Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh For A Cool Himalayan Getaway

Known For : Solang Valley Hadimba Devi Temple Manali Mall Road

Nestled in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. With jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, gushing blue streams, a perpetual fairy-tale like mist lingering in the air, and a persistent fragrance of pines and freshness -  Manali has been blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty.

How to Reach: You can take a picturesque drive from nearby cities like Shimla or Kullu, covering a distance of approximately 250 to 300 kilometers, with the journey typically taking around 7 to 9 hours.

Best Time: October to June

53 Manali Attractions

Known For : Jakhu Temple Mall Road, Shimla Rashtrapati Niwas (Viceregal Lodge)

Probably the most popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh famous for its Mall road, the Ridge, toy train etc. among honeymooners and families alike. The weather is pleasant for most of the months with tourists flocking especially during the summer months. The winters are cold with some days of snow from mid-December till February end.

How to Reach: Kalka-Shimla toy train, other options include driving or taking a bus from nearby cities like Delhi or Chandigarh, covering a distance of approximately 350 kilometers.

Best Time: October to June

65 Shimla Attractions

Known For : Panchpula Khajjiar Dainkund Peak

The tiny tinsel town Dalhousie tucked away in the lap of Himachal Pradesh is a piece of paradise for all the travellers. It boasts of old world charm, mesmerising natural landscape, pine-clad valleys, flower bedecked meadows, fast flowing rivers, magnificent misty mountains and some of the most spectacular views in the world.

How to Reach: Pathankot Railway Station (80 km away), accessible by road, the most common routes involve traveling through Pathankot or Chamba.

Best Time: Throughout the year

28 Dalhousie Attractions

Known For : Manikaran Sahib Nature Park Kasol Tosh

A small village in Himachal Pradesh situated along the banks of the river Parvati, Kasol is a tourist attraction that is rapidly gaining fame as a very popular hub for trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. Commonly known as the Amsterdam of India, this quaint little hill station in Himachal Pradesh is resplendent in natural scenic beauty. 

How to Reach: Located approximately 31 kilometers from Bhuntar Airport, travelers can hire a taxi or take a local bus for a picturesque journey to Kasol amidst the stunning Parvati Valley.

Best Time: October to June

30 Kasol Attractions

Known For : Khajjiar lake Homestay Experience in Khajjiar Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

Often referred to as 'mini-Switzerland of India', Khajjiar is a small hill station in Himachal Pradesh near Dalhousie which provides tourists a unique combination of forests, lakes and pastures. The mesmerizing beauty of this place has greatly influenced and inspired many kingdoms throughout the years, including the Rajputs and Mughals. Enjoy some adventure sports including paragliding, zorbing, and horse-riding.

How to Reach: Pathankot Railway Station (95 km away), From Pathankot, you can hire a taxi or take a scenic bus ride to cover the approximately 120 kilometers, with the journey lasting around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the mode of transport.

Best Time: Throughout the year

14 Khajjiar Attractions

Known For : Triund Bhagsu Falls Bhagsunag Temple

Mcleodganj is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh that is popular among trekkers. Also known as Little Lhasa and famous around the world for being home to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Mcleodganj is a beautiful town situated near upper Dharamsala. Nestled amidst majestic hills and lush greenery, this town is culturally blessed by a prominent Tibetan influence owing to the major settlement of Tibetans here.

How to Reach: Kangra Airport (20 km away), the nearest airport is Gaggal Airport in Kangra, and the closest major railway station is Pathankot. From either point, one can hire a taxi or take a bus.

Best Time: October to June

42 Mcleodganj Attractions

Known For : Monkey Point Toy Train Ride Timber Trail

Located on the way from Chandigarh to Shimla, Kasauli is a hilly cantonment town which makes for an ideal peaceful holiday location, away from the rush. Kasauli is a cantonment town dotted with lavish Victorian buildings built by the Britishers who resided here years back. The quaint village has nature trails and beautiful viewpoints.

How to Reach: The nearest major railway station and airport are Kalka, and from there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus for the approximately 25-kilometer journey, which usually takes around one hour by road.

Best Time: March - June; September - November

12 Kasauli Attractions

Known For : Rafting in Kullu Manali Raghunath Temple, Kullu Naggar

Kullu, a popular tourist hill station in Himachal Pradesh generally coupled with Manali, is an open valley with panoramic views and majestic hills covered with Deodar and Pine trees. Set in the lap of nature, the picturesque landscape of this small town is mesmerizing. Apart from temples, the Pandoh Dam and Chandrakhani Pass are also must-visits in this region. 

