Things to do in Himachal Pradesh

Bir Billing is the paragliding capital of India and the second highest takeoff site in the world. Taking off from Billing (2400m) and landing in Bir (1350m) offers a flight time of 15-30 minutes.

Soaring like a bird over the Dhauladhar mountain range and the lush green Kangra valley is an adrenaline rush mixed with zen-like calm. The view is uncluttered and majestic.

Bir itself is a center for ecotourism and meditation, with several Tibetan monasteries nearby.

Spiti ('The Middle Land') is a cold desert mountain valley located high in the Himalayas. A road trip here is considered one of the most adventurous drives in the world.

The landscape is barren, rugged, and breathtakingly beautiful, often compared to Ladakh but more raw. You visit ancient monasteries like Key Gompa, perched on a hill like a fortress.

Driving through the treacherous Kunzum Pass and seeing the moon-shaped Chandratal Lake adds to the thrill. It is an odyssey into isolation.

Chitkul is the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibetan border in the Kinnaur valley. The air here is the cleanest in India.

Sitting by the banks of the Baspa river, watching the crystal clear water flow under the shadow of majestic mountains, is meditative. The wooden houses and the local temple are charming.

It is a place to disconnect from the world and breathe.

Dalhousie is a quintessential colonial hill station with old churches and Scottish architecture. Just an hour away lies Khajjiar, famously known as the 'Mini Switzerland of India'.

Khajjiar is a vast, saucer-shaped green meadow surrounded by dense cedar forests with a small lake in the center. It is picture-perfect.

You can go horse riding, zorbing, or simply picnic on the grass. The view of the Peer Panjal range is stunning.

Mcleodganj is the home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. It is often called 'Little Lhasa'.

Visiting the Tsuglagkhang Complex (Dalai Lama Temple) is spiritually grounding. You can spin the prayer wheels, watch monks debate, and maybe catch a glimpse of His Holiness.

The town is full of Tibetan culture, from momos and thukpa to handicrafts. The nearby Bhagsu Nag waterfall offers a nice hike.

A UNESCO World Heritage site in Kullu, GHNP is a pristinely protected area. It is home to the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, and the Blue Sheep.

Trekking here is strictly regulated and offers a true wilderness experience. The Tirthan Valley, the gateway to the park, is famous for trout fishing.

It is a paradise for serious nature lovers and hikers.

Kasol, on the banks of the Parvati river, is known as 'Mini Israel'. It is famous for its chill vibe and cafe culture.

You can spend days hopping from one cafe to another, trying Shakshouka, Falafel, and Schnitzel. The sound of the roaring river is the constant background music.

It is the ultimate place to do nothing and just relax.

Located in the Parvati Valley, the trek to Kheerganga is a backpacker's favorite. The trail passes through dense pine forests, waterfalls, and apple orchards.

The reward at the top (2960m) is a natural hot water spring (Parvati Kund). Bathing in the hot sulfur water surrounded by snow-clad peaks is pure bliss and washes away all fatigue.

The vibe is hippie and relaxed, with cozy cafes serving Israeli food. It is perfect for beginners to moderate trekkers.

Sethan village near Manali becomes a winter wonderland. It is one of the few places in India where you can stay in a real Igloo.

Spending a night inside a snow dome, sleeping on warm insulated beds while it is freezing outside, is a novelty. You can also try snowboarding and skiing here.

It offers a unique Arctic-like experience in the Himalayas.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Kalka-Shimla railway is a marvel of British engineering. The narrow-gauge toy train chugs slowly up the mountains, passing through 102 tunnels and 864 bridges.

The journey is scenic, offering views of pine-covered hills and villages. It evokes a nostalgia for a slower era of travel.

It is the most romantic way to arrive in Shimla.