10 Best Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh in 2023

Himachal Pradesh, also known as Dev Bhumi, is believed to be the home of gods and goddesses. The entire state is a haven for all spiritual and thrill seekers. Along with being the home to the largest glacier in Asia, Shigri Glacier in Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh is also visited for its plethora of temples, such as Chintpurni, Naina Devi, Baijnath Temple, et cetera.

The state of Himachal Pradesh can be visited and enjoyed on a tight budget too, which makes it a perfect spot for college students. Public transport and backpacking hostels are readily available in this pocket-friendly destination.

For all the thrill-seekers, Himachal offers a number of adventure sports to get their adrenaline flowing. These include paragliding, zorbing, snow skiing, and trekking.

This blog is dedicated solely to safe, budget-friendly tourist spots all over Himachal Pradesh, along with popular Himachali cuisines. Read on to find the ten best destinations to visit in Himachal Pradesh for your summer vacation in 2023.

Shimla

Shimla is a hill station with a rich colonial history. It is also a popular traveling destination, and visitors usually prefer to take the Kalka-Shimla train route, which is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.

The capital city of Himachal Pradesh, this tourist destination has colonial houses, lakes, snowy mountains, and an ethnic market. It is a great place for adventure seekers and people trying to get some time away from the hustle world.

Best Time to Visit: March to June is very pleasant in Shimla and perfect for outdoor activities. However, it can also be visited in the winter, from October - February. The temperature drops to -2° C

Estimated Budget: INR 8,500

Top Tourist Attractions: Jakhu Temple, Mall Road, The Ridge, Indian Institue of Advanced Study, Kali Bari Temple

Manali

Manali is a city with unparalleled charm and beauty. It has a number of adventure opportunities and the scenic Rohtang Pass and Salong Valley. It is best visited during the winter season and can be reached via bus from Delhi or Chandigarh.

Best Time to Visit: March to June is very pleasant in Manali and perfect for outdoor activities. However, it can also be visited in winter in December - January, for a snowfall experience.

Estimated Budget: INR 6,700

Top Tourist Attractions: Naggar Castle, Krishna Temple, Tripura Sundari Temple, Chanderkhani Pass, The Urusvati Himalayan Research Institute

Kasol

Kasol is a small town situated on the banks of the Parvati River and is also known as the Little Israel of India. It is very popular among backpackers and hippies. Kasol is loaded with snow capped mountains, lush vallies, waterfalls and not so popular trekking routes. There are abundant cafes, pocket friendly stay options and relaxing vibe. Chalal, which is a tiny hamlet, near to Kasol can also be visited. Chalal is famous for its trance and psychedelic parties.

Kasol can be visited through train from Delhi to Joginder Nagar Railway Station. A cab can be hired for Kasol.

Best Time to Visit: March to May is very pleasant in Kasol and perfect for outdoor activities. However, it can also be visited in winter in October - January, for a snowfall experience. Estimated Budget: INR 7,000

Top Tourist Attractions: Chalal Trek Trail, Parvati Valley, Kasol Temple, Kheer Ganga, Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara

Chitkul

Chitkul is a quaint town lying in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is the last village near the Indo-China border. The life in Chitkul is very quite and slow, which makes this tourist attraction desirable. Not a lot of people visit Chitkul, as there is nothing much to see or do in the hamlet. However, if you want some quite time away from the world with green vegetation, apple orchards and walnut gardens then Chitkul is the ideal place to be in.

The only way to reach Chitkul via road is through Shimla or Manali as it is a very offbeat destination.

Best Time to Visit: March through May is very pleasant in Chitkul and perfect for outdoor activities. The winter season is extremely cold and the valley experiences snowfall.

