Offbeat Places in Himachal That Are Waiting to Be Explored

Often referred to as a mesmerising "hamlet" situated amidst the lush green forests and surrounded by variegated mountain, Jibhi is just the right place to relax and spend some peaceful moments with your loved ones. An offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh, Jibhi is untouched by industrialization and surrounded by nature.

Located almost within a stone-throwing distance from the various attractions of the ever-popular hill station and offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh, Kandaghat is a quiet and peaceful vacation spot to spend a nice weekend with your family or friends. Nestled amidst the Himalayas, it offers a great view of the green valleys and high mountains, all without the hustle-bustle of the crowd.

Nestled deep within the mystical Parvati Valley of the Himalayas is the magical village of Rasol. An elusive and largely disconnected village situated approximately 10,000 feet above sea level, Rasol is an enchanting location where one is privy to breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas, which turn lush green as they flow down deep into the valley.

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 town is also famed for its apple orchards. The majestic Kinnaur-Kailash range peeking from across the Sutlej River makes for a blissful break.

Best Time: March to June; October - November

10 Kalpa Attractions

Situated at an elevation of 2500 meters, Fagu is a serene snow clad hamlet. Nestling in the majestic Himalayan Ranges, Fagu is perfect offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh to get away from the hustle bustle of the city. This place looks magical as it is always enveloped in snow and fog. The clouds are so close to the surface that at times it feels as if you are walking on clouds.

Known For : Key Monastery Chandratal Lake Komic Village

Kaza, sitting huddled in the corner of the mountains is a tranquil offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh on the plains of the Spiti River. Lapped by majestic mountains covered in snow, meandering and bubbling rivers and streams and picturesque barren landscape with scattered patches of green, Kaza is a dream destination.

Best Time: May to September

12 Kaza Attractions

Known For : Renuka Lake Suketi Fossil Park Trekking in Nahan

Away from the buzzing crowd of the city, Nahan is a perfect romantic offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh. 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. Nahan has its past spun around many tales and legends. Founded by Raja Karan Prakash in 1621 as a capital.

Best Time: April to September

21 Nahan 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 one of the best offbeat places 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. 

Best Time: September to June

23 Kangra Attractions

Known For : Kasauli Nalagarh Fort Kuthar Fort

Located on the Punjab-Himachal Border, Solan lies on the lower ranges of the Himalayas and is more of an industrial town with various industries. Solan is a more low-key hill station ideal for travellers looking just some time away from city rush. A beautiful offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh, Solan has ancient temples and monasteries that attract hundreds of tourists every year. 

Best Time: Throughout the year

17 Solan 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.

Best Time: April to June

5 Shojha Attractions

Known For : Timber Trail Cable car Ride Fruit orchards

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

Best Time: March to May, October to November

10 Parwanoo Attractions

Known For : Chitkul Rakcham Batseri Village

One of the most charming offbeat places in Himachal Pradesh 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.

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 just 13 Kms. from Shimla is abundant in natural scenic beauty and a large variety of flora and fauna.

Best Time: March - June; September - November

12 Shoghi 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 offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh that tourists should not miss.

Best Time: Throughout the year

11 Narkanda Attractions

Kangojodi is an offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh with mountains lined with pine trees, surrounded by majestic hills and ravines. The place hasn't been popularised yet and sees considerably lower volumes of tourists compared to its overcrowded counterparts. The place is great for a natural retreat away from the hustle bustle of the concrete jungles we have grown accustomed to.

Known For : Great Himalayan National Park Serlosar Lake Jalori Pass

The land of untouched and mystifying beauty, Tirthan Valley is an offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh 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.The valley is best known for its trout fishing and for the surprisingly high influx of foreigners.

Best Time: Mar to June, October to November

7 Tirthan Valley Attractions

Known for its Sikharas which resemble the Angkor Wat of Cambodia, Masrur is located around 30 km from Kangra. These 10th century temples, however were badly damaged in the 1905 earthquake.

Dagshai is a timeworn cantonment town that can be found in the hilly terrains of the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh in India. Perched on the top of a hill 5,689 feet above the sea level, this tiny town is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime, to get a taste of what a real offbeat attraction feels like. The foundation of the township was laid down by the East India Company in the year 1847.