How to Reach: Bhuntar Airport (10 km away), road access from Manali and Shimla

Best Time: March to June

29 Kullu Attractions

Known For : Skiing in Kufri Horse Ride to the Mahasu Peak Mahasu Peak

Kufri in Shimla district is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh which is one of the most sought after holiday destinations, and more so for couples, because of its proximity to Shimla and relatively higher altitude which makes it a place with snow all through the winters. 

How to Reach: Shimla Railway Station (16 km away), take a 20-minute drive of about 13 kilometers from Shimla city center via NH5. Alternatively, hire a taxi or use local transportation options available in Shimla.

Best Time: November to March

13 Kufri Attractions

Known For : Toy Train Tashi Jong Monastery Saurabh Van Vihar

With pine and deodar forests and tea gardens encircling the town and numerous streams pouring in, Palampur is known for the enchanting combination of water and greenery. Nestled between the majestic Dhauladhar Ranges, Palampur has known the world over for its tea plantations and its fine quality of tea. 

How to Reach: Gaggal Airport (37 km away), from there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus for the approximately 40-kilometer journey. Alternatively, you can opt for a train to Pathankot, followed by a road journey of about 120 kilometers to reach Palampur.

Best Time: March -June; September - November

11 Palampur Attractions

Known For : Chamera Lake Manimahesh Lake Church of Scotland

Chamba is that one getaway you've always dreamed off. Minimal human alteration in the topography and environment and the balanced temperatures of the area make it the perfect destination all year round. The river Ravi cuts across town and adds to the scenery. Chambal is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh which is present at the confluence of two rivers, Ravi river with Chal river.

How to Reach: Chamba can be reached by road, with the nearest major railway station being Pathankot, 120 kilometers away. The journey takes around 3 to 4 hours by car or bus.

Best Time: October to June

18 Chamba Attractions

Known For : Kinnaur Kailash Trekking to Chaka Suicide Point

Kalpa, the main village of Kinnaur, in the Sutlej River Valley is a place to remember and cherish. Known for its many beautiful temples and monasteries, this hill station in Himachal Pradesh is also famed for its apple orchards. The majestic Kinnaur-Kailash range peeking from across the Sutlej River makes for a blissful break.

How to Reach: You can travel by road via NH5, which connects it to major nearby towns such as Shimla and Rampur. The nearest railway station is in Shimla, and the closest airport is in Bhuntar, Kullu.

Best Time: March to June; October - November

10 Kalpa Attractions

Known For : Great Himalayan National Park Serlosar Lake Jalori Pass

The land of untouched and mystifying beauty, Tirthan Valley is a destination with a plethora of delights. Lying nearly 3 km from the entrance of Great Himalayan National Park, this place is abundant in adventurous activities and a paradise for nature lovers. 

How to Reach: Bhuntar airport (50 km away), to reach Tirthan Valley, take a road journey via NH3 or NH205 from cities like Delhi or Chandigarh. The travel distance is around 500 kilometers, and it takes approximately 12 hours by car.

Best Time: Mar to June, October to November

7 Tirthan Valley Attractions

Known For : Kangra Fort Kangra Fort Baijnath Temple Brajeshwari Temple

For a spiritual retreat that will awaken inner peace, with a mighty Beas coursing through a lush green valley, Kangra is the hill station in Himachal Pradesh to visit. The Beas river flowing through Kangra and the repeated mention of the Valley in the holy Hindu texts, present Kangra as 'Devbhumi' or Land of the Gods. 

How to Reach: To reach Kangra, one can travel by road, with the nearest major city being Dharamshala. The journey takes approximately 1 to 2 hours, covering a distance of around 40 to 50 kilometers.

Best Time: September to June

23 Kangra Attractions

Known For : Chail Palace Hotel Chail Cricket Ground Chail wildlife sanctuary

Chail is a quiet hill station in Himachal Pradesh close to Shimla, known for the world's highest cricket ground and the heritage hotel, Chail Palace, in the midst of pine and deodar trees. Chail also offers various trekking and camping options for adventure enthusiasts. Located on the banks of river Sandhupul, Chail also offers various camping options by the riverside. 

How to Reach: The nearest major railway station is Kandaghat, approximately 30 kilometers away. Alternatively, one can take a direct road journey from Shimla, which is around 45 kilometers from Chail.

Best Time: Throughout the year

11 Chail Attractions

Known For : Skiing in Narkanda Hatu Peak Hatu Mata Temple

Surrounded by forests and woodlands, Narkanda is a quaint little town in Shimla district which is popular for skiing in winters. Situated at a height of 9000 feet, this town attracts tourists for its ethereal natural beauty and its beautiful apple orchards. Surrounded by tropical forests and majestic hills, this is one place that tourists to Himachal Pradesh should not miss.

