5 Best Things to Do in Himachal Pradesh
A souvenir from the western Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful state distinguished by great landscapes, peaceful environments, and a vibrant culture. The northern Indian state offers quite a lot of experiences, from extreme adventures to quiet refuges, and it has something to offer to all. Whether an adrenaline junkie looking for quiet ones, Himachal Pradesh has something unique to offer in each of the five best things to do there.
1. High in the Majestic Mountains: Manali to Leh
It is indeed the State of Himachal Pradesh that constitutes a trekker's heaven, and Manali to Leh happens to be one of the most fabled routes in the country. Taking about 500 kilometres, it's from the lush greens of Manali to the stark landscapes of Leh, this high-altitude trek couples adventure with the very reasons for the visit - natural beauty.
Highlights:
Astonishing Landscapes: Variety in landscapes. You'll cross the valleys, mountain passes, and barren landscapes. Almost every part of the trek has a different and breathtaking view of the landscapes, whether some wonderful lush meadows at Rohtang Pass or an arid expanse at Tanglang La Pass.
Adventure and Challenge: This trek is not for the faint of heart. It is a challenging journey that requires you to have excellent physical fitness and be able to acclimatise well at high elevations. Your trek crosses multiple high passes, starting from the world-famous Rohtang Pass (3,978 metres), right through to the notorious Baralacha La (4,890 metres)- all of that strolling that will test your stamina and resolution.
Here, you can mingle with the local villagers who are residing in some of the most remote villages anywhere in India. These encounters give you insights into the traditional way of life and the customs of the Himalayan tribes, therefore giving a cultural perspective to your adventure.
The Manali to Leh trek will be one of the most memorable experiences for you, and those who take it will have a combination of the toughest trekking and picturesque views of the Himalayas. You will thus be prepared physically and mentally before taking this fantastic experience.
2. Enjoy the Scenic Beauty at Shimla
Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and a beautiful hill station that strikes the perfect balance between colonial history, natural beauty, and glittering urban life. Shimla lies at a height of 2,200 metres and has a cool climate and a picture frame that changes every season.
Points to Focus:
Mall Road: This is the hub of social life of Shimla. Shops, cafes, and restaurants line it up and provide a great place for a relaxed walk along the place. One could shop in local handicrafts, taste some of the Himachali cuisine, or just go and enjoy the lively feel at this place.
Christ Church: Christ Church on Mall Road is among the oldest churches in North India. Completed in 1857, neo-Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows render this church a must-see. The peaceful retreat amidst the hustle-bustle streets and a glance at Shimla's colonial past can be availed from this church.
Dedicated to the Hindu monkey god, Hanuman, this ancient temple sits atop Jakhoo Hill. Enjoy breathtaking Shimla views and surrounding hills as seen from this temple. Climbing to reach the temple is very steep but very rewarding, considering the overall view and ambiance of the place.
Kufri: Kufri is about 16 kilometres from Shimla, it is a small hill station. It enjoys the gift of nature in all ways and adventure activities make it a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding on winter days. In summer, one can take horse rides and visit Himalayan Nature Park.
Shimla represents a perfect blend of historic glamour, breathtaking natural beauty, and contemporary comforts that together make for a holiday perfectly balanced with leisure and fun.
3. Recharge and Refresh in Dharamshala
Dharamshala, a quiet town in the Himalayas, is where one finds solitude and where the Tibetan government-in-exile and their spiritual leader Dalai Lama reside.
Here, religion merges with nature to offer an experience that is quite unusual.
Highlights:
McLeod Ganj: McLeod Ganj is generally regarded as the upper town of Dharamshala. It is India's largest Tibetan cultural centre and a place of great importance for Buddhism. It is where the Dalai Lama lives, in a complex called Tsuglagkhang, which makes it extremely popular. This complex contains the Namgyal Monastery which welcomes visitors and enlightens its visitors about Tibetan Buddhism.
Triund Trek: One of the most popular treks from McLeodGanj, it's nearly short and is known to provide tremendous views of the Dhauladhar range and Kangra Valley. The trek is beginner-friendly and offers a very rewarding experience with panoramic views of snow-capped mountains.
