The Best Offbeat Destinations to Visit in Himachal, India

River flowing through the Himalayas
River flowing through the Himalayas | Sukant Sharma | Unsplash | Sukant Sharma | Unsplash

Himachal Pradesh should be on the bucket list of every traveler. When it comes to exploring this ‘Abode of Snow’, many flock to the famous hotspots, like Kullu-Manali, Shimla, Dalhousie, McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala. But if you like to take the road less traveled, there are hidden gems tucked away in this northern Indian state that will enthrall you with their unblemished natural beauty, picturesque landscapes and serenity. Here’s a rundown of some of the best offbeat destinations to visit in Himachal.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Barot

Barot, Himachal Pradesh

Adventure, wildlife, nature, serenity and spectacular view of the Himalayas – what more do you need for a holiday? Encircled by lush deodar forests and the majestic Himalayas, Barot is situated on the banks of the Uhl River and offers plenty of outdoor activities, foremost of which is angling for trouts. Another popular activity is trekking through the scenic forest trails into the mountains, which are home to a variety of flowers and herbs that have healing properties, as well as enjoying the bird’s eye views. Across the Uhl River lies the Dev Pashakot Temple in which resides the local deity of rain. Also, visitors can spot a variety of Himalayan wildlife—including the Himalayan black bear, kasturi deer, ghoral, leopard, pheasants and more—at Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary.

Chitkul

Chitkul Himachal Pradesh

Snow-laden mountains, lush green vegetation, mustard fields and apple orchards are the highlights of Chitkul, the last inhabited hamlet near the Indo-China border. The potatoes and peas grown here are some of the finest in the world—and expensive, too. In the temple resides the 500-year old deity of Chitkul, plus this village happens to be the final point of the popular Kinnaur Kailash Parikrama (the abode of Lord Shiva), so pilgrims stop at the temple and worship the goddess of Chitkul. The town experiences cold, harsh winters, so pack accordingly.

Shoja

River flowing through the Himalayas

This tiny hamlet nestled in the Seraj Valley is unspoilt by commercialization. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful sight of snow-covered mountains or go for a walk to the Waterfall Point, just a kilometre from Shoja, and get drenched under sheets of cold water. Serolsar Lake is a must-visit spot that offers a mesmerizing sunset view; the walk there is equally scenic, traversing the Jalori Pass, which is covered in lush oak trees.

Rakchham

The Kinner Kailash range Rakchham

Between Chitkul and Sangla, at an altitude of 3048 meters, Rakchham is surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountains. There isn’t much to see in this tiny hamlet, but the peaceful setting and scenic beauty make it a perfect spot for those looking for a few days alone in nature. There are two temples dedicated to Goddess Kali and Lord Shiva. You can also spot plenty of mountain animals here, like the Himalayan black bear, musk deer, blue sheep, goral and brown trout.

Janjehli

Janjehli Himachal Pradesh

Nestled in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, Janjehli is an untouched gem that is blessed with a wealth of natural splendour and unblemished landscapes. It’s a haven for adventure enthusiasts and photographers. Camping, cycling, and long nature walks can be enjoyed here. And, with a trail that leads you up to 3300 meters, it is a great place for trekking.

Jibhi

Drive the scenic Jalori Pass and the Great Himalayan National Park to reach Jibhi, a small village in the Banjar Valley. Jibhi has a cluster of wooden houses with cantilevered verandas and intricate carvings. Surrounded by lush cedar and pine forests covering the mountain slopes, it serves as an ideal base for forest hiking. Fishing and bird-watching are other popular activities here. If you wish to explore the nearby areas, approximately 4 kilometers away lies a 40-meter high watchtower that is said to be more than 1500 years old, built in the Pahadi style of architecture that is found only in Himachal Pradesh. Near the tower lie the ruins of Chaini Fort and Shringa Rishi Temple, other sites that are worth visiting.

Kalpa

Also referred to as ‘the apple bowl’, Kalpa is home to many apple orchards and apples are the primary cash-crop of the village. In Kinnaur district, this tiny village is set amidst the snow-laden Kinnaur Kailash mountains and lush pine nut forests. There’s also plenty to see and do here. If you’re adventurous, you can trek to Kinnaur Kailash mountain, a sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva. On top of the mountain is a 70 meter high Shiva Lingam. You can also trek to Chakka Peak, at an elevation of 4572 meters, for panoramic views. Architecture aficionados can visit the Narayan-Nagini Temple made in a Tibetan pagoda style, and history buffs can visit the Kamru and Sapni Forts or the Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar monastery, dating from 950-1055 AD. To experience authentic village life, visit Roghi village, approximately 6 kilometers from Kalpa, or nearby Kothi village, which is rich in art and architecture.

Pragpur

Situated in Kangra district, in the lap of the Dhauladhar Range, Pragpur is India’s first heritage valley. With old-world charm, cobblestone streets lined with slate-roof houses and villas, a rich history that dates back to the 16th century, immaculate beauty and spectacular architecture that is a blend of Portuguese, Rajput and British styles, this village is certainly worth visiting. The main attractions are the Lala Rerumal Haveli, built in 1931, that has a huge water reservoir, a Mughal Garden and period furnishings. Other must-visit spots include the two-storey Judge’s Court with colonial-era paintings and furnishings, Chaujjar mansion, the Sood clan courtyards, and ancient temples.

Narkanda

Narkanda is a scenic wonder set at 2708 meters in the Shivalik Ranges. In winter, the town turns into a ski resort. Other must-visit attractions here include Hatu Peak, Tannu Jubbar Lake, and apple orchards at Stokes Farms. With snow-clad mountains, abundant natural beauty and rugged landscapes, this place offers a peaceful holiday experience.

Gushaini

Gushaini, Himachal Pradesh

An offbeat gem, Gushaini strikes a perfect balance between serenity, adventure and nature. It offers everything from trekking trails to camping and fishing to diverse flora and fauna. It’s often referred to as Trout Country, due to the many trout in the Tirthan River. It’s also the gateway to the Great Himalayan National Park. For stay options, you can pitch a tent on the banks of the Tirthan Valley, sleep under the stars and wake up to the melodious sound of the gushing river. Plus, riverside homestay options are available.

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article