Shimla is the state Capital, and Kullu- Manali is the most famous destination visited by tourists in Himachal Pradesh. When a person talks about Himachal Pradesh, all they can think of is Shimla and Kullu-Manali, but the state of Himachal Pradesh is beyond these tourist destinations. There lie small villages and districts that are more scenic and beautiful in nature with an enriched culture worth the visit.
1. Kasol
Kasol is a small place in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, which offers beautiful scenic beauty and is a hotspot for bag packers, trekkers, and nature lovers. It’s home to the deep-rooted local culture of pot and hippie hues. It’s famous for the pretty pictures of coniferous forests and crystal clear mountain streams. Kasol is also called Mini Israel as it has maximum Israeli tourists and offers varieties of Israeli food. The castle flea market offers a wide range of precious stones and authentic wear. Winter wear is shallow in price in these markets. In about 6km lies the Gurudwara Sahib Manikaran. A dip in the hot springs situated near the Gurudwara is a must. Kasol is must visit if you plan a trip to Himachal Pradesh.
Must thing to do in Kasol:
- Kheerganga Trek
- Parvati Shangri-la Festival
- Naggar for fishing
- Sar Pass Trek
- Taste the Rice Beer
2. Spiti Valley
Renowned as ‘Little Tibet or the ‘Cold Desert Mountain Valley, ’ Spiti Valley is Paradise on Earth. It is famous for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage, including spectacular Murals, ancient temples, and several Stupas. The Valley offers a variety of adventures and things to do, including River Rafting, Various Treks, fossil hunting, Safari, star gazing, camping, etc. there are different monasteries to visit for Spiritual and Historical experiences.
Monastery to Visit in Spiti Valley:
- Key Monastery
- Tabo Monastery
- Lhalung Monastery
- Gondola Monastery
- Chadratal
3. Kufri
This place is a tiny hill station situated in the district of Shimla and is known for its trekking and hiking trails. The best time to visit Kufri is in the summer, between April and June. People who want to try adventure sports like skiing and tobogganing can see during December-January when the slope and mountains and covered in snow.
Things to do in Kufri:
- Encountering wildlife
- Skiing
- Tobogganing
- Horse riding
- Visit Himalayan National Park
- Yak Rides
- Visit Mahasu Pak
4. Dharamshala
Dharamshala is a small city in the district of Kangra. Dharamshala is blessed with the same scenic beauty as any other town or village in Himachal Pradesh, but what sets this City Different is the Rich Tibetan Culture and strong character it holds as it is home to the Dali Lama and all Tibetans in exile.
Places to Visit in Dharamshala:
- Mcleodganj
- Namgyal Monastery
- Bhagsunag Falls
- The Tibet museum
- Dal lake
- St. Jhon’s Church
5. Dalhousie
Famous for its pleasant climate and scenic beauty, named after Lord Dalhousie, it is home to the pristine and serene Dhauladhar Mountain Range. It’s also famous for its wooden artifacts. For someone who loves wooden artifacts, Dalhousie is a must place to visit when in Himachal Pradesh. The best time to visit Dalhousie is between March and June, when the hill station is bathed by the warmth of the summer sun. River Rafting and River Crossing are must activities to do in this town.
Places to visit in Dalhousie:
- Khajjar
- Satdhara Waterfall
- Panchpula
- Kalatop khajjair Sanctuary
- Dainkund Peak
Conclusion
The most visited tourist place in the summers is the state of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Kashmir, and Uttrakhand. When a person decides to visit Himachal Pradesh, it is understood that Shimla and Manali would top their list of places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Still, the beauty of Himachal Pradesh as a state doesn’t just lie in these towns or cities. But it is beyond it. Shimla and Manali are famous tourist places and, at the same time, are crowded as well. The small villages and towns offer the same experience, but a more authentic vibe and cultural diversity are seen in these places.
Shimla, Manali, and Kullu are the top places visited during the summer season. Still, the places mentioned above are must-visit places if one genuinely wants to enjoy scenic beauty, activities, and authentic culture.
