Himachal is the heart and soul of India which is also lauded as one of the best tourist destinations. It’s a place that will never fail to amaze you with its breathtaking landscapes, exotic scenic views, warm hospitality, and authentic culture & traditions. However, being such a famous destination, Himachal mostly remains quite crowded all throughout the year. But if you don’t want to deal with the heavy crowd and looking for some secluded place to spend some peaceful time, then this blog is for you. Here we list down the best 10 offbeat locations that you can visit in Himachal Pradesh.

10 Lesser-Known Places to Explore in Himachal Pradesh

Check out the following places in Himachal Pradesh and choose one for your next vacation trip:

1. Barot 

Barot is a small village situated in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. You won’t find much crowd here apart from avid trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. Herein, you can also take a trolley ride known as the Tramway ride from Joginder Nagar to enjoy some peaceful, charming views. More so, Barot is also the gateway to Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary where you can spot ghoral, monals, black bears, etc. And if you are up for some adventure, there are numerous trekking trails to hike upon.

Best time to visit: November to June
Nearby attractions: Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary, Barot Temple, Uhl River

2. Chindi

Located 92 km away from the main Shimla city, Chindi is a quaint, wonderful hill town in Himachal. The town is majorly covered with apple orchards and spreads of thick forests. But it is best known for its rugs and handicrafts that are authentically made by the locals. More so, despite being a small town, Chindi is still well-equipped with all the basic facilities including roads, accommodation, restaurants, hospitals, etc., so you won’t have a hard time struggling with things during your visit.

Best time to visit: November to June
Nearby attractions: Bhima Rock, Churag temple, Mamleshwara Mahadev, Mahu Nag, Kamakshya

3. Chitkul

Chitkul is the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border and also the last place you can travel to in India, without a Visa. It is situated in the Sangla Valley, flanked by the Baspa River and the majestic Himalayan mountains. The snow-covered hills, apple orchards, and widespread mustard fields is what attract tourists to Chitkul. 

Best time to visit: March to June & September to October
Nearby attractions: Charang Chitkul Pass, Mathi Temple, Lalan Ti

4. Tirthan Valley 

If you are looking for a place in the lap of nature, away from all the hustle and bustle, then add Tirthan Valley to your travel list. Here is where you can witness nature in its purest form. Tirthan Valley is situated just next to the Tirthan River, surrounded by the Great Himalayan National Park which makes for the perfect backdrop for your pictures. 

Best time to visit: March to June
Nearby attractions: Trekking trails, waterfalls, Serloskar Lake

5. Fagu

Fagu is a small district in Shimla, situated at a whooping height of 2500 meters. Hereupon, you can literally enjoy the most amazing views especially when it snows and the mountain tops are all covered in white. Fagu is the perfect place for anyone who just wants to spend a quiet time admiring nature and its wonders. 

Best time to visit: October to April
Nearby attractions: Bhantia Devta Temple, The Retreat Building 

6. Kaza

Kaza is the largest township and commercial center in the Spiti Valley. Located at an altitude of about 3,800 meters above sea level in the Lahaul and Spiti district, Kaza is where you can witness stunning landscapes, and ancient monasteries like Kai Monastery, Sakya Kaza Monastery, and the Dhankar Monastery. Everything, literally everything about Kaza is truly worth admiring.

Best time to visit: May to October
Nearby attractions: Main Market Kaza, Kibber Village

7. Malana

Malana is one of a kind place with exotic landscapes and serene beauty. It is a place that has its own set of administrative laws (which very much depict the Greek management system, culture, and social context) set up in place.  According to some legends, it is said that the individuals residing here are descendants of Alexander the Great who belong to the Aryan tribe. They have their own little world where they consider any foreigner as untouchables. However, if handled and talked to a bit carefully, they actually like to gel up and get themselves clicked. 

Best time to visit: May to August
Nearby attractions: Rasol Pass, Jamula Devta Temple, Chalal Trekking Trail

8. Shoja

Sitting quite amidst the wilderness of the Seraj Valley, this quaint village is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Also, if you are someone who always chases beautiful sunsets, then Shoja is a must-visit place in Himachal. Herein, you can go to Serlosker Lake to enjoy an amazing sunset tour while having a view of the waterfalls and majestic mountains.

Best time to visit: April to June
Nearby attractions: Raghupur Fort, Chehni Kothi

9. Gushaini

If you are someone who loves fishing then you’d love Gushaini more than anyone else. Reason? Gushaini is also known as Trout Country because of the bounty of trout found here. Besides, while you are here, you can also check out the National Fantastic Himalayan Park which lies just 20 kilometers from the main Gushaini town. You can explore the park by hiking through the natural cedar groves and witnessing around 30 animal species and 300 bird species altogether. Trust us when we say this, Gushaini is truly bliss for all nature lovers. 

Best time to visit: April to September
Nearby attractions: Great Himalayan National Park, Shringa Rishi Temple

Also Read : Top Hostels in Himachal Pradesh 2024 : A Guide for Budget Travelers

10. Kalpa

Located in the Satluj River Valley, Kalpa is a quaint village dotted with a number of monasteries and temples. From hereupon, you can get a clear view of the Kinnaur-Kailash range which is believed to be the winter home of Lord Shiva. With a calm, pleasing climate, wide-spread apple orchards, and scenic views of the Kinnaur Kailash range at the backdrop, Kalpa is the perfect location to spend some quiet time, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. 

Best time to visit: April to June & September to October
Nearby attractions: Kinnaur Kailash range, Hu-Ban-Lan-Kar monastery, apple orchards, Kamru Fort

These were all our favorite picks from Himachal Pradesh. We hope this blog helps you shortlist a place for your next travel. Let us know about your experience if you get to explore any of the places listed above. Happy Journey, folks!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :

Q. Which part of Himachal is most beautiful?

A. Spiti Valley is one of the most beautiful parts of Himachal Pradesh, famous for its sheer beauty.

Q. Which is the No. 1 tourist place in Himachal Pradesh?

A. Shimla, Dharamshala, and Manali are some of the most famous destinations of Himachal Pradesh. 

Q. What is unique in Himachal Pradesh?
A. Himachal Pradesh is also known as the Apple Capital of India as it is the major producer of various varieties of apples including Royal Delicious, Himachali Red Delicious, and more. 

Q. Which is the most beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh?

A. McLeodganj, Kasauli, Kufri, Bir Billing, and Manali are some of the most beautiful hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. 

Q. Which is the safest city in Himachal Pradesh?

A. Dharamshala is considered the safest city in Himachal Pradesh. 

Q. Which place in Himachal Pradesh is known as the Mini Switzerland of India?

A. Khajjar in Himachal Pradesh is known as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’. 

Q. Which is the most beautiful village in Himachal Pradesh?

A. Kalpa, known for its captivating natural beauty, is one of the most beautiful villages in Himachal Pradesh. 

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