Meditation and Yoga Retreats: Dharamshala is also known for meditation and yoga retreats. Many centres offer classes and workshops to newcomers as well as those who practise more. At such a retreat, you would be able to recharge your mind and body in the most serene environment around.
Bhagsu Waterfall: This is about 2 km from McLeod Ganj. Bhagsu Waterfall is a very beautiful place to gain solace. The waterfall drops down from a height of approximately 20 metres, and one can have a very good picnic in the vicinity or go for an easy trek.
Dharamshala can be a perfect destination for those looking for peaceful surroundings to find themselves and lose themselves in the positive vibes of nature.
4. Living Experiences of the Colourful Culture of Kullu
It lies in Kullu Valley, a valley that claims traditional wealth and splendour in its scenery. The valley is known as the "Valley of Gods" because of its temples and festivals.
The actual colourful gaiety of Kullu is for two weeks in October, for the Dussehra festival is famous for its grand festive processions, folk dances, and cultural shows. It is a good time to catch glimpses of the local customs and festive gaiety of Kullu.
Great Himalayan National Park: This is a haven for nature lovers and animals. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will see more diversity in flora and fauna that exist in the Himalayas. You might even catch a glimpse of the snow leopard and the Himalayan tahr. Trekking trails and many camping options are there for people to pass their time in the trees.
Raghunath Temple: One of the older temples here is devoted to Lord Rama, which is the pilgrimage centre in Kullu. Built structure and landscape forms give beauty to its charm. It is a quiet place to experience local spirituality.
Shawl Weaving of Kullu- Being a native product, Kullu shawls have been popular because of traditional hand weavings conducted on local wool. A tourist can see them as they are being prepared at local weaving centres and then buy them as souvenirs while going back home.
Natural beauty along with a rich cultural background make Kullu one of the favoured tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh.
5. Stop-over at Spiti Valley
Spiti Valley is known as the "Little Tibet" to the locals. One of the desert valleys, it hosts a harrowing landscape with ancient monasteries and unique cultural heritage. It stands among the most isolated places in Himachal Pradesh. That guarantees an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Key Monastery: This is one of the major monasteries located right on top of a hill, with an extremely stunning view of mountains encircling all its sides. The major centre of Tibetan Buddhism, this monastery holds some significant collections of murals and religious artefacts, including ancient manuscripts.
Hikkim Village: Hikkim is probably one of the most reclusive inhabited villages in the world, situated nearly 4,400 metres. One gets to see the remoteness of the village and the hardy lifestyles of the village folk. It gives one the experience of life in one of the most remote communities in the Himalayas.
Chandratal Lake: It is one of the finest scenic spots Spiti Valley has to offer. This crescent-shaped lake is at a height of 4300 metres. The lake is coloured a stunning blue-a startling contrast against the general barren landscape that surrounds it all, and this is guarded by great snow-capped peaks. It is best for camping and stargazing and promises a peaceful sojourn out of the world.
Tabo Monastery: Probably one of the oldest and the most important monasteries in the Spiti Valley, dating back to 996 AD, Tabo Monastery houses some of the finest mural paintings and frescoes from the rich blend of Tibetan Buddhist art.
The destination is of special interest to adventurous travellers as well as those who are interested in a deeper connection with the Himalayas, because of the unique landscapes and cultural heritage of Spiti Valley.
Conclusion
Himachal Pradesh has everything from diverse landscapes to rich cultural heritage, which makes it pleasing to travellers with different kinds of experiences. Be it the challenging manali treks to Leh or be it soothing retreats of Dharamshala, or be it celebrating vibrant festivals of Kullu, each destination gives a different way of discovering its beauty and heritage in this Himalayan state. From adventure to relaxation or cultural immersions, top attractions in Himachal Pradesh will indeed be of immense value in delivering an unforgettable experience and in-depth appreciation of the varied wonders that the Himalayas hold.
Also Read:- Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh
