Set at an altitude of 3,231 meters, Kaza is one of the remote villages in the Lahaul-Spiti district that houses several tourist attractions including the ancient Sakya Tangyud Monastery. Close to Kaza, the Ki monastery is also a must visit place. Some other remote villages like Kibber, Gette, Langza and Losar can also be explored on your trip to Kaza.
What could be more fascinating than taking in the view of the mighty snow capped peaks of Dhauladar range from a stone throw distance? Dharamshala at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters and surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests is a perfect getaway for both leisure and adventurous travellers.
The hill station is dotted with several architectural and cultural attractions that include the ruins of Kangra Fort and Nurpur Fort, which is approximately 66 kilometers away from Dharamshala; War Memorial that is dedicated to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in Indo China war of 1962, Indo-Pak wars of 1947, 1965 and 1971 and UN peace operations; Chamunda Devi Temple; Kangra Art Museum; and Library of Tibetan Works and Archives. Moreover… the international cricket stadium in the lap of the Dhauladar range is another major tourist attraction in Dharamshala.
Close to Dharamshala and at the Upper Valley, Mcleodganj, the seat of Dalai Lama, is a must visit place from Dharamshala. Mcleodganj houses the typical Indo-Tibetan culture and the major attraction is the impressive Namgyal Monastery that was built in the mid 16th century. Nonetheless, travellers looking for some leisure activities have the option of going for angling for Masheer at the River Beas in the 20 kilometer stretch between Nadaun and Pong Dam. Encircling the hill station there are several other attractions like the Bajreshwari temple, Kumar Pathri, Gyuto Monastery, Triund, and Jawalamukhi Temple. Travellers seeking to explore the best of Dhauladar Range… have the option of picking from treks such as Dhauladhar Round Trek, Indrahara Pass Trek, Moon Peak Trek, Nag Dal Trek, Kareri Lake Trek, and Lam Dal trek.
Whether you are visiting Shimla during the summer, monsoon, autumn, or winter… as one of the popular hill stations in India and placed at an elevation of 2,205 meters, it has got its own charm which keeps shining throughout the year. The ideal vacation time for the Indian leisurescapers as well as international travellers to mesmerize the pleasant climate is during the summer.
Whereas the monsoon, when the hill station is at its best of displaying lush green scenic beauty, welcomes the crazy travellers seeking for an adventure in the leisurescape. The autumn turns out to be mild and luxurious, pulling once again travellers from all over the world to explore the rich collaboration of nature and colonial heritage. During the peak winter season the hill station is carpeted with a thick layer of snow simply captivating the domestic travellers and pulling in thousands of skiers from all over the world. Shimla, throughout the decades, housing several colonial buildings such as the Christ Church, George Castle, and Wildflower Hall that is now a heritage hotel in Shimla; temples like the Jakhoo Temple and Tara Devi Temple; and museums, is valued as an important cultural hub in Himachal Pradesh.
The Mall Road arraying with several shops of traditional crafts and dresses, hotels and restaurants… is one of the busiest places in Shimla throughout the day. From the bucket list of exploring the best of nature… one must visit the Chadwick Waterfalls and Daranghati Sanctuary. If you are planning for skiing in Shimla during the winter, the ideal places are the slopes of Kufri, which is an hour drive from the hill station. On the other hand, travellers seeking for bit of peace from the tourist crowd may drive to Chail that is approximately 45 kilometers from Shimla.
Kyelong or Kyelang are the other names of a renowned tourist destination in Lahaul Spiti District that is Keylon. Tourists going to Ladakh region will come across Keylong, the administrative centre of Lahaul and Spiti District. From Manali, Keylong is 126 kms away. Along the Manali-Leh Highway around 7 kms north-east of the intersection of Chandra Valley, the Chenab Valley and the Bhaga Valley, this beautiful place is situated. Keylong is sprawling calmly on the banks of relishing Bhaga River.
Kardang Monastery, the famous monastery in the region is the main attraction of Keylong. The monastery is run by the Drukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Shasur and Tayul Monasteries are the other major places to visit within one kilometer distance from Keylong. On prior arrangements, tourists are taken to a small temple in the house of Sri Nawang Dojre dedicated to the local deity named Kelang Wazir.
Height: Keylong is located at a height of 3080 meters above the sea level.
Location: Keylong is at a place 126 kms north of Manali. From Manali, you can board a bus and a drive of 4 to 10 hours will take you to Keylong, depending upon the condition of the road. Post crossing Rohtang Pass en route, you have to descend the same distance you ascend from Manali and the first village seen is Gramphu and from there, continue to reach Sissu. Proceed to Tandi and finally you will reach Keylong. Experienced travelers advise that it is better to cross Rohtang Pass before 08:00 am.
Best time to visit: The ideal time to reach Keylong is between May and June. From October end to mid-May the access to Keylong and Rohtang Pass would be blocked due to heavy snowfall.
A story says like this; there were two lovers in mythology, Chandra and Bhaga, one is the daughter of the Moon and the other one is the son of Sun God, respectively. To do their marriage, both of them climbed to the Baralacha La and from there, they started running in opposite directions. Both of them found Tandi as their meeting point and thus their marriage became eternal. The factor made their love shine is Baralacha La pass, a high mountain pass in Zanskar Range that connects Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir.
In the ancient times, Baralacha La was considered to be a main trade route. Near the pass, there is this emerald like lake, the Suraj Tal which is the source of Bhaga River. The pass is situated at an altitude of 16040 feet and on this plateau, the famous mountain ranges such as Pir Panjal, Zanskar and the Great Himalayas come together to meet. One who wishes to go to Leh through Leh-Manali highway has to cross this pass which hides plenty of adventure and thrill in it.
Height: Baralacha La is the most important pass as Khardung La and it is situated at an altitude of 16040 feet above the sea level.
Location: Baralacha La is located 73 kms away from Keylong on Manali-Leh road.
Best time to visit: The months of April to October are the best months to visit Baralacha La pass as the roads will be open because the snow melts. If you are going from Manali to Leh, then it is advisable that cross the pass before noon due to the melting of snow and creation of streams on the road
A quintessential location and a high altitude roadside bar is Zingzing situated on the road from Manali to Leh. Travelers come here to refresh with a sip of coffee or to have food to energize the body and soul to resume their journey to Leh. The multi-purpose shacks can be availed to stay overnight as well.
A space where you will love to roll a joint and smoke it up to escape from the extreme cold. Located at an altitude of 4270 meters above the sea level, the place is recognized to be the most suitable one to take rest. Peaceful ambience and the silence prevailing would leave everyone addicted to it.
The fame of ZIngzing Bar was enhanced because of Baralacha La pass also; the starting point of Baralacha La, one of the most loved passes in Ladakh is Zingzing Bar. Thus it cannot be missed during one’s journey to Leh. The temperature level at the bar will be crazily as low as -2* Celsius and as you ascend from a different temperature from the base, chances to feel altitude sickness and fluctuations in the body are quite higher.
Height: The highest roadside bar in the world is located at an elevation of 4270 meters above the sea level before the steep Baralacha La roads starts.
Location: From Manali, Zingzing Bar is situated at a distance of 193 kms and a drive of about 3 hours will take you to the bar and from Leh it is about 337 kms away.
Best time to visit: Zingzing Bar is found the most scenic during the months of December, January and February when the winter hits at its peak. For those who are searching for peace over a joint, Zingzing bar during winter would be the best option.
Bestowed with the nature’s precious beauty, Manali has so much to offer to its tourists. It is located at a height of about 2050 meters above sea level. Not just the alpine scenery, the lush green forests and the snow clad lofty mountains lure the visitors but it is an ideal place for indulging in adventure sports. We assure you that Manali will make you capture its eternal natural beauty on foot. Most notable places to visit in Manali include Hidimba Devi Temple, Gulaba Camp, Malana Valley, Solang Valley and Rahala Falls.
Best time to visit Manali is from September till December and from February till April. Manali is an ideal destination for summer holiday and nearby there are adventure sport ops like river rafting and Para gliding in Bir Billing. Honeymooners head to Rohtang Pass to indulge in snow sport activities.
Rohtang Pass-Your Playground of Snow
Rohtang Pass is a beautiful mountain pathway which is well-known for offering spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks. Situated at a distance of 51 km from Manali, Rohtang Pass is set at an elevation of 4111 m above sea level. Rohtang Pass is a great place to indulge in activities like Paragliding, Mountain biking, Paragliding and Skiing. The scenic beauty and tranquility of the place make it a popular attraction of Himachal Pradesh. Rohtang Passopens with the coming of May and closes in September as it receives heavy snowfall throughout the rest of the year.
Travellers heading towards another religious destination Manikaran, will find this scenic Kasol on the way which will definitely hold you back for a while before you move further. Termed as the ‘Little Israel of India‘, this town has a lot to offer to the backpackers and vacationers looking for some adventure and thrill in the mountains. This beautiful hill station among this list of places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, is based in the Parvati Valley.
How to reach Kasol: A road trip from Delhi or Shimla. Shimla can be reached through road or railways. The nearest airport is at Kullu.
Best time to visit Kasol: May and June
One of the less commercialized tourist places in Himachal Pradesh, this isolated hill town will act as a safe haven for people longing for some time away from their otherwise digital world. A few days in one of the calmest places to visit in Himachal Pradesh and you will forever be enthralled with its unadulterated natural beauty.
How to reach Malana: Delhi to Malana is a 378 kms road trip which is roughly a 10-hours travel. Toy train ride from Chandigarh – Shimla, followed by a cab to Malana will add more fun factor to your travel. People can fly to the nearest airport at Kullu.
Best time to visit Malana: Between May and August.
Things to do in Malana:
- Snow-capped Himalayan peaks from Chanderkhani pass. Also, experience the beauty of Kheer Ganga Valley.
- Trekking through Alpine forests
- Enjoying a hot water spring at Manikaran, a place of faith.
- Experience the local culture and take part in the festival at Malana village.
Rohtang Pass (Near Manali)
At a distance of 52 km from Manali Bus Stand, 43 km from Solang Valley and 16.5 km from Marhi, The Rohtang Pass is located on Manali...