10

Snowfall Places in Himachal

Nestled in the mighty Himalayas, Manali has an abundance of spectacular valleys filled with forests of oak, fir, deodar and pine. It is a full package of nature, food, adventure sports and ancient heritages. Splashing river Beas flows proudly amidst the valley. A lot of gushing waterfalls like Jogni falls and Rahala fall flush out of haphazardly placed rocks. You can also catch sights of sprawling meadows, terraced farming and fruit orchards. All these sights adds up to making the town look breathtakingly beautiful. 

Manali also shares a piece of history, giving it ancient heritages which has splendid architecture and stunning views. Religious devotees come here to pay their tribute to the temples like Hadimba, Manu and Shiv temple. Whereas history lovers go to old forts like Naggar and Kuthar. These places have remarkable architecture against the backdrop of mountains which is worth a visit. 

Having said enough about the terrains of Manali, it is a hub for adventure sports. The location gives a wide range of adventurous activities like paragliding, camping, trekking and river rafting to feed the adrenaline hunger of the adventure seekers. It also has rustic villages and backcountries, which calls for the hippie experiences. Places like Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass are often visited by these junkies. Backpackers love to visit here to get the plateful meal of thrill, nature, wildlife and tranquillity. 

All this grace makes up Manali for a romantic honeymoon with a subtle blend of adventure. Newly wedded couples choose this place to begin the new life of their love amidst the fresh meadows and white streams of water. Striding around the mall road at night is also a very pleasing option where they together can try on distinct local cuisines. However, the regional cuisines are majorly influenced by Punjabi and Tibetan tadka, but that ends up making it tastier. Mall road also leaves options for buying unique stuff like singing bowl, woollen clothing, Dorje, prayer wheels and other souvenirs. These lit roads at night and gleaming valleys in the morning give picture-perfect backdrops for their honeymoon photos. Even photography enthusiasts can capture these frames along with flora and fauna of the city.

Manali is no less than a box full of an array of sweets. You can dig in it and collect as many gems as you want. And by gems, it means ‘memories’. Wait no longer and pack all that you need for a fun-filled trip. Grab your laptop to book your tickets and head off to this lovely place to have some experiences to cherish throughout your life.

Among the most popular hill stations in India, Shimla holds a distinct place owing to its unique charm. Located at a distance of 342 km from the national capital, Delhi, Shimla is a great choice for a weekend getaway from Delhi and Chandigarh since there are so many places to visit in Shimla. Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, and all it possesses and all it offers helps it easily justify its reputation and position as the capital city of a beautiful state, widely known for adventure activities and natural wonders. Laden with beautiful, dense forests of Pine, Oak, and Deodar, Shimla is refreshing in its very existence. 

The picturesqueness of this beautiful hill station makes it an apt destination for photographers looking for perfect frames and nature enthusiasts who want explore the nature in its pristine form. It is quite interesting that despite being home to a large population, the biosphere of Shimla is still in an excellent form. Shimla exhibits a very relaxing mood to those who visit it in search of tranquility.

Due to the plenty of activity options available here, Shimla is emerging as a popular destination for offbeat travel as well. People from all over India and beyond visit Shimla to experience an adventure which makes it a major hotspot for adventure activities in northern India. It is also home to some beautiful places with spectacular views, and some truly magnificent specimens of architecture can be found in Shimla.

Shimla houses some beautiful Hindu temples, located at apt locations, offering spectacular views of the beautiful hill station and the nearby hills with a thick covering of green forests. Some of the most revered temples in Shimla are Jakhoo Temple, Tara Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, etc. These temples are located at short distances from the city center, so if you prefer, you can trek up to these temples through the woods. Shimla has a plethora of interesting places to visit and explore. As Shimla once served as the Summer Capital of British India, some captivating buildings with brilliant neo-Gothic architecture exist here.

Some of the most remarkable ones among those are the Institute of Advance Learning, Gorton Castle, Bantony Castle, and Christ Church. You can spend an evening shopping from the Mall Road and enjoying some interesting cultural activities on the Ridge. Splendid views of the city can be enjoyed and captured in your camera from the Ridge after sunset. Shimla also has also some interesting places in store for wildlife lovers. Himalayan Bird Park is a delight for wildlife lovers, exhibiting some exotic and native unique bird species. Another great option for nature lovers and photographers in Shimla is Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary.

Shimla is not the kind of place that would ever let you feel bored while you are there since there are many interesting things to do in Shimla. Small things feel extraordinary in its beautiful setting. Be it a lazy walk on the Mall Road or shopping low-cost wooden articles and woolen clothes from Lakkar Bazar; be it picking one of the many restaurants serving toothsome food or trying pastries at bakery shops on the Mall Road, everything has a ‘feel good’ factor about it here. Moreover, the popularity of Shimla as a travel destination for an offbeat experience is on the rise. Earlier, Shimla was more popular among people travelling with families as a summer getaway, but with the popularisation of adventure activities, it is earning a reputation among adventure lovers.

