. However, the precautions may depend on the season of your visit. During extreme winters, be wary of the snow and take appropriate safety measures beforehand. When embarking on complicated treks, make sure you always take a local guide with you.
– Is it necessary to hire a local guide when visiting these offbeat hill stations?
It is recommended to hire a local guide, especially if you plan on trekking and hiking, as the locals understand the geography and temperament of the region better than tourists.
– What should I pack when visiting offbeat hill stations in Himachal Pradesh?
Apart from season-specific clothes (warm and fleecy garments for winters, and breathable linen for summer), we recommend carrying sunscreen, a hat/cap, a first aid box, a torch, a refillable water bottle, a power bank, a multi-plug adapter, and 2-3 copies of photo IDs of all travellers.
Written By
Yashita Vashishth
Writer by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has previously worked at Condé Nast India and Times Internet. When not working, you can catch her binge-reading the latest thriller on the block, re-watching Friends, trying a new recipe or hosting her friends.
