With traveling gaining momentum in this day and age, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to find places that aren’t crawling with tourists. This is especially the case with popular tourist spots in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. In Himachal, the Atal tunnel has been a major contributor to the increase in tourist footfall. If you want to visit the magnificent state of Himachal Pradesh but are intimidated by the Mall Road madness of Manali, here are six best offbeat spots in Himachal that you cannot miss!
Best Offbeat Spots In Himachal Pradesh
1. Barot Valley, Mandi
Why Visit: Ideal for people who love to spend time with themselves, it is tucked far away enough from the main highways to avoid getting overcrowded. Barot Valley is known for being the perfect fishing spot; so, if you’re an angler, make sure you spend some time here by the river, fishing for trout.
What Not To Miss: Camping by the Uhl River and trekking to Rajgundha Valley.
2. Sainj Valey, GHNP
Why Visit: The Sainj Valley is a part of the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), which is a UNESCO site. The valley houses a breathtaking wooden-carved temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Surrounded by dense forest, this is the best spot for getting in touch with your spiritual self. Plus, this is also a good spot for workations since an increasing number of homestays are offering high-speed internet access.
What Not To Miss: Walking the meadow in Shangarh and reminding yourself that this isn’t Switzerland.
3. Shoja And Jibhi, Tirthan Valley
Why Visit: If your idea of a secluded, peaceful vacation spot is a wooden cottage surrounded by dense forest and waterfalls, Tirthan Valley is where you need to head. Jibhi has been gaining popularity steadily, but Shoja is still very quiet and calm. If you want to experience the river in private, head to Gushaini, but if you want to feel the warmth of hot springs, head to Vashisht.
What Not To Miss: Trekking to Serolsar Lake through dense oak forests.
4. Kalpa And Chitkul, Kinnaur
Why Visit: If rugged terrains excite you, Chitkul is known as the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibet border. But! Remember to exercise caution. One of the reasons why this place is saved from the weekend crowds is that the roads are quite challenging to scale.
What Not To Miss: Wake up to the sunrise over the Kinner Kailash range in Kalpa.
5. Sethan Valley, Sethan
Why Visit: If you’re hesitant to venture too far away from the well-trodden path, Sethan Valley is for you. Located just 15 km above Manali, this is a village with restricted entry. This is the closest you’ll come to experiencing being alone on the planet. Note that visitors need a special permit to visit this place, so make sure you get it in advance.
What Not To Miss: If you’re going there in the summer, stargazing and bouldering are unmissable activities. If you’re going in the winter, staying in real-life igloos is absolutely must-do!
6. Narkanda, Kumarsain
Why Visit: Just two hours away from Shimla, this village will make you feel like you’ve stepped back 20 years in time. Untouched by commercialization, this haven is surrounded by apple orchards, dense cedar forests, and the calm serenity that comes with being amid nature.
What Not To Miss: A panoramic Himalayan view from the Hatu Peak.
Summing Up
Himachal Pradesh is quite the tourist hotspot, and avoiding the crowds can be a hassle. However, these spots are still relatively unspoiled by a large number of tourists. So, if you want the serenity of the mountains without the chaos of the crowds, head to any (or all) of these places and enjoy solitude in the lap of Mother Nature!
FAQs
Is It Safe To Travel To Himachal Pradesh During Monsoons?
No, sticking to the May-June window is better and safer.
Do I Need To Get Any Special Permits?
Only if you plan to visit any special areas like Sethan or certain parts of Spiti or Kinnaur.
Which Offbeat Spot On This List Is Most Suitable For Family Trips?
Tirthan Valley. The terrain is gentle, and the river activities are kid-friendly.