Known For : Arki Fort Diwan-i-Khaas Arki Palace

A small town in Solan district locally known for its 18th century fort, Arki is rather unknown among general population as a tourist location. One of the smallest offbeat places in Himachal Pradesh, Arki is situated 52 kms away from Shimla. Being highly accessible from the capital of this state, Arki attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year.

Best Time: Throughout the year

9 Arki Attractions

An ideal tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh is a combination of not just the scenic beauty of the Himalayas that you'd expect from this gorgeous state but also a place that is steeped in pre-colonial history and ancient myth. This would be a place rather like Shimla -- but without the capital city's hustle and mainstream crowdedness during the vacation season.

Sirour offers travelers picturesque landscapes, rocky hills to trek, serene lakes for boating and beautifully built temples to purge your soul. Sirmour is also called the 'Peach Bowl of India' because of the high cultivation of peaches that is undertaken here.

Known For : Naggar Castle Trekking and Fishing Uruswati Himalayan Folk Art Museum

Set against the backdrop of majestic hills and the clear and pristine Beas River, this picturesque town of Naggar is ideal for people who want to relax and rejuvenate by living in the lap of nature. Go trekking or be a little more adventurous and camp out. Located in the Kullu district, this quaint little town is typically covered with Kullu and is famous for its stunning natural beauty. 

Best Time: Throughout the year

11 Naggar Attractions

Malana is an ancient solitary village in Himachal Pradesh in an isolated and charming plateau by the side of the Malana River. Known as Malana Nala, it lies in Parvati Valley which is a quaint corner away from rest of the world. One of the unique aspects of this offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh is the strong culture and beliefs of the locals, who follow their rules with the utmost tenacity.

Known For : Basheshwar Temple Bijali Mahadev Temple Jagannath Temple

Nestled in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Bhuntar is a quaint town located about 10 kilometers from Kullu and 50 kilometers from Manali. This scenic destination serves as a gateway to several popular hill stations and trekking routes, making it a prime stopover for travelers exploring the region. 

Best Time: Throughout the year

3 Bhuntar Attractions

Gulaba is a beautiful little village located about 20 kilometres from Manali on the route to Rohtang Pass. Gulaba has an enchanting natural landscape that attracts tourists in large numbers. One can explore the region trekking, set up a camp to soak in its natural beauty.

Kothi Village is a quaint village located about 15 kilometres away from Manali on the foothills of Rohtang Pass. The village is a perfect offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh for camping and draws tourists for adventure and recreational activities from all across the world. The magnificent view of the natural landscape surrounding the village enchants everyone exploring the location.

Jagatsukh is a picturesque village, and the capital of Kullu locates about 7 kilometres away from the town of Manali. It is famous for its enchanting natural landscape and the ancient Jagatsukh Temples which are religiously important shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Sandhya Devi. Usually, Jagatsukh can be explored in a day.

Nestled between the Lahaul and Spiti district in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Keylong is a serene place perfect for a getaway to unwind. Due to the dry cold weather, the place does not have a lot of greenery but the snow covered mountains covered with mist are picturesque. Situated at an altitude of 3080 meters, Keylong also has a rich culture.

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

Chail is a quiet hill station 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. Surrounded by lush greenery and mesmerizing views from such a great height, known as a hiker's paradise, Chail is bound to give a tourist a memorable travelling experience to a tourist.

Best Time: Throughout the year

11 Chail Attractions

A quiet escape and one of the less crowded attractions of the state, Theog in Himachal Pradesh, warmly wrapped in the arms of the mighty Himalayas, has everything a popular hill station can give you minus the tourist rush. 32 km away from the main town of Shimla, Theog makes up for a beautiful weekend getaway in the hills, comfortably located in the lap of nature. 

Known For : Reserve Forest Sanctuary Craignano WildFlower Hall Hotel

Mashobra is a lush green expanse 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.

Best Time: April to June

10 Mashobra Attractions

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

One of the popular offbeat places 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.