Due to its proximity from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh, people from these cities prefer to travel to Shimla to indulge into adventure activities over travelling to destinations farther than it. Among the most popular activities in Shimla are camping, trekking, ice skating, paragliding, river rafting and heli skiing. If you want to experience light and easy activities in Shimla, there are some nice easy trek options here that take you to amazing spots through lush green Pine and Oak forests. And, if you crave thrill, Shimla is surrounded by some prominent Himalayan mountain ranges which is the reason why there are some breathtaking trails for trekking in and around Shimla. You can also experience the unique fun of ice skating here. Mountain biking can also be enjoyed in Shimla if you are up for something different.

Being the capital city of Himachal, there are abundant stay options in Shimla. You can find a good accommodation at a ridiculously low price and you can also find luxury hotels and resorts at scenic locations. Furthermore, there are some excellent campsites in Shimla where you can enjoy camping in the woods under a beautiful starlit sky. So, it does not matter whether you are a budget traveller or you prefer extravaganza; if you want to just relax in a comfortable accommodation laced with all modern amenities or you want an outdoor camping experience, Shimla has the most appropriate options to offer.

Shimla looks beautiful during all the seasons and can be visited during any time of the year. However, if you are interested in indulging in activities like camping, trekking and rafting in Shimla, the best time to visit is between March to June when the climate is pleasant. Most tourists visit Shimla during summer to find refuge in the cold hills of Shimla. But, visiting Shimla during winters is altogether a different experience. It is an ideal destination to spend a cold, lazy vacation at. If you get lucky, you may get to witness snowfall here between December to February, which is an experience, the memories of which you will always want to keep intact.

Kullu is a resort town in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, located on the banks of Beas River. It is the capital town of Kullu district. It is a town through which the famous Beas River flows. It is home to the most beautiful landscapes like the very famous Rohtang Pass, Beas Kund, and Chandrataal Lake. Located at a distance of approximately 500 km from the national capital, Delhi, Kullu is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations and holds an important place among the popular hill stations in India. Its proximity and good road connectivity with major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh make it an ideal weekend getaway for people seeking a sweet escape from the bustle of these cities. A distance of 208 km lies between Kullu and the state capital, Shimla. 

Kullu has an altitude of 1279 m which makes it an ideal hill station with an ideal climate that is neither hot nor extremely cold. Most tourists prefer to travel here during summers to escape the scorching heat of the plains and take refuge in the cold hills of Kullu with refreshing, untainted air. Though in order to enjoy snowfall in Kullu, December and January are the best months to visit it when the snow-blanketed Kullu is a sight you can call unforgettable. Whether you want to breathe in some quietness, want to get adventurous and taste the thrill or admire the craftsmanship of God, Kullu is a perfect place to come to with desires and return with experiences and memories. The hills of Kullu are covered with pine and deodar trees, adding a vivid green to the picturesqueness of the place; whereas, the sound of the flowing Beas River adds sweet rhythm to the atmosphere. The hills, the forest and the river in Kullu collectively make it God’s perfect imagination and a blessing to the humankind.

Kullu is an abode of adventure enthusiasts due to the various adventure activities that can be indulged in here and the surrounding regions in the form of trekking, river rafting, and camping among many others. Other adventure activities like paragliding and skiing can also be enjoyed here. Also, Kullu has some of the best treks not just in Himachal, but in the country, ranging from easy to difficult; from short treks to long expeditions. Whatever your preferences are, Kullu has the right treks for you that take you to landscapes with indescribable sort of beauty. Among the most exciting treks, one can take here are Hampta Pass Trek, Chanderkhani Trek, Bhrigu Lake Trek, and Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek. The best of Kullu can truly be explored on these treks that take you through thick forests and large meadows while the Beas River flows alongside. Kullu has some of the most scenic camping sites that exist in Himachal. Owing to its beautiful landscape where you can see the blue water of Beas River flowing smoothly with magnificent, lush green hills in the backdrop, Kullu makes for a good option for photographers. Photography-lovers visit Kullu in search of picture-perfect frames and they find them here easily. The scenic beauty of the town is not worth being captured just in the cameras, but in the hearts as well – like a beautiful memory etched in one’s memory lane. Once you have been to Kullu, it is hard to take this town off of your mind.

