Himachal Pradesh is like a nature’s gift that keeps giving eternally! Though many of its quaint towns, villages, valleys, and settlements are well-known, there are many more that still lie largely unexplored. Which is why, in this article, we’re covering some of the best hidden places in Himachal Pradesh. These are offbeat places, some largely unexplored or underrated. So without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 10 hidden beautiful places in Himachal Pradesh.
10 Best Hidden Places In Himachal Pradesh (In No Particular Order)
1. Miyar Valley
Sandwiched between the scenic and dramatic Zanskar and Pir Panjal ranges, Miyar Valley can easily qualify as a contender for the ‘heaven on Earth’ title. Among trekkers, it is known as the ‘Yosemite of the Himalayas’.
The valley is characterized by lush-green meadows, granite cliffs, and glacier-fed streams that create some of the most breathtaking landscapes. With a length of about 75 km, it has small, sparsely populated villages, and is considered to be accessible for fit beginners.
Elevation: Roughly 8,500 feet above sea level.
Best time to visit: Mid-June to September/October
2. Kotkhai
When looking for the best hidden places in Himachal Pradesh, you cannot ignore the underappreciated beauty of Kotkhai. The Kotkhai-Kotgarh apple belt is known for its secluded villages and valleys, all covered with luscious apple orchards. Once a princely state in British India, it lies as a silent testament to the region’s unparalleled beauty and fascinating history.
In Kotkhai, homestay options are not fancy and are extremely limited, so plan in advance. However, it is perfect for a peaceful time in the Himalayas with your friends or family. Explore the Kotkhai Palace, visit Garawog, stroll through apple orchards, and go on local nature trails.
Elevation: Roughly 6,170 feet above sea level.
Best time to visit: March to September
3. Sainj Valley
Sainj Valley’s rugged landscape may make you question your hiking abilities, but it’s definitely worth a visit. It is a part of the Great Himalayan National Park and is perfect for trekkers looking for a peaceful trek.
The valley is home to the Neuli Village which is a gateway to several trekking routes in this region. It is also home to the Shilt Hut, a famous base camp in the higher reaches of the Sainj Valley. It is another peaceful spot, best known for its Shilt Hut trek.
Elevation: Sitting at roughly 6,900 feet above sea level.
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November
4. Pabbar Valley
How can a listicle about the 10 hidden places in Himachal Pradesh be complete without mentioning Pabbar Valley?
Dotted with deodar and oak trees and apple orchards, the valley opens up views of Himachal Pradesh you wouldn’t see anywhere else.
Rohru is a major town here, best known for its trout fishing and apple orchards. Buran Ghati Pass is also quite famous, offering nerve-wracking adventures in the high reaches of Pabbar.
You can explore other gems in the Pabbar Valley from Rohru as buses are available to remote villages like Dodra and Kwar via the Chanshal Pass.
Elevation: Starting at roughly 8,200 feet above sea level.
Best time to visit: March to June.
5. Churah Valley
While Dalhousie is a pretty popular destination in Himachal Pradesh, Churah Valley, just 88 km away from the hill station, is criminally underrated!
The valley has terraced fields, pristine forests and meadows, cascading waterfalls, ancient temples, glacial lakes, and the mighty Ravi River.
Churah Valley is home to the historic town of Bharmour, best known for its Chaurasi Temple Complex, a complex of 84 shrines!
It is also home to the village of Holi – not the ‘festival’ but an actual name!
Chamera Lake, Gandasru Mahadev lake and temple, and Devi Kothi temple are other attractions you must visit in this scenic valley.
Elevation: Starting at roughly 6,000 feet above sea level.
Best time to visit: March to September.
6. Banjar Valley
Banjar Valley’s panoramic sceneries might transport you to the sets of classic Yash Chopra films like Chandni, but no film ever can capture the sheer beauty of this place.
With its sparsely populated hamlets, villages, and lush, dense forests that lie between them, Banjar Valley makes for a great trekking destination.
Visit Jibhi, best known for its wooden cottages, cascading waterfalls, and access to Jalori Pass and Serolsar Lake treks. Or you can explore the quaint villages of Sarchi and Chehni. Definitely one of the best hidden places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
Elevation: Starting at roughly 4,700 feet above sea level.
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November.
7. Daranghati
Daranghati or Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary is a former hunting ground best known for its rare pheasant birds and diverse Himalayan wildlife.
It is located in the Dhauladhar range and offers spectacular, uninterrupted views of the Himalayas. The main attraction of Daranghati is the ability to spot diverse and sometimes rare wildlife.
Travelers can also get picturesque views of the Paap and Punya Mountains. Additionally, many trekkers visit the Shari Koti Mata Temple which is accessible via a hike from the Daranghati Pass. If you’re interested in rare Himalayan wildlife, you must definitely visit this place!
Elevation: Starting at roughly 5,620 feet above sea level.
Best time to visit: April to June and September to November.
8. Kalpa
While Kalpa is more popular than some places on the list of the best ‘hidden places in Himachal Pradesh’, it remains quite underrated.
Situated in the Kinnaur district, it offers breathtaking views of the Kinnaur-Kailash range. With abundant apple orchards dotting the lush green landscape, the village feels like it has just popped out of a whimsical fairy tale!
If you’re visiting Kalpa, make sure to visit nearby villages like Roghi (known for its ‘suicide point’) and monasteries and temples like the Hu-Ba-Lan-Kar monastery and Narayan-Nagini Temple. Also, interact with the locals to get acquainted with the Kinnauri culture, handicrafts, and their way of life.
Elevation: Starting at roughly 9,000 feet above sea level.
Best time to visit: April to June and September to October.
9. Chindi
Situated along the Shimla-Mandi highway (via Tattapani), Chindi is an offbeat gem of the Karsog Valley. It is known for its sacred temples among locals, such as the Mamleshwar Mahadev Temple, Pangna Killa Temple, and Kamakshya Mata Temple.
With thick pine forests and sprawling apple orchards, Chindi offers a relaxed atmosphere to unwind, relax, and soak in the local life. And when you’re up for some adventure, you can set out on local nature trails or small hikes, such as the one to the Shikari Devi Temple.
Elevation: Starting at roughly 6,000 feet above sea level.
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November.
10. Malana
The last underrated place on our list of the ‘must-visit hidden places in Himachal Pradesh’ might make you awestruck with its way of life. Malana, nestled in the Malana Nala valley, is known for its own lifestyle and social structure.
People of Malana follow a strict social structure that emphasizes the maintenance of ‘purity’. Outsiders are prohibited from touching anything in the village, including its temples and people.
In fact, they even exchange money by keeping it on the ground to avoid ‘impurity’ by touch. The people of Malana also believe that they are the direct descendants of Alexander the Great. With such an intriguing lifestyle and unsolved mysteries, visitors visiting the village must be extra cautious of their behavior!
Elevation: Starting at roughly 8,700 feet above sea level.
Best time to visit: April to June and September to November.
You May Like Also: Best Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh
Summing Up
There are plenty of unexplored places in Himachal that deserve your attention – and we’ve mentioned a few of them in this article.
From Kalpa and Banjar Valley to Sainj Valley and Kotkhai, Himachal Pradesh has a trove of hidden gems that are waiting to be explored.
So what are you waiting for?