How to Reach: To reach Narkanda, take a road journey via NH5 from Shimla, covering a distance of about 65 kilometers, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours.

Best Time: Throughout the year

11 Narkanda Attractions

Known For : Paragliding in Bir Billing Chokling Monastery Gunehar Waterfall

Bir is a small town located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. Bir Billing is a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh for adventures sports such as paragliding, treks and also as the town for meditation. Bir is considered as one of the best spots in the world for paragliding. The take-off site is called Billing and the landing site is Bir and the overall altitude change is around 800m

How to Reach: One can travel by road from major nearby cities like Dharamshala or Pathankot. The distance is approximately 60 to 70 kilometers, and the journey takes around 2 to 3 hours by car or bus.

Best Time: March - May; September - November

29 Bir Attractions

Known For : Reckong Peo Nako Kalpa

Kinnaur, also known as "Land of God" is about 235 Km from Shimla and is known for its serenity and beauty of the lush green and rocky mountainscape having Satluj, Baspa and Spiti river snaking through it. Also known as "Land of God", the most important attraction of Kinnaur district is the religious "Shiva Lingam".

How to Reach: To reach Kinnaur, take a road journey via NH5 or NH505, with access from major cities like Shimla or Chandigarh. The travel time by road is approximately 10 to 12 hours, covering a distance of around 350 to 400 kilometers.

Best Time: April to June; September, October

12 Kinnaur Attractions

Known For : Key Monastery Chandratal Lake Pin Valley National Park

Long winding roads and picturesque valleys presenting glimpses of cold deserts and snow-crowned mountains, with intermittent greenery and picture-perfect villages welcome you when you set foot into Spiti Valley. With the thick Himalayan snow cutting Spiti off from the rest of the country for around 6 months a year, the summer months are the only time Spiti is directly accessible via motorway.

How to Reach: To reach Spiti, take the Manali-Kaza highway (NH505), covering a distance of about 200 kilometers and a travel time of around 8 to 10 hours by road. 

Best Time: Mid May to Mid Oct

40 Spiti Attractions

Known For : Dalai Lama Temple St. John in the Wilderness Church Dharamshala Cricket Stadium

Dharamsala is famed as the holy residence of the Dalai Lama and houses the Tibetan monk in exile. Visit Dharamsala for amazing Tibetan food, stunning views of the Himachal peaks and to experience the peaceful hippie culture. The lower division is the Dharamsala town itself whereas the upper division is popularly known as Mcleodganj.

How to Reach: To reach Dharamsala, take a direct bus or taxi from major nearby cities like Delhi or Chandigarh. The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport, around 13 kilometers away, with connecting flights from several Indian cities.

Best Time: October to June

40 Dharamsala Attractions

Known For : Renuka Lake Suketi Fossil Park Trekking in Nahan

Away from the buzzing crowd of the city, Nahan is a perfect romantic getaway. Lying among the lofty Shivalik range overlooking lush green fields, dirt free roads and clean streets, this small hill station serves as an ideal holiday destination. The quaint town today, is dotted with gardens, temples and a manmade lake. 

How to Reach: To reach Nahan, the nearest railway station is Kala Amb, approximately 25 kilometers away. The town is well-connected by road, and buses or taxis from nearby cities like Chandigarh provide accessible transportation options.

Best Time: April to September

21 Nahan Attractions

Known For : Reserve Forest Sanctuary Craignano WildFlower Hall Hotel

Mashobra is a lush green expanse of a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, tucked away at a height of about 7700 feet, ensuring minimal human obstruction in the course of nature to provide you with the most pure and liberating experience of your lifetime. Mashobra's proximity to Shimla makes it a perfect alternative for people who are looking for a peaceful little hill-station. 

How to Reach: To reach Mashobra take a road journey via NH5 from Shimla, covering a distance of about 13 kilometers, with an approximate travel time of 30 minutes.

Best Time: April to June

10 Mashobra Attractions

Known For : Prashar Lake Trek Bhutnath temple Pandoh Dam

Packed with a thick green cover of pine and deodar trees, and with sprawling tea plantations, the town of Mandi is situated at the junction of Kulu and Dharamshala. It is often referred to as 'Varanasi of Hills', or 'Choti Kashi'. The town also has as many as 81 temples spread across its area. 

How to Reach: To reach Mandi the most common mode of transportation is by road. The city is well-connected through national highways, and you can access it by car or bus from major nearby towns and cities.