Kullu boasts of some unique tourist attractions including old Hindu temples and nature escapes. One of the best tourist attractions in Kullu is The Great Himalayan National Park, spread over an area of 1171 sq km within numerous species of flora and fauna. It was established in 1984 with an objective to protect the nature and wildlife in this region from undue human interference and is a place worth at least one visit. Kullu is replete with some prominent Hindu temples that attract pilgrims and people keen on knowing and understanding its culture in great numbers. Among the most famous religious sites located in Kullu are Hidimba Devi Temple, Gauri Shankar Temple, and Bijli Mahadev Temple that receive huge footfall of both tourists and devotees. Besides, there are some exceptionally good places in Kullu district around Kullu town like Manikaran and Kasol that can be easily visited to check some stunning views that will leave you hypnotized.

To make your stay in Kullu comfortable and pleasant, the town has some incredible stay options ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts offering world-class amenities. Stunning views of the surrounding hills and the divine Beas River come coupled with these options. Due to the wide range of stay options that are available here, it is no hassle to find a good one in Kullu that suits your needs and matches your budget.  

Though Kullu can be visited during any season of the year, the best season to explore the best of the valley is summer season when the climate is quite pleasant. During winters, if you get lucky, you can witness the very famous snowfall of Kullu that paints the green hills white. However, the temperature during winters goes down to as low as -1 degree Celsius. It rains heavily here during the monsoon, so it is recommended to avoid a monsoon plan in Kullu unless you enjoy staying bolted in a room, looking outside at the pouring rain from the window.

If you are looking for a serene and calm location to harmonize your soul, then Dalhousie would be an ideal place. The galore of luscious meadows with a mesmerizing blend of fir and pine trees would enlighten your body and mind for a memorable experience. This stunning hill station is ideal for family vacations and romantic honeymoons, and even foreign tourists prefer to visit this impeccable location.

There are many eminent places in Dalhousie, which should be a must-visit on your list. You would certainly feel like in fairyland by witnessing nature’s imperious form in many parts of this stunning hill station. Khajjiar is a popular spot in Dalhousie, and its astonishing beauty gives it the title of “ Switzerland of India.” This glorious place would certainly take your breath away with its lush greenery and alluring atmosphere. Along with the spell bounding meadows, Khajjiar is also renowned for its divine temples.

For all the adventurous freaks, activities like Paragliding, Zorbing, and trekking are regularly organized in different locations of Dalhousie. You should also witness the astonishing site of Satdhara Falls for a rejuvenating experience. With incredible therapeutic properties, the waterfalls are quite efficient against several ailments. This place is also ideal for trekking, with a soul-stirring experience of witnessing nature’s imperious form.

For an enthralling excursion trip with friends and family, Panch Pulla should be your ideal destination. Astonishing view of waterfalls, exuberating picnic spots and an adventurous trek awaits you at this spot! For people who are intrigued by the menacing wildlife, Kalatop wildlife sanctuary is home to incredible creatures like Leopard, Himalayan Black Marten, Bear, and jackal. Witnessing such beautiful creatures would certainly send chills through your spines! Thus Dalhousie is one place in Himachal which is ideal for every travel aficionado.

Holding a treasure of scenic beauty within its domain, Narkanda is a picturesque town located in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. Lying 60 km ahead of Shimla city, Narkanda attracts hordes of tourists throughout the year. Set at an altitude of 2706 metres, this town is blessed with a peaceful ambience and perennial greenery. The presence of apple and cherry orchards dotting its verdant hills add to its visual appeal, making it a favourite among landscape photographers.

The major places of interest in Narkanda include a scenic lake called Tanni Jubbar Lake and a revered Hindu temple, Hatu Mata Mandir. There also are a few vantage spots which are visited by photography enthusiasts to capture the essence of Himachal Pradesh in picture frames. In addition to these fairly exciting spots for sightseers and vacationers, Narkanda is also a perfect choice for adventure seekers. Whether you are enthusiastic about trekking or skiing, this town has great opportunities for you to satisfy the adrenaline junkie in you. A vacation in Narkanda provides trekking enthusiasts with an opportunity to scale the second highest peak in Shimla district, Hatu Peak, boasting an elevation of 3400 metres.

Every season brings different shades of beauty to Narkanda, changing its aura completely. Thus, the town can be visited throughout the year. Due to frequent spells of snowfall in the winter season, the town remains covered under plush blankets of white snow and looks surreal. During the season, the minimum temperature drops down to as low as -8 degree Celsius at night. Whereas, during other times of the year, the dense forests of pine, oak, rhododendron and deodar add a vibrant appeal to its hilly landscape. The temperatures in summers are pleasantly cold, adding romantic vibes to the atmosphere.  All in all, with plenty of exhilarating adventure opportunities, sightseeing spots, lush greenery and luxury holiday resorts, Narkanda is the perfect choice for your next vacation in the mountains. 