Estimated Budget: INR 7,000

Top Tourist Attractions: Sangla Meadows, Batseri, Akhri Dhaba, Kamru Fort, Tibetan Wood Carving Centre

Dharamshala and McLeodganj

Dharamshala is set against the backdrop of the Dhauladhar range and is covered with coniferous forests. Dharamshala is one of the most scenic and serene stations in India. It is huddled in the Kangra valley and is at an altitude of 1457 m above sea level. The city has a blend of Tibetan and Kangra cultures and is home to honorable Dalai Lama. This hill station is well connected and can be reached via Kangra Airport which is at a distance of 13 km or Pathankot junction which is 86 km away. Visitors can also take a bus from Chandigarh or Delhi to Dharamshala.

McLeodganj is a popular suburb at a distance of 5 km from Dharamshala. It is famous for Dalai Lama temple or Tsuglagkhang temple. It is a haven for trekkers, nature lovers and foodies.

Best Time to Visit: March to June is very pleasant in Dharamshala and McLeodganj and perfect for outdoor activities. The winter season can be enjoyed from October to February.

Estimated Budget: INR 6,500

Top Tourist Attractions: Kalachakra Temple, Triund Trek, Bhagsu Waterfall, Kangra Fort, Dharamshala Cricket Stadium

Dalhousie

Named after Lord Dalhousie, this hill station city is home to the serene Dhauladhar Mountain Range. It is famous for its Victorian architecture, colonial landscape and adventurous activities.

The road from Delhi to Dalhousie is a scenic route and has uninterrupted mountain range views.

Best Time to Visit: March to May is very pleasant in Dalhousie and perfect for outdoor activities. The winter season can be enjoyed from October to February.

Estimated Budget: INR 8,600

Top Tourist Attractions: Ganji Pahari Trek Route, Panchpula Waterfall, Kalatop Wildlife Santuary, Dainkund Peak

Kufri

Kufri is a tiny hill station near Shimla and is famous for trekking and hiking trails. The travelers visit Kufri for its snow covered slopes and enjoy skiing. It is located at a height of 8923 feet and 14.5 km from Shimla. A bus or taxi can be hired to reach Kufri from Shimla.

Best Time to Visit: April to June is very pleasant in Dalhousie and perfect for outdoor activities. The winter season and snowfall can be enjoyed from November to March.

Estimated Budget: INR 7,000

Top Tourist Attractions: Green Valley, Fagu, Nagsons Amusment Park, Rupin Pass

Palampur

Palampur is also known as the tea capital of North India and is famous for its aromatic tea garden and paddy fields. The landscape is picturesque and a famous town feature.

Travelers can reach Palampur via bus from Dharamshala, Kangra, Kullu or Shimla.

Best Time to Visit: Palampur can be visited all year round.

Estimated Budget: INR 7,000

Top Tourist Attractions: Palampur Tea Garden, Neugal Khad Bridge, Birni Devi Temple, Tashi Jong Khampagar Monastery

Sirmaur

Sirmaur is a very beautiful city in Himachal Pradesh, mainly due to its natural beauty and is one of the best place to explore in the state. The beautiful nature trail leaves you speechless and with a calm feeling inside of you. The cultural and local beliefs are centered around Lord Shiva and the Renuka Fair held in the city attracts a number of visitors. Visitors can visit Sirmaur via road from Chandigarh, Dehradun, Delhi, Shimla and Solan.

Best Time to Visit: Sirmaur can be visited all year round.

Estimated Budget: INR 5,000

Top Tourist Attractions: Gurudwara Paonta Sahib, Renuka Lake, Renuka Fair, Churdhar Peak, Maa Bhangayani Temple

Kasauli

Kasauli is brimming with colonial charm, and is the tourist magnet in the Solan district in Himachal Pradesh. It was established in 1842 and lies between Kalka and Shimla.

You can take a bus from Shimla or Chandigarh.

Best Time to Visit: Kasauli can be visited between April to June and from September to November.

Estimated Budget: INR 8,000

Top Tourist Attractions: Gilbert Trail, Christ Church, Timber Trail Resort, Kasauli Club

This is not an exhaustive list of places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. There are many other not so popular destinations in Himachal Pradesh which are worth visiting and will become your favorite in a single trip.

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