Travelling is one of the most enriching experiences; you just need to be aware of the location. One of those locations is Himachal. Himachal is known for its striking mountain ranges and picturesque valleys. While exploring Himachal, be sure to visit the offbeat places in the state. Himachal is a paradise for all nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. One can roam around the high ranges of Himachal, adventure to snowy patches, and discover hidden valleys along the way! We bring you a list of offbeat places in Himachal to explore in 2024.
You will find tourism in Himachal divided into various segments; offbeat places might be one of them. It won’t be wrong to call Himachal a paradise on earth, that’s why it also has many unique places that are offbeat from the main tourist locations. Explore these offbeat places in Himachal to make your visit even more enjoyable:
• Tirthan Valley
Exploring Himachal Pradesh is a delight. The hills are steeped in history, and Tirthan Valley Adventures will provide you with the perfect introduction to this wonderful state. You can walk through mesmerizing meadows and on the banks of beautiful rivers. This is not it until you see the hidden waterfalls and serene Serolsar lake amidst rock and ice while trekking. You can go to secret fishing camps and other activities. Also, camping under the starlit sky is a plus! If you’re planning for Tirthan valley you can’t miss Jibhi. The freshwater lakes, spectacular waterfalls, dense pine forests, and pristine temples in Jibhi make it worth visiting.
Things to do in Jibhi, Tirthan Valley:
- Jalori Pass Trek
- Visit Raghupur fort
- Witness the sparkling Jibhi waterfall
- Pay your reverence at Chehni Kothi temple
• Prashar Lake
Excited for experiencing something amazing? Then plan a visit to Prashar Lake! In winter, the lake freezes out of cold, and the temperature drops. The snowfall at that temperature is definitely something you can’t miss. Also, one more thing that’s a major attraction in Parashar Lake’s flora is the Florets of Thistle (Cirsium wallichii). Prashar Lake also has a three-storied pagoda-like temple that is situated on its bank.
Things to do in Prashar Lake:
- Visit Jalpa Mata Mandir, Bhimkali Temple, Triloknath Temple
- Explore Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary
- Witness the Prashar lake
Check out: Best winter trips to plan this season
• Pabbar Valley
Out of the list of offbeat places in Himachal, this is the next one! The views that you’ll be watching from Chansal Pass can’t be seen anywhere else. You can hike in the dense forests of orchards and can experience many undiscovered places namely, Chansal Pass Falls, Shelapani, Rohru, and Karapather.
Things to do in Pabbar Valley:
- Riverside camping in Pabbar Valley
- Trek to Rupin Pass
- Experience the undiscovered places namely, Chansal Pass falls, Rohru, and Karapather
• Offbeat places in Himachal: Sainj Valley and Shangarh
Sainj Valley is in the lap of the Himalayas with pristine meadows and tiny hamlets with Shangarh being one of the most picturesque towns here. The views are breathtaking and the abundance of peace you find here will make you forget all about your hardships. With sparkling waterfalls, green canopies, and snow-capped peaks in the background, Shangarh is easily one of the best places to visit in Himachal if you’re looking for an offbeat adventure.
Things to do in Sainj Valley:
- Trekking at Raktisar and Jiwa Nala
- Witness Barshangarh falls
- Trek to Pundrik Rishi Lake
- Visit Shangarh meadows
• Offbeat places in Himachal: Daranghati – Daran Village
This is the unexplored one even on the list of a globetrotter. The main attraction is Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary with plenty of Forest denizens. It has over 150 bird species and innumerable mammals such as Himalayan Brown Bear, Black bear, Weasel, and many more. So next time while visiting the Himalayas has an off-road experience at Daranghati. Let’s look into our next Offbeat places in Himachal.
Things to do in Daranghati:
- Visit Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sightseeing at Daranghati
Suggested read: Best Weekend Getaways from Delhi
• Rajgundha Trek
Rajgundha trek, an offbeat trek in Himachal is a must-try. Badagraan is the starting point of this amazing trek. After a long trek, you can set up camps at this offbeat destination. The thing you can’t miss here is the sunrise. You can have the most memorable trek, covered in snow just after your paragliding at Bir.
Things to do near Rajgundha:
- Go paragliding in Bir
- Visit nearby tourist places such as Barot Valley
• Offbeat places in Himachal: Naggar Castle- Jagatsukh
Next on the list of offbeat places in Himachal is definitely Naggar Castle. Not too far from Manali (just 22 km away)! You can feel the tranquillity of the Himalayas in this quiet little village. Jagatsukh is the next quiet hamlet that comes between Naggar castle and Manali, so why leave that? You can spend a whole day enjoying these offbeat places.
Recommended read: Long weekends in 2023
• Parwanoo
Parwanoo is a hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is known for car rides and adventurous trekking. You will find a cable car trail nearby and Pinjore Gardens with a mini zoo. It is a perfect offbeat destination for enjoying the holidays. You can go on many adventurous treks, can explore apple orchards, and can indulge in many activities.
Things to do in Parwanoo:
- Explore Pinjore Gardens
- Go on a ride on the scenic routes
• Narkanda – Time for Skiing
One of the offbeat destinations in Himachal which too for skiing, is Narkanda. The scenic beauty will astound you so much that you will make your next trip again following this route. You can also enjoy other winter sports at India’s oldest ski destinations.
Things to do in Narkanda:
- Skiing in Narkanda
- Pay your reverence at Hatu Mata temple
- Hike to Hatu Peak
• Kinnaur Valley
Kinnaur valley, also known as Baspa valley has beautiful hamlets, sacred mountains, and famous forts. This is on my list of offbeat places in Himachal as it offers a lot of things to do! From visiting Robber’s cave to exploring Kalpa suicide point and Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary, it has it all! So, add this to your itinerary if you’re planning a trip to Himachal soon.
Things to do in Kinnaur Valley:
- Visit Robber’s cave
- Explore Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sightseeing at Kamru fort, nearby hamlets, and astonishing mountains
Conclusion – Offbeat places in Himachal
These offbeat places in Himachal are apt for exploring in 2024. So while planning your trip next time make sure you include these destinations in your itinerary. Stay tuned for more such travel blogs!