Housed in the Kangra district and at the suburbs of the town of Dharamshala, Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most favorite tourist destinations of recent times. Because of being occupied by a lot many of Tibetans who moved here after China’s invasion of their homeland, Mcleodganj is also sometimes referred to as the Little Lhasa. It is also noteworthy the exiled government of Tibet is also based in Mcleodganj only.

Speaking of Mcleodganj tourism, this quaint little town some 3 km away from Dharamshala is visited by thousands of tourists every year. People come here for various reasons like spirituality, volunteer programs, Himalayan experiences and adventures, and for much other sightseeing, photo and excursion opportunities in this religious small town cum hill station in the Himalayas.

The town of Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh is famous especially and foremostly for being a spiritual getaway and pilgrimage for the Buddhists. The reason behind that is it is home to the 14th Dalai Lama of the Buddhists, Lama Tenzin Gyatso, who came here in the year of 1960 after his exile from Tibet. Dalai Lama established Tibet Government in exile here at Dharamshala and made the quaint little town of Mcleodganj as his permanent residence.

The presence of His Holiness in town attracts a lot of tourists and pilgrims to the town. Mcleodganj is also one of the best places to see the real lifestyle of Tibetan Buddhists and monks from up close. One of the reasons this place is called Little Lhasa is because the people have built this place in the image of their previous abode. And it is possible to get a glimpse of the Dalai Lama on the occasions that he is in town and one of the many Buddhist festivals celebrated in the town.

Apart from this, Mcleodganj is considered by many to be an adventurous hub, especially in terms of trekking in Mcleodganj. Home to one of the most beautiful, scenic and exciting treks of the country, the Triund Trek, Mcleodganj is the base camp for reaching the summit of the famous hill. Starting from Dharamkot in Mcleodganj, the 9 km trek leads the trekker through forests of Oak, Deodar, and Rhododendron before opening up to one of the best sceneries that you will find in the Himalayas.

And as the elevation rises, the picturesque hills and valleys become clearer, giving it all a serene touch. Upon reaching the top of Triund, one can see far off hills of the Dhauladhar mountain range that look to be so close that you could touch them if you only extended your hand. The exciting trek has become such a favorite of the community that one can even call it the poster boy of Mcleodganj tourism. And speaking of mountain ranges, Mcleodganj lies in the Dhauladhar range, with the highest peak of the range Hanuman ka Tibba lying just behind the town. The 5,639m giant stands tall and like a guard in the backdrop which is a sight to behold from everywhere in the hill station.

And with such beauty and spirituality, sightseeing in Mcleodganj is something that will never bore a person visiting here. Apart from Triund, some of the places to visit in Mcleodganj include the name of the famous Bhagsunath temple. Attached to a wonderful legend, the medieval era temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is famous for a waterfall that flows right through the temple. The majestic cascading waterfall, called the Bhagsunag falls, forms a pool at the base which is considered to be sacred amongst the devotees and dip in the cold water brings about a different feeling of spiritual in the people.

Another famous tourist spot in Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh is Kareri Lake. Filled with the melting snow of the Dhauladhar ranges, this lake at the base of the Minkiani Pass is the perfect combination of offbeat trekking and scenic beauty in the middle of snow-capped peaks. Alongside the experience of trekking to this calm and serene lake is the added experience of camping by its side and in a scenic meadow right under the Minkiani Pass.

Speaking of which, the Minkiani Pass is another great place to see when in Mcleodganj. You can simply extend your trek to Kareri Lake to conquer the summit of this serene pass lying at an amazing height of 14,000ft above sea level. The view that one gets of the nearby ranges makes you feel like you are walking on the clouds. A great place to take pictures, Minkiani Pass trek is considered to be somewhere in between easy and moderate in difficulty and makes it worth facing the trek at the end.

And one of the most important places in Mcleodganj is the Namgyal Monastery. The place is actually a personal monastery for the 14th Dalai Lama and relates to the very second Religious teacher of the Buddhist belief, dating back to the mid 16th century. Originally in Lhasa, the monastery was entirely relocated to Mcleodganj in the uprising of 1959 and is now the home to the Dalai Lama. It is also the largest Tibetan Temple outside of Tibet. Apart from being a beautiful monastery, Namgyal is also center for education, called the Namgyal Tantric College, where the arts of Kalachakra, Vajrakilaya and many other such Tantric practices are taught to the future Namgyal Monks.

With such beauty, spirituality, adventure, and serenity, Mcleodganj is truly one of the best places to visit in the Himalayas. In fact, Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh, and many areas around it are experiences that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. So let the adventure unfurl as you take on the spellbinding journey through this amazing hill station of the Kangra District and in the lap of the Dhauladhar mountains.