Best Time: October to June

9 Tattapani Attractions

Away from the buzzing sound of city, this small village sits quietly in the lap of nature. Packed with apple orchards and blessed with divine beauty of nature, one can also find several small temples near the village.

105 Kilometres east of Shimla lies the quaint village of Parhaat. Near this village and on the banks of the babbling river Pabar is the stunning valley of Hatkoti. This valley of stone temples is as preternatural and peculiar as it is ancient. Hatkoti has always been a place that brings together several individuals and tourists due to its unique architecture and religious importance.

When it comes down to rugged mountainous views, free-spirited nature and an overall enchanting and wild trip, the Himalayan village of Khara Pathar takes the cake. The small village may not seem often be chosen in favour of its famous neighbour, Shimla and due to the extremely off track road that leads to Khara Pathar, but the place's charm is never dimmed.

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

Often referred to as 'mini-Switzerland of India', Khajjiar is a small town near Dalhousie which provides tourists a unique combination of forests, lakes and pastures. The mesmerising beauty of this offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh has greatly influenced and inspired many kingdoms throughout the years, including the Rajputs and Mughals.

Best Time: Throughout the year

14 Khajjiar 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. Bordered on all sides by the Himalayas, Spiti Valley, located in Himachal Pradesh, has an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, and gets around 250 days of sunshine in the year.

Best Time: Mid May to Mid Oct

40 Spiti Attractions

Locally known as Khyipur, Kibber at an altitude of 4205m above sea level is one of the highest villages in the world. One can spend a day at the rest houses here, with the mountains watching over.

Known For : Manikaran Sahib Nature Park Kasol Tosh

A small village in Himachal 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 village is resplendent in natural scenic beauty.

Best Time: October to June

30 Kasol Attractions

Popular for its cannabis plantations, the tranquil village of Tosh is just another example of the unparalleled natural beauty that Himachal holds within its bounds. Located at the far end of Parvati Valley, Tosh is untouched by modernisation and fast-paced life. With its gradual terrain and the waters of river Parvathi flowing through its bosom, the trek of Tosh is the go-to expedition for all adrenaline junkies.

Situated at an altitude of over 5300 feet and a 30-minute trek away from the tourist hub of Kasol, Chalal has managed to retain its old world mountain village rustic charm, set in the beautiful Parvati Valley of the Himalayas, with a grand view of snow-capped mountains and majestic pine trees.

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 small offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh in the south-west part and is on the relatively lower edges of Himalayas. Nestled amidst beautiful woody forests of pine and cedar trees, Kasauli owes its mystical and serene ambience to the lavish Victorian buildings built by the Britishers who resided here years back.

Best Time: March - June; September - November

12 Kasauli 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. A brotherly fusion of Hinduism and Buddhism at one place reflects the existence of a culture of a different sort which is well preserved by its people in this era of modernization.

Best Time: April to June; September, October

12 Kinnaur Attractions

Sarahan is a beautiful hamlet situated near Kinnaur in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Known as the "Gateway to Kinnaur", it is located near the Sutlej River Valley and the Indo Tibetan road, at an altitude of 2165 m below sea level. Famous for the never-ending apple orchards, dense emerald pine and deodar forests, gushing streams, wildflower fields rustic settings, terraced farms and slate-roofed houses,  the village is a sight to behold.

Located at the height of 3,600 metres above the sea level, Nako is a mesmerising and picturesque village that is full of eye capturing surroundings and is the most significant village situated in the Kinnaur district of the Himachal Pradesh. This offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh can be found on the eastern end of the Kinnaur District and is most popular amongst nature lovers and trekkers.

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.

Best Time: April to October

18 Mandi Attractions

Barot is a mesmerizingly beautiful village located in the serene valleys of Mandi District in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is a new found tourist destination and is located about 67 kilometers away from Mandi. If you are a backpacker, this offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh is perfect to backpack through for a day or so. 

A treat for adventure buffs, Janjehli is an ideal offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh for activities like trekking. With a trail up to 3300 m, this place is almost 67 km from Mandi. While you can travel 32 kms by vehicle till Gohar, the journey on foot begins from there. With a furnished accommodation in Bajahi, the expedition continues till Janjehli for another 20 kms.