Best Time: April to October

18 Mandi Attractions

Known For : Chitkul Rakcham Batseri Village

One of the most charming valleys in the whole Kinnaur District, Sangla Valley is a perfect getaway from the hustle bustle of the swarming cities. It is named after a beautiful village by the same name. Bounded by strapping mountain slopes, sprawling evergreen forests and snow covered peaks, the valley is set apart from others by its red apples orchard and luscious cherry trees.

How to Reach: To reach Sangla, one can travel by road, taking the NH5 or NH505 from Shimla or Chandigarh. The distance is around 230 to 270 kilometers, and the journey takes approximately 8 to 10 hours, depending on the starting point.

Best Time: April to June, September - October

10 Sangla Attractions

Known For : Kandaghat Trekking in Shoghi Tara Devi Temple

While Shimla is being flooded by tourists every year, a serene, calm and epitome of beauty lies near it, waiting to be discovered. Shoghi, a small hill station in Himachal Pradesh just 13 Kms. from Shimla is abundant in natural scenic beauty and a large variety of flora and fauna. 

How to Reach: To reach Shoghi, the most common route is by road. You can drive or take a bus from Shimla, covering a distance of approximately 15 kilometers, with the journey taking about 30 minutes.

Best Time: March - June; September - November

12 Shoghi Attractions

Known For : Hot Water Spring River Rafting in Tattapani Shiva cave

A famous tourist hill station in Himachal Pradesh, Tattapani is a quaint area nothing short of a wonderland. Almost 60 kms away from Shimla, it treasures several attractions lying amid nature in its best form. This beautiful place nestled among the mountains is something you don't want to miss. 

How to Reach: To reach Tattapani the nearest major city is Shimla, approximately 50 kilometers away. From Shimla, you can take NH5 and SH17 to Tattapani, with the journey typically taking around 2 hours by road.

Best Time: October to June

9 Tattapani Attractions

Known For : Key Monastery Chandratal Lake Komic Village

Kaza, sitting huddled in the corner of Himachal Pradesh is a tranquil getaway on the plains of the Spiti River. Lapped by majestic mountains covered in snow, meandering rivers and bubbling streams, Kaza is a dream hill station in Himachal Pradesh.

How to Reach: To reach Kaza, take a road journey via NH505, which connects from Manali. The distance is around 200 kilometers, and the travel time is approximately 8 to 10 hours.

Best Time: May to September

12 Kaza Attractions

Known For : Waterfall Point Jalori Pass Serolsar Lake

Shojha is a small village sitting quietly in the middle of wilderness and panorama. Its untouched beauty might be just the thing that you need to relax and unwind. Located amid the Banjar Valley, the village is dotted with several temples made of wood.

How to Reach: To reach Shojha, you can travel by road from major nearby towns like Kullu or Mandi. The village is accessible via NH305, and the journey typically takes around 8 to 10 hours by car.

Best Time: April to June

5 Shojha Attractions

Known For : Timber Trail Cable car Ride Fruit orchards

Situated on the border of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, Parwanoo is a small town with beautiful apple orchards and delicious other fruits. This is a place where one can enjoy the captivating ambience of a hill station and hustle-bustle of a city. An ideal getaway for outdoor activities such as trekking and hiking, it is also a destination for nature lovers.

How to Reach: Kalka railway station (7 km away), To reach Parwanoo, one can easily access it by road, approximately 35 kilometers from Chandigarh. The journey typically takes around an hour via NH5.

Best Time: March to May, October to November

10 Parwanoo Attractions

Often referred to as a mesmerising "hamlet" situated amidst the lush green forests and surrounded by variegated mountains, Jibhi is located in the Tirthan Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The dense pine forests, tranquil freshwater lakes and pristine temples make this place worth visiting. 

How to Reach: To reach Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh, the nearest major transportation hub is Bhuntar Airport, approximately 50 kilometers away. From Bhuntar, take a taxi or bus via NH3 to reach Jibhi in about 2 hours.

Best Time: March to June, September to November

Gulaba is a beautiful little village located about 20 kilometres from Manali on the route to Rohtang Pass having an enchanting natural landscape that attracts tourists in large numbers. One can explore the region trekking, and setting up a camp to soak in its natural beauty. Most of the tourists explore Gulaba are on their way to the Bhrigu Lake and set camps on the Gulaba Meadows to rest.

How to Reach: To reach Gulaba, take the Manali-Rohtang Pass Road and continue for approximately 20 kilometers. Gulaba is easily accessible by road, and the journey typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the traffic and weather conditions.

Best Time: Throughout the year, except monsoon.